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"

I exercise a lot, walk, and just try to stay busy. And something that’s just plain common sense to me is the more I do, the easier it is to do it. My body becomes accustomed to the exercise, and gets stronger.

The same is true when we put our hope in the Lord. Our spirit is strengthened, and I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so excited, and my faith soars so high, I feel as though I can fly.

If you begin to feel weary, turn your eyes upon Jesus. He will renew your strength and your spirit will soar like an eagle’s.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Sometimes it seems we think solving a difficult problem makes us look intelligent or talented. I’m thinking, it should be more impressive to not have a lot of difficult problems to solve. Read the rest of this entry »

Taking Jesus’ yoke upon ourselves is simply allowing Him to come into our lives. When we do, He will give us rest for our souls. I liken it to a mother beckoning her child to come and sit on her lap. A child in a mother’s loving arms knows he is safe and all is well.

If we’re weary and burdened, we need to climb into the lap of Jesus, and let Him wrap His loving arms around us. Yes, it is that simple.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

I hear people these days talking about how hard it is to sleep at night, and I can relate, because I once struggled with it, too. I remember long nights, tossing and turning, staring at the alarm clock counting the hours left until I had to get up to go to work. Read the rest of this entry »

I recently heard someone say, “Today is someday.” I love it! The concept that today and every day can be our someday is a good way to look at life. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes I get discouraged, and it wasn’t that long ago, I could dive into a pity party and swim in the depths of depression for days at a time. I’d sit on the sands of sorrow at the bottom of the pond of self-condemnation, staring up through the murky muck of my misery at the faraway sunlight filtering its way through it all.

The change came when I finally realized it was up to me to sink or swim. I could remain at the bottom of the pond of despair, or swim toward the light of the Son. These days, I find myself smiling and floating on my back in God’s clear, pure love, as He smiles down on me.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2