We choose what we will focus on. It’s easy to get distracted, but just as easy to turn our gaze back to the good stuff.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
I sometimes imagine God and Jesus, sitting side-by-side, watching me go about my day. And I’m sure there are times God looks over at Jesus and asks, “Did you see that? Are you sure about this one?” But I’m also sure that every time God asks, Jesus replies, “Yes, Father, I’m sure. He’s one of mine.” Thank you, Jesus!
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11
They say if you love someone you will set them free, and maybe it’s true if free is as a toddler is free. Free to explore a room, knowing the parent is near at hand and he is protected. Free, knowing he can circle back, lay a head on mother’s knee then return to his exploring, in search of what more lies beyond the comfort of that loving touch.
God says we must come to Him as little children, and I think I see now, what He means. He allows us the free will to explore the world and experience all that is in it, but He wants us to know He is always close at hand should we need to take refuge and find comfort within His unconditional love.
But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child…
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True story!
When my book of daily encouragements, Be Still, came out, my publisher encouraged me to do the whole advertising, book signings, etc., thing, and I did so with great expectations. Visions of grandeur danced in my head, as I bounced merrily on the springboard of what I perceived to be success, fame and fortune.
Unfortunately, no one had filled the proverbial pool, and I hit bottom hard and quick. It was painful, but then, gradually, God began to remind me of something I’d lost sight of. I heard His voice–a loving whisper–telling me, “It’s not about you, Charlie.”
No, it’s not about me, it’s about God, it’s about each one of you, and it’s about each and every person I come in contact with for the rest of my days.
As I read a post this morning that told how the state of Massachusetts just passed a law allowing abortion right up to the time of birth, I was instantly sad and angry. Then a thought came to me: The number of babies in heaven is probably in the billions. I know God must be sad–even angry–at what people are doing on this earth, but then I think He might also be happy to be surrounded by these precious little souls who are no doubt perfect, and certainly blameless in His sight. And just think, one day we will get to meet them all! Can you imagine! I shed tears of joy at the thought of seeing them filling the heavens with smiles and laughter, being loved by God and loving Him.
For over 25 years, Sherry and I have read and discussed a daily encouragement every morning. Currently, we’re re-reading my book “Be Still”, and today’s encouragement started with Jesus, speaking to the disciples in John 16:24, saying, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” The encouragement ends with me asking this question: “If you could ask Jesus for one thing, what would it be?”
At first, I couldn’t think what my one prayer would be, but then it struck me that what I would ask for is something Jesus asked the Father for…
Just so y’all know, for most of my years, I’ve taken great joy in playing jokes on my little brother. And I will also admit, he has humbled a bit in recent years. (And… he doesn’t do Facebook, so y’all can comment freely on this post.) And then Charlie just laughed and laughed.
I was just minding my own business this morning, washing the car and listening to the country oldies station out of Houston, when a song came on that I thought had to be a sign from above. You see, I’d been thinking I needed to call my little brother, and when the Ken Mashburn anthem began to play, well… I think you can see what I mean. I just figured there was no point in delaying it any longer. (I’ll call him after he’s had time to see this post.) Click on his name to hear the song (Hint: It’s by the late great, Mac Davis.) . And any of you that know him will most heartily agree the song was written with Ken in mind.
See what I mean?
If you’re in a laughing mood, here are some Ken stories for your amusement:
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The good news is God’s love does not waiver when mine does. His love is always the same—enormous and beyond comprehension. I will never be perfect, but I will love God, and my hope is, I can love Him as much as He loves me.
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13
I wrote this one spring morning in 1998. It’s one of my favorites, because it’s real and it was what I was thinking and feeling that morning. When I came across it again on this cloudy morning, I thought maybe it could be the beginning of a novel. The title would be attention getting too, don’t you think? I believe it would most likely be a tale about never giving up, which would be fitting. I need to write… something.
The Sun Came Up AgainThe sun came up again, across the street, in the neighbor’s yard, through early budding tree limbs. The sky glowed fiery red, then golden, then dazzling white, as another day began. A slash of light fell ‘cross my arms as I wrote, and the thought crossed my mind I’d said too much, heard too much, and suddenly… things had changed. I wondered if they had changed for the better. I hoped so. I’ve changed things before, by being too open. Too honest. I’ve watched the sun come up, regretting words I’d spoken the day before, things I’d done. You would think I’d learn. I have learned. I’ve learned the sun will come up. Sometimes you will see it and feel it, sometimes you won’t, but it’s there.
And I’ve learned love is like that. At times you can bask in its warmth and feel its arms wrapped around you. A flash of it will lay across your heart. Then… at other times, it falls silent and cool. It’s still there, just not as obvious. The thing is, you have to know it’s there. Never doubt it. Never turn away. Just know that behind the cloud, behind the mountain, behind whatever has made the warm glow fade… It is there. You have to let it be there. You have to want it to be there. It can’t always be glorious. It can’t always be spring.
Copyright © 1998 C Mashburn
When I was learning to catch a baseball, my dad always told me, “Use two hands while learning.” He said when the ball hit my mitt, put my other hand over it to make sure it couldn’t pop back out of the mitt. It was good advice.
This morning, I was thinking of another saying that’s popular with some of us rednecks; “Here, hold my beer and watch this.” But how these two came together in my mind is interesting. I was thinking about how we are tempted all day, every day, by the world and it’s shiny and exciting things and adventures. We do our best to keep our hand in God’s, so he will help us not to succumb to the temptations, but sometimes we literally look at him and say, “Just this once?” I picture Him smiling as he lets go and lets us make whatever mistake we’re going to make, but I also realize He’s wanting us to not only not let go of His hand, but give Him our other hand as well.
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Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still... and know that I am God" 
