Inspired by . . .  a shift in focus

I've been spending an inordinate amount of time this past week just staring out the window. It's a nice view and there is plenty of activity to distract me but that's not what has my attention.

The truth is nothing has had my attention. I've been in a brain fog all week. Slogging through life. Frankly, the fog is still, at this very moment, trying to distract me from coherent thought. 

But I decided I had to force myself 

to

just

begin . . .

and so I'm praying that by the time you reach the end of this post there will be an inspiring message that makes sense!

As I said, I've been in a fog all week. For the first day or so I berated myself. You know, the negative self-talk. You shoulda, coulda, woulda, etc. That kind of talk puts you on the road to pity, which is dangerously close to pride. Thankfully, I read Karrilee's post just in the nick of time! Her sweet pep talk pointed me back to His list of shoulds for my life. 

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psa 46:10)

Then I read Joy's post. She reminded me that our lives are never just about us. Friends, that perspective right there will officially end any pity party you might have been entertaining! I may not be feeling like a million bucks or be able to focus for more than a few minutes at a time, but I can still leave an encouraging comment on someone's blog. I can still post a daily devotional that shares God's love, or a picture that inspires.

Even so, we may still feel like there is so much more we should could be doing.

But sometimes life, health, or other circumstances overwhelm us and we can't do what we want to do. When I read Ruth's post this week I was reminded that there is really only one thing that is necessary. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mat 6:33)

God has been so gracious this week to encourage me through the words of others, who have pointed me back to Him. My brain fog and other symptoms are likely due to a certain medication I'm taking.  But whatever it is that we're facing or struggling with today a shift in our focus can make all the difference.

Seek Him first. No matter how much time you lack in the morning, take a moment to pray.

Lord, teach me Your way, that I may walk in Your truth. Let me worship Your name with undivided heart. (Ps 86:11)

Seek Him throughout the day. Acknowledging His presence throughout the day will help you keep your perspective and bring a measure of peace to your situation.

Those who acknowledge Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, do not abandon those who seek You. (Ps 9:10)

Seek Him last. Ending the day with words of praise and thanksgiving calms our hearts and minds to accept the rest He so graciously gives.

I bless the LORD Who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psa 16:7-11)

The Psalms are God's prayer book. They never fail to refresh my spirit. When I don't know what to pray, they echo the cries of my heart. 

May you find encouragement in them and the Godly words of others this week.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . a smile

 

Some days I feel like I can’t do anything right.

I said the wrong thing, or forgot to say what was right. I dropped it, burned it, spilled it, broke it, lost it - usually my patience or my mind.

You get the idea.

Some days are just terrible, horrible, no good and very bad!

Some days, you just need a smile. . .

 

Sandy

 

. . . from a friend . . .

. . . or two.

 

“I am smiling.”

 

And maybe a hug.

{{{   }}}

. . .  from me, to you.

 

Blessings,

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Inspired by . . . faith

Feeling tired? Emotionally, spiritually, physically – tired.

Be encouraged and rest in these Truths:

 

For I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able.

 

Clematis – SOOC

Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

Able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Able to aid those who are tempted.

Able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

 

Clematis – SOOC

 

Able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding JOY.

Able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

 

Textured with Bonnie's Old World Charm 2

 

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?"

"Yes, Lord."

"According to your faith let it be to you."

 

Blessings,

 

 

Scripture References: 2Tim 1:12; Eph 3:20;  2Cor 9:8; Heb 2:18; Heb 7:25; Jude 24; 2Tim 1:12; Phil 3:21; Matt 9:28-29

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Inspired by. . . His promises

 

A difficult week.

Bombings, earthquakes, explosions.

Is it any different to lose a loved one to a natural disaster than a {premeditated} man-made, or {possibly negligent} one?

We are still left with the same questions.

We are still left with the pain of separation. . .

. . . of loss.

 

Bee and butterfly {Juniper Hairstreak}  on Antelope Horn {milkweed family}

 

We may not ever find the answers to all our questions, but we can find peace. We can receive comfort and have hope in the midst of the tragedy.

The following just happened to be the selections from my daily readings this past week. May His word not return void.

"It is I; do not be afraid."

"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."

 

Textured with Kim's kk_sunday – pin light blend mode 88%

 

"When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, . . . your Savior."

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

 

And today. . . gentle reminders. Encouragement.

"Stand fast in the Lord."

"The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul."

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed."

"He who endures to the end shall be saved."

 

Juniper Hairstreak, two bees and, an ant! {can you find him?}

 

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

 

May this week stand in stark contrast to the last.

 

Blessings,

 

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

Inspired by. . . guidance

 

 

Feeling a little dry of Spirit?

Be encouraged.

“He found him in a desert land,
And in the howling waste of a wilderness;
He encircled him, He cared for him,
He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.
“Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
That hovers over its young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.
“The Lord alone guided him,"

Deut 32:10-12

 

What is guiding you today?

Blessings,

 

Sharing inspiration here: