"Action is the foundational key to all success." -Pablo Picasso

“Live as God's obedient children...” 1Pet.1

Lets face it; knowing isn’t doing, talking isn’t doing, doing is doing. But doing isn’t all that matters. If action is the key to success, then for the Christian, obedient action is what counts  Someone has said that the goal isn’t just to get things done but to get the right things done. Let me be inclined toward action, but let me act on what God is telling me to do. Conversations Within ts 8/25/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

"Action is the foundational key to all success." -Pablo Picasso

“Live as God's obedient children...” 1Pet.1

Lets face it; knowing isn’t doing, talking isn’t doing, doing is doing. But doing isn’t all that matters. If action is the key to success, then for the Christian, obedient action is what counts  Someone has said that the goal isn’t just to get things done but to get the right things done. Let me be inclined toward action, but let me act on what God is telling me to do. Conversations Within ts 8/25/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar

“I have fought a good fight,I have finished [my] course,I have kept the faith.” Paul the Apostle

Accomplishment, like character, is surely a process. Planning, preparing,starting, following through, and finishing are all necessary steps to any successful endeavor. Character is borne out of the successful completion of what we do. But the kind of character we develop will be determined by what we set out to do. After all, I can be a successful bank robber or murderer. What we do,not just how effectively we do it, will determine who we become. It has been said that many people have climbed the ladder of success only to find it leaning against the wrong building. Conversations Within ts 8/24/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar

“I have fought a good fight,I have finished [my] course,I have kept the faith.” Paul the Apostle

Accomplishment, like character, is surely a process. Planning, preparing,starting, following through, and finishing are all necessary steps to any successful endeavor. Character is borne out of the successful completion of what we do. But the kind of character we develop will be determined by what we set out to do. After all, I can be a successful bank robber or murderer. What we do,not just how effectively we do it, will determine who we become. It has been said that many people have climbed the ladder of success only to find it leaning against the wrong building. Conversations Within ts 8/24/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

“What is planting without watering and watering without weeding?”

“I passed by the field of a sluggard,by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold,it was all overgrown with thorns;the ground was covered with nettles,and its stone wall was broken down.” Prov.24

Just about every important thing in life requires active maintenance. This means that all we have to do to fail in a relationship,or in matters of faith, or something as simple as our personal health, is to do nothing. Let me take a lesson from gardening--for life is surely a garden. Weeds are sure to grow and chock out everything I value if I don’t purposefully nurture my garden everyday. But take heart! A good harvest surely comes to everyone who works in their garden every day. Conversations Within ts 8/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“What is planting without watering and watering without weeding?”

“I passed by the field of a sluggard,by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold,it was all overgrown with thorns;the ground was covered with nettles,and its stone wall was broken down.” Prov.24

Just about every important thing in life requires active maintenance. This means that all we have to do to fail in a relationship,or in matters of faith, or something as simple as our personal health, is to do nothing. Let me take a lesson from gardening--for life is surely a garden. Weeds are sure to grow and chock out everything I value if I don’t purposefully nurture my garden everyday. But take heart! A good harvest surely comes to everyone who works in their garden every day. Conversations Within ts 8/23/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.”

'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Jesus

Effective follow-through not only requires adequate preparation; it also carries with it a simple persistence. Most things worth doing require a stick-to-it, keep on keeping on, blood sweat and tears formula. If you are convinced of the goodness of something, keep at it until it is done. But remember, some things in life are never done until “you” are done. Loving people is one of them. Conversations Within ts 8/21/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

“In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.”

'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Jesus

Effective follow-through not only requires adequate preparation; it also carries with it a simple persistence. Most things worth doing require a stick-to-it, keep on keeping on, blood sweat and tears formula. If you are convinced of the goodness of something, keep at it until it is done. But remember, some things in life are never done until “you” are done. Loving people is one of them. Conversations Within ts 8/21/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

I can give you a six-word formula for success: "Think things through - then follow through” Sir Walter Scott

"Go to the ant...consider her ways...she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." Pro.6

The difference between success and failure in most thing is simple preparation. We should not only prepare "to" succeed, but prepare "in order to" succeed. For instance, if I want to leave a place better than I find it, I may want to carry trash bags in my car wherever I go. If I believe it is good to recycle, I may want to take time and prepare recycling bins to sort out my trash. Often, good intentions are lost because we do not follow up a good decision with the adequate preparation to make it possible. If I would rise each day to spend time with God, I may need to go to bed earlier. Prepare before you proceed! Conversations Within ts 8/21/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

I can give you a six-word formula for success: "Think things through - then follow through” Sir Walter Scott

"Go to the ant...consider her ways...she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." Pro.6

The difference between success and failure in most thing is simple preparation. We should not only prepare "to" succeed, but prepare "in order to" succeed. For instance, if I want to leave a place better than I find it, I may want to carry trash bags in my car wherever I go. If I believe it is good to recycle, I may want to take time and prepare recycling bins to sort out my trash. Often, good intentions are lost because we do not follow up a good decision with the adequate preparation to make it possible. If I would rise each day to spend time with God, I may need to go to bed earlier. Prepare before you proceed! Conversations Within ts 8/21/2012 (Camp Farrington,AL)

“Just do it!” Nike

“Be doers....” James

Our Labrador Maggie is full of lessons about life. For instance, action is everything, words about action are nothing. If I talk about playing ball she lifts her head but looks with reservation. If she hears the words, “later” or “tomorrow” with it, she lowers her head with a,“Yeah right,” kind of look. Maggie does not live in the past or the future, but in the present. Right now is the only thing that matters. She does not appreciate promises or good intentions only the delivery of one actions. She jumps to her feet only when I jump to mine. I sort of think Maggie reflects God’s sentiments about doing instead of talking about doing. Conversations Within ts 8/20/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

“Just do it!” Nike

“Be doers....” James

Our Labrador Maggie is full of lessons about life. For instance, action is everything, words about action are nothing. If I talk about playing ball she lifts her head but looks with reservation. If she hears the words, “later” or “tomorrow” with it, she lowers her head with a,“Yeah right,” kind of look. Maggie does not live in the past or the future, but in the present. Right now is the only thing that matters. She does not appreciate promises or good intentions only the delivery of one actions. She jumps to her feet only when I jump to mine. I sort of think Maggie reflects God’s sentiments about doing instead of talking about doing. Conversations Within ts 8/20/2012 (Hayneville, AL)

“Some persons are very decisive when it comes to avoiding decisions.” Brendan Francis

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Pro.21

Holding off on a decision or deciding something a little at a time is not necessarily procrastination; it may prove to be a strategic move to discover what is best . Creative alternatives often spring up to those who patiently decide. Such wisdom can also keep us from emotional decisions that lead to regret and instead lead us to make our choices based on what is good, right and true. Do not let the urgent demands of emotion cloud your sight on matters which are ultimately important. Strategic decisions calculate not only what is best but the best way to achieve it. Conversations Within ts 8/16/2012 (Denver, CO)

“Some persons are very decisive when it comes to avoiding decisions.” Brendan Francis

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Pro.21

Holding off on a decision or deciding something a little at a time is not necessarily procrastination; it may prove to be a strategic move to discover what is best . Creative alternatives often spring up to those who patiently decide. Such wisdom can also keep us from emotional decisions that lead to regret and instead lead us to make our choices based on what is good, right and true. Do not let the urgent demands of emotion cloud your sight on matters which are ultimately important. Strategic decisions calculate not only what is best but the best way to achieve it. Conversations Within ts 8/16/2012 (Denver, CO)

“Plan when to throw in the towel.” Dr. Watson

“There is...a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.” Ecc.3 Someone has said that insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. If something I have planned to do is not working out maybe I should just drop it or at least change my approach doing it. There is a time to abandon ship. It may be something as simple as reading through the Bible in a year--something many people have started, only to be frustrated when they fall behind. I may get more out of my reading if I forget reading it on a timetable and just read it every day. There are a number of activities that could be be tweaked with this wisdom. Conversations Within ts 8/15/2012 (Denver, CO)

“Plan when to throw in the towel.” Dr. Watson

“There is...a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.” Ecc.3 Someone has said that insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. If something I have planned to do is not working out maybe I should just drop it or at least change my approach doing it. There is a time to abandon ship. It may be something as simple as reading through the Bible in a year--something many people have started, only to be frustrated when they fall behind. I may get more out of my reading if I forget reading it on a timetable and just read it every day. There are a number of activities that could be be tweaked with this wisdom. Conversations Within ts 8/15/2012 (Denver, CO)

“When quitting is no longer an option, you're half way there.” Anonymous

“What God has joined together, let no one tear apart.” Jesus

Should we ever factor in the possibility of quitting? I think it depends on what we are talking about. If we are talking about some project, sure--why not if it no longer brings you or others joy? If we are talking about something like marriage, Jesus tells us that the only time quitting is an option is if our partner quits on us by breaking their vows. I think there are times when it is wise to plan when we will “throw in the towel” but I am certain that relationships rarely qualify. Doing whatever it takes is the inherent trust of things like marriage, parenting, friendship and faith. Conversations Within ts 8/14/2012 (Moab, UT)

“When quitting is no longer an option, you're half way there.” Anonymous

“What God has joined together, let no one tear apart.” Jesus

Should we ever factor in the possibility of quitting? I think it depends on what we are talking about. If we are talking about some project, sure--why not if it no longer brings you or others joy? If we are talking about something like marriage, Jesus tells us that the only time quitting is an option is if our partner quits on us by breaking their vows. I think there are times when it is wise to plan when we will “throw in the towel” but I am certain that relationships rarely qualify. Doing whatever it takes is the inherent trust of things like marriage, parenting, friendship and faith. Conversations Within ts 8/14/2012 (Moab, UT)

“Leave yourself room to maneuver.” Anonymous

“If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." Abraham

“Leave yourself room to maneuver.” “Keep your options open.” “Don't box yourself in.” All of these cliches pass down to us the wisdom of avoiding decisions that hem us into an irreversible and potentially irrecoverable situation. Cutting your hand off is an irreversible decision. You may be able to recover from it by learning to use the other hand but not without real loss. Sometimes irreversible decisions are unavoidable and sometimes burning some bridges is even desirable, but on the whole it is better to take time with a permanent decision. Conversations Within ts 8/13/2012 (Tetons, WY)

“Leave yourself room to maneuver.” Anonymous

“If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." Abraham

“Leave yourself room to maneuver.” “Keep your options open.” “Don't box yourself in.” All of these cliches pass down to us the wisdom of avoiding decisions that hem us into an irreversible and potentially irrecoverable situation. Cutting your hand off is an irreversible decision. You may be able to recover from it by learning to use the other hand but not without real loss. Sometimes irreversible decisions are unavoidable and sometimes burning some bridges is even desirable, but on the whole it is better to take time with a permanent decision. Conversations Within ts 8/13/2012 (Tetons, WY)

Some things can be decided all at once, others are best decided a little at a time.

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” Jesus

Recently I was confronted by a matter of great importance to me and did not know what to do. I called some trusted friends and even though they could not tell me what to do, they agreed that I did not have to settle everything that day. Some things are best decided a little at a time. Deciding to be patient until you are certain of the path is always a step in the right direction. Focus on what you know is good and right and true and wait for God to show you the next step. Sure footed steps may be slow but they are safe. Conversations Within ts 8/12/2012 (Yellowstone, WY)

Some things can be decided all at once, others are best decided a little at a time.

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” Jesus

Recently I was confronted by a matter of great importance to me and did not know what to do. I called some trusted friends and even though they could not tell me what to do, they agreed that I did not have to settle everything that day. Some things are best decided a little at a time. Deciding to be patient until you are certain of the path is always a step in the right direction. Focus on what you know is good and right and true and wait for God to show you the next step. Sure footed steps may be slow but they are safe. Conversations Within ts 8/12/2012 (Yellowstone, WY)

“Life is hard yard by yard; life's a cinch inch by inch.”

‘Do not worry about tomorrow.” Jesus

The best way to take life easy is to take it one moment at a time. Have you noticed that most of life's worries are future possibilities not present realities? It you cannot attend to something right now, don't waste energy worrying about it. Instead, attend to the present with all of your heart. The next step is all that you can take anyway. You can't be at that meeting tomorrow; that doctor's appointment next week. Be where you are because where you are is the only place where you can truly experience life as God intends. Conversations Within ts 8/11/2012 (Yellowstone, WY)

“Life is hard yard by yard; life's a cinch inch by inch.”

‘Do not worry about tomorrow.” Jesus

The best way to take life easy is to take it one moment at a time. Have you noticed that most of life's worries are future possibilities not present realities? It you cannot attend to something right now, don't waste energy worrying about it. Instead, attend to the present with all of your heart. The next step is all that you can take anyway. You can't be at that meeting tomorrow; that doctor's appointment next week. Be where you are because where you are is the only place where you can truly experience life as God intends. Conversations Within ts 8/11/2012 (Yellowstone, WY)

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

“I am the way the truth and the life...” Jesus

Dark days come to all who share life in this place but darkness matters little if you carry your own light. I am learning the great value of shining the light of truth by speaking it to my heart. Learning how to manage your fears and doubts is one of the most important lessons in life and the best way to do this is to talk truth to yourself rather than listen to those inner voices lying to you. Of course one must know the truth before they can speak it to themselves. Learning the source of truth in this relativistic society can be a challenge, perhaps the most important one in life. Years ago, I decided that truth is a person and I have fared well listening to Him. Conversations Within ts 8/10/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

“I am the way the truth and the life...” Jesus

Dark days come to all who share life in this place but darkness matters little if you carry your own light. I am learning the great value of shining the light of truth by speaking it to my heart. Learning how to manage your fears and doubts is one of the most important lessons in life and the best way to do this is to talk truth to yourself rather than listen to those inner voices lying to you. Of course one must know the truth before they can speak it to themselves. Learning the source of truth in this relativistic society can be a challenge, perhaps the most important one in life. Years ago, I decided that truth is a person and I have fared well listening to Him. Conversations Within ts 8/10/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home.” ~Author Unknown

“You are all sons of the light and sons of the day.” 1Thess.5 NIV There are so many ways to turn a light on in this world of darkness. Kindness is the switch. Speak encouraging words; offer a helping hand; clean up after someone else. Survey life through the eyes of goodness and light will radiate wherever you go. Leave a place better than you found it; people lifted up by your presence and God praised by a grateful heart. Conversations Within ts 8/9/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home.” ~Author Unknown

“You are all sons of the light and sons of the day.” 1Thess.5 NIV There are so many ways to turn a light on in this world of darkness. Kindness is the switch. Speak encouraging words; offer a helping hand; clean up after someone else. Survey life through the eyes of goodness and light will radiate wherever you go. Leave a place better than you found it; people lifted up by your presence and God praised by a grateful heart. Conversations Within ts 8/9/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.” ~James Thurber

You are the light of the world. Jesus

A headlamp is real handy for seeing what you are doing in the dark but it does have a drawback. Usually when people talk to you, you look them in the face and when you do this with a headlamp you blind them. Some well meaning Christians often do this with the light of faith. Their witness is an “in your face” kind of thing and instead of helping people see, the result is just the opposite. Let your light shine, not in the face but on the path. Conversations Within ts 8/7/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“There are two kinds of light - the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.” ~James Thurber

You are the light of the world. Jesus

A headlamp is real handy for seeing what you are doing in the dark but it does have a drawback. Usually when people talk to you, you look them in the face and when you do this with a headlamp you blind them. Some well meaning Christians often do this with the light of faith. Their witness is an “in your face” kind of thing and instead of helping people see, the result is just the opposite. Let your light shine, not in the face but on the path. Conversations Within ts 8/7/2012 (West Glacier, MT)

“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” ~Chinese Proverb

“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Jesus

If we want to be a light to others, we should lead by example-- living what is good and right and true. Somehow we have been conned into the mistaken notion that we are a Christian if we believe the right stuff. We tend to measure truth by truthful propositions not by truthful practice. This inclines us toward being a critic rather than being a disciple of Christ. Instead of pointing out all that is wrong in the world, let me live what is right. Turn on the light, by being light, not by describing it. Conversations Within ts 8/7/2012 (Kalispell, MT)

“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” ~Chinese Proverb

“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Jesus

If we want to be a light to others, we should lead by example-- living what is good and right and true. Somehow we have been conned into the mistaken notion that we are a Christian if we believe the right stuff. We tend to measure truth by truthful propositions not by truthful practice. This inclines us toward being a critic rather than being a disciple of Christ. Instead of pointing out all that is wrong in the world, let me live what is right. Turn on the light, by being light, not by describing it. Conversations Within ts 8/7/2012 (Kalispell, MT)

“Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?” ~Maurice Freehill

“...as you love yourself.” Jesus

We may think it better to pass judgment on ourselves than on others but we are probably no better at it either way. If we want a truthful look at our self, God offers His assistance and not to condemn us but to help us examine where we need His help to change. His light comes to show us the path, not make us feel guilty that we are not on it. Shame is a poor motive for change. His Spirit may let us start there, but there are better motives that He would teach us. One is simply to love ourselves with enough practical enthusiasm to desire what is best. Conversations Within ts 8/6/2012 (Mount Hood, OR)

“Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark or the man afraid of the light?” ~Maurice Freehill

“...as you love yourself.” Jesus

We may think it better to pass judgment on ourselves than on others but we are probably no better at it either way. If we want a truthful look at our self, God offers His assistance and not to condemn us but to help us examine where we need His help to change. His light comes to show us the path, not make us feel guilty that we are not on it. Shame is a poor motive for change. His Spirit may let us start there, but there are better motives that He would teach us. One is simply to love ourselves with enough practical enthusiasm to desire what is best. Conversations Within ts 8/6/2012 (Mount Hood, OR)

“Do not judge people who sin differently than you do.” Anonymous

“Judge not lest you be judged.” Jesus

I am amazed at the arrogant audacity that I sometimes express when I look down on the sins of others and inwardly think their actions are less Christian than my own. Strange that I seldom doubt the sincerity of my own Christian faith in light of my many short-comings, yet pass judgment on others because I think that what they are doing is worse than what I do. When sinners condemn sinners they only condemn themselves. Conversations Within ts 8/5/2012 (On the Road, OR)

“Do not judge people who sin differently than you do.” Anonymous

“Judge not lest you be judged.” Jesus

I am amazed at the arrogant audacity that I sometimes express when I look down on the sins of others and inwardly think their actions are less Christian than my own. Strange that I seldom doubt the sincerity of my own Christian faith in light of my many short-comings, yet pass judgment on others because I think that what they are doing is worse than what I do. When sinners condemn sinners they only condemn themselves. Conversations Within ts 8/5/2012 (On the Road, OR)

Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you...

If you bless a situation,it has no power to hurt you,and even if it is troublesome for a time,it will gradually fade out,if you sincerely bless it. --Emmet Fox

In everything give thanks....

When a person gives thanks in adversity or pain or even the threat of it,they are taking a powerful step of faith. This faith grows out of the belief that God will work all things for their good. Such faith chooses to see God's tender care instead of cancer; His positive energy working for them, instead of just an enemy working against them. This joyful confidence has the power to melt all fears and can enable us to smile at every dark cloud that approaches. Conversations Within ts 8/4/2012 (Alsea, OR)

Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you...

If you bless a situation,it has no power to hurt you,and even if it is troublesome for a time,it will gradually fade out,if you sincerely bless it. --Emmet Fox

In everything give thanks....

When a person gives thanks in adversity or pain or even the threat of it,they are taking a powerful step of faith. This faith grows out of the belief that God will work all things for their good. Such faith chooses to see God's tender care instead of cancer; His positive energy working for them, instead of just an enemy working against them. This joyful confidence has the power to melt all fears and can enable us to smile at every dark cloud that approaches. Conversations Within ts 8/4/2012 (Alsea, OR)

There is no glory without suffering, without embracing it we will be weak. - Samule Kermis.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 1

People choose suffering all of the time instead of taking the easy way out. We may lose a promotion at work, even lose family members or friends because we refuse to compromise our convictions. People suffer for doing right all of the time. Those who do are told to patiently endure because beauty and wonder await everyone who seeks the kingdom of God over the temporal trinkets of this life. Our losses may be real but nothing compares to the reality that is secured in the simple words of Jesus on the cross, “It is finished.” Conversations Within ts 8/3/2012 (Alsea, OR)

There is no glory without suffering, without embracing it we will be weak. - Samule Kermis.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 1

People choose suffering all of the time instead of taking the easy way out. We may lose a promotion at work, even lose family members or friends because we refuse to compromise our convictions. People suffer for doing right all of the time. Those who do are told to patiently endure because beauty and wonder await everyone who seeks the kingdom of God over the temporal trinkets of this life. Our losses may be real but nothing compares to the reality that is secured in the simple words of Jesus on the cross, “It is finished.” Conversations Within ts 8/3/2012 (Alsea, OR)

The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it. --Helen Keller

“Endue hardship as discipline.” James

No one likes pain but it is surely one character, we could even say, one of the main characters in the story of life. Every good story has some kind of villain, difficulty, or obstacle to be overcome. There is always a dragon to be slain. Human suffering and ultimately death is the dragon in our story. And, it will surely be defeated; not by medicine or genetics but by the knight from Nazareth . Even if we could figure out how to stop people from dying, who would want to live forever in this fallen place. Our Hero did not come to resuscitate dying people but to resurrect them and carry them to that place where suffering and death is no more. Conversations Within ts 8/2/2012 (Alsea, OR)

The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it. --Helen Keller

“Endue hardship as discipline.” James

No one likes pain but it is surely one character, we could even say, one of the main characters in the story of life. Every good story has some kind of villain, difficulty, or obstacle to be overcome. There is always a dragon to be slain. Human suffering and ultimately death is the dragon in our story. And, it will surely be defeated; not by medicine or genetics but by the knight from Nazareth . Even if we could figure out how to stop people from dying, who would want to live forever in this fallen place. Our Hero did not come to resuscitate dying people but to resurrect them and carry them to that place where suffering and death is no more. Conversations Within ts 8/2/2012 (Alsea, OR)

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C. S. Lewis

“For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of
childbirth right up to the present time.” Rom.8

Not all pain is good. Chronic pain can be debilitating and sadly some
people live with it everyday. So why does God allow it? Well, just
because He allows it does not mean that He cannot work it for some
good. All suffering, even the suffering of animals, is God’s way of
saying that this present order has been condemned. Such knowledge is
good. The practical implications of living in a
condemned house is to ready yourself to move out of it. I think our
attitude toward suffering should be to expect it and deal with it as
best we can. Maybe we should look at it along the lines of something
Jesus whispered to a friend, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is
fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Conversations Within
ts 7/30/2012 (Crescent City, CA)

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C. S. Lewis

“For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of
childbirth right up to the present time.” Rom.8

Not all pain is good. Chronic pain can be debilitating and sadly some
people live with it everyday. So why does God allow it? Well, just
because He allows it does not mean that He cannot work it for some
good. All suffering, even the suffering of animals, is God’s way of
saying that this present order has been condemned. Such knowledge is
good. The practical implications of living in a
condemned house is to ready yourself to move out of it. I think our
attitude toward suffering should be to expect it and deal with it as
best we can. Maybe we should look at it along the lines of something
Jesus whispered to a friend, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is
fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Conversations Within
ts 7/30/2012 (Crescent City, CA)

“Pain is good.” Dr.James Farrington

"Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones.” Job 33

My friend, a doctor, once gave a lecture to some of my students. His subject was pain and his message: “Pain is good!” Pain is a gift from God, although it does not seem so when you are having it. Pain tells us when something is not as it should be. It warns us of greater danger if we do not act. It even becomes a coach moving us to act. Nobody likes pain, but the simple truth is that it is a great teacher with life giving lessons. God does more than permit pain, he uses it and always for gain. Conversations Within ts 7/30/2012 (Redwoods, CA)

“Pain is good.” Dr.James Farrington

"Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones.” Job 33

My friend, a doctor, once gave a lecture to some of my students. His subject was pain and his message: “Pain is good!” Pain is a gift from God, although it does not seem so when you are having it. Pain tells us when something is not as it should be. It warns us of greater danger if we do not act. It even becomes a coach moving us to act. Nobody likes pain, but the simple truth is that it is a great teacher with life giving lessons. God does more than permit pain, he uses it and always for gain. Conversations Within ts 7/30/2012 (Redwoods, CA)

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place....

If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong

“Be in pain, and labor to bring forth...” Micah 4

Pain dares us to endure. It challenges us to focus on our goals and values. It provides us with unique opportunities to overcome. It matters little if the pain is physical or emotional, when it comes, the way we respond to it can transform it either into despair or discipline, a pricking goad or an encouraging grace. Some pains can be alleviated, others must be endured even embraced if they are to work God's grace into our hearts. Conversations Within ts 7/30/2012 (On the Road, CA)

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place....

If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong

“Be in pain, and labor to bring forth...” Micah 4

Pain dares us to endure. It challenges us to focus on our goals and values. It provides us with unique opportunities to overcome. It matters little if the pain is physical or emotional, when it comes, the way we respond to it can transform it either into despair or discipline, a pricking goad or an encouraging grace. Some pains can be alleviated, others must be endured even embraced if they are to work God's grace into our hearts. Conversations Within ts 7/30/2012 (On the Road, CA)

Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“And there was evening and morning...” Genesis

History is filled with people who accomplished great things for humanity but then robbed the world of what could have been even greater fruit because they destroyed their health doing so and died young. Leaning how to renew and replenish the stores is one key for lasting fruitfulness. This is why God created the gift of evening and morning and then commanded us to observe a rhythm and work and rest. Rest, and refreshment is not counter productive, it is what magnifies our productivity. Recreation re-creates. Wisdom dictates that we take time to nurture the soul, to read, reflect, rest and recreate. Conversations Within ts 7/29/2012 (Grass Valley, CA)

Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“And there was evening and morning...” Genesis

History is filled with people who accomplished great things for humanity but then robbed the world of what could have been even greater fruit because they destroyed their health doing so and died young. Leaning how to renew and replenish the stores is one key for lasting fruitfulness. This is why God created the gift of evening and morning and then commanded us to observe a rhythm and work and rest. Rest, and refreshment is not counter productive, it is what magnifies our productivity. Recreation re-creates. Wisdom dictates that we take time to nurture the soul, to read, reflect, rest and recreate. Conversations Within ts 7/29/2012 (Grass Valley, CA)

Habits 5&6: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood; Synergize “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1

Any encouragement to “synergize”--to work together, usually means understanding those you would work alongside of as well as being understood by them. And, since most of us tend to get caught up in wanting to be heard, it would be wise to nurture a listening ear. I
have found that people will listen to your story, and input when you take time to really listen to theirs. Every interaction can be a rich learning and sharing experience. Sadly this is often lost to people who like to hear themselves talk or think they have all the answers. Conversations Within ts 7/27/2012 (Lake Tahoe)

Habits 5&6: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood; Synergize “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1

Any encouragement to “synergize”--to work together, usually means understanding those you would work alongside of as well as being understood by them. And, since most of us tend to get caught up in wanting to be heard, it would be wise to nurture a listening ear. I
have found that people will listen to your story, and input when you take time to really listen to theirs. Every interaction can be a rich learning and sharing experience. Sadly this is often lost to people who like to hear themselves talk or think they have all the answers. Conversations Within ts 7/27/2012 (Lake Tahoe)

Habit 4: “Think Win-Win” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2

For years I had the mistaken notion that if you were a Christian you should always be willing to lose and let your opponent win. I felt this way because I had misunderstood the words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. The truth is that if I let my neighbor or spouse or boss always win and I lose, then ultimately they will become losers. If I am committed to what is best for the people in my life, then letting them ultimately lose is unacceptable. This may mean not letting people take advantage of you and showing them how both of you can prosper. This way everybody wins in the short and long term. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Yosemite National Park, CA)

Habit 4: “Think Win-Win” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2

For years I had the mistaken notion that if you were a Christian you should always be willing to lose and let your opponent win. I felt this way because I had misunderstood the words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. The truth is that if I let my neighbor or spouse or boss always win and I lose, then ultimately they will become losers. If I am committed to what is best for the people in my life, then letting them ultimately lose is unacceptable. This may mean not letting people take advantage of you and showing them how both of you can prosper. This way everybody wins in the short and long term. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Yosemite National Park, CA)