Author: StephanieBBlake

I love to help others focus on the one thing that's most important in life through my ministry, teaching and writing. As Vice President of Xtend Ministries International - www.xtendinternational.com, I travel extensively with my husband. I maintain two websites: www.onefocusministries.com and stretchmoney.wordpress.com. On the One Focus site, you can find free Bible studies, devotionals and information about my first book, "The Prayer Driven Life". My book, "Money: How to Be Rich Without It and How to Stretch It Using Ten Hints from the Past and the Technology of Today" was the inspiration for stretchmoney.wordpress.com. Money saving hints are contained throughout the book and this site was created to continue to give helpful hints on stretching money or having the proper view toward money.
One Focus Blog

The Miracle of Adoption

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In September 2008, my son and his wife felt God calling them to adopt a child – preferably a girl.  They have two terrific natural born sons, so they are in the minority of people who choose to adopt. Since most couples adopt because they can’t have children any other way, my son and his wife did not request a newborn. Wanting to keep the existing birth order in their family, they did ask for a child under three.

Anyone who has been through an adoption process or is related to someone who has knows that adoptions are expensive and enormously time consuming. Deciding to adopt a child makes a bold statement. Parents (and in some cases, siblings) are willing to pay the price to adopt a child.

In their case, two adoption agencies (the first one didn’t work out), much money and three years later, the day finally arrived. With all the hiccups in the process, one blog entry of my daughter-in-law’s was “God has a plan, God has a plan, God has a plan.”  Today, we know what that plan was.

In September 2008 Olivia’s birth mother was in her first trimester. After giving birth to Olivia seven months later (March 2009), she left her on a doorstep where she was found and taken to a foster home.

The referral from the agency came just after Olivia’s second birthday in March 2011. As soon as we all saw her picture, we knew why God allowed the delay. Everyone instantly knew that Olivia belonged to our family. She was not even born when they started the process with the first agency.

Olivia will know she is adopted. She will know that she is loved and wanted. She will be told that she was longed for, chosen and considered worth any price that had to be paid so she could be part of the family.

God wants, longs for and choses to adopt those who accept the sacrificial gift offered by Jesus Christ. He paid the highest price for each child of His: the life and death of His only begotten Son.

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God…God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure (John 1:12, Ephesians 1:5 NLT).

One Focus Blog

Some of the Richest People I Know Don’t Have Any Money

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Since I have the privilege of teaching Bible internationally, my friendship circles are as big as the globe. I have been incredibly enriched by getting to know so many people from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures.  I have been exposed to them in their churches and their homes and have been the recipient of their amazing hospitality.

Some of the richest people I know don’t have any money. “Poor me” is not in their vocabulary. In spite of extremely limited material resources, they do not feel deprived. They share freely – many times giving the best of what they have to their guests.

Their joy does not come in the possession of things, but in the contentment of a life that is counting for something far greater than anything material. They love God. They love life. They love people.

Like Jesus, who had nowhere to lay his head, they understand all the resources of heaven are at their disposal. Their measurements of riches, however, are not monetary.

They are rich in:

  • loyalty, love and laughter
  • honor, hope and humility
  • generosity, grace and genuineness
  • patience, peace and purity
  • justice and joy
  • faith

Some of the richest people I know don’t have any money. They have Jesus.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).

Reflective Focus

Public Figures, Leadership and the Best Example

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For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you (John 13:15).

Public figures are normally evaluated on whether what they do matches what they say.  This is especially true in politics.  Candidates promise a lot when they are trying to get elected.  They can pull the wool over the eyes of their constituents for a period of time, but if they get elected, everything they said beforehand is quoted back to them on a regular basis.  Did they tell the truth when they promised to deliver on a certain issue?  Are they telling the truth while in office?

Observing interviews with politicians, it seems that a politician never answers a direct question.  They have an agenda they want to present.  They have a reputation they want to protect. They don’t want to be quoted later on a controversial issue.  Since I also believe that reporters often also have an agenda of their own, interviews are definitely a tricky situation for the politician.

Leaders who serve in every public field  – politics, business, academics, sports, religion – have a similar challenge.  Their actions define how their words are received.  The ultimate criteria for judgment is being able to trust the leader.

Leadership Styles

School years and working in the business world exposed me to different leadership styles.  Some were good.  Some were terrible. I remember the challenges of working with some leaders and the joy of learning from others.

Some leaders take their position seriously and care about those in their charge.  They are available. They have come through the ranks and know how the business works. They understand the assignments given to their subordinates first hand. They have been there, done that.

Some leaders are not involved.  Some presidents and CEOs choose to separate themselves from the common worker in their company.  They only see those in upper management.

These leaders don’t trust others. They micromanage. Their decisions are sometimes made without understanding the intricate workings of the business. They are known for stepping on or over those underneath them in order to get ahead.  Often these leaders do whatever it takes to make their position look good.

The Perfect Example

Jesus is just the opposite of these ivory tower managers. He did not separate Himself from those He was trying to lead. On the contrary, He lived among them.  He used various teaching methods, but one teaching style. He led by example.

Jesus led by the example of His life.  He demonstrated how to follow God’s commandments by obeying every one of them perfectly. He never avoided anyone. He showed how to relate to everyone – no matter how different they may be. He showed His disciples how to be a servant leader by washing their feet. He showed them how to endure hardship through His sacrificial suffering.

Jesus led by the example of His words. He told stories to illustrate spiritual truth. He is Truth and He told the truth. He exposed hypocrites. He offered compassion to those who trusted Him. He offered truth and allowed His hearers to make the choice of trusting Him or not.  He called many to follow Him.  Some did. Some turned away.

Jesus led by the example of His pure heart.  He is God, but His life was an example of humility. He never sinned and never needed forgiveness, but as He bore our sin on the cross, He demonstrated the ultimate example of forgiveness.

Jesus led by demonstrating how we should live. He asked for love, loyalty and service, but He did not demand it. He demonstrated it.

Jesus was perfect in every way. He was the ultimate example of a good leader and teacher. He was not a manager. Everything He said and did was related to leading others to understand the truth He offered and showing them the Truth.

If someone is a good example, he is sometimes referred to as a shining example. Jesus led by shining. He is Light. He shares His light with His brothers and sisters.  When He calls you, He equips you to bear fruit to bring glory to the Father.

You Are a Leader

Jesus, our brother, loves us so much that He gave His life for ours. His is the example we should follow as the model for leadership. Paul understood this when he told others to imitate him just as he imitated Christ.

Even if you don’t have a leadership role in the church, you are a leader.  Someone is watching you. You are an example to your spouse, your children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends who know you. You do have an influence on others.

Not all leaders are good leaders. Some have a negative influence.  However, lessons can be learned from both good and bad leaders. Bad leaders evidence the consequences of selfishness and influencing others for evil.

Jesus’ words and actions matched. His is the best example to follow.

© Stephanie B. Blake

September 2011

Download Public Figures

 

One Focus Blog

Preparation, Hope and Predicting the Future

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None of us can predict the future. Or can we? Like the rest of my country, I watched and prayed when Hurricane Irene made her way along the eastern coast of America. Weather experts noted the historic nature of this storm and the impact it could have and eventually did have on those in her path.

Even those not directly affected by the storm were aware of the havoc she caused. Air travel was interrupted all over the nation proving to bring about yet higher prices for airline travel which does impact the rest of us.

There is a ripple effect on an entire nation because of a major storm – just as there is a ripple effect from a dismal economic crisis.

Several times during the week Hurricane Irene showed up, I heard the phrase, “Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best.” The advice was directed toward those who would potentially be in the path of Irene’s fury. With all the technology available to experts, their best predictions were still an educated guess. Some of them, when questioned about what would happen, said, “Give me 24 hours, then I can tell you.”

There were, sadly, many who lost loved ones and property because of this storm. Losses would have been greater still, though, had people not heeded the advice to prepare, evacuate or stay in during the storm. The capabilities of prediction today are so much greater than they were in times past that saving lives and protecting property is more possible than it used to be.

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best could also be applied to the economic situation. Experts in every financial field have been asked to make predictions about unemployment, home foreclosures, reviving retail figures, the stock market, the value of the dollar and everything else related to the crisis. Expert opinions run from dismally pessimistic to cautiously optimistic.

No one really knows for sure. Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best.

We cannot live effectively with blinders on. We must be aware of the big picture. At any given moment, circumstances beyond our control can change our lives. Prepare and hope is good advice.

As a Christian, I believe I can prepare for the best and hope for the best. The best in life is knowing the love of Jesus. My hope is in Christ, my Savior. That hope is not a “hope so,” but a solid expectation that His promises are true.

Preparing for the best, to me, involves being ready to greet Him either when I meet Him in my death or when He comes to receive His own. In that sense, I can predict the future.  I know without a doubt the best is yet to come.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37

One Focus Blog

The Value of Encouragement

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I attended nine schools before junior high school. All of those schools and teachers are a little fuzzy in my memory, with the exception of one teacher.

In seventh grade, my English teacher asked me to stay after school. After reading essays and stories I had written, she encouraged me to write more. Her name is the only teacher’s name I remember from all those years of attending different schools. I have never forgotten her or her encouragement.

As an adult, I have enjoyed writing and teaching Bible studies in churches and conference settings. Through my husband’s encouragement, I have written books, established websites and am always working on other writing projects.

I am convinced none of this would have taken place without encouragement. I have my husband to thank as well as friends and family who encourage me to continue. Those who encourage others have a vital part in their work.

I am not alone in this. Most of us wither a little when someone discourages us. All of us thrive on the encouragement of those we know and love. Recently I read an interview with a best selling author. She said the most encouraging words she had received were from her eight year old grandson who said, “Grandma, you are a good writer.”

Never underestimate the value of encouragement.

God’s word can encourage you each time you read it.  He also wants His children to strengthen and encourage one another.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT).

One Focus Blog

The Current Economic Crisis: Don’t Give in to Fear

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I am a news junkie. Since 2008, practically all news sources (internet, television, newspapers, magazines) have concentrated on the economic crisis. Words like fear, nail biting, stress, perilous, risk-adverse, nervous and panic are commonly part of those news reports. It is hard not to give in to fear.

The Great Recession has been compared to the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt has often been quoted as saying, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” His wife Eleanor said, “He who loses money loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all.”

FDR presided from a wheelchair (as a result of polio). The nation listened to him with respect. Overcoming great obstacles himself, he said,” Once you’ve spent two years trying to wiggle one toe, everything is in proportion.”

When through no fault of your own, your accumulated nest egg disappears, there is a natural tendency to be afraid that you will no longer be able to provide for your needs or the needs of your family – diminished or depleted savings will result in a bleak future – a lower standard of living will mean unhappiness or education and experience will no longer do you any good.

Loss of resources you have worked hard to acquire is a major blow. However, despair is not inevitable. If a lifestyle change is necessary, it need not be devastating. Solutions begin with a positive attitude and a faith that God is with you and has a plan for your life – a plan for your good and His glory.

When I became a Christian at age 13, my father gave me a Bible inscribed with his favorite verse. That verse, along with others, has helped me make the choice to fight fear and trust God no matter what the circumstances.

Trust is the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

One Focus Blog

Teamwork: My Job, Your Job, Our Job

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My sons are both pilots in the U.S. Air Force. I have visited many of the bases where they have served. One day, I toured a base with the Airfield Manager as our guide. As he was showing us the flight line from a different perspective than I had seen before, I was again reminded of the cooperation that is mandatory between military personnel.

Everyone in the military community seems to have some understanding of what the rest of their team does. Cooperation and big picture awareness is a trait of all Air Force personnel.

Base commanders are expected to see everything from the standpoint of the workings of the entire base; however, their operations are part of the workings of the U. S. Air Force as a whole. Squadron commanders are not only concerned with their own squadrons, but must coordinate with the other squadrons on base.

Pilots see things from a unique perspective but they know their safety depends on every other person on the team, especially maintenance personnel. Without people dedicated to taking care of the airplanes, the pilots would not be safe. Pilots are trained to recognize when something is wrong with the airplane, but keeping them airworthy is the assignment of the maintenance personnel.

Airfield maintenance is another category altogether, but a very important one. The flight line must be clear of debris and maintained so that take offs and landings can be made safely. Controllers in the tower have a most important job as they are must be aware of everything happening on the ground and in the air. Teamwork is a necessary part of being safe, being productive and doing the assigned job.

This same teamwork principle is practiced in team sports. Baseball, football, soccer and many other sports give examples of the necessity of working together. That should also be the case in business and politics. The many examples of breakdowns in business and government are largely due to the inability to work as part of a team.

Being part of a whole is God’s plan for the church, His family.  We are part of a family, a team, a body. When Christians follow His guidelines, His body functions as it should. When some in the Body of Christ do not cooperate with the rest of the church, it becomes dysfunctional.  Not only can we learn from each other, we need each other to accomplish His will.

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another (Romans 12:4-5)

Reflective Focus

Disappearing Riches and Riches That Last

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“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy                        (1 Timothy 6:17).

 Disappearing Riches 

Riches are uncertain. They can’t be trusted. They can be lost through carelessness, mismanagement or unfortunate circumstances.

Some people do it to themselves.  Michael Jackson died owing millions of dollars. He was the King of Pop, made a fortune, but somehow couldn’t hold onto it.

Bernie Madoff did not earn his riches. He stole them. In the end, his schemes caught up with him and he lost his ill-gotten money, his family, and his freedom.

Most people, though, are not rich and famous.  They don’t have millions to lose.  They work hard.  They do what they can to provide a decent living for their family.

A lot of people can tell you how uncertain middle class is. One day you’re there. The next day you’re not. A bad economy can take your job away from you. A dishonest banker can repossess your house. Circumstances can result in the loss of your car, boat, motorcycle, or furniture.

Many others have never seen the day when they could afford the luxuries the middle class had.  For whatever reason, making ends meet has always been a struggle.  No matter how hard they tried, adequate monetary resources have never been available to them.

Riches That Last

Yes, worldly riches are uncertain. They can be lost.  The good news is that eternal riches cannot be lost. No one can take them away from you.  They do require a spiritual investment: faith and trust in God. Those riches start with two things you have total control over: your thoughts and your heart.The Bible combines the two. For as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7).  Your attitude, your perspective, your state of mind determines how you handle any given circumstance. 

Paul: A Man Rich in Faith

The apostle Paul was a man with many advantages in his life.  For a long time, he persecuted followers of Christ because he did not understand who Jesus was.  When he finally met Jesus and accepted His offer of salvation, he made an about face and never looked back.

Paul gave up the advantages of status and worldly riches when he became a disciple of Christ. What he gained was greater than what he lost.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). 

Paul’s heart and his mind, given to God, enabled him to be content no matter what his circumstances.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13). 

Poverty

Poverty is a harsh reality. It does not discriminate. It touches old and young, male and female and people of every nationality. 

Jesus said the poor would always be with us. The Bible gives many guidelines about helping the poor.

In times like these, many who used to help those in poverty now find themselves in dire circumstances and in need of help themselves. This is a time of a severe reality check.

The “health and wealth” philosophy that has taken charge of churches and television has missed a vital point. Monetary riches are not guaranteed to anyone. Having riches is not proof that God has blessed you. 

Some blessed by God with riches have been given the spiritual gift of generosity.  I have known some of them.  Jesus said, “you cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).  Part of the way these believers serve God is through sharing the monetary resources He has provided.

Indeed, God does not forbid riches.  He created all things for us to enjoy. Some biblical men of faith had great riches. Others did not have the benefit of material resources. Jesus, rather than condemning the poor or accusing them of little faith, joined them.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich     

(2 Corinthians 8:9). 

© Stephanie B. Blake

August 2011

Download Disappearing Riches and Riches That Last

 

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy                        (1 Timothy 6:17).

 

Disappearing Riches

 

Riches are uncertain. They can’t be trusted. They can be lost through carelessness, mismanagement or unfortunate circumstances.

 

Some people do it to themselves.  Michael Jackson died owing millions of dollars. He was the King of Pop, made a fortune, but somehow couldn’t hold onto it.

 

Bernie Madoff did not earn his riches. He stole them. In the end, his schemes caught up with him and he lost his ill-gotten money, his family, and his freedom.

 

Most people, though, are not rich and famous.  They don’t have millions to lose.  They work hard.  They do what they can to provide a decent living for their family.

 

A lot of people can tell you how uncertain middle class is. One day you’re there. The next day you’re not. A bad economy can take your job away from you. A dishonest banker can repossess your house. Circumstances can result in the loss of your car, boat, motorcycle, or furniture.

 

Many others have never seen the day when they could afford the luxuries the middle class had.  For whatever reason, making ends meet has always been a struggle.  No matter how hard they tried, adequate monetary resources have never been available to them.

Riches That Last

 

Yes, worldly riches are uncertain. They can be lost.  The good news is that eternal riches cannot be lost. No one can take them away from you.  They do require a spiritual investment: faith and trust in God. Those riches start with two things you have total control over: your thoughts and your heart.The Bible combines the two. For as a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7).  Your attitude, your perspective, your state of mind determines how you handle any given circumstance.

 

Paul: A Man Rich in Faith

 

The apostle Paul was a man with many advantages in his life.  For a long time, he persecuted followers of Christ because he did not understand who Jesus was.  When he finally met Jesus and accepted His offer of salvation, he made an about face and never looked back.

 

Paul gave up the advantages of status and worldly riches when he became a disciple of Christ. What he gained was greater than what he lost.

 

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). 

 

Paul’s heart and his mind, given to God, enabled him to be content no matter what his circumstances.

 

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).

 

Poverty

 

Poverty is a harsh reality. It does not discriminate. It touches old and young, male and female and people of every nationality. 

 

Jesus said the poor would always be with us. The Bible gives many guidelines about helping the poor.

 

In times like these, many who used to help those in poverty now find themselves in dire circumstances and in need of help themselves. This is a time of a severe reality check.

 

The “health and wealth” philosophy that has taken charge of churches and television has missed a vital point. Monetary riches are not guaranteed to anyone. Having riches is not proof that God has blessed you.

 

Some blessed by God with riches have been given the spiritual gift of generosity.  I have known some of them.  Jesus said, “you cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).  Part of the way these believers serve God is through sharing the monetary resources He has provided.

 

Indeed, God does not forbid riches.  He created all things for us to enjoy. Some biblical men of faith had great riches. Others did not have the benefit of material resources. Jesus, rather than condemning the poor or accusing them of little faith, joined them.

 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich     

(2 Corinthians 8:9).

 

© Stephanie B. Blake

August 2011

 

One Focus Blog

The Christian Day of Worship

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No matter where I am on a given Sunday, I go to church. As I do, I am struck with the reminder that we are joining other Christians around the world. We are all part of one family. That family has a special bond on Sunday. Our spirits join together in praise to God.

Since my husband and I travel internationally, I might worship in America one Sunday, Cuba the next, France the next or Poland, Germany, Africa or Austria after that. Wherever we go, I have a sense of belonging. Even when I can’t speak the language or totally understand the sermon, I feel the Spirit.

If you have ever traveled internationally, you know there are differences in the way countries mark their dates and times. If you observe local calendars or need to date a local document, you must check to see what standard is used. The International Organization for Standardization would use 2011-08-01 for the first day of August 2011. Europeans would write 01-08-2011 while 08-01-2011 is the American usage.

There are many other differences in noting time. While many countries use a 24 hour clock, several use a 12 hour clock. Among the countries that use a 12 hour clock, the military, aviation and some other industries in those same countries use a 24 hour clock to avoid confusion.

Many European countries do not count Sunday as the first day of the week. They follow ISO 8601, set in 1988 by the International Organization for Standardization, which marks Monday as the first day of the week.

Most Christians observe the day of worship on Sunday and regard it as the first day of the week. They will often tell you if they are unable to worship on Sunday, their week does not start off right. We should worship Jesus all during the week but there is something about corporate worship that energizes the soul.

No matter how one tells time or marks their calendar, across the time zones of the world, there are gatherings to worship God and thank Him for the wonderful gift of HIs salvation. His Spirit joins us together. I have been privileged to worship Him with people from many nations. It gives me a little taste of what eternity will be like when every knee will bow before Him.

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1).  Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week. . . Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul. . . spoke to them and continued his message until midnight (Acts 20:7).

One Focus Blog

The Anticipation And Excitement of Being Face to Face with Loved Ones

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When it comes to a reunion with a loved one, I’m like a child. Not only do I prepare for the visit – cleaning, making beds, preparing meals – something about the moment of greeting brings joy to my heart. I get excited.

When my family drives in for a visit, I go to the window or the door constantly looking for them. I am seldom in the house when they arrive.  I am usually waiting for them on the back porch. By the time they turn off the ignition in the car, I am by their side.

My husband and I work together, travel together and play together. When he does go out by himself, I find myself listening for the car to come down the driveway or for the door of our house to open. I am often upstairs, but head downstairs to greet him at the door. I want him to know I missed him.

If I am meeting family or friends at the airport, I look through the crowd until I see their faces. It is not hard for me to recognize them. I know them. They are part of my family, either my immediate family or my spiritual family.

The same is true when a loved one leaves. I watch them until I can’t see them any longer. I often feel like a part of me is leaving with them.

I can identify with the apostles who stood gazing into heaven as Jesus was taken up. They couldn’t take their eyes off of the clouds just in case they could catch one more glimpse of Him.

The sense of joyful anticipation I feel when greeting loved ones, I believe, is a small preview to what it will be like for me to see Jesus face to face.  I want to be ready to greet Him. I cannot wait to see Him. I know I will recognize Him because I know Him and He knows me.

As eager as I am to see Him, I believe He is also looking for me much like I watch for the arrival of my loved ones. I get excited just thinking about it.

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2b).