What does it mean to "focus"?

Webster's Dictionary defines "focus" in the following manner: 1) a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound converge; 2) the adjustment made for distinct vision; 3) the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image; 4) a position in which something must be placed for clarity of perception; 5) a point of concentration

Recently, someone asked me why it took me so long to re-marry. What a question. My first response was that no one had asked! Ok, that's not really true, but it evaded an uncomfortable question with a bit of humor!

The truth is...I decided I would be like a dove.

The Song of Solomon describes his beloved as having eyes like a dove, and the more I studied, the more I wanted to have dove's eyes. You see as I understand it, when a dove focuses on the love of her life, she sees nothing else. Nothing can distract her: food, enemy attacks, noise, nothing! She only focuses on her mate.

So, I decided I would attempt to have the eyes of a dove when it came to the Lover of my Soul. I would focus on Jesus, meaning that I put myself in a position for clarity of perception and I would concentrate and make adjustments for a clear image. My eyes would be so fixed on Him that the only way I could be distracted would be if I saw someone in my peripheral vision, meaning they had to be on the same path as I. The focus of a dove's eyes is very narrow, and doesn't allow for distractions.

Some would say this is a lonely place to be. You and I both know we can be in many relation-ships and still be lonely. I would argue that focusing your eyes on the Lover of your soul is the very best place to be. Jesus promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the ever present, ever constant God who never changes. And when you see the person who has the same heart for God that you have, he will be in your peripheral vision on the same path as you.

Focus on Him. Married or single....it's the only way for peace.

Ann

New Beginnings

Hello!
This is the first of what will be many blogs on the Focused On Him website. I hope you will check here often and leave your comments. We will be posting often with thoughts to ponder, teachings that will challenge and reality that will point you to the Way, Truth, and Life that is Jesus.



As you read my testimony on the website, you will see that I am well acquainted with functioning in survival mode when my world turned upside down. However, I want to encourage you to read the rest of the story, because surviving can lead to thriving when one stays focused on the Kingdom of God. Your situation may be more devastating than mine, but Truth remains: God doesn't change. He loves you, and He alone knows the plans He has had for your life since the beginning of time.

I love all of Psalm 139, but the 17th verse has sustained and encouraged me for a long time. It says: "All of the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Wow! I am determined to walk out all that God has ordained for me without fear, insecurity, or that continual conversation in my mind that begins with "what if?".

This website is part of walking out what God has already ordained for Ray and I, and we can't wait to see where it leads us. As a friend of mine often says, "Life is a great adventure!" Plan to check in often and join us for the ride!

I look forward to hearing from you as we remain
Focused On Him!
Ann Buck