“Good health is the mind, body and soul living in harmony as one.” Unknown

 Health is a state of well being and those things which promote it. Why wouldn’t we want health? Why do anything, whether actions, or attitudes if they are going to harm our health? Refuse any attitude, any action that does not bring you love, joy and peace. Give yourself completely to those habits of the body and soul that bring nothing but pure benefit and absolute goodness to you and others.  

“May you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” Blessing of John the Apostle Conversations Within” ts 9/23/2020

“When anger gets the best of people it often brings out the worst in them.“ Meme

 I have seen anger “get the best” of people. I have seen it “get the best” of me. Who hasn’t given in to the demands of anger and said things better not said? I always feel “beat up” afterward. The good book wisely advises us to, “Be angry but sin not.” Anger is a natural emotion, and can properly be expressed, when it is directed right and controlled in action and duration. Learn when to turn it on, and when to turn it off. Use its energy, but never let it use you in some destructive way.  “

Be angry but sin not, Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Eph.4.26 Conversations Within” ts 9/22/2020

“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” Hans Selye

It has been said many times by many people, “It’s all in how you look at it.” Our goal isn’t to simply put on a happy face, but to conform our thinking to Christ’s way of thinking. Speak the truth to your heart and change the way you look at things. Do not let your past, or present circumstances define you. Define who you are by affirming God declared truths. Let them course through the veins of your attitude, and flow into the world of your actions. 

“Let the Spirit change your way of thinking.” Eph. 4:23 Conversations Within” ts 9/21/2020

“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” Charles R. Swindoll

Attitude can determine not only our disposition, it can influence our actions in powerful ways. A bad attitude will lead to bad actions. Praise be, a good attitude can shape every day in peace. Attitude is everything where "love, joy, peace and patience" are concerned. Nobody can control everything that happens to them, but every single one of us can choose our attitude about it. Our attitude may not solve all of our problems, but it will shape our disposition with positive energy while we deal with them. 

“Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Conversations Within” ts 9/20/2020

”Say what you mean, mean what you say.” Axiom

 Words are a wonderful gift, and the power to communicate a privilege. Speak sparingly and hold precious every word you say. There is no need for sensational headlining, when a simple straightforward answer will do. Do not devalue your words by inflating them with expletives. Five factual words of good news are worth ten thousand sensational headlines. 

“But I tell you not to swear at all…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/18/2020

“Every exaggeration of the truth once detected by others destroys our credibility and makes all that we do and say suspect.” Stephen Covey

The truth is often compromised in exaggeration, or drama, or sensationalism. If we want to be truthful, it is expedient for us to be factual, simple and straightforward when we speak. Adding words does not always add any beneficial weight to what we are trying to say. Our verbal excesses may very well sink our communication in the mire of doubt. 

“All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/17/2020

“Four A.M. knows all my secrets!” Poppy Z. Brite

It is common for me to wake somewhere around 4 am. I’ve been doing it for years. I usually do not rise but lay in bed wanting to go back to sleep. I have learned that this is a good time for Father, son talk times. Talking with Him about my pains, or giving to Him my concerns is far better than lying awake worrying about them. And, I always fall back to sleep by the time I have finished my prayers.  

“Even at night my heart instructs me.” Ps. 16 Conversations Within” ts 9/16/2020

“Positive is how I live.” U.S. Virgin Islands

There are times that we may wonder how we can speak positively and speak truthfully at the same time. How can I be positive when I feel negative about something. Well, life is far more than just how we feel about it. We can talk frankly to God and still choose to look at the positive side of things. Our feelings often follow our focus. Be straightforward in your prayers, and choose to be straight forward not only about how you feel but how you want to feel.  

"I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living." Ps.27.13 Conversations Within” ts 9/15/2020

“Childhood candor, shall I ever find you again.” Tolstoy

Candor is the language of children. Ask a child a simple question, and they will more often than not give you a simpler answer. Candor should also be the language of all prayer. When we pray to our Father, it is best to keep it uncomplicated, to keep it childlike. Speak plainly, honestly, and keep it simple. Just realize that God will be equally frank, if not more so. 

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/14/2020

“I blame Jesus for everything. If something good happens I blame Him, If something bad happens I blame Him. Then I talk to Him about it.“ Tim Whitley

 I admire candor. I think God does too. God is said to look upon the heart so it makes good sense that when we pray we speak what is truly in our heart. If we have doubts, I am sure He prefers that we express them. The same can be said of any anger we might have towards Him. God already knows what is behind our words, we might as well be honest about it, Only then can He help us move from our limited understanding to see His great goodness.  

"The Lord looks upon the heart.” 1Sam.16.7 Conversations Within” ts 9/13/2020

”Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.” Prayer of St. Francis

I am a follower of the Way--the Way of Jesus, and though I am inconsistent, I believe this is the path of lasting joy and fruitfulness. There are times when it is all uphill for me. To deny oneself, and seek the welfare of another is not something natural to me. But like an acquired taste, I find it drawing me into a deeper and fuller life where love is its own reward and in its light I see true value. 

 “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/11/2020

“Where there is despair, hope…” Prayer of St. Francis

 I have had down days, I believe most of us have. Despair is allowing them to trap us into thinking there is no way out. Hope is the key that unlocks this prison. This key is found in the promises of God and faith in them turns it. Sometimes God uses us to help others find such hope. If you have a story of deliverance from despair be sure and share it, and even share it with yourself if you find yourself in another pit.  

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” Ps.40.2 Conversations Within” ts 9/9/2020

“Where there is doubt, faith.” Prayer of St. Francis

We may sow faith in others by having and expressing it ourselves. Believe, and light up the path of faith! Lay claim to the security that is found in your Father’s plans you, and His power to bring them about. Use any doubts you have to deepen your faith and clarify what God has promised to you. Take the step, others may follow.  

“Only believe.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/8/2020

“Where there is injury, pardon” Prayer of St. Francis

 We have all been hurt by someone and sadly, even by those closest to us. It happens, and when it does the very best response we can have is to meet it with a gentle forgiving spirit. We may want to lash out in anger, but this only deepens the injury. Forgiveness is a healing power. It frees us from the prison of self-centeredness and leads us into the fresh air of gracious love.  

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col.3.13 Conversations Within” ts 9/7/2020

“...where there is hatred, let me sow love…” St Francis

The distinguishing mark of a follower of Jesus is returning love to someone who hates and would harm you. To love this way can be costly, but it is also rewarding in ways that defy imagination. I have the right as an American to prosecute a thief for stealing my shirt, but as a Christian, I am given the privilege to win their heart by giving them my shirt as well. This love has the power to transform an enemy into a friend, and shape an unshakable peace in the hearts of those who practice it. The love of Jesus is rad, if it is anything.  

“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, “ Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/6/2020

“Make me an instrument of your peace.” St Francis of Assisi

 I watched with joy when one of my children picked up trash that someone carelessly left at a waterfall on the Appalachian Trail, and packed it out to dispose of properly. This is one way we become peacemakers in a world scarred by selfishness--we leave people and places better than we find them and heal the hurts caused by others.  

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/5/2020

You do not stamp Your name on every rock and tree and advertise “Made by God.” I like that about You.

 I am drawn to our Father’s subtle beauty like an understated cologne--the hint of His redolence, never overpowering but alluring and inviting. A walk in the woods has never failed to stir my soul, and refresh my wonder of God, and I always taste the glory of the life I am sure He intends. You are never showy, yet every sight sound calls us to consider your value. 

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” Ps.27.4 Conversations Within” ts 9/3/2020

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” C. S. Lewis

I see a sunrise, and thank God for another day. I eat breakfast and am grateful that He set the table. Everyday is filled with the wonder of His presence. He is magnified in my soul in wood, wind, waves and water. His artistry surrounds me in every detail of nature; His kindness in service of the people around me; His protection in those who stand guard on the front lines of freedom; His beauty in the laughter of children, and His warmth in the arms of my wife.  

"The Earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof. the world, and they that dwell therein.“ Ps.24.1 Conversations Within” ts 9/2/2020

"Pray so big and so often that when God meets you at Heaven’s gate, He says with a smile, ‘Kid, you kept me very busy.” Meme

I love to see people smile. I want to live my life in such a way that God smiles as He watches me every day. God is pleased by every expression of faith expressing love, so it is easy to make Him smile. He is delighted by those who trust His unfailing love. When you think about it, our Father in Heaven is like any parent; He is happy in our happiness, especially when our happiness is in goodness.  

“May the Lord smile down on you, and show you his kindness.” Num.6.25 Conversations Within” ts 9/1/2020

“We were made for God, and until He is our greatest pleasure, all other pleasures of this life will lead to emptiness.” Kyle Idleman

It took a while, but there came a day in my Christian growth when I realized that living for God’s pleasure is what He has in mind for us all. Everything in life is to be brought to bear in the accomplishment of this one delightful purpose. Everything without it is a waste of life.  

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created. Rev.4.11 Conversations Within” ts 8/31/2020

If God is good, why does He allow so much bad stuff to happen?

 When we look at the evil that surrounds us each day, and wonder why God is not putting a stop to it, it would do us well to remember that there is this thing called “chose.” God gave us this power because the freedom to choose is the basis of every loving relationship. The flip side of our freedom to choose is our freedom to make a mess of things by making some very bad choices. The good news is that God has chosen to love us despite them.  

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3.16 Conversations Within” ts 8/30/2020

God can; but will He?

I sometimes express frustration at the things that God allows, and wonder why He doesn’t step in and do something. The fact that He doesn’t bothers my understanding that He is good and loving. It is easy to grow weary of saying that He works in mysterious ways, or He sees the big picture, or everything will eventually work out. But my frustrations doesn't make these things less true, and it is in these moments that our faith has the opportunity to embrace them. No doubt that our faith has greater value to God than some of the disappointments He is willing to permit. 

“Trials...come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1Pet.1.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/29/2020

“Integrity lies in, doing what one speaks; speaking what one does.” M. K. Soni

 A good place to nurture integrity is first in our speech. It is more than matching our words to our actions and our actions to our words, it is making sure both bring goodness. It is also refusing to speak until we know all the facts, and even then, we should take care that what we say brings healing not hurting.  

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Eph.4.29 Conversations Within” ts 8/27/2020

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Spencer Johnson

I was taught by my parents to be truthful. They impressed upon me that even “little white lies”  as we call them, are wrong. I was raised to believe that lying is lying. Honesty is to be prized and it is never more important than being honest with oneself. It has been said by many that integrity is what we do when no one is watching. 

 “The integrity of the upright guides them…” Prov.11.3 Conversations Within” ts 8/26/2020

Modern culture seems to care more about appearing authentic than being authentic. We have made a show out of coming across as genuine.

 I prefer the candid photo over one that is posed. There is something true about a picture that captures someone living in a moment over one trying to create one. Be genuine, don’t try to appear that you are. Don’t rehearse moments, be fully in them.  

“For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 1Sam.16.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/25/2020

“What you see is what you get.” Meme

The word that Jesus used for “hypocrite” is the same word for “actor.” He encourages us to stop acting, stop pretending, and to be genuine people. Do not put on a show, acting one way in front of people but another when in private. This is not to say that we use this encouragement to publicly put on display our ugliness. Be genuine, but be genuinely energetic about a life that contributes real goodness.  

“Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2020