FOCUS

The bible tells us to THINK ON THESE THINGS:

Whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy...

Do we do that?
Do we think the best of others? Do you LOOK for lovely?

Or, do we focus on that weakness or deficiency or inability of others in our life?
Do we focus on our own deficiency or weakness?

STOP THAT! 

I was reading a chapter in Ken Davis' book "Fully Alive" which made me evaluate what I focus on...(don't evaluate that poorly constructed last sentence, please).

Ken writes about a time in college when a speaker challenged the audience  NOT to lay down in bed that night and think about Brass Monkeys! Well, you guessed it! Ken no more than pulled the covers up and couldn't think of anything but brass monkeys (pg.122).

What is the focus in your marriage? 

On your job? 

With your kids? 

Your neighbors?

Do you zoom in on those things that bother you; the weakness, the deficiency, the habit...or even worse make comparisons? Making comparisons can lead you to be critical, envious, or leave you feeling superior -- Not the most pleasant attitudes to deal with, perhaps.

Are you missing the chance to see the wonderful qualities that are praiseworthy...excellent...
admirable...lovely in the lives of those around you?

No more brass monkey-pointless-obsessive-critical thinking! 

I sure hope those that love me don't put all my flaws under a magnifying glass. I don't wish to do that to those I love...but it sure is easy for us to go there. STOP THAT!

Philippians 4:8

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

God calls us to LOVE. 

Scripture tells us that love is patient, kind, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, is not rude, not selfish (self seeking), not easily angered, doesn't keep score, doesn't delight in evil (deed or thought), is joyful with truth. Protects, hopes, trusts, perseveres (keep going). 

So...based on this definition of love...

DO I LOVE OTHERS? 

DO YOU?

What are you focusing on today? Brass monkeys or THESE THINGS?

May your thoughts be lovely...

I will work on this. 

YOU?

Just Thinkin',
Kathy

Focus on what is right!