“One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm.” Unknown

Control your thoughts, and we control our emotions. Focus on your center and center your life around the designs of life’s Creator. Father did not make us to live in worry or fear. Whenever we give in to these thieves of joy, it is because we have lost our focus. Take a breath, and remind your heart that God is in control, and He is able to use whatever crisis we are facing to create goodness in our soul. 

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2020

“The only way out is through.” Robert Frost

Many things in life must be endured. We cannot always find a way around our troubles, sometimes we have to go through them. The child of God is given the reassurance that our Father will see us through. Accept the path He has led you to walk, and walk it with the confidence of faith instead of the frets of any fear. Stand on the promise that you are safe in His keeping, and that He never loses His own. Put on your game face and keep paddling. 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Is.43.2  Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2020

“Don’t try to steer the river.” Deepak Chopra

It is frustrating to try and control things that are beyond our control, but we often find ourselves trying to do just that. It is wise to put our energies into things we can control, and one is our attitude about things that we can’t. Learn the skill of giving it to God. This involves trusting His wisdom in allowing what we are facing, His timing and manner for dealing with it. Above all, gratefully accept and acknowledge that His goodness is over all, and He will have the final say in everything.

“Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.” 1Pet.5.7 Conversations Within” ts 7/21/2020

“Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace.” Unknown

Many of the things we worry about have little to do with the present moment. Why bother yourself worrying about something down the road, just “cross the bridge when you get there.” Attend fully to the present moment, and trust that your Father will give you everything you need tomorrow to deal with tomorrow's troubles. Don't let tomorrow’s troubles trouble you today. 

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/20/2020

Live with caution but never with fear.

Caution is the response of clear headed thinking. It is wise to be cautious. On the other hand, it is not wise to let our emotions run us around in panic. We are encouraged to be cautious, but never to be afraid. It makes good sense to use good sense when facing a crisis. Don’t throw your caution to the wind, use it to sail around the rocks.

“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” Prov.14.16 Conversations Within” ts 7/19/2020

“Worry fades away when we know for sure our future is in God’s hands.” Unknown

I never need to worry about a single thing. God is in control of where I will wind up. Does this mean I will not suffer? Does it mean I will not die? Jesus experienced both and no one was loved by God the Father more than He. What it does mean is that we are promised that God will never abandon us to evil. He will not let anything but His good purposes define our future, and that gives power to the present moment. The outcome has already been determined and in the end when the smoke clears, His children will be standing. 

“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 7/18/2020

Are you certain there is nothing to be certain about?

How peaceful life is when we know what to do. This peace is the fruit of living our life in the light of God’s instructions. His words are light and life. This is especially true when we realize that He did not simply give us a book to read, He has given us His presence, and He speaks to our heart anytime we are willing to listen.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Is. 30.21  Conversations Within” ts 7/17/2020

”The first time we met...I thought you looked like Christmas morning.” Mr. and Mrs. Smith (the movie)

 I believe that the healing that Christ brings is to join in unity what has been fragmented in each of us. At present our body is often at war with our soul, just as our emotions are sometimes at war with our intellect. Imagine how wonderful life will be when what we know, do, and feel are all on the same page pursuing all that is good, right and true. Imagine having a body that does not threaten us with cancer, or emotions that do not compete with sound judgment. Peace is the binding together what has been broken, and Christ is the Prince of peace. In this light every day can be Christmas. 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Lk.2.14 Conversations Within” ts 7/14/2020

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” Unknown

 I do not want to spend my days simply answering the physical demands of my body. I want my body to serve my soul not vice versa. We are essentially spiritual creatures and our soul can and should set the pace of every interaction. We can look beyond the physical appearance of others and see the person’s soul. We can look beyond our worldly circumstances and see the spiritual realities behind them. Here, in the harbor of Heaven, the waters are always calm. 

“...the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,” Rom. 8.6 Conversations Within” ts 7/12/2020

The glove is nothing without the hand it encloses; nor is the body without the soul. That I am essentially a spiritual being encourages me to live an essentially spiritual life.

Most of the activities that ground my life, and give me lasting joy and happiness are spiritual. My body may be bound to one place but my spirit is not. Faith enables me to soar above many of the physical limitations of life. Hope, when embraced, sets me free from the worries of my circumstances. And when love spills over from my soul into beneficial action  toward others it becomes all that truly matters. My spiritual life gives meaning and direction to everything physical.

“You who are spiritual…”  Gal.6.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/12/20 

“Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit filled life?” Bill Bright

Christ did not come to indoctrinate us, He came to inhabit our hearts. He invites us to share the joys of each and every moment in perfect union and partnership with Him and His Father. The oneness that He shares with His Father is the oneness He desires for us all. It is not about religion; it is the rapture of relationship--the delights of experiencing His love.

“Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5.18 Conversations Within” ts 7/13/20   

A well cultivated inner life will always feast on the delights of its fruit.

Every day we are bombarded with things going on around us that give rise to a response within us. One key to peaceful living is learning to live life purposefully from within, and to take charge of how we respond to things that come our way. In other words, what I nurture within my soul can determine my inner life, not just the physical stimuli surrounding me. All hell may be going on around me, but the soul at peace with God can know Heaven within.

“The kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/11/20

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” Dalai Lama

What moves you to compassion? A starving child, an abused animal, or an old person struggling with pain will move a good many of us. But what about someone in a bad mood because they have had a bad day? Or what about a misbehaving teen who never really had a father? Are we moved to compassion only when we see certain kinds of suffering? Are we moved to only feel compassion, or do we actually show our compassion through acts of kindness? 

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Mk.6.34 Conversations Within” ts 7/9/2020

“Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real and ultimate sources for power for peace and success in life.” Dali Lama

Giving bread to a hungry person seems natural enough, but taking care of someone who has wronged you is supernatural. Grace is the smile of God when we think to see His anger. We are never more like Christ, than when we express kindness to someone who has hurt us. Forgiveness is the power of love’s power. Forgiveness, especially of an enemy, empowers us to breathe the air of Heaven even on earth.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) Conversations Within” ts 7/8/2020

“Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.” Unknown

I am grateful for the many ways that Father shows compassion in our world. I think we misunderstand some of the ways He expresses it. We shrink from death, but actually putting a time limit on our stay here is a great kindness. Weaning us off the temporal, and fixing our focus on the eternal is certainly an act of great compassion. If Jesus has taught us anything, it is that He is personally involved in any suffering He has deemed necessary for our transformation into creatures of light.

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Ps.145.9 Conversations Within” ts 7/7/2020

“Just because you are a sheep, doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd.” Unknown

Our generation balks at the idea of even being a sheep. We elevate ourselves above the need to be led when in fact everybody follows somebody, even if it is only another’s ideas. The question isn’t whether we are lead, but who is leading, who are we following? Without apology, Jesus invites us to follow Him. He is not asking us to do what He says, but to live life alongside Him, doing what He himself is unashamed to do. The best leader not only leads by example; his example is worth following.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Mat.9.36 Conversations Within” ts 7/6/2020

"Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation." - Henry Ward Beecher

Understanding human weakness should be easy for each of us, mainly because every single one of us expresses it. Who hasn’t lost their temper, or given into temptation, or judged or criticized another? Who doesn’t jump to conclusions before having the facts, or say things we shouldn’t, or put off doing what we know needs to be done? The next time you see someone acting foolish, remember your own sins, and let compassion move you to some gentle response, not some “look down on others” attitude. 

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Gal.6.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/5/2020

The world needs all the compassion we can give it, and we have the privilege to wake each day and find new ways to show it.

Do not let your passions get in the way of your compassion. In fact be passionate about expressing it. Compassion isn’t deserved; it flows freely as the attitude and action of Christlike love, and spreads benefit to everyone without distinction, even if they haven’t asked for it, and probably don’t know that they need it. 

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col.3.12  Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2020

“Tough times don't last, tough people do.” Robert Schuller

 There are times when we are required to simply “ride it out.” The roller coaster of life doesn’t stop so we can get off. Make the best of such times because all time is a gift from God. Endure the ride with grace, even if you cannot enjoy the ride. And when the ride stops, be grateful not only that it is over, but that your life is not.

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1Pet.5.10 Conversations Within” ts 7/3/2020

“Warrior or wimp. Choice is yours.” Wasim Shaikh

Get tough when facing tough times. Don’t ever feel sorry for yourself. Don’t waste energy  complaining. Face whatever with whatever. Put on the attitude that it is what it is, but it is also as God has allowed, and with His grace, you got this.” Oh, it doesn’t hurt to smile, even laugh about it. 

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Heb.12.1 Conversations Within” ts 7/2/2020

“When walking through the “valley of shadows,” remember a shadow is cast by a light.” Austin O’Malley

Evil is real. Even so, our Father is over everything, and His promise to watch over us is certainly real, and a good reason to believe that we are safe in His keeping. Our fears melt in this knowledge and our confidence grows in its light. How precious the soul who follows the Lord, even into the valley of shadows. Is there any reason to doubt that we will emerge with Him on the other side?

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 Conversations Within” ts 7/1/2020

”Sandpaper people are not only a reality of life, but opportunities from the heart of God.” Mary Sutherland

Some people have an abrasive personality. They just rub people the wrong way. In God’s hands though, "sandpaper people," like rough circumstances, can help shape us into a better person. He can use them to teach us patience, unconditional love, and even point out how we treat and respond to others. The point is to let God shape your life, not circumstances or people. Learn to see His hand in everything and everyone.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Col.3.23 Conversations Within” ts 6/30/2020

“Tough times don’t define you. They refine you.” Unknown

Just believing this is a transforming attitude. Various trials issue a challenge and ask if we truly believe what we believe. For instance, do I truly believe that loving God means that He will work “all things” together for my good? Will I allow the trials facing me today, the threat of sickness, or violence, or loss shape my attitudes, or will I rise above them in faith and declare to my heart that God is refining my trust in His goodness and that His goodness alone will define my life?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Conversations Within” ts 6/29/2020

“Faith is not about everything turning out OK. Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.” Unknown

God is always present, always! This means that whatever you are going through God is close by, going through it with you. He isn’t there as a mere observer but as a helper. Whatever is needed, He is there to provide it. Sometimes God’s help isn’t to get rid of our troubles but to teach us not to be troubled by them. His Spirit puts things into perspective.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Conversations Within” ts 6/27/2020

A mature unity understands that everybody is not on the same page. Some may not even be reading the same book.

Personal growth is like working through a book. Some people have yet to read the chapter that I have finished, just as I have not yet read the chapter that others have long since completed. We are all at different stages in our maturity, so it seems wise to respect and be patient with others as they work though the chapter they are in.  Some may not even have started reading the book at all. Give people time and room to grow. 

“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 6/26/2020

“A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” Muhammad Ali

Growth is fundamental to health, especially spiritual growth. We were created to learn, to gain wisdom, to nurture skills for living a full and productive life. Even so, not all education is healthy. The balance is learning to be naive to hurtful and harmful perspectives but always maturing in what is wholesome and good. Do not let the waters of your soul become stagnant. Never stop reading, reflecting and experiencing, but never fall into the trap of thinking you need to experience evil to understand it better. 

“Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” 1Cor.14.20 Conversations Within” ts 6/25/2020

“Eating well is a form of self respect.” Unknown

When I eat junk food I usually feel bad afterward. When I think junk thoughts, it has the same results. I know healthy and unhealthy food when I see it. Likewise I know when my thoughts are wholesome and good and when they are not. It has been said that, “We are what we eat,” and equally so, “We are what we think about.” Keep track of your diet, body and soul. 

"May you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3John  Conversations Within” ts 6/24/2020