“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2Cor.10

To capture your thoughts is as simple as redirecting them. Trying not to think about something is a mistake. Everyone knows that trying to not think about something is to think about it. It is like trying to take a towel from a dog. If you want the dog to drop the towel just drop the other end and do something else. The dog will tire of toying with it. When you are thinking about something you shouldn’t, don’t keep thinking about it; think about something else.  Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2013 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2Cor.10

To capture your thoughts is as simple as redirecting them. Trying not to think about something is a mistake. Everyone knows that trying to not think about something is to think about it. It is like trying to take a towel from a dog. If you want the dog to drop the towel just drop the other end and do something else. The dog will tire of toying with it. When you are thinking about something you shouldn’t, don’t keep thinking about it; think about something else.  Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2013 (Camp Farrington, AL)

“Information overload (on all levels) is exactly WHY you need an "ignore list". It has never been more important to be able to say "No” Mani S. Sivasubramanian

“...making the best use of the time...Eph.5

Do not let the parasites of time suck energy needed for family, friends and certainly your faith. Learn to say no to your phone, watching too much news or wasting time in front of the TV. Use technology but don’t let it use you. Learn when to say no if you want to empower matters that truly matter.      Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2013 (Camp Farrigton, AL)

“Information overload (on all levels) is exactly WHY you need an "ignore list". It has never been more important to be able to say "No” Mani S. Sivasubramanian

“...making the best use of the time...Eph.5

Do not let the parasites of time suck energy needed for family, friends and certainly your faith. Learn to say no to your phone, watching too much news or wasting time in front of the TV. Use technology but don’t let it use you. Learn when to say no if you want to empower matters that truly matter.      Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2013 (Camp Farrigton, AL)

It is OK to say NO.

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2

Before we can say yes to things of lasting importance we must first learn to say no to things of little importance. To give ourselves to matters that matter, we must deny time to matters that don’t. Many things which are urgent are not always important and some of the most important things in life become urgent only when we neglect them. Feel good about saying no to matters which matter little when it empowers you to say yes to matters that matter most. Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

It is OK to say NO.

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2

Before we can say yes to things of lasting importance we must first learn to say no to things of little importance. To give ourselves to matters that matter, we must deny time to matters that don’t. Many things which are urgent are not always important and some of the most important things in life become urgent only when we neglect them. Feel good about saying no to matters which matter little when it empowers you to say yes to matters that matter most. Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” ~Josh Billings

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...” Titus 2

Learning when to say yes and when to say no is one of the first lessons of life. Many times the best way to say no to a bad something is to simply say yes to a good something. It is so much easier to say no to a candy bar when we say yes to an apple just as we may refuse a critical word by offering a kind one.   Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” ~Josh Billings

For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...” Titus 2

Learning when to say yes and when to say no is one of the first lessons of life. Many times the best way to say no to a bad something is to simply say yes to a good something. It is so much easier to say no to a candy bar when we say yes to an apple just as we may refuse a critical word by offering a kind one.   Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.” Tina Fey

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” Jesus

We either deepen the divide or bridge the gap. Our every word or action either builds up or tears down. This is true in a marriage, parent-child relationship, a church, a business or a nation. Be a healer, not a harmer. Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.” Tina Fey

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” Jesus

We either deepen the divide or bridge the gap. Our every word or action either builds up or tears down. This is true in a marriage, parent-child relationship, a church, a business or a nation. Be a healer, not a harmer. Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

It takes work to work as a team.

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.’” Jesus

In politics, in religion, in life itself we can find ways to work with others where the common good is concerned. One wise person has said that wisdom not only seeks the best goal but the surest means of attaining it. Each of us should consider if we are deepening the divide or bridging the gap. At the heart of most issues that divide us is a common good that can unite us. Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

It takes work to work as a team.

“But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.’” Jesus

In politics, in religion, in life itself we can find ways to work with others where the common good is concerned. One wise person has said that wisdom not only seeks the best goal but the surest means of attaining it. Each of us should consider if we are deepening the divide or bridging the gap. At the heart of most issues that divide us is a common good that can unite us. Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? A. Tozer

“Love one another.” Jesus

If we want people to discover the value of loving God, we should love them. Love seeks out and strengthens the connection that ties us all together. This is why we can love an enemy or someone with whom we have strong disagreement.  Love is the language that everyone understands. Kindness can bring a measure of warmth to even the coldest discussions.  Conversations Within” ts 7/18/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? A. Tozer

“Love one another.” Jesus

If we want people to discover the value of loving God, we should love them. Love seeks out and strengthens the connection that ties us all together. This is why we can love an enemy or someone with whom we have strong disagreement.  Love is the language that everyone understands. Kindness can bring a measure of warmth to even the coldest discussions.  Conversations Within” ts 7/18/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“All for one and one for all.” Alexandre Dumas

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil.2

How the world would change if we all practiced the Golden Rule. We need to return to a tribal mentality where everyone works for the good of the whole. Looking out for number one has always been the problem of the human race. Make me a musketeer dear Lord--your servant and servant of all.  Conversations Within” ts 7/17/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“All for one and one for all.” Alexandre Dumas

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil.2

How the world would change if we all practiced the Golden Rule. We need to return to a tribal mentality where everyone works for the good of the whole. Looking out for number one has always been the problem of the human race. Make me a musketeer dear Lord--your servant and servant of all.  Conversations Within” ts 7/17/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“We are all equal in the fact that we are all different.”C. Joybell

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Eph.4 NASB

It is a mistake to assume that we must all think alike to experience the power of unity. Our differences do not need to divide us. Different points of view may complement rather than compete. Our absolute and unwavering commitment to the well being of our neighbor; to love my neighbor to the same degree that I love myself is the goal that unifies. Criticizing derails us from the goal of loving.  Conversations Within” ts 7/16/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“We are all equal in the fact that we are all different.”C. Joybell

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Eph.4 NASB

It is a mistake to assume that we must all think alike to experience the power of unity. Our differences do not need to divide us. Different points of view may complement rather than compete. Our absolute and unwavering commitment to the well being of our neighbor; to love my neighbor to the same degree that I love myself is the goal that unifies. Criticizing derails us from the goal of loving.  Conversations Within” ts 7/16/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

"United we stand, divided we fall" Aesop

“I pray that your love will abound more and more in wisdom...”

We are a polarized nation, torn at every turn by political and religious ideology. If we are to find the joy of unity, let it be in our shared commitment to the life and well-being of all. We may not agree on how to achieve this but love will keep working until it finds a way. Jesus told us to find ways to love even our enemies; how much more the people with whom we have disagreement.  Conversations Within” ts 7/15/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

"United we stand, divided we fall" Aesop

“I pray that your love will abound more and more in wisdom...”

We are a polarized nation, torn at every turn by political and religious ideology. If we are to find the joy of unity, let it be in our shared commitment to the life and well-being of all. We may not agree on how to achieve this but love will keep working until it finds a way. Jesus told us to find ways to love even our enemies; how much more the people with whom we have disagreement.  Conversations Within” ts 7/15/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

“Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Eph.5

The only true obstacle is my failure to see every obstacle as an opportunity. If we fail to see trials this way, they will surely become hindrances rather than helps. The key to this change in attitude is to put faith in God’s kind intentions for us. This comforting truth is the power to transform every adversity into advantage.  Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

“Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Eph.5

The only true obstacle is my failure to see every obstacle as an opportunity. If we fail to see trials this way, they will surely become hindrances rather than helps. The key to this change in attitude is to put faith in God’s kind intentions for us. This comforting truth is the power to transform every adversity into advantage.  Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Helen Keller

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

One of the greatest gifts that God gives to people is His inner encouragement to overcome. Tap into this power and we discover all the motivation we need to rise above anything trying to keep us down. Some difficulties we bring on ourselves; others come to us through no fault of our own. It matters little, because each and everyone is an opportunity to deepen our partnership with God. Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Helen Keller

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

One of the greatest gifts that God gives to people is His inner encouragement to overcome. Tap into this power and we discover all the motivation we need to rise above anything trying to keep us down. Some difficulties we bring on ourselves; others come to us through no fault of our own. It matters little, because each and everyone is an opportunity to deepen our partnership with God. Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Dolly Parton

“Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1

The greatest struggle in my life may be that I need to change my attitude toward all my other struggles and see them not as obstacles but opportunities for growth. Everything that resists me can make me stronger. Changing the way I view my difficulties is learning to use them as rungs on the ladder of life.  Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Dolly Parton

“Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1

The greatest struggle in my life may be that I need to change my attitude toward all my other struggles and see them not as obstacles but opportunities for growth. Everything that resists me can make me stronger. Changing the way I view my difficulties is learning to use them as rungs on the ladder of life.  Conversations Within” ts 7/11/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” Molière

“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Jesus

There is really only one thing to overcome in this life and that is our self. Overcoming self is not a matter of overcoming a weak will. Do we not always do whatever desire is greatest in each moment? The problem is that many times what we want falls far short of what God intends for us, even what we know is best. Instead we settle for less. It is possible to raise our standards; to set our goals on the superior delights of joy instead of giving in to petty desires? Conversations Within” ts 7/10/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” Molière

“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Jesus

There is really only one thing to overcome in this life and that is our self. Overcoming self is not a matter of overcoming a weak will. Do we not always do whatever desire is greatest in each moment? The problem is that many times what we want falls far short of what God intends for us, even what we know is best. Instead we settle for less. It is possible to raise our standards; to set our goals on the superior delights of joy instead of giving in to petty desires? Conversations Within” ts 7/10/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“My burden is my purpose. Without it, I wouldn't be.” Solange Nicole

“For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross.” Heb.12

People of extraordinary purpose have often discovered it in the midst of overcoming the difficulties associated with it. The “cross” they carry becomes the symbol of their greatest contribution to the lives of others. What is the knight in shining armor without the dragon that was slain? Their overcome barriers have become our blessings, their transformed handicaps, our help and their conquered adversity, our great advantage.   Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“My burden is my purpose. Without it, I wouldn't be.” Solange Nicole

“For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross.” Heb.12

People of extraordinary purpose have often discovered it in the midst of overcoming the difficulties associated with it. The “cross” they carry becomes the symbol of their greatest contribution to the lives of others. What is the knight in shining armor without the dragon that was slain? Their overcome barriers have become our blessings, their transformed handicaps, our help and their conquered adversity, our great advantage.   Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

What would life be without challenge?

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” 1John5

I cannot think of a single story or movie or sport that does not involve something which is overcome. Much of  life is learning to deal with problems or celebrating when you have done so. And, the celebrations do not last long for another problem comes along to be solved. We may as well get used to walking uphill, even learn to enjoy doing so. Everything worthwhile is fought for. Conversations Within” ts 7/8/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

What would life be without challenge?

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” 1John5

I cannot think of a single story or movie or sport that does not involve something which is overcome. Much of  life is learning to deal with problems or celebrating when you have done so. And, the celebrations do not last long for another problem comes along to be solved. We may as well get used to walking uphill, even learn to enjoy doing so. Everything worthwhile is fought for. Conversations Within” ts 7/8/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened.” Michel de Montaigne

“You hold my lot.” Ps.16

We would do well to consider all of the things we have worried about that never happened. We would find a wonderful life lesson; that most of our worries are figments of our imagination. It is a great comfort to know that God, not fate, holds the key to our future. We are told in so many words and in so many ways that our best days are in front of us.  Conversations Within” ts 7/6/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened.” Michel de Montaigne

“You hold my lot.” Ps.16

We would do well to consider all of the things we have worried about that never happened. We would find a wonderful life lesson; that most of our worries are figments of our imagination. It is a great comfort to know that God, not fate, holds the key to our future. We are told in so many words and in so many ways that our best days are in front of us.  Conversations Within” ts 7/6/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Worry is a misuse of the imagination.” - Dan Zadra

“Casting down every imagination and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” 2Cor.10

Instead of visualizing the worst, imagine the best and seize it as an act of faith. After all, to believe that God loves you is to believe that He desires the best. His Spirit may need to tweak our understanding of it but God is surely pleased by every act of faith in His goodness, even if we misunderstand it somewhat. Most of us have perfected the use of our imagination where worry is concerned. Imagine the power of our imagination where faith is concerned. Put your imagination in gear and watch it roll. Conversations Within” ts 7/5/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Worry is a misuse of the imagination.” - Dan Zadra

“Casting down every imagination and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” 2Cor.10

Instead of visualizing the worst, imagine the best and seize it as an act of faith. After all, to believe that God loves you is to believe that He desires the best. His Spirit may need to tweak our understanding of it but God is surely pleased by every act of faith in His goodness, even if we misunderstand it somewhat. Most of us have perfected the use of our imagination where worry is concerned. Imagine the power of our imagination where faith is concerned. Put your imagination in gear and watch it roll. Conversations Within” ts 7/5/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“It is what it is; deal with it.” Brenda Stewart

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James1

Action is so much better than verbal reaction and dealing with life is better than worrying about it. If you can do something about the situation then do it; if you can’t then you can’t, and no amount of worrying will change it. If you want to change something then change your attitude. Learn the balance of accepting things as they are and doing what can be done. Ask God for wisdom to know which is which. Conversations Within” ts 7/4/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“It is what it is; deal with it.” Brenda Stewart

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James1

Action is so much better than verbal reaction and dealing with life is better than worrying about it. If you can do something about the situation then do it; if you can’t then you can’t, and no amount of worrying will change it. If you want to change something then change your attitude. Learn the balance of accepting things as they are and doing what can be done. Ask God for wisdom to know which is which. Conversations Within” ts 7/4/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom

“My eye is wasted away from grief,my soul and my body also.” Ps.31

Some say worry accomplishes nothing. Actually it does a great deal, a great deal of harm that is. It damages our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Worry drains the enjoyment and energy of living fully in the now. It channels our focus away from matters that need our attention on to matters over which we do not yet have control or will never have control. We waste more than time when we worry, we waste away productive moments. Work your problems don’t let your problems work you. Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom

“My eye is wasted away from grief,my soul and my body also.” Ps.31

Some say worry accomplishes nothing. Actually it does a great deal, a great deal of harm that is. It damages our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Worry drains the enjoyment and energy of living fully in the now. It channels our focus away from matters that need our attention on to matters over which we do not yet have control or will never have control. We waste more than time when we worry, we waste away productive moments. Work your problems don’t let your problems work you. Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)

“Don’t worry; be happy.” Bobby McFerrin

“Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5

I read once where someone had a worry tree. Every time they were tempted to worry over something, they would write it down and nail it to the tree. Later they discovered that most, if not all of their worries never happened or if they happened they were not as serious as the way they had built them up in their mind to be. Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2013 (Atlantic Beach, FL)