“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Gen.3
Few would deny the wearisome nature of work. Surely by creative design, God intended that we enjoy our labors but once our selfishness entered the picture work became work. Jesus would change this in us if we will let Him. We may still have to work by the sweat of our brow but love quietly turns duty into delight and wearisome toil into fruitful purpose. One way He does this is telling us to offer our responsibilities and relationships to Him and having done so, every service rendered to others is then a service rendered to Him. How does this transform work? By turning it into worship which transforms the focus of our gaze toward God and away from our petty complaints. 5/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.”Lou Erickson
“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Gen.3
Few would deny the wearisome nature of work. Surely by creative design, God intended that we enjoy our labors but once our selfishness entered the picture work became work. Jesus would change this in us if we will let Him. We may still have to work by the sweat of our brow but love quietly turns duty into delight and wearisome toil into fruitful purpose. One way He does this is telling us to offer our responsibilities and relationships to Him and having done so, every service rendered to others is then a service rendered to Him. How does this transform work? By turning it into worship which transforms the focus of our gaze toward God and away from our petty complaints. 5/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Few would deny the wearisome nature of work. Surely by creative design, God intended that we enjoy our labors but once our selfishness entered the picture work became work. Jesus would change this in us if we will let Him. We may still have to work by the sweat of our brow but love quietly turns duty into delight and wearisome toil into fruitful purpose. One way He does this is telling us to offer our responsibilities and relationships to Him and having done so, every service rendered to others is then a service rendered to Him. How does this transform work? By turning it into worship which transforms the focus of our gaze toward God and away from our petty complaints. 5/24/2011 Conversations Within ts (Gunterhill, AL)
Monday, May 30, 2011
“We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between we garden." Author Unknown.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Gen.2 ESV
I think one silly view of Heaven is that we will sit around on clouds, drinking mint juleps and doing nothing. Perhaps some people feel this way because they do not enjoy working. It should not surprise us that God not only wants us to work but to enjoy it, express creativity and find lasting fulfillment in it. The simple truth is that man was created to live a productive and fruitful life, one detail of which was to work in a garden. It is interesting that the Good Book compares all of life to a garden. And, as everybody knows, gardens needs tending; the garden of our relationships, our resources, and certainly the garden of our inner life no less. It would seem that if there is one skill we need in life, we need to learn how to garden. “I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me.” Robert Brault. 5/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I think one silly view of Heaven is that we will sit around on clouds, drinking mint juleps and doing nothing. Perhaps some people feel this way because they do not enjoy working. It should not surprise us that God not only wants us to work but to enjoy it, express creativity and find lasting fulfillment in it. The simple truth is that man was created to live a productive and fruitful life, one detail of which was to work in a garden. It is interesting that the Good Book compares all of life to a garden. And, as everybody knows, gardens needs tending; the garden of our relationships, our resources, and certainly the garden of our inner life no less. It would seem that if there is one skill we need in life, we need to learn how to garden. “I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me.” Robert Brault. 5/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between we garden." Author Unknown.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Gen.2 ESV
I think one silly view of Heaven is that we will sit around on clouds, drinking mint juleps and doing nothing. Perhaps some people feel this way because they do not enjoy working. It should not surprise us that God not only wants us to work but to enjoy it, express creativity and find lasting fulfillment in it. The simple truth is that man was created to live a productive and fruitful life, one detail of which was to work in a garden. It is interesting that the Good Book compares all of life to a garden. And, as everybody knows, gardens needs tending; the garden of our relationships, our resources, and certainly the garden of our inner life no less. It would seem that if there is one skill we need in life, we need to learn how to garden. “I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me.” Robert Brault. 5/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
I think one silly view of Heaven is that we will sit around on clouds, drinking mint juleps and doing nothing. Perhaps some people feel this way because they do not enjoy working. It should not surprise us that God not only wants us to work but to enjoy it, express creativity and find lasting fulfillment in it. The simple truth is that man was created to live a productive and fruitful life, one detail of which was to work in a garden. It is interesting that the Good Book compares all of life to a garden. And, as everybody knows, gardens needs tending; the garden of our relationships, our resources, and certainly the garden of our inner life no less. It would seem that if there is one skill we need in life, we need to learn how to garden. “I cultivate my garden, and my garden cultivates me.” Robert Brault. 5/23/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
“Don't fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all.” Mignon McLaughlin
“Don't fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all.” Mignon McLaughlin
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5 ESV
Time is a funny thing where Christians are concerned. We are not promised “all the time in the world” but we have been promised eternal life. What is time to someone who will live forever? Well, it is everything. Consider the lasting value of everything eternal. We are told to value even our time in the world because our time here allows us to bear lasting fruit there. You don't put off eternity by waiting for it to begin. Eternal life is now. Today is one day in it. It is the quality of life not only its quantity that defines it as an eternal life. And, it is faith expressing itself in love that determines that quality. When you look at life this way, why put off any expression of love; if it has nothing to do with love why waste time doing it at all. 5/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5 ESV
Time is a funny thing where Christians are concerned. We are not promised “all the time in the world” but we have been promised eternal life. What is time to someone who will live forever? Well, it is everything. Consider the lasting value of everything eternal. We are told to value even our time in the world because our time here allows us to bear lasting fruit there. You don't put off eternity by waiting for it to begin. Eternal life is now. Today is one day in it. It is the quality of life not only its quantity that defines it as an eternal life. And, it is faith expressing itself in love that determines that quality. When you look at life this way, why put off any expression of love; if it has nothing to do with love why waste time doing it at all. 5/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Don't fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all.” Mignon McLaughlin
“Don't fool yourself that important things can be put off till tomorrow; they can be put off forever, or not at all.” Mignon McLaughlin
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5 ESV
Time is a funny thing where Christians are concerned. We are not promised “all the time in the world” but we have been promised eternal life. What is time to someone who will live forever? Well, it is everything. Consider the lasting value of everything eternal. We are told to value even our time in the world because our time here allows us to bear lasting fruit there. You don't put off eternity by waiting for it to begin. Eternal life is now. Today is one day in it. It is the quality of life not only its quantity that defines it as an eternal life. And, it is faith expressing itself in love that determines that quality. When you look at life this way, why put off any expression of love; if it has nothing to do with love why waste time doing it at all. 5/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” Gal.5 ESV
Time is a funny thing where Christians are concerned. We are not promised “all the time in the world” but we have been promised eternal life. What is time to someone who will live forever? Well, it is everything. Consider the lasting value of everything eternal. We are told to value even our time in the world because our time here allows us to bear lasting fruit there. You don't put off eternity by waiting for it to begin. Eternal life is now. Today is one day in it. It is the quality of life not only its quantity that defines it as an eternal life. And, it is faith expressing itself in love that determines that quality. When you look at life this way, why put off any expression of love; if it has nothing to do with love why waste time doing it at all. 5/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Someday is not a day of the week.” Author Unknown
“...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring....For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 ESV
Mark Twain humorously said, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” The truth is that putting things off until tomorrow makes the assumption that we will be around tomorrow. We often assume there is plenty of time left in the cookie jar of our sojourn. But the cookie jar of life is opaque and we are not guaranteed that when we reach our hand in it there will be another tomorrow.
Now finding that we don't have anymore time left to cut our grass will not be as important as having none left to get our “affairs in order.” But, there is no need to panic over such things. We are promised that if we attend to Kingdom issues first the King will see to it that all else will be provided. Jesus was provided a moment, even if it was on the cross, to set His affairs in order and provide someone to care for His mother. This means God will see to it that we have whatever time is needed to do what we need to do. Or else He will attend to it for us. 5/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Mark Twain humorously said, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” The truth is that putting things off until tomorrow makes the assumption that we will be around tomorrow. We often assume there is plenty of time left in the cookie jar of our sojourn. But the cookie jar of life is opaque and we are not guaranteed that when we reach our hand in it there will be another tomorrow.
Now finding that we don't have anymore time left to cut our grass will not be as important as having none left to get our “affairs in order.” But, there is no need to panic over such things. We are promised that if we attend to Kingdom issues first the King will see to it that all else will be provided. Jesus was provided a moment, even if it was on the cross, to set His affairs in order and provide someone to care for His mother. This means God will see to it that we have whatever time is needed to do what we need to do. Or else He will attend to it for us. 5/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Someday is not a day of the week.” Author Unknown
“...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring....For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4 ESV
Mark Twain humorously said, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” The truth is that putting things off until tomorrow makes the assumption that we will be around tomorrow. We often assume there is plenty of time left in the cookie jar of our sojourn. But the cookie jar of life is opaque and we are not guaranteed that when we reach our hand in it there will be another tomorrow.
Now finding that we don't have anymore time left to cut our grass will not be as important as having none left to get our “affairs in order.” But, there is no need to panic over such things. We are promised that if we attend to Kingdom issues first the King will see to it that all else will be provided. Jesus was provided a moment, even if it was on the cross, to set His affairs in order and provide someone to care for His mother. This means God will see to it that we have whatever time is needed to do what we need to do. Or else He will attend to it for us. 5/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Mark Twain humorously said, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” The truth is that putting things off until tomorrow makes the assumption that we will be around tomorrow. We often assume there is plenty of time left in the cookie jar of our sojourn. But the cookie jar of life is opaque and we are not guaranteed that when we reach our hand in it there will be another tomorrow.
Now finding that we don't have anymore time left to cut our grass will not be as important as having none left to get our “affairs in order.” But, there is no need to panic over such things. We are promised that if we attend to Kingdom issues first the King will see to it that all else will be provided. Jesus was provided a moment, even if it was on the cross, to set His affairs in order and provide someone to care for His mother. This means God will see to it that we have whatever time is needed to do what we need to do. Or else He will attend to it for us. 5/20/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
“If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done.” Author Unknown
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Prov.14 ESV
Most of the time when I have put something off to the last minute, it has nothing to do with not having enough time as it is having the desire to do it. When we are able, we always quench the thirst of our greatest desire. It is as simple as that. I always do what I want to do the most. Now, I may not want to clean out the ox stable but I will do it, not because I value shoveling ox dung but because I value the things I can buy from the money I make with my ox. I procrastinate when I would rather ride my mountain bike than clean out the stable, so I put off cleaning the stable until I absolutely must do it to get what I want from my ox. The greatest desire at the moment always wins. The key then, not only to getting things done, but getting the rights things done and getting them done in a timely manner, lies with my greatest desire. I must define my desires because my desires will surely define me. 5/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Most of the time when I have put something off to the last minute, it has nothing to do with not having enough time as it is having the desire to do it. When we are able, we always quench the thirst of our greatest desire. It is as simple as that. I always do what I want to do the most. Now, I may not want to clean out the ox stable but I will do it, not because I value shoveling ox dung but because I value the things I can buy from the money I make with my ox. I procrastinate when I would rather ride my mountain bike than clean out the stable, so I put off cleaning the stable until I absolutely must do it to get what I want from my ox. The greatest desire at the moment always wins. The key then, not only to getting things done, but getting the rights things done and getting them done in a timely manner, lies with my greatest desire. I must define my desires because my desires will surely define me. 5/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done.” Author Unknown
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Prov.14 ESV
Most of the time when I have put something off to the last minute, it has nothing to do with not having enough time as it is having the desire to do it. When we are able, we always quench the thirst of our greatest desire. It is as simple as that. I always do what I want to do the most. Now, I may not want to clean out the ox stable but I will do it, not because I value shoveling ox dung but because I value the things I can buy from the money I make with my ox. I procrastinate when I would rather ride my mountain bike than clean out the stable, so I put off cleaning the stable until I absolutely must do it to get what I want from my ox. The greatest desire at the moment always wins. The key then, not only to getting things done, but getting the rights things done and getting them done in a timely manner, lies with my greatest desire. I must define my desires because my desires will surely define me. 5/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Most of the time when I have put something off to the last minute, it has nothing to do with not having enough time as it is having the desire to do it. When we are able, we always quench the thirst of our greatest desire. It is as simple as that. I always do what I want to do the most. Now, I may not want to clean out the ox stable but I will do it, not because I value shoveling ox dung but because I value the things I can buy from the money I make with my ox. I procrastinate when I would rather ride my mountain bike than clean out the stable, so I put off cleaning the stable until I absolutely must do it to get what I want from my ox. The greatest desire at the moment always wins. The key then, not only to getting things done, but getting the rights things done and getting them done in a timely manner, lies with my greatest desire. I must define my desires because my desires will surely define me. 5/19/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
“The best way to get something done is to begin.” Author Unknown
“Be where you are!” Ecc.9
One benefit of nurturing a fully present heart, or truly being where you are, is the power it gives to whatever you are doing. The ability to focus, and stay focused is the sure completion of any task. Most of the time, it is that initial focus, the beginning of the task that is crucial. This is why learning to be where you are is so important. If I am where I am supposed to be, where God wants me, then surely what I find to do is worth doing. If I am not where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, then the immediate task at hand is to find out that information and get there. When I get there, be there! 5/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
One benefit of nurturing a fully present heart, or truly being where you are, is the power it gives to whatever you are doing. The ability to focus, and stay focused is the sure completion of any task. Most of the time, it is that initial focus, the beginning of the task that is crucial. This is why learning to be where you are is so important. If I am where I am supposed to be, where God wants me, then surely what I find to do is worth doing. If I am not where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, then the immediate task at hand is to find out that information and get there. When I get there, be there! 5/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“The best way to get something done is to begin.” Author Unknown
“Be where you are!” Ecc.9
One benefit of nurturing a fully present heart, or truly being where you are, is the power it gives to whatever you are doing. The ability to focus, and stay focused is the sure completion of any task. Most of the time, it is that initial focus, the beginning of the task that is crucial. This is why learning to be where you are is so important. If I am where I am supposed to be, where God wants me, then surely what I find to do is worth doing. If I am not where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, then the immediate task at hand is to find out that information and get there. When I get there, be there! 5/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
One benefit of nurturing a fully present heart, or truly being where you are, is the power it gives to whatever you are doing. The ability to focus, and stay focused is the sure completion of any task. Most of the time, it is that initial focus, the beginning of the task that is crucial. This is why learning to be where you are is so important. If I am where I am supposed to be, where God wants me, then surely what I find to do is worth doing. If I am not where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, then the immediate task at hand is to find out that information and get there. When I get there, be there! 5/18/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” William James
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it...." Ecclesiastes 9 ESV
“Just do it!” is so much more than an ad for Nike. It is the best approach to a productive life. It is amazing how every unfinished task drains our emotional energy. This is particularly true of tasks we dread doing; mine is paper work of any kind. The truth is that it actually drains more energy to put things off than if we just did it. It has been suggested that one way to keep tasks from piling up is to keep one simple rule. “Handle something once.” It is often better to wash my dish when I get up from the table than to put it in the sink to wash later. 5/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Just do it!” is so much more than an ad for Nike. It is the best approach to a productive life. It is amazing how every unfinished task drains our emotional energy. This is particularly true of tasks we dread doing; mine is paper work of any kind. The truth is that it actually drains more energy to put things off than if we just did it. It has been suggested that one way to keep tasks from piling up is to keep one simple rule. “Handle something once.” It is often better to wash my dish when I get up from the table than to put it in the sink to wash later. 5/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” William James
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it...." Ecclesiastes 9 ESV
“Just do it!” is so much more than an ad for Nike. It is the best approach to a productive life. It is amazing how every unfinished task drains our emotional energy. This is particularly true of tasks we dread doing; mine is paper work of any kind. The truth is that it actually drains more energy to put things off than if we just did it. It has been suggested that one way to keep tasks from piling up is to keep one simple rule. “Handle something once.” It is often better to wash my dish when I get up from the table than to put it in the sink to wash later. 5/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Just do it!” is so much more than an ad for Nike. It is the best approach to a productive life. It is amazing how every unfinished task drains our emotional energy. This is particularly true of tasks we dread doing; mine is paper work of any kind. The truth is that it actually drains more energy to put things off than if we just did it. It has been suggested that one way to keep tasks from piling up is to keep one simple rule. “Handle something once.” It is often better to wash my dish when I get up from the table than to put it in the sink to wash later. 5/17/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Monday, May 23, 2011
“Do it now!” Inspiration Poster
“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mt.4.20 ESV
When you know that a course of action is right, act on it. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to act immediately on what we know is good, not only insures that it will get done but it also strengthens our inclination to live decisively. If I really want to be a person of action, let me cut out the stumbling step of deciding with my head to do something and choose instead to decide with my arms and legs. Remember the story of the five frogs sitting on a log and four decided to jump. Someone asks how many frog where left on the log. Five of course, because deciding to jump and jumping are two different things. Remove the unnecessary step. 5/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
When you know that a course of action is right, act on it. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to act immediately on what we know is good, not only insures that it will get done but it also strengthens our inclination to live decisively. If I really want to be a person of action, let me cut out the stumbling step of deciding with my head to do something and choose instead to decide with my arms and legs. Remember the story of the five frogs sitting on a log and four decided to jump. Someone asks how many frog where left on the log. Five of course, because deciding to jump and jumping are two different things. Remove the unnecessary step. 5/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Do it now!” Inspiration Poster
“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Mt.4.20 ESV
When you know that a course of action is right, act on it. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to act immediately on what we know is good, not only insures that it will get done but it also strengthens our inclination to live decisively. If I really want to be a person of action, let me cut out the stumbling step of deciding with my head to do something and choose instead to decide with my arms and legs. Remember the story of the five frogs sitting on a log and four decided to jump. Someone asks how many frog where left on the log. Five of course, because deciding to jump and jumping are two different things. Remove the unnecessary step. 5/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
When you know that a course of action is right, act on it. None of this, “I’ll start Monday” stuff; do it, and do it now. Every decision to act immediately on what we know is good, not only insures that it will get done but it also strengthens our inclination to live decisively. If I really want to be a person of action, let me cut out the stumbling step of deciding with my head to do something and choose instead to decide with my arms and legs. Remember the story of the five frogs sitting on a log and four decided to jump. Someone asks how many frog where left on the log. Five of course, because deciding to jump and jumping are two different things. Remove the unnecessary step. 5/16/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” Peter Marshall
“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus
Many would do great things for God but more often than not, it is faithfulness in small matters that adds up to a life which honors Him. Someone has compared giving our life to God's service not as one huge donation but as small twenty-five cent investments everyday. 5/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Many would do great things for God but more often than not, it is faithfulness in small matters that adds up to a life which honors Him. Someone has compared giving our life to God's service not as one huge donation but as small twenty-five cent investments everyday. 5/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” Peter Marshall
“If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus
Many would do great things for God but more often than not, it is faithfulness in small matters that adds up to a life which honors Him. Someone has compared giving our life to God's service not as one huge donation but as small twenty-five cent investments everyday. 5/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Many would do great things for God but more often than not, it is faithfulness in small matters that adds up to a life which honors Him. Someone has compared giving our life to God's service not as one huge donation but as small twenty-five cent investments everyday. 5/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Friday, May 20, 2011
“Don't find fault. Find a remedy.” Henry Ford
“Don't find fault. Find a remedy.” Henry Ford
“He... began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13
In one corner Judas was planning to betray Jesus, in the other, the disciples were arguing about which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Instead of joining the fray with fault finding words, Jesus humbly showed them the solution to their selfishness. He washed their feet. I think it would be safe to say that God is pleased when we give our energy to fixing faults rather than pointing them out. The adage, “Don't be a part of the problem but a part of the solution,” is never more true than it is in personal interaction. If something needs fixing, quietly fix it, don't talk about it. 5/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“He... began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13
In one corner Judas was planning to betray Jesus, in the other, the disciples were arguing about which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Instead of joining the fray with fault finding words, Jesus humbly showed them the solution to their selfishness. He washed their feet. I think it would be safe to say that God is pleased when we give our energy to fixing faults rather than pointing them out. The adage, “Don't be a part of the problem but a part of the solution,” is never more true than it is in personal interaction. If something needs fixing, quietly fix it, don't talk about it. 5/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Don't find fault. Find a remedy.” Henry Ford
“Don't find fault. Find a remedy.” Henry Ford
“He... began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13
In one corner Judas was planning to betray Jesus, in the other, the disciples were arguing about which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Instead of joining the fray with fault finding words, Jesus humbly showed them the solution to their selfishness. He washed their feet. I think it would be safe to say that God is pleased when we give our energy to fixing faults rather than pointing them out. The adage, “Don't be a part of the problem but a part of the solution,” is never more true than it is in personal interaction. If something needs fixing, quietly fix it, don't talk about it. 5/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“He... began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13
In one corner Judas was planning to betray Jesus, in the other, the disciples were arguing about which one of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. Instead of joining the fray with fault finding words, Jesus humbly showed them the solution to their selfishness. He washed their feet. I think it would be safe to say that God is pleased when we give our energy to fixing faults rather than pointing them out. The adage, “Don't be a part of the problem but a part of the solution,” is never more true than it is in personal interaction. If something needs fixing, quietly fix it, don't talk about it. 5/12/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
“A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.” Arabian Proverb
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1Jo.3 ESV
People rely on other people everyday. We expect our lights to come on, our water to run and Mickey Dees to have our Egg McMuffin ready on our way to work. Now one question I cannot help but ask is if I am reliable or reliably unreliable? Can the people in my life count on me to do as I have said, or even better, would they expect me to do more than I have said. I am certain that the more I turn Christ loose in my heart the more I will abound with generosity in all my interactions. 5/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
People rely on other people everyday. We expect our lights to come on, our water to run and Mickey Dees to have our Egg McMuffin ready on our way to work. Now one question I cannot help but ask is if I am reliable or reliably unreliable? Can the people in my life count on me to do as I have said, or even better, would they expect me to do more than I have said. I am certain that the more I turn Christ loose in my heart the more I will abound with generosity in all my interactions. 5/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.” Arabian Proverb
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1Jo.3 ESV
People rely on other people everyday. We expect our lights to come on, our water to run and Mickey Dees to have our Egg McMuffin ready on our way to work. Now one question I cannot help but ask is if I am reliable or reliably unreliable? Can the people in my life count on me to do as I have said, or even better, would they expect me to do more than I have said. I am certain that the more I turn Christ loose in my heart the more I will abound with generosity in all my interactions. 5/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
People rely on other people everyday. We expect our lights to come on, our water to run and Mickey Dees to have our Egg McMuffin ready on our way to work. Now one question I cannot help but ask is if I am reliable or reliably unreliable? Can the people in my life count on me to do as I have said, or even better, would they expect me to do more than I have said. I am certain that the more I turn Christ loose in my heart the more I will abound with generosity in all my interactions. 5/11/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin
“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” 1Co.4 ESV
When you are a writer, well done and well said may very well be one and the same. This is also true for a teacher or any number of occupations where communication is the principle service. But even where words are necessary, it is not the words themselves that have power but the word, if I dare say it, “made flesh,” that is effectual. Words may inspire action, even give direction to it, but it is action that accomplishes things. Words may ignite the powder of passion but it is the bullet of expressed love that hits the mark. What good is this reflection unless it inspires me to actually do something? 5/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
When you are a writer, well done and well said may very well be one and the same. This is also true for a teacher or any number of occupations where communication is the principle service. But even where words are necessary, it is not the words themselves that have power but the word, if I dare say it, “made flesh,” that is effectual. Words may inspire action, even give direction to it, but it is action that accomplishes things. Words may ignite the powder of passion but it is the bullet of expressed love that hits the mark. What good is this reflection unless it inspires me to actually do something? 5/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin
“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” 1Co.4 ESV
When you are a writer, well done and well said may very well be one and the same. This is also true for a teacher or any number of occupations where communication is the principle service. But even where words are necessary, it is not the words themselves that have power but the word, if I dare say it, “made flesh,” that is effectual. Words may inspire action, even give direction to it, but it is action that accomplishes things. Words may ignite the powder of passion but it is the bullet of expressed love that hits the mark. What good is this reflection unless it inspires me to actually do something? 5/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
When you are a writer, well done and well said may very well be one and the same. This is also true for a teacher or any number of occupations where communication is the principle service. But even where words are necessary, it is not the words themselves that have power but the word, if I dare say it, “made flesh,” that is effectual. Words may inspire action, even give direction to it, but it is action that accomplishes things. Words may ignite the powder of passion but it is the bullet of expressed love that hits the mark. What good is this reflection unless it inspires me to actually do something? 5/10/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
“My actions are my only true belongings. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.” Thich Nhat Hanh
“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus
This past month many families lost homes and personal possessions as a series of tornadoes ripped throughout the southeast. Erected in the debris were several make shift signs of an enduring faith and hope. One person with a sense of humor wrote, “Extreme Makeover” in front of their flattened home. It is a powerful testimony to the value of one's inner life when the soul understands that what they are is far more important than what they have. No doubt we are what we do and do and do. It is what we do, not what have that will follow us not only in this life but the next. Our actions are the pillars that support our true home and they of course, stand on the foundation of our faith and love; the only lasting possessions. 5/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
This past month many families lost homes and personal possessions as a series of tornadoes ripped throughout the southeast. Erected in the debris were several make shift signs of an enduring faith and hope. One person with a sense of humor wrote, “Extreme Makeover” in front of their flattened home. It is a powerful testimony to the value of one's inner life when the soul understands that what they are is far more important than what they have. No doubt we are what we do and do and do. It is what we do, not what have that will follow us not only in this life but the next. Our actions are the pillars that support our true home and they of course, stand on the foundation of our faith and love; the only lasting possessions. 5/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“My actions are my only true belongings. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.” Thich Nhat Hanh
“In your patience possess your soul.” Jesus
This past month many families lost homes and personal possessions as a series of tornadoes ripped throughout the southeast. Erected in the debris were several make shift signs of an enduring faith and hope. One person with a sense of humor wrote, “Extreme Makeover” in front of their flattened home. It is a powerful testimony to the value of one's inner life when the soul understands that what they are is far more important than what they have. No doubt we are what we do and do and do. It is what we do, not what have that will follow us not only in this life but the next. Our actions are the pillars that support our true home and they of course, stand on the foundation of our faith and love; the only lasting possessions. 5/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
This past month many families lost homes and personal possessions as a series of tornadoes ripped throughout the southeast. Erected in the debris were several make shift signs of an enduring faith and hope. One person with a sense of humor wrote, “Extreme Makeover” in front of their flattened home. It is a powerful testimony to the value of one's inner life when the soul understands that what they are is far more important than what they have. No doubt we are what we do and do and do. It is what we do, not what have that will follow us not only in this life but the next. Our actions are the pillars that support our true home and they of course, stand on the foundation of our faith and love; the only lasting possessions. 5/9/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Monday, May 16, 2011
“After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.” Author Unknown
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Pro.14 ESV
Lord, heal the disparity between what I say and what I do so that my words and my actions agree. Merge what I say I will do with what I actually do, so my life message is a complement of my values not a contradiction. I would be a song instead of static, a synonym instead of an antonym, a novel not a newspaper. If there is a surplus, let it be in what I do, not what I say. 5/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Lord, heal the disparity between what I say and what I do so that my words and my actions agree. Merge what I say I will do with what I actually do, so my life message is a complement of my values not a contradiction. I would be a song instead of static, a synonym instead of an antonym, a novel not a newspaper. If there is a surplus, let it be in what I do, not what I say. 5/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.” Author Unknown
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Pro.14 ESV
Lord, heal the disparity between what I say and what I do so that my words and my actions agree. Merge what I say I will do with what I actually do, so my life message is a complement of my values not a contradiction. I would be a song instead of static, a synonym instead of an antonym, a novel not a newspaper. If there is a surplus, let it be in what I do, not what I say. 5/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Lord, heal the disparity between what I say and what I do so that my words and my actions agree. Merge what I say I will do with what I actually do, so my life message is a complement of my values not a contradiction. I would be a song instead of static, a synonym instead of an antonym, a novel not a newspaper. If there is a surplus, let it be in what I do, not what I say. 5/7/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
“The greatest enemy of any one of our truths may be the rest of our truths.” ~William James
“Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4
Some truths are more important than others. I mean it really doesn't matter much if my understanding of the mating habits of lizards is a tad off the mark. But to miscalculate the amount of air I have left in my scuba tank, even a bit, could have disastrous results. Christ's claim to be the way, the truth and the life is either of no consequence or the single most important truth there is. To dismiss such a claim will mean nothing or everything. Of course to say that you believe that He is the truth and then live in such a manner that ignores it, isn't much better than to disbelieve it all together. What good is knowing the value of air but diving in the depths without it. 5/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Some truths are more important than others. I mean it really doesn't matter much if my understanding of the mating habits of lizards is a tad off the mark. But to miscalculate the amount of air I have left in my scuba tank, even a bit, could have disastrous results. Christ's claim to be the way, the truth and the life is either of no consequence or the single most important truth there is. To dismiss such a claim will mean nothing or everything. Of course to say that you believe that He is the truth and then live in such a manner that ignores it, isn't much better than to disbelieve it all together. What good is knowing the value of air but diving in the depths without it. 5/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“The greatest enemy of any one of our truths may be the rest of our truths.” ~William James
“Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4
Some truths are more important than others. I mean it really doesn't matter much if my understanding of the mating habits of lizards is a tad off the mark. But to miscalculate the amount of air I have left in my scuba tank, even a bit, could have disastrous results. Christ's claim to be the way, the truth and the life is either of no consequence or the single most important truth there is. To dismiss such a claim will mean nothing or everything. Of course to say that you believe that He is the truth and then live in such a manner that ignores it, isn't much better than to disbelieve it all together. What good is knowing the value of air but diving in the depths without it. 5/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Some truths are more important than others. I mean it really doesn't matter much if my understanding of the mating habits of lizards is a tad off the mark. But to miscalculate the amount of air I have left in my scuba tank, even a bit, could have disastrous results. Christ's claim to be the way, the truth and the life is either of no consequence or the single most important truth there is. To dismiss such a claim will mean nothing or everything. Of course to say that you believe that He is the truth and then live in such a manner that ignores it, isn't much better than to disbelieve it all together. What good is knowing the value of air but diving in the depths without it. 5/6/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
“We hold these truths to be self-evident...” Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident...” Declaration of Independence
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” Rom.1
Truths that I regard as self-evident may not be so to my neighbor. I believe there are truths that are absolute, always true and true whether I believe them or not. But not everybody believes this. The Bible teaches that God has put at least the seeds of His existence in every man even those who eventually grow to disbelieve in Him. The Scripture also affirm that there is enough evidence in nature not only to reveal God's existence but enough to leave men without an excuse when they are judged by Him for denying it. I doubt that men so judged will agree with their guilt. They do not do so now and it is not left to any believing person to condemn them for it. Jesus rebuked His disciples for such a condemning attitude. Rather than stand in judgment over men He told us instead to gently serve as further evidence of the value of trusting in God. 5/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” Rom.1
Truths that I regard as self-evident may not be so to my neighbor. I believe there are truths that are absolute, always true and true whether I believe them or not. But not everybody believes this. The Bible teaches that God has put at least the seeds of His existence in every man even those who eventually grow to disbelieve in Him. The Scripture also affirm that there is enough evidence in nature not only to reveal God's existence but enough to leave men without an excuse when they are judged by Him for denying it. I doubt that men so judged will agree with their guilt. They do not do so now and it is not left to any believing person to condemn them for it. Jesus rebuked His disciples for such a condemning attitude. Rather than stand in judgment over men He told us instead to gently serve as further evidence of the value of trusting in God. 5/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident...” Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident...” Declaration of Independence
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” Rom.1
Truths that I regard as self-evident may not be so to my neighbor. I believe there are truths that are absolute, always true and true whether I believe them or not. But not everybody believes this. The Bible teaches that God has put at least the seeds of His existence in every man even those who eventually grow to disbelieve in Him. The Scripture also affirm that there is enough evidence in nature not only to reveal God's existence but enough to leave men without an excuse when they are judged by Him for denying it. I doubt that men so judged will agree with their guilt. They do not do so now and it is not left to any believing person to condemn them for it. Jesus rebuked His disciples for such a condemning attitude. Rather than stand in judgment over men He told us instead to gently serve as further evidence of the value of trusting in God. 5/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” Rom.1
Truths that I regard as self-evident may not be so to my neighbor. I believe there are truths that are absolute, always true and true whether I believe them or not. But not everybody believes this. The Bible teaches that God has put at least the seeds of His existence in every man even those who eventually grow to disbelieve in Him. The Scripture also affirm that there is enough evidence in nature not only to reveal God's existence but enough to leave men without an excuse when they are judged by Him for denying it. I doubt that men so judged will agree with their guilt. They do not do so now and it is not left to any believing person to condemn them for it. Jesus rebuked His disciples for such a condemning attitude. Rather than stand in judgment over men He told us instead to gently serve as further evidence of the value of trusting in God. 5/4/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
“There are truths on this side of the Pyranees, which are falsehoods on the other.” Blaise Pascal
“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” John
I suppose, in view of all the other religions of the world, one reason I am a Christian is because I don't know any other response to give to these words of John except to believe them. What sets the original disciples of Jesus apart from every other teacher of every other religion is their resounding claim to have witnessed a man three days dead, re-appear in the flesh not resuscitated but resurrected. They also humbly dedicated themselves to live by His teachings, one of which was the importance of truth and truthfulness. I can't believe, in light of their life testimony, that John or the other eye witnesses were liars and being an eye witness in my mind rules out any kind of blind religious fanaticism. Yet, to say such things, if they are not true, would make John and all the other apostles the biggest liars in history. For me to believe that would be like questioning the integrity of every person I know to be honest and truthful. The moral fabric of not only every honest person I know but the entire Western world stems from the teachings of these men. If people have the reputation of being good and decent folk and you know them to be of a sane mind why would you not believe them? 5/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
I suppose, in view of all the other religions of the world, one reason I am a Christian is because I don't know any other response to give to these words of John except to believe them. What sets the original disciples of Jesus apart from every other teacher of every other religion is their resounding claim to have witnessed a man three days dead, re-appear in the flesh not resuscitated but resurrected. They also humbly dedicated themselves to live by His teachings, one of which was the importance of truth and truthfulness. I can't believe, in light of their life testimony, that John or the other eye witnesses were liars and being an eye witness in my mind rules out any kind of blind religious fanaticism. Yet, to say such things, if they are not true, would make John and all the other apostles the biggest liars in history. For me to believe that would be like questioning the integrity of every person I know to be honest and truthful. The moral fabric of not only every honest person I know but the entire Western world stems from the teachings of these men. If people have the reputation of being good and decent folk and you know them to be of a sane mind why would you not believe them? 5/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
“There are truths on this side of the Pyranees, which are falsehoods on the other.” Blaise Pascal
“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” John
I suppose, in view of all the other religions of the world, one reason I am a Christian is because I don't know any other response to give to these words of John except to believe them. What sets the original disciples of Jesus apart from every other teacher of every other religion is their resounding claim to have witnessed a man three days dead, re-appear in the flesh not resuscitated but resurrected. They also humbly dedicated themselves to live by His teachings, one of which was the importance of truth and truthfulness. I can't believe, in light of their life testimony, that John or the other eye witnesses were liars and being an eye witness in my mind rules out any kind of blind religious fanaticism. Yet, to say such things, if they are not true, would make John and all the other apostles the biggest liars in history. For me to believe that would be like questioning the integrity of every person I know to be honest and truthful. The moral fabric of not only every honest person I know but the entire Western world stems from the teachings of these men. If people have the reputation of being good and decent folk and you know them to be of a sane mind why would you not believe them? 5/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
I suppose, in view of all the other religions of the world, one reason I am a Christian is because I don't know any other response to give to these words of John except to believe them. What sets the original disciples of Jesus apart from every other teacher of every other religion is their resounding claim to have witnessed a man three days dead, re-appear in the flesh not resuscitated but resurrected. They also humbly dedicated themselves to live by His teachings, one of which was the importance of truth and truthfulness. I can't believe, in light of their life testimony, that John or the other eye witnesses were liars and being an eye witness in my mind rules out any kind of blind religious fanaticism. Yet, to say such things, if they are not true, would make John and all the other apostles the biggest liars in history. For me to believe that would be like questioning the integrity of every person I know to be honest and truthful. The moral fabric of not only every honest person I know but the entire Western world stems from the teachings of these men. If people have the reputation of being good and decent folk and you know them to be of a sane mind why would you not believe them? 5/3/2011 Conversations Within ts (Windsor Rock, AL)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
“People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped.” Author Unknown
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.” Eph.6 ESV
An evolutionist sees the world one way the creationist another; both are predisposed to understand every other thing in life by the belief they have about the origin of life. One looks at a tree and see as the product of natural selection the other sees the same tree as the expression of an Artist. One marvels at the result of mere time plus chance, the other has deep admiration for the intricate designs of a personal Engineer. Some people give thought to their presuppositions. Others take for granted the beliefs they take for granted. Why I believe what I believe seems an important question especially if I want a truthful view of reality. I don't mean a sincere view of reality; many a sincere folk have been wrong. I want to see reality as it really is, not just as I perceive it. If I don't wear the belt of truth around all my other beliefs, my pants might fall down in the heat of battle. What battle? The one that decides if there is any meaning to life. 5/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
An evolutionist sees the world one way the creationist another; both are predisposed to understand every other thing in life by the belief they have about the origin of life. One looks at a tree and see as the product of natural selection the other sees the same tree as the expression of an Artist. One marvels at the result of mere time plus chance, the other has deep admiration for the intricate designs of a personal Engineer. Some people give thought to their presuppositions. Others take for granted the beliefs they take for granted. Why I believe what I believe seems an important question especially if I want a truthful view of reality. I don't mean a sincere view of reality; many a sincere folk have been wrong. I want to see reality as it really is, not just as I perceive it. If I don't wear the belt of truth around all my other beliefs, my pants might fall down in the heat of battle. What battle? The one that decides if there is any meaning to life. 5/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
“People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped.” Author Unknown
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.” Eph.6 ESV
An evolutionist sees the world one way the creationist another; both are predisposed to understand every other thing in life by the belief they have about the origin of life. One looks at a tree and see as the product of natural selection the other sees the same tree as the expression of an Artist. One marvels at the result of mere time plus chance, the other has deep admiration for the intricate designs of a personal Engineer. Some people give thought to their presuppositions. Others take for granted the beliefs they take for granted. Why I believe what I believe seems an important question especially if I want a truthful view of reality. I don't mean a sincere view of reality; many a sincere folk have been wrong. I want to see reality as it really is, not just as I perceive it. If I don't wear the belt of truth around all my other beliefs, my pants might fall down in the heat of battle. What battle? The one that decides if there is any meaning to life. 5/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
An evolutionist sees the world one way the creationist another; both are predisposed to understand every other thing in life by the belief they have about the origin of life. One looks at a tree and see as the product of natural selection the other sees the same tree as the expression of an Artist. One marvels at the result of mere time plus chance, the other has deep admiration for the intricate designs of a personal Engineer. Some people give thought to their presuppositions. Others take for granted the beliefs they take for granted. Why I believe what I believe seems an important question especially if I want a truthful view of reality. I don't mean a sincere view of reality; many a sincere folk have been wrong. I want to see reality as it really is, not just as I perceive it. If I don't wear the belt of truth around all my other beliefs, my pants might fall down in the heat of battle. What battle? The one that decides if there is any meaning to life. 5/2/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
Monday, May 9, 2011
“If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point.” Antonio Porchia
“Set your affections on things above where Christ is seated...” Col.3
I have been privileged to hike and climb a number of mountains and rock faces. This week, two of my daughters, a friend and I climbed Pilot Rock, 325 ft.--a personal record for my highest accent and rappel on a rock face. But even when we reached the top there was more above us. There is always something higher, even those few who have summited earth's highest mountains have the heavens above them. This is so picturesque of our personal development as well. We never summit. We never reach a place where there is no room left to grow, at least not in this life. A few may reach great heights in human accomplishment but we still fall short of all that God intends for creatures made in His image. To reach the heights that God intends for us we will need the wings of regeneration, the very power of His Son living in us. 5/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
I have been privileged to hike and climb a number of mountains and rock faces. This week, two of my daughters, a friend and I climbed Pilot Rock, 325 ft.--a personal record for my highest accent and rappel on a rock face. But even when we reached the top there was more above us. There is always something higher, even those few who have summited earth's highest mountains have the heavens above them. This is so picturesque of our personal development as well. We never summit. We never reach a place where there is no room left to grow, at least not in this life. A few may reach great heights in human accomplishment but we still fall short of all that God intends for creatures made in His image. To reach the heights that God intends for us we will need the wings of regeneration, the very power of His Son living in us. 5/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
“If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point.” Antonio Porchia
“Set your affections on things above where Christ is seated...” Col.3
I have been privileged to hike and climb a number of mountains and rock faces. This week, two of my daughters, a friend and I climbed Pilot Rock, 325 ft.--a personal record for my highest accent and rappel on a rock face. But even when we reached the top there was more above us. There is always something higher, even those few who have summited earth's highest mountains have the heavens above them. This is so picturesque of our personal development as well. We never summit. We never reach a place where there is no room left to grow, at least not in this life. A few may reach great heights in human accomplishment but we still fall short of all that God intends for creatures made in His image. To reach the heights that God intends for us we will need the wings of regeneration, the very power of His Son living in us. 5/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
I have been privileged to hike and climb a number of mountains and rock faces. This week, two of my daughters, a friend and I climbed Pilot Rock, 325 ft.--a personal record for my highest accent and rappel on a rock face. But even when we reached the top there was more above us. There is always something higher, even those few who have summited earth's highest mountains have the heavens above them. This is so picturesque of our personal development as well. We never summit. We never reach a place where there is no room left to grow, at least not in this life. A few may reach great heights in human accomplishment but we still fall short of all that God intends for creatures made in His image. To reach the heights that God intends for us we will need the wings of regeneration, the very power of His Son living in us. 5/1/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” David Carradine
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” Jesus
We tend too often, to focus on what we cannot do when it would be better to simply do what we can. Mother Teresa reminded us that we may not be able to feed a hundred but we can certainly feed one. Every day presents us with an opportunity to do what we can rather than sit paralyzed over perceptions of what we can't. 4/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
We tend too often, to focus on what we cannot do when it would be better to simply do what we can. Mother Teresa reminded us that we may not be able to feed a hundred but we can certainly feed one. Every day presents us with an opportunity to do what we can rather than sit paralyzed over perceptions of what we can't. 4/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” David Carradine
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” Jesus
We tend too often, to focus on what we cannot do when it would be better to simply do what we can. Mother Teresa reminded us that we may not be able to feed a hundred but we can certainly feed one. Every day presents us with an opportunity to do what we can rather than sit paralyzed over perceptions of what we can't. 4/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
We tend too often, to focus on what we cannot do when it would be better to simply do what we can. Mother Teresa reminded us that we may not be able to feed a hundred but we can certainly feed one. Every day presents us with an opportunity to do what we can rather than sit paralyzed over perceptions of what we can't. 4/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
Friday, May 6, 2011
“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” Oscar Wilde
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus
After reading Mr. Wilde the first thing I thought about was how much this sounds somewhat like the goal of the Christian experience. Doesn't a Christian want to become like Christ, to think His thoughts, imitate His actions and live by His words? If this is the case, how can a Christian hope to live any kind of authentic life? We do well to remember that Jesus did not say that we must lose our life for the sake of loosing it but that we must lose it to find it. Christ does not wish to possess us like a demon but to enter our life and return us to true freedom. I can never be my own person in any good sense of the word unless I am set free to do so and if I am honest I confess that I am like the alcoholic, powerless before my selfishness. Any authenticity I hope to have can only be found in connection to my Creator not independent from Him. A branch cannot have life apart from the vine from which it sprang. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
After reading Mr. Wilde the first thing I thought about was how much this sounds somewhat like the goal of the Christian experience. Doesn't a Christian want to become like Christ, to think His thoughts, imitate His actions and live by His words? If this is the case, how can a Christian hope to live any kind of authentic life? We do well to remember that Jesus did not say that we must lose our life for the sake of loosing it but that we must lose it to find it. Christ does not wish to possess us like a demon but to enter our life and return us to true freedom. I can never be my own person in any good sense of the word unless I am set free to do so and if I am honest I confess that I am like the alcoholic, powerless before my selfishness. Any authenticity I hope to have can only be found in connection to my Creator not independent from Him. A branch cannot have life apart from the vine from which it sprang. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” Oscar Wilde
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus
After reading Mr. Wilde the first thing I thought about was how much this sounds somewhat like the goal of the Christian experience. Doesn't a Christian want to become like Christ, to think His thoughts, imitate His actions and live by His words? If this is the case, how can a Christian hope to live any kind of authentic life? We do well to remember that Jesus did not say that we must lose our life for the sake of loosing it but that we must lose it to find it. Christ does not wish to possess us like a demon but to enter our life and return us to true freedom. I can never be my own person in any good sense of the word unless I am set free to do so and if I am honest I confess that I am like the alcoholic, powerless before my selfishness. Any authenticity I hope to have can only be found in connection to my Creator not independent from Him. A branch cannot have life apart from the vine from which it sprang. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
After reading Mr. Wilde the first thing I thought about was how much this sounds somewhat like the goal of the Christian experience. Doesn't a Christian want to become like Christ, to think His thoughts, imitate His actions and live by His words? If this is the case, how can a Christian hope to live any kind of authentic life? We do well to remember that Jesus did not say that we must lose our life for the sake of loosing it but that we must lose it to find it. Christ does not wish to possess us like a demon but to enter our life and return us to true freedom. I can never be my own person in any good sense of the word unless I am set free to do so and if I am honest I confess that I am like the alcoholic, powerless before my selfishness. Any authenticity I hope to have can only be found in connection to my Creator not independent from Him. A branch cannot have life apart from the vine from which it sprang. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Pisgah National Forest, NC)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” Raymond Hull
“We make it our aim to please him.” 2Cor.5 ESV
How can we be free to please God if we are entangled in the web of wanting, human approval. It is a despairing prison when we try to live up to the expectations of people. Some sad souls never get over demanding parents or a domineering spouse, a workaholic boss even a controlling preacher. We must learn to serve people yes, but as God directs and looking only for His approval. He would set us free to serve joyfully, possessing a humble power that looks to the best interest of those in our life as a willing servant but never a slave imprisoned to their selfish demands. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road from Between GA to Brevard, NC)
How can we be free to please God if we are entangled in the web of wanting, human approval. It is a despairing prison when we try to live up to the expectations of people. Some sad souls never get over demanding parents or a domineering spouse, a workaholic boss even a controlling preacher. We must learn to serve people yes, but as God directs and looking only for His approval. He would set us free to serve joyfully, possessing a humble power that looks to the best interest of those in our life as a willing servant but never a slave imprisoned to their selfish demands. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road from Between GA to Brevard, NC)
“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” Raymond Hull
“We make it our aim to please him.” 2Cor.5 ESV
How can we be free to please God if we are entangled in the web of wanting, human approval. It is a despairing prison when we try to live up to the expectations of people. Some sad souls never get over demanding parents or a domineering spouse, a workaholic boss even a controlling preacher. We must learn to serve people yes, but as God directs and looking only for His approval. He would set us free to serve joyfully, possessing a humble power that looks to the best interest of those in our life as a willing servant but never a slave imprisoned to their selfish demands. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road from Between GA to Brevard, NC)
How can we be free to please God if we are entangled in the web of wanting, human approval. It is a despairing prison when we try to live up to the expectations of people. Some sad souls never get over demanding parents or a domineering spouse, a workaholic boss even a controlling preacher. We must learn to serve people yes, but as God directs and looking only for His approval. He would set us free to serve joyfully, possessing a humble power that looks to the best interest of those in our life as a willing servant but never a slave imprisoned to their selfish demands. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the road from Between GA to Brevard, NC)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.” James Matthew Barrie
“For the word of God is...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. Heb.4
Most of the people I know do not like themselves. The ones that do are often arrogant or lack self evaluative skills. Occasionally I meet someone who has made peace that they will never be what they would like to be. It is not that they have accepted defeat where positive change is concerned, they have just realized the limitations of living in a fallen world and have learned the important lesson of living under grace. We are defeated if we ever misuse grace and give up striving to be better or if we think we can be better without it. I cannot erase the pages I have written, that is where forgiveness comes into play. And, even though we can't erase past pages doesn't mean we should put down our pen. Grace offers us a new blank page everyday so that we can keep on writing and hopefully, some stuff worth reading. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Most of the people I know do not like themselves. The ones that do are often arrogant or lack self evaluative skills. Occasionally I meet someone who has made peace that they will never be what they would like to be. It is not that they have accepted defeat where positive change is concerned, they have just realized the limitations of living in a fallen world and have learned the important lesson of living under grace. We are defeated if we ever misuse grace and give up striving to be better or if we think we can be better without it. I cannot erase the pages I have written, that is where forgiveness comes into play. And, even though we can't erase past pages doesn't mean we should put down our pen. Grace offers us a new blank page everyday so that we can keep on writing and hopefully, some stuff worth reading. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another.” James Matthew Barrie
“For the word of God is...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. Heb.4
Most of the people I know do not like themselves. The ones that do are often arrogant or lack self evaluative skills. Occasionally I meet someone who has made peace that they will never be what they would like to be. It is not that they have accepted defeat where positive change is concerned, they have just realized the limitations of living in a fallen world and have learned the important lesson of living under grace. We are defeated if we ever misuse grace and give up striving to be better or if we think we can be better without it. I cannot erase the pages I have written, that is where forgiveness comes into play. And, even though we can't erase past pages doesn't mean we should put down our pen. Grace offers us a new blank page everyday so that we can keep on writing and hopefully, some stuff worth reading. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Most of the people I know do not like themselves. The ones that do are often arrogant or lack self evaluative skills. Occasionally I meet someone who has made peace that they will never be what they would like to be. It is not that they have accepted defeat where positive change is concerned, they have just realized the limitations of living in a fallen world and have learned the important lesson of living under grace. We are defeated if we ever misuse grace and give up striving to be better or if we think we can be better without it. I cannot erase the pages I have written, that is where forgiveness comes into play. And, even though we can't erase past pages doesn't mean we should put down our pen. Grace offers us a new blank page everyday so that we can keep on writing and hopefully, some stuff worth reading. 4/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
“A man who is "of sound mind" is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key.” Paul Valéry
“be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” Titus 2
Everybody has their quirks and despite our best efforts to keep it together the best of us loose it at times. That we must keep it together reveals just how thin the veneer that covers the likelihood that we will fall apart in a crisis. We are what we have practiced and I suppose like posture if we sit poorly most of the time we will not be able to sit straight very long in a crisis. Our stamina in a crisis will last about as long as someone sucking in their tummy for a photo. Crisis will bring out our true posture. 4/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Everybody has their quirks and despite our best efforts to keep it together the best of us loose it at times. That we must keep it together reveals just how thin the veneer that covers the likelihood that we will fall apart in a crisis. We are what we have practiced and I suppose like posture if we sit poorly most of the time we will not be able to sit straight very long in a crisis. Our stamina in a crisis will last about as long as someone sucking in their tummy for a photo. Crisis will bring out our true posture. 4/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
“A man who is "of sound mind" is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key.” Paul Valéry
“be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” Titus 2
Everybody has their quirks and despite our best efforts to keep it together the best of us loose it at times. That we must keep it together reveals just how thin the veneer that covers the likelihood that we will fall apart in a crisis. We are what we have practiced and I suppose like posture if we sit poorly most of the time we will not be able to sit straight very long in a crisis. Our stamina in a crisis will last about as long as someone sucking in their tummy for a photo. Crisis will bring out our true posture. 4/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Everybody has their quirks and despite our best efforts to keep it together the best of us loose it at times. That we must keep it together reveals just how thin the veneer that covers the likelihood that we will fall apart in a crisis. We are what we have practiced and I suppose like posture if we sit poorly most of the time we will not be able to sit straight very long in a crisis. Our stamina in a crisis will last about as long as someone sucking in their tummy for a photo. Crisis will bring out our true posture. 4/22/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
Monday, May 2, 2011
"Be yourself" is about the worst advice you can give some people. Tom Masson
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Pro.25
It is usually a good idea to practice some personal restraint. Most of us show our back side when we let loose. I wanted to write something different but then I would be showing mine. This is the problem when we tell people to be themselves because much of who we are is not fit to be seen in public. It is interesting though, that being yourself is probably a good idea where God is concerned. One brother said that we must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be. It is no use trying to be anything different since He already knows everything about us. Our fig leaves may dress us up in public but not with God. He must clothe our nakedness and does so with the robes of Christ. 4/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
It is usually a good idea to practice some personal restraint. Most of us show our back side when we let loose. I wanted to write something different but then I would be showing mine. This is the problem when we tell people to be themselves because much of who we are is not fit to be seen in public. It is interesting though, that being yourself is probably a good idea where God is concerned. One brother said that we must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be. It is no use trying to be anything different since He already knows everything about us. Our fig leaves may dress us up in public but not with God. He must clothe our nakedness and does so with the robes of Christ. 4/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
"Be yourself" is about the worst advice you can give some people. Tom Masson
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Pro.25
It is usually a good idea to practice some personal restraint. Most of us show our back side when we let loose. I wanted to write something different but then I would be showing mine. This is the problem when we tell people to be themselves because much of who we are is not fit to be seen in public. It is interesting though, that being yourself is probably a good idea where God is concerned. One brother said that we must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be. It is no use trying to be anything different since He already knows everything about us. Our fig leaves may dress us up in public but not with God. He must clothe our nakedness and does so with the robes of Christ. 4/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
It is usually a good idea to practice some personal restraint. Most of us show our back side when we let loose. I wanted to write something different but then I would be showing mine. This is the problem when we tell people to be themselves because much of who we are is not fit to be seen in public. It is interesting though, that being yourself is probably a good idea where God is concerned. One brother said that we must bring to God who we are, not who we think we should be. It is no use trying to be anything different since He already knows everything about us. Our fig leaves may dress us up in public but not with God. He must clothe our nakedness and does so with the robes of Christ. 4/21/2011 Conversations Within ts (Oak Mountain, AL)
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