"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

Some struggles in life require a long term attitude and should be viewed as marathon rather than a hundred yard dash. Such problems are best dealt with a one day at a time attitude.  When we make peace with the fact that this is the way it is, and this is way it will be for some time, we can start to nurture the resilient spirit needed to keep on keepin on. It is the very nature of love to endure.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2017

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

Some struggles in life require a long term attitude and should be viewed as marathon rather than a hundred yard dash. Such problems are best dealt with a one day at a time attitude.  When we make peace with the fact that this is the way it is, and this is way it will be for some time, we can start to nurture the resilient spirit needed to keep on keepin on. It is the very nature of love to endure.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor.13 “Conversations Within” ts 4/24/2017

“Dear stress, Let’s break up!” Meme

Stress can certainly cause fatigue. Alleviating stress may sometimes involve lessening the load we carry each day. When this is not possible, for whatever the reason, we may need to adjust the way we think about our daily duties. If something has to be done, it has be done, but this does not mean that we should allow it it to do us in. The way we think about something can have a negative or positive impact on us. If we cannot change what we must do, we can at least change the way we think about what we must do.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom.8.6 “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“Dear stress, Let’s break up!” Meme

Stress can certainly cause fatigue. Alleviating stress may sometimes involve lessening the load we carry each day. When this is not possible, for whatever the reason, we may need to adjust the way we think about our daily duties. If something has to be done, it has be done, but this does not mean that we should allow it it to do us in. The way we think about something can have a negative or positive impact on us. If we cannot change what we must do, we can at least change the way we think about what we must do.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom.8.6 “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“Today eat right, exercise, day-dream, sleep well, love yourself, and repeat.” Meme

The simple truth is that many physical and emotional ailments can be positively addressed by good eating, sleeping and exercise habits. If I am overtired, fatigued, and generally running low on energy, it probably has something to do with these fundamentals of good health. Oh, and don’t forget that the soul needs these things as well. Read, reflect, pray and practice your faith everyday.

“I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3Jo.1.2 “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“Today eat right, exercise, day-dream, sleep well, love yourself, and repeat.” Meme

The simple truth is that many physical and emotional ailments can be positively addressed by good eating, sleeping and exercise habits. If I am overtired, fatigued, and generally running low on energy, it probably has something to do with these fundamentals of good health. Oh, and don’t forget that the soul needs these things as well. Read, reflect, pray and practice your faith everyday.

“I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3Jo.1.2 “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin

I wish to be deliberate in movement. I wish to be a slow and steady current rather than a raging rapid. One thing that surely saps energy from us is hurry--rushing around all the time. It is wise to slow down, do one thing at a time, and give our full attention and energy to what is in front of us.

“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin

I wish to be deliberate in movement. I wish to be a slow and steady current rather than a raging rapid. One thing that surely saps energy from us is hurry--rushing around all the time. It is wise to slow down, do one thing at a time, and give our full attention and energy to what is in front of us.

“Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” Prov.19 ESV “Conversations Within” ts 4/20/2017

“Lay your burden down!” Chuck Girard

Sadly one’s religion can sometimes become more a burden than blessing. I know people worn out from doing church work or going to church every time the doors are open. Something that God intends as a means of grace to revitalize us should never be exhausting. Trusting Christ is more about putting your burdens down than it is about picking more up.  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

“Lay your burden down!” Chuck Girard

Sadly one’s religion can sometimes become more a burden than blessing. I know people worn out from doing church work or going to church every time the doors are open. Something that God intends as a means of grace to revitalize us should never be exhausting. Trusting Christ is more about putting your burdens down than it is about picking more up.  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep.

God’s wisdom tells us to work, and He also tells us to rest. If we do not take time to rest everything else in our life will suffer for it. Those who do not take time to refresh themselves wind up wasting more time. It has been shown that a good nap can be more productive than extending the hours of your work day.  It was a wise Creator who built into the rhythm of creation the need for a Sabbath day. Rest and recreation re-create the stores needed to live a productive life. Find the rhythm.

“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” Ex.34.21 “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

We may need to get serious about keeping a Sabbath day, pruning our schedule and getting a good night sleep.

God’s wisdom tells us to work, and He also tells us to rest. If we do not take time to rest everything else in our life will suffer for it. Those who do not take time to refresh themselves wind up wasting more time. It has been shown that a good nap can be more productive than extending the hours of your work day.  It was a wise Creator who built into the rhythm of creation the need for a Sabbath day. Rest and recreation re-create the stores needed to live a productive life. Find the rhythm.

“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” Ex.34.21 “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

“I am tired of being tired and talking about how tired I am.” Amy Poehler

Everybody gets tired, and at times, most people get tired of being tired. Don’t get me wrong, there is a good tired that comes to us after a day of hard work or hard play. Then there is what we call “bone tired” a tiredness of the soul. Too much on our plate causes it, as does worry, and hurry, and leaves us as Bilbo Baggins said, “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”  Once I confessed this to my wife before bed and rose the next morning only to find these words when I opened His words. “I know how to sustain with a word the one who is weary.”

Those who wait on the LORD will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Is.40.31 “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

“I am tired of being tired and talking about how tired I am.” Amy Poehler

Everybody gets tired, and at times, most people get tired of being tired. Don’t get me wrong, there is a good tired that comes to us after a day of hard work or hard play. Then there is what we call “bone tired” a tiredness of the soul. Too much on our plate causes it, as does worry, and hurry, and leaves us as Bilbo Baggins said, “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”  Once I confessed this to my wife before bed and rose the next morning only to find these words when I opened His words. “I know how to sustain with a word the one who is weary.”

Those who wait on the LORD will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Is.40.31 “Conversations Within” ts 4/19/2017

“Going home to a place I've never been before.” John Denver

When I think of Heaven I am sure most people, like me, have some interesting questions about what our eternal home will be like. Will there be surfing? Will I be able to fly? Will I know the people I knew here? Will my dog be there? I am sure God does not want us to worry about it. Christ has made a gift out of something we could never earn or deserve, so it stands to reason that the gift will be proportional to His greatest desires for us. And what might that be?

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.” 2 Cor.2.9 “Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2017

“Going home to a place I've never been before.” John Denver

When I think of Heaven I am sure most people, like me, have some interesting questions about what our eternal home will be like. Will there be surfing? Will I be able to fly? Will I know the people I knew here? Will my dog be there? I am sure God does not want us to worry about it. Christ has made a gift out of something we could never earn or deserve, so it stands to reason that the gift will be proportional to His greatest desires for us. And what might that be?

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.” 2 Cor.2.9 “Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2017

“We are a resurrection people, and our song is ‘Alleluia’.” Augustine

Those who look to Jesus hope--even in a sense, expecting--that we will be resurrected to everlasting life. Is this not what He promised? Such knowledge works a particular grace in us. We realize that we are not at present the kind of people we should be, so we cooperate with the Spirit of Christ to begin learning to live like a citizen of our new home. Our efforts in this matter should not be considered an attempt to earn our way into God’s good graces, but as the deepest expression of thanksgiving to the One who has freely accepted us and desires our eternal fellowship.  

“And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 Jo.3.3

“We are a resurrection people, and our song is ‘Alleluia’.” Augustine

Those who look to Jesus hope--even in a sense, expecting--that we will be resurrected to everlasting life. Is this not what He promised? Such knowledge works a particular grace in us. We realize that we are not at present the kind of people we should be, so we cooperate with the Spirit of Christ to begin learning to live like a citizen of our new home. Our efforts in this matter should not be considered an attempt to earn our way into God’s good graces, but as the deepest expression of thanksgiving to the One who has freely accepted us and desires our eternal fellowship.  

“And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 Jo.3.3

“You must be born again.” Jesus

We say that a person has had a born-again experience when they stop seeing themselves one way and begin to see themselves another. To be born again to a living hope is to believe there is more to this life than just this life, and that we can be raised to the glory of the life from above. It means one who is born a taker is born again as a giver. The one born in lust, is born again in love. Everyone born with fear, can now be born again to faith. Such faith and hope believes that eons from now, we will be alive in a superior place running and playing in the fields of forever with God’s smile upon us.

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Pet.1.3 “Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2017

“You must be born again.” Jesus

We say that a person has had a born-again experience when they stop seeing themselves one way and begin to see themselves another. To be born again to a living hope is to believe there is more to this life than just this life, and that we can be raised to the glory of the life from above. It means one who is born a taker is born again as a giver. The one born in lust, is born again in love. Everyone born with fear, can now be born again to faith. Such faith and hope believes that eons from now, we will be alive in a superior place running and playing in the fields of forever with God’s smile upon us.

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Pet.1.3 “Conversations Within” ts 4/13/2017

Realizing that you will spend your life with royals tends to make you want to sit-up straighter.

In what sense is my hope a living hope? Well, I hope to live forever. Of course this means little if I do not know how to live life in the here and now. My hope of life in the future inspires the life I want to live today. God has made a gift of what cannot be earned so as I wait in hope to receive it, I cannot help but want to live gratefully and wholeheartedly in its dawning light.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Pet.1.3 “Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2017

Realizing that you will spend your life with royals tends to make you want to sit-up straighter.

In what sense is my hope a living hope? Well, I hope to live forever. Of course this means little if I do not know how to live life in the here and now. My hope of life in the future inspires the life I want to live today. God has made a gift of what cannot be earned so as I wait in hope to receive it, I cannot help but want to live gratefully and wholeheartedly in its dawning light.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Pet.1.3 “Conversations Within” ts 4/10/2017

“Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.” Meme

I have often wondered what the difference is between faith and hope. I am beginning to understand that hope is what we expect to come to us in the future while faith is a confident trust that God will bring it about. Hope has to do with what we are waiting for. Faith is who we trust to bring it to us. Faith and hope are joined to one another. They are both joined to God who is the substance of our future, and also the cause of it.  Faith believes that what we hope for today is our reality tomorrow.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2017

“Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.” Meme

I have often wondered what the difference is between faith and hope. I am beginning to understand that hope is what we expect to come to us in the future while faith is a confident trust that God will bring it about. Hope has to do with what we are waiting for. Faith is who we trust to bring it to us. Faith and hope are joined to one another. They are both joined to God who is the substance of our future, and also the cause of it.  Faith believes that what we hope for today is our reality tomorrow.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/9/2017

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Martin Luther King Jr.

It is said that happiness comes to us when we accept what is. After all, it is what it is. Even so, this does not mean that we cease to hope for what can be or even what will be. We may be  asked to endure many hardships in life, but all hardship is like a passing season, and all seasons come to an end. Hope of better days, indeed the hope of only better days is within the grasp of faith. Seize it! Hope in God, He will not disappoint.

“Those who wait with hope for me will not be put to shame.” Is.49.23  “Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2017

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Martin Luther King Jr.

It is said that happiness comes to us when we accept what is. After all, it is what it is. Even so, this does not mean that we cease to hope for what can be or even what will be. We may be  asked to endure many hardships in life, but all hardship is like a passing season, and all seasons come to an end. Hope of better days, indeed the hope of only better days is within the grasp of faith. Seize it! Hope in God, He will not disappoint.

“Those who wait with hope for me will not be put to shame.” Is.49.23  “Conversations Within” ts 4/8/2017

“Abundance isn't God's provision for me to live in luxury. It's his provision for me to help others live.” Randy Alcorn

Most of the people in my life have more than they need. I am convinced that this is one way God desires to meet the needs of others. He gives to some in abundance so that we can be His instrument to spread His blessings to those with little. Of course it is beautiful beyond any comparison when we share not only from abundance, but when we ourselves have little to spare, yet still share it. Such giving expresses the purest expressions of faith, hope and love in God’s goodness.

For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Jesus (speaking of the widow’s mite)  “Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2017

“Abundance isn't God's provision for me to live in luxury. It's his provision for me to help others live.” Randy Alcorn

Most of the people in my life have more than they need. I am convinced that this is one way God desires to meet the needs of others. He gives to some in abundance so that we can be His instrument to spread His blessings to those with little. Of course it is beautiful beyond any comparison when we share not only from abundance, but when we ourselves have little to spare, yet still share it. Such giving expresses the purest expressions of faith, hope and love in God’s goodness.

For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Jesus (speaking of the widow’s mite)  “Conversations Within” ts 4/7/2017

"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate

Many times when I pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” my first thought is that God has already provided it and in most cases provided it abundantly. I feel like I should be saying, “Thank you for daily bread” instead. I would do well to remember the “us” in the petition. I am not only asking bread for myself, but for others and because God usually does exceedingly more than we ask, He is probably providing for some family in Africa I do not know in response to my request. Whether asking or thanking we are never in a better position than when we are looking to God.

“When you pray say…Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2017

"Give us this day our daily bread" is probably the most perfectly constructed and useful sentence ever set down in the English language.” P.J. Wingate

Many times when I pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” my first thought is that God has already provided it and in most cases provided it abundantly. I feel like I should be saying, “Thank you for daily bread” instead. I would do well to remember the “us” in the petition. I am not only asking bread for myself, but for others and because God usually does exceedingly more than we ask, He is probably providing for some family in Africa I do not know in response to my request. Whether asking or thanking we are never in a better position than when we are looking to God.

“When you pray say…Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/6/2017

Our greatest and singular need is simply to keep trusting God to meet all other needs.

We live in the world of need. We need air and God has abundantly provided it.  We need God as we need air. Dependence defines the Creator/creature relationship; to know this, and act on it, is the lifeblood of our existence. All other needs lie in the well of His generous provision. Lower the bucket of faith and draw out what is needed.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19  “Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2017

Our greatest and singular need is simply to keep trusting God to meet all other needs.

We live in the world of need. We need air and God has abundantly provided it.  We need God as we need air. Dependence defines the Creator/creature relationship; to know this, and act on it, is the lifeblood of our existence. All other needs lie in the well of His generous provision. Lower the bucket of faith and draw out what is needed.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19  “Conversations Within” ts 4/5/2017

“God will always provide. It might just look different than what we had in mind.” Meme

When we say that God will provide, what exactly do we mean? Most of us do not mean that He will drop money from the sky, even though He fed one of His servant with birds bringing him bread and provided tax money for another by putting a coin in the mouth of a fish. We consider these miracles yet it often takes a greater and more mature faith to see God’s hand providing through ordinary means like a job and a paycheck.

You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” Deut.8.18 “Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2017

“God will always provide. It might just look different than what we had in mind.” Meme

When we say that God will provide, what exactly do we mean? Most of us do not mean that He will drop money from the sky, even though He fed one of His servant with birds bringing him bread and provided tax money for another by putting a coin in the mouth of a fish. We consider these miracles yet it often takes a greater and more mature faith to see God’s hand providing through ordinary means like a job and a paycheck.

You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” Deut.8.18 “Conversations Within” ts 4/4/2017

“Too much month at the end of the money.”

Just about everybody I know have had the struggle of little or no money left at the end of the month. Everyone of them, myself included, made it through somehow. Worry will never fix any of the problems we face, only worsen them. Work your problems, don’t worry over them. Let financial hardship strengthen your faith, not sap it. God is as much with us in seasons of need as He is in plenty. Remember this one thing with every new challenge, God saw us through the last one, He will see us through it this time too.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” Jesus“Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2017

“Too much month at the end of the money.”

Just about everybody I know have had the struggle of little or no money left at the end of the month. Everyone of them, myself included, made it through somehow. Worry will never fix any of the problems we face, only worsen them. Work your problems, don’t worry over them. Let financial hardship strengthen your faith, not sap it. God is as much with us in seasons of need as He is in plenty. Remember this one thing with every new challenge, God saw us through the last one, He will see us through it this time too.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” Jesus“Conversations Within” ts 4/3/2017

"About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends." - Herbert Hoover

We can rest in the knowledge that even in an unstable economy God know our needs. It doesn’t matter if it is a national or personal instability, God still knows, and He still promises to provide when we look to Him in faith. We eat and drink at our Father’s table and reside in His house. He will tend to the needs of the pantry. He will set the table before us. Food, clothing, every provision and protection are His concern. He is not lax in attending to our needs.

“For your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2017

"About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends." - Herbert Hoover

We can rest in the knowledge that even in an unstable economy God know our needs. It doesn’t matter if it is a national or personal instability, God still knows, and He still promises to provide when we look to Him in faith. We eat and drink at our Father’s table and reside in His house. He will tend to the needs of the pantry. He will set the table before us. Food, clothing, every provision and protection are His concern. He is not lax in attending to our needs.

“For your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 4/2/2017

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha

If there is considerable difference in resolving to do something and actually doing it, then why resolve at all? Why not just do it? I suppose there are times when this is proper, but it also seems to me that resolving is an important part of renewing our mind to some action we think is proper. Our actions often flow from what we affirm. There are times when we act on what we call second-nature--a learned behavior--which after time, the ease of doing so is hardly noticed. I dare say that nothing is done second-nature that we did not at some point consciously resolve to do. It is wise to think through actions we want to become second-nature before they are.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2017

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha

If there is considerable difference in resolving to do something and actually doing it, then why resolve at all? Why not just do it? I suppose there are times when this is proper, but it also seems to me that resolving is an important part of renewing our mind to some action we think is proper. Our actions often flow from what we affirm. There are times when we act on what we call second-nature--a learned behavior--which after time, the ease of doing so is hardly noticed. I dare say that nothing is done second-nature that we did not at some point consciously resolve to do. It is wise to think through actions we want to become second-nature before they are.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom.12.1 “Conversations Within” ts 4/1/2017

“It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best." W. Edwards Deming

Resolve to discover what is best, then resolve to do your best. Both are the fruit of wisdom, and such offerings are God’s delight. We can resolve with a living hope to live for God’s pleasure, and to find His smile to be ours. When we do things well and put our best efforts into them, I am sure He is a proud parent and rejoices over us. The Olympic champion Eric Liddell is noted for saying. “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” How wonderful if we could say this about every one of our activities.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” 2 Tim.2.15 “Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2017

“It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best." W. Edwards Deming

Resolve to discover what is best, then resolve to do your best. Both are the fruit of wisdom, and such offerings are God’s delight. We can resolve with a living hope to live for God’s pleasure, and to find His smile to be ours. When we do things well and put our best efforts into them, I am sure He is a proud parent and rejoices over us. The Olympic champion Eric Liddell is noted for saying. “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” How wonderful if we could say this about every one of our activities.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” 2 Tim.2.15 “Conversations Within” ts 3/31/2017

Riddle: “Two frogs were sitting on a log. One decides to jump. How many frogs are on the log?”

Have you ever resolved to do something and then not followed it through? To resolve is one thing but following through is everything. In the riddle there are still two frogs on the log because deciding to jump and actually jumping are two very different things.

“A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2017

Riddle: “Two frogs were sitting on a log. One decides to jump. How many frogs are on the log?”

Have you ever resolved to do something and then not followed it through? To resolve is one thing but following through is everything. In the riddle there are still two frogs on the log because deciding to jump and actually jumping are two very different things.

“A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 3/30/2017

"Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy, and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." - Helen Keller

There is a kind of happiness that comes from within us and is not tied to outer circumstances. I am coming to understand that such happiness is based on the knowledge of God’s love for us and His assurances that it will always be so. Here is a happiness worth keeping. Resolve to cherish His love above all temporal pleasures, for when they pass with time, we shall remain and His love and kindness will remain with us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jer. 31.3 “Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2017

"Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy, and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." - Helen Keller

There is a kind of happiness that comes from within us and is not tied to outer circumstances. I am coming to understand that such happiness is based on the knowledge of God’s love for us and His assurances that it will always be so. Here is a happiness worth keeping. Resolve to cherish His love above all temporal pleasures, for when they pass with time, we shall remain and His love and kindness will remain with us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jer. 31.3 “Conversations Within” ts 3/29/2017

“Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.” Rene Descartes

When we resolve to accomplish something, we often need more than sheer determination; we need wisdom in our approach. It may be that one huge task can be broken up into a number of smaller ones. There is an old poem that reminds us, “Life's a cinch inch by inch. Life is hard yard by yard.”  A big change can be made in many small changes, and a book of a thousand pages can be written one page at a time.

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Prov. 13.11 “Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2017

“Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.” Rene Descartes

When we resolve to accomplish something, we often need more than sheer determination; we need wisdom in our approach. It may be that one huge task can be broken up into a number of smaller ones. There is an old poem that reminds us, “Life's a cinch inch by inch. Life is hard yard by yard.”  A big change can be made in many small changes, and a book of a thousand pages can be written one page at a time.

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Prov. 13.11 “Conversations Within” ts 3/28/2017

Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. Benjamin Franklin

If we resolved to do something of value yesterday, we will probably need to resolve to do it again today. Resolve is a daily activity, not something we do just once. The “re” in the word resolve means “again and again” Re-resolve, re-gird your loins, repeat your commitment. Keep at it until it is accomplished. Keep running the race even if you must stop to catch your breath. Run until the race is won.

“Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” Heb.12.1 “Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2017

Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. Benjamin Franklin

If we resolved to do something of value yesterday, we will probably need to resolve to do it again today. Resolve is a daily activity, not something we do just once. The “re” in the word resolve means “again and again” Re-resolve, re-gird your loins, repeat your commitment. Keep at it until it is accomplished. Keep running the race even if you must stop to catch your breath. Run until the race is won.

“Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” Heb.12.1 “Conversations Within” ts 3/27/2017