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
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
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
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!
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.
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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" 