“We like the fact that it is hard because it makes the fun of it more fun.” Expedition Evans

I read a post that said “Life is hard, make it harder and buy a boat.” It is common knowledge that God uses hard times to nurture in us the character of a mature inner life. Plug away with an enduring attitude. Learn to enjoy and appreciate the process that develops spiritual health and vitality. 

“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1 Conversations Within” Jul 17, 2026 ts

“God is even kinder than you think.” St Theresa

When God lays His hand upon His children, it is always a loving hand. This is true as much for His hand of discipline as it is for the hand of encouragement or help or comfort. God offers us many hands. I wonder if there is any hand more precious than His healing hand. Of course healing hands sometimes have a scalpel in them.

“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.” Ps.139 ESV Conversations Within” ts 7/16/26 REPOST from 2/6/11

Love certainly does no harm, but it also goes out of the way to do good.

Love, which is so much more than a feeling, is proactive action. Love looks for ways to express goodness toward others. I am blessed to know people who love this way, always one step ahead, always looking to find a way to serve. Is there any better life?

“Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Rom.13 Conversations Within” ts 7/15/26

“Dear stress, Let’s break up!” Meme

Stress can certainly cause fatigue. Alleviating it may sometimes involve lessening the load we carry each day. When this is not possible, we can adjust the way we think about our daily duties. If something has to be done, it has to be done, but this does not mean that we should allow it to do us in.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom.8.6 Conversations Within” ts 7/14/26

Hunger is a teaching tool, created so we will see that God alone can satisfy it.

Jesus told us to pray for daily bread because it is the only kind of bread He offers. Life comes to us a moment at a time, and God promises to provide for it. He invites us to sit down and gratefully eat at His table.

"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna... to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" Deut.8 Conversations Within” ts 7/13/26