“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds.” Basil

I recently started keeping an activities log. It has become more than just keeping track of what I do each day, but also a way to measure the fruitfulness of the life I am living. A productive life is surely the fruit I produce, not just the fun I am having. Do I see love, joy, peace in my days? Am I living generously, gratefully and bringing goodness to others?

“... that you may be …filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.“Conversations Within” ts 12/5/25

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

We sometimes make bad decisions because we foolishly believe that we have time to recover from them. There are a couple of reasons why this is unwise. The first is that we are not guaranteed even the next hour. The second is that every time we make a bad choice, we risk making a habit out of it.  

“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 12/4/25

“Perfect love…casteth out fear. But so do several other things—ignorance, alcohol, passion, presumption, and stupidity… it is very undesirable…that we should allow any inferior agent to cast out our fear.” C. S. Lewis

 It is best that love perfect us, but sometimes fear is the only language the stubborn and rebellious heart understands. Sorry I am so hard headed Father. Keep me in line however You see fit.

“And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth…” 1Pet.1.17 “Conversations Within” ts 12/3/25

"Lust is the craving for salt of a man who is dying of thirst," Frederick Buechner.

The lustful heart is a languished heart--wasting away under the desert sun of always wanting more. Come to the oasis of peace, and drink the fresh waters of gratitude.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1Jo.2.16 “Conversations Within” ts 12/3/25

The pure in heart have their senses tuned to goodness.

It blesses me to be in the presence of people who have an eye for goodness, even in an evil world. They hold in check criticism, and trust that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right. Such people are not foolishly naive, just purposefully positive, and overcome evil with the purity of goodness.

“To the pure all things are pure.” Titus 1“ “Conversations Within” ts 12/2/25

“The mirror will never smile before you do.” Aphorism

Each of us must assume responsibility for our own happiness. No one can choose happiness for you. I believe we need grace to make such foundational choices. God offers it, but even God will not force us to accept the happiness He offers. Do you feel the tug in your heart? That is His grace energizing you. Decide.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God working in you to will and do His good pleasure.” Phil.2 “Conversations Within” ts 11/29/25

Deist or Daddy

There are some who believe in a god, and see him as impersonal and distant, one who rarely if ever involves himself in the affairs of men. They believe in a god, but not the God, or at least not the God of Jesus. The God who has revealed Himself in Jesus is anything but impersonal. Jesus encouraged us to call Him “Father” and even went so far as to use the very personal word “Abba,” or “Daddy.”

“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/28/25

"Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite" C.S. Lewis

 Jesus used hyperbole on a few occasions to make a point. But using it without discretion can send a mixed, even watered down message. A wise person knows to use exaggeration sparingly. Wisdom also recognizes when it is best to balance the exaggerations of others. “Say what you mean. Mean what you say”

“Saul and Jonathan…They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” 2Sam.1.23 “Conversations Within” ts 11/27/25

“You gotta look for the good in the bad, the happy in the sad, the gain in your pain, and what makes you grateful not hateful.” Meme

 I got out of bed today after a long night of painful discomfort. Still, I got out of bed, and I am so grateful not just for another day, I am equally grateful that life’s pains deepen my faith in Father's wisdom. Even I, with my limited understanding, can see how He has used pain time and again to work amazing goodness in people’s lives.

“In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5.18 “Conversations Within” ts 11/26/25

Living Rad

Christians are called to live on a very different plane, an eternal rather than just a temporal reality. Christ is not about getting all we can get, but giving all we can give. Our standard is to never retaliate, but rather to forgive. We don’t expose offenses against us, we overlook and bless the offender. The world view of Jesus replaces the selfish with the selfless.

“Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them" Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/25

“Not every feeling deserves an audience.“ Still becoming

Emotions often get the best of people. And, most of the time, it is when we vent our feelings with words, we lose out. It makes good sense that if I hold my tongue I will do much better. In truth we would all benefit from just talking a lot less.

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Prov.10.19 “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/25

“Come on inner peace! I don't have all day!” Sachin Garg

Experience teaches us that we will inevitably have to wait for God to answer some of our prayers. We are told numerous times to actively and patiently do so. God’s timing reflects His wisdom when He answers our prayers. Keep on trusting, keep giving Him thanks. Thanksgiving works a powerful patience in us. 

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Ps.27.14 “Conversations Within” ts 11/23/25

“Contentment, I'm 24 and I've never known it. I'm forever in pursuit and do not know what I'm chasing.” Harold Abrams (Chariots of Fire)

 How precious it is to know the peace of contentment. It comes when we ask God for daily bread, and then in faith are gratefully satisfied with what He puts on our plate each day. There is a quiet joy in the contented heart. Gratitude creates and nurtures it. 

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Phil.4.11 “Conversations Within” ts 11/21/25

Plow a straight line unless a crooked one would be better. Be relevant to each situation.

There is great wisdom in knowing when to do what. Be mindful of what is going on around you, and contribute goodness to it. Do not be rigid, but relevant, unless of course the circumstance would be served best by being rigid.

“There is an appropriate time for every activity, and there is a time of judgment for every deed.” Ecc.3.17 “Conversations Within” ts 11/20/25

“I once was lost, but now I’m found.” John Newton

I tweak Shaw’s famous quote. Life isn’t about finding yourself, or creating yourself, it is most importantly about finding who God created you to be. Each of us is endowed with gifts and talents. Use what God has entrusted to you, and discover one of life’s purposes and who you are designed to be.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works". Eph.2.10 “Conversations Within” ts 11/18/25

Gratitude isn’t an occasional, or seasonal activity, it is the ambiance of the person who finds fellowship with God to be life’s greatest treasure.

 How precious is life, and never more precious than when we raise our hearts in humble thanksgiving to the One who loves, and has blessed us with so much. May Father walk into the kitchen of our hearts and smell the aroma of thanksgiving.

“Bless the Lord O my soul, let all that is in me bless His holy name.” Ps.103  “Conversations Within” ts 11/25/25

“Listen to the music!” The Doobie Brothers

Is there any medium in all the world that can compare to the power of music to stir one’s soul? I am so grateful for such a precious gift. It is one of those extras in life, and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“ I listen to it every single day, and rise with its melody to the spiritual heights of joy, and learn to dance with delight before the Lord.

“To you, O LORD, I will make music.” Ps.101 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 11/18/25

"Denial ain't just a river in Egypt" (1931 newspaper competition)

I need to first understand and truthfully accept what is, before I can put energy into what can be. The truth sets us free, but only when we walk in its light. And walk we must, if we are to see the transformation God desires for us.

“Whatever is true… dwell on these things.” Phil.4 “Conversations Within” ts 11/12/25

You are the sugar that brightens my day. ” No Sugar Needed

My favorite part of each day is sitting quietly reading, reflecting on God’s word and communing with Him. His words are life, health and peace to my soul. I can certainly relate to the Psalmist, “He restores my soul.” Father, Your every word nurtures life in me.

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Ps.119 “Conversations Within” ts 11/17/25

One limitation opens unlimited possibilities.

Jesus isn’t afraid of what we might ask from Him in prayer. He promises to answer some of our deepest longings with one caveat. When His words abide in our heart He knows they will shape our longings in such a way that He would be happy to answer them. 

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/11/25

"Animals do speak, but only to those who know how to listen," Orhan Pamuk

It is true that sitting in nature can raise our awareness of God. We may even deduce some wisdom from our observations. But without the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scriptures, we would not understand the message of nature. Jesus told us to learn from the birds of the air, not without His teachings, but as an illustration of them. Spend time in nature for certain, but take your Bible when you go. Easy to do, if it’s in your heart.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you…Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?” Job “Conversations Within” ts 11/10/25

We do not go to church, we are the church.

Church isn’t just a Sunday service, it is the family of God any time and anywhere they choose to come together in the name of Jesus. Gathering in His name is as simple as doing things together that He would happily say to His Father, “Look Dad!  “Isn’t that precious. Let’s join them.” 

“For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/10/25

Wake to God's presence wherever you are.

Some people have told me that they experience God more sitting in the forest by a waterfall than they do sitting in a church service. According to Jesus, God can be experienced anywhere and anytime we wake to Him in Spirit and truth. Sit with God in nature. Sit with God in church. Just be sure to sit with Him. 

“God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/8/25

“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson

It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. As a Christian I am excited at the prospect of life without end, but eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it is connected to this moment. It is not only the quantity, but the quality of the quantity that matters. It is one thing to merely exist, it is another to really live.

“Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/7/25

Focus on fixing it, rather than wasting energy being frustrated by it.

Wisdom inclines us to work, not worry. Fix your eyes on your next wise choice. Nurture action, but remember that the goal isn’t just to get things done, but to get the right things done. Assemble the tools needed and get down to it. 

“In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.” Prov.13 “Conversations Within” ts 11/7/25

“That which I would not, that do I do. I wish I wouldn't do it, but I’m already through.” meme

I set out every day trying to do something I know is impossible for me to do. Experience has taught me that no matter how hard I try, I will still fall short. My sin is ever before me. Even though we know we will fail, Christ creates in His own a persistent desire to “go and sin no more.”

"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!"  Rom.7 “Conversations Within” ts 11/6/25

“I may give out, but I don't give up.” Mr Overton 109 years old

When you fall down, get back up. Get back up, every time. When you die, die with your nose pointed east and your eyes fixed on the sunrise.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal.6:9 “Conversations Within” ts 11/4/25

“The goal of fasting is inner unity.” Thomas Merton

Recent studies show that the regular practice of fasting is amazingly good for our physical health. It should not surprise us that the practice can be good for the soul. Our desires do not always match up to what is good. It is logical that learning to say no to them is a precious skill. Fasting something as basic as food is a great place to show our desires who is boss.

“When you fast…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 11/3/25

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?” Unknown

Do new things. Keep putting the life back into living. Never stop growing. If you stop growing; well, you’re dead. The world was created for us to fill, to explore, to be fruitful. We were created to grow. Learn a new language, a new sport, a new point of view. Do something new.

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…” The creation mandate in Genesis “Conversations Within” ts 11/3/25

One does not quench thirst by knowing that there is water in the bottle, but by drinking it.

 It is one thing to know that God loves you, and another to embrace its benefits. If we do not heed the Spirit’s counsel when He gives it, we will not experience the blessings that come from doing so. Reside in the dwelling Father has built for His children. He calls us to abide there, not just occasionally visit.

“Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” “Conversations Within” ts 11/2/25

“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” D.H. Lawrence

 I have seen a three-legged dog running playfully down the street. I even saw a video of a blind Labrador retriever splashing for joy in a puddle of water. I am inspired anytime I witness a happy acceptance of life even when it is accompanied with hardship. Joy grows in the heart that accepts not only suffering, but also hopes in the promised realities of the resurrection of Jesus.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Rom.8.18 “Conversations Within” ts 11/1/25

Live each moment, not as if it were your last, but as the next bite of a continual feast.

I want a tee shirt that reads, “I love life so much I could do it forever.” On the back side I would write, “Because of the resurrection of Jesus, I will!” My time here will simply transition to my life in glory. Celebrate life now with no fear that the celebrations will end. 

“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15“Conversations Within” ts 10/28/25

Never deny yourself just for the sake of denying yourself, but to put yourself in a better position to love someone.

 Central to the message of Jesus is that we “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.” We must say no to wants, beliefs, or desires that run contrary to His calling. His calling is plain, and that is to love the person in front of us.

“Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 10/28/25

“You don’t throw a life away just because it’s banged up a little.” Chris Cooper (Seabiscuit-the movie)

 Life beats us up at times. Physical injury; emotional trauma; an illness; financial bankruptcy; drug addiction, and certainly the death of a loved one can knock us off our feet. Recovery is an essential skill for life. A mature inner life can help us with self-rescue, but more often than not, we need help outside ourselves. Be rescued by tribal living, and faith in God.

“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.” Ps.30 “Conversations Within” ts 10/28/25

“You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.” Pema Chodron

Nurture a powerful inner life, one that knows the skill of possessing one's soul by patiently trusting that God is at the helm. Train yourself how to remain calm, until calmness is the natural state of your soul.

“In your patience, possess your soul.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 10/28/25

"If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." Paulo Coelho

Grace offers us a new beginning every morning we wake to it. Start where you are and walk, run, or crawl, if you have to, toward the health and happiness that Christ offers. A step away from the old is a step toward all that is new. Take it. 

“The grace of God…teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.“Conversations Within” ts 10/27/25

“A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Mark Twain

I have a symbol on my surfboard that simply means, “put your whole heart in it.” I put it there to remind me that when I am paddling for a wave I need to give it my all. Wholehearted living is the invitation of God to us all. Is there really any better way to embrace the precious gift of life. 

“set your hope entirely on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1Pet.1.13 “Conversations Within” ts 10/26/25

The big picture

I am consistently encouraged to view life from a holistic perspective, no less by the Spirit of Christ living in me. He directs me to consider the viewpoint of both the eternal, not just from the limited horizon of what is temporal. Death, as well as life, come into clearer focus when I do. There is a calming grace when we look at everything from the throne of God.

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.” Is.57.1 “Conversations Within” ts 10/24/25

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

Forgiveness adds unique value to our interactions. Learning to overlook another's failings is a necessary part of any healthy relationship. Practice it if you want to create, and sustain a gracious heart.

“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 10/23/25

“Sometimes you have to look hard at a person and remember he's doing the best he can. He's just trying to find his way, just like you.” On Golden Pond

 You would think that with everybody's personal failings that compassion and understanding would be commonplace. The fact that it is not is just another personal failing. I pray for the grace to be gracious to every one, even those who do not live with kindness. They perhaps need compassion the most.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 10/22/25