“In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt.13 ESV
I believe in Hell. I have been there even if it was only in the mental anguish of sin’s selfishness. Hell is home to the selfish. C. S. Lewis vividly wrote that life now can be either the upper reaches of Hell or the lower reaches of Heaven. The bitter fruit of a self-centered life produces the former and love always the latter. Those who aggressively love are never bored. Those who are selfish always are, even when they are doing something fun. 7/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
If I were to imagine Hell, it would be the place where you were continually bored. Erich Fromm
“In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt.13 ESV
I believe in Hell. I have been there even if it was only in the mental anguish of sin’s selfishness. Hell is home to the selfish. C. S. Lewis vividly wrote that life now can be either the upper reaches of Hell or the lower reaches of Heaven. The bitter fruit of a self-centered life produces the former and love always the latter. Those who aggressively love are never bored. Those who are selfish always are, even when they are doing something fun. 7/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I believe in Hell. I have been there even if it was only in the mental anguish of sin’s selfishness. Hell is home to the selfish. C. S. Lewis vividly wrote that life now can be either the upper reaches of Hell or the lower reaches of Heaven. The bitter fruit of a self-centered life produces the former and love always the latter. Those who aggressively love are never bored. Those who are selfish always are, even when they are doing something fun. 7/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Friday, July 29, 2011
“I am never bored anywhere: being bored is an insult to oneself.” Jules Renard
“The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof.” Ps.24
I find that if I am not happy for any number of reasons, boredom included, I have before me a thermometer of my spiritual health at the moment. The fever of unhappiness stems from the sickness of not keeping in step with the Spirit of Jesus. Why be bored, when all I need to do is take the medicine of His fellowship. I am sure Christ has any number of interesting projects that we can work on together. The privilege, which all are offered, of spending the day with the Creator of countless fascinations is ours to be enjoyed. It took me years to realize that God's invitation to worship is simply an invitation to enjoy His company. 7/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I find that if I am not happy for any number of reasons, boredom included, I have before me a thermometer of my spiritual health at the moment. The fever of unhappiness stems from the sickness of not keeping in step with the Spirit of Jesus. Why be bored, when all I need to do is take the medicine of His fellowship. I am sure Christ has any number of interesting projects that we can work on together. The privilege, which all are offered, of spending the day with the Creator of countless fascinations is ours to be enjoyed. It took me years to realize that God's invitation to worship is simply an invitation to enjoy His company. 7/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“I am never bored anywhere: being bored is an insult to oneself.” Jules Renard
“The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof.” Ps.24
I find that if I am not happy for any number of reasons, boredom included, I have before me a thermometer of my spiritual health at the moment. The fever of unhappiness stems from the sickness of not keeping in step with the Spirit of Jesus. Why be bored, when all I need to do is take the medicine of His fellowship. I am sure Christ has any number of interesting projects that we can work on together. The privilege, which all are offered, of spending the day with the Creator of countless fascinations is ours to be enjoyed. It took me years to realize that God's invitation to worship is simply an invitation to enjoy His company. 7/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I find that if I am not happy for any number of reasons, boredom included, I have before me a thermometer of my spiritual health at the moment. The fever of unhappiness stems from the sickness of not keeping in step with the Spirit of Jesus. Why be bored, when all I need to do is take the medicine of His fellowship. I am sure Christ has any number of interesting projects that we can work on together. The privilege, which all are offered, of spending the day with the Creator of countless fascinations is ours to be enjoyed. It took me years to realize that God's invitation to worship is simply an invitation to enjoy His company. 7/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
“Boredom is the self being stuffed with itself.” Walker Percy
“And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.” (When King Ahab could not have his way) 2Kgs.21 ESV
I did not start experiencing boredom until after mid-life. Before that, I could always figure out ways to entertain myself. Even now I only have brief bouts with it. When I am bored, it is usually because I am spending too much time thinking about me. Boredom is just another symptom of my supreme selfishness. The Spirit of Jesus is constantly teaching me to get my head out of myself and into the joys of sharing, of loving, of creating. This is true holiness when we set ourselves apart to be a bubbling brook instead of a black hole. Such a life has little time or reason to be bored. I am waking, even if there is still sleep in my eyes, to something C. S. Lewis described. “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing...it is irresistible.” 7/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I did not start experiencing boredom until after mid-life. Before that, I could always figure out ways to entertain myself. Even now I only have brief bouts with it. When I am bored, it is usually because I am spending too much time thinking about me. Boredom is just another symptom of my supreme selfishness. The Spirit of Jesus is constantly teaching me to get my head out of myself and into the joys of sharing, of loving, of creating. This is true holiness when we set ourselves apart to be a bubbling brook instead of a black hole. Such a life has little time or reason to be bored. I am waking, even if there is still sleep in my eyes, to something C. S. Lewis described. “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing...it is irresistible.” 7/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Boredom is the self being stuffed with itself.” Walker Percy
“And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.” (When King Ahab could not have his way) 2Kgs.21 ESV
I did not start experiencing boredom until after mid-life. Before that, I could always figure out ways to entertain myself. Even now I only have brief bouts with it. When I am bored, it is usually because I am spending too much time thinking about me. Boredom is just another symptom of my supreme selfishness. The Spirit of Jesus is constantly teaching me to get my head out of myself and into the joys of sharing, of loving, of creating. This is true holiness when we set ourselves apart to be a bubbling brook instead of a black hole. Such a life has little time or reason to be bored. I am waking, even if there is still sleep in my eyes, to something C. S. Lewis described. “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing...it is irresistible.” 7/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I did not start experiencing boredom until after mid-life. Before that, I could always figure out ways to entertain myself. Even now I only have brief bouts with it. When I am bored, it is usually because I am spending too much time thinking about me. Boredom is just another symptom of my supreme selfishness. The Spirit of Jesus is constantly teaching me to get my head out of myself and into the joys of sharing, of loving, of creating. This is true holiness when we set ourselves apart to be a bubbling brook instead of a black hole. Such a life has little time or reason to be bored. I am waking, even if there is still sleep in my eyes, to something C. S. Lewis described. “How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing...it is irresistible.” 7/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
”The concept of boredom entails an inability to use up present moments in a personally fulfilling way.” Wayne Dyer
"You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Pt.1 ESV
I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that God wants to deal with our boredom by keeping us busy or sending us to church all of the time. He may very well accompany us while we watch a TV show or read a book. The point is that positive interaction with God can transform every dull moment into something good. If I cannot interact with God doing some activity then it is certain that I shouldn't be doing it. But equally true, everything, even things we ordinarily think of as good can wind up being bad without that interaction. Interacting with God while watching a movie may seem strange but being able to do just that is the essence life under His Lordship and such interaction gives practical meaning to that now old fashioned word the Bible calls holiness. If we can't eat a tuna sandwich and know the value of God's fellowship, then nothing will show it to us. Everything can be set apart to Him or nothing can. 7/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that God wants to deal with our boredom by keeping us busy or sending us to church all of the time. He may very well accompany us while we watch a TV show or read a book. The point is that positive interaction with God can transform every dull moment into something good. If I cannot interact with God doing some activity then it is certain that I shouldn't be doing it. But equally true, everything, even things we ordinarily think of as good can wind up being bad without that interaction. Interacting with God while watching a movie may seem strange but being able to do just that is the essence life under His Lordship and such interaction gives practical meaning to that now old fashioned word the Bible calls holiness. If we can't eat a tuna sandwich and know the value of God's fellowship, then nothing will show it to us. Everything can be set apart to Him or nothing can. 7/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
”The concept of boredom entails an inability to use up present moments in a personally fulfilling way.” Wayne Dyer
"You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Pt.1 ESV
I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that God wants to deal with our boredom by keeping us busy or sending us to church all of the time. He may very well accompany us while we watch a TV show or read a book. The point is that positive interaction with God can transform every dull moment into something good. If I cannot interact with God doing some activity then it is certain that I shouldn't be doing it. But equally true, everything, even things we ordinarily think of as good can wind up being bad without that interaction. Interacting with God while watching a movie may seem strange but being able to do just that is the essence life under His Lordship and such interaction gives practical meaning to that now old fashioned word the Bible calls holiness. If we can't eat a tuna sandwich and know the value of God's fellowship, then nothing will show it to us. Everything can be set apart to Him or nothing can. 7/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking that God wants to deal with our boredom by keeping us busy or sending us to church all of the time. He may very well accompany us while we watch a TV show or read a book. The point is that positive interaction with God can transform every dull moment into something good. If I cannot interact with God doing some activity then it is certain that I shouldn't be doing it. But equally true, everything, even things we ordinarily think of as good can wind up being bad without that interaction. Interacting with God while watching a movie may seem strange but being able to do just that is the essence life under His Lordship and such interaction gives practical meaning to that now old fashioned word the Bible calls holiness. If we can't eat a tuna sandwich and know the value of God's fellowship, then nothing will show it to us. Everything can be set apart to Him or nothing can. 7/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
“Boredom is a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it.” Bertrand Russell
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2Tim.2 ESV
If boredom is simply not knowing what God wants me to be doing at the moment, then any attempt on our part to alleviate it that does not come from doing what we know He wants us to do may get us into trouble. Bored teens often get into trouble but so do bored adults. And, the trouble isn't always illegal or immoral, it may be something as simple as watching too much TV or spending too much time on the computer. A lot of people lose their health this way. Any activity that does not grow out of a positive interaction with God could very well be the wrong way to deal with boredom. 7/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
If boredom is simply not knowing what God wants me to be doing at the moment, then any attempt on our part to alleviate it that does not come from doing what we know He wants us to do may get us into trouble. Bored teens often get into trouble but so do bored adults. And, the trouble isn't always illegal or immoral, it may be something as simple as watching too much TV or spending too much time on the computer. A lot of people lose their health this way. Any activity that does not grow out of a positive interaction with God could very well be the wrong way to deal with boredom. 7/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
“Boredom is a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it.” Bertrand Russell
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2Tim.2 ESV
If boredom is simply not knowing what God wants me to be doing at the moment, then any attempt on our part to alleviate it that does not come from doing what we know He wants us to do may get us into trouble. Bored teens often get into trouble but so do bored adults. And, the trouble isn't always illegal or immoral, it may be something as simple as watching too much TV or spending too much time on the computer. A lot of people lose their health this way. Any activity that does not grow out of a positive interaction with God could very well be the wrong way to deal with boredom. 7/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
If boredom is simply not knowing what God wants me to be doing at the moment, then any attempt on our part to alleviate it that does not come from doing what we know He wants us to do may get us into trouble. Bored teens often get into trouble but so do bored adults. And, the trouble isn't always illegal or immoral, it may be something as simple as watching too much TV or spending too much time on the computer. A lot of people lose their health this way. Any activity that does not grow out of a positive interaction with God could very well be the wrong way to deal with boredom. 7/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
Monday, July 25, 2011
“The world is eaten up by boredom....
It is like dust...To shake off this drizzle of ashes you must be for ever [sic] on the go. And so people are always “on the go.” George Bernanos
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46
Smart phones have become a band-aid for boredom. If you watch people standing in line at a store or waiting in a doctors office, or sitting at a red light, even if only for a moment, out comes the phone. If I am not careful, every lull moment in the day will see me pull out my phone. People are easily bored and one way we deal with it, is by keeping busy. A person constantly on the go may lead a busy life but not necessarily a fruitful one. For the Christian, boredom is simply not knowing what God wants you to be doing at that moment. The cure for boredom isn't constant activity or our petty distractions but the singular activity of listening to God. 7/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46
Smart phones have become a band-aid for boredom. If you watch people standing in line at a store or waiting in a doctors office, or sitting at a red light, even if only for a moment, out comes the phone. If I am not careful, every lull moment in the day will see me pull out my phone. People are easily bored and one way we deal with it, is by keeping busy. A person constantly on the go may lead a busy life but not necessarily a fruitful one. For the Christian, boredom is simply not knowing what God wants you to be doing at that moment. The cure for boredom isn't constant activity or our petty distractions but the singular activity of listening to God. 7/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
“The world is eaten up by boredom....
It is like dust...To shake off this drizzle of ashes you must be for ever [sic] on the go. And so people are always “on the go.” George Bernanos
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46
Smart phones have become a band-aid for boredom. If you watch people standing in line at a store or waiting in a doctors office, or sitting at a red light, even if only for a moment, out comes the phone. If I am not careful, every lull moment in the day will see me pull out my phone. People are easily bored and one way we deal with it, is by keeping busy. A person constantly on the go may lead a busy life but not necessarily a fruitful one. For the Christian, boredom is simply not knowing what God wants you to be doing at that moment. The cure for boredom isn't constant activity or our petty distractions but the singular activity of listening to God. 7/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46
Smart phones have become a band-aid for boredom. If you watch people standing in line at a store or waiting in a doctors office, or sitting at a red light, even if only for a moment, out comes the phone. If I am not careful, every lull moment in the day will see me pull out my phone. People are easily bored and one way we deal with it, is by keeping busy. A person constantly on the go may lead a busy life but not necessarily a fruitful one. For the Christian, boredom is simply not knowing what God wants you to be doing at that moment. The cure for boredom isn't constant activity or our petty distractions but the singular activity of listening to God. 7/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Selma, AL)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
You don't have to understand how a car works to drive it nor do you have to understand how prayer works to say your prayers.
“Ask and it will be given unto you.” Jesus
Trying to figure it all out can limit our fruitfulness. There is surely enough evidence that God knows what He is doing, so we should just trust Him when we don't understand everything He asks us to do. I sometimes stumble over prayer. I am not sure why He wants me to ask Him for stuff that any good parent would provide anyway, but He tells me to ask for daily bread. I do not understand how my prayers can make any difference to a God who already knows everything about everything. But God clearly tells us that our prayers do make a difference and that we are not only to pray but pray fervently. Obedience is said to be better than sacrifice i. e. religious practices; I suppose when it comes to prayer, to pray is better than understanding how it works. 7/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Trying to figure it all out can limit our fruitfulness. There is surely enough evidence that God knows what He is doing, so we should just trust Him when we don't understand everything He asks us to do. I sometimes stumble over prayer. I am not sure why He wants me to ask Him for stuff that any good parent would provide anyway, but He tells me to ask for daily bread. I do not understand how my prayers can make any difference to a God who already knows everything about everything. But God clearly tells us that our prayers do make a difference and that we are not only to pray but pray fervently. Obedience is said to be better than sacrifice i. e. religious practices; I suppose when it comes to prayer, to pray is better than understanding how it works. 7/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
You don't have to understand how a car works to drive it nor do you have to understand how prayer works to say your prayers.
“Ask and it will be given unto you.” Jesus
Trying to figure it all out can limit our fruitfulness. There is surely enough evidence that God knows what He is doing, so we should just trust Him when we don't understand everything He asks us to do. I sometimes stumble over prayer. I am not sure why He wants me to ask Him for stuff that any good parent would provide anyway, but He tells me to ask for daily bread. I do not understand how my prayers can make any difference to a God who already knows everything about everything. But God clearly tells us that our prayers do make a difference and that we are not only to pray but pray fervently. Obedience is said to be better than sacrifice i. e. religious practices; I suppose when it comes to prayer, to pray is better than understanding how it works. 7/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Trying to figure it all out can limit our fruitfulness. There is surely enough evidence that God knows what He is doing, so we should just trust Him when we don't understand everything He asks us to do. I sometimes stumble over prayer. I am not sure why He wants me to ask Him for stuff that any good parent would provide anyway, but He tells me to ask for daily bread. I do not understand how my prayers can make any difference to a God who already knows everything about everything. But God clearly tells us that our prayers do make a difference and that we are not only to pray but pray fervently. Obedience is said to be better than sacrifice i. e. religious practices; I suppose when it comes to prayer, to pray is better than understanding how it works. 7/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Friday, July 22, 2011
If I want to experience more of God each day, I should not simply look for Him but join Him loving the people in my life.
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
1Jo.4
Jesus prayed that we would be one even as He and His Father are one. Every time we join God in loving people we answer at least a part of that prayer. There is a union to be experienced in the mysterious equations of love. When we love someone, as God defines love, then God is loving them through us. We are joined to God and God to us in a partnership of overflowing goodness. When love defines our actions, God Himself flows in and through us. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
1Jo.4
Jesus prayed that we would be one even as He and His Father are one. Every time we join God in loving people we answer at least a part of that prayer. There is a union to be experienced in the mysterious equations of love. When we love someone, as God defines love, then God is loving them through us. We are joined to God and God to us in a partnership of overflowing goodness. When love defines our actions, God Himself flows in and through us. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
If I want to experience more of God each day, I should not simply look for Him but join Him loving the people in my life.
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
1Jo.4
Jesus prayed that we would be one even as He and His Father are one. Every time we join God in loving people we answer at least a part of that prayer. There is a union to be experienced in the mysterious equations of love. When we love someone, as God defines love, then God is loving them through us. We are joined to God and God to us in a partnership of overflowing goodness. When love defines our actions, God Himself flows in and through us. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
1Jo.4
Jesus prayed that we would be one even as He and His Father are one. Every time we join God in loving people we answer at least a part of that prayer. There is a union to be experienced in the mysterious equations of love. When we love someone, as God defines love, then God is loving them through us. We are joined to God and God to us in a partnership of overflowing goodness. When love defines our actions, God Himself flows in and through us. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sometimes we must be willing to be the answer to our prayers.
“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men...” Gen.14 ESV
I remember once asking God what He was doing to help starving children around the world. Afterward, I had the distinct impression that He was asking me what I was doing to help them. It makes perfect sense to me that when I am praying for someone, that God wants to use me to answer my prayer for them. I might ask God to encourage someone who is in despair only to find Him encouraging me to call them. It might be that when I pray for God to supply the needs of a missionary that He wants me to give some money to them, or if I pray for a homeless and hungry person to offer to shelter or feed them. In the past when I asked God to help me with a test I am sure this did not exempt me from studying for it. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
I remember once asking God what He was doing to help starving children around the world. Afterward, I had the distinct impression that He was asking me what I was doing to help them. It makes perfect sense to me that when I am praying for someone, that God wants to use me to answer my prayer for them. I might ask God to encourage someone who is in despair only to find Him encouraging me to call them. It might be that when I pray for God to supply the needs of a missionary that He wants me to give some money to them, or if I pray for a homeless and hungry person to offer to shelter or feed them. In the past when I asked God to help me with a test I am sure this did not exempt me from studying for it. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
Sometimes we must be willing to be the answer to our prayers.
“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men...” Gen.14 ESV
I remember once asking God what He was doing to help starving children around the world. Afterward, I had the distinct impression that He was asking me what I was doing to help them. It makes perfect sense to me that when I am praying for someone, that God wants to use me to answer my prayer for them. I might ask God to encourage someone who is in despair only to find Him encouraging me to call them. It might be that when I pray for God to supply the needs of a missionary that He wants me to give some money to them, or if I pray for a homeless and hungry person to offer to shelter or feed them. In the past when I asked God to help me with a test I am sure this did not exempt me from studying for it. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
I remember once asking God what He was doing to help starving children around the world. Afterward, I had the distinct impression that He was asking me what I was doing to help them. It makes perfect sense to me that when I am praying for someone, that God wants to use me to answer my prayer for them. I might ask God to encourage someone who is in despair only to find Him encouraging me to call them. It might be that when I pray for God to supply the needs of a missionary that He wants me to give some money to them, or if I pray for a homeless and hungry person to offer to shelter or feed them. In the past when I asked God to help me with a test I am sure this did not exempt me from studying for it. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
If you want to have a good day, be good and while you're at it, bring goodness to others.
“The Lord is good.” Ps.100
It is pretty simple really. I can choose every day to be a blessing or a bother. Actually, when we decide to benefit others, any refreshment we share splashes back our way. This is why the Bible says that when a man loves his wife he is loving himself. We might as well say that when we love anyone we are loving ourselves. God has designed love so that like the ocean; whatever it shares with the rest of the world eventually returns to it. God isn't opposed to our looking out for our own good. He just wants us to understand that the best way to do that is to look out for the benefit of those around me. No one can be totally selfless but we certainly don't have to be selfish. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
It is pretty simple really. I can choose every day to be a blessing or a bother. Actually, when we decide to benefit others, any refreshment we share splashes back our way. This is why the Bible says that when a man loves his wife he is loving himself. We might as well say that when we love anyone we are loving ourselves. God has designed love so that like the ocean; whatever it shares with the rest of the world eventually returns to it. God isn't opposed to our looking out for our own good. He just wants us to understand that the best way to do that is to look out for the benefit of those around me. No one can be totally selfless but we certainly don't have to be selfish. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
If you want to have a good day, be good and while you're at it, bring goodness to others.
“The Lord is good.” Ps.100
It is pretty simple really. I can choose every day to be a blessing or a bother. Actually, when we decide to benefit others, any refreshment we share splashes back our way. This is why the Bible says that when a man loves his wife he is loving himself. We might as well say that when we love anyone we are loving ourselves. God has designed love so that like the ocean; whatever it shares with the rest of the world eventually returns to it. God isn't opposed to our looking out for our own good. He just wants us to understand that the best way to do that is to look out for the benefit of those around me. No one can be totally selfless but we certainly don't have to be selfish. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
It is pretty simple really. I can choose every day to be a blessing or a bother. Actually, when we decide to benefit others, any refreshment we share splashes back our way. This is why the Bible says that when a man loves his wife he is loving himself. We might as well say that when we love anyone we are loving ourselves. God has designed love so that like the ocean; whatever it shares with the rest of the world eventually returns to it. God isn't opposed to our looking out for our own good. He just wants us to understand that the best way to do that is to look out for the benefit of those around me. No one can be totally selfless but we certainly don't have to be selfish. 7/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
“Be a fountain, not a drain.” Rex Hudler
“When I became a man I gave up childish ways.” 1Cor.13 ESV
The great disease of mankind is selfishness. Imagine how many husband-wife, parent-child, neighbor even enemy relationships would be transformed into something beautiful if we could set aside the stumbling blocks of selfish decisions. Jesus taught us to pursue that world where every person pledges his life for the good of every other person; to understand that life is more than just selfish pursuits but a grand adventure of love. Here is joy, to rise above a self-centered and selfish life and devote yourself to aggressively love others. The practical applications of such a life are staggering especially when applied to the next person I meet, be it spouse, son, neighbor or enemy. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Amelia Island, FL)
The great disease of mankind is selfishness. Imagine how many husband-wife, parent-child, neighbor even enemy relationships would be transformed into something beautiful if we could set aside the stumbling blocks of selfish decisions. Jesus taught us to pursue that world where every person pledges his life for the good of every other person; to understand that life is more than just selfish pursuits but a grand adventure of love. Here is joy, to rise above a self-centered and selfish life and devote yourself to aggressively love others. The practical applications of such a life are staggering especially when applied to the next person I meet, be it spouse, son, neighbor or enemy. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Amelia Island, FL)
“Be a fountain, not a drain.” Rex Hudler
“When I became a man I gave up childish ways.” 1Cor.13 ESV
The great disease of mankind is selfishness. Imagine how many husband-wife, parent-child, neighbor even enemy relationships would be transformed into something beautiful if we could set aside the stumbling blocks of selfish decisions. Jesus taught us to pursue that world where every person pledges his life for the good of every other person; to understand that life is more than just selfish pursuits but a grand adventure of love. Here is joy, to rise above a self-centered and selfish life and devote yourself to aggressively love others. The practical applications of such a life are staggering especially when applied to the next person I meet, be it spouse, son, neighbor or enemy. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Amelia Island, FL)
The great disease of mankind is selfishness. Imagine how many husband-wife, parent-child, neighbor even enemy relationships would be transformed into something beautiful if we could set aside the stumbling blocks of selfish decisions. Jesus taught us to pursue that world where every person pledges his life for the good of every other person; to understand that life is more than just selfish pursuits but a grand adventure of love. Here is joy, to rise above a self-centered and selfish life and devote yourself to aggressively love others. The practical applications of such a life are staggering especially when applied to the next person I meet, be it spouse, son, neighbor or enemy. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Amelia Island, FL)
Monday, July 18, 2011
When I lay hold of all that God is for me I will finally discover all that I am to Him.
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” PS.100 KJV
I no longer wonder why God created people. I am convinced it was not because He was lonely, or bored. I am sure these traits are as foreign to Him as purity is to me. I believe God made us simply because we are the overflow of His goodness and as such, He delights being God to us. This pretty much means that He finds great pleasure providing, guiding, protecting and giving purpose to our lives. When I experience all that it means for God to be God to me, then I will know my place in life. And, nothing can replace the value of knowing your place in life. One question I should ask myself each day is what does God want to be for me in my present circumstance? Knowing this will certainly reveal all He expects from us and of course everything He asks “of” us He is asking “for” us. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I no longer wonder why God created people. I am convinced it was not because He was lonely, or bored. I am sure these traits are as foreign to Him as purity is to me. I believe God made us simply because we are the overflow of His goodness and as such, He delights being God to us. This pretty much means that He finds great pleasure providing, guiding, protecting and giving purpose to our lives. When I experience all that it means for God to be God to me, then I will know my place in life. And, nothing can replace the value of knowing your place in life. One question I should ask myself each day is what does God want to be for me in my present circumstance? Knowing this will certainly reveal all He expects from us and of course everything He asks “of” us He is asking “for” us. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
When I lay hold of all that God is for me I will finally discover all that I am to Him.
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” PS.100 KJV
I no longer wonder why God created people. I am convinced it was not because He was lonely, or bored. I am sure these traits are as foreign to Him as purity is to me. I believe God made us simply because we are the overflow of His goodness and as such, He delights being God to us. This pretty much means that He finds great pleasure providing, guiding, protecting and giving purpose to our lives. When I experience all that it means for God to be God to me, then I will know my place in life. And, nothing can replace the value of knowing your place in life. One question I should ask myself each day is what does God want to be for me in my present circumstance? Knowing this will certainly reveal all He expects from us and of course everything He asks “of” us He is asking “for” us. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I no longer wonder why God created people. I am convinced it was not because He was lonely, or bored. I am sure these traits are as foreign to Him as purity is to me. I believe God made us simply because we are the overflow of His goodness and as such, He delights being God to us. This pretty much means that He finds great pleasure providing, guiding, protecting and giving purpose to our lives. When I experience all that it means for God to be God to me, then I will know my place in life. And, nothing can replace the value of knowing your place in life. One question I should ask myself each day is what does God want to be for me in my present circumstance? Knowing this will certainly reveal all He expects from us and of course everything He asks “of” us He is asking “for” us. 7/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.” Author Unknown
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...” Ps.30 ESV
One secret to contentment, I suppose, is learning to embrace your circumstances; if for no other reason than you believe that God is in control of them. Giving thanks to Him in all things is one way we dance in the rain. It all comes down to being where you are, not fretting over things you cannot change and realizing that your attitude isn't one of them. We always have the power to change that. To dance in the rain expresses a trusting attitude because we dance to the tune of God's sovereign love and shuffle our feet to the superior delights of His joy. 7/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
One secret to contentment, I suppose, is learning to embrace your circumstances; if for no other reason than you believe that God is in control of them. Giving thanks to Him in all things is one way we dance in the rain. It all comes down to being where you are, not fretting over things you cannot change and realizing that your attitude isn't one of them. We always have the power to change that. To dance in the rain expresses a trusting attitude because we dance to the tune of God's sovereign love and shuffle our feet to the superior delights of His joy. 7/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.” Author Unknown
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...” Ps.30 ESV
One secret to contentment, I suppose, is learning to embrace your circumstances; if for no other reason than you believe that God is in control of them. Giving thanks to Him in all things is one way we dance in the rain. It all comes down to being where you are, not fretting over things you cannot change and realizing that your attitude isn't one of them. We always have the power to change that. To dance in the rain expresses a trusting attitude because we dance to the tune of God's sovereign love and shuffle our feet to the superior delights of His joy. 7/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
One secret to contentment, I suppose, is learning to embrace your circumstances; if for no other reason than you believe that God is in control of them. Giving thanks to Him in all things is one way we dance in the rain. It all comes down to being where you are, not fretting over things you cannot change and realizing that your attitude isn't one of them. We always have the power to change that. To dance in the rain expresses a trusting attitude because we dance to the tune of God's sovereign love and shuffle our feet to the superior delights of His joy. 7/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. Faith Whittlesey
“There is a time for everything...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...” Ecc.3 ESV
If life is a dance and so much of it seems like it is, then learning how to follow would be as important as learning to lead. I think women are God's gift to teach the grace and power of following. Being a follower, choosing to unselfishly set aside personal ambition by supporting others is that one attitude of Jesus that adorns all who wear it with unmatched beauty. God uses people who are willing to serve as number two, who play second fiddle, who graciously refuse the lime light and serve in the wings. Thank God for those who graciously lead by following. 7/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If life is a dance and so much of it seems like it is, then learning how to follow would be as important as learning to lead. I think women are God's gift to teach the grace and power of following. Being a follower, choosing to unselfishly set aside personal ambition by supporting others is that one attitude of Jesus that adorns all who wear it with unmatched beauty. God uses people who are willing to serve as number two, who play second fiddle, who graciously refuse the lime light and serve in the wings. Thank God for those who graciously lead by following. 7/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. Faith Whittlesey
“There is a time for everything...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...” Ecc.3 ESV
If life is a dance and so much of it seems like it is, then learning how to follow would be as important as learning to lead. I think women are God's gift to teach the grace and power of following. Being a follower, choosing to unselfishly set aside personal ambition by supporting others is that one attitude of Jesus that adorns all who wear it with unmatched beauty. God uses people who are willing to serve as number two, who play second fiddle, who graciously refuse the lime light and serve in the wings. Thank God for those who graciously lead by following. 7/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If life is a dance and so much of it seems like it is, then learning how to follow would be as important as learning to lead. I think women are God's gift to teach the grace and power of following. Being a follower, choosing to unselfishly set aside personal ambition by supporting others is that one attitude of Jesus that adorns all who wear it with unmatched beauty. God uses people who are willing to serve as number two, who play second fiddle, who graciously refuse the lime light and serve in the wings. Thank God for those who graciously lead by following. 7/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dancing is moving to the music without stepping on anyone's toes, pretty much the same as life. Robert Brault
“Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.” 2Sa.6 ESV
Sometimes, if we dance to the tune of our religious convictions, stepping on other people's toes is unavoidable. The dance floor is crowded with religious diversity; we could even say religious adversity. Even people who say they have no religion practice faith in something. I think if we are to peacefully live together, until God sorts it all out (my atheist friends tolerate me here) we must develop some tough skin where our own beliefs are concerned. If someone steps on my toes, Jesus was pretty clear about the response He expects from His followers. And, when I offend someone by practicing my faith, I can still be gracious towards them. No one should rub religion in the face of another. The best representation of one's faith is how graceful, not how gaudy we dance it. 7/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Sometimes, if we dance to the tune of our religious convictions, stepping on other people's toes is unavoidable. The dance floor is crowded with religious diversity; we could even say religious adversity. Even people who say they have no religion practice faith in something. I think if we are to peacefully live together, until God sorts it all out (my atheist friends tolerate me here) we must develop some tough skin where our own beliefs are concerned. If someone steps on my toes, Jesus was pretty clear about the response He expects from His followers. And, when I offend someone by practicing my faith, I can still be gracious towards them. No one should rub religion in the face of another. The best representation of one's faith is how graceful, not how gaudy we dance it. 7/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Dancing is moving to the music without stepping on anyone's toes, pretty much the same as life. Robert Brault
“Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart.” 2Sa.6 ESV
Sometimes, if we dance to the tune of our religious convictions, stepping on other people's toes is unavoidable. The dance floor is crowded with religious diversity; we could even say religious adversity. Even people who say they have no religion practice faith in something. I think if we are to peacefully live together, until God sorts it all out (my atheist friends tolerate me here) we must develop some tough skin where our own beliefs are concerned. If someone steps on my toes, Jesus was pretty clear about the response He expects from His followers. And, when I offend someone by practicing my faith, I can still be gracious towards them. No one should rub religion in the face of another. The best representation of one's faith is how graceful, not how gaudy we dance it. 7/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Sometimes, if we dance to the tune of our religious convictions, stepping on other people's toes is unavoidable. The dance floor is crowded with religious diversity; we could even say religious adversity. Even people who say they have no religion practice faith in something. I think if we are to peacefully live together, until God sorts it all out (my atheist friends tolerate me here) we must develop some tough skin where our own beliefs are concerned. If someone steps on my toes, Jesus was pretty clear about the response He expects from His followers. And, when I offend someone by practicing my faith, I can still be gracious towards them. No one should rub religion in the face of another. The best representation of one's faith is how graceful, not how gaudy we dance it. 7/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
”Never trust spiritual leader who cannot dance.” Mr. Miyagi
“'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance...” Jesus
People should take a good look at the feet of the people they go for guidance, such as a mentor, a pastor or a coach. If they never dance, if they rarely smile, or they are so caught up in scoring points that they have forgotten how to enjoy the game, beware. Such misery is contagious! It is silly to believe that you can be happy following the advice of the unhappy. 7/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
People should take a good look at the feet of the people they go for guidance, such as a mentor, a pastor or a coach. If they never dance, if they rarely smile, or they are so caught up in scoring points that they have forgotten how to enjoy the game, beware. Such misery is contagious! It is silly to believe that you can be happy following the advice of the unhappy. 7/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
”Never trust spiritual leader who cannot dance.” Mr. Miyagi
“'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance...” Jesus
People should take a good look at the feet of the people they go for guidance, such as a mentor, a pastor or a coach. If they never dance, if they rarely smile, or they are so caught up in scoring points that they have forgotten how to enjoy the game, beware. Such misery is contagious! It is silly to believe that you can be happy following the advice of the unhappy. 7/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
People should take a good look at the feet of the people they go for guidance, such as a mentor, a pastor or a coach. If they never dance, if they rarely smile, or they are so caught up in scoring points that they have forgotten how to enjoy the game, beware. Such misery is contagious! It is silly to believe that you can be happy following the advice of the unhappy. 7/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
“Praise him with tambourine and dance;” Ps.150 ESV
Strange that the German philosopher who wrote that “God is dead,” would write such a fitting description of those dancing the dance of faith and being scrutinized by spectators who have none. I am sure he did not have this in mind when He penned these words. Truly, to love Christ is a dance of faith and it is the music of God that has quickened it in those who believe. Those who do not have faith do not understand why we dance to music they cannot hear. And, if this is a proper notion, as many passages in the Bible assert that it is, you cannot argue the existence of this music to those who are deaf to it. God must heal their ears. Of course they believe that we are the ones that need to be healed by believing in modern science. No amount of reasoning will convince one or the other. The problem is not in the head but in the heart. 7/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Strange that the German philosopher who wrote that “God is dead,” would write such a fitting description of those dancing the dance of faith and being scrutinized by spectators who have none. I am sure he did not have this in mind when He penned these words. Truly, to love Christ is a dance of faith and it is the music of God that has quickened it in those who believe. Those who do not have faith do not understand why we dance to music they cannot hear. And, if this is a proper notion, as many passages in the Bible assert that it is, you cannot argue the existence of this music to those who are deaf to it. God must heal their ears. Of course they believe that we are the ones that need to be healed by believing in modern science. No amount of reasoning will convince one or the other. The problem is not in the head but in the heart. 7/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
“Praise him with tambourine and dance;” Ps.150 ESV
Strange that the German philosopher who wrote that “God is dead,” would write such a fitting description of those dancing the dance of faith and being scrutinized by spectators who have none. I am sure he did not have this in mind when He penned these words. Truly, to love Christ is a dance of faith and it is the music of God that has quickened it in those who believe. Those who do not have faith do not understand why we dance to music they cannot hear. And, if this is a proper notion, as many passages in the Bible assert that it is, you cannot argue the existence of this music to those who are deaf to it. God must heal their ears. Of course they believe that we are the ones that need to be healed by believing in modern science. No amount of reasoning will convince one or the other. The problem is not in the head but in the heart. 7/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Strange that the German philosopher who wrote that “God is dead,” would write such a fitting description of those dancing the dance of faith and being scrutinized by spectators who have none. I am sure he did not have this in mind when He penned these words. Truly, to love Christ is a dance of faith and it is the music of God that has quickened it in those who believe. Those who do not have faith do not understand why we dance to music they cannot hear. And, if this is a proper notion, as many passages in the Bible assert that it is, you cannot argue the existence of this music to those who are deaf to it. God must heal their ears. Of course they believe that we are the ones that need to be healed by believing in modern science. No amount of reasoning will convince one or the other. The problem is not in the head but in the heart. 7/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Monday, July 11, 2011
“Kids...dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.” William Stafford
“...and their children dance.” Job 21 ESV
I love to dance. Turn on any music with a beat and I start to sway with the rhythm. I dance in our tiny camper, in the car and to Brenda's embarrassment, just about anywhere there is music. I can't dance very well, my kids make fun of my monkey movements but dancing well isn't the point. Dancing expresses one aspect of that childlike heart Jesus spoke of and I never want to grow out of it. There are some things in life you don't want to outgrow but only move deeper and deeper into them. And, a childlike heart is one of them. Who doesn't like watching a child dance? Dance for pleasure; dance also for His pleasure. 7/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
I love to dance. Turn on any music with a beat and I start to sway with the rhythm. I dance in our tiny camper, in the car and to Brenda's embarrassment, just about anywhere there is music. I can't dance very well, my kids make fun of my monkey movements but dancing well isn't the point. Dancing expresses one aspect of that childlike heart Jesus spoke of and I never want to grow out of it. There are some things in life you don't want to outgrow but only move deeper and deeper into them. And, a childlike heart is one of them. Who doesn't like watching a child dance? Dance for pleasure; dance also for His pleasure. 7/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
“Kids...dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.” William Stafford
“...and their children dance.” Job 21 ESV
I love to dance. Turn on any music with a beat and I start to sway with the rhythm. I dance in our tiny camper, in the car and to Brenda's embarrassment, just about anywhere there is music. I can't dance very well, my kids make fun of my monkey movements but dancing well isn't the point. Dancing expresses one aspect of that childlike heart Jesus spoke of and I never want to grow out of it. There are some things in life you don't want to outgrow but only move deeper and deeper into them. And, a childlike heart is one of them. Who doesn't like watching a child dance? Dance for pleasure; dance also for His pleasure. 7/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
I love to dance. Turn on any music with a beat and I start to sway with the rhythm. I dance in our tiny camper, in the car and to Brenda's embarrassment, just about anywhere there is music. I can't dance very well, my kids make fun of my monkey movements but dancing well isn't the point. Dancing expresses one aspect of that childlike heart Jesus spoke of and I never want to grow out of it. There are some things in life you don't want to outgrow but only move deeper and deeper into them. And, a childlike heart is one of them. Who doesn't like watching a child dance? Dance for pleasure; dance also for His pleasure. 7/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Saturday, July 9, 2011
“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.” -unknown
“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1Thess.4 ESV
A secure future certainly means a secure present. If you know that everything will be alright tomorrow what is there to fear today? Some believe that you should seize today because you are not promised tomorrow. Jesus tells us to seize today because tomorrow is promised and with it all that eternal life holds. What I do with the time I am given today will influence all my tomorrows. Every seed I plant today will be multiplied many times over tomorrow. If there was ever a reason to give myself fully to this day, it is because of tomorrow. 7/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
A secure future certainly means a secure present. If you know that everything will be alright tomorrow what is there to fear today? Some believe that you should seize today because you are not promised tomorrow. Jesus tells us to seize today because tomorrow is promised and with it all that eternal life holds. What I do with the time I am given today will influence all my tomorrows. Every seed I plant today will be multiplied many times over tomorrow. If there was ever a reason to give myself fully to this day, it is because of tomorrow. 7/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.” -unknown
“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1Thess.4 ESV
A secure future certainly means a secure present. If you know that everything will be alright tomorrow what is there to fear today? Some believe that you should seize today because you are not promised tomorrow. Jesus tells us to seize today because tomorrow is promised and with it all that eternal life holds. What I do with the time I am given today will influence all my tomorrows. Every seed I plant today will be multiplied many times over tomorrow. If there was ever a reason to give myself fully to this day, it is because of tomorrow. 7/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
A secure future certainly means a secure present. If you know that everything will be alright tomorrow what is there to fear today? Some believe that you should seize today because you are not promised tomorrow. Jesus tells us to seize today because tomorrow is promised and with it all that eternal life holds. What I do with the time I am given today will influence all my tomorrows. Every seed I plant today will be multiplied many times over tomorrow. If there was ever a reason to give myself fully to this day, it is because of tomorrow. 7/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Friday, July 8, 2011
“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”-unknown
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Prov.25 NIV
Learning how to encourage our own heart is one of the most effective skills for living a fruitful life. We all get discouraged from time to time, especially when we are trying to break some bad habit or acquire a healthy one. And, even though the encouragements of a friend are helpful, there is no encouragement quite like our own. After all, neither God nor our friends can lose weight or eat healthy for us. Once we choose a good course of action, we must learn how to argue ourselves back into it once we start to waver from it. God will help us find the right words to say, but each of us must speak them to our heart and speak them till “we” believe in them again. 7/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Learning how to encourage our own heart is one of the most effective skills for living a fruitful life. We all get discouraged from time to time, especially when we are trying to break some bad habit or acquire a healthy one. And, even though the encouragements of a friend are helpful, there is no encouragement quite like our own. After all, neither God nor our friends can lose weight or eat healthy for us. Once we choose a good course of action, we must learn how to argue ourselves back into it once we start to waver from it. God will help us find the right words to say, but each of us must speak them to our heart and speak them till “we” believe in them again. 7/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”-unknown
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Prov.25 NIV
Learning how to encourage our own heart is one of the most effective skills for living a fruitful life. We all get discouraged from time to time, especially when we are trying to break some bad habit or acquire a healthy one. And, even though the encouragements of a friend are helpful, there is no encouragement quite like our own. After all, neither God nor our friends can lose weight or eat healthy for us. Once we choose a good course of action, we must learn how to argue ourselves back into it once we start to waver from it. God will help us find the right words to say, but each of us must speak them to our heart and speak them till “we” believe in them again. 7/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Learning how to encourage our own heart is one of the most effective skills for living a fruitful life. We all get discouraged from time to time, especially when we are trying to break some bad habit or acquire a healthy one. And, even though the encouragements of a friend are helpful, there is no encouragement quite like our own. After all, neither God nor our friends can lose weight or eat healthy for us. Once we choose a good course of action, we must learn how to argue ourselves back into it once we start to waver from it. God will help us find the right words to say, but each of us must speak them to our heart and speak them till “we” believe in them again. 7/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
“Taking an interest in what others are thinking and doing is often a much more powerful form of encouragement than praise.” Robert Martin
“Do not merely look after your own interest...value others....” Phil.2
My friends have been a powerful encouragement in my life. One friend in particular has worked with me on several personal projects and takes as much interest in them as I do. I have discovered he does this with all his friends. His kindness has caused me to ask if I am as enthusiastic about helping someone with their project as I am my own. The honest answer is no but my friend's service has encouraged me to acquire a taste for it. I believe it was C. S. Lewis who said, "The joys of heaven are for most of us, in our present condition, an acquired taste." I am being transported there, transformed by God's love for me and expressed though the people in my life. 6/30/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
My friends have been a powerful encouragement in my life. One friend in particular has worked with me on several personal projects and takes as much interest in them as I do. I have discovered he does this with all his friends. His kindness has caused me to ask if I am as enthusiastic about helping someone with their project as I am my own. The honest answer is no but my friend's service has encouraged me to acquire a taste for it. I believe it was C. S. Lewis who said, "The joys of heaven are for most of us, in our present condition, an acquired taste." I am being transported there, transformed by God's love for me and expressed though the people in my life. 6/30/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
“Taking an interest in what others are thinking and doing is often a much more powerful form of encouragement than praise.” Robert Martin
“Do not merely look after your own interest...value others....” Phil.2
My friends have been a powerful encouragement in my life. One friend in particular has worked with me on several personal projects and takes as much interest in them as I do. I have discovered he does this with all his friends. His kindness has caused me to ask if I am as enthusiastic about helping someone with their project as I am my own. The honest answer is no but my friend's service has encouraged me to acquire a taste for it. I believe it was C. S. Lewis who said, "The joys of heaven are for most of us, in our present condition, an acquired taste." I am being transported there, transformed by God's love for me and expressed though the people in my life. 6/30/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
My friends have been a powerful encouragement in my life. One friend in particular has worked with me on several personal projects and takes as much interest in them as I do. I have discovered he does this with all his friends. His kindness has caused me to ask if I am as enthusiastic about helping someone with their project as I am my own. The honest answer is no but my friend's service has encouraged me to acquire a taste for it. I believe it was C. S. Lewis who said, "The joys of heaven are for most of us, in our present condition, an acquired taste." I am being transported there, transformed by God's love for me and expressed though the people in my life. 6/30/2011 Conversations Within ts (Sunshine State)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success”
“...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all”. 1Thess.5 ESV
Who has not felt the power of an encouraging word from a friend, especially after a fall. My grandson is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. I noticed that when he would topple over, he would turn my way with a sort of embarrassed, “I'm not sure about this” look. But when I would give him a thumb's up and tell him to look how far he had ridden, that look would turn immediately into a big boyish smile and he was ready to go again. It is said that we never forget how to ride a bicycle; I think we never forget how to fall down as well. If there is ever a time to encourage people, it is when they have dust on the back of their breeches. Be an encourager. 6/29/2011 Conversations Within ts
Who has not felt the power of an encouraging word from a friend, especially after a fall. My grandson is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. I noticed that when he would topple over, he would turn my way with a sort of embarrassed, “I'm not sure about this” look. But when I would give him a thumb's up and tell him to look how far he had ridden, that look would turn immediately into a big boyish smile and he was ready to go again. It is said that we never forget how to ride a bicycle; I think we never forget how to fall down as well. If there is ever a time to encourage people, it is when they have dust on the back of their breeches. Be an encourager. 6/29/2011 Conversations Within ts
“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success”
“...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all”. 1Thess.5 ESV
Who has not felt the power of an encouraging word from a friend, especially after a fall. My grandson is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. I noticed that when he would topple over, he would turn my way with a sort of embarrassed, “I'm not sure about this” look. But when I would give him a thumb's up and tell him to look how far he had ridden, that look would turn immediately into a big boyish smile and he was ready to go again. It is said that we never forget how to ride a bicycle; I think we never forget how to fall down as well. If there is ever a time to encourage people, it is when they have dust on the back of their breeches. Be an encourager. 6/29/2011 Conversations Within ts
Who has not felt the power of an encouraging word from a friend, especially after a fall. My grandson is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. I noticed that when he would topple over, he would turn my way with a sort of embarrassed, “I'm not sure about this” look. But when I would give him a thumb's up and tell him to look how far he had ridden, that look would turn immediately into a big boyish smile and he was ready to go again. It is said that we never forget how to ride a bicycle; I think we never forget how to fall down as well. If there is ever a time to encourage people, it is when they have dust on the back of their breeches. Be an encourager. 6/29/2011 Conversations Within ts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Pro.27 ESV
It is entirely possible to correct someone and encourage them at the same time. And, since a wise person not only shares wisdom but shares it wisely, learning to do this can make a needed rebuke more palatable. What good is correction or a rebuke if it is rejected. Consider the power of positive influence from someone who patiently praises your one act of patience after listening a whole morning of impatience or who tells you how much they appreciate your compliment when you normally are critical. Perhaps we should not only consider what our friends need to hear but how they need to hear it if we really want to encourage them. 6/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
It is entirely possible to correct someone and encourage them at the same time. And, since a wise person not only shares wisdom but shares it wisely, learning to do this can make a needed rebuke more palatable. What good is correction or a rebuke if it is rejected. Consider the power of positive influence from someone who patiently praises your one act of patience after listening a whole morning of impatience or who tells you how much they appreciate your compliment when you normally are critical. Perhaps we should not only consider what our friends need to hear but how they need to hear it if we really want to encourage them. 6/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Pro.27 ESV
It is entirely possible to correct someone and encourage them at the same time. And, since a wise person not only shares wisdom but shares it wisely, learning to do this can make a needed rebuke more palatable. What good is correction or a rebuke if it is rejected. Consider the power of positive influence from someone who patiently praises your one act of patience after listening a whole morning of impatience or who tells you how much they appreciate your compliment when you normally are critical. Perhaps we should not only consider what our friends need to hear but how they need to hear it if we really want to encourage them. 6/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
It is entirely possible to correct someone and encourage them at the same time. And, since a wise person not only shares wisdom but shares it wisely, learning to do this can make a needed rebuke more palatable. What good is correction or a rebuke if it is rejected. Consider the power of positive influence from someone who patiently praises your one act of patience after listening a whole morning of impatience or who tells you how much they appreciate your compliment when you normally are critical. Perhaps we should not only consider what our friends need to hear but how they need to hear it if we really want to encourage them. 6/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
Monday, July 4, 2011
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
... Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” William Arthur Ward
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.” Jesus
I prayed the other day that a friend would have an real encounter with God. As soon as I whispered this prayer, I heard a quiet voice inside reply that that is exactly what I am supposed to be when people spend time with me. If I believe that Christ lives in me, then surely He should show though in my every interaction. I can usually tell when He does when I hear encouraging, instead of critical words coming from my mouth. I have never felt like Christ wanted me to flatter someone, or criticize them or ignore them but I feel compelled to encourage people all of the time. His encouragements to me are one of my favorite things about getting to know Him. Christ is a coach to those who genuinely seek Him not a critic. When Christ spoke critical words it was mainly to people who were leading others down dangerous paths. 6/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.” Jesus
I prayed the other day that a friend would have an real encounter with God. As soon as I whispered this prayer, I heard a quiet voice inside reply that that is exactly what I am supposed to be when people spend time with me. If I believe that Christ lives in me, then surely He should show though in my every interaction. I can usually tell when He does when I hear encouraging, instead of critical words coming from my mouth. I have never felt like Christ wanted me to flatter someone, or criticize them or ignore them but I feel compelled to encourage people all of the time. His encouragements to me are one of my favorite things about getting to know Him. Christ is a coach to those who genuinely seek Him not a critic. When Christ spoke critical words it was mainly to people who were leading others down dangerous paths. 6/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
... Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” William Arthur Ward
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.” Jesus
I prayed the other day that a friend would have an real encounter with God. As soon as I whispered this prayer, I heard a quiet voice inside reply that that is exactly what I am supposed to be when people spend time with me. If I believe that Christ lives in me, then surely He should show though in my every interaction. I can usually tell when He does when I hear encouraging, instead of critical words coming from my mouth. I have never felt like Christ wanted me to flatter someone, or criticize them or ignore them but I feel compelled to encourage people all of the time. His encouragements to me are one of my favorite things about getting to know Him. Christ is a coach to those who genuinely seek Him not a critic. When Christ spoke critical words it was mainly to people who were leading others down dangerous paths. 6/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.” Jesus
I prayed the other day that a friend would have an real encounter with God. As soon as I whispered this prayer, I heard a quiet voice inside reply that that is exactly what I am supposed to be when people spend time with me. If I believe that Christ lives in me, then surely He should show though in my every interaction. I can usually tell when He does when I hear encouraging, instead of critical words coming from my mouth. I have never felt like Christ wanted me to flatter someone, or criticize them or ignore them but I feel compelled to encourage people all of the time. His encouragements to me are one of my favorite things about getting to know Him. Christ is a coach to those who genuinely seek Him not a critic. When Christ spoke critical words it was mainly to people who were leading others down dangerous paths. 6/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.” Spanish Proverb
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” Pro.26 ESV
I wish my children had never heard me speak a critical or unkind word about another person; sadly, I know they have. But, and this is an important but, I can see no reason why they need to ever hear one again. When it comes to criticism and gossip I can think of no better way to deal with them than the eloquent words of Barney Fife, “Nip it, nip it in the bud!” 6/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I wish my children had never heard me speak a critical or unkind word about another person; sadly, I know they have. But, and this is an important but, I can see no reason why they need to ever hear one again. When it comes to criticism and gossip I can think of no better way to deal with them than the eloquent words of Barney Fife, “Nip it, nip it in the bud!” 6/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.” Spanish Proverb
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” Pro.26 ESV
I wish my children had never heard me speak a critical or unkind word about another person; sadly, I know they have. But, and this is an important but, I can see no reason why they need to ever hear one again. When it comes to criticism and gossip I can think of no better way to deal with them than the eloquent words of Barney Fife, “Nip it, nip it in the bud!” 6/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I wish my children had never heard me speak a critical or unkind word about another person; sadly, I know they have. But, and this is an important but, I can see no reason why they need to ever hear one again. When it comes to criticism and gossip I can think of no better way to deal with them than the eloquent words of Barney Fife, “Nip it, nip it in the bud!” 6/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Friday, July 1, 2011
“Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to.” Author Unknown
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Pro.16 ESV
Recently I filled out a feedback form on services offered by a campground and gave a rather harsh review. When I came to the end of the form I realized that they also wanted my name and address. When I reread what I had written, I did not want to sign my name to it. I threw the card away. It is one thing to speak anonymously and another to put your name to it. I think we would give greater attention to what we say about people if we had to sign our name to the damage our gossips cause or if we just had to sign our name to gossips that originate with us. If we had to sign off on every thing we said about someone else we would probably strike quite a few lines. One problem is that we cannot edit what we say once it is said. Another, is that there are no anonymous rumors before God. 6/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Recently I filled out a feedback form on services offered by a campground and gave a rather harsh review. When I came to the end of the form I realized that they also wanted my name and address. When I reread what I had written, I did not want to sign my name to it. I threw the card away. It is one thing to speak anonymously and another to put your name to it. I think we would give greater attention to what we say about people if we had to sign our name to the damage our gossips cause or if we just had to sign our name to gossips that originate with us. If we had to sign off on every thing we said about someone else we would probably strike quite a few lines. One problem is that we cannot edit what we say once it is said. Another, is that there are no anonymous rumors before God. 6/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to.” Author Unknown
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Pro.16 ESV
Recently I filled out a feedback form on services offered by a campground and gave a rather harsh review. When I came to the end of the form I realized that they also wanted my name and address. When I reread what I had written, I did not want to sign my name to it. I threw the card away. It is one thing to speak anonymously and another to put your name to it. I think we would give greater attention to what we say about people if we had to sign our name to the damage our gossips cause or if we just had to sign our name to gossips that originate with us. If we had to sign off on every thing we said about someone else we would probably strike quite a few lines. One problem is that we cannot edit what we say once it is said. Another, is that there are no anonymous rumors before God. 6/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Recently I filled out a feedback form on services offered by a campground and gave a rather harsh review. When I came to the end of the form I realized that they also wanted my name and address. When I reread what I had written, I did not want to sign my name to it. I threw the card away. It is one thing to speak anonymously and another to put your name to it. I think we would give greater attention to what we say about people if we had to sign our name to the damage our gossips cause or if we just had to sign our name to gossips that originate with us. If we had to sign off on every thing we said about someone else we would probably strike quite a few lines. One problem is that we cannot edit what we say once it is said. Another, is that there are no anonymous rumors before God. 6/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
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