“Faith is not knowledge of an object, but communion with it.” Nicolás Gómez Dávila

We find value in devotional practices like reading Scripture, praying, going to a church gathering, or communion only when participating in them is in fact a true communion of our soul with God. We may do all these things religiously and still miss actual communion with Him. If you have ever been hugged or kissed by your spouse only to hear them ask, “Where are you,” you know it is possible to be somewhere without actually being there. ~“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2015

“Faith is not knowledge of an object, but communion with it.” Nicolás Gómez Dávila

We find value in devotional practices like reading Scripture, praying, going to a church gathering, or communion only when participating in them is in fact a true communion of our soul with God. We may do all these things religiously and still miss actual communion with Him. If you have ever been hugged or kissed by your spouse only to hear them ask, “Where are you,” you know it is possible to be somewhere without actually being there. ~“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2015

It is easy to idolize the means to an end such that we get stuck on the means, and consequently never reach the end.

Devotion should never belong to things, but to people. If I become devoted to my work, it is surely a waste of time unless it's fruit benefits those I love. Many marriages have been lost because of devotion to one’s job. Similarly, do not be devoted to activities like reading the Bible or going to church unless they are expressions of your devotion to God. ~"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Is.29 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2015

It is easy to idolize the means to an end such that we get stuck on the means, and consequently never reach the end.

Devotion should never belong to things, but to people. If I become devoted to my work, it is surely a waste of time unless it's fruit benefits those I love. Many marriages have been lost because of devotion to one’s job. Similarly, do not be devoted to activities like reading the Bible or going to church unless they are expressions of your devotion to God. ~"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Is.29 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2015

The devil would have us make an idol out of prayer or Bible study or church life, even make a religion of them.

Prayer is not only talking to God, but also with Him. Listening to the Scriptures or reading them should be nothing less than listening to the living Christ. Spending time with fellow believers is spending time with Jesus because He lives in each of us. Jesus does not invite us to spend time praying, reading the Bible, and going to church, but to spend time with Him. He is the vital point of all of these activities. “Where two or three are gathered in my I am there with them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2015

The devil would have us make an idol out of prayer or Bible study or church life, even make a religion of them.

Prayer is not only talking to God, but also with Him. Listening to the Scriptures or reading them should be nothing less than listening to the living Christ. Spending time with fellow believers is spending time with Jesus because He lives in each of us. Jesus does not invite us to spend time praying, reading the Bible, and going to church, but to spend time with Him. He is the vital point of all of these activities. “Where two or three are gathered in my I am there with them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2015

If we want a solid foundation that will help us make good decisions, we have something infinitely better than just the Bible, we have its Author living in us and applying its words to our hearts.

Reading the Bible is an opportunity to listen to the living Christ. Anything short of this, and we may as well be reading a novel. The Bible in the hands of men, even our own, can often prove to be a dangerous thing. Like when Satan quoted it to Jesus. Only when God speaks to us from it do we see its real value. We should devote ourselves not only to reading it but interacting with Christ when we do. ~"If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples.” “Ask and you will receive.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2015

If we want a solid foundation that will help us make good decisions, we have something infinitely better than just the Bible, we have its Author living in us and applying its words to our hearts.

Reading the Bible is an opportunity to listen to the living Christ. Anything short of this, and we may as well be reading a novel. The Bible in the hands of men, even our own, can often prove to be a dangerous thing. Like when Satan quoted it to Jesus. Only when God speaks to us from it do we see its real value. We should devote ourselves not only to reading it but interacting with Christ when we do. ~"If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples.” “Ask and you will receive.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2015

I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form.

Christians in this century tend to forget that before Gutenberg's printing press, very few believers owned a personal copy of the Scriptures. What this means is that the only exposure Christians had for centuries to the teachings of the Bible was when they gathered and heard them read or taught. Word of mouth, not the printed page, was the primary way God used to share His words with His children. No wonder devotion to Church gatherings and to each other became the priority of God’s people.  We should not let modern conveniences rob of of this grace. ~”They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2015

I can think of few things in life that can surpass the beauty, simplicity and value of a small band of true friends, individuals who play together and pray together. Here is church in its purest form.

Christians in this century tend to forget that before Gutenberg's printing press, very few believers owned a personal copy of the Scriptures. What this means is that the only exposure Christians had for centuries to the teachings of the Bible was when they gathered and heard them read or taught. Word of mouth, not the printed page, was the primary way God used to share His words with His children. No wonder devotion to Church gatherings and to each other became the priority of God’s people.  We should not let modern conveniences rob of of this grace. ~”They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2015

We would be wrong to assume that our heart is devoted to God just because we have warm feelings about Him. Devotion is expressed in actions.

There are many means that God uses to give grace to His children. Some come to us without any effort on our part, while others require that we devote ourselves to some activity in order to receive it. After all, a mother may fix a nutritious meal for her children, but unless they gather to eat it, it will do them no good. Devotion to certain activities--the one’s appointed by God of course, become the priority of those who want and need His grace. ~”They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2015

We would be wrong to assume that our heart is devoted to God just because we have warm feelings about Him. Devotion is expressed in actions.

There are many means that God uses to give grace to His children. Some come to us without any effort on our part, while others require that we devote ourselves to some activity in order to receive it. After all, a mother may fix a nutritious meal for her children, but unless they gather to eat it, it will do them no good. Devotion to certain activities--the one’s appointed by God of course, become the priority of those who want and need His grace. ~”They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2015

“The usefulness of the cup is its emptiness.” Bruce Lee

We cannot be useful to God or to others if we are full of ourselves. We must pour out our pride if we are to be a vessel of goodness to the people in our lives. Empty the cup of selfishness, and become the cup of serving. Do not use people, but by all means be useful to them. The place to surely begin this transformation starts here. “Pour out your hearts to God…” Ps.62 Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2015

“The usefulness of the cup is its emptiness.” Bruce Lee

We cannot be useful to God or to others if we are full of ourselves. We must pour out our pride if we are to be a vessel of goodness to the people in our lives. Empty the cup of selfishness, and become the cup of serving. Do not use people, but by all means be useful to them. The place to surely begin this transformation starts here. “Pour out your hearts to God…” Ps.62 Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2015

“Humility is just as much the opposite of self-abasement as it is of self-exaltation.” Dag Hammarskjöld

Humility gives us a clear appreciation, not only of our shortcomings, but also of the power of God to overcome them. Once we realize that electric tools do not work unless they are plugged in, we just plug them in and start using them. We don’t sit around and bemoan the fact that they are powerless by themselves. Humility does not magnify our failures, it directs us to rise above them by faith. ~“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1Jo.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2015

“Humility is just as much the opposite of self-abasement as it is of self-exaltation.” Dag Hammarskjöld

Humility gives us a clear appreciation, not only of our shortcomings, but also of the power of God to overcome them. Once we realize that electric tools do not work unless they are plugged in, we just plug them in and start using them. We don’t sit around and bemoan the fact that they are powerless by themselves. Humility does not magnify our failures, it directs us to rise above them by faith. ~“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1Jo.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2015

“Humility is the most important quality in life for without it you cannot truly love.” Unknown

A self-centered person often expects others to live in the wake of their existence. On the other hand, the humble in heart are like a gentle breeze filling the sails of the people in their life with encouragement and support. Should we avoid the first sort? Surely not, for the humble heart makes no condemning judgments and knows that self-centered people also need love and encouragement--just a different kind of encouragement. ~“Do not forsake your friend.” Prov.27 Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2015

“Humility is the most important quality in life for without it you cannot truly love.” Unknown

A self-centered person often expects others to live in the wake of their existence. On the other hand, the humble in heart are like a gentle breeze filling the sails of the people in their life with encouragement and support. Should we avoid the first sort? Surely not, for the humble heart makes no condemning judgments and knows that self-centered people also need love and encouragement--just a different kind of encouragement. ~“Do not forsake your friend.” Prov.27 Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2015

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis

A truly humble person has a genuine heartfelt interest in others. The energy of such a person is always flowing out to the people around them much like a refreshing spring. I should think this is part of the joy that Jesus spoke about--a life of cheerful service free from the prison of a self-centered existence. ~“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2015

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis

A truly humble person has a genuine heartfelt interest in others. The energy of such a person is always flowing out to the people around them much like a refreshing spring. I should think this is part of the joy that Jesus spoke about--a life of cheerful service free from the prison of a self-centered existence. ~“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2015

“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are.” Unknown

The other day I made mention to someone that some people are givers and some are takers. As soon as I did, I sensed a gentle reminder from within and immediately corrected myself to say, “The truth is, we all are sometimes givers and sometimes takers.” Any time I pass judgment on others, have momentarily forgotten my own failings. An honest review of our own shortcomings should be sufficient motivation to silence our criticism of another’s. ~“Judge not!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2015

“Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are.” Unknown

The other day I made mention to someone that some people are givers and some are takers. As soon as I did, I sensed a gentle reminder from within and immediately corrected myself to say, “The truth is, we all are sometimes givers and sometimes takers.” Any time I pass judgment on others, have momentarily forgotten my own failings. An honest review of our own shortcomings should be sufficient motivation to silence our criticism of another’s. ~“Judge not!” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2015

“The world tells us to seek success, power, and money; God tells us to seek humility, service, and love.” – Pope Francis

How exactly does one seek humility? I believe humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth we realize about ourselves, The truth is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. Once we realize this about ourselves and take the gracious hand God offers to us, we become an object of great pleasure to Him and of great value to others. ~“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2015

“The world tells us to seek success, power, and money; God tells us to seek humility, service, and love.” – Pope Francis

How exactly does one seek humility? I believe humility is not so much a virtue to be attained, as it is a truth we realize about ourselves, The truth is that without vital connection to my Creator, all that is good in me has been corrupted into something dreadful. Once we realize this about ourselves and take the gracious hand God offers to us, we become an object of great pleasure to Him and of great value to others. ~“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2015

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” Robert Brault

A mature love will forgive before an apology is given and sometimes without ever receiving one. This is because it is the nature of love to aggressively seek another’s well being. Love does not need any other reason to seek goodness than its own. Love is it own motivation and its own reward. ~“Whoever covers an offense seeks love.” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2015

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” Robert Brault

A mature love will forgive before an apology is given and sometimes without ever receiving one. This is because it is the nature of love to aggressively seek another’s well being. Love does not need any other reason to seek goodness than its own. Love is it own motivation and its own reward. ~“Whoever covers an offense seeks love.” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/10/2015

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

True forgiveness does more than just pardon a past offense, it enables us to move the relationship forward in the common interests of love. When we forgive someone we in effect are saying that whatever stood between us no longer has any bearing on our commitment to seek each other’s highest good. How do we know this? This is what God does when He forgives us. ~“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2015

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

True forgiveness does more than just pardon a past offense, it enables us to move the relationship forward in the common interests of love. When we forgive someone we in effect are saying that whatever stood between us no longer has any bearing on our commitment to seek each other’s highest good. How do we know this? This is what God does when He forgives us. ~“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2015

“The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.” – Unknown

We often carry an umbrella on days we expect rain. If we are wise, we should carry a forgiving heart with us every day.  If we expect people to behave like people, then we should expect that they will probably do or say something hurtful. Because God has made provision for our sins before we sin, He is always ready and able to forgive us. If we follow His example we should prepare our heart to forgive others before there is even a need to do so.  ~”Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2015

“The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. And the first to forget is the happiest.” – Unknown

We often carry an umbrella on days we expect rain. If we are wise, we should carry a forgiving heart with us every day.  If we expect people to behave like people, then we should expect that they will probably do or say something hurtful. Because God has made provision for our sins before we sin, He is always ready and able to forgive us. If we follow His example we should prepare our heart to forgive others before there is even a need to do so.  ~”Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2015

I have always been amazed that God forgives us today even though He knows the sins we will commit against Him tomorrow.

Love understands that we must always be ready to forgive if we seek what is best for the people in our lives. This means that we should place no limits on forgiving others. How precious that God forgives us every single time we ask. How important it is that we do the same.  “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Mt.18 Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2015

I have always been amazed that God forgives us today even though He knows the sins we will commit against Him tomorrow.

Love understands that we must always be ready to forgive if we seek what is best for the people in our lives. This means that we should place no limits on forgiving others. How precious that God forgives us every single time we ask. How important it is that we do the same.  “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Mt.18 Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2015

“To err is human; to forgive, divine." - Alexander Pope

The thing about forgiveness is that we must forgive even though we do not feel like it. Indeed, we often feel vengeful rather than forgiving. But forgiveness is not a feeling. It is an action that says I will not treat you as you deserve, but with kindness. We are never more like God than when we forgive. This is probably because He is the one graciously working it in us.  “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2015

“To err is human; to forgive, divine." - Alexander Pope

The thing about forgiveness is that we must forgive even though we do not feel like it. Indeed, we often feel vengeful rather than forgiving. But forgiveness is not a feeling. It is an action that says I will not treat you as you deserve, but with kindness. We are never more like God than when we forgive. This is probably because He is the one graciously working it in us.  “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Conversations Within” ts 10/6/2015

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” Martin Luther King Jr.

God is always forgiving us because we are always in need of it. He is constant in His commitment to our highest good and tenacious in bringing it about. This simply means that He not only forgives our sins--He is always doing that; He wants to deliver us from them and will do what is necessary to do so. This should give us a new appreciation of the solemn declaration: “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2015

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” Martin Luther King Jr.

God is always forgiving us because we are always in need of it. He is constant in His commitment to our highest good and tenacious in bringing it about. This simply means that He not only forgives our sins--He is always doing that; He wants to deliver us from them and will do what is necessary to do so. This should give us a new appreciation of the solemn declaration: “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 10/5/2015

“Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that simply looks good from the outside.” Unknown

It is one thing to try and look good and another to radiate real goodness. What good is it to look like I have it together when I am inwardly be falling apart. You can’t repair a rotting fence by painting it?  Be beautiful inside and the outside will follow. How sobering to hear Jesus’ words to the religious leaders of His day, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2015

“Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that simply looks good from the outside.” Unknown

It is one thing to try and look good and another to radiate real goodness. What good is it to look like I have it together when I am inwardly be falling apart. You can’t repair a rotting fence by painting it?  Be beautiful inside and the outside will follow. How sobering to hear Jesus’ words to the religious leaders of His day, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/3/2015

“Time has a wonderful way to show us what really matters.” Margaret Peters

Time is the currency of life. Invest it wisely. How will I spend my time today? At the end of the day what will I have bought with it? The simplest way I know to measure what we really value is how we use our time. Feel good about saying “no” to matters which matter little when it empowers you to say “yes” to matters that matter most. ~“For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2015

“Time has a wonderful way to show us what really matters.” Margaret Peters

Time is the currency of life. Invest it wisely. How will I spend my time today? At the end of the day what will I have bought with it? The simplest way I know to measure what we really value is how we use our time. Feel good about saying “no” to matters which matter little when it empowers you to say “yes” to matters that matter most. ~“For the grace of God... teaches us to say “No...” Titus 2 Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2015

“Relationships are like a house. If a lightbulb goes out, you don't buy a new house. You fix the light bulb.” Adam Rifkin

There are many ways to destroy a relationship. You can call it quits and simply walk away. But neglect can kill a relationship as well. If we are too busy to keep up with our friends, our spouse and children, we are too busy. Our activities should complement our relationships, not compete with them. “What does a man gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?” Ecc.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2015

“Relationships are like a house. If a lightbulb goes out, you don't buy a new house. You fix the light bulb.” Adam Rifkin

There are many ways to destroy a relationship. You can call it quits and simply walk away. But neglect can kill a relationship as well. If we are too busy to keep up with our friends, our spouse and children, we are too busy. Our activities should complement our relationships, not compete with them. “What does a man gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?” Ecc.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2015

“A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself.” Unknown

All of life is surely like a garden. And, as every gardener knows, it is prudent to tend your garden every day. Is my garden well kept, cultivated, and flourishing, or am I just too busy attending to lesser stuff that I let the garden of my relationships suffer? There is no better testimony of the kind of life we are living than the condition of our relationships. “I passed by the field of the lazy, and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles…” Prov.24~Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2015

“A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself.” Unknown

All of life is surely like a garden. And, as every gardener knows, it is prudent to tend your garden every day. Is my garden well kept, cultivated, and flourishing, or am I just too busy attending to lesser stuff that I let the garden of my relationships suffer? There is no better testimony of the kind of life we are living than the condition of our relationships. “I passed by the field of the lazy, and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles…” Prov.24~Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2015

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.” Thomas Friedman

Survival is a gift. It teaches us the value of life. It gives focus to our energies and spurs us on to action. It works creativity in us and sharpens the skills needed to navigate this world. But life is so much more than surviving. It is full of wonder and beauty. The world is still a glorious place even if it has fallen from the Creator’s original designs. Imagine it without selfishness, war, pain, sickness or death and we catch a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.~The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox...Is.65  Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2015

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.” Thomas Friedman

Survival is a gift. It teaches us the value of life. It gives focus to our energies and spurs us on to action. It works creativity in us and sharpens the skills needed to navigate this world. But life is so much more than surviving. It is full of wonder and beauty. The world is still a glorious place even if it has fallen from the Creator’s original designs. Imagine it without selfishness, war, pain, sickness or death and we catch a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.~The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox...Is.65  Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2015

“Rust never sleeps!” Charles Leblanc

Life under the sun requires that we maintain what we value. And, it is not only possessions like cars, boats and homes that require maintenance. Marriages, friendships, personal health, even our spiritual life requires regular upkeep. If we want to safeguard these valuables and continue to enjoy them we must devote time and energy nurturing them. A few people in my life certainly come to mind? “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” Prov. 27 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2015

“Rust never sleeps!” Charles Leblanc

Life under the sun requires that we maintain what we value. And, it is not only possessions like cars, boats and homes that require maintenance. Marriages, friendships, personal health, even our spiritual life requires regular upkeep. If we want to safeguard these valuables and continue to enjoy them we must devote time and energy nurturing them. A few people in my life certainly come to mind? “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” Prov. 27 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2015

“In order to get to the finish line we must leave the starting line.” Anonymous

What is one thing I can do today to better my life and the life of others? A worthwhile question indeed, and so much so that the answer should top our to-do list. It is good to give thought to our activities each day and measure whether or not they have lasting value. Of course the real value of any activity is never experienced at the starting line but only at the finish line. “I have finished the race.” 2Tim.4  ~Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2015

“In order to get to the finish line we must leave the starting line.” Anonymous

What is one thing I can do today to better my life and the life of others? A worthwhile question indeed, and so much so that the answer should top our to-do list. It is good to give thought to our activities each day and measure whether or not they have lasting value. Of course the real value of any activity is never experienced at the starting line but only at the finish line. “I have finished the race.” 2Tim.4  ~Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2015

”Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing.” William Shakespeare

I thought about going for a bike ride yesterday, but I did not do it. I thought about calling my grandson for a chat, but let it slip by. I have thought about doing a lot of wonderful things, but  never did them. How tragic to say things like, “I was going to do it, but something came up,” or “I got too busy.” Joy is made perfect in doing; everything else is just loss. “Come, the banquet is ready. But they all began making excuses.” Jesus ~Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2015

”Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing.” William Shakespeare

I thought about going for a bike ride yesterday, but I did not do it. I thought about calling my grandson for a chat, but let it slip by. I have thought about doing a lot of wonderful things, but  never did them. How tragic to say things like, “I was going to do it, but something came up,” or “I got too busy.” Joy is made perfect in doing; everything else is just loss. “Come, the banquet is ready. But they all began making excuses.” Jesus ~Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2015