Thursday, July 15, 2010

Refocusing



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hat do you do when you realize that you need to regroup and get back to foundational things that really matter?

Looking back, I think I began to lose focus when we traveled to Europe~ even great and fabulous events can be a distraction, can't they? Once I returned from our trip I had a hard time getting back into routine. The fact that it was summer and we weren't using our normal schedule also contributed to my lack of focus.

Enter a number of trying circumstances (you can see a short list here), and you have a fabulous recipe for mommy weariness and discouragement.

It's all a matter of focus.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb. 12:1-3

As I have trained for my upcoming triathlon, I have found myself relating in new ways to "running with endurance the race set before us." Clearly we are not to do this in our own strength, but by "fixing our eyes on Jesus."

So, practically speaking, how do I "fix my eyes on Jesus" throughout the day? For many years I have begun each day focused on the Lord by spending time reading my Bible and praying. Certainly this is a perfect foundation for my day. The problem arises when I arise and begin my daily responsibilities, at times almost immediately forgetting the truths I focused on only moments before.

Here's what I'm getting back to... the practices that, in the past, have helped me "fix my eyes on Jesus" throughout the day:

  • writing a key verse from my morning Bible reading on a 3"x 5" card and carrying it around with me all day so I can re-read it and maintain the God-ward focus I so desperately need. (See more here.)
  • adding to my "thankfulness journal" daily.... when I forget to give thanks, I forget to notice and rejoice in the myriad of everyday blessings I am engulfed in.
  • photographing our life. Looking through the viewfinder of my camera encourages me to slow down and live more purposefully, and I also become more aware of the beauty surrounding me. The result? Joy and praise as I am re-reminded of my Father's care for me.
Choosing to rejoice and fix my eyes on Him in the midst of life's distractions (Oh! How He loves us!),

12 comments:

  1. Wonderful post! I am going to try your idea of writing key verses from my morning quiet time on cards. Thank you so much for this!

    Love, Tina x

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  2. Oh Susan! This post is a sampling of what I think is so special about you...why I feel we are "real-life" friends! It's *SO* true...we can easily lose focus. Thank you for pointing us to the LORD...Hebrews 12:1-3 are favourtie verses of mine! AND...I'm THANKFUL that you continue in thanksgiving privately...it's very beautiful. CUTE toes. ;-)

    With Love,
    Camille

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  3. LOVE your new header! And how wonderfully refreshing to read your words. I relate all too well. Blessings to you!

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  4. So true~ Great post! and I love love the picture of the baby feet!

    I love your thankful journal with the cut out pics! What a great idea!
    I have a Happy book but I think I will start a clip art journal of thankful things!

    I too find being behind my camera is a reminder to live with porpuse and deliberate!

    Peace and Love,
    Georgiann

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  5. ~Tina~ thanks for taking the time to comment~ I appreciate your feedback~ hope the verse cards are an encouragement to you.

    ~Camille~ you are always *so* faithful to post encouraging comments~ thanks friend, I really do appreciate you taking the time to comment!

    ~J, I'm glad you like my new header... I thought it was about time... we are definitely in the "thick" of summer. I want to enjoy it before I start longing for autumn too much!

    ~Georgiann, I know that you will *love* keeping a thankfulness journal~ it makes a *huge* difference in my life-outlook.

    ~susan

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  6. HI Susan, I was visiting Camille at Flowers in His Garden...and I saw your little blog link on the sidebar. I had to take a look. I love the way you photographed that memory verse card. When I started doing memory verses on my blog about 6 weeks ago now....the first one I did was on an index card and photographed against a piece of wood...just like yours :) :) so cool..anyway, i just wanted to pop in and say hi. I subscribed via email so I can receive updates when you post something new. Have a great week. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  7. Hi Heather! Welcome! Nice to "meet" you here. I appreciate your comment~ it *is* so cool to carry around God's Word and meditate on truth, isn't it?

    ~susan

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  8. Oh, Susan...how I needed this blog post today! As the mom of four young ones, I often feel so overwhelmed and weary and discouraged. I know that's not what God wants *from* me or *for* me as a Mom and believer. I really love that you write a verse and carry it around with you. I have about 10,000 index cards I can use for that (literally - my husband's office was overstocked and giving them away - they called him, knowing we home school) I love the thankful journal - whether I use clippings or words, I need to keep one...ideas already rolling around in my head for one! Thank you so much for encouraging the blogosphere with your words! :)

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  9. Gina, Oh how I remember those days of having only "littles"~ it can be a draining season, for sure. Isn't the Lord good to meet us right where we are? Thanks for taking the time to comment and encourage me! Nice to "meet" you here!

    ~susan

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  10. thanks susan for reminding me how to stay focused on Jesus as i cope with the effects of chemotherapy which has made me so ill - i have really struggled this last two weeks but what you said seems to be talking straight to me. i have a very little notebook that i write key verses in but had never thought to carry it around with me to give me focus and strength - thank you

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  11. Jasquisj.... Oh friend! {hugs}. I didn't know that you were dealing with chemotherapy. I'm glad that my idea was helpful for you..... Please know that I'll be praying... For His all-sufficient grace to meet you at every turn. If you have opportunity, email me and let me know how you are doing,ok? My email: joyfulmomofmany@gmail.com

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