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
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…
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, because He loves us unconditionally, and wants us to be with Him for eternity. How awesome is that? I want to love like that! I want to give everything I have to God and my family and friends so we can all be together with God forever. And, if loving unconditionally is what it takes, then I want to do it! I truly believe if we focus on God and love Him with all we’ve got, He will put that kind of love in us. In fact, I will go a step further and say I think that kind of love is already in us; it just needs to be unleashed.
I think I’m onto something.
The father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. John 3:35
Sometimes people need encouragement, even the confident ones. Maybe, the confident ones need it most. I often find it strange that I’m the one some look to for encouragement, for I readily admit I’m the one who quite often needs to be encouraged. There seems to be no guideline or rationale about where we seek encouragement and/or approval. Some seek it from everyone they meet. Some seek it from parents who are often too busy to realize the need they leave unfulfilled. Some seek it from unlikely sources—such as me—and when I find this to be the case, I try to remember that we never know which seed might be the one that produces a mighty oak.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galations 6:9-10
If the Christmas season causes you stress, then you’re doing it wrong. Be still. Let the reason for the season wash over you and bring you peace.
Philippians 3:13-14
I have heard them
Sometimes in a word—just one
Sometimes in a conversation—a long one
I have seen them
Sometimes for a moment—a smile
For a short season—or many years
Sometimes from a distance
With only a picture
Or with words on a screen
They have touched me
Always there
Always watching
Sometimes carrying me
Sometimes simply being there
And sometimes…
Oh, yes…
Sometimes…
I have felt them…
Seen them…
In the eyes of a mere mortal
As my soul was soothed
By kind eyes
Copyright © C Mashburn 2019
It’s not all about us. it’s about God’s plan. We have nothing to fear because whether we know it or not, we’re doing God’s work. There are times we wonder why we’re doing what we do. Maybe we feel like our job is meaningless and we feel like we’re just spinning our wheels in a world gone mad. The thing is, God’s will is in even the smallest thing we do. We’re a part of His plan! I compare it to a line in the poem, Desiderata: 
What we have to remember is, It’s God’s universe. No doubt about it!
My hope–my greatest source of joy–is that my simple words encourage others.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13
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