“The purpose of religion is to control yourself not criticise others.” Dalai Lama

I believe it is honorable to behave properly toward people of a different faith. The best witness of our own faith is to live it quietly, yet powerfully in our actions. Think how silently the trees of a forest grow, yet still bring benefit to the world. Sometimes the best way for us to speak of faith is to just be quiet and live it. We do not lift Jesus up when we put others down.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...behave properly toward outsiders…” 1Thess. Conversations Within” ts 6/24/2016

“The purpose of religion is to control yourself not criticise others.” Dalai Lama

I believe it is honorable to behave properly toward people of a different faith. The best witness of our own faith is to live it quietly, yet powerfully in our actions. Think how silently the trees of a forest grow, yet still bring benefit to the world. Sometimes the best way for us to speak of faith is to just be quiet and live it. We do not lift Jesus up when we put others down.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...behave properly toward outsiders…” 1Thess. Conversations Within” ts 6/24/2016

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau

It is one thing to be peacefully quiet and another to be desperately quiet. Life is not meant to be desperately survived but quietly and joyfully lived. Learning to be satisfied with the limitations God has placed over and around us is the fruit of faith in His goodness. Better to be quietly content rather than quietly conflicted. Be still my soul! Be still!

“I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Ps.131 Conversations Within” ts 6/23/2016

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Henry David Thoreau

It is one thing to be peacefully quiet and another to be desperately quiet. Life is not meant to be desperately survived but quietly and joyfully lived. Learning to be satisfied with the limitations God has placed over and around us is the fruit of faith in His goodness. Better to be quietly content rather than quietly conflicted. Be still my soul! Be still!

“I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Ps.131 Conversations Within” ts 6/23/2016

“To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” Pearl S. Buck

How wonderful it is to find joy in your work. There are few things better when we do, not only because we must work in order to live, but we also spend a lot of time doing it. Find pleasure in the simple joy of working with your hands, or learning to be self-sufficient, and the satisfaction of living a productive life. The quiet life knows the simple joy of work.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...and work with your hands…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/22/2016

“To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” Pearl S. Buck

How wonderful it is to find joy in your work. There are few things better when we do, not only because we must work in order to live, but we also spend a lot of time doing it. Find pleasure in the simple joy of working with your hands, or learning to be self-sufficient, and the satisfaction of living a productive life. The quiet life knows the simple joy of work.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life...and work with your hands…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/22/2016

“Minding your own business is a full time job. Stay employed.” Unknown

One of the ways we lead a quiet life is to “mind our own business.” We should attend to what belongs to us, and not meddle in the affairs of others. This does not mean that we should not go out of our ways to love others. What it does mean is that we would do well to love mainly by example, not words. Give witness to the value of faith, hope and love by shining the light on the path of goodness, rather than in people’s eyes.  

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…You should mind your own business…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/21/2016

“Minding your own business is a full time job. Stay employed.” Unknown

One of the ways we lead a quiet life is to “mind our own business.” We should attend to what belongs to us, and not meddle in the affairs of others. This does not mean that we should not go out of our ways to love others. What it does mean is that we would do well to love mainly by example, not words. Give witness to the value of faith, hope and love by shining the light on the path of goodness, rather than in people’s eyes.  

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…You should mind your own business…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/21/2016

“The quieter you become the more you can hear.” Ram Dass

The expression “make it your ambition” in the Good Book translates the Greek, “to love honor.” It entails finding our happiness in honorable things. Namely, we are told to love the quiet life and to embrace it. Do I lead a quiet life? The quiet life begins in the quiet soul, and the soul is made quiet in the satisfaction of all that God is for us in the present moment.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/20/2016

“The quieter you become the more you can hear.” Ram Dass

The expression “make it your ambition” in the Good Book translates the Greek, “to love honor.” It entails finding our happiness in honorable things. Namely, we are told to love the quiet life and to embrace it. Do I lead a quiet life? The quiet life begins in the quiet soul, and the soul is made quiet in the satisfaction of all that God is for us in the present moment.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…” 1Thess.4 Conversations Within” ts 6/20/2016

“The bad news is nothing lasts forever, The good news is nothing lasts forever.” J. Cole

Actually, Jesus taught that some things do last forever. This, of course, is also good and bad news. The seeds that we plant in this life will follow us into the next, both good and bad. The seeds we plant now will be the garden we live in then.  

"For an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/18/2016

“The bad news is nothing lasts forever, The good news is nothing lasts forever.” J. Cole

Actually, Jesus taught that some things do last forever. This, of course, is also good and bad news. The seeds that we plant in this life will follow us into the next, both good and bad. The seeds we plant now will be the garden we live in then.  

"For an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/18/2016

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows.” Helen Keller

Where we fix our gaze can determine the impact of bad news on our heart. Our focus can feed our worries or nurture our worship. A small dime can block out the sun, so too worry if it comes between God and me. I need to stop looking at what threatens and lift my gaze to the One who sits enthroned in the Heavens, who calls me His son, who has seen me through countless trials, and who promises that the one in front of me now is no match for His power and of no consequence to His love.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Ps.121 Conversations Within” ts 6/17/2016

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows.” Helen Keller

Where we fix our gaze can determine the impact of bad news on our heart. Our focus can feed our worries or nurture our worship. A small dime can block out the sun, so too worry if it comes between God and me. I need to stop looking at what threatens and lift my gaze to the One who sits enthroned in the Heavens, who calls me His son, who has seen me through countless trials, and who promises that the one in front of me now is no match for His power and of no consequence to His love.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Ps.121 Conversations Within” ts 6/17/2016

“Everyday there is sad news and bad news, but each day itself is glad news.” Unknown

It is one thing to grieve when we get bad news, and another to despair. God Himself grieves and is saddened about a great many things. “Jesus wept.” It is good and proper to grieve for a good many things in our sad world, but our grief does not need to rob us of hope--that hope that there is more to life than just this life. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” Pope John Paul II  

“We do not want you to grieve like those who have no hope.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/16/2016

“Everyday there is sad news and bad news, but each day itself is glad news.” Unknown

It is one thing to grieve when we get bad news, and another to despair. God Himself grieves and is saddened about a great many things. “Jesus wept.” It is good and proper to grieve for a good many things in our sad world, but our grief does not need to rob us of hope--that hope that there is more to life than just this life. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” Pope John Paul II  

“We do not want you to grieve like those who have no hope.” 1Thess.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/16/2016

“I think I'm afraid of being happy because whenever I get too happy something bad always happens.” Charles M. Schulz

I confess that I have had similar thoughts. I call it the “It’s too good to be true,” or “It won’t last” syndrome. If you live long enough, bad health is on the way. Ha! I want to be one of those people who“laugh without fear of the future.” The wisdom from above tells us there is more to this life than just this life. The end is the beginning. I do not want some false bravado, but to be firmly persuaded of every promise made to me in Christ. He promises my best days are yet to come.

All the promises of God are “Yes in Christ.” 2Cor.1 Conversations Within” ts 6/14/2016

“I think I'm afraid of being happy because whenever I get too happy something bad always happens.” Charles M. Schulz

I confess that I have had similar thoughts. I call it the “It’s too good to be true,” or “It won’t last” syndrome. If you live long enough, bad health is on the way. Ha! I want to be one of those people who“laugh without fear of the future.” The wisdom from above tells us there is more to this life than just this life. The end is the beginning. I do not want some false bravado, but to be firmly persuaded of every promise made to me in Christ. He promises my best days are yet to come.

All the promises of God are “Yes in Christ.” 2Cor.1 Conversations Within” ts 6/14/2016

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela

The good news is that when we put our trust in God, we never need to fear bad news. Do I believe this? I think this is one of the things that God wants to work in me, but I am still very much  “under construction.” My prayer is that we all learn to answer our fears with an unwavering faith in God’s goodness. Build an enduring edifice of gratitude that can stand the storms of adversity and silence the fear of bad news.

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.” Ps.112 Conversations Within” ts 6/14/2016

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela

The good news is that when we put our trust in God, we never need to fear bad news. Do I believe this? I think this is one of the things that God wants to work in me, but I am still very much  “under construction.” My prayer is that we all learn to answer our fears with an unwavering faith in God’s goodness. Build an enduring edifice of gratitude that can stand the storms of adversity and silence the fear of bad news.

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.” Ps.112 Conversations Within” ts 6/14/2016

“I’ve got good news and bad news.”

I sometimes must argue myself out of apprehension and fear at the thought of receiving bad news. The best argument--the one that works the best for me, is when I remind myself that my life is not my own--that I have been ransomed by Christ. If God was willing to pay such a precious price for me, why would He allow anything to ultimately harm His investment.

“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things.” Rom.8  Conversations Within” ts 6/13/2016

“I’ve got good news and bad news.”

I sometimes must argue myself out of apprehension and fear at the thought of receiving bad news. The best argument--the one that works the best for me, is when I remind myself that my life is not my own--that I have been ransomed by Christ. If God was willing to pay such a precious price for me, why would He allow anything to ultimately harm His investment.

“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things.” Rom.8  Conversations Within” ts 6/13/2016

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach." - Tony Robbins

Plans are the privilege of the free, but it is wise to remember that God will sometimes alter them. Thank God that He does. Father is always tweaking our intentions, and for our good. Learning to cooperate with these life adjustments is the fruit of wisdom. Some of our greatest adventures can come when God puts up a detour sign on our plans.

“You ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 6/11/2016

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach." - Tony Robbins

Plans are the privilege of the free, but it is wise to remember that God will sometimes alter them. Thank God that He does. Father is always tweaking our intentions, and for our good. Learning to cooperate with these life adjustments is the fruit of wisdom. Some of our greatest adventures can come when God puts up a detour sign on our plans.

“You ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4 Conversations Within” ts 6/11/2016

Blessed are those who have silently eaten the burnt toast.

There are some wonderful people who wait upon others without complaint. They are the first in line to be last in line--true servants. I am married to one of them. Such people always put the needs of others before their own. They gladly eat the burnt toast, or no toast at all, if there is not enough to go around.  God sprinkles the world with such people.  They are living examples of the joy that can be found when we adapt and adjust ourselves to serve rather than be served.

“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 6/10/2016

Blessed are those who have silently eaten the burnt toast.

There are some wonderful people who wait upon others without complaint. They are the first in line to be last in line--true servants. I am married to one of them. Such people always put the needs of others before their own. They gladly eat the burnt toast, or no toast at all, if there is not enough to go around.  God sprinkles the world with such people.  They are living examples of the joy that can be found when we adapt and adjust ourselves to serve rather than be served.

“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” Phil.2 Conversations Within” ts 6/10/2016

”When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot...Become like water my friend.” Bruce Lee

Some of the greatest challenges to flexibility come from dealing with people. Do we value loving others enough to adapt and adjust so we can seek their highest good? Does love, or being right define my shape when relating to them? What are we willing to endure to serve others? Do we wait for others to adapt to our ways, or are we willing to adapt and take the high road of loving them instead of the low road of demanding our own way?

“I become all things to all men that I might win some.” The Apostle Paul Conversations Within” ts 6/9/2016

”When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot...Become like water my friend.” Bruce Lee

Some of the greatest challenges to flexibility come from dealing with people. Do we value loving others enough to adapt and adjust so we can seek their highest good? Does love, or being right define my shape when relating to them? What are we willing to endure to serve others? Do we wait for others to adapt to our ways, or are we willing to adapt and take the high road of loving them instead of the low road of demanding our own way?

“I become all things to all men that I might win some.” The Apostle Paul Conversations Within” ts 6/9/2016

”Improvise, Adapt and Overcome! (U.S. Marine mantra)

Figure it out! Just because we’ve lost our hammer doesn’t mean we can’t drive a nail. There are many ways to dig a hole when you don’t have a shovel. Improvise! The power to think and reason through a problem is a gift from God. Use it. Figure it out, and keep figuring it out, until it is figured out. Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all…” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 6/8/2016

”Improvise, Adapt and Overcome! (U.S. Marine mantra)

Figure it out! Just because we’ve lost our hammer doesn’t mean we can’t drive a nail. There are many ways to dig a hole when you don’t have a shovel. Improvise! The power to think and reason through a problem is a gift from God. Use it. Figure it out, and keep figuring it out, until it is figured out. Don’t give up, look up and ask for inspiration.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all…” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 6/8/2016

“If plan A didn't work , the alphabet has 25 more letters so stay cool.” Unknown

It is good when we are making plans to remind ourselves that things do not go as planned. We are encouraged to commit our plans to the Lord with the assurance that He will establish our steps. This might mean that He changes our plans altogether. When He does, it would be wise to adapt and find the joy doing so. Rejoice that He marks our steps and cares not only about our direction but also our character.

“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Prov.16 Conversations Within” ts 6/7/2016

“If plan A didn't work , the alphabet has 25 more letters so stay cool.” Unknown

It is good when we are making plans to remind ourselves that things do not go as planned. We are encouraged to commit our plans to the Lord with the assurance that He will establish our steps. This might mean that He changes our plans altogether. When He does, it would be wise to adapt and find the joy doing so. Rejoice that He marks our steps and cares not only about our direction but also our character.

“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Prov.16 Conversations Within” ts 6/7/2016

“Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee 3. Forget you made coffee 4. Drink it cold.” Toni Hammer

Flexibility begins with attitude--an attitude which says, “Everything is as God has allowed, and coupled with the knowledge that His grace is sufficient for it.” Stuff springs up all of the time that requires a measure of flexibility. This is especially true for our attitude if we do not want our circumstance to steal our joy. Make the most out of life when circumstances arise that make it necessary to change your plans.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 6/6/2016

“Recipe for iced coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee 3. Forget you made coffee 4. Drink it cold.” Toni Hammer

Flexibility begins with attitude--an attitude which says, “Everything is as God has allowed, and coupled with the knowledge that His grace is sufficient for it.” Stuff springs up all of the time that requires a measure of flexibility. This is especially true for our attitude if we do not want our circumstance to steal our joy. Make the most out of life when circumstances arise that make it necessary to change your plans.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Col.3 Conversations Within” ts 6/6/2016

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

I do not believe that we can respect God as He deserves if we do not have any respect for ourselves. By self-respect, I do not mean that we think more or less of ourselves morally, but that we genuinely care about the life entrusted to us. When we have this kind of self-respect, we come to realize, and that by grace, that it is in our best interest to respect God supremely. Respect then passes naturally on to others--even to all of Creation. All Creation is sacred.

“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 6/2/2016

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

I do not believe that we can respect God as He deserves if we do not have any respect for ourselves. By self-respect, I do not mean that we think more or less of ourselves morally, but that we genuinely care about the life entrusted to us. When we have this kind of self-respect, we come to realize, and that by grace, that it is in our best interest to respect God supremely. Respect then passes naturally on to others--even to all of Creation. All Creation is sacred.

“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.” Prov.19 Conversations Within” ts 6/2/2016

Sometimes the best way to respect someone isn’t to pander to their foolishness but to point it out.

Even when we correct someone for doing something unwise, we can do it with respect. If we don’t, we can pretty much count on the fact that our counsel will fall on deaf ears. What good is good counsel if it is not heeded? There is as much responsibility in how counsel is given as there is in how it is received. What we say and how we say it should always reflect our love and respect for others.

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” 1Tim.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/1/2016

Sometimes the best way to respect someone isn’t to pander to their foolishness but to point it out.

Even when we correct someone for doing something unwise, we can do it with respect. If we don’t, we can pretty much count on the fact that our counsel will fall on deaf ears. What good is good counsel if it is not heeded? There is as much responsibility in how counsel is given as there is in how it is received. What we say and how we say it should always reflect our love and respect for others.

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” 1Tim.5 Conversations Within” ts 6/1/2016

“Old guys rule!” (Surfers adage)

My parents taught me to say, “Yes Sir.” and “Yes Ma’am.” Reverence and respect were an important part of my upbringing. Showing respect to others is one way we show respect to God. The opposite is also true. A lack of respect for authority--grown-ups, teachers, policemen and people who hold office--is also a lack of reverence toward God. We may disagree with the policies of someone in office but we should never be disrespectful to them. Old people in particular are also high on God’s list of showing respect. To respect them is to respect HIm.

"'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Lev.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/31/2016

“Old guys rule!” (Surfers adage)

My parents taught me to say, “Yes Sir.” and “Yes Ma’am.” Reverence and respect were an important part of my upbringing. Showing respect to others is one way we show respect to God. The opposite is also true. A lack of respect for authority--grown-ups, teachers, policemen and people who hold office--is also a lack of reverence toward God. We may disagree with the policies of someone in office but we should never be disrespectful to them. Old people in particular are also high on God’s list of showing respect. To respect them is to respect HIm.

"'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Lev.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/31/2016

"Gratitude bestows reverence, changing forever how we experience life…” John Milton

When we have reverent regard for God, we begin to revere all He has made. Of course, learning to revere creation can also teach us a reverence for God. Live gratefully in His presence, and revere the privilege of life. This is the good ole fashion “fear of the Lord” that the Bible speaks about--not being afraid of God, but respecting Him and all He has made.

“Serve the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling.” Ps.2  Conversations Within” ts 5/30/2016

"Gratitude bestows reverence, changing forever how we experience life…” John Milton

When we have reverent regard for God, we begin to revere all He has made. Of course, learning to revere creation can also teach us a reverence for God. Live gratefully in His presence, and revere the privilege of life. This is the good ole fashion “fear of the Lord” that the Bible speaks about--not being afraid of God, but respecting Him and all He has made.

“Serve the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling.” Ps.2  Conversations Within” ts 5/30/2016

“Be the change you would see in the world.” Gandhi

I am saddened when I read posts on social media where people announce that they only want to hang with positive people. I can understand this if someone has been crushed by the weight of a critical and negative person and needs healing. But how can we be a positive influence on negative people if we do not spend time with them? Do not abandon such people, but hold them with the grip of grace and overwhelm the darkness of their negative outlook with the light of positive love.

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

“Be the change you would see in the world.” Gandhi

I am saddened when I read posts on social media where people announce that they only want to hang with positive people. I can understand this if someone has been crushed by the weight of a critical and negative person and needs healing. But how can we be a positive influence on negative people if we do not spend time with them? Do not abandon such people, but hold them with the grip of grace and overwhelm the darkness of their negative outlook with the light of positive love.

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

The best way for me to change what is wrong in the world is to change what is wrong in me.

I wish my children had never heard me say a critical or unkind word, but they have--one of my many failings. The best example we can set for those we love is to correct what is wrong in ourselves. Being critical of others fixes nothing. Rather than point out what is wrong let me demonstrate what is right.  

“First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/31/2016

The best way for me to change what is wrong in the world is to change what is wrong in me.

I wish my children had never heard me say a critical or unkind word, but they have--one of my many failings. The best example we can set for those we love is to correct what is wrong in ourselves. Being critical of others fixes nothing. Rather than point out what is wrong let me demonstrate what is right.  

“First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/31/2016

You are the music of my life.

I hope to experience God as the life in my every breath, the magic of my every moment, the satisfaction in all my work, the refreshment in all my rest, and the joy in every wave I surf.  I have said it before and must say it again. God is the vitality of everything I call faith, hope, and love. He is the pizzazz of living, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves me to turn up the volume and dance with delight.

“The LORD is my strength and my song.” Ps.118 Conversations Within” ts 5/28/2016

You are the music of my life.

I hope to experience God as the life in my every breath, the magic of my every moment, the satisfaction in all my work, the refreshment in all my rest, and the joy in every wave I surf.  I have said it before and must say it again. God is the vitality of everything I call faith, hope, and love. He is the pizzazz of living, the beat and rhythm of every song that moves me to turn up the volume and dance with delight.

“The LORD is my strength and my song.” Ps.118 Conversations Within” ts 5/28/2016

“There's no half-singing in the shower; you're either a rock star or an opera diva.” Josh Groban

There is only one way to sing a love song! When I sing to the Lover of my soul, let me put my heart in it. Let me give myself in total abandon to the praise of His goodness. It matters not if we do not have a beautiful voice. Anybody can make a joyful noise to the Lord. The voice of every child is music to the ears of every parent. It is no different with our Father.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” Ps.98  Conversations Within” ts 5/27/2016

“There's no half-singing in the shower; you're either a rock star or an opera diva.” Josh Groban

There is only one way to sing a love song! When I sing to the Lover of my soul, let me put my heart in it. Let me give myself in total abandon to the praise of His goodness. It matters not if we do not have a beautiful voice. Anybody can make a joyful noise to the Lord. The voice of every child is music to the ears of every parent. It is no different with our Father.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” Ps.98  Conversations Within” ts 5/27/2016

“I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain…” Arthur Freed

I love walking in the rain so I do not know why I would not love singing in it. Rainy days are often used poetically to described sad days, so learning to sing in the rain may be a handy expression of trust. By it we may acknowledge that it may be raining now but sunshine is promised to return. We should not underestimate the power of music to revitalize faith, hope, and love. Music is a wonderful grace.  

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Ps.59 Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2016

“I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain…” Arthur Freed

I love walking in the rain so I do not know why I would not love singing in it. Rainy days are often used poetically to described sad days, so learning to sing in the rain may be a handy expression of trust. By it we may acknowledge that it may be raining now but sunshine is promised to return. We should not underestimate the power of music to revitalize faith, hope, and love. Music is a wonderful grace.  

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Ps.59 Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2016