"Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus
Jesus is the the fulfillment of every passage in the Bible. He is the keeping of every promise, the main event of all that is predicted, the accomplishment of all that is required and the execution of God's every intention. Everything in them points to Him. Every interaction with its pages should be nothing more or less than a conversation with Him. In them and from them He is revealed to us and continues to speak with us. Our main question should be not what He said but what is He saying---what is He saying to me. Conversations Within ts 3/24/2012 (Selma, AL)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
“The Bible is to me the most precious thing in the world just because it tells me the story of Jesus.” George MacDonald
"Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus
Jesus is the the fulfillment of every passage in the Bible. He is the keeping of every promise, the main event of all that is predicted, the accomplishment of all that is required and the execution of God's every intention. Everything in them points to Him. Every interaction with its pages should be nothing more or less than a conversation with Him. In them and from them He is revealed to us and continues to speak with us. Our main question should be not what He said but what is He saying---what is He saying to me. Conversations Within ts 3/24/2012 (Selma, AL)
Jesus is the the fulfillment of every passage in the Bible. He is the keeping of every promise, the main event of all that is predicted, the accomplishment of all that is required and the execution of God's every intention. Everything in them points to Him. Every interaction with its pages should be nothing more or less than a conversation with Him. In them and from them He is revealed to us and continues to speak with us. Our main question should be not what He said but what is He saying---what is He saying to me. Conversations Within ts 3/24/2012 (Selma, AL)
Friday, March 30, 2012
“No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means.” George Bernard Shaw
“But when the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” Jesus
I think we all could use a healthy dose of skepticism about our personal understanding of the Bible. Yet, if we are to follow Jesus we must learn to doubt our understandings of the Bible without doubting the Bible itself. I think this, more than any other thing, should persuade us to seek more in our relationship with God than just our doctrinal summaries of Scripture. This is why God not only gave us the Bible; He gave us the Holy Spirit as a companion. The Bible is like a map to help guide us in life but the Spirit is a personal guide showing us how to use the map. Conversations Within ts 3/23/2012 (Selma, AL)
I think we all could use a healthy dose of skepticism about our personal understanding of the Bible. Yet, if we are to follow Jesus we must learn to doubt our understandings of the Bible without doubting the Bible itself. I think this, more than any other thing, should persuade us to seek more in our relationship with God than just our doctrinal summaries of Scripture. This is why God not only gave us the Bible; He gave us the Holy Spirit as a companion. The Bible is like a map to help guide us in life but the Spirit is a personal guide showing us how to use the map. Conversations Within ts 3/23/2012 (Selma, AL)
“No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means.” George Bernard Shaw
“But when the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” Jesus
I think we all could use a healthy dose of skepticism about our personal understanding of the Bible. Yet, if we are to follow Jesus we must learn to doubt our understandings of the Bible without doubting the Bible itself. I think this, more than any other thing, should persuade us to seek more in our relationship with God than just our doctrinal summaries of Scripture. This is why God not only gave us the Bible; He gave us the Holy Spirit as a companion. The Bible is like a map to help guide us in life but the Spirit is a personal guide showing us how to use the map. Conversations Within ts 3/23/2012 (Selma, AL)
I think we all could use a healthy dose of skepticism about our personal understanding of the Bible. Yet, if we are to follow Jesus we must learn to doubt our understandings of the Bible without doubting the Bible itself. I think this, more than any other thing, should persuade us to seek more in our relationship with God than just our doctrinal summaries of Scripture. This is why God not only gave us the Bible; He gave us the Holy Spirit as a companion. The Bible is like a map to help guide us in life but the Spirit is a personal guide showing us how to use the map. Conversations Within ts 3/23/2012 (Selma, AL)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
"I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand." St. Anselm
“You believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus
I can try to explain to someone what it feels like to pop-up on a wave, drop down its face, execute a bottom turn just ahead of a cascading waterfall and joyfully ride out the shoulder of curling green wall—I can try but the explanation will fall short of the experience. Some things have to be done before they can be understood. I suppose many things are like this where faith is concerned. It is only on the other side of obedience that we fully appreciate why God tells us to do something. It is only by following that we can see where He is leading. Conversations Within ts 3/22/2012 (Selma, AL)
I can try to explain to someone what it feels like to pop-up on a wave, drop down its face, execute a bottom turn just ahead of a cascading waterfall and joyfully ride out the shoulder of curling green wall—I can try but the explanation will fall short of the experience. Some things have to be done before they can be understood. I suppose many things are like this where faith is concerned. It is only on the other side of obedience that we fully appreciate why God tells us to do something. It is only by following that we can see where He is leading. Conversations Within ts 3/22/2012 (Selma, AL)
"I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand." St. Anselm
“You believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus
I can try to explain to someone what it feels like to pop-up on a wave, drop down its face, execute a bottom turn just ahead of a cascading waterfall and joyfully ride out the shoulder of curling green wall—I can try but the explanation will fall short of the experience. Some things have to be done before they can be understood. I suppose many things are like this where faith is concerned. It is only on the other side of obedience that we fully appreciate why God tells us to do something. It is only by following that we can see where He is leading. Conversations Within ts 3/22/2012 (Selma, AL)
I can try to explain to someone what it feels like to pop-up on a wave, drop down its face, execute a bottom turn just ahead of a cascading waterfall and joyfully ride out the shoulder of curling green wall—I can try but the explanation will fall short of the experience. Some things have to be done before they can be understood. I suppose many things are like this where faith is concerned. It is only on the other side of obedience that we fully appreciate why God tells us to do something. It is only by following that we can see where He is leading. Conversations Within ts 3/22/2012 (Selma, AL)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.' Mark Twai
“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven...” Jesus
When I decided to accept the Lordship of Christ, I also decided to accept the teachings of the Bible for no other reason than Jesus instructed His followers to do so. One decision necessarily follows the other. This is not without its difficulties and Jesus even assured me that I would have them if I choose to follow Him. One cannot surrender to Christ and then take up arms against Him when His teachings rub you the wrong way. There is no question that certain passages disturb me and I would do without them as I would any discomfort but Christ has not left His followers that option. What He does leave us is His Spirit living inside us, to enlighten, encourage and enable us to trust His wisdom, the very wisdom to interact with us through the sacred texts. Is it not in struggle that we are born, grow and become? Conversations Within ts 3/21/2012 (Selma, AL)
When I decided to accept the Lordship of Christ, I also decided to accept the teachings of the Bible for no other reason than Jesus instructed His followers to do so. One decision necessarily follows the other. This is not without its difficulties and Jesus even assured me that I would have them if I choose to follow Him. One cannot surrender to Christ and then take up arms against Him when His teachings rub you the wrong way. There is no question that certain passages disturb me and I would do without them as I would any discomfort but Christ has not left His followers that option. What He does leave us is His Spirit living inside us, to enlighten, encourage and enable us to trust His wisdom, the very wisdom to interact with us through the sacred texts. Is it not in struggle that we are born, grow and become? Conversations Within ts 3/21/2012 (Selma, AL)
“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.' Mark Twai
“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven...” Jesus
When I decided to accept the Lordship of Christ, I also decided to accept the teachings of the Bible for no other reason than Jesus instructed His followers to do so. One decision necessarily follows the other. This is not without its difficulties and Jesus even assured me that I would have them if I choose to follow Him. One cannot surrender to Christ and then take up arms against Him when His teachings rub you the wrong way. There is no question that certain passages disturb me and I would do without them as I would any discomfort but Christ has not left His followers that option. What He does leave us is His Spirit living inside us, to enlighten, encourage and enable us to trust His wisdom, the very wisdom to interact with us through the sacred texts. Is it not in struggle that we are born, grow and become? Conversations Within ts 3/21/2012 (Selma, AL)
When I decided to accept the Lordship of Christ, I also decided to accept the teachings of the Bible for no other reason than Jesus instructed His followers to do so. One decision necessarily follows the other. This is not without its difficulties and Jesus even assured me that I would have them if I choose to follow Him. One cannot surrender to Christ and then take up arms against Him when His teachings rub you the wrong way. There is no question that certain passages disturb me and I would do without them as I would any discomfort but Christ has not left His followers that option. What He does leave us is His Spirit living inside us, to enlighten, encourage and enable us to trust His wisdom, the very wisdom to interact with us through the sacred texts. Is it not in struggle that we are born, grow and become? Conversations Within ts 3/21/2012 (Selma, AL)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
An aptitude to correctly interpret the Bible is good, an attitude to obey its Author is better.
“I delight to do your will O my God.” Ps.40
I am certain that God knows how to make His meaning clear when we encounter Him either in life or in the Scriptures. The problem is not so much that we fail to understand Him as it is that we would rather do what we want to do instead of doing what He is telling us to do. Faith fundamentally is the transfer of trust, one that grows out of a humble attitude. Faith acknowledges that the Creator knows more about true happiness than we do. It leads us to humbly stop trusting our own selfish pursuits and follow His lead. Most of the people I know who quote the Bible to discredit it in some way are not doing so with an attitude to discover God's will but only to justify doing what they want to do. Of course I must confess that even though I believe the Bible I still use it to justify what I want to do. Forgive us Blessed Lord! Conversations Within ts 3/20/2012 (Selma, AL)
I am certain that God knows how to make His meaning clear when we encounter Him either in life or in the Scriptures. The problem is not so much that we fail to understand Him as it is that we would rather do what we want to do instead of doing what He is telling us to do. Faith fundamentally is the transfer of trust, one that grows out of a humble attitude. Faith acknowledges that the Creator knows more about true happiness than we do. It leads us to humbly stop trusting our own selfish pursuits and follow His lead. Most of the people I know who quote the Bible to discredit it in some way are not doing so with an attitude to discover God's will but only to justify doing what they want to do. Of course I must confess that even though I believe the Bible I still use it to justify what I want to do. Forgive us Blessed Lord! Conversations Within ts 3/20/2012 (Selma, AL)
An aptitude to correctly interpret the Bible is good, an attitude to obey its Author is better.
“I delight to do your will O my God.” Ps.40
I am certain that God knows how to make His meaning clear when we encounter Him either in life or in the Scriptures. The problem is not so much that we fail to understand Him as it is that we would rather do what we want to do instead of doing what He is telling us to do. Faith fundamentally is the transfer of trust, one that grows out of a humble attitude. Faith acknowledges that the Creator knows more about true happiness than we do. It leads us to humbly stop trusting our own selfish pursuits and follow His lead. Most of the people I know who quote the Bible to discredit it in some way are not doing so with an attitude to discover God's will but only to justify doing what they want to do. Of course I must confess that even though I believe the Bible I still use it to justify what I want to do. Forgive us Blessed Lord! Conversations Within ts 3/20/2012 (Selma, AL)
I am certain that God knows how to make His meaning clear when we encounter Him either in life or in the Scriptures. The problem is not so much that we fail to understand Him as it is that we would rather do what we want to do instead of doing what He is telling us to do. Faith fundamentally is the transfer of trust, one that grows out of a humble attitude. Faith acknowledges that the Creator knows more about true happiness than we do. It leads us to humbly stop trusting our own selfish pursuits and follow His lead. Most of the people I know who quote the Bible to discredit it in some way are not doing so with an attitude to discover God's will but only to justify doing what they want to do. Of course I must confess that even though I believe the Bible I still use it to justify what I want to do. Forgive us Blessed Lord! Conversations Within ts 3/20/2012 (Selma, AL)
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Bible in the hands of men has often proven to be a dangerous thing, something like when Satan quoted it to Jesus;...
...only when God speaks to us from it do we see its real value.
“All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable...” 1 Timothy 3
The authority of the Bible has come into question in recent times especially those parts of it that differ so strongly with some modern notions. This debate is mainly an in-house kind of thing as most non-Christians give no more authority to the Bible as they do any other ancient text. In my mind, if you are a disciple of Jesus the attitude to have toward the Scriptures should match His if one is serious about being His disciple. There is no question that Jesus held a high view of Scripture but only insofar as He speaks to us from them. Our interaction with the Bible is not some static application of its letter but a dynamic application of them as we submit to the living Christ leading us through them. Conversations Within ts 3/19/2012 (Selma, AL)
“All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable...” 1 Timothy 3
The authority of the Bible has come into question in recent times especially those parts of it that differ so strongly with some modern notions. This debate is mainly an in-house kind of thing as most non-Christians give no more authority to the Bible as they do any other ancient text. In my mind, if you are a disciple of Jesus the attitude to have toward the Scriptures should match His if one is serious about being His disciple. There is no question that Jesus held a high view of Scripture but only insofar as He speaks to us from them. Our interaction with the Bible is not some static application of its letter but a dynamic application of them as we submit to the living Christ leading us through them. Conversations Within ts 3/19/2012 (Selma, AL)
The Bible in the hands of men has often proven to be a dangerous thing, something like when Satan quoted it to Jesus;...
...only when God speaks to us from it do we see its real value.
“All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable...” 1 Timothy 3
The authority of the Bible has come into question in recent times especially those parts of it that differ so strongly with some modern notions. This debate is mainly an in-house kind of thing as most non-Christians give no more authority to the Bible as they do any other ancient text. In my mind, if you are a disciple of Jesus the attitude to have toward the Scriptures should match His if one is serious about being His disciple. There is no question that Jesus held a high view of Scripture but only insofar as He speaks to us from them. Our interaction with the Bible is not some static application of its letter but a dynamic application of them as we submit to the living Christ leading us through them. Conversations Within ts 3/19/2012 (Selma, AL)
“All Scripture is God breathed and is profitable...” 1 Timothy 3
The authority of the Bible has come into question in recent times especially those parts of it that differ so strongly with some modern notions. This debate is mainly an in-house kind of thing as most non-Christians give no more authority to the Bible as they do any other ancient text. In my mind, if you are a disciple of Jesus the attitude to have toward the Scriptures should match His if one is serious about being His disciple. There is no question that Jesus held a high view of Scripture but only insofar as He speaks to us from them. Our interaction with the Bible is not some static application of its letter but a dynamic application of them as we submit to the living Christ leading us through them. Conversations Within ts 3/19/2012 (Selma, AL)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
”Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” Anthony J. D'Angelo
“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus
Sometimes I am tempted to say, “Yeah yeah yeah, more of that positive attitude stuff.” But the truth is that because God is good there is always something good to be embraced no matter what our circumstance. That knowledge, if nothing else, is the sunshine we bring with us on rainy days. It is our attitude that appreciates it, helps us see it, encourages us to focus on it. A grateful heart is its own sunshine. Conversations Within ts 3/17/2012 (Jax, FL)
Sometimes I am tempted to say, “Yeah yeah yeah, more of that positive attitude stuff.” But the truth is that because God is good there is always something good to be embraced no matter what our circumstance. That knowledge, if nothing else, is the sunshine we bring with us on rainy days. It is our attitude that appreciates it, helps us see it, encourages us to focus on it. A grateful heart is its own sunshine. Conversations Within ts 3/17/2012 (Jax, FL)
”Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” Anthony J. D'Angelo
“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus
Sometimes I am tempted to say, “Yeah yeah yeah, more of that positive attitude stuff.” But the truth is that because God is good there is always something good to be embraced no matter what our circumstance. That knowledge, if nothing else, is the sunshine we bring with us on rainy days. It is our attitude that appreciates it, helps us see it, encourages us to focus on it. A grateful heart is its own sunshine. Conversations Within ts 3/17/2012 (Jax, FL)
Sometimes I am tempted to say, “Yeah yeah yeah, more of that positive attitude stuff.” But the truth is that because God is good there is always something good to be embraced no matter what our circumstance. That knowledge, if nothing else, is the sunshine we bring with us on rainy days. It is our attitude that appreciates it, helps us see it, encourages us to focus on it. A grateful heart is its own sunshine. Conversations Within ts 3/17/2012 (Jax, FL)
Friday, March 23, 2012
“It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.” Annie Gottlier
“I delight to do your will O my God.” Ps.40
I love surfing. I love it so much I have lost weight so I can balance better on my board. I do sit-ups to strengthen my core so I can paddle more efficiently. I do push-ups most days so I can pop-up faster when I catch a wave. I started doing all these things when I can't surf because I naturally do all these things when I do. This way eating right and exercise is tied inseparably to something I love. This has taught me that the secret to so many good things is to see the hyphen between our duty to do something and our delight in its rewards. We will change our attitude toward godliness when we experience the pleasures of it. Duty becomes delight when we focus on the rewards of right living not the rigors. Conversations Within ts 3/16/2012 (Jax, FL)
I love surfing. I love it so much I have lost weight so I can balance better on my board. I do sit-ups to strengthen my core so I can paddle more efficiently. I do push-ups most days so I can pop-up faster when I catch a wave. I started doing all these things when I can't surf because I naturally do all these things when I do. This way eating right and exercise is tied inseparably to something I love. This has taught me that the secret to so many good things is to see the hyphen between our duty to do something and our delight in its rewards. We will change our attitude toward godliness when we experience the pleasures of it. Duty becomes delight when we focus on the rewards of right living not the rigors. Conversations Within ts 3/16/2012 (Jax, FL)
“It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.” Annie Gottlier
“I delight to do your will O my God.” Ps.40
I love surfing. I love it so much I have lost weight so I can balance better on my board. I do sit-ups to strengthen my core so I can paddle more efficiently. I do push-ups most days so I can pop-up faster when I catch a wave. I started doing all these things when I can't surf because I naturally do all these things when I do. This way eating right and exercise is tied inseparably to something I love. This has taught me that the secret to so many good things is to see the hyphen between our duty to do something and our delight in its rewards. We will change our attitude toward godliness when we experience the pleasures of it. Duty becomes delight when we focus on the rewards of right living not the rigors. Conversations Within ts 3/16/2012 (Jax, FL)
I love surfing. I love it so much I have lost weight so I can balance better on my board. I do sit-ups to strengthen my core so I can paddle more efficiently. I do push-ups most days so I can pop-up faster when I catch a wave. I started doing all these things when I can't surf because I naturally do all these things when I do. This way eating right and exercise is tied inseparably to something I love. This has taught me that the secret to so many good things is to see the hyphen between our duty to do something and our delight in its rewards. We will change our attitude toward godliness when we experience the pleasures of it. Duty becomes delight when we focus on the rewards of right living not the rigors. Conversations Within ts 3/16/2012 (Jax, FL)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Your attitude may not solve your problems just your disposition while you deal with them.
“Happy are the peace makers...” Jesus
While a positive attitude will not solve every problem, it can be the difference between being happy or being miserable while we try and figure out a solution. A negative disposition can certainly compound any problem. It may sound selfish but my happiness has proven to be a great motivation in dealing with negative emotions. I am never happy when I am mad, worried, or depressed. Put simply, I don't like being unhappy and since my attitude governs my emotions and I govern my attitude I am learning to tune into a different station. Why listen to bad music? Conversations Within ts 3/15/2012 (Jax, FL)
While a positive attitude will not solve every problem, it can be the difference between being happy or being miserable while we try and figure out a solution. A negative disposition can certainly compound any problem. It may sound selfish but my happiness has proven to be a great motivation in dealing with negative emotions. I am never happy when I am mad, worried, or depressed. Put simply, I don't like being unhappy and since my attitude governs my emotions and I govern my attitude I am learning to tune into a different station. Why listen to bad music? Conversations Within ts 3/15/2012 (Jax, FL)
Your attitude may not solve your problems just your disposition while you deal with them.
“Happy are the peace makers...” Jesus
While a positive attitude will not solve every problem, it can be the difference between being happy or being miserable while we try and figure out a solution. A negative disposition can certainly compound any problem. It may sound selfish but my happiness has proven to be a great motivation in dealing with negative emotions. I am never happy when I am mad, worried, or depressed. Put simply, I don't like being unhappy and since my attitude governs my emotions and I govern my attitude I am learning to tune into a different station. Why listen to bad music? Conversations Within ts 3/15/2012 (Jax, FL)
While a positive attitude will not solve every problem, it can be the difference between being happy or being miserable while we try and figure out a solution. A negative disposition can certainly compound any problem. It may sound selfish but my happiness has proven to be a great motivation in dealing with negative emotions. I am never happy when I am mad, worried, or depressed. Put simply, I don't like being unhappy and since my attitude governs my emotions and I govern my attitude I am learning to tune into a different station. Why listen to bad music? Conversations Within ts 3/15/2012 (Jax, FL)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
It really is our attitude.
“Choose you this day whom you will serve...” Joshua 24
Can it be that when I am distressed, worried, angered, afraid or just plain bored the catalyst to change them all is my attitude? Can it really be as simple as that? Until I realize that this is really the case, I will be a prisoner of my emotions when all the time I have the key to escape in my pocket. I may not have control over my circumstances or the actions of other people but I do have control over the attitude I adopt towards them. And make no mistake about it, attitude is action. We really can choose to love instead of hate, or to show kindness over cruelty, to express patience in the face of anger and see peace replace turmoil. An attitude adjustment may be as simple as deciding to smile instead of frown. Conversations Within ts 3/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Can it be that when I am distressed, worried, angered, afraid or just plain bored the catalyst to change them all is my attitude? Can it really be as simple as that? Until I realize that this is really the case, I will be a prisoner of my emotions when all the time I have the key to escape in my pocket. I may not have control over my circumstances or the actions of other people but I do have control over the attitude I adopt towards them. And make no mistake about it, attitude is action. We really can choose to love instead of hate, or to show kindness over cruelty, to express patience in the face of anger and see peace replace turmoil. An attitude adjustment may be as simple as deciding to smile instead of frown. Conversations Within ts 3/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
It really is our attitude.
“Choose you this day whom you will serve...” Joshua 24
Can it be that when I am distressed, worried, angered, afraid or just plain bored the catalyst to change them all is my attitude? Can it really be as simple as that? Until I realize that this is really the case, I will be a prisoner of my emotions when all the time I have the key to escape in my pocket. I may not have control over my circumstances or the actions of other people but I do have control over the attitude I adopt towards them. And make no mistake about it, attitude is action. We really can choose to love instead of hate, or to show kindness over cruelty, to express patience in the face of anger and see peace replace turmoil. An attitude adjustment may be as simple as deciding to smile instead of frown. Conversations Within ts 3/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Can it be that when I am distressed, worried, angered, afraid or just plain bored the catalyst to change them all is my attitude? Can it really be as simple as that? Until I realize that this is really the case, I will be a prisoner of my emotions when all the time I have the key to escape in my pocket. I may not have control over my circumstances or the actions of other people but I do have control over the attitude I adopt towards them. And make no mistake about it, attitude is action. We really can choose to love instead of hate, or to show kindness over cruelty, to express patience in the face of anger and see peace replace turmoil. An attitude adjustment may be as simple as deciding to smile instead of frown. Conversations Within ts 3/14/2012 (Jax, FL)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Everybody knows how important attitude is until we have to adjust our own.
“Walk by the Spirit...” Galatians 5
I know when I have a good or bad attitude. My problem is learning how to interrupt myself when I am having a bad attitude and adjust it so that I have a good one. I need a reboot button, like when I turn my computer off and back on when it freezes or becomes sluggish. My button is usually going for a walk and reminding myself of life's purpose which helps me focus on the really important matters and dismiss those things that are not. Some time ago I decided to embrace the purpose of life taught by Jesus which is to find my happiness loving God by enjoying Him in all he has made. This includes loving my neighbor and embracing my present circumstances. Needless to say, I go for a lot of walks. Conversations Within ts 3/13/2012 (Jax, FL)
I know when I have a good or bad attitude. My problem is learning how to interrupt myself when I am having a bad attitude and adjust it so that I have a good one. I need a reboot button, like when I turn my computer off and back on when it freezes or becomes sluggish. My button is usually going for a walk and reminding myself of life's purpose which helps me focus on the really important matters and dismiss those things that are not. Some time ago I decided to embrace the purpose of life taught by Jesus which is to find my happiness loving God by enjoying Him in all he has made. This includes loving my neighbor and embracing my present circumstances. Needless to say, I go for a lot of walks. Conversations Within ts 3/13/2012 (Jax, FL)
Everybody knows how important attitude is until we have to adjust our own.
“Walk by the Spirit...” Galatians 5
I know when I have a good or bad attitude. My problem is learning how to interrupt myself when I am having a bad attitude and adjust it so that I have a good one. I need a reboot button, like when I turn my computer off and back on when it freezes or becomes sluggish. My button is usually going for a walk and reminding myself of life's purpose which helps me focus on the really important matters and dismiss those things that are not. Some time ago I decided to embrace the purpose of life taught by Jesus which is to find my happiness loving God by enjoying Him in all he has made. This includes loving my neighbor and embracing my present circumstances. Needless to say, I go for a lot of walks. Conversations Within ts 3/13/2012 (Jax, FL)
I know when I have a good or bad attitude. My problem is learning how to interrupt myself when I am having a bad attitude and adjust it so that I have a good one. I need a reboot button, like when I turn my computer off and back on when it freezes or becomes sluggish. My button is usually going for a walk and reminding myself of life's purpose which helps me focus on the really important matters and dismiss those things that are not. Some time ago I decided to embrace the purpose of life taught by Jesus which is to find my happiness loving God by enjoying Him in all he has made. This includes loving my neighbor and embracing my present circumstances. Needless to say, I go for a lot of walks. Conversations Within ts 3/13/2012 (Jax, FL)
Monday, March 19, 2012
“To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell.” Ancient Proverb
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2
I believe Heaven is a real place but I also believe it is a state of mind-an attitude. If we are not made into different people, people who possess this attitude, then it will not matter how beautiful Heaven is, we will not be happy there without it. We must be different not just moved to a different place. This surely means that we can experience something of Heaven in the here and now if we adjust our attitude accordingly. What attitude is that? Jesus embodied it. In short the right attitude is to be inclined to hear what God expects of us each moment, ask His help to do it and to find our delight in it. This is why we ask Jesus into our heart. The very act of doing so says, “Not my will but your will be done.” Conversations Within ts 3/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
I believe Heaven is a real place but I also believe it is a state of mind-an attitude. If we are not made into different people, people who possess this attitude, then it will not matter how beautiful Heaven is, we will not be happy there without it. We must be different not just moved to a different place. This surely means that we can experience something of Heaven in the here and now if we adjust our attitude accordingly. What attitude is that? Jesus embodied it. In short the right attitude is to be inclined to hear what God expects of us each moment, ask His help to do it and to find our delight in it. This is why we ask Jesus into our heart. The very act of doing so says, “Not my will but your will be done.” Conversations Within ts 3/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
“To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell.” Ancient Proverb
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2
I believe Heaven is a real place but I also believe it is a state of mind-an attitude. If we are not made into different people, people who possess this attitude, then it will not matter how beautiful Heaven is, we will not be happy there without it. We must be different not just moved to a different place. This surely means that we can experience something of Heaven in the here and now if we adjust our attitude accordingly. What attitude is that? Jesus embodied it. In short the right attitude is to be inclined to hear what God expects of us each moment, ask His help to do it and to find our delight in it. This is why we ask Jesus into our heart. The very act of doing so says, “Not my will but your will be done.” Conversations Within ts 3/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
I believe Heaven is a real place but I also believe it is a state of mind-an attitude. If we are not made into different people, people who possess this attitude, then it will not matter how beautiful Heaven is, we will not be happy there without it. We must be different not just moved to a different place. This surely means that we can experience something of Heaven in the here and now if we adjust our attitude accordingly. What attitude is that? Jesus embodied it. In short the right attitude is to be inclined to hear what God expects of us each moment, ask His help to do it and to find our delight in it. This is why we ask Jesus into our heart. The very act of doing so says, “Not my will but your will be done.” Conversations Within ts 3/12/2012 (Jax, FL)
Saturday, March 17, 2012
“Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see” William Newton Clarke
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Heb.11
Faith is a precious quality of the soul. It enables us to see beyond the limitations of physical sight. Faith isn't blind, or at least it shouldn't be. A wise faith has good reasons for what it believes. We believe the sun has risen even though clouds obscure our vision. We believe in the goodness of God even when circumstances seem to point otherwise. Emerson put it this way, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
Faith is a precious quality of the soul. It enables us to see beyond the limitations of physical sight. Faith isn't blind, or at least it shouldn't be. A wise faith has good reasons for what it believes. We believe the sun has risen even though clouds obscure our vision. We believe in the goodness of God even when circumstances seem to point otherwise. Emerson put it this way, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
“Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see” William Newton Clarke
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Heb.11
Faith is a precious quality of the soul. It enables us to see beyond the limitations of physical sight. Faith isn't blind, or at least it shouldn't be. A wise faith has good reasons for what it believes. We believe the sun has risen even though clouds obscure our vision. We believe in the goodness of God even when circumstances seem to point otherwise. Emerson put it this way, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
Faith is a precious quality of the soul. It enables us to see beyond the limitations of physical sight. Faith isn't blind, or at least it shouldn't be. A wise faith has good reasons for what it believes. We believe the sun has risen even though clouds obscure our vision. We believe in the goodness of God even when circumstances seem to point otherwise. Emerson put it this way, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
Friday, March 16, 2012
"I realized that science couldn't answer any of the really interesting questions...
I've been searching for God ever since” Red Planet (the movie)
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Jesus
Man is a spiritual creature, evidenced by our thirst for more than mere survival or to just propagate. Our moral awareness, our self awareness for that matter, seems to sets us apart from every other living creature. The mannishness of man, as the late Francis Schaeffer put it, may be the greatest empirical reason to believe in God. Our search for meaning implies that there is meaning, something that would not be true if our existence is the result of some cosmic accident. Too many things demand an explanation which an accident alone can not supply. Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Jesus
Man is a spiritual creature, evidenced by our thirst for more than mere survival or to just propagate. Our moral awareness, our self awareness for that matter, seems to sets us apart from every other living creature. The mannishness of man, as the late Francis Schaeffer put it, may be the greatest empirical reason to believe in God. Our search for meaning implies that there is meaning, something that would not be true if our existence is the result of some cosmic accident. Too many things demand an explanation which an accident alone can not supply. Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
"I realized that science couldn't answer any of the really interesting questions...
I've been searching for God ever since” Red Planet (the movie)
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Jesus
Man is a spiritual creature, evidenced by our thirst for more than mere survival or to just propagate. Our moral awareness, our self awareness for that matter, seems to sets us apart from every other living creature. The mannishness of man, as the late Francis Schaeffer put it, may be the greatest empirical reason to believe in God. Our search for meaning implies that there is meaning, something that would not be true if our existence is the result of some cosmic accident. Too many things demand an explanation which an accident alone can not supply. Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Jesus
Man is a spiritual creature, evidenced by our thirst for more than mere survival or to just propagate. Our moral awareness, our self awareness for that matter, seems to sets us apart from every other living creature. The mannishness of man, as the late Francis Schaeffer put it, may be the greatest empirical reason to believe in God. Our search for meaning implies that there is meaning, something that would not be true if our existence is the result of some cosmic accident. Too many things demand an explanation which an accident alone can not supply. Conversations Within ts 3/9/2012 (Jax, FL)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
“Be careless in your dress if you will, but keep a tidy soul.” Mark Twain
“...put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph. 4
Experience has taught me that if my outer life is in disarray, it is only because my inner life is. I sometimes refer to this as being out of rhythm. Surely there is a kind of spiritual cadence when we keep in step with God's Spirit. I rise every day to morning prayers and pretty much keep to the same routines each day. This way when interruptions come and they certainly do come, there remains an inner calmness even if outer circumstances are tossing me around. But when I fail to keep this spiritual cadence and fall out of step my circumstances tend to rule the day instead of the peace of God. Conversations Within ts 3/8/2012 (Jax, FL)
Experience has taught me that if my outer life is in disarray, it is only because my inner life is. I sometimes refer to this as being out of rhythm. Surely there is a kind of spiritual cadence when we keep in step with God's Spirit. I rise every day to morning prayers and pretty much keep to the same routines each day. This way when interruptions come and they certainly do come, there remains an inner calmness even if outer circumstances are tossing me around. But when I fail to keep this spiritual cadence and fall out of step my circumstances tend to rule the day instead of the peace of God. Conversations Within ts 3/8/2012 (Jax, FL)
“Be careless in your dress if you will, but keep a tidy soul.” Mark Twain
“...put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph. 4
Experience has taught me that if my outer life is in disarray, it is only because my inner life is. I sometimes refer to this as being out of rhythm. Surely there is a kind of spiritual cadence when we keep in step with God's Spirit. I rise every day to morning prayers and pretty much keep to the same routines each day. This way when interruptions come and they certainly do come, there remains an inner calmness even if outer circumstances are tossing me around. But when I fail to keep this spiritual cadence and fall out of step my circumstances tend to rule the day instead of the peace of God. Conversations Within ts 3/8/2012 (Jax, FL)
Experience has taught me that if my outer life is in disarray, it is only because my inner life is. I sometimes refer to this as being out of rhythm. Surely there is a kind of spiritual cadence when we keep in step with God's Spirit. I rise every day to morning prayers and pretty much keep to the same routines each day. This way when interruptions come and they certainly do come, there remains an inner calmness even if outer circumstances are tossing me around. But when I fail to keep this spiritual cadence and fall out of step my circumstances tend to rule the day instead of the peace of God. Conversations Within ts 3/8/2012 (Jax, FL)
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The soul is fed as much in what we do as in what we think about.
“Be doers...” James 1
What is a proper diet for the soul? Certainly it is not spiritual junk food which offers no real challenges to the way I see life. I want to know God as He really is, not invent some feel good cotton candy God who will only let me have my way. It seems reasonable that a healthy diet for the soul will engage our whole inner life. What we read and reflect upon should impact the mind, stimulate our will to some beneficial action and align our emotions around what is true not what just feels good. I suppose the real test of a good diet is in the way it affects our decisions and actions. What good is a stimulating inner reflection if it bears no practical or lasting fruit. All true learning comes down to doing. Conversations Within ts 3/7/2012 (Jax, FL)
What is a proper diet for the soul? Certainly it is not spiritual junk food which offers no real challenges to the way I see life. I want to know God as He really is, not invent some feel good cotton candy God who will only let me have my way. It seems reasonable that a healthy diet for the soul will engage our whole inner life. What we read and reflect upon should impact the mind, stimulate our will to some beneficial action and align our emotions around what is true not what just feels good. I suppose the real test of a good diet is in the way it affects our decisions and actions. What good is a stimulating inner reflection if it bears no practical or lasting fruit. All true learning comes down to doing. Conversations Within ts 3/7/2012 (Jax, FL)
The soul is fed as much in what we do as in what we think about.
“Be doers...” James 1
What is a proper diet for the soul? Certainly it is not spiritual junk food which offers no real challenges to the way I see life. I want to know God as He really is, not invent some feel good cotton candy God who will only let me have my way. It seems reasonable that a healthy diet for the soul will engage our whole inner life. What we read and reflect upon should impact the mind, stimulate our will to some beneficial action and align our emotions around what is true not what just feels good. I suppose the real test of a good diet is in the way it affects our decisions and actions. What good is a stimulating inner reflection if it bears no practical or lasting fruit. All true learning comes down to doing. Conversations Within ts 3/7/2012 (Jax, FL)
What is a proper diet for the soul? Certainly it is not spiritual junk food which offers no real challenges to the way I see life. I want to know God as He really is, not invent some feel good cotton candy God who will only let me have my way. It seems reasonable that a healthy diet for the soul will engage our whole inner life. What we read and reflect upon should impact the mind, stimulate our will to some beneficial action and align our emotions around what is true not what just feels good. I suppose the real test of a good diet is in the way it affects our decisions and actions. What good is a stimulating inner reflection if it bears no practical or lasting fruit. All true learning comes down to doing. Conversations Within ts 3/7/2012 (Jax, FL)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The question isn't so much whether I feed my soul but what feeds my soul. The soul like the body is certain to dine on something.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” 1Peter 2 NIV
I often ask people what they do to nurture their soul. If we are not deliberate about what we choose to dine on, we may wind up having a malnourished inner life. A proper diet is as important as much for our soul as it is for the body. Chances are if we give our soul its proper nourishment, we will be doing the same for the body. One leads to the other. The outer life always reflects the inner life. We become what we eat, body and soul. Conversations Within ts 3/6/2012 (Jax, FL)
I often ask people what they do to nurture their soul. If we are not deliberate about what we choose to dine on, we may wind up having a malnourished inner life. A proper diet is as important as much for our soul as it is for the body. Chances are if we give our soul its proper nourishment, we will be doing the same for the body. One leads to the other. The outer life always reflects the inner life. We become what we eat, body and soul. Conversations Within ts 3/6/2012 (Jax, FL)
The question isn't so much whether I feed my soul but what feeds my soul. The soul like the body is certain to dine on something.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” 1Peter 2 NIV
I often ask people what they do to nurture their soul. If we are not deliberate about what we choose to dine on, we may wind up having a malnourished inner life. A proper diet is as important as much for our soul as it is for the body. Chances are if we give our soul its proper nourishment, we will be doing the same for the body. One leads to the other. The outer life always reflects the inner life. We become what we eat, body and soul. Conversations Within ts 3/6/2012 (Jax, FL)
I often ask people what they do to nurture their soul. If we are not deliberate about what we choose to dine on, we may wind up having a malnourished inner life. A proper diet is as important as much for our soul as it is for the body. Chances are if we give our soul its proper nourishment, we will be doing the same for the body. One leads to the other. The outer life always reflects the inner life. We become what we eat, body and soul. Conversations Within ts 3/6/2012 (Jax, FL)
Monday, March 12, 2012
You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." -- C.S. Lewis
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over....”
I have come to appreciate just how spiritual people are. People have soul. We have soul because we are a soul. We put soul into everything we do. This quality sets us apart from all other living things. It is the reason for art, for music, jokes, theater, novels, surfing and scientific study. Jesus taught us to believe that we are uniquely spiritual because we are made in the image of God. People are so much more than the body that houses us. It is the soul that seeks meaning in life, beyond a mere physical existence. We certainly eat, seek protection, and reproduce like animals, but humans live for so much more or at least we should. Rise up and live beyond another day another dollar. Conversations Within ts 3/5/2012 (Jax, FL)
I have come to appreciate just how spiritual people are. People have soul. We have soul because we are a soul. We put soul into everything we do. This quality sets us apart from all other living things. It is the reason for art, for music, jokes, theater, novels, surfing and scientific study. Jesus taught us to believe that we are uniquely spiritual because we are made in the image of God. People are so much more than the body that houses us. It is the soul that seeks meaning in life, beyond a mere physical existence. We certainly eat, seek protection, and reproduce like animals, but humans live for so much more or at least we should. Rise up and live beyond another day another dollar. Conversations Within ts 3/5/2012 (Jax, FL)
You don't have a Soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." -- Unknown
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over....”
I have come to appreciate just how spiritual people are. People have soul. We have soul because we are a soul. We put soul into everything we do. This quality sets us apart from all other living things. It is the reason for art, for music, jokes, theater, novels, surfing and scientific study. Jesus taught us to believe that we are uniquely spiritual because we are made in the image of God. People are so much more than the body that houses us. It is the soul that seeks meaning in life, beyond a mere physical existence. We certainly eat, seek protection, and reproduce like animals, but humans live for so much more or at least we should. Rise up and live beyond another day another dollar. Conversations Within ts 3/5/2012 (Jax, FL)
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” Dr. Seuss
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” Dr. Seuss
“The very hairs of your head are numbered.” Jesus
If the very hairs of our head are numbered, and all the days of our life written down in a book and every thought and action recorded for the day when we stand before God, then God must prize individuality. Each of us are as snowflakes, no two of us are exactly alike. Each of us is given a life unique to us. We help create it by the choices we make. We also have the unique opportunity to sing a new song to God. We may wonder what we could say that hasn't already been said. The truth is that no one can sing my song. What words will I write today? What melody will I compose this day for His glory? Conversations Within ts 3/2/2012 (Jax, FL)
“The very hairs of your head are numbered.” Jesus
If the very hairs of our head are numbered, and all the days of our life written down in a book and every thought and action recorded for the day when we stand before God, then God must prize individuality. Each of us are as snowflakes, no two of us are exactly alike. Each of us is given a life unique to us. We help create it by the choices we make. We also have the unique opportunity to sing a new song to God. We may wonder what we could say that hasn't already been said. The truth is that no one can sing my song. What words will I write today? What melody will I compose this day for His glory? Conversations Within ts 3/2/2012 (Jax, FL)
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” Dr. Seuss
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” Dr. Seuss
“The very hairs of your head are numbered.” Jesus
If the very hairs of our head are numbered, and all the days of our life written down in a book and every thought and action recorded for the day when we stand before God, then God must prize individuality. Each of us are as snowflakes, no two of us are exactly alike. Each of us is given a life unique to us. We help create it by the choices we make. We also have the unique opportunity to sing a new song to God. We may wonder what we could say that hasn't already been said. The truth is that no one can sing my song. What words will I write today? What melody will I compose this day for His glory? Conversations Within ts 3/2/2012 (Jax, FL)
“The very hairs of your head are numbered.” Jesus
If the very hairs of our head are numbered, and all the days of our life written down in a book and every thought and action recorded for the day when we stand before God, then God must prize individuality. Each of us are as snowflakes, no two of us are exactly alike. Each of us is given a life unique to us. We help create it by the choices we make. We also have the unique opportunity to sing a new song to God. We may wonder what we could say that hasn't already been said. The truth is that no one can sing my song. What words will I write today? What melody will I compose this day for His glory? Conversations Within ts 3/2/2012 (Jax, FL)
Friday, March 9, 2012
”Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Dr. Seuss
“...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work.” Colossians 1
I am the male peacock in our family. I wear loud Hawaiian shirts, if I am wearing a shirt at all. My wife on the other hand does not like to call attention to herself. Brenda's middle name is blend. We make quite a pair. I have thought many times that we are God's gift to each other. There is something to be said for avoiding the limelight, quietly serving people, always in the background. I am humbled to know my wife. I suppose there is something to be said for show and tell people as well, I'm just not sure what. If we stand out, let it be for something of real value not vanity. Conversations Within ts 3/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
I am the male peacock in our family. I wear loud Hawaiian shirts, if I am wearing a shirt at all. My wife on the other hand does not like to call attention to herself. Brenda's middle name is blend. We make quite a pair. I have thought many times that we are God's gift to each other. There is something to be said for avoiding the limelight, quietly serving people, always in the background. I am humbled to know my wife. I suppose there is something to be said for show and tell people as well, I'm just not sure what. If we stand out, let it be for something of real value not vanity. Conversations Within ts 3/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
”Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Dr. Seuss
“...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work.” Colossians 1
I am the male peacock in our family. I wear loud Hawaiian shirts, if I am wearing a shirt at all. My wife on the other hand does not like to call attention to herself. Brenda's middle name is blend. We make quite a pair. I have thought many times that we are God's gift to each other. There is something to be said for avoiding the limelight, quietly serving people, always in the background. I am humbled to know my wife. I suppose there is something to be said for show and tell people as well, I'm just not sure what. If we stand out, let it be for something of real value not vanity. Conversations Within ts 3/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
I am the male peacock in our family. I wear loud Hawaiian shirts, if I am wearing a shirt at all. My wife on the other hand does not like to call attention to herself. Brenda's middle name is blend. We make quite a pair. I have thought many times that we are God's gift to each other. There is something to be said for avoiding the limelight, quietly serving people, always in the background. I am humbled to know my wife. I suppose there is something to be said for show and tell people as well, I'm just not sure what. If we stand out, let it be for something of real value not vanity. Conversations Within ts 3/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!” Dr. Seuss
“A merry heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17
Probably better than funny things is the heart that sees the funny in things. I have heard people say that God has a sense of humor. They point to the giraffe and the duckbill platypus even to people as examples of it. I think the greatest example of God's humor is our own. We laugh! We also cry and sometimes we do both at the same time. It was kind of God to give us tears as well as laughter-both are “good to you and for you” as my dad is fond of saying. I believe that laughter and tears can be a good measure of when we are walking with God; certainly more so than than religious stuffiness. Conversations Within ts 1/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
Probably better than funny things is the heart that sees the funny in things. I have heard people say that God has a sense of humor. They point to the giraffe and the duckbill platypus even to people as examples of it. I think the greatest example of God's humor is our own. We laugh! We also cry and sometimes we do both at the same time. It was kind of God to give us tears as well as laughter-both are “good to you and for you” as my dad is fond of saying. I believe that laughter and tears can be a good measure of when we are walking with God; certainly more so than than religious stuffiness. Conversations Within ts 1/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!” Dr. Seuss
“A merry heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17
Probably better than funny things is the heart that sees the funny in things. I have heard people say that God has a sense of humor. They point to the giraffe and the duckbill platypus even to people as examples of it. I think the greatest example of God's humor is our own. We laugh! We also cry and sometimes we do both at the same time. It was kind of God to give us tears as well as laughter-both are “good to you and for you” as my dad is fond of saying. I believe that laughter and tears can be a good measure of when we are walking with God; certainly more so than than religious stuffiness. Conversations Within ts 1/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
Probably better than funny things is the heart that sees the funny in things. I have heard people say that God has a sense of humor. They point to the giraffe and the duckbill platypus even to people as examples of it. I think the greatest example of God's humor is our own. We laugh! We also cry and sometimes we do both at the same time. It was kind of God to give us tears as well as laughter-both are “good to you and for you” as my dad is fond of saying. I believe that laughter and tears can be a good measure of when we are walking with God; certainly more so than than religious stuffiness. Conversations Within ts 1/1/2012 (Jax, FL)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Dr. Seuss
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress ” James 1
There isn't a day that goes by that someone isn't in need of some kind of help; why let a day go by without answering someone's need. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of children dying each day from malnutrition or families displaced because of war or all the homeless people. Such feelings often keep us from doing anything, Mother Theresa is often quoted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” A great way to embrace life is to impart life. A great motto for living; “Be useful to others!” Conversations Within ts 2/29/2012 (Jax, FL)
There isn't a day that goes by that someone isn't in need of some kind of help; why let a day go by without answering someone's need. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of children dying each day from malnutrition or families displaced because of war or all the homeless people. Such feelings often keep us from doing anything, Mother Theresa is often quoted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” A great way to embrace life is to impart life. A great motto for living; “Be useful to others!” Conversations Within ts 2/29/2012 (Jax, FL)
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Dr. Seuss
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress ” James 1
There isn't a day that goes by that someone isn't in need of some kind of help; why let a day go by without answering someone's need. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of children dying each day from malnutrition or families displaced because of war or all the homeless people. Such feelings often keep us from doing anything, Mother Theresa is often quoted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” A great way to embrace life is to impart life. A great motto for living; “Be useful to others!” Conversations Within ts 2/29/2012 (Jax, FL)
There isn't a day that goes by that someone isn't in need of some kind of help; why let a day go by without answering someone's need. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of children dying each day from malnutrition or families displaced because of war or all the homeless people. Such feelings often keep us from doing anything, Mother Theresa is often quoted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” A great way to embrace life is to impart life. A great motto for living; “Be useful to others!” Conversations Within ts 2/29/2012 (Jax, FL)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
“Your loving kindness is better than life.” Psalm 63
I love those times when you are so excited, so alive, you don't want to stop to eat or sleep. I get like this anytime I am intensely focused either learning something new or doing something I love. Things like eating and sleeping are best anyway when you really need them, not because the clock tells you to. I like to eat when I am famished and sleep when I am exhausted and both come from working and playing hard. I can tell when I have had a full day of living when I eat ravenously and immediately fall to sleep when my head hits the pillow. I want the quality of my daily interactions to be so rich, so full that each day would be as though I lived a thousand years in it. I can think of one thing that adds this quality to everything. Hanging out with God. Conversations Within ts 2/28/2012 (Jax, FL)
I love those times when you are so excited, so alive, you don't want to stop to eat or sleep. I get like this anytime I am intensely focused either learning something new or doing something I love. Things like eating and sleeping are best anyway when you really need them, not because the clock tells you to. I like to eat when I am famished and sleep when I am exhausted and both come from working and playing hard. I can tell when I have had a full day of living when I eat ravenously and immediately fall to sleep when my head hits the pillow. I want the quality of my daily interactions to be so rich, so full that each day would be as though I lived a thousand years in it. I can think of one thing that adds this quality to everything. Hanging out with God. Conversations Within ts 2/28/2012 (Jax, FL)
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
“Your loving kindness is better than life.” Psalm 63
I love those times when you are so excited, so alive, you don't want to stop to eat or sleep. I get like this anytime I am intensely focused either learning something new or doing something I love. Things like eating and sleeping are best anyway when you really need them, not because the clock tells you to. I like to eat when I am famished and sleep when I am exhausted and both come from working and playing hard. I can tell when I have had a full day of living when I eat ravenously and immediately fall to sleep when my head hits the pillow. I want the quality of my daily interactions to be so rich, so full that each day would be as though I lived a thousand years in it. I can think of one thing that adds this quality to everything. Hanging out with God. Conversations Within ts 2/28/2012 (Jax, FL)
I love those times when you are so excited, so alive, you don't want to stop to eat or sleep. I get like this anytime I am intensely focused either learning something new or doing something I love. Things like eating and sleeping are best anyway when you really need them, not because the clock tells you to. I like to eat when I am famished and sleep when I am exhausted and both come from working and playing hard. I can tell when I have had a full day of living when I eat ravenously and immediately fall to sleep when my head hits the pillow. I want the quality of my daily interactions to be so rich, so full that each day would be as though I lived a thousand years in it. I can think of one thing that adds this quality to everything. Hanging out with God. Conversations Within ts 2/28/2012 (Jax, FL)
Monday, March 5, 2012
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
“Give thanks in all things...” 1Thess.5
Seasons change, as do most things in life. God is the only eternal constant. We may as well get used to the changes that come in life. We grow older, family leaves home, friends move away and loved ones leave us for the next life. Not all changes require effort to adjust. Some adjust us, and for the better. We grow wiser, we gain experience, perhaps live to see grandchildren come into our lives. As one chapter closes there may be some sense of sadness but so too there can be grateful joy. Another chapter opens to us and with it the experiences, lessons and precious memories of the last. What we are is a part of what we were. Conversations Within ts 2/27/2012 (Jax, FL)
Seasons change, as do most things in life. God is the only eternal constant. We may as well get used to the changes that come in life. We grow older, family leaves home, friends move away and loved ones leave us for the next life. Not all changes require effort to adjust. Some adjust us, and for the better. We grow wiser, we gain experience, perhaps live to see grandchildren come into our lives. As one chapter closes there may be some sense of sadness but so too there can be grateful joy. Another chapter opens to us and with it the experiences, lessons and precious memories of the last. What we are is a part of what we were. Conversations Within ts 2/27/2012 (Jax, FL)
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
“Give thanks in all things...” 1Thess.5
Seasons change, as do most things in life. God is the only eternal constant. We may as well get used to the changes that come in life. We grow older, family leaves home, friends move away and loved ones leave us for the next life. Not all changes require effort to adjust. Some adjust us, and for the better. We grow wiser, we gain experience, perhaps live to see grandchildren come into our lives. As one chapter closes there may be some sense of sadness but so too there can be grateful joy. Another chapter opens to us and with it the experiences, lessons and precious memories of the last. What we are is a part of what we were. Conversations Within ts 2/27/2012 (Jax, FL)
Seasons change, as do most things in life. God is the only eternal constant. We may as well get used to the changes that come in life. We grow older, family leaves home, friends move away and loved ones leave us for the next life. Not all changes require effort to adjust. Some adjust us, and for the better. We grow wiser, we gain experience, perhaps live to see grandchildren come into our lives. As one chapter closes there may be some sense of sadness but so too there can be grateful joy. Another chapter opens to us and with it the experiences, lessons and precious memories of the last. What we are is a part of what we were. Conversations Within ts 2/27/2012 (Jax, FL)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Vanity is so vain; it would have us seek acceptance over being loved.
“Speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4
One negative aspect of vanity is that it leads us to confuse being accepted with being loved. People find pleasure in keeping company with others of like mind, so what benefit is there in being accepted by people who will not interfere when we do something foolish. People who love you will accept you as you are but also love you enough not to leave you that way. The fruit of love is teaching me that I would rather be loved by my friends rather than just accepted by them. I prefer friends who will throw the water of rebuke on the fire of my vanities instead of encouraging them. Conversations Within ts 2/25/2012 (Between, GA )
One negative aspect of vanity is that it leads us to confuse being accepted with being loved. People find pleasure in keeping company with others of like mind, so what benefit is there in being accepted by people who will not interfere when we do something foolish. People who love you will accept you as you are but also love you enough not to leave you that way. The fruit of love is teaching me that I would rather be loved by my friends rather than just accepted by them. I prefer friends who will throw the water of rebuke on the fire of my vanities instead of encouraging them. Conversations Within ts 2/25/2012 (Between, GA )
Vanity is so vain; it would have us seek acceptance over being loved.
“Speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4
One negative aspect of vanity is that it leads us to confuse being accepted with being loved. People find pleasure in keeping company with others of like mind, so what benefit is there in being accepted by people who will not interfere when we do something foolish. People who love you will accept you as you are but also love you enough not to leave you that way. The fruit of love is teaching me that I would rather be loved by my friends rather than just accepted by them. I prefer friends who will throw the water of rebuke on the fire of my vanities instead of encouraging them. Conversations Within ts 2/25/2012 (Between, GA )
One negative aspect of vanity is that it leads us to confuse being accepted with being loved. People find pleasure in keeping company with others of like mind, so what benefit is there in being accepted by people who will not interfere when we do something foolish. People who love you will accept you as you are but also love you enough not to leave you that way. The fruit of love is teaching me that I would rather be loved by my friends rather than just accepted by them. I prefer friends who will throw the water of rebuke on the fire of my vanities instead of encouraging them. Conversations Within ts 2/25/2012 (Between, GA )
Thursday, March 1, 2012
“Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory.” Joseph Conrad
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves..." 2 Corinthians 4
I often remember things bigger and better where my involvement was concerned. I tend to exaggerate my role in the scheme of things. What is this need we have to impress others or be impressed with ourselves? C. S. Lewis put it this way. "The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch, one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch.” We are so much happier when we stop thinking about ourselves and simply enjoy that life in and around us. Grace would teach us to move from being a spectator to actually playing the game, and then to enjoy playing not keeping score. Conversations Within ts 2/24/2012 (Between, GA )
I often remember things bigger and better where my involvement was concerned. I tend to exaggerate my role in the scheme of things. What is this need we have to impress others or be impressed with ourselves? C. S. Lewis put it this way. "The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch, one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch.” We are so much happier when we stop thinking about ourselves and simply enjoy that life in and around us. Grace would teach us to move from being a spectator to actually playing the game, and then to enjoy playing not keeping score. Conversations Within ts 2/24/2012 (Between, GA )
“Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory.” Joseph Conrad
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves..." 2 Corinthians 4
I often remember things bigger and better where my involvement was concerned. I tend to exaggerate my role in the scheme of things. What is this need we have to impress others or be impressed with ourselves? C. S. Lewis put it this way. "The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch, one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch.” We are so much happier when we stop thinking about ourselves and simply enjoy that life in and around us. Grace would teach us to move from being a spectator to actually playing the game, and then to enjoy playing not keeping score. Conversations Within ts 2/24/2012 (Between, GA )
I often remember things bigger and better where my involvement was concerned. I tend to exaggerate my role in the scheme of things. What is this need we have to impress others or be impressed with ourselves? C. S. Lewis put it this way. "The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch, one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch.” We are so much happier when we stop thinking about ourselves and simply enjoy that life in and around us. Grace would teach us to move from being a spectator to actually playing the game, and then to enjoy playing not keeping score. Conversations Within ts 2/24/2012 (Between, GA )
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