“May your days be many and your troubles be few.”

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” Deut.34

Who would want to live a long life if it isn't a good life. If I wind up living to be an old man with few troubles as God undoubtedly appoints some to it, then I will consider myself most blessed. But if I do not make it to old age or if trouble finds me in my sojourn I am still blessed. All the beauty and magic of this place only entices me to a greater hope of the coming Kingdom. Why settle for many days when Jesus promises countless days. I recently took up surfing and absolutely love it. I find myself wishing I had discovered it when I was younger. But no matter, the Spirit often lays a hand on my shoulder and reminds me of the “Endless Summer” that is coming. 11/21/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)

“May your days be many and your troubles be few.”

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” Deut.34

Who would want to live a long life if it isn't a good life. If I wind up living to be an old man with few troubles as God undoubtedly appoints some to it, then I will consider myself most blessed. But if I do not make it to old age or if trouble finds me in my sojourn I am still blessed. All the beauty and magic of this place only entices me to a greater hope of the coming Kingdom. Why settle for many days when Jesus promises countless days. I recently took up surfing and absolutely love it. I find myself wishing I had discovered it when I was younger. But no matter, the Spirit often lays a hand on my shoulder and reminds me of the “Endless Summer” that is coming. 11/21/11 Conversations Within ts (Camp Farrington, AL)

“May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.”

“May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.”

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done...” 1Ch.16

The other day my wife poked me over buying Christmas presents this year and said, “You don't want to be a Scrooge.” I smiled and replied, “Yes I do.” I then reminded her that in the end Scrooge was a kind and giving person who overwhelmed people with his generosity. It is not how one starts but how one finishes that counts. We do tend to remember the bad in people rather than the good. I suppose it takes practice to change this. I feel certain that nurturing an attitude of thankfulness will work this change. It is a blessed person who chooses to see the world with grateful eyes. The next time I am tempted to think bad of something or someone, let me respond by offering thanks for at least one thing concerning it or them. If I can't, let me ask God for His help. 11/21/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.”

“May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.”

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done...” 1Ch.16

The other day my wife poked me over buying Christmas presents this year and said, “You don't want to be a Scrooge.” I smiled and replied, “Yes I do.” I then reminded her that in the end Scrooge was a kind and giving person who overwhelmed people with his generosity. It is not how one starts but how one finishes that counts. We do tend to remember the bad in people rather than the good. I suppose it takes practice to change this. I feel certain that nurturing an attitude of thankfulness will work this change. It is a blessed person who chooses to see the world with grateful eyes. The next time I am tempted to think bad of something or someone, let me respond by offering thanks for at least one thing concerning it or them. If I can't, let me ask God for His help. 11/21/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” Mary Anne Radmacher

“...and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” Gen.47

It used to be customary to give a blessing to someone when you met or departed. A blessing sounds rather formal and we are a casual generation, a sort of off-the-record kind of culture. A blessing is a prayer for someone, not merely wishing they would get better or pass a test. Perhaps we would do well to return to the practice and make our prayers official by going on-the-record so to speak and tell people exactly what we are asking God to do for them. “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” 11/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” Mary Anne Radmacher

“...and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” Gen.47

It used to be customary to give a blessing to someone when you met or departed. A blessing sounds rather formal and we are a casual generation, a sort of off-the-record kind of culture. A blessing is a prayer for someone, not merely wishing they would get better or pass a test. Perhaps we would do well to return to the practice and make our prayers official by going on-the-record so to speak and tell people exactly what we are asking God to do for them. “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” 11/20/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire.” ~W.J. Cameron

“Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?'” Lk.17

Of all the sins of men, ingratitude reflects our self-centered pride the most. The very air we breathe is borrowed, the life and operations of every cell that make up our body is held together by the Father of life. No child insults a parent more than the person who refuses to acknowledge and appreciate God for the life given them. We were purposefully created to enjoy Him in all things and above all things. Our failure to do this is to miss the true meaning of life and to substitute death for life. 11/17/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire.” ~W.J. Cameron

“Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?'” Lk.17

Of all the sins of men, ingratitude reflects our self-centered pride the most. The very air we breathe is borrowed, the life and operations of every cell that make up our body is held together by the Father of life. No child insults a parent more than the person who refuses to acknowledge and appreciate God for the life given them. We were purposefully created to enjoy Him in all things and above all things. Our failure to do this is to miss the true meaning of life and to substitute death for life. 11/17/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.” William Jennings Bryan

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

There are some things we never outgrow. I remember having to trust God to take care of us while I was studying in seminary. After graduation I got my first job making more money than I ever had before. When the church told me what I would be making I looked at Brenda and quietly but excitedly said, “We're rich.” I think in the back of my mind I thought we were going to do fine financially and did not need God to take care of us like we needed Him to get through school. Never having made so much money I got careless with spending and in a couple of months we spent all of my salary but forgot to pay the electric bill. I felt foolish and embarrassed and did not know what to do. The very next day we got a check in the mail from the seminary saying that we had overpaid our tuition. The check was almost the exact amount of the electric bill. I think this was God's way of telling us that we never outgrow our need to look to look to Him or be responsible with what He entrusts to us. 11/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.” William Jennings Bryan

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus

There are some things we never outgrow. I remember having to trust God to take care of us while I was studying in seminary. After graduation I got my first job making more money than I ever had before. When the church told me what I would be making I looked at Brenda and quietly but excitedly said, “We're rich.” I think in the back of my mind I thought we were going to do fine financially and did not need God to take care of us like we needed Him to get through school. Never having made so much money I got careless with spending and in a couple of months we spent all of my salary but forgot to pay the electric bill. I felt foolish and embarrassed and did not know what to do. The very next day we got a check in the mail from the seminary saying that we had overpaid our tuition. The check was almost the exact amount of the electric bill. I think this was God's way of telling us that we never outgrow our need to look to look to Him or be responsible with what He entrusts to us. 11/16/11 Conversations Within ts (Between, GA)

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.” Ps. 100

My children are fond of telling me that when you live on the road, everyday is Friday. I think for those living in the free world, thankfulness should not only be a holiday but a way of life. I want to be the kind of person who is so filled with gratitude that complaint, criticism or feeling sorry for myself would all be foreign languages to me. Let me wake to the sheer joy of all that I have been given and if it is ever taken away, to the joy of what can never be. 11/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.” Ps. 100

My children are fond of telling me that when you live on the road, everyday is Friday. I think for those living in the free world, thankfulness should not only be a holiday but a way of life. I want to be the kind of person who is so filled with gratitude that complaint, criticism or feeling sorry for myself would all be foreign languages to me. Let me wake to the sheer joy of all that I have been given and if it is ever taken away, to the joy of what can never be. 11/15/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“String the pearls of His favor.” Henry Ward Beecher

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Ps.103

I forget. I forget people's names; the end of movies I have watched; I forget to do things, or keep promises and most regrettably I forget all that God has done for me in my brief sojourn. I am amazed that I would doubt anything where God's provision, protection or guidance is concerned. Never once has He failed to come through for me. I could fill a book with story after story of not only answers to prayers but daily interactions. Blessed Lord forgive my silly forgetfulness of all you have done for me through the years. Help me remember and recount Your faithfulness. 11/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“String the pearls of His favor.” Henry Ward Beecher

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Ps.103

I forget. I forget people's names; the end of movies I have watched; I forget to do things, or keep promises and most regrettably I forget all that God has done for me in my brief sojourn. I am amazed that I would doubt anything where God's provision, protection or guidance is concerned. Never once has He failed to come through for me. I could fill a book with story after story of not only answers to prayers but daily interactions. Blessed Lord forgive my silly forgetfulness of all you have done for me through the years. Help me remember and recount Your faithfulness. 11/14/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” H.U. Westermayer

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” H.U. Westermayer

“l give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.” Ps.9

People of hardship are often the most thankful. Like hardened trees growing on a wind blown summit, the gusts of tough times have pruned away any dead limbs of ingratitude and caused the roots of trust to grow deep into the Rock of Ages. Such people possess an inner strength, a solidness of faith expressed in simple gratitude. The thankful hearts of such people are unmoved by the howling blasts of adversity. 11/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” H.U. Westermayer

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts... nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” H.U. Westermayer

“l give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.” Ps.9

People of hardship are often the most thankful. Like hardened trees growing on a wind blown summit, the gusts of tough times have pruned away any dead limbs of ingratitude and caused the roots of trust to grow deep into the Rock of Ages. Such people possess an inner strength, a solidness of faith expressed in simple gratitude. The thankful hearts of such people are unmoved by the howling blasts of adversity. 11/13/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“I say grace before the concert and the opera...

and grace before I open a book...before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” G.K. Chesterton

“From the rising to the setting of the sun the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Ps.113

I have said the blessing over many a meal while in the grocery store walking through the abundance of fruits and vegetables that surround me. Is there ever a time or place amid such blessings where saying grace is not appropriate? Thanksgiving is also receiving. Center your heart on God's praise and the power of a grateful spirit will guard your heart and mind from any evil this world may conjure. Praise is the shield of those who bless the name of the Lord. Bless His glorious name! 11/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“I say grace before the concert and the opera...

and grace before I open a book...before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” G.K. Chesterton

“From the rising to the setting of the sun the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Ps.113

I have said the blessing over many a meal while in the grocery store walking through the abundance of fruits and vegetables that surround me. Is there ever a time or place amid such blessings where saying grace is not appropriate? Thanksgiving is also receiving. Center your heart on God's praise and the power of a grateful spirit will guard your heart and mind from any evil this world may conjure. Praise is the shield of those who bless the name of the Lord. Bless His glorious name! 11/12/11 Conversations Within ts (Augusta, GA)

“The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time.” Willem de Kooning

“The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.” 1Sa.2

The poor can be more preoccupied with money than the rich. Those that have are often less worried about losing their money than those who have not are about getting it. This may be false security on the part of the wealthy but ditto that for the poor. If we have food and clothing the Good Book says that we should be content and equally believe whether poor or rich that God is the one who takes care of us. It is one thing for me to be frugal with the money entrusted me and another to be preoccupied with it. 11/10/11 Conversations Within ts (Fernandina Beach, Fl)

“The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time.” Willem de Kooning

“The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.” 1Sa.2

The poor can be more preoccupied with money than the rich. Those that have are often less worried about losing their money than those who have not are about getting it. This may be false security on the part of the wealthy but ditto that for the poor. If we have food and clothing the Good Book says that we should be content and equally believe whether poor or rich that God is the one who takes care of us. It is one thing for me to be frugal with the money entrusted me and another to be preoccupied with it. 11/10/11 Conversations Within ts (Fernandina Beach, Fl)

“My poverty is not complete: it lacks me.” Antonio Porchia

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

I am a poor man, poor in ways I am still discovering. I do not mean poor by material standards. I possess riches that even King Solomon did not have. He could not have an ice cold beverage anytime he wanted one or drive sixty miles an hour in an air conditioned chariot listening to any music I desire. He could not instantly talk to a friend or family member half way around the world. The reason I say I am poor is that I still find myself eating the pig slop of lesser desires when infinite joy is mine for the having. I still find it hard to break the habit of the old me and put on the new me. 11/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“My poverty is not complete: it lacks me.” Antonio Porchia

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

I am a poor man, poor in ways I am still discovering. I do not mean poor by material standards. I possess riches that even King Solomon did not have. He could not have an ice cold beverage anytime he wanted one or drive sixty miles an hour in an air conditioned chariot listening to any music I desire. He could not instantly talk to a friend or family member half way around the world. The reason I say I am poor is that I still find myself eating the pig slop of lesser desires when infinite joy is mine for the having. I still find it hard to break the habit of the old me and put on the new me. 11/9/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Seldom do people discern eloquence under a threadbare cloak.” Juvenal

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2Co.8

I miss a lot Lord. I fail to see others as I know You want me to see them. My prejudices blind me. Tap me on the shoulder, rouse me anyway you can and help me pay attention to the people around me. Wake me to the beauty you see in people. Help me to never divide people , at least in a discriminating way, into poor, rich, girl, boy, white or black, Christian or not. If I make a judgment let it be to see people as made in your image, potential princes and princesses in your kingdom. 11/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Seldom do people discern eloquence under a threadbare cloak.” Juvenal

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2Co.8

I miss a lot Lord. I fail to see others as I know You want me to see them. My prejudices blind me. Tap me on the shoulder, rouse me anyway you can and help me pay attention to the people around me. Wake me to the beauty you see in people. Help me to never divide people , at least in a discriminating way, into poor, rich, girl, boy, white or black, Christian or not. If I make a judgment let it be to see people as made in your image, potential princes and princesses in your kingdom. 11/8/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“We have grown literally afraid to be poor. We despise anyone who elects to be poor in order to simplify and save his inner life.” William James

“We have grown literally afraid to be poor. We despise anyone who elects to be poor in order to simplify and save his inner life.” William James

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”James 2

It is not a sin to be poor. As a matter of fact I can think of times when voluntary poverty is a virtue. Some choose to live on less to give more, their poverty is a sacrificial offering to God. I know parents who take a cut in pay to spend more time at home with their children; their treasure is in family not stuff. Some prefer looking to God for daily bread instead of trusting the false security of an annual income. Jesus was poor by this world's standards. He spent his life serving others instead of paying a mortgage and chose service over salary. None of this is to say that if you own a nice home or make lots of money you are a servant of money instead of a servant of God. It is to say that those who are rich in faith have real wealth; money is just a tool to serve it. 11/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“We have grown literally afraid to be poor. We despise anyone who elects to be poor in order to simplify and save his inner life.” William James

“We have grown literally afraid to be poor. We despise anyone who elects to be poor in order to simplify and save his inner life.” William James

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”James 2

It is not a sin to be poor. As a matter of fact I can think of times when voluntary poverty is a virtue. Some choose to live on less to give more, their poverty is a sacrificial offering to God. I know parents who take a cut in pay to spend more time at home with their children; their treasure is in family not stuff. Some prefer looking to God for daily bread instead of trusting the false security of an annual income. Jesus was poor by this world's standards. He spent his life serving others instead of paying a mortgage and chose service over salary. None of this is to say that if you own a nice home or make lots of money you are a servant of money instead of a servant of God. It is to say that those who are rich in faith have real wealth; money is just a tool to serve it. 11/7/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Poverty sits by the cradle of all our great men and rocks all of them to manhood.” Heinrich Heine

“...were made strong out of weakness...” Heb.11

God has used poverty plenty of times to work great wealth of character in people. History is replete with examples of this. Think of a great person and chances are that poverty or adversity was one of the tools God used to shape their greatness. The Lord's strength is found in our weakness. If I find myself in meagerness of money or means or health, I am in a position to discover the great wealth of God. It is not poverty itself that is good, but the power of God discovered in it when I look to Him. Doing without often works wonders within if we allow it to. 11/6/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Poverty sits by the cradle of all our great men and rocks all of them to manhood.” Heinrich Heine

“...were made strong out of weakness...” Heb.11

God has used poverty plenty of times to work great wealth of character in people. History is replete with examples of this. Think of a great person and chances are that poverty or adversity was one of the tools God used to shape their greatness. The Lord's strength is found in our weakness. If I find myself in meagerness of money or means or health, I am in a position to discover the great wealth of God. It is not poverty itself that is good, but the power of God discovered in it when I look to Him. Doing without often works wonders within if we allow it to. 11/6/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“I am positive that one of the great curatives of our evils... would be a return to the soil, a rehabilitation of the work of the fields.” Charles Wag

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Gen.2

A good many people are returning to growing their own vegetables or at least buying them locally grown. Health concerns are one reason but I cannot help but believe that something resonates in us when we somehow manage to get closer to the earth. There is something therapeutic about getting back to nature. I believe that planting a garden, keeping a house plant, making something with your hands are all a means of grace. I think God meets people when they do these things just as He does in prayer and meditation. Stray too far from working with your hands and the soul will miss out on an intended means of knowing God. 11/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“I am positive that one of the great curatives of our evils... would be a return to the soil, a rehabilitation of the work of the fields.” Charles Wag

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Gen.2

A good many people are returning to growing their own vegetables or at least buying them locally grown. Health concerns are one reason but I cannot help but believe that something resonates in us when we somehow manage to get closer to the earth. There is something therapeutic about getting back to nature. I believe that planting a garden, keeping a house plant, making something with your hands are all a means of grace. I think God meets people when they do these things just as He does in prayer and meditation. Stray too far from working with your hands and the soul will miss out on an intended means of knowing God. 11/5/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Everything in the world may be endured except continual prosperity.” Goethe

“Take care lest you forget the LORD...” Deut.6

It is said that we do not know what we have until it is taken away but it doesn't have to be this way. We are told to enter God's gates with thanksgiving. Good advice! The simple words, “Thank you,” will help me not forget how wonderful it is to see, to walk, to taste. The appreciative words, “I am grateful...” can give us eyes to see God's many blessings. I have noticed a number of people writing out one thing they are thankful for every day during the month of Thanksgiving. This sound like a good practice everyday of the year. This morning I wrote that I am grateful for scented shampoo because it reminds me how good I have it. 11/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“Everything in the world may be endured except continual prosperity.” Goethe

“Take care lest you forget the LORD...” Deut.6

It is said that we do not know what we have until it is taken away but it doesn't have to be this way. We are told to enter God's gates with thanksgiving. Good advice! The simple words, “Thank you,” will help me not forget how wonderful it is to see, to walk, to taste. The appreciative words, “I am grateful...” can give us eyes to see God's many blessings. I have noticed a number of people writing out one thing they are thankful for every day during the month of Thanksgiving. This sound like a good practice everyday of the year. This morning I wrote that I am grateful for scented shampoo because it reminds me how good I have it. 11/3/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, Fl)

“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?” Paul

“A wise son loves discipline...” Prov.

I recently had a friend ask me to pray that God would give her opportunities to learn patience. Boy I was impressed with such a brave request. Most of us appreciate maturity even if we do not appreciate the trials that cause it. I suppose it is a good thing if we learn to value pain as the necessary means to bring to us some gain. Not that we say, “Oh boy,” when adversity comes our way, but perhaps we would do well to give thanks even as we ask for grace to bear it. One is not made strong if never asked to carry some burden nor can we learn patience without circumstances that demand it of us. 11/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, FL)

“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?” Paul

“A wise son loves discipline...” Prov.

I recently had a friend ask me to pray that God would give her opportunities to learn patience. Boy I was impressed with such a brave request. Most of us appreciate maturity even if we do not appreciate the trials that cause it. I suppose it is a good thing if we learn to value pain as the necessary means to bring to us some gain. Not that we say, “Oh boy,” when adversity comes our way, but perhaps we would do well to give thanks even as we ask for grace to bear it. One is not made strong if never asked to carry some burden nor can we learn patience without circumstances that demand it of us. 11/2/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, FL)

“What has always made a hell on earth has been that man has tried to make it his heaven.” Friedrich Holderlin

“And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19

The recent death of Steve Jobs at fifty-six, is a sobering reminder that none of us can expect to remain very long in this place. I know this, everybody knows this, but we manage to push it into the background of everyday life. I suppose this is good if it allows us to function but bad if we fail to appreciate its lesson. That lesson of course is to live for fruit that will follow us after we leave this place. When God prospers us here by giving us health or a long life it is never to strengthen our ties to the sinking ship of this world. We should never waste time building castles in the sand. The tide is coming in. 11/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, FL)

“What has always made a hell on earth has been that man has tried to make it his heaven.” Friedrich Holderlin

“And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19

The recent death of Steve Jobs at fifty-six, is a sobering reminder that none of us can expect to remain very long in this place. I know this, everybody knows this, but we manage to push it into the background of everyday life. I suppose this is good if it allows us to function but bad if we fail to appreciate its lesson. That lesson of course is to live for fruit that will follow us after we leave this place. When God prospers us here by giving us health or a long life it is never to strengthen our ties to the sinking ship of this world. We should never waste time building castles in the sand. The tide is coming in. 11/1/11 Conversations Within ts (Jax, FL)

“We cannot get grace from gadgets.” J.B. Priestley

"Take care...one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Jesus

We are a gadget generation. I often wonder how my life would change without my smart phone or computer. Like all material possessions, contraptions can trap us in a wasteland of empty pursuits. Things are meant to serve us in our pursuit of the eternal purpose never imprison us to the trivia of the temporal. This is not to say that we cannot use these things for personal enjoyment, it is to say just the opposite. If they serve my attachment to eternal things I can give thanks for it and use it. I suppose the grave is the grand sift. If it won't pass through that, use it, don't become attached to it. 10/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Marianna, FL)

“We cannot get grace from gadgets.” J.B. Priestley

"Take care...one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Jesus

We are a gadget generation. I often wonder how my life would change without my smart phone or computer. Like all material possessions, contraptions can trap us in a wasteland of empty pursuits. Things are meant to serve us in our pursuit of the eternal purpose never imprison us to the trivia of the temporal. This is not to say that we cannot use these things for personal enjoyment, it is to say just the opposite. If they serve my attachment to eternal things I can give thanks for it and use it. I suppose the grave is the grand sift. If it won't pass through that, use it, don't become attached to it. 10/31/11 Conversations Within ts (Marianna, FL)

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord. " J.I

“Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

The wisdom literature of the Bible consistently points to one prevailing attitude and repeatedly refers to it as “the fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord is a loving respect and humble acceptance of His directives. A proper fear of God may start out as a fear of punishment if we do wrong but it matures to loving respect for Him as our Father. It is to acknowledge His rightful place to tell us what to do, do it and to accept from His hand all He chooses for us in life. The fear of the Lord moves us to praise Him when the road is marked with sunshine or with suffering. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 10/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord. " J.I

“Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

The wisdom literature of the Bible consistently points to one prevailing attitude and repeatedly refers to it as “the fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord is a loving respect and humble acceptance of His directives. A proper fear of God may start out as a fear of punishment if we do wrong but it matures to loving respect for Him as our Father. It is to acknowledge His rightful place to tell us what to do, do it and to accept from His hand all He chooses for us in life. The fear of the Lord moves us to praise Him when the road is marked with sunshine or with suffering. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 10/29/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“I have tried...to make every pleasure a channel of adoration.” C. S. Lewis

“...to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psa.136

Worship is the very wonder of life and every wonder may give birth to worship. Every fascination, a babies breath, drapes of light in the mornings mist, blankets of snow covering a mountain landscape, every wonder is made more wonderful when they become channels of adoration. If you want to nurture great thoughts of God ponder His hand in Creation. 10/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“I have tried...to make every pleasure a channel of adoration.” C. S. Lewis

“...to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psa.136

Worship is the very wonder of life and every wonder may give birth to worship. Every fascination, a babies breath, drapes of light in the mornings mist, blankets of snow covering a mountain landscape, every wonder is made more wonderful when they become channels of adoration. If you want to nurture great thoughts of God ponder His hand in Creation. 10/28/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

Incorrect thoughts about God can never diminish His true worth, just our experiences of it.

“The Lord is good.” Ps.100

God is good all of the time but I may not experience that goodness if I question it when something bad comes my way. If I am suspicious of God's kind intentions bitterness may deprive me the gift of His peace in the midst of some trial. If I see God as an uncaring impersonal deity, then everything that happens to me will be influenced by my prejudices notions. Like a wild animal I may try to bite and scratch the hand that comes to free me from the snare that I have entangled myself in. Sometimes the way we see God becomes the snare that entangles us in a sea of doubt and suspicion. 10/27/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

Incorrect thoughts about God can never diminish His true worth, just our experiences of it.

“The Lord is good.” Ps.100

God is good all of the time but I may not experience that goodness if I question it when something bad comes my way. If I am suspicious of God's kind intentions bitterness may deprive me the gift of His peace in the midst of some trial. If I see God as an uncaring impersonal deity, then everything that happens to me will be influenced by my prejudices notions. Like a wild animal I may try to bite and scratch the hand that comes to free me from the snare that I have entangled myself in. Sometimes the way we see God becomes the snare that entangles us in a sea of doubt and suspicion. 10/27/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry thoughts.” Howard Chandler Christy

“Early will I seek you.” Ps.63

Worship never fails to cure the worries of the world. Whenever I listen to some song of praise, every fear subsides, the tempestuous seas of my heart become tranquil waters and I know that I am safe in the mighty arms of the Most High. I wish to build into the rhythm of my morning and evening prayers such songs of adoration and praise. I would be well versed in worship, that it would be an expression as natural as breathing, the familiar ground I walk, so that I may bask in the warmth of God's pleasure and find His smile my greatest treasure. 10/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

“Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry thoughts.” Howard Chandler Christy

“Early will I seek you.” Ps.63

Worship never fails to cure the worries of the world. Whenever I listen to some song of praise, every fear subsides, the tempestuous seas of my heart become tranquil waters and I know that I am safe in the mighty arms of the Most High. I wish to build into the rhythm of my morning and evening prayers such songs of adoration and praise. I would be well versed in worship, that it would be an expression as natural as breathing, the familiar ground I walk, so that I may bask in the warmth of God's pleasure and find His smile my greatest treasure. 10/26/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

Great thoughts of God will inevitably produce great faith in God; this equation can be reversed.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Mary (Mother of Jesus)

I confess that my faith in God is often hindered when I look around me instead of looking above me to all His promises. If I really believed all the things I have written about Him in my reflections I would know it is utterly impossible for Him to not keep a promise. It is all a matter of focus. I can hold up a small dime and block out the sun. I need to stop looking at my petty problems and lift my gaze to the One who sits enthroned in the Heavens, who calls me His son, who has seen me through countless trials and who promises that the one in front of me now is no match for His power and of no consequence to His love. 10/25/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)

Great thoughts of God will inevitably produce great faith in God; this equation can be reversed.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Mary (Mother of Jesus)

I confess that my faith in God is often hindered when I look around me instead of looking above me to all His promises. If I really believed all the things I have written about Him in my reflections I would know it is utterly impossible for Him to not keep a promise. It is all a matter of focus. I can hold up a small dime and block out the sun. I need to stop looking at my petty problems and lift my gaze to the One who sits enthroned in the Heavens, who calls me His son, who has seen me through countless trials and who promises that the one in front of me now is no match for His power and of no consequence to His love. 10/25/11 Conversations Within ts (Holy Ground, AL)