Sunday, January 3, 2010

It's Not the Outlook But the Uplook That Counts!

I've come down with a cold/sinus infection or something this weekend. Hate feeling this way! I'm sure many of you can identify since this is the season for such maladies!

As I sat down to drink my hot tea in hopes that perhaps it would magically make me feel better I was encouraged by the cup I was drinking from. It simply says, "It's not the outlook but the uplook that counts!" And how true that little statement is! It's not really what is going on right here in front of my (somewhat red) nose that is so very important....but it's the whole picture of what God is orchestrating with eternity in mind that counts!

I can look OUT and see sickness, bad weather, poverty, crime, etc. Oh, I know there's a lot of good out there in the world, too, but sometimes that's not what we focus on. That can be pretty depressing.

Or, I can look UP and see how God daily offers His gift of salvation to the world. And He uses people....like you and me....to spread the Word about how much He loves people. His love and grace can make such a difference in a life! In fact, it makes ALL the difference. The difference between an eternity in heaven or in hell.

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4: 18

Once again as I raise my cup to my lips and let the hot liquid sooth my throat I agree with the caption on the cup...."Its NOT the OUTLOOK but the UPLOOK that counts!"

May we always look UP first in order that we may then look OUT with love and compassion in our hearts!

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" Titus 2: 13

God bless you!

Marilyn

14 comments:

Faye said...

Oh Marilyn. What a beautiful post. I needed to hear this today! Hope you have a great day! Blessings, Faye

Leah Adams said...

It truly is the uplook that counts, isnt' it? I hope you feel better soon.

Would love to have any of your readers join us for Challenge 2010!!

Leah

Yolanda said...

Father, touch my sweet friend Marilyn, heal her and make her whole. Thank You Father, that we can look UP to then in turn share that outwards.


Lovingly,
Yolanda

Sr. Ann Marie said...

Beautiful and uplifting thoughts--just what I needed today! Thank you. I hope you feel better soon.

Bro. Rick said...

Marilyn,
Sorry to hear that you are sick. Kathy and I have both had that stuff for the last couple of weeks. Hope and pray that you get to feeling better soon. You are right, its not the outlook that counts, but the uplook. Thanks for reminding me.

Because of Jesus,
Bro. Rick

Felesha said...

Hope you feel better soon! Can't wait to see you Thursday! Miss you!

Martha said...

So true. Isn't it when we feel bad that it's hard to see the positive. Please keep My daughter Ellen in your prayers as the birth of first child approaches.

Thank you for your prayers.

Love you.
Martha

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Looking up this morning, friend. Hope you feel better soon.

peace~elaine

Sharon said...

Hope, you get to feeling better. We missed you at church yesterday and praying your New Year will be a better one for you.

Take care, love & prayers.


Sharon

Alene said...

I love that saying! I'm going to be focused on the UPLOOK! Thanks for sharing. I do hope you are feeing better and glad you have faster computer connections now. yeah Blessings friend!

Amy said...

I jumped over here from Pondering in His Presences and I was so blessed by todays post. Thank you for the reminder to look up for strength and guidance. I'll be praying you feel better soon.

Peggy said...

This reminds me of a church sign on Goodman Rd. in Olive Branch which reads:
Becoming Inwardly Strong and Outwardly Focused. Satan tries to prevent us from becoming inwardly strong
so that we cannot be outwardly focused. Hope you are feeling much better now.
With Love,
Peggy

Lisa Smith said...

love this post and yes, may we always look UP first!!

Jill Beran said...

Great words! I'm not a coffee drinker, but think that would be a good cup to start the day with! It is all about perspective isn't it?? Pray we will all stay focused on his and not our own!! Blessings to you Marilyn, glad I stopped by today, Jill