[Mama_Bear]

If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, freepmail me.

[Mama_Bear]

See you all later. Bedtime here. Good night all.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday !

Have a cup while you Freep !

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[MeekOneGOP]

Happy 93rd Birthday Ronald Reagan !

[GailA]

Good Morning FRiends

[The Mayor]

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. —Colossians 3:2

Those who fix their eyes on heaven will not be distracted by the things of earth.

[The Mayor]

February 6, 2004

Focus

Read: Colossians 3:1-11

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. —Colossians 3:2

Bible In One Year: Exodus 39-40; Matthew 23:23-39

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Missionary pilot Bernie May writes, "One of the most difficult lessons to teach new pilots about landing on short, hazardous airstrips is to keep their eyes on the good part of the strip rather than on the hazard. The natural tendency is to concentrate on the obstacle, the danger, the thing he is trying to avoid. But experience teaches us that a pilot who keeps his eye on the hazard will sooner or later hit it dead center."

This makes me think of a spiritual principle in the Bible. Instead of concentrating on the sins we want to avoid, we are told to focus on the positive actions Christ desires for us. Paul told the Christians at Colosse: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). We are to discard old ways of thinking and acting (vv.5-9) and "put on" new ways of living (vv.10-17).

Bernie May sums it up by saying that experienced pilots focus their attention solidly on the track they want the plane to follow, keeping the hazards in their peripheral vision only.

When Christ and His interests are the focus of our lives, the lure of the old life remains in the corner of our eye, while we aim to land squarely in the center of God's will. —David McCasland

THINKING IT OVER
What "hazards" sometimes divert
your attention from Jesus?
What positive, God-honoring actions
can you concentrate on doing instead?

Those who fix their eyes on heaven will not be distracted by the things of earth.

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Mama and all.

[WVNan]

Beautiful Lori! I'm sure glad I didn't sit up waiting last night. You found that beautiful picture! Now everyone will know why the Native Americans called WV "Land of the Mists". You can almost feel the quiet peace and dreamlike land. Thankk you for a most beautiful tribute to my beloved adopted state of West Virginia.

[kayak]

What an incredibly beautiful presentation inspired by a lovely lady who truly is one of FR's finest! Nan, this makes me want to hop in the car and head for your gorgeous state.

[Kudsman]

Good morning Mama.

Thx for the tour of your state Nan.

Hi Mayor. Are you getting pounded by the weather again? Schools closed here today. Saw a report in one of the CNY papers yesterday said January was coldest in a long time and records in many places throughout the state. But on the positive side, Spring is coming. That wonderful time when our part of the *globe* (pc for world) warms again. ;)

[ST.LOUIE1]

Beautiful thread, beautiful state, and especially....two beautiful ladies.

Can't beat the combo. : )