It is not only what we are grateful for but who we are grateful to that gives lasting fruit to the grateful heart.

“Give thanks to the Lord.” Ps.107

I am not one to thank my lucky stars nor do I consider myself fortunate. The word luck and the word fortunate are often confused with the word blessed. I am certainly blessed. It is not the god of our many different understandings that has enriched my life. It is the infinite personal God whom Jesus called Father who has blessed me. To Him I give my thanks!  Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2013 (Bham, AL)

It is not only what we are grateful for but who we are grateful to that gives lasting fruit to the grateful heart.

“Give thanks to the Lord.” Ps.107

I am not one to thank my lucky stars nor do I consider myself fortunate. The word luck and the word fortunate are often confused with the word blessed. I am certainly blessed. It is not the god of our many different understandings that has enriched my life. It is the infinite personal God whom Jesus called Father who has blessed me. To Him I give my thanks!  Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2013 (Bham, AL)

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” Hans Urs von Balthasar

“Sing a new song to the LORD; sing to the LORD, all the earth.” Ps.96

How do you give a gift to someone who has everything? This may seem the case with God but He has left us no doubt about what He wants. The only thing He has on His gift list is the gift of ourselves, wrapped in love. In the end it is all we have to give Him anyway. This means that because no two of us are alike we can each give Him a new gift--something He has never had before. I can think of now better way to say thanks? Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” Hans Urs von Balthasar

“Sing a new song to the LORD; sing to the LORD, all the earth.” Ps.96

How do you give a gift to someone who has everything? This may seem the case with God but He has left us no doubt about what He wants. The only thing He has on His gift list is the gift of ourselves, wrapped in love. In the end it is all we have to give Him anyway. This means that because no two of us are alike we can each give Him a new gift--something He has never had before. I can think of now better way to say thanks? Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2013 (Selma, AL)

People who give more than is expected have learned how to transform duty into delight.

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'” Jesus

I use checklists but I try not to live by them where relationships are concerned. I have, at times, found myself rushing through my prayers just so I can check it off that I have prayed for someone. If we are not careful, we may do only our duty in prayer and miss out on the delight of  watering the garden of others. People who live by delight have no problem doing more than their duty.  Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2013 (Selma, AL)

People who give more than is expected have learned how to transform duty into delight.

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'” Jesus

I use checklists but I try not to live by them where relationships are concerned. I have, at times, found myself rushing through my prayers just so I can check it off that I have prayed for someone. If we are not careful, we may do only our duty in prayer and miss out on the delight of  watering the garden of others. People who live by delight have no problem doing more than their duty.  Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2013 (Selma, AL)

"You aren't remembered for doing what is expected of you.” Atul Chitnis

“I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good.” Ps.54

When was the last time you did something special for someone--something unexpected? When was the last time you did something special for God? It may be impossible to surprise God but I am sure He appreciates special treatment as much as the next person, perhaps more. Going out of your way to do something you know He will enjoy is one of the best ways to say thank you. Do not give God only what is expected; do more than is expected.  Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2013 (Selma, AL)

"You aren't remembered for doing what is expected of you.” Atul Chitnis

“I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good.” Ps.54

When was the last time you did something special for someone--something unexpected? When was the last time you did something special for God? It may be impossible to surprise God but I am sure He appreciates special treatment as much as the next person, perhaps more. Going out of your way to do something you know He will enjoy is one of the best ways to say thank you. Do not give God only what is expected; do more than is expected.  Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2013 (Selma, AL)

Most of us are grateful when we think about it; the trouble, is that we probably don’t think about it enough.

“ I will praise the Lord at all times.” Ps.34

Being grateful is more than just being polite when someone does you a good turn. Appreciation is the essence of love and gratitude is the expression of its affection. Am I grateful for the privilege to show God how grateful I am? Don’t give thanks just to be polite but also as an expression of the pure delight.    Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2013 (Selma, AL)

Most of us are grateful when we think about it; the trouble, is that we probably don’t think about it enough.

“ I will praise the Lord at all times.” Ps.34

Being grateful is more than just being polite when someone does you a good turn. Appreciation is the essence of love and gratitude is the expression of its affection. Am I grateful for the privilege to show God how grateful I am? Don’t give thanks just to be polite but also as an expression of the pure delight.    Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2013 (Selma, AL)

“One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is ecause we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us.” Joel Osteen

“Because Your love is better than life my lips will praise You.” Ps.63

Giving thanks removes the rust that robs our enthusiasm for living. Gratitude is a necessary maintenance if you do not want to lose the luster of everyday life. Rub in a little gratitude and put the shine back into your day. Grease the gears of living with thankfulness if you would never take for granted the thrill of being alive. Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is ecause we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us.” Joel Osteen

“Because Your love is better than life my lips will praise You.” Ps.63

Giving thanks removes the rust that robs our enthusiasm for living. Gratitude is a necessary maintenance if you do not want to lose the luster of everyday life. Rub in a little gratitude and put the shine back into your day. Grease the gears of living with thankfulness if you would never take for granted the thrill of being alive. Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Only in the light of glory will we understand all that prayer has prevented.

“But I have prayed for you…” Jesus

You would have died in that accident, but I prayed for you. You would have married the wrong person, but I prayed for you. You would have betrayed your marriage, but I prayed for you. You would spend your life chasing the wind, but I prayed for you. It is not because we are lucky or clever or more deserving that we survive this day. Everything is ours because of these simple words of the Savior. “But I have prayed for you.”  Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

Only in the light of glory will we understand all that prayer has prevented.

“But I have prayed for you…” Jesus

You would have died in that accident, but I prayed for you. You would have married the wrong person, but I prayed for you. You would have betrayed your marriage, but I prayed for you. You would spend your life chasing the wind, but I prayed for you. It is not because we are lucky or clever or more deserving that we survive this day. Everything is ours because of these simple words of the Savior. “But I have prayed for you.”  Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“The weakest link in the chain is also the strongest. It can break the chain.” StanislawJerzy Lec

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

There are many kinds of failure but each of them, even the moral kind, affords us the opportunity to learn. In that sense, failure becomes an advantage simply because God uses it to sift out our weaknesses. It is only when we fail to learn from our failures, that they produce lasting damage. How do we learn from them? Take your failures to the God’s recycling center.  Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“The weakest link in the chain is also the strongest. It can break the chain.” StanislawJerzy Lec

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

There are many kinds of failure but each of them, even the moral kind, affords us the opportunity to learn. In that sense, failure becomes an advantage simply because God uses it to sift out our weaknesses. It is only when we fail to learn from our failures, that they produce lasting damage. How do we learn from them? Take your failures to the God’s recycling center.  Conversations Within” ts 11/15/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life.” Rocky

“Deny yourself take up your cross and follow me.” Jesus

The defining difference of a mature character is nurtured when people do what they know they should do even when they don’t feel like doing it. Such character is initially sown in something as simple as going for a walk instead of watching TV, or eating an apple instead of a donut. But this kind of discipline reaches its greatest value not in serving self, but in sacrificial service to others--a tired husband comes home and helps his wife instead of watching TV.   Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life.” Rocky

“Deny yourself take up your cross and follow me.” Jesus

The defining difference of a mature character is nurtured when people do what they know they should do even when they don’t feel like doing it. Such character is initially sown in something as simple as going for a walk instead of watching TV, or eating an apple instead of a donut. But this kind of discipline reaches its greatest value not in serving self, but in sacrificial service to others--a tired husband comes home and helps his wife instead of watching TV.   Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” Henry David Thoreau

“When you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus, to Peter

Going back is sometimes going forward; indeed it may be the only way forward. Returning to your spiritual roots with a renewed faith will not only add fresh, but many times unparalleled, growth and fruitfulness to life. Such souls often become a source of great spiritual strength to others. Many know the sad song, “I once was lost, was found, and then got lost again.” Jesus prays for every wayward soul to return. The good news is that we can.   Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” Henry David Thoreau

“When you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus, to Peter

Going back is sometimes going forward; indeed it may be the only way forward. Returning to your spiritual roots with a renewed faith will not only add fresh, but many times unparalleled, growth and fruitfulness to life. Such souls often become a source of great spiritual strength to others. Many know the sad song, “I once was lost, was found, and then got lost again.” Jesus prays for every wayward soul to return. The good news is that we can.   Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Albert Einstein failed his college entrance exam. Walt Disney was fired from his first media job. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Get it?” Therese Borchard

“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Rom.5

Success is usually preceded by failure. I think it happens this way because most of us need a good dose of humility before personal glory. Persevering through failure builds character, and character helps to insure that success does not go to our head.  Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Albert Einstein failed his college entrance exam. Walt Disney was fired from his first media job. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Get it?” Therese Borchard

“Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Rom.5

Success is usually preceded by failure. I think it happens this way because most of us need a good dose of humility before personal glory. Persevering through failure builds character, and character helps to insure that success does not go to our head.  Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Wiping out is an underappreciated skill.” Laird Hamilton

“Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.” Prov.24

If you are not wiping out, you are not surfing; of course, the same can be said for everyday living. Don’t just sit on the beach, get out and ride the waves--accept the challenge to get over going through the motions of living and start truly living. And, when you do, expect to wipe out. When it happens, and it always happens, get back on your board and go again. Paddle out don’t poop out.  Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Wiping out is an underappreciated skill.” Laird Hamilton

“Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.” Prov.24

If you are not wiping out, you are not surfing; of course, the same can be said for everyday living. Don’t just sit on the beach, get out and ride the waves--accept the challenge to get over going through the motions of living and start truly living. And, when you do, expect to wipe out. When it happens, and it always happens, get back on your board and go again. Paddle out don’t poop out.  Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

"God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die." Unknown Author

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Rom.12

A lot of stress is built up when we take on more than we should. This can happen when we do things not assigned to us, or overestimate our importance or have the attitude that says, “If I don’t do it nobody will.”  None of these should govern our participation. One indication that God wants me involved is that He has given me everything I need to do it and to do it without stress. I am not talking about doing it without inconvenience, rather having the confident attitude that comes when you know something is God’s will for you at that moment. Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

"God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die." Unknown Author

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Rom.12

A lot of stress is built up when we take on more than we should. This can happen when we do things not assigned to us, or overestimate our importance or have the attitude that says, “If I don’t do it nobody will.”  None of these should govern our participation. One indication that God wants me involved is that He has given me everything I need to do it and to do it without stress. I am not talking about doing it without inconvenience, rather having the confident attitude that comes when you know something is God’s will for you at that moment. Conversations Within” ts 11/9/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

Like a gentle rain, are tears and laughter; they cleanse the soul of stress.

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Ps.126

Tears and laughter are precious gifts, the overflow of our feelings, the emotional spigot of the soul. How sweet the release! I have poured out my soul to God in both laughter and in tears and watched Him work a magical grace in me. Penned up worries become worship, and stress is poured out in sweet supplication. There is a good reason why we are told to have a “good laugh” or a “good cry.”   Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

Like a gentle rain, are tears and laughter; they cleanse the soul of stress.

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Ps.126

Tears and laughter are precious gifts, the overflow of our feelings, the emotional spigot of the soul. How sweet the release! I have poured out my soul to God in both laughter and in tears and watched Him work a magical grace in me. Penned up worries become worship, and stress is poured out in sweet supplication. There is a good reason why we are told to have a “good laugh” or a “good cry.”   Conversations Within” ts 11/8/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin

“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19 ESV

Hurry hurts!  It can be detrimental to our health, our work, and our decisions. It is the feeling of needing to hurry that is one cause of stress. Why do we feel the need to hurry? The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Prune what you want, and you cut back on stuff that demands your time.  Conversations Within” ts 11/7/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin

“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19 ESV

Hurry hurts!  It can be detrimental to our health, our work, and our decisions. It is the feeling of needing to hurry that is one cause of stress. Why do we feel the need to hurry? The gap between what we want and what we actually need has lengthened the distance we feel we must travel each week. Prune what you want, and you cut back on stuff that demands your time.  Conversations Within” ts 11/7/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.” Lin Yutang

“Be wise enough to know when to quit.” Prov.23 NLT

To finish what you start is a good thing unless it keeps you from starting something of greater importance. One of my professors once counseled me to know when to “throw in the towel.” Knowing when to quit can be just as important and knowing what to start. There is a difference in profitable perseverance and pigheaded foolishness. Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.” Lin Yutang

“Be wise enough to know when to quit.” Prov.23 NLT

To finish what you start is a good thing unless it keeps you from starting something of greater importance. One of my professors once counseled me to know when to “throw in the towel.” Knowing when to quit can be just as important and knowing what to start. There is a difference in profitable perseverance and pigheaded foolishness. Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

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

“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” Ps.119 NLT

The power to direct our thoughts is a precious grace--one that enables us to tack against the winds of adversity by responding, instead of being emotionally driven downwind by reacting. Do not be a victim of circumstances but a victor. Choose your thoughts. Things that stress may lead us to what is best.  Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

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

“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” Ps.119 NLT

The power to direct our thoughts is a precious grace--one that enables us to tack against the winds of adversity by responding, instead of being emotionally driven downwind by reacting. Do not be a victim of circumstances but a victor. Choose your thoughts. Things that stress may lead us to what is best.  Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Dear Stress, lets break up.” Unknown

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…” Eph.4

There is a good bit of wisdom when we admit that we are in a bad relationship, not so much with people as with certain habits of the mind. Worry, fear, bitterness are all bad companions. It is one thing to occasionally worry and another to be married to your worries. If divorce is ever a good thing, surely we should end our relationship not only with our worries but every hurtful attitude.  Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“Dear Stress, lets break up.” Unknown

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…” Eph.4

There is a good bit of wisdom when we admit that we are in a bad relationship, not so much with people as with certain habits of the mind. Worry, fear, bitterness are all bad companions. It is one thing to occasionally worry and another to be married to your worries. If divorce is ever a good thing, surely we should end our relationship not only with our worries but every hurtful attitude.  Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2013 (Fort George Island, FL)

“To the pure all things are pure.” Titus 1

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus

We might think that a pure person is a naive person but such is not the case. The pure in heart see God, and as such see God in all things, even in an atheist. An atheist who is an atheist because they are trying to be intellectually honest may not know it, but they reflect God’s image by trying to be sincere. The pure in heart sees God in them. This is because the pure in heart have their senses tuned to goodness. They can sense it anywhere. Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

“To the pure all things are pure.” Titus 1

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus

We might think that a pure person is a naive person but such is not the case. The pure in heart see God, and as such see God in all things, even in an atheist. An atheist who is an atheist because they are trying to be intellectually honest may not know it, but they reflect God’s image by trying to be sincere. The pure in heart sees God in them. This is because the pure in heart have their senses tuned to goodness. They can sense it anywhere. Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

Pure honey is a hundred percent honey--no less the pure heart.

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

When we speak of something pure we say that it is hundred percent. This means that nothing else is added, nothing dilutes its potency. Our devotion to something or someone can likewise be a hundred percent. We can give ourselves wholeheartedly to matters that matter. If it has lasting value, why not give it all you’ve got.  Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

Pure honey is a hundred percent honey--no less the pure heart.

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

When we speak of something pure we say that it is hundred percent. This means that nothing else is added, nothing dilutes its potency. Our devotion to something or someone can likewise be a hundred percent. We can give ourselves wholeheartedly to matters that matter. If it has lasting value, why not give it all you’ve got.  Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I used to be Snow White but I drifted.” Mae West

“Create in me a pure heart O God.” Ps.51

Only God can create a pure heart, but we can surely cooperate with Him. I often find impure thoughts rising in me. What I do when God points them out (and He always does) will show if I am cooperating or not. There are many applications of the Chinese proverb that says that just because I cannot stop a bird from flying over my head does not mean that I cannot keep it from building a nest in my hair. Shoo away every unprofitable thought. Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I used to be Snow White but I drifted.” Mae West

“Create in me a pure heart O God.” Ps.51

Only God can create a pure heart, but we can surely cooperate with Him. I often find impure thoughts rising in me. What I do when God points them out (and He always does) will show if I am cooperating or not. There are many applications of the Chinese proverb that says that just because I cannot stop a bird from flying over my head does not mean that I cannot keep it from building a nest in my hair. Shoo away every unprofitable thought. Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Guard your heart for from it flows the well-springs of life.” Prov.4

Purity of heart is an inside job, but will often require outside reinforcement. How so? Well, refusing to participate in gossip would be one example; or not joining in with others when they criticize someone is another. I am not suggesting that we play Jr. Holy Spirit and preach at people when they do these things. To meet gossip with sincere silence may be all that is needed to halt its progress in them and in us. Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Guard your heart for from it flows the well-springs of life.” Prov.4

Purity of heart is an inside job, but will often require outside reinforcement. How so? Well, refusing to participate in gossip would be one example; or not joining in with others when they criticize someone is another. I am not suggesting that we play Jr. Holy Spirit and preach at people when they do these things. To meet gossip with sincere silence may be all that is needed to halt its progress in them and in us. Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

“It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” C.S. Lewis

“The LORD is good!” Ps.100

Imagine pure goodness--a Person who is wholly good and committed only to that which is good; and even though our concept of goodness is incomplete, we can still catch a glimpse of God. God is good. He wants to flush out every impurity in us which is not good until goodness is all that remains. Immerse yourself in His goodness, choose only what is good and experience the pure joy of that which is life indeed. Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

“It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” C.S. Lewis

“The LORD is good!” Ps.100

Imagine pure goodness--a Person who is wholly good and committed only to that which is good; and even though our concept of goodness is incomplete, we can still catch a glimpse of God. God is good. He wants to flush out every impurity in us which is not good until goodness is all that remains. Immerse yourself in His goodness, choose only what is good and experience the pure joy of that which is life indeed. Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Purity of heart Is to will one thing” Sören Kierkegaard

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus

My will is divided between what I want and what I really want. What I really want; good health, lasting joy and most importantly God’s will for my life, is often crowded out by other wants like unhealthy food, stolen pleasure and my own selfishness over and against love. Whatever I want most at any given moment usually wins out. The only remedy I know for an impure heart is to keep flushing out what you want until all that remains is what you really want.  Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Purity of heart Is to will one thing” Sören Kierkegaard

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus

My will is divided between what I want and what I really want. What I really want; good health, lasting joy and most importantly God’s will for my life, is often crowded out by other wants like unhealthy food, stolen pleasure and my own selfishness over and against love. Whatever I want most at any given moment usually wins out. The only remedy I know for an impure heart is to keep flushing out what you want until all that remains is what you really want.  Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2013 (Jax, FL)

“The most essential life skill is teachability.” David Murry

“My son, listen to your father's instruction.”  Prov.1

A teachable spirit knows that sometimes we must unlearn before we can learn. We often refuse to trust what we think we know and choose instead listen to the voice of wisdom. Never stop learning. There are new skills needed in each season of life. Even in death there are things we can learn to help us cross over. Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“The most essential life skill is teachability.” David Murry

“My son, listen to your father's instruction.”  Prov.1

A teachable spirit knows that sometimes we must unlearn before we can learn. We often refuse to trust what we think we know and choose instead listen to the voice of wisdom. Never stop learning. There are new skills needed in each season of life. Even in death there are things we can learn to help us cross over. Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2013 (Hayneville, AL)