“Words make you think. Music makes you feel. A song makes you feel a thought.” E.Y. Harburg

Music is what feelings sound like. Music doesn’t even require words to make an impression on me. It can powerfully set my mood or express my mood. It seems to me that mood alone without message can be just emotional bleeding. I want my soul’s blood to course through my veins with purpose not bleed all over the place. I love it when the words of a song match the music. It enables my whole heart, mind will and emotions to join in expression. It can be a song expressing delight or sorrow of glorious praise or deep regret. The point is that i want more than just to feel it, I want to believe it.

“I will sing and make music with all my soul.” Ps.108 Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2016

“Words make you think. Music makes you feel. A song makes you feel a thought.” E.Y. Harburg

Music is what feelings sound like. Music doesn’t even require words to make an impression on me. It can powerfully set my mood or express my mood. It seems to me that mood alone without message can be just emotional bleeding. I want my soul’s blood to course through my veins with purpose not bleed all over the place. I love it when the words of a song match the music. It enables my whole heart, mind will and emotions to join in expression. It can be a song expressing delight or sorrow of glorious praise or deep regret. The point is that i want more than just to feel it, I want to believe it.

“I will sing and make music with all my soul.” Ps.108 Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2016

“Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” Emory Austin

There are times when I sing because my heart is full of joy. Then
there are times I sing because I have no joy and want it. Sing to find
joy. Remind yourself in song of all that God is
to those who trust Him. I love the hymn, “Come thou
fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Your praise.” Sometimes
we need God to tune our heart because the cares of this world get our
heart out of tune. God loves to sing, find the tune by singing with
Him.

“Sing for joy in the LORD.” Ps.33 Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2016

“Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” Emory Austin

There are times when I sing because my heart is full of joy. Then
there are times I sing because I have no joy and want it. Sing to find
joy. Remind yourself in song of all that God is
to those who trust Him. I love the hymn, “Come thou
fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Your praise.” Sometimes
we need God to tune our heart because the cares of this world get our
heart out of tune. God loves to sing, find the tune by singing with
Him.

“Sing for joy in the LORD.” Ps.33 Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2016

“Every song I’ll sing, I’ll sing for you.” John Denver- Leaving on a Jet Plane.

Singing is a language of the soul. Some things are better said in a song. This is so very true not only when we sing to express what is going on inside us, but also when we “need” something to go on inside us. Singing can nurture the soul as much as express it. Sometimes I sing to God. Other times I sing to myself about Him. Sometimes my song is for His pleasure. Sometimes it is for mine. I often feel the need to bathe myself in the comforting waters of some song written about His goodness and love.

“Sing to the Lord!” Ps.96 Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2016

“Every song I’ll sing, I’ll sing for you.” John Denver- Leaving on a Jet Plane.

Singing is a language of the soul. Some things are better said in a song. This is so very true not only when we sing to express what is going on inside us, but also when we “need” something to go on inside us. Singing can nurture the soul as much as express it. Sometimes I sing to God. Other times I sing to myself about Him. Sometimes my song is for His pleasure. Sometimes it is for mine. I often feel the need to bathe myself in the comforting waters of some song written about His goodness and love.

“Sing to the Lord!” Ps.96 Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2016

“Being taken for granted can be a compliment. It means that you've become a comfortable, trusted element in another person's life.” Joyce Brothers

In one sense, we pay God a supreme compliment when we take aspects of His love for granted simply because doing so can communicate that we have become accustom to His many expressions of love. Some assumptions are healthy. We come to that place where we are so confident that God will do as He promised that we don’t give it a second thought. Still, it is good from time to time to express gratitude for the rising sun, for gravity, that we slept safe under His care, that we have things like clean water, not to mention hot water, and that we can borrow another breath to return thanks to Him.  

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145 Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2016

“Being taken for granted can be a compliment. It means that you've become a comfortable, trusted element in another person's life.” Joyce Brothers

In one sense, we pay God a supreme compliment when we take aspects of His love for granted simply because doing so can communicate that we have become accustom to His many expressions of love. Some assumptions are healthy. We come to that place where we are so confident that God will do as He promised that we don’t give it a second thought. Still, it is good from time to time to express gratitude for the rising sun, for gravity, that we slept safe under His care, that we have things like clean water, not to mention hot water, and that we can borrow another breath to return thanks to Him.  

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Ps.145 Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2016

”A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” Unknown

One of the ways we lay hold of all that God desires to be for us each day is simply to wake to what He already is and give Him thanks for it. Be grateful for His love and the countless ways He shows it to us. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and consider how good we have it. His blessings abound in family, friendships, in the privileges of freedom and in the abundance of more blessings than we can possibly number.

“Bless the Lord O my soul, and do not forget His benefits.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 5/19/2016

”A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” Unknown

One of the ways we lay hold of all that God desires to be for us each day is simply to wake to what He already is and give Him thanks for it. Be grateful for His love and the countless ways He shows it to us. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and consider how good we have it. His blessings abound in family, friendships, in the privileges of freedom and in the abundance of more blessings than we can possibly number.

“Bless the Lord O my soul, and do not forget His benefits.” Ps.103 Conversations Within” ts 5/19/2016

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequence of your choice.” Unknown

Many things threaten our lives. Hopefully very few of them will come from the bad choices we make. There is enough working against us in this life without dumb choices being one of them. The only thing worse than a bad choice is to keep on repeating it.

“Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” Prov.26 Conversations Within” ts 5/18/2016

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequence of your choice.” Unknown

Many things threaten our lives. Hopefully very few of them will come from the bad choices we make. There is enough working against us in this life without dumb choices being one of them. The only thing worse than a bad choice is to keep on repeating it.

“Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” Prov.26 Conversations Within” ts 5/18/2016

“Starve your distraction. Feed your focus.” Unknown

There are many enemies that would strip us of the joy of this present moment. Hurry is one of them--something that pushes us to always be going somewhere, rather than being where we are. Not only hurry, but worry can rob us of the joy of living now. We can also trap ourselves in the failures of our past. Splash the water of this moment on your face, and wake to the wonder and beauty of life in the now.

“Be where you are. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 5/17/2016

“Starve your distraction. Feed your focus.” Unknown

There are many enemies that would strip us of the joy of this present moment. Hurry is one of them--something that pushes us to always be going somewhere, rather than being where we are. Not only hurry, but worry can rob us of the joy of living now. We can also trap ourselves in the failures of our past. Splash the water of this moment on your face, and wake to the wonder and beauty of life in the now.

“Be where you are. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 5/17/2016

“Right now counts forever.” R.C. Sproul

It is one thing to live “in” the moment and another to live “for” the moment. The first is perfect focus, the latter is a kind of nearsightedness--the inability to see beyond now. One of the most important reasons to give myself fully to this moment is that there are other moments to follow, and what we do now will follow us. When we realize that our choices follow us, it can be good advice to eat, drink, and be merry. But when we are living only for the moment, the same advice can get us into trouble.

“Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2016

“Right now counts forever.” R.C. Sproul

It is one thing to live “in” the moment and another to live “for” the moment. The first is perfect focus, the latter is a kind of nearsightedness--the inability to see beyond now. One of the most important reasons to give myself fully to this moment is that there are other moments to follow, and what we do now will follow us. When we realize that our choices follow us, it can be good advice to eat, drink, and be merry. But when we are living only for the moment, the same advice can get us into trouble.

“Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2016

“This magic moment!” The Drifters

God invites us to join Him in the present moment and lay hold of all He desires to be for us in it. Wake to this moment by waking to Him. After all, He did tell us that His name is “I AM.” Let me consider what God is offering me right now. What promises is He making that will help me embrace and enjoy life this moment? How precious that He offers Himself as a servant of our joy. Ours is made full by laying hold of His.

“‘In Him we live and move and have our being.’” Acts 17 Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2016

“This magic moment!” The Drifters

God invites us to join Him in the present moment and lay hold of all He desires to be for us in it. Wake to this moment by waking to Him. After all, He did tell us that His name is “I AM.” Let me consider what God is offering me right now. What promises is He making that will help me embrace and enjoy life this moment? How precious that He offers Himself as a servant of our joy. Ours is made full by laying hold of His.

“‘In Him we live and move and have our being.’” Acts 17 Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2016

”Love is not blind. It sees what is most true.” Vanna Bonta

I think it is important to know everything that love is not as one of the true measures of discovering everything that love is. Love is not many things. It is not envious, or boastful, or proud or rude. Love actually works against these things. It seeks to overcome evil by doing good. I am encouraged every day to abandon selfish thoughts when I have them, and to embrace love instead. These quiet inner encouragements are one of God’s greatest gifts to us.

Love is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered. 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2016

”Love is not blind. It sees what is most true.” Vanna Bonta

I think it is important to know everything that love is not as one of the true measures of discovering everything that love is. Love is not many things. It is not envious, or boastful, or proud or rude. Love actually works against these things. It seeks to overcome evil by doing good. I am encouraged every day to abandon selfish thoughts when I have them, and to embrace love instead. These quiet inner encouragements are one of God’s greatest gifts to us.

Love is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered. 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2016

”If love were just an emotion, then God couldn’t command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.” Rick Warren

There was a season in my life when I measured the sincerity of my love by how strongly I felt about someone. Now, I know that it is my actions--what I do and do not do, that is the true measure of a real love. We can have deep feelings for God or the people in our life but it is our actions that communicate that we love them. There is little value in feelings alone. Real love really loves, not in word and feelings only, but in doing.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”  1John 3 Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2016

”If love were just an emotion, then God couldn’t command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.” Rick Warren

There was a season in my life when I measured the sincerity of my love by how strongly I felt about someone. Now, I know that it is my actions--what I do and do not do, that is the true measure of a real love. We can have deep feelings for God or the people in our life but it is our actions that communicate that we love them. There is little value in feelings alone. Real love really loves, not in word and feelings only, but in doing.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”  1John 3 Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2016

Love doesn’t wait for opportunities to love, it creates them.

Love is, at its very core, proactive in the same way water is wet. Love can’t help but aggressively spill goodness on others. And, there are so many practical ways to love people.  I know people who fix packages of food and items for homeless people and keep them in the car to hand out. Others have cut a neighbor’s yard, or have them over for dinner just be helpful, or babysit for a single parent to give them some time out. Tap into love and let the creative juices flow.

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2016

Love doesn’t wait for opportunities to love, it creates them.

Love is, at its very core, proactive in the same way water is wet. Love can’t help but aggressively spill goodness on others. And, there are so many practical ways to love people.  I know people who fix packages of food and items for homeless people and keep them in the car to hand out. Others have cut a neighbor’s yard, or have them over for dinner just be helpful, or babysit for a single parent to give them some time out. Tap into love and let the creative juices flow.

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2016

“There must be fifty ways to leave your lover.” Paul Simon

If there are fifty ways to leave your lover, there is surely one way to stay with them. Remember the pledge to love “for better and for worse.” Faithfulness is the fruit of true love--not the love of fickle feelings, but of resolved action. Faithfulness says, “ I am not leaving. I promise to always to look after your best interest --to love you even on the days I don’t like you.” Here is the only love worth having.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Cor.13  Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2016

“There must be fifty ways to leave your lover.” Paul Simon

If there are fifty ways to leave your lover, there is surely one way to stay with them. Remember the pledge to love “for better and for worse.” Faithfulness is the fruit of true love--not the love of fickle feelings, but of resolved action. Faithfulness says, “ I am not leaving. I promise to always to look after your best interest --to love you even on the days I don’t like you.” Here is the only love worth having.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Cor.13  Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2016

"There's no substitute for a great love who says, 'No matter what's wrong with you, you're welcome at this table.'" Tom Hanks

There is one table open to all. Christ has set this table, and offers unconditional love and acceptance to all who will come and dine with Him. He has made provision for every failing but one--the only one that must be left to us. He has given us the freedom to refuse Him. This of course, is the only way love can work. You cannot force love, it must be freely given. We are free to love God or not love Him. He offers His acceptance as He patiently awaits ours.

"Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2016

"There's no substitute for a great love who says, 'No matter what's wrong with you, you're welcome at this table.'" Tom Hanks

There is one table open to all. Christ has set this table, and offers unconditional love and acceptance to all who will come and dine with Him. He has made provision for every failing but one--the only one that must be left to us. He has given us the freedom to refuse Him. This of course, is the only way love can work. You cannot force love, it must be freely given. We are free to love God or not love Him. He offers His acceptance as He patiently awaits ours.

"Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2016

“My destination is no longer a place, rather a new way of seeing.” Marcel Proust.

What better way of seeing everything and everybody than through the lens of love. Look at your spouse, your children, your friends, your enemies, even the planet, and discover new ways to see and serve them. The light of love teaches us to consider what we can do to improve the lives of others and the world we live in. The wisdom of love shows us not only who people are, but who they can be with our support.

“Let love be your greatest aim.” 1Cor.14 Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2016

“My destination is no longer a place, rather a new way of seeing.” Marcel Proust.

What better way of seeing everything and everybody than through the lens of love. Look at your spouse, your children, your friends, your enemies, even the planet, and discover new ways to see and serve them. The light of love teaches us to consider what we can do to improve the lives of others and the world we live in. The wisdom of love shows us not only who people are, but who they can be with our support.

“Let love be your greatest aim.” 1Cor.14 Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2016

Do I talk “with” the people in my life, or “at” them?

We have all felt the brunt of having someone talk at you and not with you. We would do well to remember how this made us feel and avoid doing it to others. On the other hand, it is a wonderful grace when someone respects you as a person and talks with you. There is as much listening as there is sharing in all profitable conversation. Don’t just avoid bossy people, avoid being one. Give the blessing of mutual respect and the joy of hearing and being heard.

“Love is not arrogant or rude.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2016

Do I talk “with” the people in my life, or “at” them?

We have all felt the brunt of having someone talk at you and not with you. We would do well to remember how this made us feel and avoid doing it to others. On the other hand, it is a wonderful grace when someone respects you as a person and talks with you. There is as much listening as there is sharing in all profitable conversation. Don’t just avoid bossy people, avoid being one. Give the blessing of mutual respect and the joy of hearing and being heard.

“Love is not arrogant or rude.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2016

"I hope you know that every time I tell you to get home safe, stay warm, have a good day, or sleep well what I am really saying is I love you.” Unknown

Love pays attention to the concerns of others and takes an interest in their welfare. Looking after people and seeking goodness for them is the very essence of love. Why should we only wish for safety, or for goodness, on those we love when we can look to God in prayer for these things? Because God loves us, He is more than willing to join us in seeking good for those in our lives. I think more often than not, when we tell people to be safe, we are really expressing a prayer that God will keep them safe.

“Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2016

"I hope you know that every time I tell you to get home safe, stay warm, have a good day, or sleep well what I am really saying is I love you.” Unknown

Love pays attention to the concerns of others and takes an interest in their welfare. Looking after people and seeking goodness for them is the very essence of love. Why should we only wish for safety, or for goodness, on those we love when we can look to God in prayer for these things? Because God loves us, He is more than willing to join us in seeking good for those in our lives. I think more often than not, when we tell people to be safe, we are really expressing a prayer that God will keep them safe.

“Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2016

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa

There are so many ways to express kindness--an encouraging word to a tired waitress, or even upping the tip, or offering your place in line to a mother with kids at a crowded grocery store. It is sad, but being in a hurry can be an enemy of kindness. It is so easy to get caught up rushing from one place to another that we forget how wonderful being kind can be. We all need a tee-shirt that says “I slow down to be kind.” This even works for animals. Next time you see a turtle crossing the road, stop and help it to safety.  

“Be kind to one another.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2016

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa

There are so many ways to express kindness--an encouraging word to a tired waitress, or even upping the tip, or offering your place in line to a mother with kids at a crowded grocery store. It is sad, but being in a hurry can be an enemy of kindness. It is so easy to get caught up rushing from one place to another that we forget how wonderful being kind can be. We all need a tee-shirt that says “I slow down to be kind.” This even works for animals. Next time you see a turtle crossing the road, stop and help it to safety.  

“Be kind to one another.” Eph.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2016

Say it with a smile.

Our words, our tone of voice, plus our facial expressions, make one powerful team when we want to communicate something. Adding a smile to our words is like sprinkling them with kindness. It may just be that something should not be said at all, if it cannot be said with a smile.

“The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” Num.6 Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2016

Say it with a smile.

Our words, our tone of voice, plus our facial expressions, make one powerful team when we want to communicate something. Adding a smile to our words is like sprinkling them with kindness. It may just be that something should not be said at all, if it cannot be said with a smile.

“The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” Num.6 Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2016

"There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire." David O. McKay

How we say something is probably as important as what we say. The tone in our voice is its own communication. If we want our words to produce goodness, we should wrap them in a tone consistent with our intentions. This can be hard in the face of provocation, but learning a measure of detachment when someone is provoking you and returning a soft answer is not only honorable, it can help turn an argument into constructive dialogue.

“Soft answer turns away anger…” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2016

"There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire." David O. McKay

How we say something is probably as important as what we say. The tone in our voice is its own communication. If we want our words to produce goodness, we should wrap them in a tone consistent with our intentions. This can be hard in the face of provocation, but learning a measure of detachment when someone is provoking you and returning a soft answer is not only honorable, it can help turn an argument into constructive dialogue.

“Soft answer turns away anger…” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2016

Speaking without love is just noise, speaking with it can be music to the soul.

What a privilege it is to be able to communicate. Words are a powerful way we can love people. Encouraging words, wise words, words of comfort, even words that correct, when spoken in love, are all valuable ways we can offer goodness to the people in our lives. Before we speak, we do well to remember that love alone gives value to our words. Without love, words won’t work--at least they won’t work anything of value.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1Cor.13  Conversations Within” ts 5/1/2016

Speaking without love is just noise, speaking with it can be music to the soul.

What a privilege it is to be able to communicate. Words are a powerful way we can love people. Encouraging words, wise words, words of comfort, even words that correct, when spoken in love, are all valuable ways we can offer goodness to the people in our lives. Before we speak, we do well to remember that love alone gives value to our words. Without love, words won’t work--at least they won’t work anything of value.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1Cor.13  Conversations Within” ts 5/1/2016

Everybody needs down time. Sometimes we can help them find it.

What a wonderful service we bring to others when we help them take a much-needed break. Babysitting is one way we can serve parents who need some time to themselves. Gift cards to dinner may be one way we can serve a financially strapped couple by giving them a date. Think about the people in your life who, because of different circumstances, have a hard time getting some personal time--then help them find it. There are thousands of ways to love people.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 4/30/2016

Everybody needs down time. Sometimes we can help them find it.

What a wonderful service we bring to others when we help them take a much-needed break. Babysitting is one way we can serve parents who need some time to themselves. Gift cards to dinner may be one way we can serve a financially strapped couple by giving them a date. Think about the people in your life who, because of different circumstances, have a hard time getting some personal time--then help them find it. There are thousands of ways to love people.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Jesus  Conversations Within” ts 4/30/2016

“Preserve and enhance the greatest asset you have--you.” Stephen Covey

It is said the the secret of “JOY” is to put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.  While I believe this is a wonderful way to live, I also believe that if we fail to care for ourselves properly, we will not be able to care for others. Imagine someone trying to help others put on an oxygen mask in an airplane emergency without putting one on yourself first. We do not need to make a competition out of this. When we love God as we should, all other loves will compliment not compete with each other. Love everybody and don’t forget to love yourself.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2016

“Preserve and enhance the greatest asset you have--you.” Stephen Covey

It is said the the secret of “JOY” is to put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.  While I believe this is a wonderful way to live, I also believe that if we fail to care for ourselves properly, we will not be able to care for others. Imagine someone trying to help others put on an oxygen mask in an airplane emergency without putting one on yourself first. We do not need to make a competition out of this. When we love God as we should, all other loves will compliment not compete with each other. Love everybody and don’t forget to love yourself.

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2016

If you are three weeks behind after taking some time off you need to work smarter not harder.

One excuse people often use to never take a break, or time off is that they get so far behind they cannot afford to do so. If this is the case, it would be prudent to make some adjustments in the way we work. God did not suggest that we rest, it is one of the big Ten, as in the “Ten Commandments.”  There is a very good reason for this. All the commandments are given to bring us goodness, and to improve our lives, not put burdens on us.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Ps.127. Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2016

If you are three weeks behind after taking some time off you need to work smarter not harder.

One excuse people often use to never take a break, or time off is that they get so far behind they cannot afford to do so. If this is the case, it would be prudent to make some adjustments in the way we work. God did not suggest that we rest, it is one of the big Ten, as in the “Ten Commandments.”  There is a very good reason for this. All the commandments are given to bring us goodness, and to improve our lives, not put burdens on us.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Ps.127. Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2016

“Take time to relax when you don’t have time for it.” Jim Goodwin

If we need a break, we should take one and not wait for the time to do so--it rarely comes. There is value in stepping back from what we are doing to consider it while we rest. Do not put off something of such value. Deliberately choose it. Don’t let time dictate what you do. Time is a resource to be used, not to use us. We should master what time we have as we should our money and talents.

“Make the most of your time.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2016

“Take time to relax when you don’t have time for it.” Jim Goodwin

If we need a break, we should take one and not wait for the time to do so--it rarely comes. There is value in stepping back from what we are doing to consider it while we rest. Do not put off something of such value. Deliberately choose it. Don’t let time dictate what you do. Time is a resource to be used, not to use us. We should master what time we have as we should our money and talents.

“Make the most of your time.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2016

I’m taking a break from…, to get a life.

There are activities that initially bring us a measure of benefit, but over time, if we are not careful, they wind up taking more from us than they give. I saw where someone used the sentence above to describe FACEBOOK, but smartphones, TV, reading books, or following the news could also apply. Any number of activities can be good or bad depending on whether they serve us or we wind up serving them. Of course there are some activities we could probably take a permanent break from and get back to living.

“Eat just enough honey, too much of it will make you sick.” Prov.25 Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2016

I’m taking a break from…, to get a life.

There are activities that initially bring us a measure of benefit, but over time, if we are not careful, they wind up taking more from us than they give. I saw where someone used the sentence above to describe FACEBOOK, but smartphones, TV, reading books, or following the news could also apply. Any number of activities can be good or bad depending on whether they serve us or we wind up serving them. Of course there are some activities we could probably take a permanent break from and get back to living.

“Eat just enough honey, too much of it will make you sick.” Prov.25 Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2016

Learn to take a break, before something breaks you.

We were created to work. We were also created to rest. Rest is one of the healthy rhythms to make life more productive. It is a mistake to see taking a break as a waste of time. If resting seems a waste of time, it may be that we do not really know how to do it properly. Put down your work, and give yourself to those things that refresh and replenish the stores. Just as there are skills needed in work, there are also skills we must learn in order to rest.

“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Gen.2 Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2016

Learn to take a break, before something breaks you.

We were created to work. We were also created to rest. Rest is one of the healthy rhythms to make life more productive. It is a mistake to see taking a break as a waste of time. If resting seems a waste of time, it may be that we do not really know how to do it properly. Put down your work, and give yourself to those things that refresh and replenish the stores. Just as there are skills needed in work, there are also skills we must learn in order to rest.

“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Gen.2 Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2016