“I knew you would say no.”

The older I get there is an awakening of a sweet desire to be remembered by my family and friends as a “yes” person, not a “no” person. I remember well the story of a man who once stood beside a river looking for a way to cross. Several men, Thomas Jefferson among them, rode up on horses. The man politely asked Jefferson for a ride and was given one. Someone asked the man why he had asked “that man” instead of any of the others for the ride. The man replied that Jefferson had a “Yes” face. Father, give me a face that says, “Yes.”

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2017

“Give without remembering. Take without forgetting.” Meme

Give and expect nothing in return. Such expectations rob us of the joys of authentic love. True love gives because love is its own reward not because we expect to be rewarded in return for offering it. The joy of love comes from knowing that we have brought goodness to someone, and even on occasion to an enemy. Such knowledge is reward enough.

“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 10/4/2017

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

Be generous in service, and overwhelm people with kindness. If we would be truly happy, embrace the actions of love--always focused on bringing goodness to others. Lavish people with encouragement and praise. We should not restrict our generosity to something like money. We can be generous with words, with service, by listening wholeheartedly to those who need a friend, and by showing appreciation to those who have served us. .

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2017

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank

A tight fisted person gives nothing, nor are they able to receive anything. An open hand is able to do both. Do not hold too tightly to blessings that come your way, in fact, do not hold onto things at all. Share what it is entrusted to you! It is better to be an overflowing spring of refreshment than a stagnant pond. I have never known a generous person who was poor.

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” Prov.11.24 Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2017

“Say your prayers.”

I often rise with the simple prayer, “Good morning Father.” I say this more for my benefit than His. I am sure God is always having a good day. The reason I begin each day this way is that I want to wake to Him as I wake to the day. Prayer is not so much for God but an activity that certainly works positive change in us. This is not to say that He does not find enjoyment in our prayers. I love the verse that says that He rejoices over us with singing. I hope that when He hears my voice, He smiles and sings.  

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Phil.2.13  Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2017