"A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." Tenneva Jordan

 I deeply admire people who are so intently focused on loving and serving others that self-denial is second nature to them, even if it is a true sacrifice. Nurture this attitude in me, Lord.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” Phil.2.3 “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/26

“It is hard to be down when you are looking up.” Unknown

Incline my eyes to see You Lord, in all things. I find it easy to see You in a sunrise, or looking up at the night sky, or walking in a lush forest. The truth is I want to experience You, not only when looking at what is beautiful, but to find Your beauty in all things. Help me lift up my eyes.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecc.3.11 “Conversations Within” ts 4/18/26

“Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidd'st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Charlotte Elliott

 I know from personal experience that self-condemnation can be just another form of wounded pride. In the end it is God’s view that matters. He views His children from the standpoint of the cross of Christ. If He has forgiven me, let me stop condemning myself, accept His grace, and walk in its light.

"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything". 1 John 3:20 “Conversations Within” ts 4/17/26

“You are a totally loved moral failure.” Tim Keller

When the Scripture says, “if we sin,” it is making the assumption that we will. God has factored in all of our shortcomings, and already made provision for them. We don’t plan to sin, but God in His wisdom has a plan of action when we do.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo1.9 “Conversations Within” ts 4/16/26

We become what we do, and do, and do.

Once I stopped by a friend's house to pick something up. It was one of the few occasions when I drove alone. When I got back in the car, and without thinking, I went to the passenger side to get in. My wife has been driving for so long I am so used to riding as a passenger. I want my obedience to God to be like that.

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you." Ps.63.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/14/26