"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4 : 8 KJV
This beautiful passage from the book of Philippians is such a timely and appropriate way for us to introduce this series of ongoing topics that we call FOCAL Points. Everyday we encounter various things that affect our lives in one way or another. Some good, some not so good. Some are filled with laughter, some are filled with sadness. Some involve traumatic events, and even some with pleasant surprises.
We want to share some practical life lessons we've been learning from our encounters with the Living Word as He Exposes, Strengthens, Corrects, and Helps Instruct us while putting our focus where it really needs to be. It seems like everywhere around us there is an effort to distract and pull us away from the things of God (and from that beginning verse, thinking on them). Whether through music or photography, or whatever experiences life brings our way there are lessons to be learned, joys to be had and beauty to be discovered even in the most difficult of circumstances. We understand this can be hard and may at times seem impossible especially when pain and hurt is everywhere. We know.
Interestingly, it is moments like this where this passage from Philippians is even more applicable. It is particularly important when we are vulnerable or burdened that we need to focus on the things that bring us healing. The healing that comes from thinking on God, His Character, His Attributes, things that He put to refresh and quiet our bodies, our minds, and ultimately our souls. A healing that only He can actually exact to the deepest parts of our person... much more than what we are looking for or know is possible...
Start little by little, and keep building. You are not alone, and yes, you are loved and a precious life. People often say, "Jesus Loves you," but we don't want to just say it but allow Him to show you Himself through the magnificence of His Word and the wondrous work of His Hands.
In coming FOCAL Points we will be sharing some of our personal testimony to the Goodness and Wisdom of God at work in our lives; through the instruments of photography, music, gardening, animals, humor and much more. His Love and Beauty for us is written not only in His Word, the Bible, but all around us.
With a closing thought of the passage we chose to use, some examples of that loveliness and beauty can be found not just in our fragrant Apricot Rhododendron you saw above, but also in our FOCAL Point mascot, the Arctic Gyrfalcon. This stunning raptor is a rescue and represents the largest and one of the fastest falcons in the world, with incredibly sharp FOCAL vision. Very fitting for our blog, don't you think?
Please stop by often, and of course feel free to share your thoughts with us!
By the way, we choose to use the King James Version, the Received Text, of The Bible because we've discovered that not all bibles are created equally.
Until next time...