Tag: focus

July 4th!

Jennifred Jones

Today is July 4th. I am an American. I celebrate July 4th. I am privileged to live here and partake of the many good things that have come about because of freedom in this country.

Centuries ago, in other lands our ancestors were persecuted for their faith in God – Jesus to be more specific. After lots of suffering, pain and loss, they came up with a plan, an idea to have their own land where they could worship God, live before Him, do their own work. own their own property and raise a family as they saw best – not as others tried to force them to. 

As a result, America was formed. The governance was well thought out by intelligent men who disagreed with each other, but their goal was the same. Provide a country ruled by the laws of the people, not by a king. This unique form of government is a republic – just (fair, honest) laws drafted by good men for the good of all. This was not a democracy where majority ruled, this was a set of principles where if you were the only one right, you could maintain your freedom and be safe. No majority rule could overpower that right. (Might help here to reread your Bill of Rights).

There will always be people clamoring for their truth, trying to force you into theirs, but not so in America. Each here has the freedom to live and express himself as a valuable person provided it is done within the confines of the law which takes into account the freedom of others and good of all.

The God and His laws which our country’s laws are patterned after is for our good. We need to continually keep our focus on how good God is, how He gave us this good land, kept us safe from others who’d try to do us harm. He is the true light who will overcome the darkness so we can live in freedom, light and truth with each other. 

“Our father’s God, to thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing; Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.” 4th verse of ‘My Country Tis of Thee’ by Samuel Francis Smith (1832)

Many Things

Jennifred Jones

Many things happening in the world. Many things demanding our attention.

Do they deserve our valuable time?

Often when the noises get so loud – we must stop and rest. Be at peace in ourselves and let the world go by – because it will anyway.

Redirect your thoughts to your life, your family, your neighborhood.  Keep in focus the smaller picture where you can help. You will feel better. Life will suddenly become more manageable. You will have hope, feel peace and be moving forward.

Just for today, this moment – focus on what’s doable in my grasp and not give thought to the many things going on around.

I Love My Life

Jennifred Jones

First of all, I’ve been through a lot of deep and dark valleys, but there have always been sunny skies and mountain tops on the horizon.

We’ve just got to look!

One deep dark valley was so awful, the kids were all little and I was faced with a choice…either fall down in the mire of self- pity or look for ways to help others. It was my decision.

A good friend came over to visit. I fixed all of us a nice lunch (meatball stew, leafy salad with capers, and fruit salad with orange sauce). I wanted to make it really fun for her, they didn’t have a lot back then. We had a nice time together, she and I, while watching our kids play. As they were packing up to go she said she came over intending to encourage me, but she was encouraged instead.

That made my day too!

There will always be something bright to focus on instead of troubles. Doing something good is one of the best ways.

Rearrange your closet, organize the kitchen junk drawer, vacuum out your car, wash all your mirrors, sweep the sidewalk, pick a few grasses and flowers for a bouquet. Pour some coffee and sit near your window to watch the birds. Plan a new craft project.

I love that about life! No matter how gloomy or glum things seem, I am free to think of — and will find something to do that lifts my spirits.

A merry heart does good like medicine, God said.

It really is that simple.

What do you choose to think about today?

Love your life!!!