“Be kind to unkind people. They need it most.” Ashleigh Brilliant

“People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others.” Jesus

I am always saddened when people unfriend or choose to purge negative people from their interactions. How can we be light in a dark place if we never venture there? How can we be light to hurting people if all we do is spend time with positive friends? It is often the people who need love most who gripe and complain. Do not abandon such people, but hold them with the grip of grace and overwhelm the darkness of their negative outlook with the light of positive love.    Conversations Within” ts 8/25/2015

“Be kind to unkind people. They need it most.” Ashleigh Brilliant

“People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others.” Jesus

I am always saddened when people unfriend or choose to purge negative people from their interactions. How can we be light in a dark place if we never venture there? How can we be light to hurting people if all we do is spend time with positive friends? It is often the people who need love most who gripe and complain. Do not abandon such people, but hold them with the grip of grace and overwhelm the darkness of their negative outlook with the light of positive love.    Conversations Within” ts 8/25/2015

“You don’t need reason to help people.” Unknown

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” 1Jo.3

Unrestrained kindness is the mark of the spiritually mature--a good sign that God’s love has taken root in our heart. A spring of refreshment cannot help but enthusiastically pour out goodness on others. Be that bubbling brook of blessings.  Reach out your hands to help heal the hurts of the world. Be the giver in a world of takers and find that love is its own reward! Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2015

“You don’t need reason to help people.” Unknown

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” 1Jo.3

Unrestrained kindness is the mark of the spiritually mature--a good sign that God’s love has taken root in our heart. A spring of refreshment cannot help but enthusiastically pour out goodness on others. Be that bubbling brook of blessings.  Reach out your hands to help heal the hurts of the world. Be the giver in a world of takers and find that love is its own reward! Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2015

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

“What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?” Ps.116

The other day someone opened the outer door of a restaurant for me and I in turn opened the inner door for him.  We both acknowledged each other with a smile. One way to say thank you is with our actions not just our words. We can show our appreciation in service and our gratitude in giving. We may wonder how can we give to the Almighty? Unsurprisingly, He has made it clear that He will gladly accept our service to each other. Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2015

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

“What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?” Ps.116

The other day someone opened the outer door of a restaurant for me and I in turn opened the inner door for him.  We both acknowledged each other with a smile. One way to say thank you is with our actions not just our words. We can show our appreciation in service and our gratitude in giving. We may wonder how can we give to the Almighty? Unsurprisingly, He has made it clear that He will gladly accept our service to each other. Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2015

“Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.” Ralph Marston

“Therefore let us be grateful…” Heb.12

There are two words, when put together, have such tremendous value we could say them every single day. Most of us were raised by our parents to express the simple words, “Thank you!” Rise each day and retire each night using them as your first and last expression. And, if we use them in our interactions with others throughout the day, we will discover not only the value of the many ways that people contribute to our lives, but also the value of appreciating them. A heart-felt “Thank you,” will train our heart to appraise, appreciate and measure true wealth. Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2015

“Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.” Ralph Marston

“Therefore let us be grateful…” Heb.12

There are two words, when put together, have such tremendous value we could say them every single day. Most of us were raised by our parents to express the simple words, “Thank you!” Rise each day and retire each night using them as your first and last expression. And, if we use them in our interactions with others throughout the day, we will discover not only the value of the many ways that people contribute to our lives, but also the value of appreciating them. A heart-felt “Thank you,” will train our heart to appraise, appreciate and measure true wealth. Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2015

“Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.” Tony Robbins

“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD” Is.45

I want to be that person who is always grateful for what I have rather than one who is always focusing on what I do not have. Oh how the world changes in the light of gratitude! We appreciate when we appraise and declare the value of something or someone to our heart. How well do I know the value of God and His many gifts to me? The greatness of my gratitude is the measure of my true wealth. Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2015

“Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.” Tony Robbins

“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD” Is.45

I want to be that person who is always grateful for what I have rather than one who is always focusing on what I do not have. Oh how the world changes in the light of gratitude! We appreciate when we appraise and declare the value of something or someone to our heart. How well do I know the value of God and His many gifts to me? The greatness of my gratitude is the measure of my true wealth. Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2015

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Ps.34

I am increasingly appreciative of those people who have enriched our lives with music. How wonderful it must be to express one’s life refreshing others with song! To appreciate something is to share in it, even add to its goodness by doing so. Smell life’s flowers, take time to appreciate and share in the many expressions of the goodness of God, and we become a part of the goodness ourselves. Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2015

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Ps.34

I am increasingly appreciative of those people who have enriched our lives with music. How wonderful it must be to express one’s life refreshing others with song! To appreciate something is to share in it, even add to its goodness by doing so. Smell life’s flowers, take time to appreciate and share in the many expressions of the goodness of God, and we become a part of the goodness ourselves. Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2015

”Mortals, join the happy chorus, Which the morning stars began.” Henry J. van Dyke

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Is.55

Nature is alive in celebration. Even the stars in the night sky move in a circular dance. And though all is not as the Creator originally designed, every living thing cherishes living. Join the song, unite in the dance and celebrate the wonder of being alive. Do not let a single day go by without lifting up your own personal song of thanksgiving.   Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2015

”Mortals, join the happy chorus, Which the morning stars began.” Henry J. van Dyke

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Is.55

Nature is alive in celebration. Even the stars in the night sky move in a circular dance. And though all is not as the Creator originally designed, every living thing cherishes living. Join the song, unite in the dance and celebrate the wonder of being alive. Do not let a single day go by without lifting up your own personal song of thanksgiving.   Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2015

“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.” Unknown

“Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5

A great deal of the unhappiness in the world can be traced to something as simple as an ungrateful heart.  If we are not satisfied with our spouse, it is probably because we are not giving thanks for them. Thanksgiving scatters the seeds of joy in the garden of the soul, and when watered with our faith yields a harvest of joy and happiness. When we are satisfied with all that God is for us in the provisions he has made--our spouse, our job, our circumstances, we discover the very joy of living. Melt the unhappiness in your life with the warm breath of thanksgiving. Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2015

“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.” Unknown

“Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.5

A great deal of the unhappiness in the world can be traced to something as simple as an ungrateful heart.  If we are not satisfied with our spouse, it is probably because we are not giving thanks for them. Thanksgiving scatters the seeds of joy in the garden of the soul, and when watered with our faith yields a harvest of joy and happiness. When we are satisfied with all that God is for us in the provisions he has made--our spouse, our job, our circumstances, we discover the very joy of living. Melt the unhappiness in your life with the warm breath of thanksgiving. Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2015

Grace doesn't come just to forgive us, it comes to change us.

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!” Rom.6

Most of the time when we think about grace we focus on the fact that it is an undeserved kindness. Doing so keeps us humble. It also keeps us ever looking for more of it. It is not that we intend to keep doing wrong so God can be gracious again, instead we look for grace to keep us from doing wrong again. It is hard to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” while we are actively planning to give in to it. But the humility that comes from grace reminds us that we are the sort of people who would do just that. It is ultimately our fallen condition that must be healed. Conversations Within” ts 8/14/2015

Grace doesn't come just to forgive us, it comes to change us.

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!” Rom.6

Most of the time when we think about grace we focus on the fact that it is an undeserved kindness. Doing so keeps us humble. It also keeps us ever looking for more of it. It is not that we intend to keep doing wrong so God can be gracious again, instead we look for grace to keep us from doing wrong again. It is hard to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” while we are actively planning to give in to it. But the humility that comes from grace reminds us that we are the sort of people who would do just that. It is ultimately our fallen condition that must be healed. Conversations Within” ts 8/14/2015

“I give grace because I so desperately need it.” –Lysa Terkeurst

“Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other...just as the Lord forgave you, Col.3

I think one of the reasons why God shows us grace is to encourage us to be gracious to others. Grace does not treat people as they deserve. It chooses instead to deliberately treat them with kindness. Grace chooses humility over hostility, compassion over condemnation, and forgiveness over fighting. Grace is gracious without condition--without putting demands on others to perform before we show them lovingkindness. Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2015

“I give grace because I so desperately need it.” –Lysa Terkeurst

“Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other...just as the Lord forgave you, Col.3

I think one of the reasons why God shows us grace is to encourage us to be gracious to others. Grace does not treat people as they deserve. It chooses instead to deliberately treat them with kindness. Grace chooses humility over hostility, compassion over condemnation, and forgiveness over fighting. Grace is gracious without condition--without putting demands on others to perform before we show them lovingkindness. Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2015

”A deeper ocean I had not seen…Grace!” Mariel Davenport

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

I think to fully appreciate grace we must first fully appreciate our own weakness. You might wonder if I should say “weaknesses” instead of just “weakness.” Actually we all have only one true weakness, and that is an inability to produce or even experience anything good apart from God. Until we abandon our efforts to do so, we will never experience the power of grace. When we do, we will find that grace can change even our weakness into something good. Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2015

”A deeper ocean I had not seen…Grace!” Mariel Davenport

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2Cor.12

I think to fully appreciate grace we must first fully appreciate our own weakness. You might wonder if I should say “weaknesses” instead of just “weakness.” Actually we all have only one true weakness, and that is an inability to produce or even experience anything good apart from God. Until we abandon our efforts to do so, we will never experience the power of grace. When we do, we will find that grace can change even our weakness into something good. Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2015

“Grace changes everything!” Unknown

“And 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

Grace comes to us in many forms. Sometimes it is an encouraging word from a friend. Other times it can be a good kick in the seat of our pants. God is wise in His dealing with each of us. He tailors whatever expression of grace is needed for the moment with the singular goal of forming Christ in our attitude and choices. The best response to grace that I know of is to take the helping hand God is extending to us, and utilize its power. Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2015

“Grace changes everything!” Unknown

“And 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

Grace comes to us in many forms. Sometimes it is an encouraging word from a friend. Other times it can be a good kick in the seat of our pants. God is wise in His dealing with each of us. He tailors whatever expression of grace is needed for the moment with the singular goal of forming Christ in our attitude and choices. The best response to grace that I know of is to take the helping hand God is extending to us, and utilize its power. Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2015

Grace is the defining difference in everything good.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” 2Cor.15

Did I rise healthy this morning? I did so because of God’s grace. The coffee I drink, the food I eat, the home I live in, the friends I have, are all expressions of His grace in my life. Grace has made me wealthy in immeasurable ways, and the grace I have in Christ is itself my greatest wealth. Everything good in my life, every good thing I bring to others is because of His wonderful, matchless and amazing grace. It is easy to be overwhelmed in the light of undeserved favor! Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2015

Grace is the defining difference in everything good.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am.” 2Cor.15

Did I rise healthy this morning? I did so because of God’s grace. The coffee I drink, the food I eat, the home I live in, the friends I have, are all expressions of His grace in my life. Grace has made me wealthy in immeasurable ways, and the grace I have in Christ is itself my greatest wealth. Everything good in my life, every good thing I bring to others is because of His wonderful, matchless and amazing grace. It is easy to be overwhelmed in the light of undeserved favor! Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2015

“The law condemns the best of us; but grace saves the worst of us.” Joseph Prince

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1

Grace is the climbing rope on our ascent to the heights of goodness. It is the safety net under us while we work for positive change.  It is the parachute we wear when we fly above the cares of the world. Grace will certainly catch us when we fall. Every single one of us, have fallen, and will fall again. Climb without fear, work without distraction, fly without worry, but by all means don’t waste your life just sitting on the ground. Ascend!   Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2015

“The law condemns the best of us; but grace saves the worst of us.” Joseph Prince

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1

Grace is the climbing rope on our ascent to the heights of goodness. It is the safety net under us while we work for positive change.  It is the parachute we wear when we fly above the cares of the world. Grace will certainly catch us when we fall. Every single one of us, have fallen, and will fall again. Climb without fear, work without distraction, fly without worry, but by all means don’t waste your life just sitting on the ground. Ascend!   Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2015

“You change your life by changing your heart.” Max Lucado

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus

In order for me to change my heart I must first want to do so. When we are able, we always do what we want. Jesus offers us a bit of wisdom. We generally want what we value, in other words, what we believe will give us happiness. If selfishness has never satisfied the longings of my heart, why should I ever expect it to do so? If we are wise, we should teach your heart to treasure only that which is true treasure, only that which provides lasting happiness.   Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2015

“You change your life by changing your heart.” Max Lucado

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus

In order for me to change my heart I must first want to do so. When we are able, we always do what we want. Jesus offers us a bit of wisdom. We generally want what we value, in other words, what we believe will give us happiness. If selfishness has never satisfied the longings of my heart, why should I ever expect it to do so? If we are wise, we should teach your heart to treasure only that which is true treasure, only that which provides lasting happiness.   Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2015

Live decisively and always choose joy!

“Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Josh.24

One of the biggest mistakes in life is to make a decision we know is bad because we think we  will have time to recover from it. This is a mistake for several reasons. It is not so much that we are making the assumption that we have more time--we might, we might not. It is the false assumption that we will actually want to make the right decision the next time around. Every decision we make inclines us ever so slightly to keep making the same decision. Decisions become habits and the habit of giving into a bad desire becomes the character of giving into a bad desire.  Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2015

Live decisively and always choose joy!

“Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Josh.24

One of the biggest mistakes in life is to make a decision we know is bad because we think we  will have time to recover from it. This is a mistake for several reasons. It is not so much that we are making the assumption that we have more time--we might, we might not. It is the false assumption that we will actually want to make the right decision the next time around. Every decision we make inclines us ever so slightly to keep making the same decision. Decisions become habits and the habit of giving into a bad desire becomes the character of giving into a bad desire.  Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2015

“Look in the mirror, that's your competition!” Unknown

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Jesus “Walk by the Spirit!” Gal.5

When I think about the man I want to be, the only thing keeping me from it is the man I am.  I find in myself two conflicting desires. One is to act selfishly and the other to act with love. Since I was born with tendencies to do the former, I must be transformed to become the latter. Transformation is born one decision at a time. There is only one decision really, and that is to ask for and appropriate God’s grace.  Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2015

“Look in the mirror, that's your competition!” Unknown

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Jesus “Walk by the Spirit!” Gal.5

When I think about the man I want to be, the only thing keeping me from it is the man I am.  I find in myself two conflicting desires. One is to act selfishly and the other to act with love. Since I was born with tendencies to do the former, I must be transformed to become the latter. Transformation is born one decision at a time. There is only one decision really, and that is to ask for and appropriate God’s grace.  Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2015

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy

“Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me.” Ps.51

How the world would change if we all sincerely prayed these words. We can easily put it to the test. Pray them, and we can watch our own personal world begin to change. Whole families have been transformed when one member opens up to grace and the power of a changed heart will spread love like a beneficial virus. Do we not change the world when we change ourselves? Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2015

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy

“Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me.” Ps.51

How the world would change if we all sincerely prayed these words. We can easily put it to the test. Pray them, and we can watch our own personal world begin to change. Whole families have been transformed when one member opens up to grace and the power of a changed heart will spread love like a beneficial virus. Do we not change the world when we change ourselves? Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2015

“Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”   Eph 4

“You got to try a little tenderness.” I can still see Donkey singing these words to Shrek. This is not a bad idea if we are looking to improve the world. This sort of a “Kill’em with kindness” kind of thing is something the world could use a good dose of every single day. Opportunities abound to be kind, and certainly to forgive. Forgiveness is often the first expression of kindness, but it does not need to be the last. It doesn’t hurt to be randomly kind, but be kind on purpose. Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2015

“Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”   Eph 4

“You got to try a little tenderness.” I can still see Donkey singing these words to Shrek. This is not a bad idea if we are looking to improve the world. This sort of a “Kill’em with kindness” kind of thing is something the world could use a good dose of every single day. Opportunities abound to be kind, and certainly to forgive. Forgiveness is often the first expression of kindness, but it does not need to be the last. It doesn’t hurt to be randomly kind, but be kind on purpose. Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2015

“If you make the world better in one way, you make the world better in every way.” Amazing Grace (The Movie)

“Those who abide in love abide in God and God in them. ” 1John 3

I can make the world a better place simply by cooperating with the Spirit’s efforts to make me a better person. If I am better, then the world will be better for it. Of course God’s view of what it means to be better will probably differ from my own. I tend to get stuck on things like losing a few pounds while I am sure that changing me into a more loving person is higher up on His agenda.  Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2015

“If you make the world better in one way, you make the world better in every way.” Amazing Grace (The Movie)

“Those who abide in love abide in God and God in them. ” 1John 3

I can make the world a better place simply by cooperating with the Spirit’s efforts to make me a better person. If I am better, then the world will be better for it. Of course God’s view of what it means to be better will probably differ from my own. I tend to get stuck on things like losing a few pounds while I am sure that changing me into a more loving person is higher up on His agenda.  Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2015

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” Dalai Lama

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov.13

Although the Bible records that “time and chance happen to us all,” I give very little credit to luck. Not getting what we want may be God’s way of looking out for our best interest. God certainly tweeks our longings. He is alway seeking to mature what we want now with what we really want. If we have any expectations of God, we should certainly understand that like any good parent, He is willing to withhold granting us desires which are not healthy in order to lead us to desires which are. Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2015

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” Dalai Lama

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Prov.13

Although the Bible records that “time and chance happen to us all,” I give very little credit to luck. Not getting what we want may be God’s way of looking out for our best interest. God certainly tweeks our longings. He is alway seeking to mature what we want now with what we really want. If we have any expectations of God, we should certainly understand that like any good parent, He is willing to withhold granting us desires which are not healthy in order to lead us to desires which are. Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2015

Christian hope is more akin to the expectation of someone looking forward to spring than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays.

“I hope in Your word.” Ps119

It is one thing to say, “I hope I have a baby,” and another to say, “I am expecting a baby.”  The latter is more akin to the hope we have as Christians. Our hope is firmly and inseparably joined to our faith, and our faith is no mere leap in the dark.  It is a solid trust rooted in God’s proven character. Father has always delivered what He has promised, and our faith and hope expects that He always will. If God does anything, He always keeps His word. Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2015

Christian hope is more akin to the expectation of someone looking forward to spring than it is like a child hoping it doesn't rain over the holidays.

“I hope in Your word.” Ps119

It is one thing to say, “I hope I have a baby,” and another to say, “I am expecting a baby.”  The latter is more akin to the hope we have as Christians. Our hope is firmly and inseparably joined to our faith, and our faith is no mere leap in the dark.  It is a solid trust rooted in God’s proven character. Father has always delivered what He has promised, and our faith and hope expects that He always will. If God does anything, He always keeps His word. Conversations Within” ts 7/31/2015

"I am easily satisfied with the very best." - Winston Churchill

“I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Ps.63

It is one thing to be satisfied with the very best and another to be satisfied with anything less than the best. Contentment in and of itself is not a virtue. Being satisfied is a virtue only when it is married to godliness. To be content with anything that is not pleasing to God is surely a vice, not a virtue. Let me decide this, that I not be satisfied with anything less than the best and knowing and loving God before all things is the best. Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2015

"I am easily satisfied with the very best." - Winston Churchill

“I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Ps.63

It is one thing to be satisfied with the very best and another to be satisfied with anything less than the best. Contentment in and of itself is not a virtue. Being satisfied is a virtue only when it is married to godliness. To be content with anything that is not pleasing to God is surely a vice, not a virtue. Let me decide this, that I not be satisfied with anything less than the best and knowing and loving God before all things is the best. Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2015

“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.” David Brainerd

“My soul finds rest in God alone.” Ps.62

There are some pretty silly expectations that can set us up for disappointment, just as there are some pretty unreliable places to put our hope. When we put our hopes and dreams in God we can be sure He will refine them. Just because we hope for something does not obligate Him to give it to us, especially if it conflicts with His hopes and dreams for us.   Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2015

“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.” David Brainerd

“My soul finds rest in God alone.” Ps.62

There are some pretty silly expectations that can set us up for disappointment, just as there are some pretty unreliable places to put our hope. When we put our hopes and dreams in God we can be sure He will refine them. Just because we hope for something does not obligate Him to give it to us, especially if it conflicts with His hopes and dreams for us.   Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2015

“Built up expectations are premeditated resentments.” Unknown

“Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble…” Heb.12

It is proper to expect your spouse to be faithful to their wedding vows and to hold them accountable to do so. We should be able to count on the people in our life to do as they have promised. In this sense, expectations are healthy. It is when we create expectations where none were promised that can lead to hurt feelings, even bitter anger.  It is not wise to build up in our mind how we want our partner or friend to perform on these self-created expectations. It is better to spend our energy giving to, rather than expecting from. Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2015

“Built up expectations are premeditated resentments.” Unknown

“Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble…” Heb.12

It is proper to expect your spouse to be faithful to their wedding vows and to hold them accountable to do so. We should be able to count on the people in our life to do as they have promised. In this sense, expectations are healthy. It is when we create expectations where none were promised that can lead to hurt feelings, even bitter anger.  It is not wise to build up in our mind how we want our partner or friend to perform on these self-created expectations. It is better to spend our energy giving to, rather than expecting from. Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2015

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” William Shakespeare

“My body and mind may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever.” Ps.73

Life's little disappointments can add up to one huge disappointment and rob us of the joy of living if we are not wise in our response to them.  There are proper expectations such as faithfulness in marriage or pay from an employer, but our expectations, especially of people, should not form the basis of our joy and happiness. We should never say, “I will be happy if…” but rather “I am happy because….” I am happy because God is the strength of my life. God is the only source of lasting joy. All the oil fields of earth will eventually run dry. Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2015

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” William Shakespeare

“My body and mind may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever.” Ps.73

Life's little disappointments can add up to one huge disappointment and rob us of the joy of living if we are not wise in our response to them.  There are proper expectations such as faithfulness in marriage or pay from an employer, but our expectations, especially of people, should not form the basis of our joy and happiness. We should never say, “I will be happy if…” but rather “I am happy because….” I am happy because God is the strength of my life. God is the only source of lasting joy. All the oil fields of earth will eventually run dry. Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2015