“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” Henry Drummond

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1Jo.4

We can be sure that we are doing God’s will when we are loving people. I am not referring to the silly notions of love that the world is so infatuated about but love as God defines it. When we seek the highest good of another, even if it means sacrifice for us, we are loving as He loves. It is not how we feel about people but how we act towards them that is the true measure of love and the true measure if we have spent our life well. Conversations Within ts 11/24/2012 (Jax, FL)

“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” Henry Drummond

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1Jo.4

We can be sure that we are doing God’s will when we are loving people. I am not referring to the silly notions of love that the world is so infatuated about but love as God defines it. When we seek the highest good of another, even if it means sacrifice for us, we are loving as He loves. It is not how we feel about people but how we act towards them that is the true measure of love and the true measure if we have spent our life well. Conversations Within ts 11/24/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Do what you like. Like what you do.” (Slogan of Life is Good)

“I do always those things that please him.” Jesus

When we honestly pray that God’s will be done on earth as in heaven and mean it, His will is being done at that moment if only in our heart. We may wonder what God’s will is for our lives. Well, when we have in ourselves that attitude that we want His will,God’s will is probably whatever we want to do at that moment. Desiring God’s will becomes an approach to life--the very same approach Jesus lived out for us in the words, “I do always those things that please him.” Conversations Within ts 11/23/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Do what you like. Like what you do.” (Slogan of Life is Good)

“I do always those things that please him.” Jesus

When we honestly pray that God’s will be done on earth as in heaven and mean it, His will is being done at that moment if only in our heart. We may wonder what God’s will is for our lives. Well, when we have in ourselves that attitude that we want His will,God’s will is probably whatever we want to do at that moment. Desiring God’s will becomes an approach to life--the very same approach Jesus lived out for us in the words, “I do always those things that please him.” Conversations Within ts 11/23/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” Kahlil Gibran

“Serve the Lord with gladness.”Ps.100

I suppose we are told to serve God with gladness because many of us are still in spiritual adolescent years thinking about the cake instead of cooking it. Seasoned cooks know that service bakes the cake of joy. Conversations Within ts 11/22/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” Kahlil Gibran

“Serve the Lord with gladness.”Ps.100

I suppose we are told to serve God with gladness because many of us are still in spiritual adolescent years thinking about the cake instead of cooking it. Seasoned cooks know that service bakes the cake of joy. Conversations Within ts 11/22/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.” Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”Ps.103

It should not be surprising to us in the least that God asks us to treat people better than they deserve. After all, He makes a present of this to each of us everyday. A friend told me once to always leave a place better than I found it. Surely this wisdom applies to people as well. Lord help me to remember this. Conversations Within ts 11/21/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.” Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”Ps.103

It should not be surprising to us in the least that God asks us to treat people better than they deserve. After all, He makes a present of this to each of us everyday. A friend told me once to always leave a place better than I found it. Surely this wisdom applies to people as well. Lord help me to remember this. Conversations Within ts 11/21/2012 (Jax, FL)

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Mother Teresa

Freely you have received, freely give... Jesus

Guilt is a poor motivation for giving. It is far better to give food to starving children because you are motivated by simple love for them instead of feeling guilty that you have and they do not. God does not want to fling a guilt trip on us so we will give. He wants us to share His joy--the joy that comes from the overflow of a grateful heart. Some might argue that starving children do not care about our motives just that they have something to eat. But giving from guilt never lasts while giving from gratitude seeks a lasting presence. Conversations Within ts 11/20/2012 (Jax, FL)

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Mother Teresa

Freely you have received, freely give... Jesus

Guilt is a poor motivation for giving. It is far better to give food to starving children because you are motivated by simple love for them instead of feeling guilty that you have and they do not. God does not want to fling a guilt trip on us so we will give. He wants us to share His joy--the joy that comes from the overflow of a grateful heart. Some might argue that starving children do not care about our motives just that they have something to eat. But giving from guilt never lasts while giving from gratitude seeks a lasting presence. Conversations Within ts 11/20/2012 (Jax, FL)

Gratitude fine tunes our appreciation of God’s goodness and glory.

What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? Ps.116

There is no way to measure God’s value to those who trust Him, but we experience more of it every time we give thanks to Him for something. We should not fall into the guilt trap of trying to repay God for His goodness. That is not the kind of relationship He wants with us. The best way to express thanks to God, beyond saying so, is to take what He gives and use it. We know a child appreciates the gift of a bicycle when they ride it. The best way to give thanks for Jesus is to accept Him into our heart. Conversations Within ts 11/19/2012 (Jax, FL)

Gratitude fine tunes our appreciation of God’s goodness and glory.

What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? Ps.116

There is no way to measure God’s value to those who trust Him, but we experience more of it every time we give thanks to Him for something. We should not fall into the guilt trap of trying to repay God for His goodness. That is not the kind of relationship He wants with us. The best way to express thanks to God, beyond saying so, is to take what He gives and use it. We know a child appreciates the gift of a bicycle when they ride it. The best way to give thanks for Jesus is to accept Him into our heart. Conversations Within ts 11/19/2012 (Jax, FL)

“One is wise to cultivate the tree that bears fruit in our soul” Henry David Thoreau

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15

The cornucopia or “horn of of plenty” has garnished the Thanksgiving celebration as a symbol of an abundant harvest for centuries. When it comes down to it we are all gardeners seeking the fruit of plentiful harvest. God is no less a gardener and He too seeks fruit for His work in our lives. The fruit He seeks is the transformation of His love working in us and flowing from us. How much fruit will he glean from my life? That will be the bottom line when we attend His Thanksgiving feast. Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

“One is wise to cultivate the tree that bears fruit in our soul” Henry David Thoreau

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15

The cornucopia or “horn of of plenty” has garnished the Thanksgiving celebration as a symbol of an abundant harvest for centuries. When it comes down to it we are all gardeners seeking the fruit of plentiful harvest. God is no less a gardener and He too seeks fruit for His work in our lives. The fruit He seeks is the transformation of His love working in us and flowing from us. How much fruit will he glean from my life? That will be the bottom line when we attend His Thanksgiving feast. Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Sometimes I give thanks for unanswered prayers.” Garth Brooks

“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Ps.16

We have many reasons to give thanks to God in this life and so much more in the next. God will not abandon us to the grave. To truly believe this is to realize why God says “no” to many of our earthly requests. If all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ then every time He says “No” to some temporal request He is saying “Yes” to something eternal. Give thanks, there is more to this life than just this life! Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Sometimes I give thanks for unanswered prayers.” Garth Brooks

“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Ps.16

We have many reasons to give thanks to God in this life and so much more in the next. God will not abandon us to the grave. To truly believe this is to realize why God says “no” to many of our earthly requests. If all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ then every time He says “No” to some temporal request He is saying “Yes” to something eternal. Give thanks, there is more to this life than just this life! Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day."

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Ps.16

God sets the table every day with the wisdom and goodness of His counsel. The grateful child sits and eats, even lingers at the table wanting seconds. What better way to say thank you to someone who serves up a meal than to sit at the table and eat with them. Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day."

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” Ps.16

God sets the table every day with the wisdom and goodness of His counsel. The grateful child sits and eats, even lingers at the table wanting seconds. What better way to say thank you to someone who serves up a meal than to sit at the table and eat with them. Conversations Within ts 11/15/2012 (Jax, FL)

"A person can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven." Jesus

“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Ps.16

A stroll in any grocery store is enough reason to rejoice over our inheritance. I say inheritance because none of us chose the place of our birth--our national citizenship is a bequest outside our control. We could have been born in famine lands, starving, with no means to secure goods for ourselves or our family. The next time you start feeling sorry for yourself, or struggle being content, take a hard look at what really surrounds you. Gratitude is the death of grumbling and greed. Conversations Within ts 11/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

"A person can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven." Jesus

“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Ps.16

A stroll in any grocery store is enough reason to rejoice over our inheritance. I say inheritance because none of us chose the place of our birth--our national citizenship is a bequest outside our control. We could have been born in famine lands, starving, with no means to secure goods for ourselves or our family. The next time you start feeling sorry for yourself, or struggle being content, take a hard look at what really surrounds you. Gratitude is the death of grumbling and greed. Conversations Within ts 11/14/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Only the insecure strive for security.” Wayne Dyer

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” Ps.16

When I think about what my future holds--whether sickness or health, plenty or want--I am tempted to wonder, as well as worry, about my security. I do this until I remind myself who holds my lot. Because the Lord is my chosen portion, my plate will always be set with goodness and mercy. Conversations Within ts 11/13/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Only the insecure strive for security.” Wayne Dyer

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” Ps.16

When I think about what my future holds--whether sickness or health, plenty or want--I am tempted to wonder, as well as worry, about my security. I do this until I remind myself who holds my lot. Because the Lord is my chosen portion, my plate will always be set with goodness and mercy. Conversations Within ts 11/13/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Jesus Christ--Are you a fan or follower?” Billboard in Jax Beach

“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Ps.16

To ascribe all good to God is the gate of a grateful heart. But it is one thing to believe that God is good and another to actually taste that He is. It is the difference in saying that God is “the” Lord and saying that God is “my” Lord. I want more than to know that God is God; I want God to be my God. Then and only then can I enjoy Him fully and thank Him properly. Conversations Within ts 11/12/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Jesus Christ--Are you a fan or follower?” Billboard in Jax Beach

“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Ps.16

To ascribe all good to God is the gate of a grateful heart. But it is one thing to believe that God is good and another to actually taste that He is. It is the difference in saying that God is “the” Lord and saying that God is “my” Lord. I want more than to know that God is God; I want God to be my God. Then and only then can I enjoy Him fully and thank Him properly. Conversations Within ts 11/12/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. Abraham Lincoln

“Call to me and I will answer...”Jer.33

Lord let prayer be my first not my last option--my principle activity, not the only thing left to do. I would not ask you to do what I can do, but surely to return thanks to you that I can do it. I pray that I will not worry about things beyond my control but simply trust them to your care. I am so grateful that in every situation you give us this assurance, “I’ve got this.” Conversations Within ts 11/9/2012 (Jax, FL)

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. Abraham Lincoln

“Call to me and I will answer...”Jer.33

Lord let prayer be my first not my last option--my principle activity, not the only thing left to do. I would not ask you to do what I can do, but surely to return thanks to you that I can do it. I pray that I will not worry about things beyond my control but simply trust them to your care. I am so grateful that in every situation you give us this assurance, “I’ve got this.” Conversations Within ts 11/9/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Why is it that when we talk to God we’re said to be praying, but when God talks to us we’re schizophrenic?” Lily Tomlin

“Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3

That God speaks to us in our thoughts is no less real than our thoughts themselves. The key is learning not to confuse His thoughts with our own. When I wonder if I am doing this, I just ask Him to make it clear; He always does.There are certainly times when God speaks and leaves no room for doubt that He is the One speaking. I am grateful for these times. His counsel is my greatest inheritance--it is the path of life. Conversations Within ts 11/8/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Why is it that when we talk to God we’re said to be praying, but when God talks to us we’re schizophrenic?” Lily Tomlin

“Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1Sam.3

That God speaks to us in our thoughts is no less real than our thoughts themselves. The key is learning not to confuse His thoughts with our own. When I wonder if I am doing this, I just ask Him to make it clear; He always does.There are certainly times when God speaks and leaves no room for doubt that He is the One speaking. I am grateful for these times. His counsel is my greatest inheritance--it is the path of life. Conversations Within ts 11/8/2012 (Jax, FL)

“It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” Mahatma Gandhi

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Rom.8

God helps us when we talk to Him, just like every parent helps their children when they are learning to speak. Father knows what we want to say even when we find it difficult to put it into words. Sometimes all we have are strong feelings that well up within us. Even so, that wholeness of God that dwells in us--the Scriptures call Him the Spirit, He enters into our feelings and translates them into Heaven’s language. No prayers uttered in this language are unheard or unanswered. Conversations Within ts 11/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” Mahatma Gandhi

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Rom.8

God helps us when we talk to Him, just like every parent helps their children when they are learning to speak. Father knows what we want to say even when we find it difficult to put it into words. Sometimes all we have are strong feelings that well up within us. Even so, that wholeness of God that dwells in us--the Scriptures call Him the Spirit, He enters into our feelings and translates them into Heaven’s language. No prayers uttered in this language are unheard or unanswered. Conversations Within ts 11/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense.” ― Robert Frost

“Forgive us our debts and we forgive those indebted to us.” Jesus

Thinking people sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that they are the only ones thinking. God save me from this. Just because I cannot follow the logic of the other side does not mean that they have not thought things through. We should pray for people who see life differently; not that God would bring them over to our side but that He would bring us all over to His. Conversations Within ts 11/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense.” ― Robert Frost

“Forgive us our debts and we forgive those indebted to us.” Jesus

Thinking people sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that they are the only ones thinking. God save me from this. Just because I cannot follow the logic of the other side does not mean that they have not thought things through. We should pray for people who see life differently; not that God would bring them over to our side but that He would bring us all over to His. Conversations Within ts 11/7/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Go where your best prayers take you.” Frederick Buechner

“Ask and and it will be given to you.” Jesus

I was praying for some friends who have spent their lives serving tribal people in the Pacific and asked God to provide for their daily bread. As soon as I spoke the words He said, “Sure, send them some money.” God often sends people to help answer their own prayers. Ask Him! But always be willing to be God’s answer if He so chooses. Conversations Within ts 11/6/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Go where your best prayers take you.” Frederick Buechner

“Ask and and it will be given to you.” Jesus

I was praying for some friends who have spent their lives serving tribal people in the Pacific and asked God to provide for their daily bread. As soon as I spoke the words He said, “Sure, send them some money.” God often sends people to help answer their own prayers. Ask Him! But always be willing to be God’s answer if He so chooses. Conversations Within ts 11/6/2012 (Jax, FL)

“May God grant us the wisdom to discover right, the will to choose it, and the strength to make it endure.” King Arthur “First Knight”

“Hear my prayer O Lord!” Ps.39

Some prayers say it all. They are short, to the point and express a simple faith. Usually such prayers come from the lips of people expressing a child-like faith instead of the prepared prayers of preachers. Such prayers can come from preachers of course, just as they can come from a bus driver and any one who sincerely looks to God for mercy. God is not impressed by fine elocution but simple conviction, not our diction but by simple dependence on His abounding grace. Conversations Within ts 11/5/2012 (Jax, FL)

“May God grant us the wisdom to discover right, the will to choose it, and the strength to make it endure.” King Arthur “First Knight”

“Hear my prayer O Lord!” Ps.39

Some prayers say it all. They are short, to the point and express a simple faith. Usually such prayers come from the lips of people expressing a child-like faith instead of the prepared prayers of preachers. Such prayers can come from preachers of course, just as they can come from a bus driver and any one who sincerely looks to God for mercy. God is not impressed by fine elocution but simple conviction, not our diction but by simple dependence on His abounding grace. Conversations Within ts 11/5/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?”Mark Twain

Redeem the time. Eph.5

I hate waste and a day without a purpose is a waste; even having a purpose but not doing it on purpose is a loss. Make every day, every moment count; not in a frenzy that fears loss but by answering the upward call to live life as God intends. If something is worth doing, the only way to do it well is to do it for eternal reasons. Conversations Within ts 11/3/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?”Mark Twain

Redeem the time. Eph.5

I hate waste and a day without a purpose is a waste; even having a purpose but not doing it on purpose is a loss. Make every day, every moment count; not in a frenzy that fears loss but by answering the upward call to live life as God intends. If something is worth doing, the only way to do it well is to do it for eternal reasons. Conversations Within ts 11/3/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.’ Anonymous

“Bear one another’s burdens.” Gal.6

There is comfort in the company of whatever. The weight of our struggles, whatever they may be, seems lighter when you know you are not alone facing them. This can be both good and bad. If we excuse feeble efforts to deal with them with the attitude that says, “Well everybody is doing it,” our struggles will get the best of us. But we can also find comfort and strength knowing that our trials are not unique and God has helped others overcome them, indeed He helps every one who wants and will take His help. Conversations Within ts 11/2/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.’ Anonymous

“Bear one another’s burdens.” Gal.6

There is comfort in the company of whatever. The weight of our struggles, whatever they may be, seems lighter when you know you are not alone facing them. This can be both good and bad. If we excuse feeble efforts to deal with them with the attitude that says, “Well everybody is doing it,” our struggles will get the best of us. But we can also find comfort and strength knowing that our trials are not unique and God has helped others overcome them, indeed He helps every one who wants and will take His help. Conversations Within ts 11/2/2012 (Jax, FL)

”If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” Anonymous

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Jesus

Most people appreciate sincerity even when we see it in a person we believe to be sincerely wrong. “To thine own self be true,” is more than a cultural axiom; it defines who we are and become. But who wants to be sincerely wrong? How can I know what is right? The bit of wisdom passed down to us from Jesus is to consider the fruit of our beliefs and practices. Of course we may wonder if we have acquired a taste for bad fruit. Do I value what is truly valuable? Conversations Within ts 11/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

”If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” Anonymous

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Jesus

Most people appreciate sincerity even when we see it in a person we believe to be sincerely wrong. “To thine own self be true,” is more than a cultural axiom; it defines who we are and become. But who wants to be sincerely wrong? How can I know what is right? The bit of wisdom passed down to us from Jesus is to consider the fruit of our beliefs and practices. Of course we may wonder if we have acquired a taste for bad fruit. Do I value what is truly valuable? Conversations Within ts 11/1/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.” Anonymous

“But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” James.1

I am learning to enjoy listening; not as much as I enjoy talking but I am learning. Listening is learning. Do not always try to be a teacher; be the student. This is especially true when conversing with people who have a different background than your own. Listening to people share their point of view, is the best way to communicate that you value them even if you do not always agree with what they are saying. One of the best ways to tell someone you love them is to really listen to them. Conversations Within ts 10/31/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.” Anonymous

“But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” James.1

I am learning to enjoy listening; not as much as I enjoy talking but I am learning. Listening is learning. Do not always try to be a teacher; be the student. This is especially true when conversing with people who have a different background than your own. Listening to people share their point of view, is the best way to communicate that you value them even if you do not always agree with what they are saying. One of the best ways to tell someone you love them is to really listen to them. Conversations Within ts 10/31/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.” Anonymous

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Ps.139

American culture celebrates individuality. We prize uniqueness. I think our pride feeds on it from time to time. A truly humble person realizes that uniqueness is the universal quality of every single person who is made in the the image of God. We are all one of a kind! Why get stuck on your own uniqueness when there is so much to appreciate in others. Every person bears the image of the One. To see God in others is the unique experience of endless exploration. Conversations Within ts 10/30/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.” Anonymous

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Ps.139

American culture celebrates individuality. We prize uniqueness. I think our pride feeds on it from time to time. A truly humble person realizes that uniqueness is the universal quality of every single person who is made in the the image of God. We are all one of a kind! Why get stuck on your own uniqueness when there is so much to appreciate in others. Every person bears the image of the One. To see God in others is the unique experience of endless exploration. Conversations Within ts 10/30/2012 (Jax, FL)

“Some days you're the pigeon; some days you're the statue.” Anonymous

“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” Ecc.9

Let’s face it, some days are better than others. Usually when we say this, we are focusing on those that are worse not the ones that are better. There does not have to be a profound mystery behind every thing that happens. Things break when you use them, tires go flat, and sometimes you catch every red light in town. Everybody gets a turn to bat at the plate of misfortune. I like the response that someone wrote, “Life was throwing curve balls at me left and right. But then God gave me a bat and showed me how to swing.” Conversations Within ts 10/29/2012 (On the Road, FL)

“Some days you're the pigeon; some days you're the statue.” Anonymous

“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” Ecc.9

Let’s face it, some days are better than others. Usually when we say this, we are focusing on those that are worse not the ones that are better. There does not have to be a profound mystery behind every thing that happens. Things break when you use them, tires go flat, and sometimes you catch every red light in town. Everybody gets a turn to bat at the plate of misfortune. I like the response that someone wrote, “Life was throwing curve balls at me left and right. But then God gave me a bat and showed me how to swing.” Conversations Within ts 10/29/2012 (On the Road, FL)

“If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it: Every arrow that flies feels the pull of the earth.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble.” Is.35

Nothing is accomplished that is not overcome. Every field of accomplishment is also a field of battle. Rugby or rehabilitation; writing a book or walking a 10K; finishing college or finishing strong in life all require that we overcome obstacles without and obstacles within. It is best that we brace ourselves for the fight, stop complaining, get on with it and learn to enjoy walking uphill. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it: Every arrow that flies feels the pull of the earth.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble.” Is.35

Nothing is accomplished that is not overcome. Every field of accomplishment is also a field of battle. Rugby or rehabilitation; writing a book or walking a 10K; finishing college or finishing strong in life all require that we overcome obstacles without and obstacles within. It is best that we brace ourselves for the fight, stop complaining, get on with it and learn to enjoy walking uphill. Conversations Within ts 10/24/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

Our greatest struggle can become the greatest means to experience the power of God.

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

Some of the worlds most remarkable people have walked through fire on their journey to fruitfulness. Fire purifies metal and adversity can remove things which hinder lasting happiness. Many people have found God in the valley of their greatest failure and deepened their experience of His power climbing the mountains of maturity out of it. Do not fear the fire that burns away the wood and hay of worthless things and reveals the gold and silver of lasting joy. Conversations Within ts 10/25/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)

Our greatest struggle can become the greatest means to experience the power of God.

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

Some of the worlds most remarkable people have walked through fire on their journey to fruitfulness. Fire purifies metal and adversity can remove things which hinder lasting happiness. Many people have found God in the valley of their greatest failure and deepened their experience of His power climbing the mountains of maturity out of it. Do not fear the fire that burns away the wood and hay of worthless things and reveals the gold and silver of lasting joy. Conversations Within ts 10/25/2012 (Camp Farrington, AL)