“People say a lot of awful things in anger, It’s our choice whether or not to listen.” Mrs. Potts

Most of the time we would say that true love motivates us to listen, but sometimes love will encourage us not to listen to people especially when they say things in haste or in anger. How many times have we said things we did not really mean when we were mad? In such moments, a mature love will look past the weakness of others, and act in a manner that reflects a commitment to their highest good.  

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Rom.15.1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2017

“People say a lot of awful things in anger, It’s our choice whether or not to listen.” Mrs. Potts

Most of the time we would say that true love motivates us to listen, but sometimes love will encourage us not to listen to people especially when they say things in haste or in anger. How many times have we said things we did not really mean when we were mad? In such moments, a mature love will look past the weakness of others, and act in a manner that reflects a commitment to their highest good.  

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Rom.15.1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2017

“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C. S. Lewis

We all have only one true weakness, and that is the inability to produce anything good and of lasting value apart from God but then try and do so. A zero is only a zero until you add a One to it. God is the One, and added to our life gives it lasting value and meaning. It is amazing when you think about it. When the One is present, every zero standing with it magnifies the value of the One. This is how our weakness is made strength. With Him, even the smallest deed can ripple a continuing goodness. Without Him, there is nothing,

“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2017

“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C. S. Lewis

We all have only one true weakness, and that is the inability to produce anything good and of lasting value apart from God but then try and do so. A zero is only a zero until you add a One to it. God is the One, and added to our life gives it lasting value and meaning. It is amazing when you think about it. When the One is present, every zero standing with it magnifies the value of the One. This is how our weakness is made strength. With Him, even the smallest deed can ripple a continuing goodness. Without Him, there is nothing,

“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2017

“Sometimes we must discover that we can’t before we will ever know that God can.”

There are many things beyond our reach. I am sure Father puts them there. Like any good parent, He desires to teach us the value of asking for His help when we need it. The simple fact that we look to Him for help in these matters transforms our inability into ability and our weakness into strength, What we cannot do alone or even at all, can be done with Him or by Him. Jesus said that to ask is to receive. Where prayer is concerned, asking is weakness turned into strength.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2Cor.12.10 “Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2017

“Sometimes we must discover that we can’t before we will ever know that God can.”

There are many things beyond our reach. I am sure Father puts them there. Like any good parent, He desires to teach us the value of asking for His help when we need it. The simple fact that we look to Him for help in these matters transforms our inability into ability and our weakness into strength, What we cannot do alone or even at all, can be done with Him or by Him. Jesus said that to ask is to receive. Where prayer is concerned, asking is weakness turned into strength.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2Cor.12.10 “Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2017

“The weakest part of my life can become the strongest part of my faith.” Unknown

I think that God often meets us in weakness. But until a weakness is realized as weakness we might miss the meeting with Him. Once we acknowledge our weakness, we are in a position to discover His strength. Of course, as important as it is to know our weaknesses, simply knowing them is not enough. We must transfer our trust to His strength if we are to discover His enabling power to overcome.

“His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” 2Cor.12 “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2017

“The weakest part of my life can become the strongest part of my faith.” Unknown

I think that God often meets us in weakness. But until a weakness is realized as weakness we might miss the meeting with Him. Once we acknowledge our weakness, we are in a position to discover His strength. Of course, as important as it is to know our weaknesses, simply knowing them is not enough. We must transfer our trust to His strength if we are to discover His enabling power to overcome.

“His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” 2Cor.12 “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2017

“Peace is the only battle worth waging.” Albert Camus

The power to possess one’s soul in patience is the path of inner peace. This power is available to anyone who decides to practice it. Is this not the message of Jesus? Decide! Choose! The power of choice can lead us to anger or to peace, to slavery or to freedom. If we choose anger, we often surrender our freedom to choose and make ourselves a prisoner of our passion. If we choose peace, we will strengthen our freedom to choose and learn the mastery of self-control. Slave or master. Decide!

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Prov.16.32 “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2017

“Peace is the only battle worth waging.” Albert Camus

The power to possess one’s soul in patience is the path of inner peace. This power is available to anyone who decides to practice it. Is this not the message of Jesus? Decide! Choose! The power of choice can lead us to anger or to peace, to slavery or to freedom. If we choose anger, we often surrender our freedom to choose and make ourselves a prisoner of our passion. If we choose peace, we will strengthen our freedom to choose and learn the mastery of self-control. Slave or master. Decide!

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Prov.16.32 “Conversations Within” ts 5/22/2017

“If it's not going to matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes being upset about it.” 5 by 5 rule

I have a friend that once suggested putting a time limit on worry. He would give himself only so many minutes to worry over something and then he would let it go. Not a bad idea for dealing with all that can challenge our peace of mind. When small upsets occur, especially between partners, put a time limit to talk through it--the shorter the better, and then put it down. Small things have a way of getting bigger when we give too much time to thinking and talking about them.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Eph.4.26 “Conversations Within” ts 5/17/2017

“If it's not going to matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes being upset about it.” 5 by 5 rule

I have a friend that once suggested putting a time limit on worry. He would give himself only so many minutes to worry over something and then he would let it go. Not a bad idea for dealing with all that can challenge our peace of mind. When small upsets occur, especially between partners, put a time limit to talk through it--the shorter the better, and then put it down. Small things have a way of getting bigger when we give too much time to thinking and talking about them.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Eph.4.26 “Conversations Within” ts 5/17/2017

“You're really messing with my Zen thing, man.” Tron (the movie)

Inner peace seems elusive and even when we find it we must put forth effort to keep it. This is true simply because peace of soul is largely a matter of focus and many distractions compete for it. I believe there are two steps that can help us find and keep inner peace. We can let go of things that steal it--worry, anger, fear, and making judgments about ourselves and others. We can lay hold of precious truths that promote it. I tell myself a couple--I belong to The Father, and He loves me. These truths help me let go of temporal worries, and lay hold of eternal realities.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4.6-7 “Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2017

“You're really messing with my Zen thing, man.” Tron (the movie)

Inner peace seems elusive and even when we find it we must put forth effort to keep it. This is true simply because peace of soul is largely a matter of focus and many distractions compete for it. I believe there are two steps that can help us find and keep inner peace. We can let go of things that steal it--worry, anger, fear, and making judgments about ourselves and others. We can lay hold of precious truths that promote it. I tell myself a couple--I belong to The Father, and He loves me. These truths help me let go of temporal worries, and lay hold of eternal realities.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4.6-7 “Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2017

”He could talk about peace and love to the world but he couldn’t show it to his wife and son.” Julian Lennon

Most of us need to work for peace within our own home before we set off to accomplish peace in the world. World peace will mean little if nothing, if we have no peace at home, or within ourselves. The best way to be a peacemaker is to start where we are, and with the people closest to us. Let calmness be a way of life. Make peace, show peace, keep the peace. Kindness is the language of peace--kind words, kind thoughts, kind actions.  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 5/15/2017

”He could talk about peace and love to the world but he couldn’t show it to his wife and son.” Julian Lennon

Most of us need to work for peace within our own home before we set off to accomplish peace in the world. World peace will mean little if nothing, if we have no peace at home, or within ourselves. The best way to be a peacemaker is to start where we are, and with the people closest to us. Let calmness be a way of life. Make peace, show peace, keep the peace. Kindness is the language of peace--kind words, kind thoughts, kind actions.  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 5/15/2017

“Just because some people are fueled by drama doesn't mean that you have to attend the performance.” Paula Gocko

We have all been around dramatic people, and most of us have given our own dramatic performance as well. In contrast, it is such a pleasure to be in the presence of a peaceful person. The calmness they radiate is contagious. One of most effective ways, if not the only way to promote peace, is first to possess it within ourselves. Peace comes to us when our fragmented heart is healed and made whole again. Wholeness of soul is the touch of God.  

“...we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Rom.5.1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2017

“Just because some people are fueled by drama doesn't mean that you have to attend the performance.” Paula Gocko

We have all been around dramatic people, and most of us have given our own dramatic performance as well. In contrast, it is such a pleasure to be in the presence of a peaceful person. The calmness they radiate is contagious. One of most effective ways, if not the only way to promote peace, is first to possess it within ourselves. Peace comes to us when our fragmented heart is healed and made whole again. Wholeness of soul is the touch of God.  

“...we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Rom.5.1 “Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2017

“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and to still be calm in your heart.” Unknown

Personal peace is cherished, if not desired by most. But we should not sacrifice loving people to maintain any false perceptions we have of it. The way of love is the way of true peace. This means that peace comes from one’s actions not circumstances. We all need solitude from time to time, but a life of love and a solitary life would be hard to reconcile. Don’t let your peace of mind declare war on everything else.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1Cor.16.13 “Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2017

“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and to still be calm in your heart.” Unknown

Personal peace is cherished, if not desired by most. But we should not sacrifice loving people to maintain any false perceptions we have of it. The way of love is the way of true peace. This means that peace comes from one’s actions not circumstances. We all need solitude from time to time, but a life of love and a solitary life would be hard to reconcile. Don’t let your peace of mind declare war on everything else.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1Cor.16.13 “Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2017

“My prince is not coming on a white horse... He's obviously riding a turtle, and definitely lost.” Unknown

Many would say it is better to wait for the right person than to marry the wrong one. Of course, if you are already married, Zig Ziglar would say, “It is far more important to be the right kind of person than it is to marry the right person.” In any case, patience is required from us. When the Scriptures tell us that “whoever finds” a spouse finds a good thing, the word is more akin to walking along and stumbling on a great find rather than a diligent search to find something. This might suggest that if we live our lives as we should, God will bring the right person along at the right time.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Prov.18.22 “Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2017

“My prince is not coming on a white horse... He's obviously riding a turtle, and definitely lost.” Unknown

Many would say it is better to wait for the right person than to marry the wrong one. Of course, if you are already married, Zig Ziglar would say, “It is far more important to be the right kind of person than it is to marry the right person.” In any case, patience is required from us. When the Scriptures tell us that “whoever finds” a spouse finds a good thing, the word is more akin to walking along and stumbling on a great find rather than a diligent search to find something. This might suggest that if we live our lives as we should, God will bring the right person along at the right time.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Prov.18.22 “Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2017

“How to stay together no matter what? 1. Stay together. 2. No matter what.” Michael Xavier

Marriage, like any commitment, is something we decide each day. Not that we think about whether we will stick it out every time it gets rough, but we make choices each day to support our pledge to keep what we have pledged. For instance, wise couples protect their marriage by never allowing themselves to be in circumstances where they could be tempted to betray it. Some things must be preemptively decided if they are to be permanently decided. To stay together we should stay away from situations that could harm our fidelity with our partner.

“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Song of Sol. 6.9 “Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2017

“How to stay together no matter what? 1. Stay together. 2. No matter what.” Michael Xavier

Marriage, like any commitment, is something we decide each day. Not that we think about whether we will stick it out every time it gets rough, but we make choices each day to support our pledge to keep what we have pledged. For instance, wise couples protect their marriage by never allowing themselves to be in circumstances where they could be tempted to betray it. Some things must be preemptively decided if they are to be permanently decided. To stay together we should stay away from situations that could harm our fidelity with our partner.

“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Song of Sol. 6.9 “Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2017

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1.16

Marriage is oneness in motion--two people dancing together as one. Marriage is partnership--the joining of two lives into one.  In true marriage one person does not dominate the other, or live dependent on the other, or even codependent on each other. Both bring to the partnership an equal measure of love, and mutual submission. Two whole people joining two whole lives into a partnership of purpose, pleasure, and the power to accomplish together what could not be accomplished alone.

“And the two shall become one.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2017

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1.16

Marriage is oneness in motion--two people dancing together as one. Marriage is partnership--the joining of two lives into one.  In true marriage one person does not dominate the other, or live dependent on the other, or even codependent on each other. Both bring to the partnership an equal measure of love, and mutual submission. Two whole people joining two whole lives into a partnership of purpose, pleasure, and the power to accomplish together what could not be accomplished alone.

“And the two shall become one.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2017

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.” Peter F. Drucker

There are times when it is best to keep quiet. Our silence can say a great deal. One question that comes to mind is not just how well we can communicate by being silent, but how good are we at listening to the silence of others? Hurt feelings, feeling left out, or unimportant, are some of the things often communicated when people are silent. How sensitive are we to what is not being said and the body language of the people we care about?

“Be quick to hear.” James 1.19  “Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2017

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.” Peter F. Drucker

There are times when it is best to keep quiet. Our silence can say a great deal. One question that comes to mind is not just how well we can communicate by being silent, but how good are we at listening to the silence of others? Hurt feelings, feeling left out, or unimportant, are some of the things often communicated when people are silent. How sensitive are we to what is not being said and the body language of the people we care about?

“Be quick to hear.” James 1.19  “Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2017

“The goal of marriage is not to think alike, but to think together.” Robert Dodd

A different point of view does not need to divide two people, for it is often in disagreement that we discover how to complement rather than compete with each other. A wise person learns the true value of partnership not only when they see things the same way, but also when they see things differently. If is often the tone of our voice that will determine if our spouse hears our point of view as an argument or an augment to their own.  

“As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.” Prov.27 “Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2017

“The goal of marriage is not to think alike, but to think together.” Robert Dodd

A different point of view does not need to divide two people, for it is often in disagreement that we discover how to complement rather than compete with each other. A wise person learns the true value of partnership not only when they see things the same way, but also when they see things differently. If is often the tone of our voice that will determine if our spouse hears our point of view as an argument or an augment to their own.  

“As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.” Prov.27 “Conversations Within” ts 5/8/2017

“Ninety percent of marriage is just shouting “What” from other rooms.” Unknown

Communication can define a good or bad marriage. Strangely, one can have good communication skills and still have a bad marriage. After all, a person can clearly communicate that they do not wish to be married any longer. Having said that, one cannot have a good marriage without good communication. A healthy marriage not only communicates clearly, the content of what is said enhances, not hinders the partnership. What good is it if I win an argument but hurt my partner.  

“Love...does not insist on its own way.” 1Cor.13.5 “Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2017

“Ninety percent of marriage is just shouting “What” from other rooms.” Unknown

Communication can define a good or bad marriage. Strangely, one can have good communication skills and still have a bad marriage. After all, a person can clearly communicate that they do not wish to be married any longer. Having said that, one cannot have a good marriage without good communication. A healthy marriage not only communicates clearly, the content of what is said enhances, not hinders the partnership. What good is it if I win an argument but hurt my partner.  

“Love...does not insist on its own way.” 1Cor.13.5 “Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2017

”In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived. How well we have loved. How well we have learned to let go.” Jack Kornfield

Do I live well? Not in the sense of living “well off” as we say, but in the sense of living in a thorough and satisfactory manner. And, not just to my own satisfaction, but to the One who entrusted me with the gift of life and the gifts to live it. I want to live thoroughly, fully, wholeheartedly, never to be satisfied unless He is satisfied--to make God’s pleasure my own and deepest pleasure. Who better to judge a life well lived than the One who gives it?

“Well done, good and faithful servant” Jesus  “Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2017

”In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived. How well we have loved. How well we have learned to let go.” Jack Kornfield

Do I live well? Not in the sense of living “well off” as we say, but in the sense of living in a thorough and satisfactory manner. And, not just to my own satisfaction, but to the One who entrusted me with the gift of life and the gifts to live it. I want to live thoroughly, fully, wholeheartedly, never to be satisfied unless He is satisfied--to make God’s pleasure my own and deepest pleasure. Who better to judge a life well lived than the One who gives it?

“Well done, good and faithful servant” Jesus  “Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2017

One thing that separates humans from animals is our humane treatment of not only other humans, but of animals.

I love those video compilations of people coming to the rescue of animals. Talk about a feel-good experience. Expressions of kindness and compassion make us better people. How precious when we come together and show this grace, say to an earthquake stricken nation, or a whale stranded on a beach. How precious when we do this individually, by giving a handout to a homeless person on the side of the road, or stopping to rescue a turtle in the middle of one.  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another,” Eph.4.32  “Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2017

One thing that separates humans from animals is our humane treatment of not only other humans, but of animals.

I love those video compilations of people coming to the rescue of animals. Talk about a feel-good experience. Expressions of kindness and compassion make us better people. How precious when we come together and show this grace, say to an earthquake stricken nation, or a whale stranded on a beach. How precious when we do this individually, by giving a handout to a homeless person on the side of the road, or stopping to rescue a turtle in the middle of one.  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another,” Eph.4.32  “Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2017

“The key to life is not accumulation, it is contribution.” Stephen Covey

I cannot think of anything of greater value than being useful to others. This is the very nature of love, and what is more important than love? God is love. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. Be a flowing spring of refreshment to others. Add value to everything and everyone. Warm the world with the light of a simple smile and caress each day with kindness. Leave every place, every person, better than we find it.

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2017

“The key to life is not accumulation, it is contribution.” Stephen Covey

I cannot think of anything of greater value than being useful to others. This is the very nature of love, and what is more important than love? God is love. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. Be a flowing spring of refreshment to others. Add value to everything and everyone. Warm the world with the light of a simple smile and caress each day with kindness. Leave every place, every person, better than we find it.

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2017

“The key to life is not accumulation, it is contribution.” Stephen Covey

I cannot think of anything of greater value than being useful to others. This is the very nature of love, and what is more important than love? God is love. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. Be a flowing spring of refreshment to others. Add value to everything and everyone. Warm the world with the light of a simple smile and caress each day with kindness. Leave every place, every person, better than we find it.

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2017

“The key to life is not accumulation, it is contribution.” Stephen Covey

I cannot think of anything of greater value than being useful to others. This is the very nature of love, and what is more important than love? God is love. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. Be a flowing spring of refreshment to others. Add value to everything and everyone. Warm the world with the light of a simple smile and caress each day with kindness. Leave every place, every person, better than we find it.

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2017

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robin Sharma

When considering one’s life purpose, I should think that there are purposes common to us all. We are all called to love and serve one another. The way we individually do this probably has something to do with the resources God has entrusted to us. Our time, talents, and possessions are but a few, yet they will give us a good indication of how we might best serve each other. It is one of God’s purposes to help us discover ours.

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1Cor.12.7  “Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2017

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robin Sharma

When considering one’s life purpose, I should think that there are purposes common to us all. We are all called to love and serve one another. The way we individually do this probably has something to do with the resources God has entrusted to us. Our time, talents, and possessions are but a few, yet they will give us a good indication of how we might best serve each other. It is one of God’s purposes to help us discover ours.

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1Cor.12.7  “Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2017

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” Napoleon Hill

Do put off doing what is right just because the circumstances are wrong. The more firmly our life’s purpose is set in place, the more we will be able to function in less than perfect circumstance. Know your purpose and attend to it. Do not let circumstances hinder your fruitfulness.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2017

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” Napoleon Hill

Do put off doing what is right just because the circumstances are wrong. The more firmly our life’s purpose is set in place, the more we will be able to function in less than perfect circumstance. Know your purpose and attend to it. Do not let circumstances hinder your fruitfulness.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2017

One's outlook is determined to a large degree by one's in look.

How we see ourselves has a great impact on how we see others and the world around us. What defines you? How do you see yourself? I think it is wise to give thought to our self-image. Is my life my own to do with as I please? Do I exist for the benefit of others? What is my life’s purpose? The answer to these kinds of questions will certainly affect our worldview and interactions each day. Can I put into a sentence my reason to rise each day?

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/1/2017

One's outlook is determined to a large degree by one's in look.

How we see ourselves has a great impact on how we see others and the world around us. What defines you? How do you see yourself? I think it is wise to give thought to our self-image. Is my life my own to do with as I please? Do I exist for the benefit of others? What is my life’s purpose? The answer to these kinds of questions will certainly affect our worldview and interactions each day. Can I put into a sentence my reason to rise each day?

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 5/1/2017

“Let prayer be your first response, not your last resort.” Joyce Meyer

Many things are outside our control, but this does not mean they are outside the influence of our prayers. What we cannot change, God is surely able to change. When we say there is nothing we can do about something, the simple truth is that we can. We can always pray. Nor should we say, “All we can do is pray,” like looking to God is our last desperate measure. Prayer should be our first activity not a our last. Keep the path to your prayer closet clear. Let it be a well worn path.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12  “Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2017

“Let prayer be your first response, not your last resort.” Joyce Meyer

Many things are outside our control, but this does not mean they are outside the influence of our prayers. What we cannot change, God is surely able to change. When we say there is nothing we can do about something, the simple truth is that we can. We can always pray. Nor should we say, “All we can do is pray,” like looking to God is our last desperate measure. Prayer should be our first activity not a our last. Keep the path to your prayer closet clear. Let it be a well worn path.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12  “Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2017

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." - Joyce Meyer

Most, if not all difficulties, are resolved when God adds His grace to the passage of time. Patience knows this. I personify the word patience because I do not wish just to express it as an occasional activity, I want to be “patience”. I want calmness to be the ambience of my every attitude and the approach of my every action. The way to experience this is to experience oneness with the Spirit of Christ who is the very definition of patience. God is love, and love is patient.

“The fruit of the Spirit is patience.” Gal.5.22 “Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2017

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." - Joyce Meyer

Most, if not all difficulties, are resolved when God adds His grace to the passage of time. Patience knows this. I personify the word patience because I do not wish just to express it as an occasional activity, I want to be “patience”. I want calmness to be the ambience of my every attitude and the approach of my every action. The way to experience this is to experience oneness with the Spirit of Christ who is the very definition of patience. God is love, and love is patient.

“The fruit of the Spirit is patience.” Gal.5.22 “Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2017

“There is no way to peace; peace is the way." A. J. Muste

There is a kind of patience that is willing to put up with a great deal when dealing with people. But we must often be patient with difficult circumstances as much as with difficult people. Such patience is unruffled and will not permit people or circumstances to disturb that quietness of soul. Peace is as much an approach to life as it is a spiritual condition of our heart. If the peace is gone, I have somehow left the path of patience and must return to it. Whatever our hands find to do, we should not only do it with all of our might, we should caress each moment, each activity with peace.

“Be... patient in affliction…” Rom.12 “Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2017

“There is no way to peace; peace is the way." A. J. Muste

There is a kind of patience that is willing to put up with a great deal when dealing with people. But we must often be patient with difficult circumstances as much as with difficult people. Such patience is unruffled and will not permit people or circumstances to disturb that quietness of soul. Peace is as much an approach to life as it is a spiritual condition of our heart. If the peace is gone, I have somehow left the path of patience and must return to it. Whatever our hands find to do, we should not only do it with all of our might, we should caress each moment, each activity with peace.

“Be... patient in affliction…” Rom.12 “Conversations Within” ts 4/27/2017

“Let perseverance be your engine and hope your fuel.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

If we must endure some trial, we might as well endure it with joy and with the wisdom of lightheartedness. Hope empowers both of these. Hope visualizes the end result of our perseverance. After all, we are sticking with something because we believe there is something worth it at the end of the road.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12  “Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2017

“Let perseverance be your engine and hope your fuel.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

If we must endure some trial, we might as well endure it with joy and with the wisdom of lightheartedness. Hope empowers both of these. Hope visualizes the end result of our perseverance. After all, we are sticking with something because we believe there is something worth it at the end of the road.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12  “Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2017

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.” Benjamin Franklin

We say that a person has a certain “frame of mind” or “state of mind” when they possess a certain outlook on some matter. More often than not it is considered a temporary attitude. But if our outlook and attitude is good and profitable, why not make it a permanent dwelling for our thoughts. I could not think of a better disposition than to construct a constant state of mind build around an eternal point of view.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12 “Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2017

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.” Benjamin Franklin

We say that a person has a certain “frame of mind” or “state of mind” when they possess a certain outlook on some matter. More often than not it is considered a temporary attitude. But if our outlook and attitude is good and profitable, why not make it a permanent dwelling for our thoughts. I could not think of a better disposition than to construct a constant state of mind build around an eternal point of view.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom.12.12 “Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2017