Just me trying to be honest with God.

Sign on I-40 interstate “Hitchhiker's maybe escaping inmates.”

It pays to give thought, not just to how we walk, but where we walk. Wisdom teaches us, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” Jesus ate with sinners to share His worldview not adopt theirs.

“A prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Prov.14 Conversations Within” ts Jul 23, 2026



“The only person standing in your way is yourself.” Adage

When it comes down to it, I must take responsibility for myself. Blaming God asking, “Why did you make me this way?” will not mount an adequate defense when He wants to know why I dropped the ball. God will forgive a foolish decision that cost me my arm, but I doubt He will grow me a new one.  

“A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD.” Prov.19.3 Conversations Within” ts Jul 22, 2026



“Sweet are the uses of adversity.” William Shakespeare

The other day we hiked the Bristlecone forest where the trees are over 4000 years old. One reason to explain their longevity is because the harsh conditions at 10,000 ft with high wind and snow have deepened their roots and made them strong. Adversity can be sweet or sour depending on how we respond to it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts Jul 21, 2026



”The safest place in all the world is in the will of God. ” Warren Wiersbe

But we object, “Jesus lived in the will of God and look what happened to Him, He was crucified. ” The God of all creation answers, “Yes, look at Him resurrected, seated at my right hand.” Even a child understands what it means to have ultimate victory.

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Ps.127 Conversations Within” ts Jul 20, 2026



I am grateful that the only problem I have getting enough to eat each day, is that there are always too many choices to choose from.

I have never known a day of hunger. Abundance surrounds me every day. As God is gracious to me, let me be gracious with all that He has entrusted to me. A grateful heart is a generous heart.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Conversations Within” ts Jul 19, 2026