“Change is the essence of life; be willing to surrender who you are for what you could become.” Unknown

To live is to change. The quality of life is determined by the kind of change we experience. By all means cooperate with change--change for the better. According to Christ, if we refuse the changes He wants to work in us, we will lose life. If we allow His life to grow in our own, His promise is that our life will be full, fruitful, free and last of all, forever. Before His life can grow in us, we must undergo a kind of death to our own way of doing things.   “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/23/2018

“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.” Frank Borman

According to Jesus, God the Father is a Spirit, so it makes perfect sense that knowing Him must be principally a spiritual experience. God is surely not against the physical, He did after all create the material universe. But because the Father is not a physical being, but a spiritual one, could suggest that He may meet us in the physical world, but only insofar as to waken us to spiritual realities. We are, after all, ultimately the spiritual person inside, not the shell which houses us.

“God is a spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2018

“A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always be a beautiful soul.” Unknown

The body will decline with age, but the soul may grow stronger, untouched by diminishing physical strength. The mature soul does not fear the declining health of the body. It possesses a living hope that a new glove awaits in the realities of the resurrection that Christ has secured. There is really nothing we can do to prevent the wearing out of our earthly glove. But, there is so much we can do to deepen the life of our soul. Faith can make the soul grow younger and younger even as the body gets older and older.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps.73.26  Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2018

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Few of us are not moved when we come upon a cascading waterfall, or sit under a star filled sky. Nature may belong to the physical world, but its message is heard in the soul. As a painting communicates the passions of the artist, so too does the intricacies of wood, wind, and water reveal the passions of the Creator. Nature has a way of waking us to the spiritual. 

“They have no speech, they use no words;  no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,  their words to the ends of the world.” Ps.19.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2018

“The very best friend ever, God” Meme

I learned early on that there is a distinction between those who practice a religion in response to their belief in God, and those who seek a personal relationship with Him. Religion seems at times to keep God safely at a distance. For some the distance exists because they perceive that God wants it to keep His distance from them. For others, it is because they want the to keep God at a safe distance.  Does God want a personal even intimate relationship with us? Many things suggest that He does. The question that each of us should ask is do we? Relationship is a two way street. 

“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” Ex.33.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2018

“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” Buddha

I think people are spiritual by nature. We are what we are, we are as God has made us--body and soul. Of course we also contribute to our makeup, and to a great degree determine how mature our spiritual life will be. We can be so much more than a puppet of our physical desires. A mature inner life enjoys but isn’t ruled by physical passions. But there are also spiritual desires that can rule us as well--pride for one. The wisdom of Christ encourages a joint partnership with the Spirit who created our spirit. 

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2018

“It was all balance. But then, she already knew that from surfing.” Eve Babitz

Learning balance in one arena can help us learn balance in others. Something as simple as knowing when to speak and when not to speak can translate into self control in many other arenas of life. We say that once you learn to surf or ride a bicycle you never forget how. Once learned, balance teaches us the “feel” of when things are unbalanced. Knowing this can be the first step in acquiring balance in something new until balance itself takes hold of all of us. 

“Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is mature, able to keep their whole body in check.” James 3.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2018

“The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that you've got it made.” Groucho Marx

Balance is expressed as much in our dealing with others as it is with ourselves. To live a balanced life we strive to be fair both to ourselves and to our neighbor. The late Stephen Covey referred to this as a “win win” Only enter into an arrangement where both sides win. We may wonder if the Christian point of view means that we are willing to lose and let our neighbor win. This is not the case because if our neighbor wins and we lose, our neighbor will ultimately be the loser and we should not settle for that. Balance is when both sides win.

  “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.” Prov.11.1 Conversations Within” ts 8/14/2018

“Balance is not better time management but better boundary management.” Unknown

It is wise and therefore good to set boundaries on our activities. Knowing how much is enough, and sticking to it doesn’t limit freedom, it insures it. Pleasures and more pleasurable when they are kept under control. Wise boundaries are also avoiding activities all together that are potentially hurtful. A good example (called the Billy Graham rule) is to never be alone with someone of the opposite sex unless they are your spouse. Love your marriage enough to safeguard it with boundaries.

"Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1Cor.6.12 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2018

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” Jana Kingsford

Balance is a deliberate thing. It is not something that just happens, we must work at it. It all comes down to the choices we make each day. Each choice reflects our priorities. Balance keeps us from assigning priority only to physical matters. What good is eating a balanced diet if we starve the soul. True balance balances everything. 

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2018

“When you're on a merry-go-round, you miss a lot of the scenery.” Neil Diamond

Wisdom creates balance and balance creates a full life. One simple way to see the value of balance is simply to picture its opposite--imbalance. Remember what is was like as a kid when you stepped off a merry-go-round and couldn’t walk straight. Some people seem to live on a merry-go-round and life is anything but merry. Living out of whack is hard on the soul and eventually takes it toll on physical and spiritual health. Plow the waters of life with an even keel.

“I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Prov.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2018

“Some days you eat salads and go to the gym, some days you eat cupcakes and refuse to put on your pants. It's called balance.” Unknown

There are serious matters and then there are not so serious matters. Balance helps us to not take everything seriously. Balance is an important part of health, both for the body, and the soul. We work, then we rest. We take time to think ahead or just live carefree in the moment. Think but don’t think too much. Fast then feast. Avoid the imbalance of being too one way or too the other.   

“Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” Ecc.7.16 Conversations Within” ts 8/10/2018

“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anybody to work harder than you do.” Derek Jeter

Talent is like the color of your eyes; you had nothing to do with having either one, they are the gift that God give to each of us. It is not our particular talent, but what we do with them that is our gift to God. Resolve to discover what is the best use of your endowments, then resolve to do your best with them. Doing so is the fruit of wisdom, and such offerings are God’s delight.

“...fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” 2Tim.1.6 Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2018

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

It is silly to sit and sulk over what is lost to us when there are many good things still within reach. If the best has already passed by, go for the next best. Just because the very best that could have been is no longer within reach, we can strive to look back on this day and say, “I did the next best thing and gave it my best today.”

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due His name.” Ps.29.8 Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2018

“The best project you will ever work on is you.” Meme

It is a wonderful realization that a loving God is interested in our lives and that we can be in a joint partnership with Him to be the very best we can be. He partners with us, enlightening, encouraging and enabling us to discover the best version of ourselves. He simply asks us to trust His leading, and to work out those graces that He is working in us. Being the very best comes to us by doing our very best. He supplies all that is needed beyond our best.

 “Work out your own salvation...For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2018

Bake delicious sweetness into every moment and fill the air with the aroma of a generous heart.

Do I hold out on God? Do I serve Him leftovers or set the table with the best I have? I find it hard to believe, but if I am honest with myself I know that I hold back. God deserves the very best we can give Him. A truly grateful heart extends a generous hand and pours out without reservation. 

 “Able brought the best of the firstborn of his flocks.” Gen.4.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2018

“Just do the best you can. No one can do more than that.” John Wooden

When you have given your best, what more is there? Even if your best doesn’t accomplish what you are after, your best is your best. There is a deep satisfaction and peace when you know you did all you could do. It produces that singular joy that is discovered in accepting the results after you gave it your all. Someone has said, “Do your best. Give God the rest.” Everything will be as God decides. May He smile on our efforts and may our efforts be the best we can give. 

“Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2018

“Excellence is not being the best; it is doing your best.” Proverb

Do I give God my best? Doing our best, no matter what we are doing is one way to do so I suppose. Does this mean when I am fixing and eating my sandwich, I should give it my best? Well, why not? Caress life as if it were your favorite pet. Pet is a verb as well as a noun, so too is our approach to life. I am certain this is part of what the Scriptures have in mind in the simple encouragement...

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2018

“Stop wishing. Start doing.” Sticker

At this stage in my life I find that most of what I wish for is to consistently practice what I am learning. Everyday I seek cadence with the Spirit who patiently instructs my heart, but find myself frustrated at how fast I can get out of step. I still get mad at silly things. I still entertain negative thoughts. I still say critical words only to feel His correcting hand on my shoulder. What is there to do but to get back on the path of peace, and a peaceful path it is. Lord keep up your work until this hope becomes my reality.

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal. 5 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2018

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." Francis of Assisi

Be a faithful doer of small things and God is said to entrust us with more important matters. This does not mean that the small stuff is unimportant. In fact it is, and for no other reason than to teach us to be a person others can count on. I appreciate what Admiral William H. McRaven said. “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.” 

“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2018

There are seven days in a week and someday isn't one of them. Shaquille O'Neal

There are some things in life that we could put off for an indefinite period of time, like travel to some exotic place we want to see. But on the whole, it is not good to create a habit that puts things off. Procrastination is the enemy of doing, and the bane of accomplishment. Do not wait for that supposedly perfect day to begin. Do it now. 

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecc.11.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2018

“Saying something is easy. The challenge and the reward is in the doing.” Steve Maraboli

We’ve all said these words that, “It’s easier said than done.” This is often offered as an excuse for not doing something. Of course it is easier said than done. So what, get on with it and do it,! I think that the harder something is to do, may be a good measure of whether we should do it or not. Aren’t most things worth doing hard, even if only at first.

“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Gen.18.14 Conversations Within” ts 7/30/2018

“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” David Starr Jordan

There is a world of difference believing  that you should do something, and actually doing it. Until we act, nothing of value happens. Knowing a coat will keep you warm will not warm you unless you put it on. If I say I believe in exercise, but do not exercise, where is the value in it? How true this is of laying hold of God’s blessings in life. 

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Jas.1 ESV

“Do or do not, there is no try.” Yoda

The final measure, perhaps the only measure is in doing. The only proper response to an encouragement from God is to embrace it with action. We should not tell ourselves to try or that we should. We can just do it. Listen with hands, feet, and attitude. Lay hold of every word by the actions of faith.

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2018

“I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God. It changes me.” C.S. Lewis

I know that when I pray, I sometimes find myself trying to persuade God to do something. I know I can’t really give Him some bit of information He doesn’t already know. His wisdom is complete. Still I try. In the end I realize that my prayers reflect His work in me. He is using our prayers to channel blessing and goodness. He is the nourishment of life. Prayer is very much like drinking in that goodness. Draw in His strength and lay hold of all He desires to be for us in life. 

“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Abraham (pleading with God not to destroy Sodom) Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2018

"If you talk to God, you are praying; If God talks to you, you have schizophrenia." Thomas Szasz

I talk with God all the time. It is pretty cool actually. I mean, He is with me all day. Doesn’t the Scriptures say, “In Him we live and move and have our being?” Every sight and sound wakes me to Him, so talking comes easy. I tend to say what’s on my mind, and I can be guilty of rambling on and on. He patiently listens and then with gentle prodding brings focus to our talks. He doesn’t always answer immediately, but He always answers. I will have asked Him a question that morning only to have some experience that afternoon and realize that He is answering the question I asked earlier that day.

“Pray without ceasing.” Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2018

“Prayers are woven into the fabric of the universe.”

I’m impressed that God would include us in His desires and actions to bless other people. That is exactly what happens when we pray good things for them. God makes us a partner in sharing goodness. I am often prompted to intercede for the people in my life, sometimes in the middle of the night, and sometimes in the middle of some crisis they may be having that I do not know about but our ever watchful Father does. He could assist them without our prayers but chooses rather to include us which is just like Someone who delights in blessing.

“We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Col.1.9 Conversations Within” ts 7/26/2018