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
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
Can we truly say we have not seen God? Can we look around at the wonders that are His creation and say 
we do not see Him?
God created us in His image. God is love, and I believe He created us to be love—an image of Him. I’ve not seen the face of God, though I’ve imagined it. I’ve imagined a smile and love-filled eyes; a brow unlined and long hair, gray and shining. I’ve heard His voice as well as His silence. And yes, I believe in Him. And yes, I am filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8
Where would we be without it?
forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man have a quarrel against another: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13
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
For most of her life, my mother prayed that her sons and daughter would be taught 
by the Lord and ultimately serve Him. And for many years, I have held to the words Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13: Brothers, I do not consider myself having taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
I’m convinced my mother’s faith, along with mine, combined to bring us both to a place of peace. As our love for God continues to grow, we continue to dwell in His peace. I encourage you to never give up. No matter what your circumstance, always know God has a plan for your life, and He will not forsake you or leave you.
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace. Isaiah 54:13
Amazon is currently selling hard cover copies of my first book of encouragements, “BE STILL“, for the ridiculously low price of $9.07. If you don’t have a copy, now’s the time to get one! The hardcover would make a great gift for someone else or a keepsake for you!
My second book of encouragements, “JUST A MAN“, is also available on Amazon.
You can check out all my books at my website, CHARLESLMASHBURN.COM
Sometimes, it seems wicked men flourish while good men suffer and perish; evil runs rampant, and good cannot be found. That’s when we must remember God is, indeed, in charge. At times, it seems God has abandoned us, but this is never the case. He’s always with us, and if we simply stay focused on Him, we’ll be at peace and know He is surely working His will in all things. Even though I’ve gained some understanding, I haven’t scratched the surface. With each morsel of knowledge God gives me, my hunger grows, and like a baby bird waits with open mouth and cries out to its mother for food, I wait with open heart and cry out to the for more knowledge of God and His love.
I came across “Desiderata”, an early 1920s prose poem by the American writer Max Ehrmann, sometime in the 70s. I was astounded then by its beautifully written, simple, yet profound message, and remain so today.
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Original text
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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" 