A couple of months ago my husband and I went on a day drive up to Jerome, Ariz. to show our friends this well known former copper town that once was the fourth largest city in Arizona. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the famous Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes store – the largest in the world – where there were literally hundreds of kaleidoscopes of every kind created by more than 90 kaleidoscope artists. We spent a lot of time in that store basically looking at the same item but in a variety of formats, colors, sizes, materials… we were all kids in a colorful candy store running and picking up the next cool kaleidoscope.
The single commonality to each kaleidoscope was to turn the knob, dial and level (whatever it was on that particular model) to get a clearer focus of the array of colors inside. It didn’t matter how big or how tiny, the aim was the same… look through the lens and begin to manipulate the object to get a clearer focus.
Focus, Focus, Focus
I was reminded of this trip to Jerome when I heard myself say out loud…”OK brain, focus, focus, focus.” Something about remembering to take the time to adjust each kaleidoscope, into clear precision, every single time… no matter how big or small the item is… Wow, what a excellent illustration… totally applicable to my life. It just resonated in my heart and brought complete closer on the solution to my current situation of not focusing.
It all started as I began my day silently reviewing my stresses, worries and concerns, my mind traffic got the best of me and not only was it like busy rush hour traffic… it had managed to barely miss a huge traffic jam in my head. And it wasn’t because I had so much on my calendar to do or that I had larger than life challenges, instead, it was because I had yet to focus, causing a clearer respective focus of my kaleidoscope of colors.
Focus on the One
Turning 180 degrees, I begun the day again… listening to Crown Him With Many Crowns, originally written by Matthew Bridges. Fernando Ortega always manages to gently guide me to God’s throne to a place of praise no matter in any situation ever! The soothing sounds of the piano and cello quickly order commands of my heart and brain to put all that mind traffic to a complete halt exchanging it in salutes of praise, homage and honor for God Almighty.
Heavenly focus always brings clarity.
Join the Focus
Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne,
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Dear Lord as the heavenly anthem drowns out all music but it own.
Lord guide me in drowning out all this distraction of temporary distraction and keep my focus on You with wisdom and wise counsel for each situation.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King
through all eternity.
Dear Lord cause my soul to sing in the midst of my concerns acknowledging that
You are high on your throne for eternity, there is none other higher.
Cause me to be faithful in giving you praise for dying on my behalf.
Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
Praise be to You Lord that because of Your great love for me and faithfulness to the promise of Abraham, You fulfilled Your promise to Your people.
No angel in the sky,
can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye,
at mysteries so bright.
Lord may I learn from the angels in their quest of praising you.
May my eyes gaze at you in awe of what you have done on the cross.
Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save.
Praise Your name Lord that You have conquered the grave of death triumphing in great victory causing my life to be eternal with yours. Lord may I cling to you in all things in all ways knowing You are my Savior. Thank you Lord for conquering the grave
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For thou hast died for me;
thy praise and glory shall not fail
throughout eternity
Praise be to Your name precious Lord, your fame and glory will never fade but instead will last forever and a day in eternity. Lord may I keep this focus, Your focus, on You in perspective of my earthly life that will fade and eternity that will never fade away.
Keep my heart and mind in a place of persisting You in praises and prayers.
Crown Him the Lord of years,
the Potentate of time, ?
Creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
Dear Lord for eternity you will reign! Praise be to Your holy precious name!
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou has died for me; Thy praise and glory
shall not fail throughout eternity.
Yes Lord praise be to Your name for dying for me. Thank you Lord!
Your Turn to Adjust Your Kaleidoscope
What is your focus these days?
Are you overwhelmed with all the happenings of life?
Will you trade your mind traffic for praise to the One on high?
Worship Him in His holiness!
Seek Him and He will respond!
Praise Him for who He is!
© Copyright 2012 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2012 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved
About the author
Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher
and a passionate pray-er.
Visit her: www.simonelake.com, www.deeprootsinchrist.com, facebook, twitter and LinkedIn
