Category: One Focus Blog

The War Is Over

by StephanieBBlake • January 23, 2014

Hiroo Onoda, who died on January 16, 2014 at the age of 91, was the last Japanese soldier to leave the Philippines after World War II was over. Lt. Onoda held his post on the remote island of Lubang until 1974 – 29 years after the official end of the war. During this time he and his comrades killed over thirty Filipinos still believing them to be the enemy.

Lt. Onoda refused to believe the war was over even though leaflets declaring this (he believed they were enemy propaganda) were dropped on his island. It was not until his former commander made the trip from Japan to Lubang island did he understand that he had been fighting a war that had ended years before. After his commander officially relieved him from duty, Lt. Onoda met President Marcos in Manila, presented his sword and surrendered. President Marcos returned his sword and issued a pardon for the men he had killed after the war had ended.

Hiroo Onoda received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Japan. When interviewed about those 29 years and asked what was on his mind during that time, he said, “Nothing but accomplishing my duty.”

It is possible to admire Hiroo Onoda for his commitment to duty for his country but it is also a reminder that his purpose during and after the war – up until the time he understood the war was over – was to kill his enemy.

Satan and his demons have been waging war against God and His soldiers for thousands of years. There is no honor in their fight – only evil. They continue to fight a war that has officially been won by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Bible tells us that the war is over, but they refuse to quit or surrender, continuing to bring death and destruction until they can do no more harm. Unlike Lt. Onoda, there will be no pardon.

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool (Hebrews 10:12-13). Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses (Revelation 19:11, 13). “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’ (Matthew 25:41).

One Focus Blog

Opinion Overload

by StephanieBBlake • January 15, 2014

Information overload is a term we hear often these days. It is easy to acquire information about just about anything you might want to know. I am among the thousands who do this practically every day. Although I love books and have a lot of them, I don’t find it necessary to buy a book on every subject I am interested in. If I want to know something, I just google it.

I have noticed another trend, though, that is somewhat disturbing. The information we acquire after a search doesn’t always come from someone who really knows something about the subject. Many chats, forums, videos and blogs are filled with no more than someone’s opinion – often unsubstantiated. Information passed on through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media sites can take off like wildfire, but really have no facts attached to the remarks. Even main television news programs ask for the public to respond with a tweet about just any topic that is presented on the program with a “we want to know what you think” attached to the request.

I do want to know what others think about many subjects, but I am selective in the ones I give credibility to. If I goggle a subject, I often find various responses – sometimes polar opposites. If it is something totally out of my field, I might research the person giving the comment and then make a judgment based on whether I believe the person knows what he is talking about or not.

In other cases, the comments through my own social media sites may hold more credibility to me because I personally know the person. If she is someone I know well and have learned to trust, that holds a lot of weight with me.

Just because something is in print does not mean it contains truth. It is wise to check it out.

The Bible has been tested time and again and proven true. The living Word, Jesus Christ, is truth incarnate. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). In His prayer to the Father on behalf of His followers, He prayed we would be purified by His truth. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17).

God, who spoke through His Son and His word, is the only source I can always count on – and so can you.

One Focus Blog

Christmas Throughout The Year

by StephanieBBlake • January 6, 2014

Preparing for Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. In years gone by, I remember decorations coming out in retail stores after Thanksgiving. Then some marketing expert discovered that the earlier advertisements, decorations and specials came out, the more money consumers would spend. It created a larger window in which to capitalize on what most people count as their favorite holiday of the year.

Now little ones start making their lists in January or even late December – sometimes before the Christmas decorations are put away. People plan Christmas in July projects and stores start decorating in September. Many people, including me, prepare for Christmas all year long – taking advantage of discounted wrapping paper, cards and decorations after the season is over and always on the lookout for Christmas gifts for next year.

The gifts are put in their proper place. The wrapping paper and boxes are either thrown away or stored. The house gets put back in order. The non-stop eating ceases and everyone gets serious about being healthier and focusing on projects that were put on hold during the Christmas holidays.

I do own a lot of Christmas decorations – some collected from countries all over the world, but my favorite is something my young son made me one year. He knew I wanted a nativity set and he started making one for me out of clay. He said he only had time to make one piece, but had started with the most important piece. He never finished it, but that was fine with me. I now have several nativity sets. One beautiful handmade ceramic set was given to me by a dear friend. I think of her with gratitude each time I display it. In the center of that nativity I place the piece made by my son those many years ago – the baby Jesus in the manger.

My son was right. The nativity is nothing without Jesus. Christmas was the beginning of the fulfillment of His plan to give us the most important gift we could ever receive. By choice, His cradle led to His cross and my salvation. I am grateful for that gift every day – not just on Christmas.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:8 NKJV).

One Focus Blog

Bait and Camouflage

by StephanieBBlake • December 29, 2013

I am not a deer hunter, but my husband is. Since I like venison, that’s a good thing. Occasionally I sit with him in the deer blind. I enjoy watching the sun come up and keeping an eye out for deer. In the process, I have learned some things about how hunters prepare for the hunt.

Before hunting season starts, my husband puts deer corn in a feeder where it can easily be seen from the blind. A timer on the feeder releases the corn. Hopefully the deer will become accustomed to coming to the feeder at a time when we are sitting in the deer blind.

Deer are very skittish – running away at the slightest noise, unusual sight or human smell. Before heading for the deer blind, we spray our clothing with scent killer. We must get in the blind before the light of day so that they will not see us coming. We must also be very quiet – speaking only in whispers if at all. The deer blind, our clothing and equipment are designed to blend in with the surroundings – most of it is camouflaged.

Hunting season only lasts a few weeks each year, but many deer hunters plan all year long for how best to use that time. It takes a lot of preparation and patience, but after deer appear and are shot, field dressed and processed for the freezer, there is a supply of venison – possibly enough to last until next deer season.

When it comes to my spiritual life, I find myself in the position of the deer. I need to be as watchful as they are. God warns us to be aware of the bait Satan uses to distract us and describes how he can camouflage himself. Satan patiently plans for our downfall while blending in with our everyday surroundings – even in the church.

Ever since Adam and Eve were created, Satan has been actively deceiving men and women through bait and camouflage. Thankfully, we know the end of the story. There will be a day when his influence will end. His hunting season will be permanently over. I’m looking forward to that day.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

One Focus Blog

New LIfe for Broken Things

by StephanieBBlake • December 7, 2013

Reality television series featuring “pickers” who travel through their country looking to buy antiques and collectibles have become popular in several countries: Canadian Pickers in Canada, Aussie Pickers in Australia, Salvage Hunters in Great Britain and American Pickers in the United States.

As an antique lover, recycler and thrift conscious person, I enjoy watching American Pickers. It is very interesting to see what Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz discover as they go through people’s old barns, homes, out buildings, storage sheds and property. They will climb through unstable attics and go under collapsed buildings in order to pull out a treasure or two for their Antique Archaeology stores.

Mike and Frank introduce themselves at the beginning of each show, saying, “We travel the back roads of America looking to buy rusty gold. We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns. What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy “anything” we think we can make a buck on. Each item we pick has a history all its own and the people we meet? Well, they’re a breed all their own. We make a living telling the history of America…one piece at a time.”

Everything they uncover had value at one time. Believing it would be useful or decorative, someone bought or made the item. Some of the people they “pick” have their collections displayed and continue to enjoy them. Others have items buried so deeply the guys have to dig through a lot of other stuff to find them.

Uncovering these old things and using them in new or even original ways restores these items to usefulness. As Frank said in one episode, “Broken does not mean useless.” He knows someone somewhere can see beyond the broken parts and either make it whole again or use it just the way it is.

So much is disposable today. Our landfills are full of disposable containers and items people no longer use. In an ever increasing throw away society, it is refreshing to know some people are working to salvage or restore items rather than get rid of them.

God is the ultimate restorer – our Redeemer. Vance Havner (1901-1986), a well known preacher and Christian author, once said, “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”

God knows the potential of usefulness in each of us. Sin and circumstance can break us down, but when God recreates us through His Son Jesus Christ, we are better than before.

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 6:17).

One Focus Blog

An Investment That Will Never Fail

by StephanieBBlake • November 23, 2013

Things are not looking good in the financial markets. They continue to go up and down. With an unclear outlook, if you have any investments at all, you know they are at risk.

We all need to help each other with ideas on how to make money if we can, how to save it if possible, and how to stretch what money we do have. History has shown us times where investments have been wiped out, jobs have been lost never to be regained and houses have been taken out from under families. Sound familiar?

The U.S. government posted a picture from the stock market floor with a caption, “‘The excitement before the bubble burst’ – people looking at ticker tape in front of a stock ticker, probably sometime in 1929.” Shortly thereafter, the calm appearances of these men probably turned to angst and bewilderment.

I have stock in an investment that is guaranteed to never fail. It is never ending, is totally secure and once I invested in it, I never had to worry about whether it is at risk. It is not.

On my behalf, God’s Son Jesus Christ invested Himself – becoming a man, living a perfect life (which is something I could never do) and paid the price for my sin (and yours) when He allowed man to nail Him to the cross. He died and rose again.

An owner of stock or shareholder is actually an owner of a company. In a spiritual sense, because of Jesus, I am a shareholder of Heaven. I am promised forgiveness for my sins and God’s presence within me today as well as life forever with Him in Heaven. Everything I have is in His control. I just watch Him work out the details.

This is truly the most secure investment anyone could make with a promise of eternal life and a home that will last forever.

God keeps His promises. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is a child of the Father. Jesus was speaking to His followers when He said: Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” . . . For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:31-34). In My Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

(This was first posted on my other blog: http://www.stretchmoney.wordpress.com)

One Focus Blog

Protective Clothing

by StephanieBBlake • November 16, 2013

As winter approaches, I put away summer clothing and make sure warm clothes are readily available. Having spent many winters in some very cold climates, I have learned the value of layering clothes, covering my head, hands and feet adequately and know the difference between a coat that is just for dress and one that really serves as protection against harsh winds and frigid temperatures.

Have you ever seen pictures of men, women and children wearing nightcaps and thermal underwear to bed? There was a very practical reason for this attire. Prior to centrally heated homes, it was necessary to keep in body heat as much as possible. A heated brick placed in the bottom of bedcovers at night and proper clothing assured that you could make it through the night without freezing. You just didn’t want to be the first one up in the morning to stoke the fire in the fireplace!

Appropriate clothing for every season and environment offers protection against the elements – blazing sun in the summer, protection from biting insects and thorny plants as well as my most dreaded contact – poison ivy. When working in areas where poison ivy and greenbrier are prominent, I take extra care sometimes wearing a double layer even in the hot summer time just to protect my skin.

At the end of a workday, or when I know that I will not be going out in public again, I have comfort clothes I wear around the house. Not binding and usually made of soft materials, this clothing gives me the freedom to relax – quite a luxury after a long day of physical work.

Our bodies need protection. Clothing can help provide that protection.

God, who created our bodies, knew we would also need spiritual protection from the harmful elements of a sinful world. He has provided the clothing we need. Without it, we are unprotected. Just like a child who has been given a warm coat to wear but goes outside in the cold without it, we can refuse to put on the garments He offers.

I choose to wear the protective clothing God provides and thank my Savior and Comforter for all it represents – now and forever.

I greatly rejoice in the Lord, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a groom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10). For this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53). Put on the whole armor of God, that you can stand against the tactics of the devil (Ephesians 6:11 HCSB).

One Focus Blog

Missed Opportunities

by StephanieBBlake • November 8, 2013

I love a bargain. Better still, I love finding something fun or useful free. In many cases, I have stocked up on clearance non-perishables at my local dollar or grocery stores. I have even brought home items free from other people’s discard piles.

When I lived in Germany, I often came home from a walk with items that left my husband scratching his head. I still have those sleds, baskets, dishes and other things used for decorating or repurposed in my yard. I knew that many German flea markets were stocked with these spermuhl items. If I got them before a dealer did, it was free. Even in America, if you see something put out for bulky item collection day, it is yours if you grab it before the truck shows up.

Although I am pretty good at bagging bargains or free items, I have kicked myself for the ones that got away. In every case, I missed getting something because I waited too long. I sometimes take one sale item home just to test it to make sure it is something I will use. If I wait too long to test it or go back to the store, I find that they were snatched up by someone else.

The same thing happens with free items. When I noticed that a neighbor had put a very unusual chair out for collection, I waited until after dinner to go out to get it. It was gone. On a walk, I saw a great headboard and footboard – all solid wood with a Texas star in the middle of the headboard – in front of a house ready to be picked up. As I thought about it, I did some research and decided it would make a great bench. When I went back to get it, it was no longer there.

Those were missed opportunities to get some “thing” at little or no cost. They may make life a little more pleasant, but none of these things are important.

We can, however, experience important missed opportunities in our spiritual lives. God has often arranged circumstances for me to be able to share my faith. Some opportunities I took advantage of. Some I didn’t. I waited too long. A better time never presented itself. I had to apologize to God for not doing what I clearly knew He was asking me to do. I remember well every missed opportunity.

Jesus told many stories related to this, among them the parable of the rich man who had so much that he decided to pull down his barns and build bigger ones in order to store all his stuff – ignoring the source of every blessing. God said to him, “Fool, This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21).

None of us knows when our last breath will be. Salvation is too important to put off, thinking that there will be another chance tomorrow or the next day. That can result in missing out on the most important free gift ever offered.

Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life…For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…Now is the day of salvation (Romans 5:18, Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 6:2b).

One Focus Blog

Dead Ends

by StephanieBBlake • November 1, 2013

When driving or riding with someone else in a car, I have noticed several “dead end” situations.

The road I am on may intersect with another in which we are able to turn right or left onto a new road. The end of one road leads to another one. Those roads are not dead ends, but simply a place where a choice needs to be made.

Sometimes the end of the road is a dead end. There is no way to go beyond it. The difficulty may also be magnified by the fact that it was a one-way road. You cannot turn around.

These roads are marked in various ways in different countries. Terms used on highways might include dead end, no exit, no through road, not a through street, or no outlet. In some cases the signs are just drawings indicating a dead end.

Where residential areas have been built with limited through traffic (sometimes a circular design) the term used is cul-de-sac. The no through traffic design results in more privacy in the neighborhood and potentially a safer environment for children.

Some dead-end roads are adjacent to a highway. They are very short roads built for the large construction equipment to park while the road is being built. These are of short term use and have no function after the road is built. They truly are dead end roads going nowhere.

Unless one pays attention to the signs leading up to the dead end roads, you can inadvertently wind up on the end of the road with nowhere to go – a real dead end.

During life, people come to many roads where important choices need to be made. Until death, there is an opportunity to make the right choice – to turn to God through Jesus Christ or to continue going in the wrong direction heading toward hell – the ultimate “dead end”. Putting off that choice is a choice in itself. Death often comes as a surprise with no time to rethink the decisions of the past.

There is only one way to heaven and that is through trusting Jesus Christ. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death and resurrection, He paved the road for all believers to join Him for all eternity. Any other path literally leads to a spiritual dead end. There is no way out.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

One Focus Blog

The Wit and Wisdom of Yogi Berra

by StephanieBBlake • October 13, 2013

If you live in America, you may have quoted a “Yogi-ism” and not even have known it. If you have ever quipped, “It’s deja vu all over again” or “it ain’t over ’til it’s over,” you quoted Yogi Berra. One of the few baseball managers to have won pennants in both the American and National Leagues and elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, Yogi is as well known for his sayings as his famous coaching.

Yogi was a talker. During baseball games, Yogi talked to the opposing batters in order to distract them. Although his response to his reputation for originating so many quotable sayings has been, “I never said most of the things I said,” he doesn’t seem to mind being quoted so often!

Since I travel so much, one of my favorite Yogi quotes is “Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.”

Yogi said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” He may not have intentionally been referring to eternity, but it certainly applies. After death, there are only two possible destinations – heaven or hell. Those who trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord can know they are going to heaven when they die. Those who don’t trust Him are going to wind up somewhere else.

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:11-13).

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