Freedom comes to us a choice at a time as does slavery.

“Do not harden your heart.” Heb.3

Every choice has consequences; probably not the least of which is that we incline our heart to make the same choice the next time similar circumstances arise. Every time I refuse some prompting of my conscience to do right, it will get easier and easier to choose wrong. Hard hearts are fashioned this way. Thank God it works the other way as well. Every good choice can incline us to do right until doing what is good and right and true is second nature. It is called second nature because our first nature is usually to be selfish. Conversations Within ts 12/25/2012 (Bham, AL)

Freedom comes to us a choice at a time as does slavery.

“Do not harden your heart.” Heb.3

Every choice has consequences; probably not the least of which is that we incline our heart to make the same choice the next time similar circumstances arise. Every time I refuse some prompting of my conscience to do right, it will get easier and easier to choose wrong. Hard hearts are fashioned this way. Thank God it works the other way as well. Every good choice can incline us to do right until doing what is good and right and true is second nature. It is called second nature because our first nature is usually to be selfish. Conversations Within ts 12/25/2012 (Bham, AL)

Sometimes the best way to be where you are is to pay attention to where have been and where you are going.

"First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Jesus

Some have said that the present is all there is simply because you cannot change the past and the tomorrow hasn’t come. Certainly worrying about the past or future is a waste of time. But assigning some of the present to correct past mistakes or to prepare for the future is wise. The trick is to not allow either to rob you of the joy of the present. Sometimes the past catches up to us if we have not lived responsibly and restitution is needed. Sometimes the future will catch us unprepared so we should prepare. A person who is fully present takes the past and future into consideration. Conversations Within ts 12/24/2012 (Bham, AL)

Sometimes the best way to be where you are is to pay attention to where have been and where you are going.

"First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Jesus

Some have said that the present is all there is simply because you cannot change the past and the tomorrow hasn’t come. Certainly worrying about the past or future is a waste of time. But assigning some of the present to correct past mistakes or to prepare for the future is wise. The trick is to not allow either to rob you of the joy of the present. Sometimes the past catches up to us if we have not lived responsibly and restitution is needed. Sometimes the future will catch us unprepared so we should prepare. A person who is fully present takes the past and future into consideration. Conversations Within ts 12/24/2012 (Bham, AL)

“In truth there is no such thing in man's nature as a settled and full resolve either for good or evil, except at the very moment of execution.” Nathaniel Hawthorne

“...for it is now that God favors what you do.” Ecc.9

Reduce life down to this moment, give your full attention to now. Let your every decision be your next right step. Some have quit smoking by simply saying, “I will not smoke now.” Surely there are hundreds of things which we know are bad for us which could complete that sentence. What are you going to do now? Now is all that counts anyway. Move through the day one moment at a time, be where you are! Be fully where you are and fully committed only to goodness. Conversations Within ts 12/21/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)