Happy Monday. Whether you bounded out of bed or were slowly resurrected, make it a good day.
I love to think of the many vacations my husband and I enjoyed through the years, especially one of our last in August 2000. We took a Mediterranean cruise, at the end of which we spent a week in Lucerne, Switzerland.
As we checked into our hotel, situated on a mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne, we were told that the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra would be performing that week. Excitedly, we purchased tickets.
The evening came and as we entered the concert hall, anticipating what was ahead, we were greeted with chaos and confusion.
We heard foreign languages around us and from the stage we heard fiddling, strumming, tooting, clanging, etc.
Very soon the noise abated and complete silence came as all eyes were on one lone figure entering the stage. He approached the podium and raised his baton. For the next hour, as the orchestra watched the director carefully, we heard beautiful melodies and peaceful harmonies, and the former chaos faded.
In 2 Chronicles 28 we have the story of a time Judah had a situation of great confusion. Under King Jehoshaphat, they were about to be attacked by the Ammonites, Moabites, and other “Ites.”
The king pleaded with God. “We have no might against the enemy. We don’t know what to do! But our eyes are upon you!”
When they got their focus right, stillness and calm came and fear left. They began to praise and worship, and when they lifted their voices in song, victory came—the enemies were defeated.
There have been times I felt much like those people of Judah. Situations brought confusion, fear, and defeat.
I refocused and, instead of looking at the circumstances, I saw clearly the God of my circumstances. Nothing changed, yet everything changed.
1 Corinthians 14:33 says God is not the author of confusion. The father of lies, the accuser is.
Where is our focus today? On a recent diagnosis? A rejection? Finances? A loss? On and on we could go. These are too mighty for us. What to do?
Corrie Ten Boom, who survived years in a World War II Nazi death camp, after suffering inhumane treatment and torture said this:
“Look at the world and be distressed.
Look at yourself and be depressed.
Look at Jesus and find rest.”
Or as Helen Lemmel wrote:
“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.”
“Don’t expect to see a sunrise if you are looking into the west.” –Japanese proverb.
Monday with Beverly 
I hadn’t realized it had been since 2000 that bro. Hyles went to heaven. He’s been living it up. What an exciting time it must of been with the love of your life, it such an awesome place. 🙂
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Mrs. Hyles thank you for your insight. I have been struggling with my situation. – (thank you again for your thoughts) – through this blog entry you have helped me to re-focus.
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Thank you for the reminder …of keeping our focus on Him!! I remember the little book you wrote ..I may be getting the title wrong but something like ” I am special to God”….that book changed some really huge things in my life…I remember it being worn out because I read it over and over…thank you..love you…nancy musser
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Thank you for your strength and beauty through the years! You are a reminder of what Christian dignity and Grace are all about.
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As my son and I just went to a symphony orchestra last night, this lesson really resonates with me! Thank you for the wonderful thoughts.
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Aw…how good to be able to “sit at your feet” and hear your teaching once again. I love you! Thanks for opening your heart to us.
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Mrs. Hyles, this is the first time I have seen your blog, and am truly blessed! I met you many years ago, and your husband as well. I have often thought of you in the years since he went to be with the Lord. Thank you for continuing your steadfast example for the rest of us. I will be delighted to hear from you by way of email posts. Thank you again!
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Thank you this just what I needed today.
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This was just wonderful!!! I just counselled a young lady today who is battling with depression and being overwhelmed with all that life has thrown her way. I can hardly wait to share what you have shared with us, with her! Thank you for the encouragement!! God bless.
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Mrs. Hyles,
Your words have been an encouragement to my heart. I am so thankful for your godly influence on my life. May the Lord bless you for continuing to be a blessing to us!- Tanya Powless
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You have been a blessing so many times throughout my life! Once again, you have challenged me with your words, and your life. Much love and appreciation to you for writing! Love, Marlena Whitworth
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Mrs. Hyles, Thank you for writing! I am thrilled each Monday to be able to read the thoughts God has placed on your heart…it brings back many wonderful memories of days sitting at the feet of your teaching. I respect and admire you so very much!! It is truly encouraging to hear from you and to see God use you to influence others to “keep on keeping on” for Jesus!! Love you, Robyn (Moran) Bachman
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When we focus on ourselves the results are just what you wrote about. Thanks so much
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I am enjoying them more and more. I look forward to Monday just to see what you wrote this week. Beautiful truth! Thanks again for taking the time to write these.
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Mrs.Hyles,
I look forward to Mondays reading your post , you truly Bless my heart.
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Thank you! You are so right! Thanks for reminding us!!! I Love you!!
Melissa Ellis Gonzalez
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Thanks for this wonderful reminder. I am LOVING this blog!!
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Thank you for this wonderful reminder to keep our eyes our Jesus! He will take care of his own.
Paula
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Mrs Hyles–I felt like I was on “your” vacation! Your words are so encouraging. Love you:)
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My dear friend, Mrs. Hyles: Thank you again for the encouragement you are to me. I needed that today and it is always a blessing to get help from a godly lady that uses God’s word to be the answer to our struggles. I love you! Praying too.
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What a sweet reminder to keep our eyes on the Saviour…
Love!
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I find that it’s all too easy to take my eyes off of Jesus and look instead at the problems in life. Thank you so much for reminding me to re-focus.
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Mrs. Hyles, I have been reading your posts for 3 weeks now and each has blessed me. Each has been spoken with grace and tact so needed in our world today. I pray that these comments will be read around the world and inspire ladies to look to God not only in their devotional time, but also in their daily interactions.
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Mrs. Hyles, you have always been a lady with grace and strength that I hope one day I can emulate! I look forward to reading your posts on Mondays! -Nicole
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Mrs. Hyles, Thank you for your words, how helpful and refreshing. Thank you for your service to our Saviour. Todd Poynter Greenwood Indiana
Sent from my iPhone
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Very encouraging. Thank you. We are grateful for you and tour husbands influence.
Ben & Wendy Burks
Excuse my brevity as this was sent from my IPhone.
Benjamin R. Burks Reformers Unanimous Recovery Ministries
On Apr 22, 2013, at 9:20 AM, Monday with Beverly wrote:
WordPress.com Beverly Hyles posted: “Happy Monday. Whether you bounded out of bed or were slowly resurrected, make it a good day. I love to think of the many vacations my husband and I enjoyed through the years, especially one of our last in August 2000. We took a Mediterranean cruise, at”
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