Just me trying to be honest with God.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."~Mary Anne Radmacher

“Take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15

A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to overcome just about anything. The reason I say just “a little” is required is because we can only live one decision at a time. People who have quit smoking have testified that intense cravings to smoke again last only for a moment, so a moment's perseverance is all that is needed to stick by the decision to quit. Of course, these stick-to-it moments need repeating. The key is to cross every bridge when you come to it. All that is needed, and all that can be addressed, is the present moment. The decision which says I am not going to smoke right now may be all that is needed to prevail. Conversations Within ts 5/24/2012 (Jax)

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."~Mary Anne Radmacher

“Take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15

A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to overcome just about anything. The reason I say just “a little” is required is because we can only live one decision at a time. People who have quit smoking have testified that intense cravings to smoke again last only for a moment, so a moment's perseverance is all that is needed to stick by the decision to quit. Of course, these stick-to-it moments need repeating. The key is to cross every bridge when you come to it. All that is needed, and all that can be addressed, is the present moment. The decision which says I am not going to smoke right now may be all that is needed to prevail. Conversations Within ts 5/24/2012 (Jax)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4

Nothing is learned without a challenge. Overcoming a challenge in a sport or a relationship is the magic of all accomplishment. How boring life would be if we made every shot--if there was nothing to strive after. Learning is one of the joys of life, and challenge is one of the teachers. Challenge is to accomplishment what work is to reward. The mature attitude values the struggle to succeed as much as the success itself. Of course, to possess this attitude is its own challenge. Conversations Within ts 5/23/2012 (Jax)

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4

Nothing is learned without a challenge. Overcoming a challenge in a sport or a relationship is the magic of all accomplishment. How boring life would be if we made every shot--if there was nothing to strive after. Learning is one of the joys of life, and challenge is one of the teachers. Challenge is to accomplishment what work is to reward. The mature attitude values the struggle to succeed as much as the success itself. Of course, to possess this attitude is its own challenge. Conversations Within ts 5/23/2012 (Jax)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.” Arthur Schopenhauer

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1

Everybody could take a chapter out of the life of Helen Keller, or Bethany Hamilton or thousands of other people and learn the value of seeing obstacles as opportunities to experience personal growth. Such sight comes in part by trusting that God has allowed , maybe even caused our present trial, not to harm us but to lead us higher up the slopes of a remarkable life. Why would any of us want a remarkable life? Well for the praise of God's glory working in us for one thing, not to mention the personal benefit it brings to our own character. Conversations Within ts 5/22/2012 (Jax)

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.” Arthur Schopenhauer

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1

Everybody could take a chapter out of the life of Helen Keller, or Bethany Hamilton or thousands of other people and learn the value of seeing obstacles as opportunities to experience personal growth. Such sight comes in part by trusting that God has allowed , maybe even caused our present trial, not to harm us but to lead us higher up the slopes of a remarkable life. Why would any of us want a remarkable life? Well for the praise of God's glory working in us for one thing, not to mention the personal benefit it brings to our own character. Conversations Within ts 5/22/2012 (Jax)

Monday, May 28, 2012

Never, never feel sorry for yourself; it is a total waste of energy.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

I suppose if I ask God to provide each day, I should give Him thanks for whatever he puts on my plate. If the meal is meager, I am certain I need to diet somehow. Recently someone sent me an internet link with the caption “When u are hopeless.” It featured people who had lost or were born with without arms or legs or both. They were running, climbing, surfing, swimming; each had taught themselves how to overcome their physical limitations. I was deeply convicted that I have absolutely no reason to ever feel sorry for myself. This was not because I felt sorry for them. They inspired me! Conversations Within ts 5/21/2012 (Jax)

Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQxiEFET8X0&feature=related

Never, never feel sorry for yourself; it is a total waste of energy.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

I suppose if I ask God to provide each day, I should give Him thanks for whatever he puts on my plate. If the meal is meager, I am certain I need to diet somehow. Recently someone sent me an internet link with the caption “When u are hopeless.” It featured people who had lost or were born with without arms or legs or both. They were running, climbing, surfing, swimming; each had taught themselves how to overcome their physical limitations. I was deeply convicted that I have absolutely no reason to ever feel sorry for myself. This was not because I felt sorry for them. They inspired me! Conversations Within ts 5/21/2012 (Jax)

Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQxiEFET8X0&feature=related

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Love is Forever!

“Love never fails.”1Cor.13

The only chance that love has of lasting forever is because God is forever. Everyone who lives in love, at least in the Christian sense of love, is said to live in God and God is said to live in them. Why? Because God is love. C.S. Lewis is noted for saying that “God is so brim full of existence that He can give existence away.” We could also say that God is so full of love that any love we possess has spilled over from Him. All the love we give to others exists only because of Him and is just as surely sustained by Him. This is the reason that love can last forever--not because of any romantic notions that prompt us to scribble it in a note or say it when we look into baby brown or blue eyes. Conversations Within ts 5/17/2012 (Jax)

Love is Forever!

“Love never fails.”1Cor.13

The only chance that love has of lasting forever is because God is forever. Everyone who lives in love, at least in the Christian sense of love, is said to live in God and God is said to live in them. Why? Because God is love. C.S. Lewis is noted for saying that “God is so brim full of existence that He can give existence away.” We could also say that God is so full of love that any love we possess has spilled over from Him. All the love we give to others exists only because of Him and is just as surely sustained by Him. This is the reason that love can last forever--not because of any romantic notions that prompt us to scribble it in a note or say it when we look into baby brown or blue eyes. Conversations Within ts 5/17/2012 (Jax)

Friday, May 25, 2012

“Where hope would otherwise become hopelessness, it becomes faith.” Robert Brault

Love...always hopes, always perseveres. 1Cor.13

It is because of hope that love perseveres. But Christian hope is more like expectation than wishful thinking. Our hope is founded on God's promises, so there are good reasons to fully expect that He will keep them. In this sense, hope, faith and love become partners, the “cord of three strands” that is not easily broken. An expectant mother will endure the trials of pregnancy and labor because she expects to give birth to her child. Love will keep on keeping on because it is fueled by our hope and faith in God to deliver. Pun intended! Conversations Within ts 5/17/2012 (Jax)

“Where hope would otherwise become hopelessness, it becomes faith.” Robert Brault

Love...always hopes, always perseveres. 1Cor.13

It is because of hope that love perseveres. But Christian hope is more like expectation than wishful thinking. Our hope is founded on God's promises, so there are good reasons to fully expect that He will keep them. In this sense, hope, faith and love become partners, the “cord of three strands” that is not easily broken. An expectant mother will endure the trials of pregnancy and labor because she expects to give birth to her child. Love will keep on keeping on because it is fueled by our hope and faith in God to deliver. Pun intended! Conversations Within ts 5/17/2012 (Jax)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

“Nothing is true in self-discovery unless it is true in your own experience. This is the only protection against the robot levels of the mind.” Barry

It always protects, always trusts,

There is a protective nature to love which naturally looks to God for the sake of others. If you love someone why would you not want to protect them, and who better to protect them than God? Believers pray for people they love. People do this for people they love even if they have no faith of their own; we might even say especially if they have no faith of their own. If you believe that God is the very best thing that can happen in a person, it is only reasonable to pray that they experience Him. Judging them is not our place, nor does it share any love. Conversations Within ts 5/15/2012 (Jax)

“Nothing is true in self-discovery unless it is true in your own experience. This is the only protection against the robot levels of the mind.” Barry

It always protects, always trusts,

There is a protective nature to love which naturally looks to God for the sake of others. If you love someone why would you not want to protect them, and who better to protect them than God? Believers pray for people they love. People do this for people they love even if they have no faith of their own; we might even say especially if they have no faith of their own. If you believe that God is the very best thing that can happen in a person, it is only reasonable to pray that they experience Him. Judging them is not our place, nor does it share any love. Conversations Within ts 5/15/2012 (Jax)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.” Pietro Aretino

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1Cor.13

The only thing that makes love happy is goodness. And, because truth is good, love rejoices in it. It is interesting that the said opposite of truth mentioned in this verse isn't falsehood but evil. This is because there are certain things that are false that are not just wrong in the sense of being inaccurate but wrong in the sense of being evil. I may have mistaken notions about God which would be kin to ignorance but such notions would not be evil. But to deliberately convince myself that it is alright to fudge on something I know is true for the sake of pleasure or to feel good isn't just false, it is down right evil. Conversations Within ts 5/14/2012 (Jax)

“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.” Pietro Aretino

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1Cor.13

The only thing that makes love happy is goodness. And, because truth is good, love rejoices in it. It is interesting that the said opposite of truth mentioned in this verse isn't falsehood but evil. This is because there are certain things that are false that are not just wrong in the sense of being inaccurate but wrong in the sense of being evil. I may have mistaken notions about God which would be kin to ignorance but such notions would not be evil. But to deliberately convince myself that it is alright to fudge on something I know is true for the sake of pleasure or to feel good isn't just false, it is down right evil. Conversations Within ts 5/14/2012 (Jax)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

“There are lots of phrases for it. “Nursing a grudge.” “Harboring a hurt.” “Storing up grievances.” “Keeping score.”

...But they all describe the same thing. In a word — resentment.” David Smith

“Love... is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13

Love doesn't keep score. This does not mean that when we love someone we are naïve about past injuries. We simply choose to overlook them. Love will return kindness in the face of cruelty. Even when it is angry and for just reasons, love will still act in a manner that reflects goodness. This is because love is unconditional. It does not treat people the way they deserve but with grace. Love can reshape our memories of a hurt and transform them into responses that heal. Conversations Within ts 5/14/2012 (Jax)

“There are lots of phrases for it. “Nursing a grudge.” “Harboring a hurt.” “Storing up grievances.” “Keeping score.”

...But they all describe the same thing. In a word — resentment.” David Smith

“Love... is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13

Love doesn't keep score. This does not mean that when we love someone we are naïve about past injuries. We simply choose to overlook them. Love will return kindness in the face of cruelty. Even when it is angry and for just reasons, love will still act in a manner that reflects goodness. This is because love is unconditional. It does not treat people the way they deserve but with grace. Love can reshape our memories of a hurt and transform them into responses that heal. Conversations Within ts 5/14/2012 (Jax)

Monday, May 21, 2012

“There are two kinds of egotists: Those who admit it, and the rest of us.” Dr. Laurence J. Peter

“Love...is not self-seeking.” 1Cor.13

I may not be able to perform a totally selfless act but I can choose to avoid a totally selfish one. Living only for our own happiness is ultimately a sure road to unhappiness. Each of us look to our own interest, but the road to real and lasting joy is to care also for the well-being of others. The best thing for me is to care for more than me. Conversations Within ts 5/13/2012 (Jax)

“There are two kinds of egotists: Those who admit it, and the rest of us.” Dr. Laurence J. Peter

“Love...is not self-seeking.” 1Cor.13

I may not be able to perform a totally selfless act but I can choose to avoid a totally selfish one. Living only for our own happiness is ultimately a sure road to unhappiness. Each of us look to our own interest, but the road to real and lasting joy is to care also for the well-being of others. The best thing for me is to care for more than me. Conversations Within ts 5/13/2012 (Jax)

Saturday, May 19, 2012

“To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable.” Barry M. Goldwater

“Love...does not dishonor others.” 1Cor.13

I wish my children had never heard me say a critical word about any one, but they have. I wish they never heard me complain, but again I confess I failed to set a good example. To criticize is to dishonor my neighbor and to complain about my circumstances is to dishonor my God. Love may move me to disagree with some one but I can still show them respect. There isn’t a day when I do not feel the inner promptings of God's Spirit moving me to consider the value of something I am tempted to say. If I love as I should, I will always mind my manners. Conversations Within ts 5/12/2012 (Jax)

“To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable.” Barry M. Goldwater

“Love...does not dishonor others.” 1Cor.13

I wish my children had never heard me say a critical word about any one, but they have. I wish they never heard me complain, but again I confess I failed to set a good example. To criticize is to dishonor my neighbor and to complain about my circumstances is to dishonor my God. Love may move me to disagree with some one but I can still show them respect. There isn’t a day when I do not feel the inner promptings of God's Spirit moving me to consider the value of something I am tempted to say. If I love as I should, I will always mind my manners. Conversations Within ts 5/12/2012 (Jax)

Thursday, May 17, 2012

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.”

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” C.S. Lewis

“love...is not proud.”

True love is motivated by a genuine desire to benefit others not by some self serving pride to look good for doing so. This means that love doesn't mind working behind the scenes to help people and often will choose to do so. If we are not careful we can fall into the trap of becoming people pleasers to serve our ego instead of truly loving people. Any attention that I draw to myself is a waste of energy. Conversations Within ts 5/11/2012 (Jax)

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.”

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” C.S. Lewis

“love...is not proud.”

True love is motivated by a genuine desire to benefit others not by some self serving pride to look good for doing so. This means that love doesn't mind working behind the scenes to help people and often will choose to do so. If we are not careful we can fall into the trap of becoming people pleasers to serve our ego instead of truly loving people. Any attention that I draw to myself is a waste of energy. Conversations Within ts 5/11/2012 (Jax)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

“How am I doing?” “Better than I deserve.”

“it does not boast,” 1Cor.13

There are many ways to boast; love knows only one. Love will boast only of being loved. And, when love makes its boast, it is not because it is earned but because it is received. Those who are unconditionally loved know they are loved because of grace. When someone is doing better than they deserve and realize it, they tend to be humble about it and any boasting is always in praise of another. Conversations Within ts 5/10/2012 (Jax)

“How am I doing?” “Better than I deserve.”

“it does not boast,” 1Cor.13

There are many ways to boast; love knows only one. Love will boast only of being loved. And, when love makes its boast, it is not because it is earned but because it is received. Those who are unconditionally loved know they are loved because of grace. When someone is doing better than they deserve and realize it, they tend to be humble about it and any boasting is always in praise of another. Conversations Within ts 5/10/2012 (Jax)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

“Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.” Harold Coffin

Love...does not envy. 1Cor.13 NIV

Love is sometimes shown in all the things that it does not do as much as in the things that it does. Love does not covet another's good fortune but rejoices in it. This is because love has an outward focus; it is not stuck on itself. Love gives rather than takes. Indeed, love refuses to take, first by refusing even to envy. Conversations Within ts 5/9/2012 (Jax)

“Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.” Harold Coffin

Love...does not envy. 1Cor.13 NIV

Love is sometimes shown in all the things that it does not do as much as in the things that it does. Love does not covet another's good fortune but rejoices in it. This is because love has an outward focus; it is not stuck on itself. Love gives rather than takes. Indeed, love refuses to take, first by refusing even to envy. Conversations Within ts 5/9/2012 (Jax)

Monday, May 14, 2012

“If those who owe us nothing gave us nothing, how poor we would be.” Antonio Porchia

“Love is...kind” 1Co.13

Kindness is the pro activity of love. According to Jesus, love is so much more than not doing harm to your neighbor. We may each mind our own business and still fail to love. The kindness of love aggressively and purposefully looks for ways to benefit others. It does no harm, yes, but is also goes out of the way to do good. Conversations Within ts 5/8/2012 (Jax)

“If those who owe us nothing gave us nothing, how poor we would be.” Antonio Porchia

“Love is...kind” 1Co.13

Kindness is the pro activity of love. According to Jesus, love is so much more than not doing harm to your neighbor. We may each mind our own business and still fail to love. The kindness of love aggressively and purposefully looks for ways to benefit others. It does no harm, yes, but is also goes out of the way to do good. Conversations Within ts 5/8/2012 (Jax)

Patience with circumstances is one thing, patience with people is love.

Love is patient 1Co.13

Love is patient because love is willing to do whatever it takes to love. There may be feelings which help us patiently endure whatever is needed, but often our feelings are the very thing we must endure in order to love people. I may not like the person at the moment but I can still love them. Love is the way I treat someone not the way I feel about them. Love is a commitment which says I will act in a manner that always seeks what is best for you even if you do not do this for me. Love patiently endures for the better and does so especially through the worse. Conversations Within ts 5/7/2012 (Jax)

Patience with circumstances is one thing, patience with people is love.

Love is patient 1Co.13

Love is patient because love is willing to do whatever it takes to love. There may be feelings which help us patiently endure whatever is needed, but often our feelings are the very thing we must endure in order to love people. I may not like the person at the moment but I can still love them. Love is the way I treat someone not the way I feel about them. Love is a commitment which says I will act in a manner that always seeks what is best for you even if you do not do this for me. Love patiently endures for the better and does so especially through the worse. Conversations Within ts 5/7/2012 (Jax)

Saturday, May 12, 2012

“Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.” ~Author Unknown

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Prov. 27

My friends are in a position to say pretty much anything to me. They have earned that right. The love they have shown through the years has convinced me that when they feel the need to give words of advice, even admonishment, they are looking after my best interest. And, I want their counsel. I don't want my friends to mince words, or only tell me things I want to hear. I want them to tell me the truth. How do I know when they are speaking the truth? Because I can hear the music of another Friend in their words. Conversations Within ts 5/4/2012 (Jax)

“Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.” ~Author Unknown

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Prov. 27

My friends are in a position to say pretty much anything to me. They have earned that right. The love they have shown through the years has convinced me that when they feel the need to give words of advice, even admonishment, they are looking after my best interest. And, I want their counsel. I don't want my friends to mince words, or only tell me things I want to hear. I want them to tell me the truth. How do I know when they are speaking the truth? Because I can hear the music of another Friend in their words. Conversations Within ts 5/4/2012 (Jax)

Friday, May 11, 2012

“Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship.” ~Dorothy Parker

'As iron sharpens iron so one man another.” Prov.27

Some things were made to be used. Friendship is one of them. The very nature of friendship grows from mutual commitment. Friends use each other like flowers use bees and bees flowers. There is a shared benefit in each interaction. Sadly some people use others and offer nothing in return. They are like mistletoe on a tree or the mosquito, both seek only their own benefit. Friends don't pay each other back for services, they create an interdependent relationship (giving and taking) over a dependent one (only taking). Conversations Within ts 5/4/2012 (Jax)

“Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship.” ~Dorothy Parker

'As iron sharpens iron so one man another.” Prov.27

Some things were made to be used. Friendship is one of them. The very nature of friendship grows from mutual commitment. Friends use each other like flowers use bees and bees flowers. There is a shared benefit in each interaction. Sadly some people use others and offer nothing in return. They are like mistletoe on a tree or the mosquito, both seek only their own benefit. Friends don't pay each other back for services, they create an interdependent relationship (giving and taking) over a dependent one (only taking). Conversations Within ts 5/4/2012 (Jax)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Those who have nothing can share nothing; those who are going nowhere can have no fellow-travellers.” C.S. Lewis

“I am the vine and you are the branches.” Jesus

I have friends and I have friends. Everybody knows that there are degrees of friendship. I have best friends, close friends, casual friends and I suppose some who are hardly friends. Some friendships are just starting and some are old and comfortable like a well worn shirt. I have prayed that I would never meet a stranger and be a friend to everyone I meet. Living this way need not take away from the closeness I share with good friends. My best friends share many of my new friendships and I have become friends with some of my friend's friends. Friendship is all about sharing. Like branches on a tree, each new friendship that sprouts brings nourishment to the whole. Conversations Within ts 5/3/2012 (Jax)

Those who have nothing can share nothing; those who are going nowhere can have no fellow-travellers.” C.S. Lewis

“I am the vine and you are the branches.” Jesus

I have friends and I have friends. Everybody knows that there are degrees of friendship. I have best friends, close friends, casual friends and I suppose some who are hardly friends. Some friendships are just starting and some are old and comfortable like a well worn shirt. I have prayed that I would never meet a stranger and be a friend to everyone I meet. Living this way need not take away from the closeness I share with good friends. My best friends share many of my new friendships and I have become friends with some of my friend's friends. Friendship is all about sharing. Like branches on a tree, each new friendship that sprouts brings nourishment to the whole. Conversations Within ts 5/3/2012 (Jax)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” ~Elisabeth Foley

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John15

True friends never smother each other. I believe this but it is proving a hard lesson for me. My wife is my best friend and I can think of nothing that I would not want to share with her. This often means that I want her around “all” of the time. But I am learning to respect her space and give her time to explore her own interest. I may miss her when she is off exploring without me but I am finding this to be a win win for both of us. She doesn't live her life in my shadow and I have a more interesting friend when she returns to share her adventures. Conversations Within ts 5/3/2012 (Jax)

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” ~Elisabeth Foley

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John15

True friends never smother each other. I believe this but it is proving a hard lesson for me. My wife is my best friend and I can think of nothing that I would not want to share with her. This often means that I want her around “all” of the time. But I am learning to respect her space and give her time to explore her own interest. I may miss her when she is off exploring without me but I am finding this to be a win win for both of us. She doesn't live her life in my shadow and I have a more interesting friend when she returns to share her adventures. Conversations Within ts 5/3/2012 (Jax)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

“A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked.” Author Unknown

“A friend loves at all times.” Prov.17

One reason I am confident of God's love and acceptance is because of the love and acceptance of my friends. As Jesus put it, if we, “as evil as we are,” can love each other despite our many faults, “how much more will God” love us. Of course God does not overlook our faults, He has dealt with them in the sacrifice of Christ and He deals with them every day by helping us work on them. There is no truer friend than one who aggressively works for your greater good. I suppose that this means there is no truer friend than God. Conversations Within ts 5/2/2012 (Jax FL)

“A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked.” Author Unknown

“A friend loves at all times.” Prov.17

One reason I am confident of God's love and acceptance is because of the love and acceptance of my friends. As Jesus put it, if we, “as evil as we are,” can love each other despite our many faults, “how much more will God” love us. Of course God does not overlook our faults, He has dealt with them in the sacrifice of Christ and He deals with them every day by helping us work on them. There is no truer friend than one who aggressively works for your greater good. I suppose that this means there is no truer friend than God. Conversations Within ts 5/2/2012 (Jax FL)

Monday, May 7, 2012

“Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with.” Robert Brault

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov.19 ESV

I have never had a friend get me in trouble but they have kept me from it many times, even got me out of it when I needed it. Give me a friend to talk to and I can find the wisdom and encouragement to deal with most anything. Give me a friend to play with, and I usually don't deal with life so much as I enjoy it with them. Conversations Within ts 5/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with.” Robert Brault

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov.19 ESV

I have never had a friend get me in trouble but they have kept me from it many times, even got me out of it when I needed it. Give me a friend to talk to and I can find the wisdom and encouragement to deal with most anything. Give me a friend to play with, and I usually don't deal with life so much as I enjoy it with them. Conversations Within ts 5/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

Saturday, May 5, 2012

“It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.” Dale E. Turner

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” James 5

Self-respect is born out of the responsibility we take for our own happiness. If I am unhappy I do not need to look any further than my own moods for the reason. It is silly to blame others or my circumstances for my unhappiness when I alone have the power to choose my attitude. Once I humbly accept the responsibility for my own disposition, come to grips with my own faults, admit them to myself, to God and to others when necessary, then I will be in a position to do something about being happy rather than sit and sulk that I am not. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.” Dale E. Turner

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” James 5

Self-respect is born out of the responsibility we take for our own happiness. If I am unhappy I do not need to look any further than my own moods for the reason. It is silly to blame others or my circumstances for my unhappiness when I alone have the power to choose my attitude. Once I humbly accept the responsibility for my own disposition, come to grips with my own faults, admit them to myself, to God and to others when necessary, then I will be in a position to do something about being happy rather than sit and sulk that I am not. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

Friday, May 4, 2012

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

“Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1Thess.2

I remember asking a young man seeking accountability if he struggled viewing pornography. His answer surprised me. He replied, “That kind of thing is beneath me.” The respect that we have for ourselves should be such that every kind of immorality would be “beneath” us and we would never stoop to dirty ourselves in it. Such devotion does not need to grow out of some prideful self-righteous attitude but rather the simple commitment we have to our own happiness to never settle for anything but the superior delights of the divine life that is growing in us ever encouraging us to embrace the upward call of God. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

“Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1Thess.2

I remember asking a young man seeking accountability if he struggled viewing pornography. His answer surprised me. He replied, “That kind of thing is beneath me.” The respect that we have for ourselves should be such that every kind of immorality would be “beneath” us and we would never stoop to dirty ourselves in it. Such devotion does not need to grow out of some prideful self-righteous attitude but rather the simple commitment we have to our own happiness to never settle for anything but the superior delights of the divine life that is growing in us ever encouraging us to embrace the upward call of God. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

Thursday, May 3, 2012

“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Be angry and sin not.” Ephesian 4

The key to dealing with people who know how to push your buttons is to disconnect your buttons. Someone can't provoke you to anger if you will not let them. What I am saying is when anger is appropriate, let me be the one who turns it on and always for a just reason not because some outside influence provokes me. I will know that I, instead of they, have turned on my anger because I will be able to turn it off just as easily as I turned it on. A mature self-respect is the power to reject provocation whether if it is anger, humiliation or the simple temptation to get our feelings hurt. Self-respect produces self-control and vice-versa. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Be angry and sin not.” Ephesian 4

The key to dealing with people who know how to push your buttons is to disconnect your buttons. Someone can't provoke you to anger if you will not let them. What I am saying is when anger is appropriate, let me be the one who turns it on and always for a just reason not because some outside influence provokes me. I will know that I, instead of they, have turned on my anger because I will be able to turn it off just as easily as I turned it on. A mature self-respect is the power to reject provocation whether if it is anger, humiliation or the simple temptation to get our feelings hurt. Self-respect produces self-control and vice-versa. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.” Axel Munthe

“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.” Axel Munthe

“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus

Patience with our own failings can help us to have patience with the failings of others. The reason is that all patience is born from humility. A man who has come to terms with his own imperfections will be merciful with the imperfections found in those around him. And, we should come to terms with our shortcomings. We must learn to forgive ourselves before we can receive God's forgiveness. The power to forgive others is also the power to accept forgiveness. Both come from a humble and contrite heart and a healthy self-respect. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.” Axel Munthe

“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.” Axel Munthe

“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus

Patience with our own failings can help us to have patience with the failings of others. The reason is that all patience is born from humility. A man who has come to terms with his own imperfections will be merciful with the imperfections found in those around him. And, we should come to terms with our shortcomings. We must learn to forgive ourselves before we can receive God's forgiveness. The power to forgive others is also the power to accept forgiveness. Both come from a humble and contrite heart and a healthy self-respect. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

“In my day, we didn't have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned.” Jane Haddam

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. Prov.19 ESV

I think the difference between self-esteem and self-respect is the difference between loving yourself and liking yourself. Loving yourself is actively seeking what is good and right and true for yourself. Liking yourself is a feeling which is more a temperamental mood than real respect. I think there are times when the best way we can love ourselves is to not like ourselves, especially if we are behaving poorly. Let me work on my self-respect and my self-esteem will take care of itself. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)

“In my day, we didn't have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned.” Jane Haddam

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. Prov.19 ESV

I think the difference between self-esteem and self-respect is the difference between loving yourself and liking yourself. Loving yourself is actively seeking what is good and right and true for yourself. Liking yourself is a feeling which is more a temperamental mood than real respect. I think there are times when the best way we can love ourselves is to not like ourselves, especially if we are behaving poorly. Let me work on my self-respect and my self-esteem will take care of itself. Conversations Within ts 4/23/2012 (Birmingham, AL)