When it’s needed, God comes to us with pruning shears.

“He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Jesus NLT

The activity of pruning involves removing dead and unfruitful branches with the singular purpose of channeling the energy of the plant toward greater health and fruitfulness. God is an expert gardener. Need we say more about why He wounds us from time to time?  Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2014

When it’s needed, God comes to us with pruning shears.

“He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Jesus NLT

The activity of pruning involves removing dead and unfruitful branches with the singular purpose of channeling the energy of the plant toward greater health and fruitfulness. God is an expert gardener. Need we say more about why He wounds us from time to time?  Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2014

"Be comfortable being uncomfortable." Peter McWilliams

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Ps.119.71 NIV

Jesus drank from the bitter cup and refused the cup of comfort on the cross. There may be times when God may ask us to drink from the cup of affliction. We do well to remember that God only gives us a cup of medicine to heal, never a cup of poison to harm. Do not refuse His discipline; take your medicine with faith in the benefit it offers.  Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2014

"Be comfortable being uncomfortable." Peter McWilliams

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Ps.119.71 NIV

Jesus drank from the bitter cup and refused the cup of comfort on the cross. There may be times when God may ask us to drink from the cup of affliction. We do well to remember that God only gives us a cup of medicine to heal, never a cup of poison to harm. Do not refuse His discipline; take your medicine with faith in the benefit it offers.  Conversations Within” ts 4/23/2014

It is good to have reminders and one in particular--that grace alone defines our standing with God.

“For by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves.” Eph.2

No one likes to be reminded of how utterly sinful they are but we still need it from time to time. I need it because after being forgiven, my pride starts to creep back in and I start feeling smug because of something good I might have done. I am sure God is pleased when His children do good but we need to make no mistake about it, our only standing with God is because of His grace.  Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2014

It is good to have reminders and one in particular--that grace alone defines our standing with God.

“For by grace are you saved by faith and that not of yourselves.” Eph.2

No one likes to be reminded of how utterly sinful they are but we still need it from time to time. I need it because after being forgiven, my pride starts to creep back in and I start feeling smug because of something good I might have done. I am sure God is pleased when His children do good but we need to make no mistake about it, our only standing with God is because of His grace.  Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2014

“I do not understand the mysteries of grace, only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Ann Lamott

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer.29 NIV

Father spoke these words to me in some of the darkest days of my life. Sadly I was the one who had turned the light off. The darkness was my own making. It usually is. How precious when God declares His kind intentions when all we can see is how deserving we are of judgment rather than mercy. Every good thing in our life we owe to His proactive love and grace.     Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2014

“I do not understand the mysteries of grace, only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Ann Lamott

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer.29 NIV

Father spoke these words to me in some of the darkest days of my life. Sadly I was the one who had turned the light off. The darkness was my own making. It usually is. How precious when God declares His kind intentions when all we can see is how deserving we are of judgment rather than mercy. Every good thing in our life we owe to His proactive love and grace.     Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2014

“The only way around is through.” Robert Frost

“‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.” 2Chr.20

Is there any reason to worry about anything when God says to you, “I’ve got this.” Does God drop the ball or fail to take care of those things committed to Him. Often the greatest battle we face is not the trial coming against us but the inner struggle to believe that God will deal with them as He has promised. Believe! Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2014

“The only way around is through.” Robert Frost

“‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.” 2Chr.20

Is there any reason to worry about anything when God says to you, “I’ve got this.” Does God drop the ball or fail to take care of those things committed to Him. Often the greatest battle we face is not the trial coming against us but the inner struggle to believe that God will deal with them as He has promised. Believe! Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2014

“You are not alone, I am here with you.” Michael Jackson

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh.1

How precious is true companionship. What tremendous value is there in a friend. The cold ice of discouragement melts in the warm fire of souls committed to each other. This is never more true than it is with God. We are never alone. Never! Wake to the One who is always with you, around you, even in you. He is your ever present Friend.   Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2014

“You are not alone, I am here with you.” Michael Jackson

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh.1

How precious is true companionship. What tremendous value is there in a friend. The cold ice of discouragement melts in the warm fire of souls committed to each other. This is never more true than it is with God. We are never alone. Never! Wake to the One who is always with you, around you, even in you. He is your ever present Friend.   Conversations Within” ts 4/18/2014

“Don’t be discouraged, it’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.” – Unknown

“In your patience possess your souls.” Jesus

Often patience is all that is needed to deal with discouragement. We gracefully remind our heart that most difficulties, not only have been, but will continue to be resolved when God adds His grace to the passage of time. God’s kindness is the reason hurts heal. Possess your soul in patience and give God time to work all things together for good.

“Don’t be discouraged, it’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.” – Unknown

“In your patience possess your souls.” Jesus

Often patience is all that is needed to deal with discouragement. We gracefully remind our heart that most difficulties, not only have been, but will continue to be resolved when God adds His grace to the passage of time. God’s kindness is the reason hurts heal. Possess your soul in patience and give God time to work all things together for good.

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.” Unknown

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil.1 ESV

God knows that we all get discouraged. This is one of the reasons why Jesus repeatedly offers encouragement. This is of great comfort to me, because truthfully much of my discouragement comes from my failures past and present, to live the life I know God wants for me. But every desire I have for change comes from His abiding presence. He started me on this path to become and He invites us to believe He will see it through to the end.  Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.” Unknown

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil.1 ESV

God knows that we all get discouraged. This is one of the reasons why Jesus repeatedly offers encouragement. This is of great comfort to me, because truthfully much of my discouragement comes from my failures past and present, to live the life I know God wants for me. But every desire I have for change comes from His abiding presence. He started me on this path to become and He invites us to believe He will see it through to the end.  Conversations Within” ts 4/16/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Of course it hurts, it’s a spanking. How else would it work?” Breanna Hayse

"For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

If there was ever a time not to be happy I should think it would be anytime God is giving you a good spanking. We are told to be thankful that He loves us enough to discipline us, but it is silly to think He expects us to enjoy it. Pain, sorrow, trial and hardship do not necessarily come to us because we need correction, but everybody needs character. Endure pain, even give thanks for it but God does not expect you to enjoy it. Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Of course it hurts, it’s a spanking. How else would it work?” Breanna Hayse

"For the moment no discipline seems joyous but afterwards leaves the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

If there was ever a time not to be happy I should think it would be anytime God is giving you a good spanking. We are told to be thankful that He loves us enough to discipline us, but it is silly to think He expects us to enjoy it. Pain, sorrow, trial and hardship do not necessarily come to us because we need correction, but everybody needs character. Endure pain, even give thanks for it but God does not expect you to enjoy it. Conversations Within” ts 4/15/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement.” Billy Graham

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Ps.42

I sometimes wonder why I have moments of discouragement when I have so much to be thankful about. However, one can be grateful and discouraged at the same time. We all go through rainy seasons. Even Jesus had moments when He was troubled. It is unrealistic, even unhealthy, to burden ourselves with trying to be “up” all of the time. Embrace each moment for what it is, and soak up what benefit it can bring to you.    Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement.” Billy Graham

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Ps.42

I sometimes wonder why I have moments of discouragement when I have so much to be thankful about. However, one can be grateful and discouraged at the same time. We all go through rainy seasons. Even Jesus had moments when He was troubled. It is unrealistic, even unhealthy, to burden ourselves with trying to be “up” all of the time. Embrace each moment for what it is, and soak up what benefit it can bring to you.    Conversations Within” ts 4/14/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“What is once well done is done forever.” Henry David Thoreau

“...may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Rev.14

My only hope of lasting value and significance is to be like Christ and, my only hope of that is that the life of Christ lives in me. I am simply unable to imitate Him for I am too fickle to keep it up. But (and this is an important contrast) I can accept His life into my own. When He is living in me and I in Him, how could I not live like Him? How could I not produce lasting fruit?  Conversations Within” ts 4/12/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“What is once well done is done forever.” Henry David Thoreau

“...may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Rev.14

My only hope of lasting value and significance is to be like Christ and, my only hope of that is that the life of Christ lives in me. I am simply unable to imitate Him for I am too fickle to keep it up. But (and this is an important contrast) I can accept His life into my own. When He is living in me and I in Him, how could I not live like Him? How could I not produce lasting fruit?  Conversations Within” ts 4/12/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson

“Be where you are!” Ecc.9

It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. The same skills needed to to live then, are needed to live now. One of which is to attend to the present--to be where you are. I may not be able to get my head around forever, but I can certainly embrace this moment. Bathe yourself in the magic of this moment and experience the One whose name is, “I Am.” Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson

“Be where you are!” Ecc.9

It matters little to think about living forever if I am not living life now. The same skills needed to to live then, are needed to live now. One of which is to attend to the present--to be where you are. I may not be able to get my head around forever, but I can certainly embrace this moment. Bathe yourself in the magic of this moment and experience the One whose name is, “I Am.” Conversations Within” ts 4/11/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Life, life, eternal life.“ Pilgrim's Progress

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17

Jesus explained eternal life as “knowing God,” probably because it will take an eternity to discover all that God is to those who love Him. When a million years have past, we will still be finding new ways to experience His love. But surely we should not fail to experience God today. Lay hold of what the Eternal Fountain desires to be in this moment. When we do so, we find a connection to that eternal life that lives in us.  Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Life, life, eternal life.“ Pilgrim's Progress

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17

Jesus explained eternal life as “knowing God,” probably because it will take an eternity to discover all that God is to those who love Him. When a million years have past, we will still be finding new ways to experience His love. But surely we should not fail to experience God today. Lay hold of what the Eternal Fountain desires to be in this moment. When we do so, we find a connection to that eternal life that lives in us.  Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die.” C.S. Lewis

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being.” 2Cor.5 GNB

Just about everyone I know has some name for Heaven and believes, or at least hopes, they and their loved ones are going to it after they die. Of course, believing it, does not make it so.  Jesus taught that God is the only eternal and that those joined to Him should not only hope, but expect, to live forever. How then are we joined to God? The closest thing that I can compare it to is what we call marriage. Christ offers His hand in an eternal partnership. He awaits our answer of faith. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die.” C.S. Lewis

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being.” 2Cor.5 GNB

Just about everyone I know has some name for Heaven and believes, or at least hopes, they and their loved ones are going to it after they die. Of course, believing it, does not make it so.  Jesus taught that God is the only eternal and that those joined to Him should not only hope, but expect, to live forever. How then are we joined to God? The closest thing that I can compare it to is what we call marriage. Christ offers His hand in an eternal partnership. He awaits our answer of faith. Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” C.S. Lewis

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal.3

Soak me Lord, through and through. Immerse me in your life and love. Replace my fears with your faith, my selfishness with service to others, my desire for temporal trinkets with your aggressive pursuit of all things eternal. Fill my life with your own, that I would experience that which is life indeed! Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” C.S. Lewis

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal.3

Soak me Lord, through and through. Immerse me in your life and love. Replace my fears with your faith, my selfishness with service to others, my desire for temporal trinkets with your aggressive pursuit of all things eternal. Fill my life with your own, that I would experience that which is life indeed! Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Jesus

What is life if it is not lived well--when it both satisfying and good? And, it must possess both of these qualities, for what value is there in being satisfied if it is not good. If I want a good life let me make good choices. If I would live well, let goodness well up within me and flow from me.     Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

I wish to live, to live truly, to live well, to live forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Jesus

What is life if it is not lived well--when it both satisfying and good? And, it must possess both of these qualities, for what value is there in being satisfied if it is not good. If I want a good life let me make good choices. If I would live well, let goodness well up within me and flow from me.     Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

We shouldn't wonder if God thinks about us, the real wonder is when is He not?

"The very hairs of your head are numbered." Jesus

I am always underestimating God’s grace. But the littleness of my faith does not diminish the greatness of His goodness. It is said that “God is watching,” and usually when we hear this we immediately think He is watching in order catch us in some sin. I think it might be better to say that God is watching over us marking our way to protect, not to punish.  Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

We shouldn't wonder if God thinks about us, the real wonder is when is He not?

"The very hairs of your head are numbered." Jesus

I am always underestimating God’s grace. But the littleness of my faith does not diminish the greatness of His goodness. It is said that “God is watching,” and usually when we hear this we immediately think He is watching in order catch us in some sin. I think it might be better to say that God is watching over us marking our way to protect, not to punish.  Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

I think in the end we will be surprised to see how little is left to us because of our efforts and how much will be ours solely because of grace.

“O magnify the Lord with me!” Ps.34

I confess that I think and write too much about human responsibility and too little about God’s grace. You can, after all, block out the sun with your thumb. How little my focus. I walk around looking at the ground and miss God’s many wonders around me. Lift up my eyes Lord that I may be captured by your beauty and staggered by your love.  Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

I think in the end we will be surprised to see how little is left to us because of our efforts and how much will be ours solely because of grace.

“O magnify the Lord with me!” Ps.34

I confess that I think and write too much about human responsibility and too little about God’s grace. You can, after all, block out the sun with your thumb. How little my focus. I walk around looking at the ground and miss God’s many wonders around me. Lift up my eyes Lord that I may be captured by your beauty and staggered by your love.  Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“God, I thank you for second chances.” Prodigal teen

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” “What a horrible thought!” Rom.6

One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Of course this is no excuse for abusing His grace. Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“God, I thank you for second chances.” Prodigal teen

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” “What a horrible thought!” Rom.6

One quality of redeeming love is its enduring patience. Love does whatever is needed for as long as it is needed. Thank God for His redeeming love. No matter how many times or how bad we blow it; God always forgives the returning sinner. Of course this is no excuse for abusing His grace. Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

"A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read." Mark Twain

“Today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart.” Heb.3

God's grace is an enabling power that comes to us in moments of decision. God gives it to us freely, and we can freely choose to accept or reject it. The person who has been offered grace but refuses it is free to do so, but is not free from the consequences. But praise God, even bad consequences are themselves a means of  grace. God uses them to teach us the value of listening to Him the next time around.  Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

"A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read." Mark Twain

“Today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart.” Heb.3

God's grace is an enabling power that comes to us in moments of decision. God gives it to us freely, and we can freely choose to accept or reject it. The person who has been offered grace but refuses it is free to do so, but is not free from the consequences. But praise God, even bad consequences are themselves a means of  grace. God uses them to teach us the value of listening to Him the next time around.  Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

Anything we receive from God is not determined by our worthiness but by His great grace.

“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.” Heb.10 

If I dare ask anything from God, let me ask boldly--not to commend my worthiness to receive, but to compliment His generosity to give. Be bold in prayer; He has already shown us His kind intentions when He sought us out for adoption as son and daughters.   Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

Anything we receive from God is not determined by our worthiness but by His great grace.

“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.” Heb.10 

If I dare ask anything from God, let me ask boldly--not to commend my worthiness to receive, but to compliment His generosity to give. Be bold in prayer; He has already shown us His kind intentions when He sought us out for adoption as son and daughters.   Conversations Within” ts 2/1/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

What could be better than to have the favor of God?

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." Gen.6

When people ask me how I am doing, I often reply that I am doing better than I deserve. Many times, people respond, "Aren't we all?" For the most part people realize that grace is undeserved. Even so, it is said that God gives grace to the humble. This is true because a humble man knows he needs grace, so only the humble heart can receive it.  Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

What could be better than to have the favor of God?

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." Gen.6

When people ask me how I am doing, I often reply that I am doing better than I deserve. Many times, people respond, "Aren't we all?" For the most part people realize that grace is undeserved. Even so, it is said that God gives grace to the humble. This is true because a humble man knows he needs grace, so only the humble heart can receive it.  Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2014 (Jacksonville, FL)

“The doors of Hell are locked on the inside.” C. S.Lewis

“O Death where is your sting?” 1Cor.15

Why would a loving God create hell and death? I am not sure He did. God created choice and it was the abuse of that freedom that created hell and death. You could say that we created them the moment we turned from our created purpose--to love God and be loved by Him. But consider the goodness of God--He has taken our perverse creation and reserved it. If we understand Christ’s accomplishments in the least, death no longer has to carry us away from God but can actually carry us to Him. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“The doors of Hell are locked on the inside.” C. S.Lewis

“O Death where is your sting?” 1Cor.15

Why would a loving God create hell and death? I am not sure He did. God created choice and it was the abuse of that freedom that created hell and death. You could say that we created them the moment we turned from our created purpose--to love God and be loved by Him. But consider the goodness of God--He has taken our perverse creation and reserved it. If we understand Christ’s accomplishments in the least, death no longer has to carry us away from God but can actually carry us to Him. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

Freedom and purpose go hand in hand, for what is freedom without a good purpose.

“In the day you eat of it, in that day you will surely die.” Father

God gives us freedom because He wants sons and daughters not slaves. Some argue that there is no real freedom if God is threatening us with Hell. But God does not threaten us with hell if we do not love Him, no more than a parent who warns their child of the danger of crossing the street without holding their hand. God is not making threats, He is telling us the true nature of life and its purpose. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

Freedom and purpose go hand in hand, for what is freedom without a good purpose.

“In the day you eat of it, in that day you will surely die.” Father

God gives us freedom because He wants sons and daughters not slaves. Some argue that there is no real freedom if God is threatening us with Hell. But God does not threaten us with hell if we do not love Him, no more than a parent who warns their child of the danger of crossing the street without holding their hand. God is not making threats, He is telling us the true nature of life and its purpose. Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” Rick Warren

“We are His people the sheep of His pasture.” Ps.100

It is good for me to be reminded that my life is not my own. I belong to God, and though He has given me the freedom to love Him or not, my every breath is borrowed--the ones I use to thank Him, even the ones I use for selfish ends. Fundamentally, I believe that I was made for God to enjoy. Equally so, I believe I was made to enjoy Him. My life lays hold of its greatest expression when these two come together.   Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” Rick Warren

“We are His people the sheep of His pasture.” Ps.100

It is good for me to be reminded that my life is not my own. I belong to God, and though He has given me the freedom to love Him or not, my every breath is borrowed--the ones I use to thank Him, even the ones I use for selfish ends. Fundamentally, I believe that I was made for God to enjoy. Equally so, I believe I was made to enjoy Him. My life lays hold of its greatest expression when these two come together.   Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Rick Warren

“All who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1Jo.4

If there is a clear purpose to life, it is to love and be loved. Our love for God creates and sustains all other loves. Our problem is not loving people or even animals too much, it is that we love God too little. When we love God with all our heart and seek Him as no other, we will find ourselves loving others more. And, not only will we love them to a greater degree, our love will be a wiser and better love. The reason is that our love for God will shape all other loves in excellence.  Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2014 (Hayneville, AL)

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Rick Warren

“All who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1Jo.4

If there is a clear purpose to life, it is to love and be loved. Our love for God creates and sustains all other loves. Our problem is not loving people or even animals too much, it is that we love God too little. When we love God with all our heart and seek Him as no other, we will find ourselves loving others more. And, not only will we love them to a greater degree, our love will be a wiser and better love. The reason is that our love for God will shape all other loves in excellence.  Conversations Within” ts 3/26/2014 (Hayneville, AL)