"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer

It is my daily struggle to change the way I see life. I want to see people, friends, family, strangers, even enemies through the lens of love. Why bother with expectations, or hurt feelings, or any of the other worries of this world that bring us no joy. Virgil said “Love conquers all. Let us surrender to love.”

Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another.”  Conversations Within” ts 1/25/2016

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer

It is my daily struggle to change the way I see life. I want to see people, friends, family, strangers, even enemies through the lens of love. Why bother with expectations, or hurt feelings, or any of the other worries of this world that bring us no joy. Virgil said “Love conquers all. Let us surrender to love.”

Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another.”  Conversations Within” ts 1/25/2016

“... it is not so much of our time and so much of our attention that God demands; it is not even all our time and all our attention; it is ourselves.” C. S. Lewis

There is one true purpose in life, one that may be summarized in many ways, but is fundamentally discovered when we know God’s will and to ask His help doing it. If we don’t know His will, we cannot do it. We also cannot do it without His help. The one main ingredient we bring to this equation is to surrender our lives to His will no matter what it is. Jesus described it this way:

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”  Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2016

“... it is not so much of our time and so much of our attention that God demands; it is not even all our time and all our attention; it is ourselves.” C. S. Lewis

There is one true purpose in life, one that may be summarized in many ways, but is fundamentally discovered when we know God’s will and to ask His help doing it. If we don’t know His will, we cannot do it. We also cannot do it without His help. The one main ingredient we bring to this equation is to surrender our lives to His will no matter what it is. Jesus described it this way:

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”  Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2016

“Always, always give your best.” Rachel Sazon-Reyes

From the very beginning, God has always asked for our best. It does not matter that our best is not good enough. What matters is that we live our lives with wholehearted devotion to Him. Remember the widow that Jesus called attention to as an example for those who would be His disciples. She gave only two mites--the equivalent of a penny, but she gave it with all her might--it was all she had. “ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc. 9 Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2016

“Always, always give your best.” Rachel Sazon-Reyes

From the very beginning, God has always asked for our best. It does not matter that our best is not good enough. What matters is that we live our lives with wholehearted devotion to Him. Remember the widow that Jesus called attention to as an example for those who would be His disciples. She gave only two mites--the equivalent of a penny, but she gave it with all her might--it was all she had. “ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc. 9 Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2016

“Surrender isn't about being passive. It's about being open.” Unknown

It is reasonable to give God what is due Him. He gives us life and we return it to Him in service. Father does not want worship to be one part of our life, but the very essence of it. And how do we serve God? He has made that abundantly clear when He told us to serve one another. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2016

“Surrender isn't about being passive. It's about being open.” Unknown

It is reasonable to give God what is due Him. He gives us life and we return it to Him in service. Father does not want worship to be one part of our life, but the very essence of it. And how do we serve God? He has made that abundantly clear when He told us to serve one another. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Rom.12 Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2016

“It’s complete surrender.” Eric Liddell

As strange as it may seem, our lives are not ours to do with as we please. God has informed us from the start that we belong to Him. The sooner we reconcile ourselves to this, the sooner we will stop struggling and start surrendering to His purposes. “We are His people the sheep of His pasture.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 1/21/2016

“It’s complete surrender.” Eric Liddell

As strange as it may seem, our lives are not ours to do with as we please. God has informed us from the start that we belong to Him. The sooner we reconcile ourselves to this, the sooner we will stop struggling and start surrendering to His purposes. “We are His people the sheep of His pasture.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 1/21/2016

Peace is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation, a reconciliation to God's will.

When we speak of making our peace with something, we resign ourselves to it and accept it for what it is. For the Christian, this means accepting our circumstances as something that God has allowed, and to give Him thanks in them. Our thanks is not for the circumstances but in them. Our circumstances may not be good, but God is able to work good out of them. We express faith in His promise to do so by giving Him such thanks.  “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you who are in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2016

Peace is not so much a feeling as it is a resignation, a reconciliation to God's will.

When we speak of making our peace with something, we resign ourselves to it and accept it for what it is. For the Christian, this means accepting our circumstances as something that God has allowed, and to give Him thanks in them. Our thanks is not for the circumstances but in them. Our circumstances may not be good, but God is able to work good out of them. We express faith in His promise to do so by giving Him such thanks.  “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you who are in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2016

"Happiness can exist only in acceptance." - George Orwell

We pray in the Lord’s prayer for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. This surely means that we give Him thanks whatever our circumstance. God often allows things He does not approve, but He is never hindered to work them for our good. By asking for His will, we surrender to it. By giving thanks we accept from His hand the answer of Heaven. “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2016

"Happiness can exist only in acceptance." - George Orwell

We pray in the Lord’s prayer for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. This surely means that we give Him thanks whatever our circumstance. God often allows things He does not approve, but He is never hindered to work them for our good. By asking for His will, we surrender to it. By giving thanks we accept from His hand the answer of Heaven. “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/19/2016

“One who makes no mistakes makes nothing.” Giacomo Casanova

Learn the value of your mistakes. Learn what to keep, and what to let go. Teach yourself not to take yourself too seriously. Accept with gratitude what God allows, and embrace His grace, not only to endure it, but also learn from it.  Move forward, and be where your are. Always remember this:  “A cheerful heart is good medicine...” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2016

“One who makes no mistakes makes nothing.” Giacomo Casanova

Learn the value of your mistakes. Learn what to keep, and what to let go. Teach yourself not to take yourself too seriously. Accept with gratitude what God allows, and embrace His grace, not only to endure it, but also learn from it.  Move forward, and be where your are. Always remember this:  “A cheerful heart is good medicine...” Prov.17 Conversations Within” ts 1/16/2016

“The best doctor gives the least medicine.” Ben Franklin

A growing trend in medicine is to get people off medicine. The old fashion prescription to eat right, exercise, and maintain a healthy social life has proven itself time and again to promote good health. If you need medicine, give God thanks for it, and take it. But, don't neglect those natural means that God has placed His blessings on. Eat healthy foods, get a good night’s sleep, get plenty of sunshine, and exercise. By all means, don’t neglect the health of the soul. Read God’s word, reflect, pray, and love others. “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1 Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2016

“The best doctor gives the least medicine.” Ben Franklin

A growing trend in medicine is to get people off medicine. The old fashion prescription to eat right, exercise, and maintain a healthy social life has proven itself time and again to promote good health. If you need medicine, give God thanks for it, and take it. But, don't neglect those natural means that God has placed His blessings on. Eat healthy foods, get a good night’s sleep, get plenty of sunshine, and exercise. By all means, don’t neglect the health of the soul. Read God’s word, reflect, pray, and love others. “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1 Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2016

“Food is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug... and exercise is the most potent yet underutilized anti-depressant.” Bill Phillips

Sometimes, to satisfy the needs of the soul we must attend to the needs of the body. We all need sleep, and the best way to get it may not be with a pill but by wearing yourself out with physical work or exercise. We were created for physical activity. Satisfy the body’s need to work, and you may find that sleep is the sweet reward. “Keep sound wisdom...When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Prov.3  Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2016

“Food is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug... and exercise is the most potent yet underutilized anti-depressant.” Bill Phillips

Sometimes, to satisfy the needs of the soul we must attend to the needs of the body. We all need sleep, and the best way to get it may not be with a pill but by wearing yourself out with physical work or exercise. We were created for physical activity. Satisfy the body’s need to work, and you may find that sleep is the sweet reward. “Keep sound wisdom...When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Prov.3  Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2016

Pour out your cup of troubles and dip it in the pool of God’s goodness, and the peace of Christ will fill your heart and guard your mind from every anxious thought.

We may not understand how the peace that surpasses understanding works, but we should understand what brings it to us. We are told to approach God with worship, make our requests, and surround them with thanksgiving. Worship focuses our thoughts on God, not our problems. Our requests put our problems in His hands, and  thanksgiving accepts His answer, even if it is to wait. I think He sends His peace to wait with us. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4 Conversations Within” ts 1/12/2016

Pour out your cup of troubles and dip it in the pool of God’s goodness, and the peace of Christ will fill your heart and guard your mind from every anxious thought.

We may not understand how the peace that surpasses understanding works, but we should understand what brings it to us. We are told to approach God with worship, make our requests, and surround them with thanksgiving. Worship focuses our thoughts on God, not our problems. Our requests put our problems in His hands, and  thanksgiving accepts His answer, even if it is to wait. I think He sends His peace to wait with us. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4 Conversations Within” ts 1/12/2016

“If you're happy and you know it, what combination of prescription meds are you on?” Unknown

The stayed mind is a peaceful mind, when the heart remains focused on God’s promises rather than our worries. My experience has taught me that keeping your focus is sometimes easier said than done. Imagine walking in a field full of gnats buzzing around your head. These pesky insects, like our concerns, can be hard to ignore.  Of course, God gives many graces to help. Bug spray is one, Xanax may be another. Use meds if you need them, even give God thanks for them, but don't neglect to trust God with your life. Your faith in Him, not your feelings will see you through. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Is.26 Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2016

“If you're happy and you know it, what combination of prescription meds are you on?” Unknown

The stayed mind is a peaceful mind, when the heart remains focused on God’s promises rather than our worries. My experience has taught me that keeping your focus is sometimes easier said than done. Imagine walking in a field full of gnats buzzing around your head. These pesky insects, like our concerns, can be hard to ignore.  Of course, God gives many graces to help. Bug spray is one, Xanax may be another. Use meds if you need them, even give God thanks for them, but don't neglect to trust God with your life. Your faith in Him, not your feelings will see you through. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Is.26 Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2016

”Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.” Rick Warren

God’s timing is perfect. There are many examples of this in my life. Just the other day I was quoting a much-needed promise to my heart. I walked into the kitchen, and there, written on our chalkboard, was the very verse I was thinking about. To say my daughter had put it there for me to see is just another way of saying God wrote it there using her hand. Perfect timing indeed! And what was the verse? “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Is.26 Conversations Within” ts 1/4/2016

”Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.” Rick Warren

God’s timing is perfect. There are many examples of this in my life. Just the other day I was quoting a much-needed promise to my heart. I walked into the kitchen, and there, written on our chalkboard, was the very verse I was thinking about. To say my daughter had put it there for me to see is just another way of saying God wrote it there using her hand. Perfect timing indeed! And what was the verse? “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Is.26 Conversations Within” ts 1/4/2016

“Disability is the inability to see ability.” Vikas Khanna

Our faith is disabled because of our inability to see God’s ability. It is important to realize that God is not only able, He is also willing. Nothing too great for HIm, and He is great in His love for those who look to Him. Someone has said that one way to look at faith is in this simple acrostic: “Forwarding All Issues To Heaven.”  Faith is so much more than wishful thinking. It is the growing persuasion that “God is able to bless you…” 2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2016

“Disability is the inability to see ability.” Vikas Khanna

Our faith is disabled because of our inability to see God’s ability. It is important to realize that God is not only able, He is also willing. Nothing too great for HIm, and He is great in His love for those who look to Him. Someone has said that one way to look at faith is in this simple acrostic: “Forwarding All Issues To Heaven.”  Faith is so much more than wishful thinking. It is the growing persuasion that “God is able to bless you…” 2Cor.9 Conversations Within” ts 1/8/2016

Let me seek a stronger faith to serve a stronger love, not to serve some silly notion of having the power to move mountains.

The bottom line of having faith in Jesus is simply to abide in His love. We abide in His love when we trust what He tells us to do, and do it. We are not only told to experience His love, but to express it to others. The Jesus’s formula for a happy life and a healthy faith is to love and be loved. “As the Father has loved me so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2016

Let me seek a stronger faith to serve a stronger love, not to serve some silly notion of having the power to move mountains.

The bottom line of having faith in Jesus is simply to abide in His love. We abide in His love when we trust what He tells us to do, and do it. We are not only told to experience His love, but to express it to others. The Jesus’s formula for a happy life and a healthy faith is to love and be loved. “As the Father has loved me so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2016

"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will." - Ben Stein

There are things I believe I have trouble believing. For instance, I believe in God’s promise to provide, but I still find myself worrying whether He will. Some call this a head belief instead of a heart belief. I have similar struggles when rock climbing. I know in my head that I am secure by a rope and harness, yet I still have butterflies every time I go over the edge of a cliff. Faith may start with the mind, but we must act and trust our faith to the rope, if you catch my meaning. Even then, it may take some time for our feelings to follow. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”  Mk. 9 Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2016

"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will." - Ben Stein

There are things I believe I have trouble believing. For instance, I believe in God’s promise to provide, but I still find myself worrying whether He will. Some call this a head belief instead of a heart belief. I have similar struggles when rock climbing. I know in my head that I am secure by a rope and harness, yet I still have butterflies every time I go over the edge of a cliff. Faith may start with the mind, but we must act and trust our faith to the rope, if you catch my meaning. Even then, it may take some time for our feelings to follow. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”  Mk. 9 Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2016

Lord, You do not stamp Your name on every rock and tree, and advertise “Made by God.” I like that about You.

There are so many things I like about You, Lord! I appreciate that you are never overbearing, but I am often overwhelmed by You. How powerfully quiet You are. Your silence says so much. I am instructed by it. The Scriptures tell us also that You joyfully sing about us and that your voice is like the sound of many waters. I am sure this is why I like being around waterfalls. All Your ways are love cascading down. “I love you, O LORD, my strength.” Ps.18 Conversations Within” ts 1/5/2016

Lord, You do not stamp Your name on every rock and tree, and advertise “Made by God.” I like that about You.

There are so many things I like about You, Lord! I appreciate that you are never overbearing, but I am often overwhelmed by You. How powerfully quiet You are. Your silence says so much. I am instructed by it. The Scriptures tell us also that You joyfully sing about us and that your voice is like the sound of many waters. I am sure this is why I like being around waterfalls. All Your ways are love cascading down. “I love you, O LORD, my strength.” Ps.18 Conversations Within” ts 1/5/2016

“I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?" He said, "This much" and stretched out His hands and died.” Unknown

There are times when I wonder what God is up to. I hear about some tragedy that has come upon someone I know to be deeply committed to Him, and wonder why He allowed it to happen. I wonder how committed I am to Him, and what difference that might make in my own concerns. In these moments God reminds me that it is not my commitment to Him, but His to me that determines everything. He also reminds me of the one undeniable measure of His love and in its light all my doubts begin to drift away. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2016

“I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?" He said, "This much" and stretched out His hands and died.” Unknown

There are times when I wonder what God is up to. I hear about some tragedy that has come upon someone I know to be deeply committed to Him, and wonder why He allowed it to happen. I wonder how committed I am to Him, and what difference that might make in my own concerns. In these moments God reminds me that it is not my commitment to Him, but His to me that determines everything. He also reminds me of the one undeniable measure of His love and in its light all my doubts begin to drift away. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Conversations Within” ts 1/3/2016

“The first duty of love is to listen.” Paul Tillich

I really like the expression “personalized grace”. There is no word from God more precious than a personal one. Of course, all of His words are personal and intended for the good of His children. We tend only to hear the words that speak to our circumstances. If we listened and heeded them all, our circumstances would probably change for the better. “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 Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2016

“The first duty of love is to listen.” Paul Tillich

I really like the expression “personalized grace”. There is no word from God more precious than a personal one. Of course, all of His words are personal and intended for the good of His children. We tend only to hear the words that speak to our circumstances. If we listened and heeded them all, our circumstances would probably change for the better. “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 Conversations Within” ts 1/2/2016

Grace is a personal thing. Take it personally.

The are common graces that God gives to everybody-He sends rain on the just and the unjust. But God gives a personalized grace to all who are in Christ--our very own measure of His kindness. Such grace is anything but common. God custom designs these expressions of His love, and personally tailors them to suit whatever situation we may encounter.  “He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2016

Grace is a personal thing. Take it personally.

The are common graces that God gives to everybody-He sends rain on the just and the unjust. But God gives a personalized grace to all who are in Christ--our very own measure of His kindness. Such grace is anything but common. God custom designs these expressions of His love, and personally tailors them to suit whatever situation we may encounter.  “He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2016

Teach me the stillness of soul as I sail in choppy waters, to possess it in patience until You connect the momentary dots and perfect peace becomes my continuous line.

I have sat in some serene places without possessing serenity of soul. If the peace of Christ is anything, it is a firm persuasion in our soul that because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. Where He leads, we should let our soul follow.  “He leads me beside still waters.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2015

Teach me the stillness of soul as I sail in choppy waters, to possess it in patience until You connect the momentary dots and perfect peace becomes my continuous line.

I have sat in some serene places without possessing serenity of soul. If the peace of Christ is anything, it is a firm persuasion in our soul that because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. Where He leads, we should let our soul follow.  “He leads me beside still waters.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/31/2015

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.” J.I. Packer

There are things I know about God and things I know of God. One thing I know of HIm is that He wants more for me. He desires that everything I know about Him become a knowledge of Him--not that I just know things like He is everywhere, but for me to experience Him everywhere. The same may be said for all His attributes. He is not just holy, loving, kind, and wise. He prefers that we call Him Father and experience each of these qualities as His children. Green pastures indeed! “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2015

“Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.” J.I. Packer

There are things I know about God and things I know of God. One thing I know of HIm is that He wants more for me. He desires that everything I know about Him become a knowledge of Him--not that I just know things like He is everywhere, but for me to experience Him everywhere. The same may be said for all His attributes. He is not just holy, loving, kind, and wise. He prefers that we call Him Father and experience each of these qualities as His children. Green pastures indeed! “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2015

We should trust God to watch over matters beyond the reach of our actions.

God is said to be not only our help, but a “very present help” when we need Him. Another way to translate this passage is that God’s help is a great find, a wonderful discovery, and we often make this discovery when we sail uncertain waters. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2015

We should trust God to watch over matters beyond the reach of our actions.

God is said to be not only our help, but a “very present help” when we need Him. Another way to translate this passage is that God’s help is a great find, a wonderful discovery, and we often make this discovery when we sail uncertain waters. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps.46 Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2015

“There are two ways of being rich. One is to have all you want, the other is to be satisfied with what you have.” Unknown

I am not always content. Most of the time when I am not, it is because I have lost sight of the Shepherd of my soul. I have wandered off on some selfish pursuit, and find myself stuck in the mud of my own making. He always comes after me. He has never failed once to tenderly pluck me out of the mire and lead me back to the place where I see that under His care I have everything I need. “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/29/2015

“There are two ways of being rich. One is to have all you want, the other is to be satisfied with what you have.” Unknown

I am not always content. Most of the time when I am not, it is because I have lost sight of the Shepherd of my soul. I have wandered off on some selfish pursuit, and find myself stuck in the mud of my own making. He always comes after me. He has never failed once to tenderly pluck me out of the mire and lead me back to the place where I see that under His care I have everything I need. “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/29/2015

We are only one step ahead of the past, but God is always one step ahead of our future.

Do I believe that God holds my future? I think that believing so makes it so. Not believing in the sense of wishful thinking but believing in the sense of truly trusting Him with it, first by committing our lives not only to His care, but also to His purposes. It is only when we align ourselves with His purposes that we experience the future He intends for us. Why would God design it any other way? “Lord, You hold my lot.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2015

We are only one step ahead of the past, but God is always one step ahead of our future.

Do I believe that God holds my future? I think that believing so makes it so. Not believing in the sense of wishful thinking but believing in the sense of truly trusting Him with it, first by committing our lives not only to His care, but also to His purposes. It is only when we align ourselves with His purposes that we experience the future He intends for us. Why would God design it any other way? “Lord, You hold my lot.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2015