Just me trying to be honest with God.

“When in doubt, don’t!” Adage

If I question the wisdom of doing something, it would be wise not to do it, and wait until my uncertainties are gone. If I question an activity, the fact that I am questioning it may be the only answer I need to stop doing it.

“Whatever's not of faith is sin.” Rom.14 Conversations Within” ts Oct 5, 2026



Darkness matters little if you carry your own light.

The light of God’s presence is so very precious. His light helps me see what is good, right and true. Light is self-evident. Goodness, rightness and truth all attest to life as the Father intends. Have nothing to do with a thought, word or deed that does not light up the world with them.

“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.” Ps. 89.15 Conversations Within” ts Oct 4, 2026



“My lifeguard walks on water.” Meme

To believe in the miraculous is an act of faith only if I was not there to witness it. This in no way means I am casting reason aside and trusting a blind faith. My faith can be rooted in the reliability of those who were eye witnesses to an historical event. Did Jesus actually walk on water? Well if I am to trust Him as the lifeguard of my soul, I believe He did.

“At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea.” Mk.6.48 Conversations Within” ts Oct 1, 2026



“You don't get to pick your moment, you only get to pick whether you're ready for your moment.” Steven Eugene Kuhn

If we live fully right now, we will be ready when it is our time at bat later. Embrace what is now, be faithful to what is required of you this moment, no matter how small it seems.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Jesus Conversations Within” ts Oct 1, 2026



“You eat at McDonald's? I didn't know I was better than you.” Jim Gaffigan

Our silly comparisons are a sad commentary of human pride. The only time I think it appropriate to be superior to another is in valuing their life over our own.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts Sep 29, 2026



“I never met a bitter person who was thankful, or a thankful person who was bitter.” Nick Vujicic

I can affirm that a grateful heart is good for what ails ya. The power of grateful praise should never be underestimated. Body and soul thrive is the soil of an appreciative heart.

“Give thanks to the Lord. Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts Sep 29, 2026



Learn to say, “No” to the wrong things. Then say, “Yes” to the right things. It takes both.

Make no mistake about it. We act out what occupies our head and heart. This is why the battle for positive transformation is fought on the battlefield of our thoughts and affections.

“The grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.” Titus 2.12 Conversations Within” ts Sep 26, 2026



“Question: Where are you? Answer: Here. Question: What time is it? Answer: Now. Question: What are you? Answer: This moment.” Peaceful Warrior

Bring it down to now, then abide there. Have no worries about the future, no regrets about the past. Just do what needs doing. Do it now. 

“Be where you are.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts Sep 26, 2026



“What God desires is here [points to head] and here [points to heart] and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man - or not.” Hospitaller (Kingdom of Heaven)

God’s kingdom is discovered, not only where God’s will is desired, but lived out in attitude and actions. And what is God’s will? Transferring our trust from self to Jesus of course. The good news is that believing in Him is very good news for us.

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Sep 25, 2026



“To wake up each morning is a precious privilege—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

 The threads of my life began in the Weaver's mind before I was conceived in my mother’s womb. How precious His works, how precious is life. Every thread, every moment, of my life is not only known to Him, but purposefully designed so that I might experience His glory--His infinite value.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Ps.113 Conversations Within” ts Sep 23, 2026



Save your fork!

We use the expression “Save your fork” at the dinner table to announce that “something good is yet to come.” When we sit “God’s right hand” we sit in His favor where blessings abound, and dessert is always served at His table.

“You have made known to me the path of life and at Your right hand are pleasures forever.” Ps. 16 Conversations Within” ts Sep 23, 2026




”It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us. C. S. Lewis

 I want my desires for lasting joy to remain center stage when I choose. I often trade it away for lesser pleasures only to find that what I get in return doesn’t satisfy. I know the grace is there, and why I do not use it baffles me. What is there to do but to start again. 

“You have made known to me the path of life and at Your right hand are pleasures forever.” Ps. 16 Conversations Within” ts Sep 22, 2026



“The goal is to die with memories not dreams.” Meme

I have so many rich memories. The places I have been, the experiences I have shared with family and friends all overwhelm me. I see a photo and I try to remember being there, to slow it down and take more of it in. My hope is that in all of it, God has been and will be glorified. Sharing life with Him has been, and continues to be my greatest adventure, and the enjoyment of my life.

“It is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourselves to be my disciples.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Sep 20, 2026



Healthy and happy. Happy and healthy

When considering if something is wrong or right, we could simply ask if it is healthy or unhealthy? More often than not, whether I should do something is easily answered by asking, does it promote health in body, soul, and spirit or not? Of course the sure method is to ask if God condones it or not.

“May you prosper and be in Health even as your soul prospers.” 3Jo. Conversations Within” ts Sep 18, 2026



“My sin was no match for His love.” Meme

I smile with gratitude because, though my sins are many, my Father is not counting them against me. I can stop keeping count, because He has. My sins may be ever before me, but they do not stand between us. His “grace that is greater than all my sins.”

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2Cor.5.19 Conversations Within” ts Sep 17, 2026



“Go simple. Go small. Go now.” Lynn and Larry Party (small boat sailing)

If we consider doing something, there are times when we should just do it and do it now. The best chance to get it done is to act on it without delay. Wisdom encourages us to live lite, and prune everything that hinders starting right away.

"Look, now is the favorable time! See, now is the day of salvation!" 2Cor.6.2 Conversations Within” ts Sep 16, 2026



“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William A. Ward

 When I express gratitude, I want it to be with my actions, not just my words. When I take stock of God’s blessings over my resources I can give generously to others in need. I can also use my time and talents to advance the cause of His love in the world. Lord grant that I make a point to do this every single day so that when I give thanks you will know that I mean it.

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.” Pro.25 ESV Conversations Within” ts Sep 15, 2026



"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper". W.B. Yeats

 Live life from within. The body is passing, the soul is eternal. Wake to life in the Spirit, and give priority to all things spiritual. Never be a slave to the body, rather make the flesh the servant of the soul. Jesus would wake us to His reality. 

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Sep 14, 2026



"Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress." Mahatma Gandhi

Just because someone disagrees with my point of view does not mean that they hate me. Just because I disagree with someone else’s point of view does not mean that I hate them.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts Sep 13, 2026



“Every man is a fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” Elbert Hubbard

 I am reminded every day of two things, “I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior.” I do not need to try and sin, it comes naturally. I have made my peace that the struggle will continue as long as I am in this place. I am also at peace knowing that forgiveness is always offered. 

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom.7 Conversations Within” ts Sep 11, 2026



“A man should acknowledge his losses as gracefully as he celebrates his victories.” A Good Year

 There are times when we all lose in this life. Jesus assures us that losing our lives for His sake will become gain. I find great comfort in the knowledge that every sacrifice is met with an even greater reward. He speaks of course not about the rewards of hire, but the rewards that naturally follow love.

“whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Sep 10, 2026



Just because I have the freedom to speak, doesn’t mean it is always beneficial that I do.

When I think about commenting on some current affairs, I am realizing more and more that it would not only be wiser, but better if I don’t. Why should I add to something that is already weighed down and divided by so many opinions? 

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him" Ps.62 Conversations Within” ts Sep 9, 2026



“Sing the rain on the roof on a summer night where they still know wrong from right. Sing a song about the heartland, sing a song about my life.” Pure Country

When I count my blessings, one is to have been raised and belong to a tribe that still knows wrong from right. It is a quiet knowing with no need to argue or press it on another, because underneath is the peaceful knowledge that the God and Father of Jesus is the Sovereign over it.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” Is.5.20 Conversations Within” ts Sep 8, 2026





“I pray on the principle that wine knocks the cork out of a bottle. There is an inward fermentation, and there must be a vent.”Henry Ward Beecher

 Prayer is an attitude as much as an act. And, whether conscious or unconscious, prayer is the life breath of every child of God. Like physical breath, unconscious prayers are the mainstay, not just our conscious prayers. Communication is after all so much more than words, prayer no less.

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts Sep 7, 2026



“The face of the enemy frightens me only when I see how much it resembles me.” Anonymous

 It is good for me to remind oneself that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” I am a part of the “all.” I have sinned too many times to count. Who am I to condemn another? No one measures up. I certainly do not. Jesus teaches me to attend to my own sins before I even think about another's.

“And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts Sep 6, 2026



“I would rather be a man of paradoxes than a man of prejudices.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

 Humility enables us to express love in two directions, one is acting justly the other is loving mercy. When this happens our energy merges them into the singular dynamic of love’s goodness. We can be both just and merciful at the same time.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6.8 Conversations Within” ts Sep 5, 2026




"You can go anywhere in the world from your home…in prayer." Clarence Sexton

There are times when I feel helpless witnessing all the sufferings of the world, then I am gently reminded by the Spirit of Jesus, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Merge into the flow of this blessing to the world. Ask Him!

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5.16 Conversations Within” ts Sep 4, 2026



"Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life." Jonathan Edwards

We can breathe on purpose, but we will continue to breathe even when we are not conscious of it. This is how prayer can be for the child of God. Prayer is an attitude as much as it is an action. 

Pray without ceasing. 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts Sep 4, 2026



"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God." Brother Lawrence

Some of the best conversations are the ones without words where two souls are joined in silent understanding, a nod of knowing, and agreement--two people on the same page.

"Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts Sep 3, 2026



God’s willingness to answer is greater than our willingness is to ask.

I am convinced that God wants partners not pawns. In the matter of prayer, we often think we must wait on God, but the truth is that He is probably waiting on us just to ask HIm.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” 2Chron.9 Conversations Within” ts Sep 2, 2026




A father’s prayer…

My desire has always been for my children and grandchildren to have a mature inner life and experience all that God is for them in Christ. I pray that they would choose to live, not only on temporal bread alone, but on every word coming from His mouth, and that the love of Christ be the dynamic that defines their journey, and its light, joy and peace, their constant companions

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts Sep 1, 2026



“Try to draw a circle so huge that there is no way we can finish it while we are alive. " Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara

 Rise every morning and accept the challenge to live for something bigger than yourself. It helps to remember we never arrive in this place, there are always chores that need doing every day. But when you are on the Kings highway, and on the Kings business every chore is rich with eternal purpose.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil.3.12 Conversations Within” ts Aug 30, 2026


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

A large part of healthy living is simply to continue. Once you find the path of goodness, stay on it. Abide. See to it, every evening, every morning.

“Abide in me, and I in you! Apart from me you can do nothing." Jesus Conversations Within” ts Aug 29, 2026





”Keep on truckin! ”

Realization is the perfect work of endurance, and it happens by showing up every day. Be as steady as sunrise, as reliable as waves on a beach. Keep at it. Never quit. Rest when you need it, but return and stay with it.

“Let endurance have its perfect work…” James 1 Conversations Within” ts Aug 29, 2026



“They will know we are Christians by our love.” Jars of Clay

Love as Jesus taught it is understood to be actions that bring goodness and benefit. Of course the person we are trying to benefit, may not see it so. They may even accuse us of not loving them at all. Jesus loved the rich young ruler, and told him the truth, but the young man refused what Jesus said. Today, Jesus may even be accused of hating the man. 

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him…go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened…he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions. ” Mk. 10 Conversations Within” ts Aug 27, 2026




“Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me,” Charlotte Elliott

I remind myself every day that my only hope is that Jesus died for my sins, and declared that the penalty for them has been paid. As far as God is concerned, “It is finished.” There is nothing owed, the transaction is complete. The gospel is good news indeed!

"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything". 1 John 3:20 Conversations Within” ts Aug 26, 2026



That thought you thought was private, it wasn't. God knows everything about it.

I can cheat, lust, and covet all in my thought life. Jesus made it clear that we can sin just by thinking about doing something.  A reverent regard for God--the fear of the Lord, is nurtured in us when we recognize that even our most private thoughts are known to Him.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Conversations Within” ts Aug 25, 2026



"Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds" JoJo Jensen

Arthur comes to visit me every night, wakes me, then keeps me awake. After a few days of this, I am learning to sleep and dream about pain. At least I sleep, and when I finally get a good night's sleep, I wake up thinking, "absence really does make the heart grow fonder". I can honestly appreciate how sweet sleep is. Add a little more sweetener to my nights Lord.

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." Prov.3.24 Conversations Within” ts Aug 24, 2026



Faith understands that God is always watching. He sees our very thoughts.

A mature inner life expresses  faithfulness  when no one is watching. God works this fruit in us. He is consistent in grace, always showing us the right path, and walking with us every step of the way. 

“Stay in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts Aug 23, 2026




How peaceful is the soul that has learned to give God the benefit of the doubt.

I believe in the absolute goodness of God. If I read a passage in the Bible that seemingly contradicts His goodness, I have not understood it correctly. The same can be said of how I view life’s ups and downs in our fallen world. God is good, every single day.

“The LORD is good! Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts Aug 22, 2026