During our daily walk, my dog paused and fixed her eyes intently ahead. For a moment, she stood there looking so regal, focused, and beautifully balanced. Something caught her attention and for a few seconds nothing else mattered. That got me thinking…
What are our eyes fixed on?
What has caught our attention . . .
Painful memories?
Present annoyances?
Future worries?
When God captures our attention, nothing else matters as much. His peace surrounds us, His love overwhelms, His joy seeps into every corner of our being. The things that once held our attention (in a negative way) “grow strangely dim”, as recorded in the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” . . .
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Hymn: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus)
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Life isn’t always easy, but we can choose what we focus on. Sometimes we just have to pause from the hustle and bustle and chaos, and fix our eyes on Jesus. He’s so good! With Jesus on our mind, we can stand regal, balanced, and beautiful, even in the storms of life.
Let God capture your attention today. Let go of the past, choose joy, trust in God’s plan, have faith that there’s something ahead, and that it’s good.
Wishing you peace, balance, beauty, and bountiful blessings right now, and on the road ahead, as you fix your eyes on God 🧡🙏🏻
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” —Hebrews 12:2
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” —Corrie Ten Boom
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8-9
Dear God, help me to take time today to fix my eyes on you, and on all that is good, lovely, and pure. Capture my attention with good and helpful things and help me to discard anything harmful.
AMEN
About the Author
Inspirational author Leila Grandemange is a devoted wife, mom, and dog mom. She writes faith stories for pet lovers and creates record and resource books for dog owners, canine sports, and breeders. As a member of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), Leila has been honored with the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award, the Maxwell Book Award in Canine Training and Sports, and multiple award nominations.
Before venturing into the writing world, Leila enjoyed a unique journey as a professional ballet dancer, later earning a B.A. in Christian Education and a degree in Dance. Throughout life’s winding path, dogs have been her constant companions, offering comfort, joy, and countless adventures in canine sports! Discover Leila’s books on her Amazon Author Page.
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About Pawz and Pray Devotional
Pawz and Pray, Finding Joy in the Journey with God, Family, and Furry Friends! 130 Inspiring Stories and Devotions for Dog Lovers!
About the book
Pawz & Pray is a collection of heartwarming stories, scriptures, and prayers, inviting you to draw close to God and discover the secrets to a truly meaningful life. If you’d like to extract more joy out of life, and happen to have a sweet spot for dogs, this book is for you!
Read what others have said
St. Francis of Assisi preached that it was the duty of mankind to protect and enjoy nature as both stewards of God’s creation and as creatures themselves. In Pawz and Pray Leila Grandemange shares both her devotion to dogs and her love of God in a warm tapestry of observations, narratives, quotations and biblical extracts. She illustrates so clearly how sharing love and caring for animals can be so richly rewarding, enhancing the lives of both ourselves and our beloved pets. Beautifully illustrated, this is indeed a trove of profound inspiration.— Dennis Homes
Leila’s book has been a true inspiration to me. It makes you focus on what’s really important in life. The author gives us great examples on how we can have a closer walk with God by following the lead that our pets give us in their everyday life. “Pawz and Pray” encourages us to put our worry and anxiety aside and take time to enjoy the things God has put right in front of us. This book has touched my heart in an indescribable way. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals and wants to have a closer connection to our Heavenly Father.— Holly Cornwell, Editor 2007 – June 2014, The Royal Spaniels
Pawz and Pray 