“Take the bad with the good.” Idiom

Yesterday we were discussing what a blessed day we were having. The favoring winds, the cool weather, the place where we anchored and the timing to see a rocket launch from Canaveral made us feel like God was smiling on us. I also remember a day on our trip when it was hot, we had contrary winds and rough waters and I wondered if God was resisting our progress. The simple truth is that God loves us no matter what kind of day we are having and every day is a tool in His hands to work good in our lives. Embrace them all.  

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2020

Photo: Key Largo   FL

“I have to keep breathing... For tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide will bring in.” Cast Away-the Movie

 A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to overcome just about anything. Of course, these stick-to-it moments need repeating. The key is to cross every bridge when you come to it. Re-decide everyday what you decided was worth deciding in the first place.  

“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2020

Photo: Chimney Rock

“Plans are nothing, planning is everything.” Dwight W. Eisenhower

 I am one to write down the activities I hope to accomplish each day. Some of the items on my list are created for me by the simple demands of life. Others are calculated by me because I want to accomplish some goal I have set for myself. In any case I think it is wise to give thought to our activities before we begin. It not only saves energy, we may decide something isn’t worth doing.  

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2020

Photo: Arches National Park    

The value of a relationship with God is now, not just endless days to come, because what we do now will have a lasting impact then.

What value is there in living forever if we are not living life now? Truthfully, we can only live in this moment. Am I living life right now? The value of a relationship with God is that He helps us fine tune our pursuits around that which is life indeed. He encourages us to invest our energies into all that has lasting value. His Spirit is with us this very moment, and at the crossroads of every choice we make.   

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1Tim.6.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2020

Photo: Zion National Park, UT

“The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Kakuzo Okakaura

Go with the flow or swim against it, both require that we adjust to our surroundings. Be relevant and readjust when needed. Life is flux. This in no way implies that we compromise character in doing so. We can be flexible in our approach and faithful to our convictions at the same time.    

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." Ecc. 3.1 Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2020

Photo: Yellowstone