Most of us spend too much time wondering—if not downright worrying about—where we are going, and far too little time enjoying where we are. Compounding this life error, we often dwell on and/or magnify the negative aspects of our lives, and ignore and/or diminish the value of the positive things we enjoy each day.

I saw a little girl yesterday, and I marveled at the sheer joy she exhibited as she literally danced around in her front yard. The little girl’s life probably wasn’t joyful all day, which only served to illustrate that in spite of disappointments she may have experienced—perhaps even moments before coming outside—she was, in that moment, filled with joy and happiness.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

We’ve each lived a very unique life, and what we’ve heard, seen, and experienced throughout our lives has brought us to where we re now. We are who we are because of all that’s transpired in our lives, and there is nothing we can do to make ourselves be someone other than who we are at this moment.

What we can do, is focus on God, and allow Him to use us in His plan, in spite of, or maybe because of who we are. God reaches each of us in a unique way, and will use our individual personalities and abilities to encourage others to understand His love and will for their lives.

As I stumbled and rumbled through life, I seldom had a clue where I was headed, and:

I’ve come to realize though, all the things I did before—good or bad—were leading me to where I am. And I’m sure glad to be here.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

And no one can change that!

It’s sometimes hard to believe, but we are chosen by God, and He will never leave us or forsake us. I know there are times when we wonder if that’s true, but when we focus on God and His word, we will see His hand reaching out to us, always there to pull us out of the world and into the safety of His love.

One day, our relationship with God will be so strong we won’t have to turn back to Him when something goes wrong, because… we’ll be looking at Him all the time.

My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29

At Veteran’s Park, Veteran’s Day 2013

I’ve been talking a lot about blessings recently, and just thought it  appropriate to post this picture of me with my three greatest blessings!

If we must want something, “peace” is the one thing we should desire above all else. Peace is the key that unlocks the door to joy.

Peace In the Morning. Photo: copyright C Mashburn

But not fast enough!

One of our many blessings!

When our focus is on God and how incredible His love for us is, we cannot outrun, nor can we contain, the blessings He heaps upon us!

The Next Page

I recently posted an article titled It’s Time ~ To Turn the Page, wherein I spoke of the coming to a close the chapter of my life during which I’ve written and posted daily encouragements. This morning, I believe I inadvertently began the next page/chapter of my adventure. Read the rest of this entry »