“Gratitude bestows reverence… changing forever how we experience life and the world.” John Milton

A reverent regard for God begins in our thankful appreciation for all He is to us in life. When we nurture gratitude, we will nurture a proper respect for the Lord, and a proper use of His gifts. Gratitude becomes the means we use when we eat, or work, or play, and everything we do becomes an opportunity to experience God. Herein lies the skill of mindfulness.  

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” 1Sam.12.24 Conversations Within” ts 6/21/2021

Photo: Jetties, FL

The child first is made to obey, later, the obedience becomes respect.

I am convinced that God cares nothing for the trappings of religion, but He prizes a loving relationship with His children. In this light, our understanding of a commandment matures, and we come to see it as loving direction, and every prohibition as a precious warning of what will steal happiness from us. 

 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” Prov.14.27 Conversations Within” ts 6/20/2021

Photo: Grizzly Falls, CA 

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord. " J.I Packer

The very soul of man, indeed, the sole purpose of man is to have a revenant regard for the Creator by enjoying the benefits of living under His wisdom. Who better understands life, and the best way to live it, than the Architect, who designed and engineered it. Everything God has made was designed for us to know and experience His love. His words tell us how. 

 “Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 Conversations Within” ts 6/19/2021

Photo: Bryce Canyon, UT

“The fear of the Lord is the root of character.” Meme

People sometimes misconstrue what is meant by the expression “the fear of the Lord.” God does not want us to be afraid of Him. He does want us to live our lives with the understanding that He is the Lord of all Creation. To share this understanding is to live our lives with a reverent regard for what He approves and disapproves. This kind of reverence will direct us to make wise choices. Character is nurtured from such choices.  

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prov. 9.10 Conversations Within” ts 6/18/2021

Photo: Okeechobee Waterway, FL

"So many books, so little time." Frank Zappa

 One thing is for sure, there is more that I want to do in this life than I have time left for me to do it. No matter, I have plenty of time promised me when I leave this place. The simple truth is this: There are some things that can only be done in the here and now, like sharing with others the blessed value of knowing the love of Christ. Lord help me attend to this while I still have time.  

“As you go, make disciples of all the nations.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/17/2021

Photo Dames Point Bridge, Jacksonville FL

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens

Most of us do not look forward to weeping, or mourning, but there is a time for it. There is also a time to laugh and dance, and we do well to know when to do what. We may wonder if these times come naturally, and they do of course. But there are times when we purposefully choose them. A friend will weep with a friend going through a hard time. We may not personally feel like celebrating, but sharing in another’s celebration can be a sweet act of kindness.   

“There is a time... to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,” Ecc.3 Conversations Within” ts 6/16/2021

Photo: Sunset Trout River, FL

“You can’t hold back the hands of time. It's something you gotta do.” Sawyer Brown

The passage of time continues on without interruption. There are seasons of life approaching us all, and each of us will enter them. I become increasingly aware of this as I watch my parents' generation age and notice diminishing strength. If I live long enough, I too will enter these changes. “You gotta do, what you gotta do,” as they say. Put on your game face and find the happiness and joy that acceptance works in the soul.  

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” Ecc. 3.1 Conversations Within” ts 6/15/2021 

Photo: Redwoods

“It will take as long as it takes.” Vironika Tugaleva

Make peace with the rhythm of time’s passage. Time cannot be hurried. The sun will set when it sets. Night will come when it comes. Your trials will end when they end. Teach your heart not just to wait but to patiently and peacefully wait.  

“In your patience possess your souls.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/14/2021

Photo: Big Sur, CA

“Nearly all wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves” John Calvin

 Be honest with God by first being honest with yourself. Have an honest conversation with Him by having an honest conversation with yourself. God helps us know Him by helping us know who we are. I am a person in desperate need of mercy and grace. One does not seek it until they first realize they need it.  

"By the grace of God, I am what I am and His grace was not given to me in vain.” The Apostle Paul Conversations Within” ts 6/13/2021

Photo: Fleming Key, FL

“When you're happy, you enjoy the music but when you're sad, you understand the lyrics.” Frank Ocean

 For every happy song, there is a sad one waiting to be sung. I have learned the value of sad songs. As has been sung, “Sad songs say so much,” and the reason is that sadness itself is one of the best teachers. Do not shy away from the value of tender tears; God uses them to water the garden of godliness and character.  

“By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” Ps.43.8 Conversations Within” ts 6/12/2021

“Worry is a misuse of imagination” Meme

Replace worry with worship. Acknowledge this very moment who holds your future and give thanks for His assurances of love and protection. Instead of visualizing all that can go wrong, use your imagination and visualize everything that is promised to you in Christ.  

 “You hold my lot. The lines have been drawn for me in pleasant places.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 6/9/2021

Photo: Appalachian Trail, GA

“I was addicted to the Hokey Pokey but I turned myself around.” Meme

Addictive behavior is common where people are concerned. I am not referring to healthy habits that we patiently nurture, but compulsive choices that tend to enslave us. Jesus wants to teach us how to be in charge of our appetites, instead of being controlled by them. It is wise to take a hard look at thoughts, and actions that we do every day and ask who is running the show?   

“The fruit of the Spirit is... self control.” Gal 5 Conversations Within” ts 6/8/2021

Photo: Rare snow in Bama

“A good day begins the night before.” Axiom

 I usually wind down in the evening which often means watching a movie. This is just modern day storytelling, something people have done for centuries sitting around a fire before going to bed. I value down time, but I am starting to realize the wisdom that encourages us to be purposeful about it. Reading, reflecting, reviewing--giving thought to the day behind us and the day before us, can make “down time” down-right productive time. 

 “Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening...” Gen.24.63 Conversations Within” ts 6/7/2021

Photo: Lake Okeechobee, FL

“Just do the next right thing.” Meme

 I make both good and bad choices. I wish I only made good ones. I can do little or nothing about choices I have already made, but I can do a great deal about my next choice. Live one choice at a time, and make the right choice. It is wise to remember that the right decision always begins in our thoughts, and some of the decisions in life are total game changers.  

“Follow me…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/7/2021

Photo: Watson Mill Bridge, Comer GA

“The trouble is that you think you have time.” Unknown

The times I have struggled thinking I have time are usually when I want to do something I know in my heart is unprofitable instead of doing what I know I should. I never feel this way when I am engaged in goodness. When my hour arrives. I want to be found living life in the fullness of faith, hope and love.  

“You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 6/5/2021

Photo: Moon rise Arches National Park 

I will not live one day longer than is known to God. I also will not die one day sooner than what He has ordained.

 The clock is ticking. The time allotted to me in this place is dwindling down. It becomes increasingly important to me that I am ready, not just for my departure, but for my arrival in glory. I want to be found doing those things which I know have lasting value and will follow me there. Christ is teaching me that time has value only on the pathways of love.  

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Ps.139.16Conversations Within” ts 6/4/2020

Photo: Oregon Coast

“Thank you Lord for forgiving me, when I can’t forgive myself.” Meme

 It is healthy to know one’s sins and turn from them. It is unhealthy to dwell on them and allow guilt to cripple the present. Accept God’s forgiveness and move forward. Beating yourself up over the past will not enable the present. Take your eyes off yourself and look how great is His love and forgiveness. Not forgiving yourself can actually be a form of pride. 

 “But there is forgiveness with You, So that You may be revered.” Ps.103.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/3/2020

Photo: Julington Creek

Doing is the final measure of whether I really believe in something or not.

I often feel the weight of these words. It is one thing to be able to spout out a bit of wisdom, and another to practice it. Character begins from the seed of understanding, but it sprouts into action and over time inclines the heart to always choose with its wisdom. Lean me sweet Lord so that when I choose I will always choose Your understanding over my own.  

“Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James Conversations Within” ts 6/2/2020

Photo: Pisgah National Forest

“If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.” Unknown

 Be the kind of person who looks for a way instead of an excuse. Resist any temptation that resists doing what needs to be done. Figure it out. Keep trying. Put it down then come back for a fresh look. Employ the wisdom of others. Look for the creative way, not the complaining way.  

“The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!” Prov.22.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/31/2020

Photo: Sailing the Gulf off Naples, FL

”Knowing what to do and not doing it is the same as not knowing.” Robin Sharma

 It is frustrating to read some of my past reflections and realize that I are not following what I supposedly learned. After all, we never really learn something without practicing it. Facebook reminders of reflections I wrote ten years ago beg the question, what good is God’s wisdom written in a reflection if it is not written in your heart, mind and actions?  

“You are blessed if you know these things, but more blessed if you do them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/30/2020

Photo: Grand Canyon National Park

“Reset, Readjust, Refocus, Restart As Many Times As You Need To - Just Don't Quit” Meme

 Regret, or I should say lingering regret, can drain energy better used to renew our efforts to accomplish something good. Never stop pressing in the direction of physical and spiritual health. Do not let a set-back keep you from setting up to try again. Repeat what you learned as a child, “If at first you don’t succeed….”  

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2Cor.4.16 Conversations Within” ts 5/29/2020

Photo: John Muir Trail, CA

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

 Start where you are, and keep at it. Be steadfast and keep plowing ahead. Adopt an attitude that understands you will never arrive in this place ,and one that decides everyday to be found doing what you know brings goodness to yourself and others. When your eyes open each morning, get up and start again.   

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/28/2020

Photo: Zion National Park, UT

The tone in our voice and our facial expressions are the emoticons of our speech. How we say something is probably as important as what we say.

 I am beginning to understand that I can say something and people hear something entirely different than what I meant to say. My choice of words certainly can confuse my communication, but I think it is the tone in my voice that will often garble my meaning. Perhaps before I speak I should visualize what emoticon I want to use before it. If it is not a smile, or a heart, maybe I shouldn’t say it at all.  

“Let your conversation always be seasoned with grace.” Col.4.6 Conversations Within” ts 5/27/2020

Photo: Wilson tucked inside the canoe 

“The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him...And for that they've got to be free.” C. S. Lewis

 The wisdom found in love understands that in order for people to love one another they must be free to do so. Possessiveness will choke the life out of a relationship. Love thrives in an atmosphere of trust and freedom. It is important to understand that love cannot exist where there is no freedom, but freedom is short-lived where there is no love.  

“From any tree of the garden you may freely eat;” (God to Adam in the garden) Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2020

Photo: Cleveland, GA

“How beautiful the tender eyes, That choose to forgive and never despise.” Twila Paris

 There are some shortcomings I see in others that I just despise...until I am humbled by my own. I am pretty sure that God hates any attitude and action that steals life from His children. I am grateful that though He hates my sins, He loves me. Lord deepen my hatred of all I think and do that robs me of knowing You, but strengthen in me a precious compassion for all who struggle with sin. Give me tender eyes.  

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Ps.51 Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2020

Photo: Alsea Oregon 

“Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.” Andy Stanley

If grace is anything, it is unconditional kindness. Express kindness to everyone not just to the deserving but the undeserving. They are perhaps the ones who need it most.  

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2020

Photo: Trout River, FL