“I will fear no evil.” Ps.23

“Because the Lord is at my right hand I will not be shaken.” Ps.16

Am I afraid--afraid of injury, of loss, of cancer, of death or dying? Am I afraid for my family and friends? I confess that I move in and out of my confidence in God’s promise of provision and protection even though He has proven faithful my whole life. I want to move deeper into the grace that is mine in Christ--to know with certainty that all is well with me when all is well with HIm.

“I will fear no evil.” Ps.23

“Because the Lord is at my right hand I will not be shaken.” Ps.16

Am I afraid--afraid of injury, of loss, of cancer, of death or dying? Am I afraid for my family and friends? I confess that I move in and out of my confidence in God’s promise of provision and protection even though He has proven faithful my whole life. I want to move deeper into the grace that is mine in Christ--to know with certainty that all is well with me when all is well with HIm.

Even when God chooses not to protect us He does so with our best interest in mind.

“But they did not inquire of the LORD.” Josh 9

I can think of at least three occasions where God might not protect us. One is when we run ahead of His counsel by failing to consult Him especially we we start some new venture. Another would be when we choose to disobey His counsel once He has given it.  And, interestingly a third time might be when it is in our best interest to suffer some loss in order to attain some future gain. Just ask Bethany Hamilton.  Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2014

Even when God chooses not to protect us He does so with our best interest in mind.

“But they did not inquire of the LORD.” Josh 9

I can think of at least three occasions where God might not protect us. One is when we run ahead of His counsel by failing to consult Him especially we we start some new venture. Another would be when we choose to disobey His counsel once He has given it.  And, interestingly a third time might be when it is in our best interest to suffer some loss in order to attain some future gain. Just ask Bethany Hamilton.  Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2014

“You are the apple of my eye, forever you’ll stay in my heart.” Stevie Wonder

“Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.” Zech.2

People are instinctively protective of their eyes. God gives us the assurance that it is as natural for Him to protect us as we do the apple, the pupil of our eye. It is the instinctive nature of God to watch over the well-being of his own. Would you let anything touch your eye?  Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2014

“You are the apple of my eye, forever you’ll stay in my heart.” Stevie Wonder

“Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.” Zech.2

People are instinctively protective of their eyes. God gives us the assurance that it is as natural for Him to protect us as we do the apple, the pupil of our eye. It is the instinctive nature of God to watch over the well-being of his own. Would you let anything touch your eye?  Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2014

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein

“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders.” Ps.72

God protects people in a variety of ways. He uses Angels; He uses our own good common sense. He might perform a supernatural act or simply use the kind actions of another. What is important is that we understand that it is God working on our behalf in every instance using either a natural or supernatural means. It may require more faith from us to see his hand in everyday ordinary means than when he does what we call a miracle . Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2014

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein

“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders.” Ps.72

God protects people in a variety of ways. He uses Angels; He uses our own good common sense. He might perform a supernatural act or simply use the kind actions of another. What is important is that we understand that it is God working on our behalf in every instance using either a natural or supernatural means. It may require more faith from us to see his hand in everyday ordinary means than when he does what we call a miracle . Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2014

“Safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” Dillon Burroughs

“And he will give his angels charge concerning you and they will bear you up in their arms.” Ps.91

Most of us can remember a time when we should have been injured or even killed but were miraculously spared. Most of us have never seen an angel but we have probably witnessed their protection. God uses angels for a variety of reasons and all of them to send a clear message that He has numbered the hairs of our head and cares deeply about our lives. Faith teaches us to believe this even when He allows injury rather than prevents it.  Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2014

“Safety comes in our nearness to God, not in our distance from our enemies.” Dillon Burroughs

“And he will give his angels charge concerning you and they will bear you up in their arms.” Ps.91

Most of us can remember a time when we should have been injured or even killed but were miraculously spared. Most of us have never seen an angel but we have probably witnessed their protection. God uses angels for a variety of reasons and all of them to send a clear message that He has numbered the hairs of our head and cares deeply about our lives. Faith teaches us to believe this even when He allows injury rather than prevents it.  Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2014

The warm fire of fearing God will melt the chilling ice of all other fears.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” Ps.34

Continually give God your most reverent fear and you will never need to fear anything else. God repeatedly offers His assurance of protection to those who fear Him. The fear of the Lord is not only a most reverent regard for His power but trusting His willingness to use it on behalf of those who look to Him.  Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2014

The warm fire of fearing God will melt the chilling ice of all other fears.

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” Ps.34

Continually give God your most reverent fear and you will never need to fear anything else. God repeatedly offers His assurance of protection to those who fear Him. The fear of the Lord is not only a most reverent regard for His power but trusting His willingness to use it on behalf of those who look to Him.  Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2014

The best way through it once you are in it, is through it.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov.17

Some things must simply be endured. A “do whatever it takes” attitude is a mature response in such times. This may mean that we “call in the cavalry” and ask for help. “What are friends for?” has never had a better application than when you lean on them when overwhelmed by life. Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2014

The best way through it once you are in it, is through it.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov.17

Some things must simply be endured. A “do whatever it takes” attitude is a mature response in such times. This may mean that we “call in the cavalry” and ask for help. “What are friends for?” has never had a better application than when you lean on them when overwhelmed by life. Conversations Within” ts 10/18/2014

Feelings should never be the engine that powers our train down the tracks of life but more like the caboose that follows good decisions.

“My peace I give you.” Jesus

It is sad that the soul is so divided. We know without doing, we do without feeling. The peace of Christ comes to heal these fragmentations. When the healing is complete, what we know and do and feel will be merged back into oneness and we will finally live with an undivided heart. Until then we must do what we know and do it even if it means dragging our feelings kicking and screaming behind us.    Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2014

Feelings should never be the engine that powers our train down the tracks of life but more like the caboose that follows good decisions.

“My peace I give you.” Jesus

It is sad that the soul is so divided. We know without doing, we do without feeling. The peace of Christ comes to heal these fragmentations. When the healing is complete, what we know and do and feel will be merged back into oneness and we will finally live with an undivided heart. Until then we must do what we know and do it even if it means dragging our feelings kicking and screaming behind us.    Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2014

“I'll never be PERFECT, but I can be better.” Anonymous

“Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Jesus

It is not so much that we must endure less than perfect circumstances, but our silly expectations of them. Face it, it will never be perfect in this place. A wise person does not strive for perfection, but for excellence. Give life your best. It will never be good enough but Christ will make up what is lacking--somewhat like the parent who accepts the assistance of a child who wants to help with a task beyond their abilities. Effort counts; grace counts more.       Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2014

“I'll never be PERFECT, but I can be better.” Anonymous

“Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Jesus

It is not so much that we must endure less than perfect circumstances, but our silly expectations of them. Face it, it will never be perfect in this place. A wise person does not strive for perfection, but for excellence. Give life your best. It will never be good enough but Christ will make up what is lacking--somewhat like the parent who accepts the assistance of a child who wants to help with a task beyond their abilities. Effort counts; grace counts more.       Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2014

“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Dory--Finding Nemo

“I press on.” The Apostle Paul

Ever put yourself on autopilot? You do the things you have to do, even when your heart is not in them. We all seem to have seasons like this. When we do, the bills still have to be paid; the kids got off to school, and the baby’s diaper changed. We should not make a habit of living this way--just going through the motions, but everybody needs to know how to function when they don’t feel like it. There are rewards for doing beyond feeling good.   Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2014

“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Dory--Finding Nemo

“I press on.” The Apostle Paul

Ever put yourself on autopilot? You do the things you have to do, even when your heart is not in them. We all seem to have seasons like this. When we do, the bills still have to be paid; the kids got off to school, and the baby’s diaper changed. We should not make a habit of living this way--just going through the motions, but everybody needs to know how to function when they don’t feel like it. There are rewards for doing beyond feeling good.   Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2014

“Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.”Jonatan Mårtensson

‘Blessed are you if you do them.” Jesus

A large part of life is learning how to manage your feelings. Feelings, as much a circumstances, can hinder us from doing what is good, right and true. We must learn to ignore our feelings when they tempt us to neglect our duty. We may not feel like going to work, or changing the babies diaper but we do it anyway. I may not feel like doing a lot of things but if it is good, right and true, let me do it anyway.  Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2014

“Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.”Jonatan Mårtensson

‘Blessed are you if you do them.” Jesus

A large part of life is learning how to manage your feelings. Feelings, as much a circumstances, can hinder us from doing what is good, right and true. We must learn to ignore our feelings when they tempt us to neglect our duty. We may not feel like going to work, or changing the babies diaper but we do it anyway. I may not feel like doing a lot of things but if it is good, right and true, let me do it anyway.  Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2014

Do not put off doing what is right just because the circumstances are wrong.

‘A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” Luke 22

I have always been impressed that Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper, perhaps the greatest symbol of unity, and He did so while the disciples were arguing. Jesus did not let a bad situation deter Him from working good. If we wait for everything to be right before we act, we will never accomplish anything of value.  Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2014

Do not put off doing what is right just because the circumstances are wrong.

‘A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” Luke 22

I have always been impressed that Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper, perhaps the greatest symbol of unity, and He did so while the disciples were arguing. Jesus did not let a bad situation deter Him from working good. If we wait for everything to be right before we act, we will never accomplish anything of value.  Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2014

”No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find.” C. S. Lewis

“Seek and you will find.” Jesus

To experience forgiveness we must want and seek it. We may even have God’s forgiveness, but if we fail to acknowledge it, we can certainly miss its joy. The one who asks forgiveness and the one who grants it, share, both, in the joy and union of the love that covers a multitude of transgressions. Such union is Heaven itself. Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2014

”No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find.” C. S. Lewis

“Seek and you will find.” Jesus

To experience forgiveness we must want and seek it. We may even have God’s forgiveness, but if we fail to acknowledge it, we can certainly miss its joy. The one who asks forgiveness and the one who grants it, share, both, in the joy and union of the love that covers a multitude of transgressions. Such union is Heaven itself. Conversations Within” ts 10/11/2014

“Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve. Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve.” Garth Brooks

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

I suppose that my most common reply when people ask me how I am doing is to say, “I am doing better than I deserve.” People who know what I am talking about will sometimes say, “Aren’t we all.” God does so much more than forgive us when we ask Him. He treats us with grace and goodness. Surely this is a God worthy of our worship. Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2014

“Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve. Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve.” Garth Brooks

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

I suppose that my most common reply when people ask me how I am doing is to say, “I am doing better than I deserve.” People who know what I am talking about will sometimes say, “Aren’t we all.” God does so much more than forgive us when we ask Him. He treats us with grace and goodness. Surely this is a God worthy of our worship. Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2014

“I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.” Jimmy Carter, interview in Playboy magazine, 1976

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo.1

It is one thing to sin presumptuously and another to presume that God will forgive us when we ask him to do so. The former is used as an excuse to sin because you believe God will forgive you, and the latter expresses a confident faith that God will forgive us after we have repented.  “Keep back your servant... from presumptuous sins.”  Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2014

“I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.” Jimmy Carter, interview in Playboy magazine, 1976

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1Jo.1

It is one thing to sin presumptuously and another to presume that God will forgive us when we ask him to do so. The former is used as an excuse to sin because you believe God will forgive you, and the latter expresses a confident faith that God will forgive us after we have repented.  “Keep back your servant... from presumptuous sins.”  Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2014

“If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves.” C. S. Lewis

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Is.1

Why is it important we forgive ourselves? One simple reason is that guilt tends to cripple us in a bog of despair. The main problem with this is that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, which is what messed us up in the first place. God forgives people so we can move forward, not wallow in self pity.  Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2014

“If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves.” C. S. Lewis

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Is.1

Why is it important we forgive ourselves? One simple reason is that guilt tends to cripple us in a bog of despair. The main problem with this is that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, which is what messed us up in the first place. God forgives people so we can move forward, not wallow in self pity.  Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2014

“Forgiveness is a promise not a feeling. When you forgive other people, you are making a promise not to use their past sin against them.” Brett

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Ps.103

The whole point that God has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west is to assure us not only of His absolute forgiveness, but also that He will not take them into account against us in His dealings with us. This does not mean that He will not take them into account at all. He will surely do so to help us overcome them. In this way God is being nice to us not naive. Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2014

“Forgiveness is a promise not a feeling. When you forgive other people, you are making a promise not to use their past sin against them.” Brett

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Ps.103

The whole point that God has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west is to assure us not only of His absolute forgiveness, but also that He will not take them into account against us in His dealings with us. This does not mean that He will not take them into account at all. He will surely do so to help us overcome them. In this way God is being nice to us not naive. Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2014

“If God didn't forgive sinners heaven would be empty.” Unknown

“But with you there is forgiveness…” Ps.130

I have often thought that God is more willing to forgive our sins than we are willing to ask Him to do so. How precious the reassurance that God has forgiven our worst transgressions. The enemies of our soul would imprison us in a sea of guilt while the Spirit of Christ desires to lead us to the quiet harbor of peace--the confidence that all your sins are forgiven.   Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2014

“If God didn't forgive sinners heaven would be empty.” Unknown

“But with you there is forgiveness…” Ps.130

I have often thought that God is more willing to forgive our sins than we are willing to ask Him to do so. How precious the reassurance that God has forgiven our worst transgressions. The enemies of our soul would imprison us in a sea of guilt while the Spirit of Christ desires to lead us to the quiet harbor of peace--the confidence that all your sins are forgiven.   Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2014

When you speak for God make sure you are speaking for God.

“Thus saith the Lord.” Bible

I confess that some of the things I believe are probably wrong, and some of the things I have said or written do not reflect the sentiments of Jesus even when I thought I was speaking or writing them on His behalf. So, let me say this, and I am certain He approves, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”   Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2014

When you speak for God make sure you are speaking for God.

“Thus saith the Lord.” Bible

I confess that some of the things I believe are probably wrong, and some of the things I have said or written do not reflect the sentiments of Jesus even when I thought I was speaking or writing them on His behalf. So, let me say this, and I am certain He approves, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”   Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2014

”When you judge someone else, It doesn't define who they are, It defines who you are.” Unknown.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Jesus

The Spirit of God generally convicts people when they do wrong. Unfortunately, people like to play “Jr. Holy Spirit” and run around trying to correct everything and everybody. We tend to forget our own shortcomings when we focus on the sins of others. If we need mercy with God, it is wise to be merciful in our assessment of others. Keep it simple where others are concerned--judge not. Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2014

”When you judge someone else, It doesn't define who they are, It defines who you are.” Unknown.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Jesus

The Spirit of God generally convicts people when they do wrong. Unfortunately, people like to play “Jr. Holy Spirit” and run around trying to correct everything and everybody. We tend to forget our own shortcomings when we focus on the sins of others. If we need mercy with God, it is wise to be merciful in our assessment of others. Keep it simple where others are concerned--judge not. Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2014

Light serves best, not when it blinds, but when it shines.

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

The Christian witness is not supposed to be a bright light shining in the face of our neighbor, but a light that shines on the path of God’s goodness in Christ to help them discover the joy of faith. It seems that many in the Church have joined the ranting crowd, preaching only to those who already agree with them. We were sent into the world to be light, not rant against the darkness. Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2014

Light serves best, not when it blinds, but when it shines.

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

The Christian witness is not supposed to be a bright light shining in the face of our neighbor, but a light that shines on the path of God’s goodness in Christ to help them discover the joy of faith. It seems that many in the Church have joined the ranting crowd, preaching only to those who already agree with them. We were sent into the world to be light, not rant against the darkness. Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2014

“We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.” David Platt

“If you lose your life for my sake you will find it.” Jesus

I am the problem. I am pretty much everything that is wrong in my world. There is certainly a great deal else that is wrong with the world, but I either add to it or I fail to deal with it properly when it comes my way. Jesus would strip away the rags of a self9-centered life and dress us in the garments of love and service. Teach me how to abandon myself Lord, and in doing so finally find myself.   Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2014

“We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.” David Platt

“If you lose your life for my sake you will find it.” Jesus

I am the problem. I am pretty much everything that is wrong in my world. There is certainly a great deal else that is wrong with the world, but I either add to it or I fail to deal with it properly when it comes my way. Jesus would strip away the rags of a self9-centered life and dress us in the garments of love and service. Teach me how to abandon myself Lord, and in doing so finally find myself.   Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2014

“We desperately need to explore how much of our understanding of the gospel is American and how much is biblical.” David Platt

“Act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6

Having rights, even God given rights, does not mean that we cannot set them aside to serve the cause of Christian love. Indeed Christ will often lead us to do so. We can establish laws which protect our borders but can and should be compassionate toward those who want a better life. We can have laws protecting our right to private property and still seek goodness for the one who steals from us. Just because the law gives me the right to sue someone, love may call me to overlook an offense. In our pursuit of justice do we really want to forget mercy?   Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2014

“We desperately need to explore how much of our understanding of the gospel is American and how much is biblical.” David Platt

“Act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6

Having rights, even God given rights, does not mean that we cannot set them aside to serve the cause of Christian love. Indeed Christ will often lead us to do so. We can establish laws which protect our borders but can and should be compassionate toward those who want a better life. We can have laws protecting our right to private property and still seek goodness for the one who steals from us. Just because the law gives me the right to sue someone, love may call me to overlook an offense. In our pursuit of justice do we really want to forget mercy?   Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2014

"What if Jesus was serious?" David Platt

“Love your enemies.” Jesus

Jesus said some pretty radical stuff. Unfortunately for us, we all find ways of explaining most of it away. Surely He did not mean that if someone steals my coat I should give them my shirt or that I should not defend myself if someone hits me. The American version is that it would  better for them if we turned them over to the police. Of course Jesus would only tell us to visit and befriend them in prison. There is no getting around his example. He calls us to lay down our lives in loving even our enemies. Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2014

"What if Jesus was serious?" David Platt

“Love your enemies.” Jesus

Jesus said some pretty radical stuff. Unfortunately for us, we all find ways of explaining most of it away. Surely He did not mean that if someone steals my coat I should give them my shirt or that I should not defend myself if someone hits me. The American version is that it would  better for them if we turned them over to the police. Of course Jesus would only tell us to visit and befriend them in prison. There is no getting around his example. He calls us to lay down our lives in loving even our enemies. Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2014

Refusing to complain is often the evidence of unwavering faith.

“Have faith in God.” Jesus

If I believe in the kind intentions of God and that He is both able and willing to give direction to my life, then why would I complain when His wisdom chooses to allow something to come my way. Do I believe in Him or not? To give thanks is to trust God, to complain is doubt Him.  Conversations Within” ts 9/27/2014

Refusing to complain is often the evidence of unwavering faith.

“Have faith in God.” Jesus

If I believe in the kind intentions of God and that He is both able and willing to give direction to my life, then why would I complain when His wisdom chooses to allow something to come my way. Do I believe in Him or not? To give thanks is to trust God, to complain is doubt Him.  Conversations Within” ts 9/27/2014

“Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses.” -Proverb

“...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus Christ

May faith in Christ give you an undaunted hope for everlasting joy. May His pleasure be your constant companion. Lift up your eyes and see God’s kindness in every event; His love in all that comes your way; His mercy in every malady and His grace to see that grace is always with you. May the love of Christ give you the eyes of Heaven even when walking the streets of Hell. Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2014

“Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses.” -Proverb

“...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus Christ

May faith in Christ give you an undaunted hope for everlasting joy. May His pleasure be your constant companion. Lift up your eyes and see God’s kindness in every event; His love in all that comes your way; His mercy in every malady and His grace to see that grace is always with you. May the love of Christ give you the eyes of Heaven even when walking the streets of Hell. Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2014

“Look for the treasure in every trial.” Joyce Meyer

“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2Cor.9

Looking for something good when something bad happens is more than a feel good gimmick, it is a practical way to participate with the changes that God wants to work in our hearts. Bad things happen outside our control, but a bad attitude about it is always our choice. When we look in faith for the “silver lining” we take the first step to discover what God is doing to work goodness in and around us. Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2014

“Look for the treasure in every trial.” Joyce Meyer

“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2Cor.9

Looking for something good when something bad happens is more than a feel good gimmick, it is a practical way to participate with the changes that God wants to work in our hearts. Bad things happen outside our control, but a bad attitude about it is always our choice. When we look in faith for the “silver lining” we take the first step to discover what God is doing to work goodness in and around us. Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2014