“We are ever striving after what is forbidden, and coveting what is denied us.” Ovid

The fact that people want what is forbidden speaks to the self-centered condition of our hearts.  The wings of love can help us soar above the gravity of such selfishness, but it seems we will never escape its pull on us in this life. It is not a sin to seek what is best for yourself, but being selfish isn't the way to go about it. ~ “Create in me a pure heart O God.” Psalm 51 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2015

“We are ever striving after what is forbidden, and coveting what is denied us.” Ovid

The fact that people want what is forbidden speaks to the self-centered condition of our hearts.  The wings of love can help us soar above the gravity of such selfishness, but it seems we will never escape its pull on us in this life. It is not a sin to seek what is best for yourself, but being selfish isn't the way to go about it. ~ “Create in me a pure heart O God.” Psalm 51 Conversations Within” ts 11/24/2015

“A wise man cares not for what he cannot have.” George Herbert

We could also say that a wise man cares not for what he should not have. I mean, it is frustrating to want what you cannot have, but it can be fatal  to want what you should not have. The best way to avoid such temptations is to address them at the level of our desires, and want only those things which bring us lasting happiness. ~“Thou shalt not covet.” Exodus 20  Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2015

“A wise man cares not for what he cannot have.” George Herbert

We could also say that a wise man cares not for what he should not have. I mean, it is frustrating to want what you cannot have, but it can be fatal  to want what you should not have. The best way to avoid such temptations is to address them at the level of our desires, and want only those things which bring us lasting happiness. ~“Thou shalt not covet.” Exodus 20  Conversations Within” ts 11/23/2015

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Brene Brown

What a privilege it is to return a favor to someone who has done so much for you! And, who has done more for us than God the Father? Is there any favor we could rightly deny Him? How could we not forgive even our enemies when He has forgiven us so much.  “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2015

“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Brene Brown

What a privilege it is to return a favor to someone who has done so much for you! And, who has done more for us than God the Father? Is there any favor we could rightly deny Him? How could we not forgive even our enemies when He has forgiven us so much.  “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2015

“If the grass is greener on the other side maybe God is asking you to water the grass on your side.” Nate

Sometimes the color of the grass is simply a matter of how much time we take to appreciate it. Do I appreciate how good I have it. Forget comparisons--both of those who have less and those who have more. Be where “you” are, and give thanks for what “you” have. Someone wisely said, “Appreciate what you have, before it becomes what you had.” ~I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD. Is.63 Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2015

“If the grass is greener on the other side maybe God is asking you to water the grass on your side.” Nate

Sometimes the color of the grass is simply a matter of how much time we take to appreciate it. Do I appreciate how good I have it. Forget comparisons--both of those who have less and those who have more. Be where “you” are, and give thanks for what “you” have. Someone wisely said, “Appreciate what you have, before it becomes what you had.” ~I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD. Is.63 Conversations Within” ts 11/20/2015

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Unknown

To see something as a privilege is often a matter of being given another perspective. Service is regarded by some to be a burden, but for others it is the joy of life. The eyes of the soul determine how we view life. A heart of gratitude helps us appreciate the rose, not complain about the thorn. For now, Father has decided thorns are necessary. As His children, learning to appreciate this is a privilege. ~”For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2015

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Unknown

To see something as a privilege is often a matter of being given another perspective. Service is regarded by some to be a burden, but for others it is the joy of life. The eyes of the soul determine how we view life. A heart of gratitude helps us appreciate the rose, not complain about the thorn. For now, Father has decided thorns are necessary. As His children, learning to appreciate this is a privilege. ~”For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him.” Phil.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/19/2015

1 Universe, 9 Planets, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas, and I had the privilege to meet you.” Unknown.

When we view life from the perspective of privilege, a humble appreciation warms all of our interactions. This is especially true where people are concerned. To be married to my spouse, and be the father to my children, and a friend to my friends are all a wonderful part of the privilege of living. I am grateful for opportunity to know, love and serve them. If there is anything better than being blessed, it is knowing when you are.~”Bless the Lord O my soul and do not forget His benefits.” Ps.103  Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2015

1 Universe, 9 Planets, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas, and I had the privilege to meet you.” Unknown.

When we view life from the perspective of privilege, a humble appreciation warms all of our interactions. This is especially true where people are concerned. To be married to my spouse, and be the father to my children, and a friend to my friends are all a wonderful part of the privilege of living. I am grateful for opportunity to know, love and serve them. If there is anything better than being blessed, it is knowing when you are.~”Bless the Lord O my soul and do not forget His benefits.” Ps.103  Conversations Within” ts 11/18/2015

A grateful heart will transform burdens into blessings and problems into privilege.

I hate squatting down to pick up something. I dislike stooping so much that my wife tries to put everything I use at eye level so I do not have to bend over to get it. God is teaching me to change some of my ridiculous attitudes. Gratitude is teaching me what a privilege it is to be able to bend down and pick up something. Not only that, it is beneficial for my health to stay flexible. There is privilege in just about everything. ~”In everything give thanks.”   Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2015

A grateful heart will transform burdens into blessings and problems into privilege.

I hate squatting down to pick up something. I dislike stooping so much that my wife tries to put everything I use at eye level so I do not have to bend over to get it. God is teaching me to change some of my ridiculous attitudes. Gratitude is teaching me what a privilege it is to be able to bend down and pick up something. Not only that, it is beneficial for my health to stay flexible. There is privilege in just about everything. ~”In everything give thanks.”   Conversations Within” ts 11/17/2015

“You find it offensive. I find it funny. That why I am happier than you.” Unknown

There is great value in possessing one’s heart in patience, and in having a sense of humor--not taking oneself or life too seriously. Learn to smile when others provoke you. Turn provocation into privilege. One way we show our appreciation of God’s patience and pardon, is being grateful for the privilege of offering both to others when they rub us the wrong way. ~“A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2015

“You find it offensive. I find it funny. That why I am happier than you.” Unknown

There is great value in possessing one’s heart in patience, and in having a sense of humor--not taking oneself or life too seriously. Learn to smile when others provoke you. Turn provocation into privilege. One way we show our appreciation of God’s patience and pardon, is being grateful for the privilege of offering both to others when they rub us the wrong way. ~“A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/2015

“Don't confuse visibility with credibility.” Harvey Mackay

Credibility is an important part of usefulness. Am I a trustworthy person? Have I earned the respect of the people in my life so that they value my help enough to ask for it? We can hurt our credibility when we focus on matters that matter little, and fail to attend to matters that matter most. Our credibility is often measured by our priorities. Love helps us arrange them properly. ~“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

“Don't confuse visibility with credibility.” Harvey Mackay

Credibility is an important part of usefulness. Am I a trustworthy person? Have I earned the respect of the people in my life so that they value my help enough to ask for it? We can hurt our credibility when we focus on matters that matter little, and fail to attend to matters that matter most. Our credibility is often measured by our priorities. Love helps us arrange them properly. ~“And I will show you a still more excellent way.” 1Co.12 ESV Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

“It's not enough to be in the right place at the right time. You have to be the right person in the right place at the right time.” Harv Eker

How sad it is to be in a position to influence positive change, but be unable to do so because we have lost our credibility. A large part of our effectiveness is not only position, but also being trusted. God positions people to work good.  It is sad to be out of position and miss an opportunity to promote goodness. It is even sadder to be in the right position, but miss the opportunity because we are not ready. ~”Always be ready…” 1Pet.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

“It's not enough to be in the right place at the right time. You have to be the right person in the right place at the right time.” Harv Eker

How sad it is to be in a position to influence positive change, but be unable to do so because we have lost our credibility. A large part of our effectiveness is not only position, but also being trusted. God positions people to work good.  It is sad to be out of position and miss an opportunity to promote goodness. It is even sadder to be in the right position, but miss the opportunity because we are not ready. ~”Always be ready…” 1Pet.3 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." Christian Lous Lange

Smart phones have proved to be a wonderful addition to modern life. Sadly, they can also be a rude addiction. This is true of so many modern conveniences. Use them, but avoid letting them use you. Enhance your life with technology; don't enslave it. ~“You are slaves of the one whom you obey.” Rom.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." Christian Lous Lange

Smart phones have proved to be a wonderful addition to modern life. Sadly, they can also be a rude addiction. This is true of so many modern conveniences. Use them, but avoid letting them use you. Enhance your life with technology; don't enslave it. ~“You are slaves of the one whom you obey.” Rom.6 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/2015

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens

It is generally considered unwise to let people use or abuse you. It is also unloving. How so? If we consistently allow people to take advantage of us, we are encouraging them to ultimately lose in the sight of God. A wise love should guide our interactions. Not warm fuzzy feelings mind you, but calculated actions which seek only to give others some real and lasting benefit. A large part of life is positioning yourself in people’s lives to be able to do just that. Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2015

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens

It is generally considered unwise to let people use or abuse you. It is also unloving. How so? If we consistently allow people to take advantage of us, we are encouraging them to ultimately lose in the sight of God. A wise love should guide our interactions. Not warm fuzzy feelings mind you, but calculated actions which seek only to give others some real and lasting benefit. A large part of life is positioning yourself in people’s lives to be able to do just that. Conversations Within” ts 11/12/2015

“It's not about you!” Rick Warren

One of the best attitudes we can nurture is simply teaching ourselves to let go of the selfish notion that we are the center of our world. Life is more than me, my and mine. A self centered person uses people, but the Christ centered person seeks to be useful to people.  ~“Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” Philemon 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2015

“It's not about you!” Rick Warren

One of the best attitudes we can nurture is simply teaching ourselves to let go of the selfish notion that we are the center of our world. Life is more than me, my and mine. A self centered person uses people, but the Christ centered person seeks to be useful to people.  ~“Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” Philemon 1 Conversations Within” ts 11/11/2015

“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.” Dennis S Brown.

We may question the truthfulness of this assertion, especially on days when something bad happens to us. Certainly not everything that happens to us is good, but if we believe, as we should, that God is able to work good out of everything that happens to us, then it is faith, not frustration, that can shape our attitude about life. Attitude coupled with faith can change even a bad day into a good one. ~ “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2015

“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.” Dennis S Brown.

We may question the truthfulness of this assertion, especially on days when something bad happens to us. Certainly not everything that happens to us is good, but if we believe, as we should, that God is able to work good out of everything that happens to us, then it is faith, not frustration, that can shape our attitude about life. Attitude coupled with faith can change even a bad day into a good one. ~ “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/10/2015

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered.” G.K. Chesterton

I suppose some of the most interesting adventures in life begin as some inconvenience. Something springs up that interrupts your plans for the day, and what do you know, with the right attitude an adventure begins. This point was driven home to me one day when my back went out. I could do little but lay on the floor of our tiny camper. We cancelled our plans for the day and Brenda and I spent the next several hours figuring out how we could get me off the floor on to the couch. We laughed about it, and I screamed out loud more than few times, but on the whole we had a good adventure, one which taught us a great deal about how to approach a problem one step at a time and with a smile. ~”God is able to work all things together for good.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2015

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered.” G.K. Chesterton

I suppose some of the most interesting adventures in life begin as some inconvenience. Something springs up that interrupts your plans for the day, and what do you know, with the right attitude an adventure begins. This point was driven home to me one day when my back went out. I could do little but lay on the floor of our tiny camper. We cancelled our plans for the day and Brenda and I spent the next several hours figuring out how we could get me off the floor on to the couch. We laughed about it, and I screamed out loud more than few times, but on the whole we had a good adventure, one which taught us a great deal about how to approach a problem one step at a time and with a smile. ~”God is able to work all things together for good.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/6/2015

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing.” Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

An adventuresome spirit is as much attitude as it is the activity. Greet each day with a smile and the sun will rise on a new adventure. A grateful heart can transform every day into a journey of delight. It does not matter what a day may hold if gratitude holds your heart. “~She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Prov.31 Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2015

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing.” Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

An adventuresome spirit is as much attitude as it is the activity. Greet each day with a smile and the sun will rise on a new adventure. A grateful heart can transform every day into a journey of delight. It does not matter what a day may hold if gratitude holds your heart. “~She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Prov.31 Conversations Within” ts 11/5/2015

“The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” Rick Ridgeway

There is good reason we are told to listen and learn. Open the ears, not the mouth. Be ever the listener and nurture a teachable spirit. We never arrive where learning is concerned. Knowing God is an endless adventure. Should we expect anything less from the life He has fathered? ~”...the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Prov.18 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2015

“The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.” Rick Ridgeway

There is good reason we are told to listen and learn. Open the ears, not the mouth. Be ever the listener and nurture a teachable spirit. We never arrive where learning is concerned. Knowing God is an endless adventure. Should we expect anything less from the life He has fathered? ~”...the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Prov.18 Conversations Within” ts 11/4/2015

“Not all who wander are lost.” J. R. R. Tolkien

Lose yourself in the glory of living, and especially living for something greater than yourself. Wander in the wonder of love’s transforming power. Expand the horizons of the people you benefit. The greatest adventure in life is not in travelling far from home, but waking to the opportunities around you each day to love others. Did not Jesus say, “whoever loses his life will find it.” Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2015

“Not all who wander are lost.” J. R. R. Tolkien

Lose yourself in the glory of living, and especially living for something greater than yourself. Wander in the wonder of love’s transforming power. Expand the horizons of the people you benefit. The greatest adventure in life is not in travelling far from home, but waking to the opportunities around you each day to love others. Did not Jesus say, “whoever loses his life will find it.” Conversations Within” ts 11/3/2015

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Helen Keller

Nothing will stir the juices of creativity more than overcoming life’s challenges. An overcoming attitude will turn every aspect of life into an adventure. This may very well be one of the reasons why God allows difficulties. How can we learn to surf without waves? ~”In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2015

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Helen Keller

Nothing will stir the juices of creativity more than overcoming life’s challenges. An overcoming attitude will turn every aspect of life into an adventure. This may very well be one of the reasons why God allows difficulties. How can we learn to surf without waves? ~”In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Conversations Within” ts 11/2/2015

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” Peter Pan

Am I living an abundant life? The word that Jesus used, describes the kind of life whose value is beyond measure. Does this describe the quality of my relationships, my responsibilities, my recreations, and fruitful use of my resources? Every decision we make either adds to the quality of life or takes from it. Love is all about addition; selfishness is about subtraction. ~"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2015

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” Peter Pan

Am I living an abundant life? The word that Jesus used, describes the kind of life whose value is beyond measure. Does this describe the quality of my relationships, my responsibilities, my recreations, and fruitful use of my resources? Every decision we make either adds to the quality of life or takes from it. Love is all about addition; selfishness is about subtraction. ~"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/1/2015

“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson

This day is just one day of that eternal life that Jesus has promised. Do not fail to live in it. Eternal life does not begin the moment we die, but the moment we start to live by trusting all that God is for us in Christ. He gives life to all who do; eternality is just one aspect of that life. And why does God give us the gift of forever? Because it will take an eternal life to discover all that God desires to be for those who love Him. ~ “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2015

“Forever is composed of nows.” Emily Dickinson

This day is just one day of that eternal life that Jesus has promised. Do not fail to live in it. Eternal life does not begin the moment we die, but the moment we start to live by trusting all that God is for us in Christ. He gives life to all who do; eternality is just one aspect of that life. And why does God give us the gift of forever? Because it will take an eternal life to discover all that God desires to be for those who love Him. ~ “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 10/31/2015

To practice the presence of God is the essence of real life--of living in the now.

If I am to open the gift of the present, I must surely wake to God, for He has declared Himself to be the great “I Am”. All existence exists in Him, by Him, and for Him. This surely means that we all find our highest purpose in knowing, loving, and experiencing His goodness. We practice His presence when we wake to the present moment just as we wake to the present moment when we wake to Him. ~“And God said to Moses,  "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exo.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2015

To practice the presence of God is the essence of real life--of living in the now.

If I am to open the gift of the present, I must surely wake to God, for He has declared Himself to be the great “I Am”. All existence exists in Him, by Him, and for Him. This surely means that we all find our highest purpose in knowing, loving, and experiencing His goodness. We practice His presence when we wake to the present moment just as we wake to the present moment when we wake to Him. ~“And God said to Moses,  "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exo.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/30/2015

“Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome

How I have loved the simple pleasure of walking. I have never once gone for a walk that it did not work some grace in me. I am certain the reason for this has a great deal to do with the fact that I always wake to God’s presence when I do. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. I love how He calls attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. ~“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2015

“Solvitur ambulando, It is solved by walking” St. Jerome

How I have loved the simple pleasure of walking. I have never once gone for a walk that it did not work some grace in me. I am certain the reason for this has a great deal to do with the fact that I always wake to God’s presence when I do. He has never once failed to show up when I start walking. I feel so alive when I am walking with Someone so alive. I love how He calls attention to all the little things that work in me a childish delight. All my concerns look different after a walk with You. ~“And Enoch walked with God” Gen.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/29/2015

"There's no greater lifestyle and no greater happiness than that of having a continual conversation with God." —Brother Lawrence

I suppose praying is how one begins to “practice the presence of God.” But certainly it should be prayer in the sense of a conversation, not just when we prattle on and on only about what interests us. We should listen to God when we speak to Him, and do what He tells us to do. I would think that doing things together with Him, not just talking about them, is the very essence of friendship with Him. ~“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2015

"There's no greater lifestyle and no greater happiness than that of having a continual conversation with God." —Brother Lawrence

I suppose praying is how one begins to “practice the presence of God.” But certainly it should be prayer in the sense of a conversation, not just when we prattle on and on only about what interests us. We should listen to God when we speak to Him, and do what He tells us to do. I would think that doing things together with Him, not just talking about them, is the very essence of friendship with Him. ~“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/28/2015

“I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ Thomas A'Kempis

I would rather kiss and be kissed than be told the definition of kissing. I would rather move from defining what it means to know God to being a definition of one who does. Experience is everything where God is concerned. To know God is surely transformation, not just information. ~”To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” Ep3 Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2015

“I would rather feel compunction than be able to define it.“ Thomas A'Kempis

I would rather kiss and be kissed than be told the definition of kissing. I would rather move from defining what it means to know God to being a definition of one who does. Experience is everything where God is concerned. To know God is surely transformation, not just information. ~”To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” Ep3 Conversations Within” ts 10/27/2015

“A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about him.” J. I. Packer

It is one thing to know about God and an entirely different thing to actually experience Him. After all, would you want to ride in a plane with someone who knows a great deal about flying or with someone who has actually flown a plane? Knowledge about someone is not the same as knowledge of someone. God offers to anybody and everybody the opportunity to know Him. ~“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” Hosea 6 Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2015

“A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about him.” J. I. Packer

It is one thing to know about God and an entirely different thing to actually experience Him. After all, would you want to ride in a plane with someone who knows a great deal about flying or with someone who has actually flown a plane? Knowledge about someone is not the same as knowledge of someone. God offers to anybody and everybody the opportunity to know Him. ~“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” Hosea 6 Conversations Within” ts 10/26/2015