“Everything is good in moderation. Even moderation.” Iveta Cherneva

"'We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' Jesus

There is a time to feast and a time to fast; knowing when to do what is the wisdom of living fully in each moment. I hate sitting around the Thanksgiving table and discussing next week’s diet plans. If you are at a feast, by all means, feast. Each moment calls us to run or walk, to speak or be silent, to fight or turn the other cheek. Religious principles offer some help deciding when to do what. The best help is to have the Spirit of Jesus as a living partner. Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

“Everything is good in moderation. Even moderation.” Iveta Cherneva

"'We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.' Jesus

There is a time to feast and a time to fast; knowing when to do what is the wisdom of living fully in each moment. I hate sitting around the Thanksgiving table and discussing next week’s diet plans. If you are at a feast, by all means, feast. Each moment calls us to run or walk, to speak or be silent, to fight or turn the other cheek. Religious principles offer some help deciding when to do what. The best help is to have the Spirit of Jesus as a living partner. Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Being right isn’t always right.

“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise--why destroy yourself?” Ecc.7

Did I just read ‘Do not be overrighteous” in the Bible?” How can one be overrighteous? Well, a few things come to mind. Anytime we try and stand on our own self-righteousness would be one. Anytime we put more emphasis on being “right” than being loving would be another. Many people have won an argument only to have lost the relationship. And, one ditty from driving school sums up another: 'Here lies the body of William Jay Who died maintaining his right of way -He was right, dead right, as he sped along, But he's just as dead as if he was wrong.' Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Being right isn’t always right.

“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise--why destroy yourself?” Ecc.7

Did I just read ‘Do not be overrighteous” in the Bible?” How can one be overrighteous? Well, a few things come to mind. Anytime we try and stand on our own self-righteousness would be one. Anytime we put more emphasis on being “right” than being loving would be another. Many people have won an argument only to have lost the relationship. And, one ditty from driving school sums up another: 'Here lies the body of William Jay Who died maintaining his right of way -He was right, dead right, as he sped along, But he's just as dead as if he was wrong.' Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Not too hot nor too cold; not too shy nor too bold, not having too many or having too few, avoid the extremes of being too TOO!

“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” Ecc.7

I have often thought of having a tee-shirt made with the word “TOO!” written in bold red letters on the front and back. Being “too” is one of my many faults. I am too loud, talk too much, listen too little, in short I tend to do everything with too much fervor. Don’t get me wrong, under the influence of the Spirit doing everything with all of your might can be a good thing. But on the whole, being extreme should be avoided. Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Not too hot nor too cold; not too shy nor too bold, not having too many or having too few, avoid the extremes of being too TOO!

“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” Ecc.7

I have often thought of having a tee-shirt made with the word “TOO!” written in bold red letters on the front and back. Being “too” is one of my many faults. I am too loud, talk too much, listen too little, in short I tend to do everything with too much fervor. Don’t get me wrong, under the influence of the Spirit doing everything with all of your might can be a good thing. But on the whole, being extreme should be avoided. Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

We should be content that there will be times when we should not be content and that is anytime there is injustice in the world.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Is.1

Some things are just plain wrong and it would be wrong to leave them that way if it is in our power to right them. This means that we should not let false notions of contentment creep into our understanding. Contentment does not mean apathy about circumstances but the firm belief that God has provided all we need in them, even the power to change them when they need to be changed. Conversations Within” ts 4/120/2013 (Jax,FL)

We should be content that there will be times when we should not be content and that is anytime there is injustice in the world.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Is.1

Some things are just plain wrong and it would be wrong to leave them that way if it is in our power to right them. This means that we should not let false notions of contentment creep into our understanding. Contentment does not mean apathy about circumstances but the firm belief that God has provided all we need in them, even the power to change them when they need to be changed. Conversations Within” ts 4/120/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well lived.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Wake up! Why are you sleeping.” Jesus

Happiness may very well be the motive behind everything we do, but chasing it does not bring it to us. In one sense, happiness is waking to realities that already exist. The sun is always shining; happiness is waking to its value and giving thanks for it. Happiness is knowing and experiencing all that God is and desires to be for us in life. Wake up and stay awake! God is good; life is good. Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well lived.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Wake up! Why are you sleeping.” Jesus

Happiness may very well be the motive behind everything we do, but chasing it does not bring it to us. In one sense, happiness is waking to realities that already exist. The sun is always shining; happiness is waking to its value and giving thanks for it. Happiness is knowing and experiencing all that God is and desires to be for us in life. Wake up and stay awake! God is good; life is good. Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2013 (Jax,FL)

“We need much less than we think we need.” Maya Angelou

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4

Our greatest and singular need is simply to keep trusting God to meet all other needs. Dependence defines the Creator/creature relationship; to know this and act on it is the lifeblood of our existence. Remember Jesus’ words, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Ask, and He will see to it that you have what you need. If God doesn’t provide it, you don’t need it. Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2013 (Jax,FL)

“We need much less than we think we need.” Maya Angelou

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4

Our greatest and singular need is simply to keep trusting God to meet all other needs. Dependence defines the Creator/creature relationship; to know this and act on it is the lifeblood of our existence. Remember Jesus’ words, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.” Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Ask, and He will see to it that you have what you need. If God doesn’t provide it, you don’t need it. Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2013 (Jax,FL)

“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Martha Washington

“In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess.5

If our disposition is so very important to our happiness, how do we develop it so that it promotes joy instead of misery? Wisdom teaches us that the answer is one decision at a time. If I am inclined toward frustration when things do not go the way I would like, I must change my leaning and the only way to do this is to practice leaning in another direction. Change your choice and you will change your habits, change your habits and you change your character, change your character and you change your inclination. Conversations Within” ts 4/17/2013 (Jax,FL)

“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Martha Washington

“In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess.5

If our disposition is so very important to our happiness, how do we develop it so that it promotes joy instead of misery? Wisdom teaches us that the answer is one decision at a time. If I am inclined toward frustration when things do not go the way I would like, I must change my leaning and the only way to do this is to practice leaning in another direction. Change your choice and you will change your habits, change your habits and you change your character, change your character and you change your inclination. Conversations Within” ts 4/17/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Ps.107

I do not know a single person who has a prevailing attitude of gratitude that is unhappy. In fact, grateful people are contagiously happy--to be around them is always a positive experience. It seems that a thankful heart and contentment are joined together. If you have one, you possess the other. Gratitude is the singular focus of a godly person. Who better to thank than God who is the fount of every blessing? Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Ps.107

I do not know a single person who has a prevailing attitude of gratitude that is unhappy. In fact, grateful people are contagiously happy--to be around them is always a positive experience. It seems that a thankful heart and contentment are joined together. If you have one, you possess the other. Gratitude is the singular focus of a godly person. Who better to thank than God who is the fount of every blessing? Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2013 (Jax,FL)

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil.4

Accept what cannot be changed; even embrace it as God’s will for you. Doing this is an act of simple trust in His sovereign goodness. Every time we choose this response to our circumstances we strengthen not only our faith in His kind intentions, but His power to work them for our good. Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2013 (Jax,FL)

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Phil.4

Accept what cannot be changed; even embrace it as God’s will for you. Doing this is an act of simple trust in His sovereign goodness. Every time we choose this response to our circumstances we strengthen not only our faith in His kind intentions, but His power to work them for our good. Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2013 (Jax,FL)

“I do one thing at a time, I do it well and then I move on.” Charles Winchester (MASH)

“Whatever your hand finds to do do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9

A singular focus is the enjoyment of a task. Give yourself completely to the matter at hand if the matter at hand matters at all. Of course the “way” we do a thing, even an ordinary thing may capture God’s attention and His pleasure and as a result make it matter. Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2013 (Jax,FL)

“I do one thing at a time, I do it well and then I move on.” Charles Winchester (MASH)

“Whatever your hand finds to do do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9

A singular focus is the enjoyment of a task. Give yourself completely to the matter at hand if the matter at hand matters at all. Of course the “way” we do a thing, even an ordinary thing may capture God’s attention and His pleasure and as a result make it matter. Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2013 (Jax,FL)

“At the end of the day, you can either focus on what's tearing you apart, or what's holding you together.” ~ Rob Dyer.

‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes. “Pet.1

We can focus on the thorn or the rose petal--life’s trials or the faith required to overcome them. How precious is faith, how powerful its working in our heart. Every trial can be a burden or an opportunity for the deepening of our faith. Here is the silver lining in every cloud, the working of all things for our good, the chocolate in the wrapper of woes. Conversations Within” ts 4/12/2013 (Jax,FL)

“At the end of the day, you can either focus on what's tearing you apart, or what's holding you together.” ~ Rob Dyer.

‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes. “Pet.1

We can focus on the thorn or the rose petal--life’s trials or the faith required to overcome them. How precious is faith, how powerful its working in our heart. Every trial can be a burden or an opportunity for the deepening of our faith. Here is the silver lining in every cloud, the working of all things for our good, the chocolate in the wrapper of woes. Conversations Within” ts 4/12/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts.” Soren Kierkegaard

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Phil.4

What do you think about everyday, and is it worth the time you give to it? Think about something long enough and you will carve ruts in field of your behavior. The good news is that we can choose what we think about just as we can choose our attitudes. Of course, what we think about strongly influences our attitude. Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts.” Soren Kierkegaard

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Phil.4

What do you think about everyday, and is it worth the time you give to it? Think about something long enough and you will carve ruts in field of your behavior. The good news is that we can choose what we think about just as we can choose our attitudes. Of course, what we think about strongly influences our attitude. Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.” Aesop

“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”1 Pet.1

C. S. Lewis referred to this world as the “Shadowlands.” As such, many of the things we think real are only the shadow of reality.Certainly life in this place is temporal and fleeting. The life that is promised to the believing is where we are encouraged to set our hope. We are encouraged to focus then on things of true substance--on those things which will follow us to the next life. And what is that? Surely it is everything touched by faith expressing itself in love. Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.” Aesop

“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”1 Pet.1

C. S. Lewis referred to this world as the “Shadowlands.” As such, many of the things we think real are only the shadow of reality.Certainly life in this place is temporal and fleeting. The life that is promised to the believing is where we are encouraged to set our hope. We are encouraged to focus then on things of true substance--on those things which will follow us to the next life. And what is that? Surely it is everything touched by faith expressing itself in love. Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2013 (Jax,FL)

“You can't get attention of one who focused on himself.” Toba Beta

“Set your affections on things above.” Col.3

Most of my unhappiness comes when I am selfishly focused on my happiness. The problem is not our inherent desire to be happy, but in our false notions of where to find it. The self-centered life is trapped in its own gravity. Love helps us escape the bonds of selfishness and soar the heights of true joy. Be a giver not a taker, an overflowing spring not a stagnant pond and happiness will be your constant companion. Happiness is the result of giving not the pursuit of getting. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2013 (Jax,FL)

“You can't get attention of one who focused on himself.” Toba Beta

“Set your affections on things above.” Col.3

Most of my unhappiness comes when I am selfishly focused on my happiness. The problem is not our inherent desire to be happy, but in our false notions of where to find it. The self-centered life is trapped in its own gravity. Love helps us escape the bonds of selfishness and soar the heights of true joy. Be a giver not a taker, an overflowing spring not a stagnant pond and happiness will be your constant companion. Happiness is the result of giving not the pursuit of getting. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2013 (Jax,FL)

Control your focus because your focus will certainly control you.

“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Prov.4

There is a simple skill taught in motorcycle riding that says that you will always steer where you are looking so don't look at the car that just pulled out in front of you but the safe path around it. Our focus determines our direction. How true this is for all of life. Change your focus and you will change your direction. Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2013 (Jax,FL)

Control your focus because your focus will certainly control you.

“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Prov.4

There is a simple skill taught in motorcycle riding that says that you will always steer where you are looking so don't look at the car that just pulled out in front of you but the safe path around it. Our focus determines our direction. How true this is for all of life. Change your focus and you will change your direction. Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2013 (Jax,FL)

We must learn to say “no” to certain desires before we can say “yes” to superior joys.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Rom.8

People choose lesser pleasures over superior joys all of the time. Everyone knows that poor eating habits lead to poor health. The reason we choose poor health, and make no mistake about it that is exactly what we choose when we eat poorly, is because we have inclined ourselves to give in to a lesser pleasure over a superior one. The only way to change our inclination is one degree at a time. Every time I say “no” it makes it easier to say “no” the next time. Ditto that for saying “yes.” Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2013 (Jax,FL)

We must learn to say “no” to certain desires before we can say “yes” to superior joys.

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Rom.8

People choose lesser pleasures over superior joys all of the time. Everyone knows that poor eating habits lead to poor health. The reason we choose poor health, and make no mistake about it that is exactly what we choose when we eat poorly, is because we have inclined ourselves to give in to a lesser pleasure over a superior one. The only way to change our inclination is one degree at a time. Every time I say “no” it makes it easier to say “no” the next time. Ditto that for saying “yes.” Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2013 (Jax,FL)

All the wisdom in the world is worthless until we walk it.

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

What good is knowing the right thing to do if you don’t do it? What value is there in reflection if you don't apply what you have learned. It all comes down to doing. It all comes down to action. When you know what is good, right and true, do, and do and do. Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2013 (Jax,FL)

All the wisdom in the world is worthless until we walk it.

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

What good is knowing the right thing to do if you don’t do it? What value is there in reflection if you don't apply what you have learned. It all comes down to doing. It all comes down to action. When you know what is good, right and true, do, and do and do. Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” Andy Rooney

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance...” Rom.5

Joy is our constant companion when we travel the road of personal growth. As long as we are going in the right direction it matters little if the walk is uphill. New heights await those who want to improve the skills of living life. One skill is learning to be where you are on the road of transformation. The goal of being where you are isn't to stay there, but to fully embrace each and every step in the journey. Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” Andy Rooney

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance...” Rom.5

Joy is our constant companion when we travel the road of personal growth. As long as we are going in the right direction it matters little if the walk is uphill. New heights await those who want to improve the skills of living life. One skill is learning to be where you are on the road of transformation. The goal of being where you are isn't to stay there, but to fully embrace each and every step in the journey. Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2013 (Jax,FL)

Does the fruit of your life come from a garden or a grocery store?

“Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.” Gen.2

Many people have never worked a garden, and our culture suffers grievously because of it. We were made not only to live in a garden but to garden as a way of life. I am not speaking primarily of a physical, but spiritual garden-though working the former teaches something of the latter. If ever a skill needed to be re-introduced into a society, gardening is it. Some things must be patiently grown. You can’t shop for character in a grocery store. Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2013 (Jax,FL)

Does the fruit of your life come from a garden or a grocery store?

“Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.” Gen.2

Many people have never worked a garden, and our culture suffers grievously because of it. We were made not only to live in a garden but to garden as a way of life. I am not speaking primarily of a physical, but spiritual garden-though working the former teaches something of the latter. If ever a skill needed to be re-introduced into a society, gardening is it. Some things must be patiently grown. You can’t shop for character in a grocery store. Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2013 (Jax,FL)

“If you can learn from hard knocks, you can also learn from soft touches.” Carolyn Kenmore

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps.139

Having read this prayer one might conclude that the writer was a glutton for punishment. Who in their right mind would ask God to test them. Well, probably someone who was tested and remembered it as a season of great personal growth. Consider the weight of testimony in favor of trials. Consider also that value of learning without it. Is it not better to learn and live than live and learn? Don’t go to the school of hard knocks if you don’t need to, but if you need to, learn your lessons well. Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2013 (Jax,FL)

“If you can learn from hard knocks, you can also learn from soft touches.” Carolyn Kenmore

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps.139

Having read this prayer one might conclude that the writer was a glutton for punishment. Who in their right mind would ask God to test them. Well, probably someone who was tested and remembered it as a season of great personal growth. Consider the weight of testimony in favor of trials. Consider also that value of learning without it. Is it not better to learn and live than live and learn? Don’t go to the school of hard knocks if you don’t need to, but if you need to, learn your lessons well. Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2013 (Jax,FL)

“Every little thing gonna be alright.” Bob Marley

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Ps.139

I will not live one day longer than is known to God. I also will not die one day sooner than what He has ordained. And, though the date and time is unknown to me, I am confident than He will provide me all that I need when it is my time to cross the river. I have every reason to believe this for I have never known a single day where He has not given me everything I need. Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Every little thing gonna be alright.” Bob Marley

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Ps.139

I will not live one day longer than is known to God. I also will not die one day sooner than what He has ordained. And, though the date and time is unknown to me, I am confident than He will provide me all that I need when it is my time to cross the river. I have every reason to believe this for I have never known a single day where He has not given me everything I need. Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Life isn't about having, it's about being.” Nick Vujicic

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Ps.139

I am a recent witness to the magical life of Nick Vujicic a man who was born without arms and legs. His attitude and ability to discover how to live a full life, is nothing short of amazing. In his own words, “I love living life! I am happy.” Where some would only see a genetic malfunction others see a Divine masterpiece. God shows us that there is more than one way to knit a beautiful tapestry. Google Nick to see someone wonderfully made. Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

“Life isn't about having, it's about being.” Nick Vujicic

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Ps.139

I am a recent witness to the magical life of Nick Vujicic a man who was born without arms and legs. His attitude and ability to discover how to live a full life, is nothing short of amazing. In his own words, “I love living life! I am happy.” Where some would only see a genetic malfunction others see a Divine masterpiece. God shows us that there is more than one way to knit a beautiful tapestry. Google Nick to see someone wonderfully made. Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

To practice the presence of God is the essence of real life--of living in the now, of being where you are because you are where you are supposed to be.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Ps.139

Teach me to practice your presence Lord--to not only wake to You but walk with You. I would that all my whole life be the service of worship. I would be a note of praise, an aroma of adoration, a touch of kindness, a sunrise of light and a taste of your goodness. Teach me to practice Your presence dear Lord. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

To practice the presence of God is the essence of real life--of living in the now, of being where you are because you are where you are supposed to be.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Ps.139

Teach me to practice your presence Lord--to not only wake to You but walk with You. I would that all my whole life be the service of worship. I would be a note of praise, an aroma of adoration, a touch of kindness, a sunrise of light and a taste of your goodness. Teach me to practice Your presence dear Lord. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Nothing about God is shallow so I should not be surprised when His ocean is over my head.

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Ps.139 NIV

God boggles the mind and so He should. How small God would be if we could hem Him. We can drown in the depths of His ocean or playfully learn to swim in the wonder of worship. His depth surrounds us. The macrocosm of the unbounded universe above or the microcosm of worlds beneath our feet all reflect His infinite wisdom and beauty.Find joy in God’s greatness and embrace the magic of His mystery. Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

Nothing about God is shallow so I should not be surprised when His ocean is over my head.

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Ps.139 NIV

God boggles the mind and so He should. How small God would be if we could hem Him. We can drown in the depths of His ocean or playfully learn to swim in the wonder of worship. His depth surrounds us. The macrocosm of the unbounded universe above or the microcosm of worlds beneath our feet all reflect His infinite wisdom and beauty.Find joy in God’s greatness and embrace the magic of His mystery. Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

"We should come to God as we are, not as we wish we would be." C. S. Lewis

“You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Ps.139 NIV

If God knows what I am going to say before I say it, this means that He not only knows what I am going to do before I do it, He also knows it even as I think it. He reads our thoughts. There is no “right to privacy” law where God is concerned. One advantage of this of course, is that we can speak to God without opening the mouth. Another is that He will often speak to us in our thoughts. We might as well be honest with Him. God knows us better than we know ourselves. I often get the impression that God is introducing me to me. Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2013 (Birmingham, AL)

"We should come to God as we are, not as we wish we would be." C. S. Lewis

“You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Ps.139 NIV

If God knows what I am going to say before I say it, this means that He not only knows what I am going to do before I do it, He also knows it even as I think it. He reads our thoughts. There is no “right to privacy” law where God is concerned. One advantage of this of course, is that we can speak to God without opening the mouth. Another is that He will often speak to us in our thoughts. We might as well be honest with Him. God knows us better than we know ourselves. I often get the impression that God is introducing me to me. Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2013 (Birmingham, AL)