“If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.” Meme

There is some really good news where health is concerned. Small changes in our daily habits can add up to big changes in our overall well being. Start where you are, start today, and make small adjustments in what you eat, when you go to bed, how much you walk, and what attitudes you nurture. Give a little time and get a whole lot back. Give time each day to meditation, to prayer, to stretching, and time outdoors. Health abides in small choices.  

“Wealth gathered little by little makes it grow.” Prov.13.11 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2020

“You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Freedom is the very nature of any loving relationship. Any submission that exists in such a relationship is voluntary. There is no forced compliance in a Christian relationship.This is true in a marriage, and certainly true where God is concerned. This is not to say that there are no consequences. There are good and bad consequences in every choice we make. Certainly every good choice promotes more freedom, not less.  

“Husbands love your wives.” Eph.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/23/2020

Make sure that pleasure adds to your joy, instead of stealing from it.

Often little thieves steal joy from our lives. God given pleasures if not taken properly from His hand, can wind up taking from, rather than adding to the life He intends for us. Our physical and spiritual health can suffer in excess. Too much pleasure, too much work, too much play can result in too little where our joy is concerned.

“In your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 10/22/2020

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

 Our joy is often stolen from us because we are blind to our own blessing. Looking and longing for another’s life can keep us from appreciating our own. Lord help me never be envious of others, but to accept and appreciate the table you have set before me. Blessed is the one who knows they are blessed.  

“You shall not covet.” Ex.20 Conversations Within” ts 10/21/2020

“It is the big choices we make that set our direction. It is the smallest choices we make that get us to the destination.” Shad Helmstetter

 What value is there if I give God a big “yes” and refuse Him with a bunch of little “nos.” Life is surely in the details. Many of us would say that we want God’s will for our lives, but then choose to ignore it in the small choices we make everyday. A good example of doing this can be witnessed in what comes out of our mouth. Words are so telling. 

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/20/2020

“That's 20 seconds of my life that I'll never get back.” Toby Ziegler (The West Wing)

One of the tragic tales of life is how much of it is lost to the little thieves of our time. A little here and a little there and before you know it, a day is lost to nothing of value. Sadly these days, if we are not careful, can add up to wasted years. How precious is the time entrusted to us.  

“Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Eph.15.16 Conversations Within” ts 10/19/2020

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” Kahlil Gibran

My wife is always baking. I am sure she finds as much joy baking for others as they do receiving her goodies. When she is baking something for someone, it a celebration pure and simple, of her delight to serve and bring joy to people.  

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 10/17/2020

“There is nothing that compares to an unexpected round of applause.” Lynn Abbey

Do you have anything to clap your hands about? I am not one to applaud often.  Something has to really grip me. Not all applause begins in the heart; but I can truly connect with any spontaneous burst of amazement and appreciation. What I am coming to realize, is that reasons to applaud are all around me, and when I fail to see them, it is because I have somehow fallen asleep. Wake my soul with standing ovation to all the wonders of our Father's hand.  

“Clap your hands, all peoples.” Ps.47.1 Conversations Within” ts 10/16/2020

When the heart is happy, everywhere is a stroll on the beach, or a walk in the woods.

A mature inner life has learned to live life from within rather than just reacting to outside influences. I love the quote that says “bring your own sunshine” and the other that says “dance in the rain,” This magic has been described in many ways simply because it is a wonderful way to enjoy life. Center your inner life around lasting joy and let it decide the kind of day you will have. 

“Keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/15/2020

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Tom Peters

It has been said that “life is what you make it.” If this is true, why not craft a life that celebrates all things beautiful. Carve kindness in every interaction. Paint patience, and lavish love on everyone you meet. Plant the energy of enjoyment in the garden of every accomplishment. If we  want a world of compassion, love, joy and peace, then let me celebrate them in my thoughts, words, and actions.  

“I will celebrate before the LORD.” 2Sam.6  Conversations Within” ts 10/14/2020

“Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music!” Three Dog Night

I am so grateful for those who enrich the world with music. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without it. Not a day goes by that I do not bathe in the gentle waters of some melody, or dance with delight to the rhythms of an energetic song, or raise my soul in adoration of God for giving us such a wonderful gift.  

“Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.” Ps.149.3 Conversations Within” ts 10/13/2020 

Do not forget to dance when the music starts. The music starts every morning.

 As I grow in my understanding of God’s purposes, I believe that life is meant to be celebrated. He is teaching my heart to cherish it. I find in me a desire to enjoy and embrace each day for what it is, a precious gift that greets me every morning. If we are not celebrating life, we are wasting it, pure and simple.  

“Always put on your party clothes.” Ecc.9 Conversations Within” ts 10/12/2020

Sometimes the best way to respect someone isn’t to pander to their foolishness, but to point it out.

 I agree with the statement above. I should, I wrote it years ago. Even so,  I would add that we can point out foolish behavior and still be respectful in our manner of doing so. Respect is an attitude before it is an action. Its sister is humility. We are encouraged to rebuke when rebuke is needed, but to do so as one would speak to a parent or to a grandparent.  

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father.” 1Tim.5.1 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2020

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

My parents taught me to say, “Yes Sir.” and “Yes Ma’am.” Reverence and respect were an important part of my upbringing. The reason behind my parents teaching was simple: when you show respect for authority, or someone of age, you show respect to their Maker. We may disagree with our parents or the policies of someone in a position of authority, but we should never be disrespectful to them.  

“For there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Rom.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2020

Always be respectful because it is the respectful thing to do.

It is not what people say about us that reveals our character, but what we say about them, and more importantly what we refuse to say about them, when they gossip about us. There is a singular beauty in someone who chooses to always treat people with  respect, and refuses to stoop to anything less.  

"Honor all people,” 1Pet.2.17 Conversations Within” ts 10/8/2020

Namaste!

This East Indian greeting literally translates “I bow to you.” I read that it conveys this thought, “that which is divine in me, bows to that which is divine in you.” My Christian worldview likes the idea that I respect others by acknowledging that everyone I meet is made in the image of God, and as such, should be respected.  

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...”  God the Father spoken to God the Son. Conversations Within” ts 10/7/2020

”A blood donor saved my life.” Meme

The word “honor” is used in Scripture to assign value to something, or someone. God has paid each of us a singular honor. He assigned our value to Him when He ransomed us with the blood of Christ. Our Father asks us to consider the value He has set on men and women, and to treat them with the honor befitting such a price.  

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ…” Conversations Within” ts 10/2/2020

”Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Period. No exceptions.” Kiana Tom

There is a kind of respect that is earned, and another that we demand from ourselves simply because we have chosen to be a respectful person. We do not have to like someone to treat them with respect. We can show respect even to people who have been disrespectful to us. This is one aspect of the kindness and love of Jesus; a very good one at that.  

“…giving preference to one another in honor.” Ro12.10 Conversations Within” ts 10/1/2020

“Talk to yourself like you would someone you love.” Meme

Do I listen to all the lies that I tell myself, or do I talk to myself and speak only the truth? The skill of speaking truth to your heart is invaluable. It brings a positive focus to those things that promote well-being. It has been said that in order for us to love God properly, we must first love ourselves and want what is best. Loving God is the best gift we can give ourselves, so love yourself by loving Him.  

“I am the way, the truth, the life... “ Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/31/2020 

“I believe in God the Father, Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord.”

I suppose some would consider this affirmation to be a religious one. For me it is something I accept about the reality of my life. If I truly believe these words, then every single thing in my life should express them. My relationships, responsibilities, my recreations, and resources, are all centered around this one core belief. There is no compartment in my life called religion, no place to safely tuck God away.  

“O Lord, you are my Lord. Apart from You i have nothing.” Ps.16 Conversations Within” ts 9/29/2020

“The key to success is consistency” Zak Frazer

 Consistent action is only good when our affirmations are consistent with the way things really are. If I consistently give my energy to false notions--any notion inconsistent with truth, then my life results will inevitably crumble. Be consistent, but first make sure that what you consistently do matches up with the reality of the Creator's universe.  

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/30/2020

“Truth will out.” Shakespeare

This is an affirmation I believe. Truth will indeed out! My belief that truth will ultimately prevail is inseparably connected to the same belief I have in God. I cherish the understanding that the Creator God is reality, and even if He is denied, He will ultimately have the final word in all things.  

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Ps.145.18 Conversations Within” ts 9/28/2020

“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” Steve Agyei

What do I affirm? We base our lives on our perceptions of reality. Truth will only set us free if what we believe to be true, actually is true. What we tell ourselves is right, is something we don’t want to get wrong. Who wants to end up on the rocks of being wrong when we thought we had it right. Do not be afraid to challenge your perceptions and affirmations. Truth will pass any test we can throw at it.  

“The truth will set you free.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/27/2020

“An affirmation opens the door. It is the beginning point on the path to change.” Louise l. Hay

It makes perfect sense to me that a life that is built on truth, is the only life worth living; a lie is after all, a lie. Jesus pointedly told His followers to center their lives around His Father’s designs. Our relationships, responsibilities, the use of our resources, and even our recreations are experienced fully when we follow the Creator’s designs for them. Who knows more about the intended purpose of something than the One who made it.  

“Set them apart in the truth. Your word is true.” Prayer of Jesus Conversations Within” ts 9/26/2020

”It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” St. Augustine

No one can be too humble. It is one quality that creates goodness in everything it touches. Humility shapes our attitude in such a way that we do not over or underestimate our place in the world. This gentle meekness equally directs our energy to contribute rather than consume. Humility creates value in the soul.  

“Before honor is humility.” Prov.15.33  Conversations Within” ts 9/25/2020

“A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.” Tom Stopphard

I want to be the kind of person who radiates positive energy to the people around me. Like a gentle breeze on a hot day, I want to refresh others. Lord, give me an enthusiasm for living that splashes goodness on the people in my life, and gives them a taste of how beautiful each day is.   

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Gal.5.22 Conversations Within” ts 9/24/2020