Just me trying to be honest with God.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

If you want God to give you His best, give Him yours--not that He will hold out until we do, but it is only in giving our best that we lay hold of His.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2Chron.16

I have always thought this an amazing verse. What is keeping me from giving God my whole heart? Consider all that He is promising us when we serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Doesn’t it seems foolish to hold anything back from Him? Give God all you’ve got--do it one decision at a time and His hand will empower all you do. Conversations Within” ts 12/25/2014

If you want God to give you His best, give Him yours--not that He will hold out until we do, but it is only in giving our best that we lay hold of His.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2Chron.16

I have always thought this an amazing verse. What is keeping me from giving God my whole heart? Consider all that He is promising us when we serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Doesn’t it seems foolish to hold anything back from Him? Give God all you’ve got--do it one decision at a time and His hand will empower all you do. Conversations Within” ts 12/25/2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

“I suddenly saw that all the time it was not I who had been seeking God, but God who had been seeking me.” Bede Griffiths

“No one seeks after God, no not one.” Rom.3

This verse should be qualified to say that no one seeks after God unless God first seeks after them. If we find in ourselves the slightest interest in spiritual life it is because God has taken an interest in us. It would be safe to say that God did not start the argument but He certainly has taken the initiative to end it. Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2014

“I suddenly saw that all the time it was not I who had been seeking God, but God who had been seeking me.” Bede Griffiths

“No one seeks after God, no not one.” Rom.3

This verse should be qualified to say that no one seeks after God unless God first seeks after them. If we find in ourselves the slightest interest in spiritual life it is because God has taken an interest in us. It would be safe to say that God did not start the argument but He certainly has taken the initiative to end it. Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2014

Monday, December 29, 2014

“What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.” Samuel Johnson

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb.11

When the Bible speaks of seeking God it does not have in mind some casual search. We do not look for God as we would flip aimlessly through a magazine. God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Like any relationship, you usually get out of it what you put into it. This is undoubtedly why some people regard Him as impersonal and distant and others see Him as their Father and friend.   Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2014

“What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.” Samuel Johnson

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb.11

When the Bible speaks of seeking God it does not have in mind some casual search. We do not look for God as we would flip aimlessly through a magazine. God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Like any relationship, you usually get out of it what you put into it. This is undoubtedly why some people regard Him as impersonal and distant and others see Him as their Father and friend.   Conversations Within” ts 12/23/2014

Sunday, December 28, 2014

“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer”

“Everyone who is seeking is finding.” Jesus

It is in the very act of seeking God that we find HIm. If you are not drawing on the straw the milkshake stays in the glass. You must seek a relationship with Him if you want to have one. And, we must seek “Him,” not just something from Him. Some people have the same relationship with God that they do with a 911 operator.   Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2014

“The seeking is the goal and the search is the answer”

“Everyone who is seeking is finding.” Jesus

It is in the very act of seeking God that we find HIm. If you are not drawing on the straw the milkshake stays in the glass. You must seek a relationship with Him if you want to have one. And, we must seek “Him,” not just something from Him. Some people have the same relationship with God that they do with a 911 operator.   Conversations Within” ts 12/22/2014

Friday, December 26, 2014

“Seven Deadly Sins” Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Science without humanity, Knowledge without character, Politics without principle, Commerce without morality, Worship without sacrifice.” Mahatma Gandhi

I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God...offerings that cost me nothing." 2Sam.24

The one sacrifice that we can all give to the Lord is the one thing He has first given to us and that is our life. One practical way we give Him our life is to give Him our time. We do this every time we arrange our affairs to love others.  Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2014

“Seven Deadly Sins” Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Science without humanity, Knowledge without character, Politics without principle, Commerce without morality, Worship without sacrifice.” Mahatma Gandhi

I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God...offerings that cost me nothing." 2Sam.24

The one sacrifice that we can all give to the Lord is the one thing He has first given to us and that is our life. One practical way we give Him our life is to give Him our time. We do this every time we arrange our affairs to love others.  Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2014

Thursday, December 25, 2014

“You can sacrifice and not love. But you cannot love and not sacrifice.” Kris Vallotton

“It's useless to try to follow the One who was crucified without taking up our own cross daily.” John Wesley

Sacrifice is a necessary condition to love. The reason is simple enough--in order to love we will reconcile ourselves to do what necessary to seek another’s good. People lose sleep, work long hours, and silently endure all kinds of hardship, just to serve those they care about. Sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice is silly, but performed for love, it is an immeasurable worth. Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2014

“You can sacrifice and not love. But you cannot love and not sacrifice.” Kris Vallotton

“It's useless to try to follow the One who was crucified without taking up our own cross daily.” John Wesley

Sacrifice is a necessary condition to love. The reason is simple enough--in order to love we will reconcile ourselves to do what necessary to seek another’s good. People lose sleep, work long hours, and silently endure all kinds of hardship, just to serve those they care about. Sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice is silly, but performed for love, it is an immeasurable worth. Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3

Never doubt that you are loved. Christmas is proof enough. God not only loved the world, He “so” loved it. He loved each of us enough, that despite our individual rebellions, Christ was born to pay the penalty for all of them. When I personally consider what is included in “all of them,” there is reason enough to be merry!

Merry Christmas!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3

Never doubt that you are loved. Christmas is proof enough. God not only loved the world, He “so” loved it. He loved each of us enough, that despite our individual rebellions, Christ was born to pay the penalty for all of them. When I personally consider what is included in “all of them,” there is reason enough to be merry!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters.” Donney Hathaway

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  Jesus

Jesus came into the world on a rescue mission. He extends His hand to save us from the world of selfishness and bring us into the Kingdom of love. Put your hand in the hand of the world’s lifeguard. Celebrate with Him your own rescue. Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2014

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters.” Donney Hathaway

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  Jesus

Jesus came into the world on a rescue mission. He extends His hand to save us from the world of selfishness and bring us into the Kingdom of love. Put your hand in the hand of the world’s lifeguard. Celebrate with Him your own rescue. Conversations Within” ts 12/17/2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

“I’ll be home for Christmas.” Kim Gannon

“Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” Phil.2

Most of us go home for Christmas. Jesus left home for Christmas. One reason to keep this in mind, is to remind ourselves that sacrifice is often a necessary condition for love because love does whatever it takes to seek what is best for those loved. If you love people, you will undoubtedly be called upon to make sacrifices.  Christmas is all about sacrifice. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2014

“I’ll be home for Christmas.” Kim Gannon

“Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” Phil.2

Most of us go home for Christmas. Jesus left home for Christmas. One reason to keep this in mind, is to remind ourselves that sacrifice is often a necessary condition for love because love does whatever it takes to seek what is best for those loved. If you love people, you will undoubtedly be called upon to make sacrifices.  Christmas is all about sacrifice. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2014

Sunday, December 21, 2014

“Make me an instrument of your peace.” Prayer of Saint Francis

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2

To be an instrument of God’s peace probably means that we will be sent to people at war. The battlefield of earth is littered with broken marriages, broken people and divided families.  Christ set aside the comforts of Heaven for the war zone of earth. We too must be willing to leave the personal comforts of the quiet life so that we can enter the fray, and help heal the hurts of others. Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2014

“Make me an instrument of your peace.” Prayer of Saint Francis

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2

To be an instrument of God’s peace probably means that we will be sent to people at war. The battlefield of earth is littered with broken marriages, broken people and divided families.  Christ set aside the comforts of Heaven for the war zone of earth. We too must be willing to leave the personal comforts of the quiet life so that we can enter the fray, and help heal the hurts of others. Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2014

Friday, December 19, 2014

Love doesn't keep score.

“Love...keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13

God does not treat us as our sins deserve, nor should we treat ourselves or others that way. We should not hold on to our past transgressions, and we certainly should not keep score with others. Freely accept God’s grace where your sins are concerned and extend grace to others who have wronged you. There is nothing wrong with God’s memory, He simply chooses not to hold our sins against us. To be like Him we must not harbor hurts but seek to heal them. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

Love doesn't keep score.

“Love...keeps no record of wrongs.” 1Cor.13

God does not treat us as our sins deserve, nor should we treat ourselves or others that way. We should not hold on to our past transgressions, and we certainly should not keep score with others. Freely accept God’s grace where your sins are concerned and extend grace to others who have wronged you. There is nothing wrong with God’s memory, He simply chooses not to hold our sins against us. To be like Him we must not harbor hurts but seek to heal them. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014

“Love is not provoked by another, nor does it provoke." Unknown

“Love...is not easily angered…” 1Cor.13

If anger is ever appropriate, let me be the one who turns it on and also the one who turns it off. And, let me turn it on only after it becomes necessary to further the aims of love. Let love direct all your energies even the energy found in anger. Use anger if necessary to accomplish good, but do not let anger use you. Anger is like fire, if controlled it has many benefits, but out of control it only destroys. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

“Love is not provoked by another, nor does it provoke." Unknown

“Love...is not easily angered…” 1Cor.13

If anger is ever appropriate, let me be the one who turns it on and also the one who turns it off. And, let me turn it on only after it becomes necessary to further the aims of love. Let love direct all your energies even the energy found in anger. Use anger if necessary to accomplish good, but do not let anger use you. Anger is like fire, if controlled it has many benefits, but out of control it only destroys. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Looking out for one’s well being is not the problem. Looking out “only” for one’s well being is.

Love...is not self-seeking” 1Cor.13

I think about myself too much. The fact that I am confessing it now is evidence enough. It is a symptom of what ails my soul and the illness that Jesus comes to heal. How blessed are those moments when He helps me see through the fog of selfishness into the world around me.  Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

Looking out for one’s well being is not the problem. Looking out “only” for one’s well being is.

Love...is not self-seeking” 1Cor.13

I think about myself too much. The fact that I am confessing it now is evidence enough. It is a symptom of what ails my soul and the illness that Jesus comes to heal. How blessed are those moments when He helps me see through the fog of selfishness into the world around me.  Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2014

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

“Mind your manners.”

“Love...is not rude.”

There is more than one way to be rude. Love knows none of them. It is impossible to be indifferent and caring at the same time. One cannot gossip and respect the privacy of others. One who takes time to make their counsel acceptable will not speak rashly or rudely.  Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2014

“Mind your manners.”

“Love...is not rude.”

There is more than one way to be rude. Love knows none of them. It is impossible to be indifferent and caring at the same time. One cannot gossip and respect the privacy of others. One who takes time to make their counsel acceptable will not speak rashly or rudely.  Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

“Did you hear about the guy that received a medal for humility but they took it away when he decided to wear it.” Unknown

“Love...does not boast, it is not proud.” 1Cor.13

If we listen to people talk, most of us could probably be credited with saying, “I am my favorite subject.” Calling attention to yourself is rarely profitable. When love makes an impression on others, they leave our company feeling appreciated--not impressed with how important we are but how important they are to us.   Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2014

“Did you hear about the guy that received a medal for humility but they took it away when he decided to wear it.” Unknown

“Love...does not boast, it is not proud.” 1Cor.13

If we listen to people talk, most of us could probably be credited with saying, “I am my favorite subject.” Calling attention to yourself is rarely profitable. When love makes an impression on others, they leave our company feeling appreciated--not impressed with how important we are but how important they are to us.   Conversations Within” ts 12/8/2014

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Love does not dream of having another person’s anything, much less another person’s spouse.

“It (love) does not envy.” 1Cor.13

Love refuses to take, and it does so by first refusing even to envy. The joy of love frees us from the prison of selfishness. It encourages us to run free, possessing the outward focus of giving rather than receiving. The beauty of love is seen as much in what it does not do, as in what it does. How peaceful the heart that is free from covetousness. Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2014

Love does not dream of having another person’s anything, much less another person’s spouse.

“It (love) does not envy.” 1Cor.13

Love refuses to take, and it does so by first refusing even to envy. The joy of love frees us from the prison of selfishness. It encourages us to run free, possessing the outward focus of giving rather than receiving. The beauty of love is seen as much in what it does not do, as in what it does. How peaceful the heart that is free from covetousness. Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2014

Friday, December 12, 2014

“My religion is kindness.” Dalai Lama

‘Love is kind.” 1Cor.13

Warm the cold indifference of the world with kindness. Go out of your way to seek the benefit of others. Be a flowing stream of goodness.  The world is full of givers and takers. Be the giver. Extol the merits of love and declare the value of God with acts of kindness, instead of religious rhetoric. A kind word will do more to advance faith than any ceremonious sermon.  Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2014

“My religion is kindness.” Dalai Lama

‘Love is kind.” 1Cor.13

Warm the cold indifference of the world with kindness. Go out of your way to seek the benefit of others. Be a flowing stream of goodness.  The world is full of givers and takers. Be the giver. Extol the merits of love and declare the value of God with acts of kindness, instead of religious rhetoric. A kind word will do more to advance faith than any ceremonious sermon.  Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2014

Thursday, December 11, 2014

“The art of love... is largely the art of persistence.” Albert Ellis

“Love is patient.” 1Cor.13

Love puts up with a lot where people are concerned. The reason is that love will do what it takes to seek the benefit of those loved. The old King Jimmy version said it best when it translated this verse, “Love suffereth long.” Never give up is the motto when loving people.  Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2014

“The art of love... is largely the art of persistence.” Albert Ellis

“Love is patient.” 1Cor.13

Love puts up with a lot where people are concerned. The reason is that love will do what it takes to seek the benefit of those loved. The old King Jimmy version said it best when it translated this verse, “Love suffereth long.” Never give up is the motto when loving people.  Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2014

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

“Your fulfillment stems from your motives.” Danielle LaPorte

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 1Cor.13

We may wonder if love is action, then why would it not be an act of love to give my possessions to feed the poor? I suppose, that like many other actions, our motives determine their true value. Why we do something is as important as what we do. If I feed the poor to be noticed or thought by others to be a pious person, then my action profits me nothing of value. Love is its own reward.  Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2014

“Your fulfillment stems from your motives.” Danielle LaPorte

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 1Cor.13

We may wonder if love is action, then why would it not be an act of love to give my possessions to feed the poor? I suppose, that like many other actions, our motives determine their true value. Why we do something is as important as what we do. If I feed the poor to be noticed or thought by others to be a pious person, then my action profits me nothing of value. Love is its own reward.  Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2014

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

“Too much ego will kill your talent.” Unknown

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1Cor.13

What is giftedness if it only serves ego. God gives people talent, not to show off, but to shore up others. Everything God entrusts to us is not for us alone, but is meant to pass through us to water the garden of humanity. What benefit is it if I have faith to move mountains but it serves no one.  Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2014

“Too much ego will kill your talent.” Unknown

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1Cor.13

What is giftedness if it only serves ego. God gives people talent, not to show off, but to shore up others. Everything God entrusts to us is not for us alone, but is meant to pass through us to water the garden of humanity. What benefit is it if I have faith to move mountains but it serves no one.  Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2014

Monday, December 8, 2014

People are like pianists, some play the truth and others just make noise. - Unknown.

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” 1Cor.13

Facts, opinions, even advise without love is just noise. It does not matter how true our words--if what we say is not motivated and expressed with love, our words are nothing more than racket in a world already full of it.  Do not bang on the keys of truth; learn to harmoniously play them, and until we do, we should probably keep quiet. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing...”  Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2014

People are like pianists, some play the truth and others just make noise. - Unknown.

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” 1Cor.13

Facts, opinions, even advise without love is just noise. It does not matter how true our words--if what we say is not motivated and expressed with love, our words are nothing more than racket in a world already full of it.  Do not bang on the keys of truth; learn to harmoniously play them, and until we do, we should probably keep quiet. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing...”  Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2014

People are like pianists, some play the truth and others just make noise. - Unknown.

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” 1Cor.13

Facts, opinions, even advise without love is just noise. It does not matter how true our words--if what we say is not motivated and expressed with love, our words are nothing more than racket in a world already full of it.  Do not bang on the keys of truth; learn to harmoniously play them, and until we do, we should probably keep quiet. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing...”  Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2014

People are like pianists, some play the truth and others just make noise. - Unknown.

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” 1Cor.13

Facts, opinions, even advise without love is just noise. It does not matter how true our words--if what we say is not motivated and expressed with love, our words are nothing more than racket in a world already full of it.  Do not bang on the keys of truth; learn to harmoniously play them, and until we do, we should probably keep quiet. “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing...”  Conversations Within” ts 12/2/2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

If everything begins with God and ends with God, it only makes sense that every day be lived in view of God and with the help of God.

“Everything was created through him and for him.” Col.1

If there is a beginning then surely there is an end. God is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. The world was created by Christ, and for Christ. Everything then finds its highest purpose in Him and when it is done for His pleasure. If this is factually true, it is not some religious mumbo jumbo but a practical way to live one’s life with the only parameters that can give it true meaning.  Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2014

If everything begins with God and ends with God, it only makes sense that every day be lived in view of God and with the help of God.

“Everything was created through him and for him.” Col.1

If there is a beginning then surely there is an end. God is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. The world was created by Christ, and for Christ. Everything then finds its highest purpose in Him and when it is done for His pleasure. If this is factually true, it is not some religious mumbo jumbo but a practical way to live one’s life with the only parameters that can give it true meaning.  Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2014

Friday, December 5, 2014

“There is a child inside each one of us in our life, who comes out in front of the person we are most comfortable with.” Unknown

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Jo.1

If there is any person I want to be comfortable with it is God. Grace makes this possible. I certainly know my own record has not earned this privilege, but Grace grants it to who everyone who trusts in the merits of Christ. I think God wants nothing more than to hear His children run excitedly into His presence with arms outstretched yelling “Daddy!” Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2014

“There is a child inside each one of us in our life, who comes out in front of the person we are most comfortable with.” Unknown

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Jo.1

If there is any person I want to be comfortable with it is God. Grace makes this possible. I certainly know my own record has not earned this privilege, but Grace grants it to who everyone who trusts in the merits of Christ. I think God wants nothing more than to hear His children run excitedly into His presence with arms outstretched yelling “Daddy!” Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2014

Thursday, December 4, 2014

"If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life." - Bill Watterson

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23

They say that one of the markers for old age is when you stop getting on the floor.There are any number of healthy youthful actions even  attitudes we should never grow out of. We should never stop creating with our hands, or reading new stories, or laying in the grass, or playing with friends. Do not forget that life is more than work, that God commands rest and refreshment. Recreation re-creates. It is one of the healthy rhythms of life. Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2014

"If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life." - Bill Watterson

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23

They say that one of the markers for old age is when you stop getting on the floor.There are any number of healthy youthful actions even  attitudes we should never grow out of. We should never stop creating with our hands, or reading new stories, or laying in the grass, or playing with friends. Do not forget that life is more than work, that God commands rest and refreshment. Recreation re-creates. It is one of the healthy rhythms of life. Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2014
“A man is getting old when he walks around a puddle instead of through it.” R.C. Ferguson

“Here is the sea, great and wide...which you formed to play in it.” Ps.104

I suppose that because I am a surfer this verse has special meaning for me. By all means do not forget to play! There are some things that we should not grow out of. If we forget how to play, we forget, not only one of the most important aspects of life, but one of the best ways to experience God.  “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis. Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2014

“A man is getting old when he walks around a puddle instead of through it.” R.C. Ferguson

“Here is the sea, great and wide...which you formed to play in it.” Ps.104

I suppose that because I am a surfer this verse has special meaning for me. By all means do not forget to play! There are some things that we should not grow out of. If we forget how to play, we forget, not only one of the most important aspects of life, but one of the best ways to experience God.  “We can play as we can eat to the glory of God.” C. S. Lewis. Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

“Children see magic because they look for it.” Christopher Moore

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Ps.136

Age can either diminish or increase our experience of wonder. Has the sunrise lost its magic, or are you still captivated by it? Do falling leaves still stir your soul, or have you stopped watching them as they sail from heaven to earth? When was the last time you marveled at nature? Do not grow beyond worship and wonder, but deeper into them.    Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2014

“Children see magic because they look for it.” Christopher Moore

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Ps.136

Age can either diminish or increase our experience of wonder. Has the sunrise lost its magic, or are you still captivated by it? Do falling leaves still stir your soul, or have you stopped watching them as they sail from heaven to earth? When was the last time you marveled at nature? Do not grow beyond worship and wonder, but deeper into them.    Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2014

Monday, December 1, 2014

“Truly wonderful the mind of the child is.” Yoda

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

What is it about children that Jesus desires in us. Is it their inquisitive nature--always learning, exploring, asking questions? A disciple could surely use a healthy dose of each of these. Is it a childlike faith; one that takes a word at face value? Is it because they are pliable and can be shaped? Of course these qualities are only good when children have a good teacher and of course, God is such. Humility seems to be one quality the unites them all.      Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2014

“Truly wonderful the mind of the child is.” Yoda

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

What is it about children that Jesus desires in us. Is it their inquisitive nature--always learning, exploring, asking questions? A disciple could surely use a healthy dose of each of these. Is it a childlike faith; one that takes a word at face value? Is it because they are pliable and can be shaped? Of course these qualities are only good when children have a good teacher and of course, God is such. Humility seems to be one quality the unites them all.      Conversations Within” ts 11/25/2014