Habit 3: “Put First Things First” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Jesus

Everybody knows you put your sock on before your shoe, at least if you don’t want to backtrack. The truth is that for most of us, going back is often the only way to go forward. This is especially true where God’s kingdom is concerned. I often wander off the path only to hear the familiar voice saying, “I don’t think so Tim.” Of course backtracking doesn’t seem like you are going forward--putting first things are first, but it is. The very moment you turn around, God’s kingdom becomes first. This is why it is important to not judge where people are, but the direction they are headed. A man may be down in a hole, but that’s OK if He is climbing out, not falling in. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Las Vegas, NV)

Habit 3: “Put First Things First” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Jesus

Everybody knows you put your sock on before your shoe, at least if you don’t want to backtrack. The truth is that for most of us, going back is often the only way to go forward. This is especially true where God’s kingdom is concerned. I often wander off the path only to hear the familiar voice saying, “I don’t think so Tim.” Of course backtracking doesn’t seem like you are going forward--putting first things are first, but it is. The very moment you turn around, God’s kingdom becomes first. This is why it is important to not judge where people are, but the direction they are headed. A man may be down in a hole, but that’s OK if He is climbing out, not falling in. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Las Vegas, NV)

Habit 2: “Begin with the End in Mind” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“...and then the end shall come.” Jesus

Stephen Covey challenges us to think about what we would want people to say about us at our funeral and then to live in such a manner that people would want to say these things. I think that while it is proper that we value the opinion of those who love us, we would do well to consider what judgement God will hand down on our life. The Judge of all the Earth will give more than an opinion of course.There is coming a day when God will close up shop. The present economy will be more than a memory; it will give us our start in an entirely new economy--the end will be a beginning. I think we will find in this new economy that faith expressing itself in love will be all that matters. Truly it is all that matters now. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (On the Road, AZ)

Habit 2: “Begin with the End in Mind” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“...and then the end shall come.” Jesus

Stephen Covey challenges us to think about what we would want people to say about us at our funeral and then to live in such a manner that people would want to say these things. I think that while it is proper that we value the opinion of those who love us, we would do well to consider what judgement God will hand down on our life. The Judge of all the Earth will give more than an opinion of course.There is coming a day when God will close up shop. The present economy will be more than a memory; it will give us our start in an entirely new economy--the end will be a beginning. I think we will find in this new economy that faith expressing itself in love will be all that matters. Truly it is all that matters now. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (On the Road, AZ)

Habit 1: “Be Proactive” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastics 11

I am pretty sure the first time I encountered the word “proactive” it was from Stephen Covey. It has become an important influence in my life. In short, it is easy to blame whatever; it is better to take responsibility for what you want and make it happen. Don’t just react, initiate. There are times you must wait on God, but be sure God is not waiting on you. Don’t just wait for opportunities to show up, go find them. God has entrusted most of life’s decisions to us. Live humbly, but live decisively. A friend once told me if you have given God the rudder of your boat, keep moving. He will direct your steps. Conversations Within ts 7/23/2012 (On the Road, Texas)

Habit 1: “Be Proactive” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastics 11

I am pretty sure the first time I encountered the word “proactive” it was from Stephen Covey. It has become an important influence in my life. In short, it is easy to blame whatever; it is better to take responsibility for what you want and make it happen. Don’t just react, initiate. There are times you must wait on God, but be sure God is not waiting on you. Don’t just wait for opportunities to show up, go find them. God has entrusted most of life’s decisions to us. Live humbly, but live decisively. A friend once told me if you have given God the rudder of your boat, keep moving. He will direct your steps. Conversations Within ts 7/23/2012 (On the Road, Texas)

So many have helped each of us achieve even the smallest accomplishments that no one can claim sole credit of what is clearly a community effort.

“From him the whole body...grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4

My parents, teachers, friends, even people I have never met, some of them dead, have made a contribution to everything I have done. If there is a reason to live my life for the welfare of others, it is because of the simple reality that others have lived for me. People report to work every day to serve me. "There is nothing I consume that cannot be traced to the combined efforts of the human community." Community support is true on so many levels that our obligation to do our duty and to make our contribution demands that we return something of value back to the whole. Jesus said to do this for love not because of some tax. Conversations Within ts 7/21/2012 (Camp Carole, AL)

So many have helped each of us achieve even the smallest accomplishments that no one can claim sole credit of what is clearly a community effort.

“From him the whole body...grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4

My parents, teachers, friends, even people I have never met, some of them dead, have made a contribution to everything I have done. If there is a reason to live my life for the welfare of others, it is because of the simple reality that others have lived for me. People report to work every day to serve me. "There is nothing I consume that cannot be traced to the combined efforts of the human community." Community support is true on so many levels that our obligation to do our duty and to make our contribution demands that we return something of value back to the whole. Jesus said to do this for love not because of some tax. Conversations Within ts 7/21/2012 (Camp Carole, AL)

"When he took time to help the man up the mountain, lo, he scaled it himself." Tibetan Proverb

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecc.4

Looking after the interest of your neighbor is more than just a feel good suggestion; it is the best way to look out after your own well-being. Consider that the Bible presupposes the right to private ownership when it forbids us to steal from one another. But the law which protects our right to property is a mere shadow of the law, which directs our responsibility to look out for each other. The whole Law is fulfilled in the singular command to love. If I love my neighbors I will not steal from them. If I love my neighbors I will also help them not steal from me. This may mean sharing a fish with them when they are in need or teaching them to fish or better enabling them to fish when it is in my power to do so. Conversations Within ts 7/20/2012 (Birmingham AL)

"When he took time to help the man up the mountain, lo, he scaled it himself." Tibetan Proverb

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecc.4

Looking after the interest of your neighbor is more than just a feel good suggestion; it is the best way to look out after your own well-being. Consider that the Bible presupposes the right to private ownership when it forbids us to steal from one another. But the law which protects our right to property is a mere shadow of the law, which directs our responsibility to look out for each other. The whole Law is fulfilled in the singular command to love. If I love my neighbors I will not steal from them. If I love my neighbors I will also help them not steal from me. This may mean sharing a fish with them when they are in need or teaching them to fish or better enabling them to fish when it is in my power to do so. Conversations Within ts 7/20/2012 (Birmingham AL)

"Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story." Casey Stengel

“...so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1

Am I a team player? I believe God wants me to be. His Spirit is all of the time coaching me to come alongside others and support them. I believe God wants to harness our individual talents into a collective power and focus our energies for all that is good and right and true. Life is best lived as a team sport than just an individual pursuit. It takes work to play on a team. Sometimes it is easier to do it yourself, but it’s probably not as fruitful. Conversations Within ts 7/19/2012 (Birmingham AL)

"Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story." Casey Stengel

“...so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1

Am I a team player? I believe God wants me to be. His Spirit is all of the time coaching me to come alongside others and support them. I believe God wants to harness our individual talents into a collective power and focus our energies for all that is good and right and true. Life is best lived as a team sport than just an individual pursuit. It takes work to play on a team. Sometimes it is easier to do it yourself, but it’s probably not as fruitful. Conversations Within ts 7/19/2012 (Birmingham AL)

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." Henry Ford

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Jesus

Many things come to mind when people think of the word “church.” I suppose some of them are good, some bad. The root of the word refers simply to an assembly or gathering. When people come together it is usually for some purpose. When Christ employed the word, He said it was any gathering of two or more people who come together in His name--which is one way of saying for His cause. His cause, of course, is to love--to love God, to love our neighbor, even our enemies. His Church is anytime people join hands to love and use their energies to benefit others. Conversations Within ts 7/18/2012

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." Henry Ford

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Jesus

Many things come to mind when people think of the word “church.” I suppose some of them are good, some bad. The root of the word refers simply to an assembly or gathering. When people come together it is usually for some purpose. When Christ employed the word, He said it was any gathering of two or more people who come together in His name--which is one way of saying for His cause. His cause, of course, is to love--to love God, to love our neighbor, even our enemies. His Church is anytime people join hands to love and use their energies to benefit others. Conversations Within ts 7/18/2012

"Many of us are more capable than some of us . . . but none of us is as capable as all of us!!" Tom Wilson

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4

Every child is taught to hold hands; it is a skill we should keep with us through life. There is grace, beauty and power when hands are joined together. The helping hand, the healing hand, the encouraging hand, each reflect the hands of God working in the world. Join hands! Lend support and be supported. Never forget to take hold of your neighbor’s hand; improve your skill in doing so. There are things that two can do that one cannot. Conversations Within ts 7/17/2012 (Camp Farrington)

"Many of us are more capable than some of us . . . but none of us is as capable as all of us!!" Tom Wilson

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4

Every child is taught to hold hands; it is a skill we should keep with us through life. There is grace, beauty and power when hands are joined together. The helping hand, the healing hand, the encouraging hand, each reflect the hands of God working in the world. Join hands! Lend support and be supported. Never forget to take hold of your neighbor’s hand; improve your skill in doing so. There are things that two can do that one cannot. Conversations Within ts 7/17/2012 (Camp Farrington)

“All for one, one for all.” ``

“I pray that they will all be one...” Jesus

The good life is not to be found in the selfish pursuits of the individual but in one’s loving service to the whole. People were created not to live as a single cell but as a colony. Our energies find their greatest expression nurturing the life of something greater than ourselves. Christ wants to join us to life as He knows it--to the very life of God--a life of loving and being loved. What if you cannot find a community of true friends who live this way, create one. Conversations Within ts 7/16/2012 (Jax)

“All for one, one for all.” ``

“I pray that they will all be one...” Jesus

The good life is not to be found in the selfish pursuits of the individual but in one’s loving service to the whole. People were created not to live as a single cell but as a colony. Our energies find their greatest expression nurturing the life of something greater than ourselves. Christ wants to join us to life as He knows it--to the very life of God--a life of loving and being loved. What if you cannot find a community of true friends who live this way, create one. Conversations Within ts 7/16/2012 (Jax)

“Whenever you are fed up with life, start writing: ink is the great cure for all human ills, as I have found out long ago.” C. S. Lewis

Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deut. 6

I like to think while I’m writing and write while I’m thinking. I’m doing it now. A friend once told me that writing makes you a precise person. It is easy to see why. Writing forces you to edit your thoughts before you publish them. It seems reasonable to me that because God chose to commit His words to writing, as in the Bible, a good case could be made for the value of learning to do it ourselves. Keeping a journal of one’s thoughts is a wonderful way to express your prayers and also to see the progress of your meditations. Conversations Within ts 7/14/2012 (Jax)

“Whenever you are fed up with life, start writing: ink is the great cure for all human ills, as I have found out long ago.” C. S. Lewis

Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deut. 6

I like to think while I’m writing and write while I’m thinking. I’m doing it now. A friend once told me that writing makes you a precise person. It is easy to see why. Writing forces you to edit your thoughts before you publish them. It seems reasonable to me that because God chose to commit His words to writing, as in the Bible, a good case could be made for the value of learning to do it ourselves. Keeping a journal of one’s thoughts is a wonderful way to express your prayers and also to see the progress of your meditations. Conversations Within ts 7/14/2012 (Jax)

Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. ~Carl G. Jung

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Jesus

Sometimes it is better to think with your hands instead of with your head. Doing often brings a greater measure of understanding than just thinking. It is better to eat a kiwi than to read a description of its taste or to drive a car than read a manual telling you how. Some things have to be experienced before they can be understood. This is often the case where faith is concerned. Many times we will not understand the value of obedience to God until we are on the other side of doing so. Conversations Within ts 7/13/2012 (Jax)

Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. ~Carl G. Jung

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Jesus

Sometimes it is better to think with your hands instead of with your head. Doing often brings a greater measure of understanding than just thinking. It is better to eat a kiwi than to read a description of its taste or to drive a car than read a manual telling you how. Some things have to be experienced before they can be understood. This is often the case where faith is concerned. Many times we will not understand the value of obedience to God until we are on the other side of doing so. Conversations Within ts 7/13/2012 (Jax)

“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” ~Edmund Burke

“...meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1

If reading without reflecting is what eating is without digestion, then what is meditation without really reflecting on anything? If you listen to some schools of thought on meditation they teach the pupil that the goal is simply to empty the mind of all thought. Now I have no problem with this if its purpose it to help us prepare us for the next step, and that is to fill it with focused thought on what is good and right and true. The first step in meditation should be to empty the mind in order to shut out the distractions of the outer world. But we shut out the outer world to reflect on truths that will help us live better live in it when we cease our meditations. Conversations Within ts 7/12/2012 (Jax)

“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” ~Edmund Burke

“...meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1

If reading without reflecting is what eating is without digestion, then what is meditation without really reflecting on anything? If you listen to some schools of thought on meditation they teach the pupil that the goal is simply to empty the mind of all thought. Now I have no problem with this if its purpose it to help us prepare us for the next step, and that is to fill it with focused thought on what is good and right and true. The first step in meditation should be to empty the mind in order to shut out the distractions of the outer world. But we shut out the outer world to reflect on truths that will help us live better live in it when we cease our meditations. Conversations Within ts 7/12/2012 (Jax)

“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~Lorraine Hansberry

“No one stops to think...” Isaiah 44 NIV

People think all day without really thinking. The power to reason is a gift from God; sadly it is seldom used as it should be. Meditation is a skill easily lost in our hurried society. It takes concerted effort to make time for it just as it does to do it. But, like exercise and eating right, we tend to neglect the important for the urgent and give our time to matters that matter little and neglect matters which matter most. If we think about it, (pun intended) the rhythm of life should include time each day for the grace of reflection. Conversations Within ts 7/11/2012 (Jax)

“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~Lorraine Hansberry

“No one stops to think...” Isaiah 44 NIV

People think all day without really thinking. The power to reason is a gift from God; sadly it is seldom used as it should be. Meditation is a skill easily lost in our hurried society. It takes concerted effort to make time for it just as it does to do it. But, like exercise and eating right, we tend to neglect the important for the urgent and give our time to matters that matter little and neglect matters which matter most. If we think about it, (pun intended) the rhythm of life should include time each day for the grace of reflection. Conversations Within ts 7/11/2012 (Jax)

“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~Lorraine Hansberry

“No one stops to think...” Isaiah 44 NIV

People think all day without really thinking. The power to reason is a gift from God; sadly it is seldom used as it should be. Meditation is a skill easily lost in our hurried society. It takes concerted effort to make time for it. But, like exercise and eating right, we tend to neglect the important for the urgent and give our time to pressing matters like answering the phone instead of seeking solitude for the sole purpose of thinking about life. If we think about it, (pun intended) the rhythm of life should include time each day to the grace of reflection. Conversations Within ts 7/11/2012 (Jax)

“Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.” ~Lorraine Hansberry

“No one stops to think...” Isaiah 44 NIV

People think all day without really thinking. The power to reason is a gift from God; sadly it is seldom used as it should be. Meditation is a skill easily lost in our hurried society. It takes concerted effort to make time for it. But, like exercise and eating right, we tend to neglect the important for the urgent and give our time to pressing matters like answering the phone instead of seeking solitude for the sole purpose of thinking about life. If we think about it, (pun intended) the rhythm of life should include time each day to the grace of reflection. Conversations Within ts 7/11/2012 (Jax)

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” ~Voltaire

“As a man thinks in his heart so he is.” Prov. 23

There are two opposite errors that we can fall into where thinking is concerned. We either think too much or too little. Thinking too much usually involves things like worrying or being overly analytical. There comes a time when it is time to stop second guessing yourself and make a choice. The second error is equal to the first. We think too little. We should think about problems, not worry about them. We can also think about what we really want instead of just following unchecked desires. If we are to live life on purpose we need to consider what purpose we would give our life to. Think about it! Conversations Within ts 7/10/2012 (Jax)

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” ~Voltaire

“As a man thinks in his heart so he is.” Prov. 23

There are two opposite errors that we can fall into where thinking is concerned. We either think too much or too little. Thinking too much usually involves things like worrying or being overly analytical. There comes a time when it is time to stop second guessing yourself and make a choice. The second error is equal to the first. We think too little. We should think about problems, not worry about them. We can also think about what we really want instead of just following unchecked desires. If we are to live life on purpose we need to consider what purpose we would give our life to. Think about it! Conversations Within ts 7/10/2012 (Jax)

The ability to reason with yourself with the light of God shining on and in you is life and health and peace.

“For who knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him...? The LORD knows the thoughts of man...” 1Cor.2-Psalms 94

God is privy to our thoughts and will often interact with us while we are thinking. This is especially true when we invite Him to do so. Reasoning together or conversations within is how I like to think about these interactions. Time, spent under the light of God, and with the help of God, thinking about life--relationships--just about anything really, is the most valuable aspect about our friendship with Him. Conversations Within ts 7/9/2012 (Jax)

The ability to reason with yourself with the light of God shining on and in you is life and health and peace.

“For who knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him...? The LORD knows the thoughts of man...” 1Cor.2-Psalms 94

God is privy to our thoughts and will often interact with us while we are thinking. This is especially true when we invite Him to do so. Reasoning together or conversations within is how I like to think about these interactions. Time, spent under the light of God, and with the help of God, thinking about life--relationships--just about anything really, is the most valuable aspect about our friendship with Him. Conversations Within ts 7/9/2012 (Jax)

I have finally reached perfection; I am perfect at being imperfect.

“If there is anything excellent and worthy of praise,think on such things.” Philippians 4

Picky people and perfectionists can be a miserable lot. They also tend to be high maintenance people to those who love them. If you want to be happy and,if you want to make the people around you happy it is probably wise to relaxperfectionistic pursuits. There seems to be a fine line that separates being comfortable and being too comfortable with your imperfections. A good friend once told me that we should not pursue perfection but excellence. That might be the fine line that separates accepting our imperfections and working to correct them. Conversations Within ts 7/7/2012

I have finally reached perfection; I am perfect at being imperfect.

“If there is anything excellent and worthy of praise,think on such things.” Philippians 4

Picky people and perfectionists can be a miserable lot. They also tend to be high maintenance people to those who love them. If you want to be happy and,if you want to make the people around you happy it is probably wise to relaxperfectionistic pursuits. There seems to be a fine line that separates being comfortable and being too comfortable with your imperfections. A good friend once told me that we should not pursue perfection but excellence. That might be the fine line that separates accepting our imperfections and working to correct them. Conversations Within ts 7/7/2012

“A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure.” Buddha

“Speak the truth in love.” Paul (the Apostle)

I value my friends who speak the truth to me even when I hurts. Needless to say, I hurt a lot. The truth is that I know my friends love me when they rebuke me. But good advice, if it is to be heard, will need the wisdom of knowing not only what to say; but when and how to say it. It does little good to tell people the truth if your actions or lack of them have taken you out of earshot. It takes work to position yourself to be heard by those you love. A genuine friend knows it is worth the effort. Conversations Within ts 7/6/2012

“A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure.” Buddha

“Speak the truth in love.” Paul (the Apostle)

I value my friends who speak the truth to me even when I hurts. Needless to say, I hurt a lot. The truth is that I know my friends love me when they rebuke me. But good advice, if it is to be heard, will need the wisdom of knowing not only what to say; but when and how to say it. It does little good to tell people the truth if your actions or lack of them have taken you out of earshot. It takes work to position yourself to be heard by those you love. A genuine friend knows it is worth the effort. Conversations Within ts 7/6/2012

“The thing that is really hard,and really amazing,is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” Anna Quindlen

‘You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather,serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5

Whenever I hear people talk about being themselves I have mixed feelings. If they mean they are escaping the manipulation of people suppressing or enslaving them,then I am usually happy for them. If they mean they are throwing off all restraint and pursuing only what they want to do,I am concerned for them. Some restraints are put there for our own protection,even the ones we put on ourselves. For instance, to stop trying to be perfect can be a good restraint if it frees us to pursue excellence instead of perfection. It is not if it enslaves us to embrace imperfection as a lifestyle and cripples our efforts toward excellence. Conversations Within ts 7/5/2012 (Jax)

“The thing that is really hard,and really amazing,is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” Anna Quindlen

‘You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather,serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5

Whenever I hear people talk about being themselves I have mixed feelings. If they mean they are escaping the manipulation of people suppressing or enslaving them,then I am usually happy for them. If they mean they are throwing off all restraint and pursuing only what they want to do,I am concerned for them. Some restraints are put there for our own protection,even the ones we put on ourselves. For instance, to stop trying to be perfect can be a good restraint if it frees us to pursue excellence instead of perfection. It is not if it enslaves us to embrace imperfection as a lifestyle and cripples our efforts toward excellence. Conversations Within ts 7/5/2012 (Jax)

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” Winston Churchill

“As for God,his way is perfect;” Psalm 18

Our perceptions of perfection are surely not perfect. I should think this is true especially where God is concerned. This does not mean that God isn't perfect, just that we have wrong notions about His perfections. This may be one reason why the Scriptures personify Him. It helps to think of Him in human ways even if our idea of Fatherhood is skewed by our own imperfect fathers. These things keep us from knowing Him fully, at least in the here and now but not from knowing Him in the sense of discovery. One reason He promises eternal life is because it will take an eternal life to find out all that He is. Conversations Within ts 7/4/2012 (Jax)

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” Winston Churchill

“As for God,his way is perfect;” Psalm 18

Our perceptions of perfection are surely not perfect. I should think this is true especially where God is concerned. This does not mean that God isn't perfect, just that we have wrong notions about His perfections. This may be one reason why the Scriptures personify Him. It helps to think of Him in human ways even if our idea of Fatherhood is skewed by our own imperfect fathers. These things keep us from knowing Him fully, at least in the here and now but not from knowing Him in the sense of discovery. One reason He promises eternal life is because it will take an eternal life to find out all that He is. Conversations Within ts 7/4/2012 (Jax)

“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have..." Edith Schaeffer

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3

If the best just isn't available, shoot for second best or third or forth. There are times when we cannot have what is best. When this happens, we can always move on to the next best thing. It is silly to sit and sulk over what is lost to us when there are many good things still within reach. Move on! Always be moving toward what is best even when the “very” best eludes you. Conversations Within ts 7/3/2012 (Jax)

“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have..." Edith Schaeffer

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3

If the best just isn't available, shoot for second best or third or forth. There are times when we cannot have what is best. When this happens, we can always move on to the next best thing. It is silly to sit and sulk over what is lost to us when there are many good things still within reach. Move on! Always be moving toward what is best even when the “very” best eludes you. Conversations Within ts 7/3/2012 (Jax)

“This is the very perfection of a man,to find out his own imperfections.” Saint Augustine

“Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Jesus

If you have ever told a child to do something to show them that they cannot do it and need your help,then you begin to understand some of what Jesus is saying by these words. By telling us to be perfect He is at once showing us our imperfections and likewise helping us to understand our need to approach God under a different set of rules. Instead of trying to earn God's favor,we accept the favor He freely offers us in grace. It is accepting grace not trusting our efforts that will lead to our final perfection. Conversations Within ts 7/2/2012

“This is the very perfection of a man,to find out his own imperfections.” Saint Augustine

“Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Jesus

If you have ever told a child to do something to show them that they cannot do it and need your help,then you begin to understand some of what Jesus is saying by these words. By telling us to be perfect He is at once showing us our imperfections and likewise helping us to understand our need to approach God under a different set of rules. Instead of trying to earn God's favor,we accept the favor He freely offers us in grace. It is accepting grace not trusting our efforts that will lead to our final perfection. Conversations Within ts 7/2/2012

“Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6

It is better when we stop trying to fix blame, and fix what is wrong. The simple principle which says, “When I do this, this happens,” is easy enough to explain why things happen. If we want something good to happen let us think good thoughts, do good deeds, speak good words and plant good seed! If I do good, the result will be good. If something bad happens, don't waste energy blaming, just get down to doing those things which will reverse it. Conversations Within ts 6/30/2012 (Jax)

“Life is a perpetual instruction in cause and effect.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6

It is better when we stop trying to fix blame, and fix what is wrong. The simple principle which says, “When I do this, this happens,” is easy enough to explain why things happen. If we want something good to happen let us think good thoughts, do good deeds, speak good words and plant good seed! If I do good, the result will be good. If something bad happens, don't waste energy blaming, just get down to doing those things which will reverse it. Conversations Within ts 6/30/2012 (Jax)

“Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit cannot be severed;

...for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer...” 1Tim.2 NIV

The universe is like an artistic tapestry. Its physical and spiritual laws are woven into the fabric. Cause and effect are part of the workings of the artist's hands just as prayer and their answers display His creative skill. When God desires to do something in the world I am sure He moves people to pray. When we pray we answer that call just as surely as God answers our prayers. Had any calls lately? “Everyone who asks is receiving.” Conversations Within ts 6/29/2012 (Jax)

“Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit cannot be severed;

...for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer...” 1Tim.2 NIV

The universe is like an artistic tapestry. Its physical and spiritual laws are woven into the fabric. Cause and effect are part of the workings of the artist's hands just as prayer and their answers display His creative skill. When God desires to do something in the world I am sure He moves people to pray. When we pray we answer that call just as surely as God answers our prayers. Had any calls lately? “Everyone who asks is receiving.” Conversations Within ts 6/29/2012 (Jax)

Thank God for unhappy moments; they are a symptom that something is amiss.

“The fruit of the flesh is...selfish ambition...The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...” Galatians 5

Every unhappy moment can serve our awareness that something is not as it should be just as a fever tells us of some sickness. If there is no peace in my heart, God may be using it to call our attention to why. Joy is the intended nature state of the heart just as health is for our body—at least this is what God originally designed. When there is no inner joy this is just a symptom that we are heart sick. Of course “heart disease” is prevalent in our world. The cure is something as simple as turning from selfishness to a Spirit filled life. To put is another way, we give God His rightful place in our heart. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

Thank God for unhappy moments; they are a symptom that something is amiss.

“The fruit of the flesh is...selfish ambition...The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...” Galatians 5

Every unhappy moment can serve our awareness that something is not as it should be just as a fever tells us of some sickness. If there is no peace in my heart, God may be using it to call our attention to why. Joy is the intended nature state of the heart just as health is for our body—at least this is what God originally designed. When there is no inner joy this is just a symptom that we are heart sick. Of course “heart disease” is prevalent in our world. The cure is something as simple as turning from selfishness to a Spirit filled life. To put is another way, we give God His rightful place in our heart. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

If you can't treat the cause, do your best to alleviate the symptoms.

“And he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Lk.9

What do you do when you cannot stop something as terrible as world hunger? We can ease what pain and sufferings are within our reach. Mother Teresa is noted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Sadly there are some causes that must run their course, at least for the present. This does not mean that we should not hold the hand of the dying, or ease the pain of the suffering, or pray for those who seem committed to self-destruction. There may be limits to what our love can do but there should be no limits to our love. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

If you can't treat the cause, do your best to alleviate the symptoms.

“And he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Lk.9

What do you do when you cannot stop something as terrible as world hunger? We can ease what pain and sufferings are within our reach. Mother Teresa is noted for saying, “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Sadly there are some causes that must run their course, at least for the present. This does not mean that we should not hold the hand of the dying, or ease the pain of the suffering, or pray for those who seem committed to self-destruction. There may be limits to what our love can do but there should be no limits to our love. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

My decisions are my Karma, my choices my destiny and my faith my fate.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...” Joshua 24 NIV

There is no doubt that certain things are beyond our control. But no one has to be a victim of cause and effect as long as it is in our power to affect the cause before it becomes an effect. Because of grace, this is often the case. Sometimes we can deal with effects before they become the effects. It is better to tie a knot on your string before you start putting beads on it. Or, as one brother put it, "Forget about getting rid of the cobwebs; kill the spider". Treat the cause before having to deal with the effect when it is in your power to do so. Win the battle before it is a battle. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

My decisions are my Karma, my choices my destiny and my faith my fate.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...” Joshua 24 NIV

There is no doubt that certain things are beyond our control. But no one has to be a victim of cause and effect as long as it is in our power to affect the cause before it becomes an effect. Because of grace, this is often the case. Sometimes we can deal with effects before they become the effects. It is better to tie a knot on your string before you start putting beads on it. Or, as one brother put it, "Forget about getting rid of the cobwebs; kill the spider". Treat the cause before having to deal with the effect when it is in your power to do so. Win the battle before it is a battle. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

By all means bail the water out of your boat but first plug the hole.

“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. ” Psa. 119

There are many applications of that wisdom that tells us to treat the disease not just its symptoms. Don't simply pop pills if changing your lifestyle will lower your blood pressure. Don't just give a poor person a hamburger if you can also give them a job. Put your energy into things which affect the cause not just into the effects of the cause. Of course addressing the cause means that we must understand it properly. If you have a leak in your soul do not waste time putting a material peg in a spiritual hole. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)

By all means bail the water out of your boat but first plug the hole.

“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. ” Psa. 119

There are many applications of that wisdom that tells us to treat the disease not just its symptoms. Don't simply pop pills if changing your lifestyle will lower your blood pressure. Don't just give a poor person a hamburger if you can also give them a job. Put your energy into things which affect the cause not just into the effects of the cause. Of course addressing the cause means that we must understand it properly. If you have a leak in your soul do not waste time putting a material peg in a spiritual hole. Conversations Within ts 6/25/2012 (On the road)