Tag: Psalm 119:11

Physical and Spiritual Hearing Loss

by StephanieBBlake • March 22, 2013

Flying is in my family’s blood. My husband’s father was a pilot. My husband is a pilot. My sons are pilots. The joys of that profession or sport have a price, though, and that is hearing loss.

Ear protection was non-existent during my father-in-law’s day. He flew and instructed students by shouting over the airplane engine. My husband did the same. Later, small foam earplugs cushioned some of the noise, but could not and cannot prevent all damage. Headsets do a much better job of protection now, but constant exposure to airplanes ultimately damages one’s hearing.

Consequently, my husband has suffered considerable hearing loss. It happened over many years and actually snuck up on him. As his personality leans toward enjoying quiet anyway (to him, silence is truly golden), it took him a long time to notice he could not hear certain things. It was slow and gradual, but now it is undeniable. And even though he still enjoys silence, not being able to hear in many situations is a disadvantage.

Hearing loss is not the only thing that can creep up on us. We tend to ignore those little warning signals God sends us about areas of our lives that are not pleasing to Him. Each time we do, it becomes easier the next time and before we realize it, we have allowed a temptation to sin to grow into sin itself.

Jesus, when confronted with temptation, had a ready response for the devil – the word of God. He did not ponder on the temptation. His response was immediate.

It is the responsibility of my husband and sons to use ear protection when flying. They do it because they know its value and have developed that habit.

God promises protection, but we have to avail ourselves of it. It takes constant vigilance to realize we are in danger of losing our spiritual hearing – developing ears that cannot hear God’s nudging.

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear (Matthew 13:16). No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You (Psalm 119:11 NAS)

One Focus Blog

Background Software

by StephanieBBlake • May 3, 2012

Like practically everyone else, my life seems to be contained in my computer. I use it for work, reading, socializing, writing, shopping – you name it. I have stopped using my heavy dictionaries or encyclopedias. If I need to know something, I can search for it online.

I write a lot of Bible studies and often have a scripture in mind that I want to refer to. The problem is I can’t remember exactly where the scripture is located in the Bible – the chapter and verse. I used to use my concordance exclusively for this purpose. Now I google it.

Tied very closely to my use of information on the internet are the software programs on my laptop. Some programs I have chosen to install. Many of them are just necessary for the operation of my computer. What I am able to accomplish by using my computer are tied to software programs that run in the background. Being technologically challenged, these run in ways that are mysterious to me.

Even when I am unable to log on to the internet, my software programs enable me to keep working. Since I carry my laptop with me practically everywhere, I often even record reminder notes on my computer rather than using pad and pencil. The time saving possibilities are endless.

Since using my computer has become such a normal part of my life, I often forget the background software is there. I just take advantage of it and its functionality.

God created our brains to hold all the data we could possibly use. We load them with all kinds of information – some good, some bad. That “background software” can be useful or harmful, depending on how it is accessed.

Unlike computer software, data stored in our minds cannot be uninstalled. It can surface at any time. Satan can use the information for evil. God can remind us of something for usefulness. It is even possible to forget that we input something that will later be harmful or useful, so good judgment is called for when acquiring any new information.

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You… Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning… Wise people store up knowledge…For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… (Psalm 119:11).

One Focus Blog

Treasures of the Written Word

by StephanieBBlake • February 16, 2012

I have a mixture of modern and old-fashioned preferences in my communication habits. The instant communication that is now available allows me to do so much more than I used to do. I have sometimes thought that the growth of the internet came about just in time for me to do international work. Social media sites enable me to keep up with friends, family and business acquaintances while I am out of the country. Sometimes an e-card is my only possibility to send a friend or family member a birthday greeting. I take advantage of all the online resources.

However, my real preference is old-fashioned paper and pen. I love to receive notes in the mail from friends and family and I still do the same for them. There is something about going to the mailbox, seeing my name on an envelope, a friend’s name in the return address and the anticipation of what might be inside. That’s actually my first love and I will never get over it (that is, unless the U.S. Post Office goes out of business).

I never sent my father an email because he never owned a computer. In going through his things after he died, I found all the letters and pictures I had sent him from overseas. He kept every one and put them in a special notebook. Some he put his own comments on. As I read back through those letters, I could visualize his smile as he read the letters and saw the growth of my family. Although I am thankful that I wrote him fairly regularly, I wish I had written more. It was obvious he treasured those letters.

In my dad’s last years, he started reminiscing about his days in World War II. Dad enlisted in the Army in May 1942. He was assigned to the Eighth Air Force, and served as a corporal in the 487th Bombardment Group. Desperately wanting to fly, Dad eventually had to give up that dream because of airsickness. He became a Link Trainer Instructor and served in England.

After hearing some of his stories, I asked him to write them down. I wanted to have them and pass them down to my sons and their children. Dad did just that. The notebook he gave me is filled with notes of where he was, what he did, pictures taken during that time, maps, his address book and his honorable discharge on October 11, 1945. The pages of the notebook were typed on an old manual Underwood typewriter interspersed with handwritten notes. I wouldn’t give anything for that notebook. It is a treasure.

My Heavenly Father wrote an entire book. I love it so much that I have several copies of it, with my notes interspersed throughout. Sometimes I feel like it was written just for me because I know He took special care to make sure it had all the information about Him I would ever need.

Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee (Psalm 119:11 NAS).