“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Friday, September 30, 2011
“Excellence...a man or woman asks of himself more than others do.” Jose Ortega y Gasset
“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Excellence...a man or woman asks of himself more than others do.” Jose Ortega y Gasset
“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Excellence...a man or woman asks of himself more than others do.” Jose Ortega y Gasset
“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go two.” Jesus
Do more than is expected. Surprise people with your generosity. Let your love and service cover apathy like the Kudzu vine and the fragrance of your joy will fill the air. Here is the cure for all the woes of the world. Spend your days aggressively loving people and you will never know a moment of boredom and never breathe the stale air of selfishness. Your hive will overflow with the honey of joy and your barns with the hay of happiness. 9/23/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
“Excellence can be obtained if you:
...care more than others think is wise; risk more than others think is safe; dream more than others think is practical; expect more than others think is possible.” Anonymous
“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV
Excellence when driven by love not only does things well, it does the right things well and it does them for the right reasons. Love properly motivates excellence. Far more than a feeling, love always looks out for the best interest of others and when coupled with excellence, love does this in the best possible way. If I am to pursue excellence in life let me at least pursue excellence in matters that matter. Loving God and loving people will insure that I do. 9/22/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV
Excellence when driven by love not only does things well, it does the right things well and it does them for the right reasons. Love properly motivates excellence. Far more than a feeling, love always looks out for the best interest of others and when coupled with excellence, love does this in the best possible way. If I am to pursue excellence in life let me at least pursue excellence in matters that matter. Loving God and loving people will insure that I do. 9/22/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“Excellence can be obtained if you:
...care more than others think is wise; risk more than others think is safe; dream more than others think is practical; expect more than others think is possible.” Anonymous
“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV
Excellence when driven by love not only does things well, it does the right things well and it does them for the right reasons. Love properly motivates excellence. Far more than a feeling, love always looks out for the best interest of others and when coupled with excellence, love does this in the best possible way. If I am to pursue excellence in life let me at least pursue excellence in matters that matter. Loving God and loving people will insure that I do. 9/22/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV
Excellence when driven by love not only does things well, it does the right things well and it does them for the right reasons. Love properly motivates excellence. Far more than a feeling, love always looks out for the best interest of others and when coupled with excellence, love does this in the best possible way. If I am to pursue excellence in life let me at least pursue excellence in matters that matter. Loving God and loving people will insure that I do. 9/22/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
“Your quality will be known among your enemies, before ever you meet them.” Kingdom of Heaven
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” Psa.16 ESV
I once saw a movie where an American GI shot two Japanese who had surrendered just because he did not want to bother guarding them. I felt anger swelling up in me and spoke loudly at the television screen, “You're not an American!” I felt betrayed by his actions because he was tarnishing everything I believe America to stand for. I watched a movie the other night where Christians were shooting Muslims in some ethnic struggle somewhere in the world. I found myself yelling again, “You're not a Christian....” Of course it does no good to yell at the TV; perhaps I should turn my anger toward my own bad representations of being a disciple of Jesus. If there is ever a time to pursue excellence, it is before one's enemies. If everything we do is done with excellence it may turn enemies into friends. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
I once saw a movie where an American GI shot two Japanese who had surrendered just because he did not want to bother guarding them. I felt anger swelling up in me and spoke loudly at the television screen, “You're not an American!” I felt betrayed by his actions because he was tarnishing everything I believe America to stand for. I watched a movie the other night where Christians were shooting Muslims in some ethnic struggle somewhere in the world. I found myself yelling again, “You're not a Christian....” Of course it does no good to yell at the TV; perhaps I should turn my anger toward my own bad representations of being a disciple of Jesus. If there is ever a time to pursue excellence, it is before one's enemies. If everything we do is done with excellence it may turn enemies into friends. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
“Your quality will be known among your enemies, before ever you meet them.” Kingdom of Heaven
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” Psa.16 ESV
I once saw a movie where an American GI shot two Japanese who had surrendered just because he did not want to bother guarding them. I felt anger swelling up in me and spoke loudly at the television screen, “You're not an American!” I felt betrayed by his actions because he was tarnishing everything I believe America to stand for. I watched a movie the other night where Christians were shooting Muslims in some ethnic struggle somewhere in the world. I found myself yelling again, “You're not a Christian....” Of course it does no good to yell at the TV; perhaps I should turn my anger toward my own bad representations of being a disciple of Jesus. If there is ever a time to pursue excellence, it is before one's enemies. If everything we do is done with excellence it may turn enemies into friends. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
I once saw a movie where an American GI shot two Japanese who had surrendered just because he did not want to bother guarding them. I felt anger swelling up in me and spoke loudly at the television screen, “You're not an American!” I felt betrayed by his actions because he was tarnishing everything I believe America to stand for. I watched a movie the other night where Christians were shooting Muslims in some ethnic struggle somewhere in the world. I found myself yelling again, “You're not a Christian....” Of course it does no good to yell at the TV; perhaps I should turn my anger toward my own bad representations of being a disciple of Jesus. If there is ever a time to pursue excellence, it is before one's enemies. If everything we do is done with excellence it may turn enemies into friends. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” Ralph Marston
“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.” Dan.6 ESV
I remember reading about a great pianist who was once asked after a thrilling performance how long he practiced before a concert. His answer was thought provoking. He replied, “All my life.” Excellence is a spirit; a way of life. If I am to reflect it, then my attitude toward whatever I am doing needs only to be tied to things that I greatly value. Since I value all things that spring from faith and love, then let everything I do spring from these. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
I remember reading about a great pianist who was once asked after a thrilling performance how long he practiced before a concert. His answer was thought provoking. He replied, “All my life.” Excellence is a spirit; a way of life. If I am to reflect it, then my attitude toward whatever I am doing needs only to be tied to things that I greatly value. Since I value all things that spring from faith and love, then let everything I do spring from these. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” Ralph Marston
“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.” Dan.6 ESV
I remember reading about a great pianist who was once asked after a thrilling performance how long he practiced before a concert. His answer was thought provoking. He replied, “All my life.” Excellence is a spirit; a way of life. If I am to reflect it, then my attitude toward whatever I am doing needs only to be tied to things that I greatly value. Since I value all things that spring from faith and love, then let everything I do spring from these. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
I remember reading about a great pianist who was once asked after a thrilling performance how long he practiced before a concert. His answer was thought provoking. He replied, “All my life.” Excellence is a spirit; a way of life. If I am to reflect it, then my attitude toward whatever I am doing needs only to be tied to things that I greatly value. Since I value all things that spring from faith and love, then let everything I do spring from these. 9/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
Monday, September 26, 2011
“If a thing is worth doing....”
“so that you may approve what is excellent...” Php.1
Time is too valuable a thing to waste and some things are clearly that. I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. And, I am not thinking about big stuff but ordinary everyday things, like eating, spending time with friends or doing my job. If there is value to be had in something let me not only experience its value but also add to it. People who pursue excellence in the ordinary will wind up living an extraordinary life. 9/19/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
Time is too valuable a thing to waste and some things are clearly that. I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. And, I am not thinking about big stuff but ordinary everyday things, like eating, spending time with friends or doing my job. If there is value to be had in something let me not only experience its value but also add to it. People who pursue excellence in the ordinary will wind up living an extraordinary life. 9/19/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
“If a thing is worth doing....”
“so that you may approve what is excellent...” Php.1
Time is too valuable a thing to waste and some things are clearly that. I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. And, I am not thinking about big stuff but ordinary everyday things, like eating, spending time with friends or doing my job. If there is value to be had in something let me not only experience its value but also add to it. People who pursue excellence in the ordinary will wind up living an extraordinary life. 9/19/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
Time is too valuable a thing to waste and some things are clearly that. I want to be the kind of person that not only knows what is worth doing but adds worth to doing it. And, I am not thinking about big stuff but ordinary everyday things, like eating, spending time with friends or doing my job. If there is value to be had in something let me not only experience its value but also add to it. People who pursue excellence in the ordinary will wind up living an extraordinary life. 9/19/11 Conversations Within ts (Gunter Hill, AL)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” Woody Allen
“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. ” Ecc. 7
These words could be understood to mean that sorrow is sometimes more appropriate than laughter. One might be when you are in the company of someone weeping and it would be best to weep with them. Another might be when we find something funny that isn't funny at all. I am ashamed at some of the things I have found humorous. If I question why I find some things funny I get a real good glimpse of my depraved condition. This reminds me of another time when sorrow is better than laughter and that is when we grieve over the grief that we bring to God. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
These words could be understood to mean that sorrow is sometimes more appropriate than laughter. One might be when you are in the company of someone weeping and it would be best to weep with them. Another might be when we find something funny that isn't funny at all. I am ashamed at some of the things I have found humorous. If I question why I find some things funny I get a real good glimpse of my depraved condition. This reminds me of another time when sorrow is better than laughter and that is when we grieve over the grief that we bring to God. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” Woody Allen
“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. ” Ecc. 7
These words could be understood to mean that sorrow is sometimes more appropriate than laughter. One might be when you are in the company of someone weeping and it would be best to weep with them. Another might be when we find something funny that isn't funny at all. I am ashamed at some of the things I have found humorous. If I question why I find some things funny I get a real good glimpse of my depraved condition. This reminds me of another time when sorrow is better than laughter and that is when we grieve over the grief that we bring to God. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
These words could be understood to mean that sorrow is sometimes more appropriate than laughter. One might be when you are in the company of someone weeping and it would be best to weep with them. Another might be when we find something funny that isn't funny at all. I am ashamed at some of the things I have found humorous. If I question why I find some things funny I get a real good glimpse of my depraved condition. This reminds me of another time when sorrow is better than laughter and that is when we grieve over the grief that we bring to God. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Friday, September 23, 2011
“A humorist is a person who feels bad, but who feels good about it.” Don Herold
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps.100
Goodness would have us make the best of a bad situation. If your car breaks down try making a new friend of the mechanic. If a rock comes through your window, use it as a paper weight. There is nothing that cannot be turned into something good. Stuck in traffic? Catch up on your prayers for someone. Use your energy to improvise improvement; don't cry about breaking your right arm, laugh as you learn how to use your left. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Goodness would have us make the best of a bad situation. If your car breaks down try making a new friend of the mechanic. If a rock comes through your window, use it as a paper weight. There is nothing that cannot be turned into something good. Stuck in traffic? Catch up on your prayers for someone. Use your energy to improvise improvement; don't cry about breaking your right arm, laugh as you learn how to use your left. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“A humorist is a person who feels bad, but who feels good about it.” Don Herold
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps.100
Goodness would have us make the best of a bad situation. If your car breaks down try making a new friend of the mechanic. If a rock comes through your window, use it as a paper weight. There is nothing that cannot be turned into something good. Stuck in traffic? Catch up on your prayers for someone. Use your energy to improvise improvement; don't cry about breaking your right arm, laugh as you learn how to use your left. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Goodness would have us make the best of a bad situation. If your car breaks down try making a new friend of the mechanic. If a rock comes through your window, use it as a paper weight. There is nothing that cannot be turned into something good. Stuck in traffic? Catch up on your prayers for someone. Use your energy to improvise improvement; don't cry about breaking your right arm, laugh as you learn how to use your left. 9/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.” William Arthur Ward
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy...”Psalm 126 ESV
I value a good sense of humor. I am trying to nurture one, not just because I like to laugh but because there are some very good reasons to laugh. If I believe that a good God has taken personal interest in my welfare and that He pro-actively manages my every affair to secure it, why would I not laud with laughter. If Jesus is telling us the truth about who he is and what he has done and what He is going to do, then my best days are always in front of me. I can think of no better reason to dance with delight, smile with confidence, and giggle with glee. 9/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I value a good sense of humor. I am trying to nurture one, not just because I like to laugh but because there are some very good reasons to laugh. If I believe that a good God has taken personal interest in my welfare and that He pro-actively manages my every affair to secure it, why would I not laud with laughter. If Jesus is telling us the truth about who he is and what he has done and what He is going to do, then my best days are always in front of me. I can think of no better reason to dance with delight, smile with confidence, and giggle with glee. 9/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.” William Arthur Ward
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy...”Psalm 126 ESV
I value a good sense of humor. I am trying to nurture one, not just because I like to laugh but because there are some very good reasons to laugh. If I believe that a good God has taken personal interest in my welfare and that He pro-actively manages my every affair to secure it, why would I not laud with laughter. If Jesus is telling us the truth about who he is and what he has done and what He is going to do, then my best days are always in front of me. I can think of no better reason to dance with delight, smile with confidence, and giggle with glee. 9/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I value a good sense of humor. I am trying to nurture one, not just because I like to laugh but because there are some very good reasons to laugh. If I believe that a good God has taken personal interest in my welfare and that He pro-actively manages my every affair to secure it, why would I not laud with laughter. If Jesus is telling us the truth about who he is and what he has done and what He is going to do, then my best days are always in front of me. I can think of no better reason to dance with delight, smile with confidence, and giggle with glee. 9/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
“Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it.” Henry Ward Beecher
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17 ESV
It is nothing short of divine to be able to choose your response to life's little bothers. Practicing it will certainly come to your aid when life hits you with big bothers. And, make no mistake about it, we may have no control over a lot of things that come our way but we do have control over our response to each and every one. The question is do I really see this choice as a gift from God and the answer I tell myself will serve as a catalyst to choose joy or misery. 9/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
It is nothing short of divine to be able to choose your response to life's little bothers. Practicing it will certainly come to your aid when life hits you with big bothers. And, make no mistake about it, we may have no control over a lot of things that come our way but we do have control over our response to each and every one. The question is do I really see this choice as a gift from God and the answer I tell myself will serve as a catalyst to choose joy or misery. 9/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it.” Henry Ward Beecher
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17 ESV
It is nothing short of divine to be able to choose your response to life's little bothers. Practicing it will certainly come to your aid when life hits you with big bothers. And, make no mistake about it, we may have no control over a lot of things that come our way but we do have control over our response to each and every one. The question is do I really see this choice as a gift from God and the answer I tell myself will serve as a catalyst to choose joy or misery. 9/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
It is nothing short of divine to be able to choose your response to life's little bothers. Practicing it will certainly come to your aid when life hits you with big bothers. And, make no mistake about it, we may have no control over a lot of things that come our way but we do have control over our response to each and every one. The question is do I really see this choice as a gift from God and the answer I tell myself will serve as a catalyst to choose joy or misery. 9/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Job 8 ESV
I need to learn how to laugh at life's little bumps. It is far better to laugh than to lose your temper. I have a friend who is fond of saying that, “It isn't easy being easy but I'm easy.” I am one of those people who can fight whatever I am doing. I can fight taking the lid off a jar, washing the car, or learning to surf. This spills over into things like trying to live the Christian life. I suppose this is why I love the quote from the movie “With Honors,” “You try too hard...winners don't know they are in a race, they just love to run.” Perhaps learning how to laugh at myself will make a lover out of a fighter. Spirit teach me, for your laughter is contagious. 9/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I need to learn how to laugh at life's little bumps. It is far better to laugh than to lose your temper. I have a friend who is fond of saying that, “It isn't easy being easy but I'm easy.” I am one of those people who can fight whatever I am doing. I can fight taking the lid off a jar, washing the car, or learning to surf. This spills over into things like trying to live the Christian life. I suppose this is why I love the quote from the movie “With Honors,” “You try too hard...winners don't know they are in a race, they just love to run.” Perhaps learning how to laugh at myself will make a lover out of a fighter. Spirit teach me, for your laughter is contagious. 9/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” Job 8 ESV
I need to learn how to laugh at life's little bumps. It is far better to laugh than to lose your temper. I have a friend who is fond of saying that, “It isn't easy being easy but I'm easy.” I am one of those people who can fight whatever I am doing. I can fight taking the lid off a jar, washing the car, or learning to surf. This spills over into things like trying to live the Christian life. I suppose this is why I love the quote from the movie “With Honors,” “You try too hard...winners don't know they are in a race, they just love to run.” Perhaps learning how to laugh at myself will make a lover out of a fighter. Spirit teach me, for your laughter is contagious. 9/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I need to learn how to laugh at life's little bumps. It is far better to laugh than to lose your temper. I have a friend who is fond of saying that, “It isn't easy being easy but I'm easy.” I am one of those people who can fight whatever I am doing. I can fight taking the lid off a jar, washing the car, or learning to surf. This spills over into things like trying to live the Christian life. I suppose this is why I love the quote from the movie “With Honors,” “You try too hard...winners don't know they are in a race, they just love to run.” Perhaps learning how to laugh at myself will make a lover out of a fighter. Spirit teach me, for your laughter is contagious. 9/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Monday, September 19, 2011
“Live, laugh, love!” Adapted from Bessie Anderson Stanley's definition of Success
“I have come that you might have life.” Jesus
I once wrote that God is deliriously happy? I must confess this is not the first thing I think about when I think of Him. This is probably because I am not always happy. Human happiness is fragmented and comes to us in spurts. God is completely complete so it makes sense that His happiness is constant. I cannot help but think that He is happy even when He is sad and I am sure He is sad that we are a broken people. I also can't help but believe that He desires us to be happy, not in spurts mind you but as an enduring state. God would heal our fragmented hearts by joining ours to His. 9/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I once wrote that God is deliriously happy? I must confess this is not the first thing I think about when I think of Him. This is probably because I am not always happy. Human happiness is fragmented and comes to us in spurts. God is completely complete so it makes sense that His happiness is constant. I cannot help but think that He is happy even when He is sad and I am sure He is sad that we are a broken people. I also can't help but believe that He desires us to be happy, not in spurts mind you but as an enduring state. God would heal our fragmented hearts by joining ours to His. 9/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Live, laugh, love!” Adapted from Bessie Anderson Stanley's definition of Success
“I have come that you might have life.” Jesus
I once wrote that God is deliriously happy? I must confess this is not the first thing I think about when I think of Him. This is probably because I am not always happy. Human happiness is fragmented and comes to us in spurts. God is completely complete so it makes sense that His happiness is constant. I cannot help but think that He is happy even when He is sad and I am sure He is sad that we are a broken people. I also can't help but believe that He desires us to be happy, not in spurts mind you but as an enduring state. God would heal our fragmented hearts by joining ours to His. 9/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I once wrote that God is deliriously happy? I must confess this is not the first thing I think about when I think of Him. This is probably because I am not always happy. Human happiness is fragmented and comes to us in spurts. God is completely complete so it makes sense that His happiness is constant. I cannot help but think that He is happy even when He is sad and I am sure He is sad that we are a broken people. I also can't help but believe that He desires us to be happy, not in spurts mind you but as an enduring state. God would heal our fragmented hearts by joining ours to His. 9/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
“To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience...
an experience that people may miss if they monopolize the conversation and never pause to hear God's responses.” Charles Stanley
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jo.10 ESV
The main reason I believe in God is not because creation makes more sense to me than evolution does, though I could never believe that chance alone produced something as complex as a pair of eyes. This kind of reasoning certainly influences my belief but it is not the principle reason behind it. The main reason I believe in God is because of my interactions with Him each day. I could no more deny His existence than I could my wife's. He talks to me every day. He answers me when I talk to him. I ask Him for something and He responds just as I ask my wife to pass the salt and she does. The other day I asked Him to help me remember someones name and the very next day I received a Facebook friend request even though I have not seen the person in years. No doubt those who believe that chance produced all the intricate complexities in our world could also dismiss all answered prayer as mere coincidence. There is no reason to argue about it. We must give room for people to dismiss God, He does, at least for the present. 9/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jo.10 ESV
The main reason I believe in God is not because creation makes more sense to me than evolution does, though I could never believe that chance alone produced something as complex as a pair of eyes. This kind of reasoning certainly influences my belief but it is not the principle reason behind it. The main reason I believe in God is because of my interactions with Him each day. I could no more deny His existence than I could my wife's. He talks to me every day. He answers me when I talk to him. I ask Him for something and He responds just as I ask my wife to pass the salt and she does. The other day I asked Him to help me remember someones name and the very next day I received a Facebook friend request even though I have not seen the person in years. No doubt those who believe that chance produced all the intricate complexities in our world could also dismiss all answered prayer as mere coincidence. There is no reason to argue about it. We must give room for people to dismiss God, He does, at least for the present. 9/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience...
an experience that people may miss if they monopolize the conversation and never pause to hear God's responses.” Charles Stanley
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jo.10 ESV
The main reason I believe in God is not because creation makes more sense to me than evolution does, though I could never believe that chance alone produced something as complex as a pair of eyes. This kind of reasoning certainly influences my belief but it is not the principle reason behind it. The main reason I believe in God is because of my interactions with Him each day. I could no more deny His existence than I could my wife's. He talks to me every day. He answers me when I talk to him. I ask Him for something and He responds just as I ask my wife to pass the salt and she does. The other day I asked Him to help me remember someones name and the very next day I received a Facebook friend request even though I have not seen the person in years. No doubt those who believe that chance produced all the intricate complexities in our world could also dismiss all answered prayer as mere coincidence. There is no reason to argue about it. We must give room for people to dismiss God, He does, at least for the present. 9/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Jo.10 ESV
The main reason I believe in God is not because creation makes more sense to me than evolution does, though I could never believe that chance alone produced something as complex as a pair of eyes. This kind of reasoning certainly influences my belief but it is not the principle reason behind it. The main reason I believe in God is because of my interactions with Him each day. I could no more deny His existence than I could my wife's. He talks to me every day. He answers me when I talk to him. I ask Him for something and He responds just as I ask my wife to pass the salt and she does. The other day I asked Him to help me remember someones name and the very next day I received a Facebook friend request even though I have not seen the person in years. No doubt those who believe that chance produced all the intricate complexities in our world could also dismiss all answered prayer as mere coincidence. There is no reason to argue about it. We must give room for people to dismiss God, He does, at least for the present. 9/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Friday, September 16, 2011
”He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” Albert Einstein
"Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37
I write everyday; I work everyday; I even make time to play everyday. I certainly eat everyday. I do not always take time everyday to tune my senses to all the wondrous works of God but when I do, I am always blessed by it. I am trying to make this a daily daily, and the sheer delight of sharing a moment of wonder with the Creator is nothing short of magical. Yesterday I stopped to smell the leaves of a flowering Lantana. I humbly witnessed the awesome power of crashing waves from Hurricane Katia, still hundreds of miles offshore. Later that day I was soothed by the softness of light reflecting off rolling clouds hovering over the sunset. Worship and wonder are the dessert of being where you are. Be there O my soul, be there! 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I write everyday; I work everyday; I even make time to play everyday. I certainly eat everyday. I do not always take time everyday to tune my senses to all the wondrous works of God but when I do, I am always blessed by it. I am trying to make this a daily daily, and the sheer delight of sharing a moment of wonder with the Creator is nothing short of magical. Yesterday I stopped to smell the leaves of a flowering Lantana. I humbly witnessed the awesome power of crashing waves from Hurricane Katia, still hundreds of miles offshore. Later that day I was soothed by the softness of light reflecting off rolling clouds hovering over the sunset. Worship and wonder are the dessert of being where you are. Be there O my soul, be there! 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
”He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” Albert Einstein
"Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37
I write everyday; I work everyday; I even make time to play everyday. I certainly eat everyday. I do not always take time everyday to tune my senses to all the wondrous works of God but when I do, I am always blessed by it. I am trying to make this a daily daily, and the sheer delight of sharing a moment of wonder with the Creator is nothing short of magical. Yesterday I stopped to smell the leaves of a flowering Lantana. I humbly witnessed the awesome power of crashing waves from Hurricane Katia, still hundreds of miles offshore. Later that day I was soothed by the softness of light reflecting off rolling clouds hovering over the sunset. Worship and wonder are the dessert of being where you are. Be there O my soul, be there! 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I write everyday; I work everyday; I even make time to play everyday. I certainly eat everyday. I do not always take time everyday to tune my senses to all the wondrous works of God but when I do, I am always blessed by it. I am trying to make this a daily daily, and the sheer delight of sharing a moment of wonder with the Creator is nothing short of magical. Yesterday I stopped to smell the leaves of a flowering Lantana. I humbly witnessed the awesome power of crashing waves from Hurricane Katia, still hundreds of miles offshore. Later that day I was soothed by the softness of light reflecting off rolling clouds hovering over the sunset. Worship and wonder are the dessert of being where you are. Be there O my soul, be there! 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
”Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” Guillaume Apollinaire
“Happy are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus
I believe that the motive behind everything we do is the simple desire to be happy. But I also think that happiness is better thought of as a result, rather than a pursuit. When I chase happiness it always eludes me. When I give myself to activities that produce happiness, it always follows me. Happiness to us is what a wake is to a ship. The wake is never out in front of the ship but always follows it when it stays its course. Happiness isn't something to chase; imagine a ship chasing its wake. Happiness will follow us when we pursue the course God has set for us. What course is that? Love of course! Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as we love ourselves and lasting happiness will follow us all the days of our lives. 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I believe that the motive behind everything we do is the simple desire to be happy. But I also think that happiness is better thought of as a result, rather than a pursuit. When I chase happiness it always eludes me. When I give myself to activities that produce happiness, it always follows me. Happiness to us is what a wake is to a ship. The wake is never out in front of the ship but always follows it when it stays its course. Happiness isn't something to chase; imagine a ship chasing its wake. Happiness will follow us when we pursue the course God has set for us. What course is that? Love of course! Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as we love ourselves and lasting happiness will follow us all the days of our lives. 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
”Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” Guillaume Apollinaire
“Happy are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus
I believe that the motive behind everything we do is the simple desire to be happy. But I also think that happiness is better thought of as a result, rather than a pursuit. When I chase happiness it always eludes me. When I give myself to activities that produce happiness, it always follows me. Happiness to us is what a wake is to a ship. The wake is never out in front of the ship but always follows it when it stays its course. Happiness isn't something to chase; imagine a ship chasing its wake. Happiness will follow us when we pursue the course God has set for us. What course is that? Love of course! Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as we love ourselves and lasting happiness will follow us all the days of our lives. 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I believe that the motive behind everything we do is the simple desire to be happy. But I also think that happiness is better thought of as a result, rather than a pursuit. When I chase happiness it always eludes me. When I give myself to activities that produce happiness, it always follows me. Happiness to us is what a wake is to a ship. The wake is never out in front of the ship but always follows it when it stays its course. Happiness isn't something to chase; imagine a ship chasing its wake. Happiness will follow us when we pursue the course God has set for us. What course is that? Love of course! Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as we love ourselves and lasting happiness will follow us all the days of our lives. 9/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
“There comes a pause, for human strength will not endure to dance without cessation...” Lewis Carroll
"Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do...” 1Kgs.20 ESV
Learning to sit out a few dances will make you a better dancer. Experienced surfers don't try to catch every wave that comes by. Constant activity will not only wear you out, it will dull the blade of your effectiveness. Take time to wax your board, sharpen your tools and give your feet a rest. Learn the balanced rhythm of work and rest. Work at rest and rest will reward your work. 9/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Learning to sit out a few dances will make you a better dancer. Experienced surfers don't try to catch every wave that comes by. Constant activity will not only wear you out, it will dull the blade of your effectiveness. Take time to wax your board, sharpen your tools and give your feet a rest. Learn the balanced rhythm of work and rest. Work at rest and rest will reward your work. 9/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“There comes a pause, for human strength will not endure to dance without cessation...” Lewis Carroll
"Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do...” 1Kgs.20 ESV
Learning to sit out a few dances will make you a better dancer. Experienced surfers don't try to catch every wave that comes by. Constant activity will not only wear you out, it will dull the blade of your effectiveness. Take time to wax your board, sharpen your tools and give your feet a rest. Learn the balanced rhythm of work and rest. Work at rest and rest will reward your work. 9/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Learning to sit out a few dances will make you a better dancer. Experienced surfers don't try to catch every wave that comes by. Constant activity will not only wear you out, it will dull the blade of your effectiveness. Take time to wax your board, sharpen your tools and give your feet a rest. Learn the balanced rhythm of work and rest. Work at rest and rest will reward your work. 9/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Mark Twain
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Pro.21 ESV
If there is ever a time to pause before you do some thing, opening your mouth is one of them. We should all have to remove a piece of tape from over our mouths before we say something. That at least would give us time to think about what we are going to say. But since most of us do not consider tape over the mouth fashionable, let me do whatever it takes to think before I speak. 9/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If there is ever a time to pause before you do some thing, opening your mouth is one of them. We should all have to remove a piece of tape from over our mouths before we say something. That at least would give us time to think about what we are going to say. But since most of us do not consider tape over the mouth fashionable, let me do whatever it takes to think before I speak. 9/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Mark Twain
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Pro.21 ESV
If there is ever a time to pause before you do some thing, opening your mouth is one of them. We should all have to remove a piece of tape from over our mouths before we say something. That at least would give us time to think about what we are going to say. But since most of us do not consider tape over the mouth fashionable, let me do whatever it takes to think before I speak. 9/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
If there is ever a time to pause before you do some thing, opening your mouth is one of them. We should all have to remove a piece of tape from over our mouths before we say something. That at least would give us time to think about what we are going to say. But since most of us do not consider tape over the mouth fashionable, let me do whatever it takes to think before I speak. 9/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Monday, September 12, 2011
“Human freedom involves our capacity to pause, to choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight.” Rollo May
“Now therefore know this and consider what you should do...” 1Sam.25 ESV
I am learning to slow life down so that it is much easier to stop when I need to, to pause and consider if I really want to do what it is that I want to do. I have learned the hard way that it is wise to build into my decision making process a pause, a moment to reflect before doing something. The ability to pause may save us a great deal of heartache. It may also save us from having to backtrack to the crossroad of a poor decision. Pause before the next step to make sure you are taking the right one. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I am learning to slow life down so that it is much easier to stop when I need to, to pause and consider if I really want to do what it is that I want to do. I have learned the hard way that it is wise to build into my decision making process a pause, a moment to reflect before doing something. The ability to pause may save us a great deal of heartache. It may also save us from having to backtrack to the crossroad of a poor decision. Pause before the next step to make sure you are taking the right one. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Human freedom involves our capacity to pause, to choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight.” Rollo May
“Now therefore know this and consider what you should do...” 1Sam.25 ESV
I am learning to slow life down so that it is much easier to stop when I need to, to pause and consider if I really want to do what it is that I want to do. I have learned the hard way that it is wise to build into my decision making process a pause, a moment to reflect before doing something. The ability to pause may save us a great deal of heartache. It may also save us from having to backtrack to the crossroad of a poor decision. Pause before the next step to make sure you are taking the right one. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I am learning to slow life down so that it is much easier to stop when I need to, to pause and consider if I really want to do what it is that I want to do. I have learned the hard way that it is wise to build into my decision making process a pause, a moment to reflect before doing something. The ability to pause may save us a great deal of heartache. It may also save us from having to backtrack to the crossroad of a poor decision. Pause before the next step to make sure you are taking the right one. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
“Some folks are wise and some are otherwise.” Tobias Smollett
“O you who love the LORD, hate evil!” Ps.97
I am not the person I want to be. And, it offers no comfort to ask who is. I am actually glad that I am uncomfortable with my short-comings. Conviction motivates me to do something about them. I am also glad that God loves me even though He has made it clear that He hates my sins. Thank Him for Jesus and the deal they struck before the cross even though I barely understand it. What I do understand is that God wants to teach me to hate my sin as much as He does. It may seem strange that God who is love would want to teach us to hate and to hate something so much that you are willing to put it to death. I will finally come to know His happiness only when I share His goodness. I will only share His goodness when I hate everything in me that is not good. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I am not the person I want to be. And, it offers no comfort to ask who is. I am actually glad that I am uncomfortable with my short-comings. Conviction motivates me to do something about them. I am also glad that God loves me even though He has made it clear that He hates my sins. Thank Him for Jesus and the deal they struck before the cross even though I barely understand it. What I do understand is that God wants to teach me to hate my sin as much as He does. It may seem strange that God who is love would want to teach us to hate and to hate something so much that you are willing to put it to death. I will finally come to know His happiness only when I share His goodness. I will only share His goodness when I hate everything in me that is not good. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Some folks are wise and some are otherwise.” Tobias Smollett
“O you who love the LORD, hate evil!” Ps.97
I am not the person I want to be. And, it offers no comfort to ask who is. I am actually glad that I am uncomfortable with my short-comings. Conviction motivates me to do something about them. I am also glad that God loves me even though He has made it clear that He hates my sins. Thank Him for Jesus and the deal they struck before the cross even though I barely understand it. What I do understand is that God wants to teach me to hate my sin as much as He does. It may seem strange that God who is love would want to teach us to hate and to hate something so much that you are willing to put it to death. I will finally come to know His happiness only when I share His goodness. I will only share His goodness when I hate everything in me that is not good. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I am not the person I want to be. And, it offers no comfort to ask who is. I am actually glad that I am uncomfortable with my short-comings. Conviction motivates me to do something about them. I am also glad that God loves me even though He has made it clear that He hates my sins. Thank Him for Jesus and the deal they struck before the cross even though I barely understand it. What I do understand is that God wants to teach me to hate my sin as much as He does. It may seem strange that God who is love would want to teach us to hate and to hate something so much that you are willing to put it to death. I will finally come to know His happiness only when I share His goodness. I will only share His goodness when I hate everything in me that is not good. 9/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Friday, September 9, 2011
“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.” Doug Larson
“...and slow to speak.” James 1
I don't think I have ever gained one bit of wisdom when I was talking. I have certainly picked up a few pointers after thinking about some of the things I said. Usually they were tips on what I should not have said and not from anything that rolled off my tongue. Sometimes I mourn what I say immediately after I say it. Other times my grief comes to me after I see the damage I have wrecked by careless words. God has recently given me a gift. I am in a season where it is physically uncomfortable to speak, something the doctors are working on but in the mean time the discomfort is encouraging me to pause, to consider if it is worth saying. There are better ways to learn this pause I am sure, none-the-less, I appreciate the value of this limitation. I just hope I don't forget it when my voice returns to normal. 9/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I don't think I have ever gained one bit of wisdom when I was talking. I have certainly picked up a few pointers after thinking about some of the things I said. Usually they were tips on what I should not have said and not from anything that rolled off my tongue. Sometimes I mourn what I say immediately after I say it. Other times my grief comes to me after I see the damage I have wrecked by careless words. God has recently given me a gift. I am in a season where it is physically uncomfortable to speak, something the doctors are working on but in the mean time the discomfort is encouraging me to pause, to consider if it is worth saying. There are better ways to learn this pause I am sure, none-the-less, I appreciate the value of this limitation. I just hope I don't forget it when my voice returns to normal. 9/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.” Doug Larson
“...and slow to speak.” James 1
I don't think I have ever gained one bit of wisdom when I was talking. I have certainly picked up a few pointers after thinking about some of the things I said. Usually they were tips on what I should not have said and not from anything that rolled off my tongue. Sometimes I mourn what I say immediately after I say it. Other times my grief comes to me after I see the damage I have wrecked by careless words. God has recently given me a gift. I am in a season where it is physically uncomfortable to speak, something the doctors are working on but in the mean time the discomfort is encouraging me to pause, to consider if it is worth saying. There are better ways to learn this pause I am sure, none-the-less, I appreciate the value of this limitation. I just hope I don't forget it when my voice returns to normal. 9/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I don't think I have ever gained one bit of wisdom when I was talking. I have certainly picked up a few pointers after thinking about some of the things I said. Usually they were tips on what I should not have said and not from anything that rolled off my tongue. Sometimes I mourn what I say immediately after I say it. Other times my grief comes to me after I see the damage I have wrecked by careless words. God has recently given me a gift. I am in a season where it is physically uncomfortable to speak, something the doctors are working on but in the mean time the discomfort is encouraging me to pause, to consider if it is worth saying. There are better ways to learn this pause I am sure, none-the-less, I appreciate the value of this limitation. I just hope I don't forget it when my voice returns to normal. 9/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine
“...and bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8 ESV
I often find myself pitching little temper tantrums when things don't go my way. I am one of those people that spill my coffee, miss the garbage can, tear a bag of groceries when I pick it up, or put my tee-shirt on backward. I think the word I am looking for is ”Klutz.” My response? Well usually I first get mad. Then get sad that I am mad. Then I apologize and ask God for patience. What does God do but gives me another opportunity to practice patience. I pick up the spilled groceries put them in another bag and it tears also. 9/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I often find myself pitching little temper tantrums when things don't go my way. I am one of those people that spill my coffee, miss the garbage can, tear a bag of groceries when I pick it up, or put my tee-shirt on backward. I think the word I am looking for is ”Klutz.” My response? Well usually I first get mad. Then get sad that I am mad. Then I apologize and ask God for patience. What does God do but gives me another opportunity to practice patience. I pick up the spilled groceries put them in another bag and it tears also. 9/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” St. Augustine
“...and bear fruit with patience.” Lk.8 ESV
I often find myself pitching little temper tantrums when things don't go my way. I am one of those people that spill my coffee, miss the garbage can, tear a bag of groceries when I pick it up, or put my tee-shirt on backward. I think the word I am looking for is ”Klutz.” My response? Well usually I first get mad. Then get sad that I am mad. Then I apologize and ask God for patience. What does God do but gives me another opportunity to practice patience. I pick up the spilled groceries put them in another bag and it tears also. 9/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
I often find myself pitching little temper tantrums when things don't go my way. I am one of those people that spill my coffee, miss the garbage can, tear a bag of groceries when I pick it up, or put my tee-shirt on backward. I think the word I am looking for is ”Klutz.” My response? Well usually I first get mad. Then get sad that I am mad. Then I apologize and ask God for patience. What does God do but gives me another opportunity to practice patience. I pick up the spilled groceries put them in another bag and it tears also. 9/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
“I believe that all wisdom consists in caring immensely for a few right things, and not caring a straw about the rest.” John Buchan
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal.5 NASB
Wisdom teaches us to weed. It shows us how to cultivate the garden of our life by clearing it of everything but the lasting fruit of faith and love. Whatever does not grow out of these is cull. Whatever springs from them will profit us not only in this life but the one to come. So, how does putting on makeup or shaving or cutting grass or washing dishes reflect faith and love? Nothing or everything I suppose; it depends on our approach to life. Even mundane matters can be expressions of faith and love and when they are they are certainly transformed by them into activities of enjoyment and meaning. 8/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wisdom teaches us to weed. It shows us how to cultivate the garden of our life by clearing it of everything but the lasting fruit of faith and love. Whatever does not grow out of these is cull. Whatever springs from them will profit us not only in this life but the one to come. So, how does putting on makeup or shaving or cutting grass or washing dishes reflect faith and love? Nothing or everything I suppose; it depends on our approach to life. Even mundane matters can be expressions of faith and love and when they are they are certainly transformed by them into activities of enjoyment and meaning. 8/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“I believe that all wisdom consists in caring immensely for a few right things, and not caring a straw about the rest.” John Buchan
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal.5 NASB
Wisdom teaches us to weed. It shows us how to cultivate the garden of our life by clearing it of everything but the lasting fruit of faith and love. Whatever does not grow out of these is cull. Whatever springs from them will profit us not only in this life but the one to come. So, how does putting on makeup or shaving or cutting grass or washing dishes reflect faith and love? Nothing or everything I suppose; it depends on our approach to life. Even mundane matters can be expressions of faith and love and when they are they are certainly transformed by them into activities of enjoyment and meaning. 8/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Wisdom teaches us to weed. It shows us how to cultivate the garden of our life by clearing it of everything but the lasting fruit of faith and love. Whatever does not grow out of these is cull. Whatever springs from them will profit us not only in this life but the one to come. So, how does putting on makeup or shaving or cutting grass or washing dishes reflect faith and love? Nothing or everything I suppose; it depends on our approach to life. Even mundane matters can be expressions of faith and love and when they are they are certainly transformed by them into activities of enjoyment and meaning. 8/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” David Star Jordan,
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Jas.1 ESV
Doing is everything! If I believe some truth but do not live by it, what good is that? If I say I believe in exercise but do not exercise where is the value in it? If I believe in Christ but do not do as He instructs that kind of belief has no value except to tell me it has no value when I come to the judgment. Doing is the measure of whether I really believe in something or not. 8/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Doing is everything! If I believe some truth but do not live by it, what good is that? If I say I believe in exercise but do not exercise where is the value in it? If I believe in Christ but do not do as He instructs that kind of belief has no value except to tell me it has no value when I come to the judgment. Doing is the measure of whether I really believe in something or not. 8/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” David Star Jordan,
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Jas.1 ESV
Doing is everything! If I believe some truth but do not live by it, what good is that? If I say I believe in exercise but do not exercise where is the value in it? If I believe in Christ but do not do as He instructs that kind of belief has no value except to tell me it has no value when I come to the judgment. Doing is the measure of whether I really believe in something or not. 8/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Doing is everything! If I believe some truth but do not live by it, what good is that? If I say I believe in exercise but do not exercise where is the value in it? If I believe in Christ but do not do as He instructs that kind of belief has no value except to tell me it has no value when I come to the judgment. Doing is the measure of whether I really believe in something or not. 8/30/11 Conversations Within ts (Jacksonville, FL)
Monday, September 5, 2011
“Every man is a fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” Elbert Hubbard
“Does not wisdom call...at the crossroads she takes her stand.” Prov.8 ESV
Wisdom would never lead us to believe that we have our act together; but it does help us see areas where we clearly don't. Wisdom helps us see when we are not being wise. One of its benefits is of course review. It teaches us to evaluate how we could have done it better. As it matures, wisdom gives us the gift of pause, to ask the question before we do something, not after. 8/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to Florida)
Wisdom would never lead us to believe that we have our act together; but it does help us see areas where we clearly don't. Wisdom helps us see when we are not being wise. One of its benefits is of course review. It teaches us to evaluate how we could have done it better. As it matures, wisdom gives us the gift of pause, to ask the question before we do something, not after. 8/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to Florida)
“Every man is a fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” Elbert Hubbard
“Does not wisdom call...at the crossroads she takes her stand.” Prov.8 ESV
Wisdom would never lead us to believe that we have our act together; but it does help us see areas where we clearly don't. Wisdom helps us see when we are not being wise. One of its benefits is of course review. It teaches us to evaluate how we could have done it better. As it matures, wisdom gives us the gift of pause, to ask the question before we do something, not after. 8/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to Florida)
Wisdom would never lead us to believe that we have our act together; but it does help us see areas where we clearly don't. Wisdom helps us see when we are not being wise. One of its benefits is of course review. It teaches us to evaluate how we could have done it better. As it matures, wisdom gives us the gift of pause, to ask the question before we do something, not after. 8/29/2011 Conversations Within ts (On the Road to Florida)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave" - Calvin Coolidge
“They cast their crowns before the throne.” Rev.4 ESV
I always liked the one liner about the guy who was given an award for being humble but had it taken away the moment he accepted it. If I give to the poor to be honored by men what value is that? Love is the only motive that cleanses such notions and transforms any desire to be honored into a desire to honor. Every reward given to us will not be taken away once we accept it but willingly offered back to Christ to honor Him as a bridegroom at His wedding feast. Who would want to attend a party given in His honor empty handed? 8/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
I always liked the one liner about the guy who was given an award for being humble but had it taken away the moment he accepted it. If I give to the poor to be honored by men what value is that? Love is the only motive that cleanses such notions and transforms any desire to be honored into a desire to honor. Every reward given to us will not be taken away once we accept it but willingly offered back to Christ to honor Him as a bridegroom at His wedding feast. Who would want to attend a party given in His honor empty handed? 8/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave" - Calvin Coolidge
“They cast their crowns before the throne.” Rev.4 ESV
I always liked the one liner about the guy who was given an award for being humble but had it taken away the moment he accepted it. If I give to the poor to be honored by men what value is that? Love is the only motive that cleanses such notions and transforms any desire to be honored into a desire to honor. Every reward given to us will not be taken away once we accept it but willingly offered back to Christ to honor Him as a bridegroom at His wedding feast. Who would want to attend a party given in His honor empty handed? 8/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
I always liked the one liner about the guy who was given an award for being humble but had it taken away the moment he accepted it. If I give to the poor to be honored by men what value is that? Love is the only motive that cleanses such notions and transforms any desire to be honored into a desire to honor. Every reward given to us will not be taken away once we accept it but willingly offered back to Christ to honor Him as a bridegroom at His wedding feast. Who would want to attend a party given in His honor empty handed? 8/27/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
Friday, September 2, 2011
"You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others." - Henry Drummond
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1Cor.3 ESV
As I open the present of this day, let me share its joys with those around me, for sharing multiplies the joy. But how can you share joy with the unhappy? Some people are so downright miserable and nothing you do seems to cheer them up. I cannot choose joy for another but I can certainly choose it for myself. We are told to love and serve them, then leave the rest to God. The prayer of Saint Francis gives us the right focus. We pray that where there is sadness we may “sow joy.” It is silly to try to reap joy in others before God brings it to harvest. We may plant joy, even water it, but only God can give joy's increase. We must find our joy in loving and serving not in the response that people may or may not have to our acts of kindness. 8/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
As I open the present of this day, let me share its joys with those around me, for sharing multiplies the joy. But how can you share joy with the unhappy? Some people are so downright miserable and nothing you do seems to cheer them up. I cannot choose joy for another but I can certainly choose it for myself. We are told to love and serve them, then leave the rest to God. The prayer of Saint Francis gives us the right focus. We pray that where there is sadness we may “sow joy.” It is silly to try to reap joy in others before God brings it to harvest. We may plant joy, even water it, but only God can give joy's increase. We must find our joy in loving and serving not in the response that people may or may not have to our acts of kindness. 8/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
"You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others." - Henry Drummond
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1Cor.3 ESV
As I open the present of this day, let me share its joys with those around me, for sharing multiplies the joy. But how can you share joy with the unhappy? Some people are so downright miserable and nothing you do seems to cheer them up. I cannot choose joy for another but I can certainly choose it for myself. We are told to love and serve them, then leave the rest to God. The prayer of Saint Francis gives us the right focus. We pray that where there is sadness we may “sow joy.” It is silly to try to reap joy in others before God brings it to harvest. We may plant joy, even water it, but only God can give joy's increase. We must find our joy in loving and serving not in the response that people may or may not have to our acts of kindness. 8/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
As I open the present of this day, let me share its joys with those around me, for sharing multiplies the joy. But how can you share joy with the unhappy? Some people are so downright miserable and nothing you do seems to cheer them up. I cannot choose joy for another but I can certainly choose it for myself. We are told to love and serve them, then leave the rest to God. The prayer of Saint Francis gives us the right focus. We pray that where there is sadness we may “sow joy.” It is silly to try to reap joy in others before God brings it to harvest. We may plant joy, even water it, but only God can give joy's increase. We must find our joy in loving and serving not in the response that people may or may not have to our acts of kindness. 8/26/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
“Charity sees the need, not the cause.” German Proverb
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus
I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place. In light of this, it seems rather obvious that I should not withhold helping others until they deserve it. I am amazed that I actually have these thoughts. Let me be as gracious to others as God is gracious to me. Of course that is impossible in one sense. When I show mercy it is because I have been shown mercy. When God shows mercy, He does so because it is His nature to be merciful. God has never needed mercy, but He finds in Himself the need to show it because He is mercy. Oh that I would become thus. 8/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place. In light of this, it seems rather obvious that I should not withhold helping others until they deserve it. I am amazed that I actually have these thoughts. Let me be as gracious to others as God is gracious to me. Of course that is impossible in one sense. When I show mercy it is because I have been shown mercy. When God shows mercy, He does so because it is His nature to be merciful. God has never needed mercy, but He finds in Himself the need to show it because He is mercy. Oh that I would become thus. 8/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
“Charity sees the need, not the cause.” German Proverb
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus
I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place. In light of this, it seems rather obvious that I should not withhold helping others until they deserve it. I am amazed that I actually have these thoughts. Let me be as gracious to others as God is gracious to me. Of course that is impossible in one sense. When I show mercy it is because I have been shown mercy. When God shows mercy, He does so because it is His nature to be merciful. God has never needed mercy, but He finds in Himself the need to show it because He is mercy. Oh that I would become thus. 8/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
I am grateful that God helps me even when I am the main reason I need help in the first place. In light of this, it seems rather obvious that I should not withhold helping others until they deserve it. I am amazed that I actually have these thoughts. Let me be as gracious to others as God is gracious to me. Of course that is impossible in one sense. When I show mercy it is because I have been shown mercy. When God shows mercy, He does so because it is His nature to be merciful. God has never needed mercy, but He finds in Himself the need to show it because He is mercy. Oh that I would become thus. 8/25/2011 Conversations Within ts (Between, AL)
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