Archive for May, 2019
May 31, 2019 at 2:03 pm · Filed under Daily Encouragements, Food for thought, God's beauty, God's love, Inspiration ·Tagged faith, God, hope, Jesus, joy, love, never give up, never quit, never tire of doing good, pulling weeds
This spring, I spent many hours working in the yard, and it was discouraging at times because both our neighbors’ lawns are more weeds than grass. So, as I pulled weeds and applied weed and feed, I often thought, what’s the use. It seemed I was fighting a battle I couldn’t win. But I never gave up, and now our lawn is beautiful, and virtually weed free. Then this morning, as I worked in the yard, I noticed something that made me smile. Not only are the weeds gone from our lawn, our grass is spreading into the neighbors’ yards.
As I marveled at this unexpected development, it occurred to me that it often seems the bad in this world is overcoming the good, but what happened with the weeds in our yard, I believe can happen in our world, too. We should never give up doing the right thing and battling against the evil in this world. We should press on, doing our best to spread love and hope. It may seem to be a lost cause at times, but it’s not. Love will overcome hate and good will prevail when all is said and done. So:
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
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May 27, 2019 at 8:12 am · Filed under Daily Encouragements, Food for thought, God's beauty, God's love, Inspiration ·Tagged Abraham Lincoln, cheating, doing the right thing, faith, hope, joy, lies, love, Peace
Abraham Lincoln said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” I would like to add, “You can’t fool God any of the time.”
If we lived our lives and chose our words as though God was standing next to us, would we lie or cheat? Would we say things that were hurtful to others?
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Luke 12:2
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May 24, 2019 at 8:58 am · Filed under Family, Food for thought, the good old days ·Tagged a good man, Cliff Patterson, little league coach, living well, tribute, when time stops
Cliff Patterson, the father of my childhood and lifelong friend, Barry Patterson passed away yesterday, after a well-spent 92+ years. I only saw Cliff a few times after I left Buckeye, Arizona when I was about 18, but he always held a special place in my heart. He teased me mercilessly from the time I was 10, until I got out of high school, but he did it in fun, and I always took it as such. He was my little league coach for a couple of years, and he taught me to throw a change-up. He’d signal me to throw it at those times he thought it would work, by giving me a “secret” sign. And when it worked, twisting the batter into a knot, as he swung wildly at the floating pitch, Cliff would split a big grin. That’s what I remember most, that beautiful grin. Rest in peace, Cliff Patterson. You made us laugh, you were loved, and we will forever carry you with us in our hearts.
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May 22, 2019 at 8:24 am · Filed under Food for thought, Inspiration, Random Thoughts, the good old days ·Tagged commercial construction, learn as you go, Life lessons, live and learn, situations, solving problems
Back in the mid-eighties, I was building a grocery store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and came across something on the plans that wasn’t right. So, I drove to the architect’s office and told him we had a problem. He smiled and said, “There are no problems, just situations that need solutions.” I smiled right back at him, and said, “Okay… we have a situation that needs a solution.” He said, “So what’s the solution.” I stared at him for a few seconds, looked down at the plans on the table and then told him what I thought should be done to correct the “situation”. He agreed, we did the necessary paperwork, and as I headed for the door to go back to the job, he stopped me and said, “When you have a situation, don’t bring it to me until you have a solution.”
That simple lesson served me well in my career but, it also helped me in almost every facet of my life. I learned not to focus on problems but rather to search for the solution. And then, if I needed help or confirmation, to seek out someone who could advise or approve my ideas. Oh, of course I plowed forward without help many of those times, and made a lot of mistakes, but those mistakes also taught me valuable lessons. In fact…
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May 15, 2019 at 7:58 am · Filed under Daily Encouragements, Food for thought, God's beauty, God's love, Inspiration ·Tagged focus on the good stuff, happiness, if tomorrow never comes, joy, live for today, love, Matthew 6:34, no fear, Peace
The key to peace and happiness is in how we deal with troubles and trials. If we truly trust God, we will face life and its challenges fearlessly, knowing He’s with us and will get us through every situation. But sometimes we miss a lot of the good stuff because we’re too focused on the bad stuff.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
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May 11, 2019 at 3:39 pm · Filed under Daily Encouragements, Food for thought, God's beauty, God's love, Inspiration ·Tagged comfort and peace, doubt, faith, hope, injustice, lies, love, Peace, truth, unwavering faith, World of uncertainty
A fierce battle between good and evil rages all around us, and it sometimes seems we’re barreling headlong toward sure destruction. Too often, we find ourselves deep in the battle, fighting, and straining against evil, and we begin to feel defeated and beat down. That’s when we need to read a verse, listen to a good word, or simply remember God is with us, and be strengthened.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand. Isaiah 41:10
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May 7, 2019 at 8:29 am · Filed under Daily Encouragements, Food for thought, God's beauty, God's love, Inspiration ·Tagged do-overs, faith, God, hope, love, Peace, start-overs, when we're tired
When we’re tired physically, mentally, or spiritually, we make mistakes and our judgement is not at its best. That’s when we need to turn to God and give our burdens to Him.
Begin anew each day. Put the past behind, the future on hold, and start the day with hope.
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
CharlesLMashburn.com
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