“Life is the sum of all your choices.” Albert Camus

“Be reconciled to God.” 2Cor.5

I have made many poor choices. Let me at least make that one grand choice to accept God's offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. He offers both you know, pardon and peace in one package. He does not, nor can not offer one without the other. To accept His forgiveness is to accept His rightful place in our lives and, our rightful place in His. Everything God would be to us is expressed in Jesus. Everything we would would be to Him is likewise found in Christ. Life is the sum of our choices but Christ can be the adjustment line that will bring all accounts back in the black and not just by fixing our stained record but our strained relationship as well. 3/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Life is the sum of all your choices.” Albert Camus

“Be reconciled to God.” 2Cor.5

I have made many poor choices. Let me at least make that one grand choice to accept God's offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. He offers both you know, pardon and peace in one package. He does not, nor can not offer one without the other. To accept His forgiveness is to accept His rightful place in our lives and, our rightful place in His. Everything God would be to us is expressed in Jesus. Everything we would would be to Him is likewise found in Christ. Life is the sum of our choices but Christ can be the adjustment line that will bring all accounts back in the black and not just by fixing our stained record but our strained relationship as well. 3/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.” William James

“Choose you this day whom you will serve...” Josh. 24

Putting off important decisions usually translates into trouble. Indecision is after all, a kind of decision. I would think this is especially true when we neglect important matters that do not require an immediate commitment. Exercise is one; we can and often do put it off. Spending time with our spouse, our children or our friends is usually not pressing. Spiritual decisions are rarely urgent. But postponing a decision to attend to any of these will usually cause them to reach a kind of critical mass and the inevitable explosion that follows will make any decision after the fact, a mute one. Not deciding may inevitably and irreversibly decide for us. 3/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.” William James

“Choose you this day whom you will serve...” Josh. 24

Putting off important decisions usually translates into trouble. Indecision is after all, a kind of decision. I would think this is especially true when we neglect important matters that do not require an immediate commitment. Exercise is one; we can and often do put it off. Spending time with our spouse, our children or our friends is usually not pressing. Spiritual decisions are rarely urgent. But postponing a decision to attend to any of these will usually cause them to reach a kind of critical mass and the inevitable explosion that follows will make any decision after the fact, a mute one. Not deciding may inevitably and irreversibly decide for us. 3/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.” Rita Mae Brown

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3Jo.1 ESV

I do not trust emotional decisions. I do not mind if emotions accompany a decision but I do not want my feelings to be the main reason I decide to do something. Feelings can be and often are deceptive. When I decide something let me make my decision based on what is good, right and true not on some euphoric something or other in my gut. Actually to do something because it is right may even make me feel uncomfortable rather than euphoric because I may be owning up to a mistake. Peace may come later and when it comes let it be grounded in what is true not because I no longer have the pressure to make a choice. 3/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.” Rita Mae Brown

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3Jo.1 ESV

I do not trust emotional decisions. I do not mind if emotions accompany a decision but I do not want my feelings to be the main reason I decide to do something. Feelings can be and often are deceptive. When I decide something let me make my decision based on what is good, right and true not on some euphoric something or other in my gut. Actually to do something because it is right may even make me feel uncomfortable rather than euphoric because I may be owning up to a mistake. Peace may come later and when it comes let it be grounded in what is true not because I no longer have the pressure to make a choice. 3/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Choices are the hinges of destiny.” Pythagoras

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” Pro.16 ESV

From a Christian point of view God governs the affairs of men, and it is rather obvious that one of the ways He does this is to give us freedom to make choices, not just good choices but evil ones as well. This means that it is God' s will, at least for the present, that men be able to resist His will. Why does He allow this? What appears to be of great importance to God is that people are given the opportunity to freely choose to submit to His will. After all, real love is always voluntary; who would want a forced love? This means of course that God determines our destiny at least in part, by putting it ultimately in our decision to love Him or not. He can and does help with this and certainly without His help none of us would be able to love Him. God has shown that He will do all that can be done but it seems that there are certain lines that even He will not cross. 3/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Choices are the hinges of destiny.” Pythagoras

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” Pro.16 ESV

From a Christian point of view God governs the affairs of men, and it is rather obvious that one of the ways He does this is to give us freedom to make choices, not just good choices but evil ones as well. This means that it is God' s will, at least for the present, that men be able to resist His will. Why does He allow this? What appears to be of great importance to God is that people are given the opportunity to freely choose to submit to His will. After all, real love is always voluntary; who would want a forced love? This means of course that God determines our destiny at least in part, by putting it ultimately in our decision to love Him or not. He can and does help with this and certainly without His help none of us would be able to love Him. God has shown that He will do all that can be done but it seems that there are certain lines that even He will not cross. 3/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.” Soren Kierkegaard

“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecc. 9.7 ESV

I am not sure why, but our Labrador Maggie never chews any of the meat that we give her. She gobbles it up whole with hardly a taste. I try to explain to her and to no avail, that she would enjoy it more if she slowed down and chewed it. I am sure God feels this way about my approach to so many things. There are times when I too am guilty of gobbling up God's gifts without taking the time to truly enjoy them. It is so easy for me to always be going somewhere and never fully be where I am. I have missed precious moments because I am not paying attention or do not savor the taste of life in front of me because I am distracted by some future concern. How sad it is to chase happiness when it is right in front of you. 3/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.” Soren Kierkegaard

“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecc. 9.7 ESV

I am not sure why, but our Labrador Maggie never chews any of the meat that we give her. She gobbles it up whole with hardly a taste. I try to explain to her and to no avail, that she would enjoy it more if she slowed down and chewed it. I am sure God feels this way about my approach to so many things. There are times when I too am guilty of gobbling up God's gifts without taking the time to truly enjoy them. It is so easy for me to always be going somewhere and never fully be where I am. I have missed precious moments because I am not paying attention or do not savor the taste of life in front of me because I am distracted by some future concern. How sad it is to chase happiness when it is right in front of you. 3/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“I don't know why it is we are in such a hurry to get up when we fall down. You might think we would lie there and rest for a while.” Max Eastman

“For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” James 1

More often than I care to admit, I sometimes can't remember at the end of the day my reflections at the beginning of the day. I forget promises Christ has made to me, instructions He has given to me and other things that I have learned in those quiet moments. How easily I forget. I have started editing my reflections over several days before I publish them. This helps keep what I am learning in front of me but I still rush past the real character issues brought up and prefer instead to concentrate on what I have written. What a dip stick. Fortunately the Spirit keeps bringing me back for another look in the mirror. Such reflective moments (pun definitely intended) help me see why Jesus is working not just to edit my reflections but my character. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“I don't know why it is we are in such a hurry to get up when we fall down. You might think we would lie there and rest for a while.” Max Eastman

“For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” James 1

More often than I care to admit, I sometimes can't remember at the end of the day my reflections at the beginning of the day. I forget promises Christ has made to me, instructions He has given to me and other things that I have learned in those quiet moments. How easily I forget. I have started editing my reflections over several days before I publish them. This helps keep what I am learning in front of me but I still rush past the real character issues brought up and prefer instead to concentrate on what I have written. What a dip stick. Fortunately the Spirit keeps bringing me back for another look in the mirror. Such reflective moments (pun definitely intended) help me see why Jesus is working not just to edit my reflections but my character. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“It has been left to our generation to discover that you can move heaven and earth to save five minutes...

...and then not have the faintest idea what to do with them when you have saved them.” C.E.M. Joad

“making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Eph.5 ESV

Sometimes the best use of time is to forget about saving it and start spending it wisely. Waiting in traffic, at a doctors office, in line at the grocery store does not have to be wasted moments in our day. C. S. Lewis said that he would rather pray on a crowded train than put it off till mid-night when he was too tired to concentrate. I think a general rule is to be where you are and stop hurrying to save time and instead use it for some lasting purpose. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“It has been left to our generation to discover that you can move heaven and earth to save five minutes...

...and then not have the faintest idea what to do with them when you have saved them.” C.E.M. Joad

“making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Eph.5 ESV

Sometimes the best use of time is to forget about saving it and start spending it wisely. Waiting in traffic, at a doctors office, in line at the grocery store does not have to be wasted moments in our day. C. S. Lewis said that he would rather pray on a crowded train than put it off till mid-night when he was too tired to concentrate. I think a general rule is to be where you are and stop hurrying to save time and instead use it for some lasting purpose. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” John Wesley

“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” John Wesley

“And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover.” Ex.12

I suppose there is a difference between hurry and haste though it is not always evident in the use of either of the two words. But everyone knows when life is causing you to hurry and when you expediently choose to make haste for a good cause. There is all the difference in the world between being hurried and making a conscious decision to hustle. Of course if you are being chased by a bear it is always good to hustle and the woods are filled with bears. We just need to discern real bears from imaginary ones. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” John Wesley

“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” John Wesley

“And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover.” Ex.12

I suppose there is a difference between hurry and haste though it is not always evident in the use of either of the two words. But everyone knows when life is causing you to hurry and when you expediently choose to make haste for a good cause. There is all the difference in the world between being hurried and making a conscious decision to hustle. Of course if you are being chased by a bear it is always good to hustle and the woods are filled with bears. We just need to discern real bears from imaginary ones. 3/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Remember the great adversity of art or anything else is a hurried life.” Robert James Waller

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Pro.19 ESV

You may well remember the childhood admonition, before crossing the street, to “Stop, Look and Listen.” In this day of planes, trains and automobiles it is easy for children to get run over. Now, as adults, we know it is just as easy to get run over by a hurried life. Most of us are out of breath, have too much in our schedule and have forgotten how to be where we are. It would do us well to reacquire this childhood skill; to stop all activity for moments of quite reflection; to look and consider where we are going and why; and, to listen to the Spirit for guidance and correction. This is not to say that we should spend all our time in quiet contemplation but only that Master would have us sharpen our ax before setting off to chop wood. 3/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“Remember the great adversity of art or anything else is a hurried life.” Robert James Waller

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Pro.19 ESV

You may well remember the childhood admonition, before crossing the street, to “Stop, Look and Listen.” In this day of planes, trains and automobiles it is easy for children to get run over. Now, as adults, we know it is just as easy to get run over by a hurried life. Most of us are out of breath, have too much in our schedule and have forgotten how to be where we are. It would do us well to reacquire this childhood skill; to stop all activity for moments of quite reflection; to look and consider where we are going and why; and, to listen to the Spirit for guidance and correction. This is not to say that we should spend all our time in quiet contemplation but only that Master would have us sharpen our ax before setting off to chop wood. 3/5/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“God made time, but man made haste.” Irish Proverb

“Whoever believes will not be in haste.” Is.28 ESV

Hurry can be a dreadful thing. A rushed life is the enemy of our joy, our peace and patience. It fuels our fears, worries and doubts. It clouds our judgment and rushes us headlong into making poor decisions. If there is one beneficial quality to haste, it is that it teaches us that there are no shortcuts in life, though patience is the better teacher of this and certainly a kinder one. 3/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“God made time, but man made haste.” Irish Proverb

“Whoever believes will not be in haste.” Is.28 ESV

Hurry can be a dreadful thing. A rushed life is the enemy of our joy, our peace and patience. It fuels our fears, worries and doubts. It clouds our judgment and rushes us headlong into making poor decisions. If there is one beneficial quality to haste, it is that it teaches us that there are no shortcuts in life, though patience is the better teacher of this and certainly a kinder one. 3/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” Robert Cody

“...that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Phil.1.20 ESV

Every one of us have established priorities that could be described with the words, “now as always.” Consider what an honor it would be to hear someone say, “He seeks first the kingdom of God, now as always,” or “She is busy loving others, now as always” instead of, “He's a coward now as always,” or “She is being lazy now as always.”
If I wonder how I will perform when it is my turn at bat and, I refer to matters of life as well as the manner of my death, I would do well to remember that what I do now as always will pretty much decide what I do then as always. 3/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” Robert Cody

“...that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Phil.1.20 ESV

Every one of us have established priorities that could be described with the words, “now as always.” Consider what an honor it would be to hear someone say, “He seeks first the kingdom of God, now as always,” or “She is busy loving others, now as always” instead of, “He's a coward now as always,” or “She is being lazy now as always.”
If I wonder how I will perform when it is my turn at bat and, I refer to matters of life as well as the manner of my death, I would do well to remember that what I do now as always will pretty much decide what I do then as always. 3/15/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” Plato

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” Lk. 12 ESV

So many of our fears are related to our physical existence. Jesus tried to emphasize that we are far more than animals. He reminds us that we are Image bearers and that as such, our spiritual life is our real life. Every facet of the physical world is passing away but everything spiritual is eternal. Kill the body and the soul lives on. Certainly there are instinctive fears woven into the fabric of our physical life such as a fear of heights or fears related to the law of self-preservation. But there are times when our spiritual life will move us to act contrary to these instinctive fears. Jesus invites us to live courageously, to choose spiritual values not fleshly fears to help us decide the course of our life. He asks us by faith to rise above mere animal instinct and live like sons and daughters of God. 3/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” Plato

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” Lk. 12 ESV

So many of our fears are related to our physical existence. Jesus tried to emphasize that we are far more than animals. He reminds us that we are Image bearers and that as such, our spiritual life is our real life. Every facet of the physical world is passing away but everything spiritual is eternal. Kill the body and the soul lives on. Certainly there are instinctive fears woven into the fabric of our physical life such as a fear of heights or fears related to the law of self-preservation. But there are times when our spiritual life will move us to act contrary to these instinctive fears. Jesus invites us to live courageously, to choose spiritual values not fleshly fears to help us decide the course of our life. He asks us by faith to rise above mere animal instinct and live like sons and daughters of God. 3/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“To him that waits all things reveal themselves, provided that he has the courage not to deny, in the darkness, what he has seen in the light.” Covent

“Only be strong and courageous." Josh.1

If we know night is coming, and it certainly does for each of us; we should learn well those things we have seen in the light. Let us frequent the path of peace so often that we could walk it even in the dark. Courage isn't really learned when darkness falls, only tested when darkness falls. This is why it is so important to firm up our faith and hope while it is day. Remember His words, “The night comes when no one will be able to work.” The reason courage isn't afraid of the dark is because it has practiced walking God's path in the light. When the shadows come, the trained heart remembers. 3/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“To him that waits all things reveal themselves, provided that he has the courage not to deny, in the darkness, what he has seen in the light.” Covent

“Only be strong and courageous." Josh.1

If we know night is coming, and it certainly does for each of us; we should learn well those things we have seen in the light. Let us frequent the path of peace so often that we could walk it even in the dark. Courage isn't really learned when darkness falls, only tested when darkness falls. This is why it is so important to firm up our faith and hope while it is day. Remember His words, “The night comes when no one will be able to work.” The reason courage isn't afraid of the dark is because it has practiced walking God's path in the light. When the shadows come, the trained heart remembers. 3/14/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S. Lewis

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised...that apart from us they should not be made perfect. ” Heb.11 ESV

Love is the courage to seek the good even of your enemies. Joy is the courage to endue even a cross to do what pleases God. Peace is the courage to rest in His promises even when everything is at unrest around you. Patience is the courage to wait for God to do what He has promised even though you may never see it in this life. Every virtue expresses the measure of its maturity when its courage is put to the test. 3/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S. Lewis

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised...that apart from us they should not be made perfect. ” Heb.11 ESV

Love is the courage to seek the good even of your enemies. Joy is the courage to endue even a cross to do what pleases God. Peace is the courage to rest in His promises even when everything is at unrest around you. Patience is the courage to wait for God to do what He has promised even though you may never see it in this life. Every virtue expresses the measure of its maturity when its courage is put to the test. 3/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher

“But the people, the men of Israel, took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day.” Judges 2o ESV

God sent the children of Israel on a task to discipline the tribe of Benjamin. Each day they inquired of God, went to battle at His bidding and each day they were defeated. This obedience cost them dearly, 22,000 men died the first day, 18,000 the second yet each day God would sent them out again. They courageously formed the same battle line day after day until they finally defeated Benjamin.
Courage is the work of God's enduring grace which continually works in us the courage to endure. God asks us to do things even when it is costly to do them. Perhaps the victory He desires isn't so much that we are never knocked down but the courage to keep getting up every time we are. 3/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher

“But the people, the men of Israel, took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day.” Judges 2o ESV

God sent the children of Israel on a task to discipline the tribe of Benjamin. Each day they inquired of God, went to battle at His bidding and each day they were defeated. This obedience cost them dearly, 22,000 men died the first day, 18,000 the second yet each day God would sent them out again. They courageously formed the same battle line day after day until they finally defeated Benjamin.
Courage is the work of God's enduring grace which continually works in us the courage to endure. God asks us to do things even when it is costly to do them. Perhaps the victory He desires isn't so much that we are never knocked down but the courage to keep getting up every time we are. 3/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. Ambrose Redmoon

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! “Ps.31 ESV

Courage is found in the certainty of our faith in spite of the uncertainties of this life. Courage flourishes in the certain knowledge that we are on the King's highway, in the King's business, under the protection and direction of the King of Glory. To know that the King has commissioned you to His task, is to also know that He will give you everything you need to accomplish it. And, should He ask that we lay down our life as part of that task, courage is knowing that you live for something greater than yourself. So great, in fact, is that something, that it will redeem any sacrifice with a reality far greater that just a name on a memorial stone. God remembers His fallen, not like a chiseler of cold stone but like sap rising in a Spring forest. When the Kingdom comes in its fullness those who sacrificed for it will populate its streets because there are no cemeteries there. 3/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. Ambrose Redmoon

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! “Ps.31 ESV

Courage is found in the certainty of our faith in spite of the uncertainties of this life. Courage flourishes in the certain knowledge that we are on the King's highway, in the King's business, under the protection and direction of the King of Glory. To know that the King has commissioned you to His task, is to also know that He will give you everything you need to accomplish it. And, should He ask that we lay down our life as part of that task, courage is knowing that you live for something greater than yourself. So great, in fact, is that something, that it will redeem any sacrifice with a reality far greater that just a name on a memorial stone. God remembers His fallen, not like a chiseler of cold stone but like sap rising in a Spring forest. When the Kingdom comes in its fullness those who sacrificed for it will populate its streets because there are no cemeteries there. 3/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn

“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46

There is nothing more comforting than a personal word from God, nothing more precious than to hear His blessed assurances. This is why He tells us to be still and center ourselves not only on the knowledge that He is God but that He is our God. When we truly wake to all that God is, and realize that everything He is, He is for us, we begin to understand how firm the foundation under us; how encompassing the shelter of His protection over us. I always feel better when I take my thoughts off my concerns and turn them to consider not only the muscular arms of my Dad but also His willingness to use them on my behalf. Fears melt on the sunlit slopes of His love. Stillness of heart comes to us when we sit still long enough to ponder His power and His great love. 3/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn

“Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46

There is nothing more comforting than a personal word from God, nothing more precious than to hear His blessed assurances. This is why He tells us to be still and center ourselves not only on the knowledge that He is God but that He is our God. When we truly wake to all that God is, and realize that everything He is, He is for us, we begin to understand how firm the foundation under us; how encompassing the shelter of His protection over us. I always feel better when I take my thoughts off my concerns and turn them to consider not only the muscular arms of my Dad but also His willingness to use them on my behalf. Fears melt on the sunlit slopes of His love. Stillness of heart comes to us when we sit still long enough to ponder His power and His great love. 3/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” Is.53 KJV

I suppose leaning to be silent is as much an art in prayer as it is in any other conversation. I can think of a number of situations when it is probably best to remain quiet before the Lord. First, if you don't know what to pray don't make up stuff to say. Unspoken yearnings are said to give the Spirit an opportunity to fill in the details when we ourselves don't know what to pray. Second, I think anytime we are over our head is also a good time to keep silent. Peter learned this the hard way on the Mount of Transfiguration. Third, Jesus kept silent when it was his turn up to bat. He quietly bore the burden that His Father placed on Him. His silence demonstrated perfect submission more than anything He could have said. And last, my favorite are those quiet moments when two friends are keeping such communion they know each others thoughts without voicing them. 3/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” Is.53 KJV

I suppose leaning to be silent is as much an art in prayer as it is in any other conversation. I can think of a number of situations when it is probably best to remain quiet before the Lord. First, if you don't know what to pray don't make up stuff to say. Unspoken yearnings are said to give the Spirit an opportunity to fill in the details when we ourselves don't know what to pray. Second, I think anytime we are over our head is also a good time to keep silent. Peter learned this the hard way on the Mount of Transfiguration. Third, Jesus kept silent when it was his turn up to bat. He quietly bore the burden that His Father placed on Him. His silence demonstrated perfect submission more than anything He could have said. And last, my favorite are those quiet moments when two friends are keeping such communion they know each others thoughts without voicing them. 3/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)

“Saying nothing...sometimes says the most.” Emily Dickinson

“There is...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecc. 3 ESV

Lord help me to know when to be quiet. Or, perhaps it would be better to ask that my standard operating procedure will be to say nothing until You make it very plain that I am to speak. I talk too much anyway. 3/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Cheaha, AL)

“Saying nothing...sometimes says the most.” Emily Dickinson

“There is...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Ecc. 3 ESV

Lord help me to know when to be quiet. Or, perhaps it would be better to ask that my standard operating procedure will be to say nothing until You make it very plain that I am to speak. I talk too much anyway. 3/8/2011 Conversations Within ts (Cheaha, AL)

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Helen Keller

“I lay my hand on my mouth.” Job 40

I was in Wal-mart the other day, feeling sorry for myself because my new diet prohibits sugar—I was on the cookie isle I'm sure. I looked up and around the corner a father came pushing a cart with one hand and pulling a wheelchair with the other. Sitting drawn up in the chair was his quadriplegic son. As I passed by I could see that the young man had a breathing tube in His throat. Our eyes met, I nodded to him realizing immediately he was unable to do even that. As I rounded the corner, I apologized to the Lord for any complaints I thought I had. There are times proper for putting your hand over your mouth. Any time we voice petty complaints or feel sorry for ourselves is one of them. 3/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Cheaha, AL)

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Helen Keller

“I lay my hand on my mouth.” Job 40

I was in Wal-mart the other day, feeling sorry for myself because my new diet prohibits sugar—I was on the cookie isle I'm sure. I looked up and around the corner a father came pushing a cart with one hand and pulling a wheelchair with the other. Sitting drawn up in the chair was his quadriplegic son. As I passed by I could see that the young man had a breathing tube in His throat. Our eyes met, I nodded to him realizing immediately he was unable to do even that. As I rounded the corner, I apologized to the Lord for any complaints I thought I had. There are times proper for putting your hand over your mouth. Any time we voice petty complaints or feel sorry for ourselves is one of them. 3/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Cheaha, AL)

“God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence.” Ps. 62 ESV

Since God works so often in silence, it may be best that we wait in silence while He works on our behalf. This probably means that we should not jump to conclusions about what He is doing but sit on our judgments till we see the end of the matter. Just because God is working silently doesn't mean He's not working. Sunlight calls silently to the forest; the leaves of Spring silently answer. So too will every blessed purpose that God wills to bloom in our lives. 3/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence.” Ps. 62 ESV

Since God works so often in silence, it may be best that we wait in silence while He works on our behalf. This probably means that we should not jump to conclusions about what He is doing but sit on our judgments till we see the end of the matter. Just because God is working silently doesn't mean He's not working. Sunlight calls silently to the forest; the leaves of Spring silently answer. So too will every blessed purpose that God wills to bloom in our lives. 3/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“An inability to stay quiet is one of the most conspicuous failings of mankind.” Walter Bagehot

“The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Hab.2 KJV

Just let me sit a while with You Lord in sweet silence. No prayers, no pondering, no questions, nothing but the sound of my breath rising and falling until at last, I hear the rhythm of Your breath, and we breathe together, as one. 3/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“An inability to stay quiet is one of the most conspicuous failings of mankind.” Walter Bagehot

“The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Hab.2 KJV

Just let me sit a while with You Lord in sweet silence. No prayers, no pondering, no questions, nothing but the sound of my breath rising and falling until at last, I hear the rhythm of Your breath, and we breathe together, as one. 3/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

"A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home." Anonymous

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face...” Pro.15 ESV

The secret to a glad heart is not telling yourself to be glad. Doing that, only reminds you that you are not glad. The secret is telling God thank you for the lines He has drawn around you. A grateful heart is a glad heart and a glad heart is reflected in a smiling face. If I would be free from the burden of my troubles; let me cast them down and lift my hands in grateful praise. Let my every gaze consider the goodness of God in, and around me. Smile my soul, for the Lord has certainly smiled on you. 3/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

"Join the great company of those who make the barren places of life fruitful with kindness.” Helen Keller

“Serve the LORD with gladness...” Ps.100 KJV

If we would be happy, we must escape the pull of our own gravity. To sore above the stale atmosphere of our selfishness we must rise to serve. God never intended happiness to be so much a pursuit as it is the inevitable result of pursuing usefulness to others. A person is most happy when they stops chasing happiness and start bringing it to the lives of others. 3/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

"Join the great company of those who make the barren places of life fruitful with kindness.” Helen Keller

“Serve the LORD with gladness...” Ps.100 KJV

If we would be happy, we must escape the pull of our own gravity. To sore above the stale atmosphere of our selfishness we must rise to serve. God never intended happiness to be so much a pursuit as it is the inevitable result of pursuing usefulness to others. A person is most happy when they stops chasing happiness and start bringing it to the lives of others. 3/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” St. Augustine

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3.16 KJV

Sometimes I need to be reminded that God doesn't just love the world, but that God loves me. There is nothing like a personal word of reassurance. This is why our President sometimes will call an individual family in a time of crisis and why it means so much when he does. We all know that God loves everybody in genera,l what we so desperately want to hear is that He loves each of us in particular. Do I believe that? Do I believe that God would have sent His Son just to rescue me? Paul said that he had come through a process of persuasion to a settled state of tranquility that not only did God love him, but nothing in life or death could separate him from that love. I feel better about it on some day more than others and so I still pray and suppose I will until no doubts remain, “Keep persuading me Lord, keep persuading us all.” 2/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” St. Augustine

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3.16 KJV

Sometimes I need to be reminded that God doesn't just love the world, but that God loves me. There is nothing like a personal word of reassurance. This is why our President sometimes will call an individual family in a time of crisis and why it means so much when he does. We all know that God loves everybody in genera,l what we so desperately want to hear is that He loves each of us in particular. Do I believe that? Do I believe that God would have sent His Son just to rescue me? Paul said that he had come through a process of persuasion to a settled state of tranquility that not only did God love him, but nothing in life or death could separate him from that love. I feel better about it on some day more than others and so I still pray and suppose I will until no doubts remain, “Keep persuading me Lord, keep persuading us all.” 2/28/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“We love thee too little if we love anything together with thee that we do not love because of thee.” Augustine

“We love thee too little if we love anything together with thee that we do not love because of thee.” Augustine

“Love the Lord your God...” Deut.6

All the commandments written in the Bible are different facets of one diamond. Loving God, obedience to Him, walking in the Spirit, abiding in Christ, pursuing holiness, keeping the sabbath day and every other encouragement, are all expressions of the first commandment to love Him. Even the second greatest command to love our neighbor is just another way of loving God. Loving God is the central purpose of life and all that does not reflect it is a waste of time. 2/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“We love thee too little if we love anything together with thee that we do not love because of thee.” Augustine

“We love thee too little if we love anything together with thee that we do not love because of thee.” Augustine

“Love the Lord your God...” Deut.6

All the commandments written in the Bible are different facets of one diamond. Loving God, obedience to Him, walking in the Spirit, abiding in Christ, pursuing holiness, keeping the sabbath day and every other encouragement, are all expressions of the first commandment to love Him. Even the second greatest command to love our neighbor is just another way of loving God. Loving God is the central purpose of life and all that does not reflect it is a waste of time. 2/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.” Alexander Solzhenitsyn

“He made the stars also.” Gen.1

Most who ponder the greatness of God ,expressed in something like the universe, come away wondering why He would bother with humans at all. After all, we hardly amount to dust in it. But the God of Christ is not strained or bothered to think about us; that too is part of His greatness. It may very well surprise us if we find that the whole universe was made for the singular purpose of showing humans just how great, how infinite God is. Humans may turn out to be the only intelligent life in the whole of it, and as such, the central focus of God's love and attention. I am not saying we are the only intelligent life in it, but if we are, what is that to God? I say this simply because of the great value that God assigned to humans when Christ was sent to die for us. After such an incredible act, what is making a universe or any number of universes for that matter. 2/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)

“The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.” Alexander Solzhenitsyn

“He made the stars also.” Gen.1

Most who ponder the greatness of God ,expressed in something like the universe, come away wondering why He would bother with humans at all. After all, we hardly amount to dust in it. But the God of Christ is not strained or bothered to think about us; that too is part of His greatness. It may very well surprise us if we find that the whole universe was made for the singular purpose of showing humans just how great, how infinite God is. Humans may turn out to be the only intelligent life in the whole of it, and as such, the central focus of God's love and attention. I am not saying we are the only intelligent life in it, but if we are, what is that to God? I say this simply because of the great value that God assigned to humans when Christ was sent to die for us. After such an incredible act, what is making a universe or any number of universes for that matter. 2/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)