God's grace is simply goodness we do not deserve.

 When you say your prayers, say them boldly. Not because of some personal confidence that we somehow deserve to be heard, but because God is good and gracious and more willing to answer than we are to ask. Our Father sits on the throne of grace. Believe not only in His power, but in His generosity--grace that moves Him to use His power on our behalf.  

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb.4.16 Conversations Within” ts 5/21/2020

Photo: Cedar Breaks National Monument

”Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…” John Newton

 God’s grace is not a “Get out of jail card free card” that encourages us to keep repeating our sins. Grace is the enabling power that helps us accept God’s forgiveness, move past them, and live free of guilt and fear. The sweetness of grace is the assurance that God not only offers His forgiveness but His transforming power.  

“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid." Rom.6 Conversations Within” ts 5/20/2020

Photo: Panum Crater, CA

“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

Somewhere in the middle between calculated and cool, organized and laid back, living productively and living easy is a good life. I know the value of planning, and going with no plans, of making to-do lists, or simply attending to what is in front of you. I find life more enjoyable when I 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 5/17/2020

Photo: Christmas Tree Island, Florida Keys

“You must decide where you are going in the evening, if you intend to leave early in the morning.” Malian Proverb

 Ever notice that when God created the world He measured the day by beginning in the evening. “And there was evening, and there was morning--the first day.” To this day in Jerusalem, they begin the day in the evening. There is wisdom starting your day in the evening before especially if you want to be prepared for what you are doing the next morning. Many have discovered the axiom “a good day begins the night before.” 

 “Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening...” Gen.24.63 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

Photo: Okeechobee Waterway, FL    

“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.” Dionysius

 Certainly one way we can be relevant is in our speech. If something needs to be said, say it with grace and so that it nurtures grace in those who are listening. Take care with words, the world is over sown with them.  

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

Photo: Amicalola State Park

Plow a straight line unless a crooked one would be better. Be relevant to each situation if you want balance.

Everyday presents us with the opportunity to be relevant, appropriate, and add value to those around us. There is great skill in knowing when to do what. Be mindful of what is going on around you and contribute goodness to it. Do not be rigid, but relevant.  

“There is an appropriate time for every activity, and there is a time of judgment for every deed.” Ecc.3.17 Conversations Within” ts 5/16/2020

Photo: Backyard Garden, AL

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.” C. S. Lewis

Relevance is such an important skill. To practice it we adjust our attitude and actions to the one thing needed each moment. This will naturally overflow into a relevant attitudes and actions for each season of life. There is wisdom in learning what to expect in the here and now. Many things are intended to train us for living in the coming days of glory. Adjust your expectations, and adapt to the present world without compromising your hope of the world to come.  

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and sober, set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1Pet.1.13 Conversations Within” ts 5/14/2020

Photo: Somewhere over Missouri

 

“Blessed are the unhappy for they will be comforted.” Jesus

I find that I can be happy and unhappy at the same time. I can experience great satisfaction and great unrest in the same moment. Usually this happens when I sit in front of a plenteous meal and then think of a starving child somewhere in the world. All can be right in my world, my relationships but not in the world, the relationships of others. My heart feels the joy of the one and the sorrow of the other. May Your Kingdom come in its fullness Lord Jesus and heal all hurts. 

“You have put all things in subjection under his feet...But now we do not yet see all things put under him.” Heb.2.8 Conversations Within” ts 5/13/2020

Photo: Tuolumne Meadows, CA

“Sometimes our plans don’t work out because God has better ones.” Anonymous

 I think that God cares more about what is going on in us, than around us. Expressions of our inner life, faith, hope, love are precious to Him. This is why He tweaks our plans. He is encouraging us to fine tune the focus of our inner life around matters that matter, and deepen the maturity of the soul. Cooperate with Him, don’t complain.  

“so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1Pet.1.7 Conversations Within” ts 5/12/2020

Photo: Yosemite National Park, CA

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” Bob Bitchin

How true this is, and I am finally discovering it. For the first time in my life I am learning to enjoy fixing something that has broken. I see a mindset taking shape in my soul that actually enjoys the process as much as the results.  

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Conversations Within” ts 5/11/2020

Photo: (Repaired Rudder housing) Dry Tortuga 

“Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life” – John Amat

 I think that Christ wants me to see all of life as a pilgrimage, or in other words, a spiritual adventure. Everyday becomes a creative and bold undertaking, and every step a part of the eternal journey.  

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Ps.84.5 Conversations Within” ts 5/10/2020

Photo: Crystal Lake, CA

“Take the bad with the good.” Idiom

Yesterday we were discussing what a blessed day we were having. The favoring winds, the cool weather, the place where we anchored and the timing to see a rocket launch from Canaveral made us feel like God was smiling on us. I also remember a day on our trip when it was hot, we had contrary winds and rough waters and I wondered if God was resisting our progress. The simple truth is that God loves us no matter what kind of day we are having and every day is a tool in His hands to work good in our lives. Embrace them all.  

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job Conversations Within” ts 5/9/2020

Photo: Key Largo   FL

“I have to keep breathing... For tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide will bring in.” Cast Away-the Movie

 A little stick-to-it-ness is all that is needed to overcome just about anything. Of course, these stick-to-it moments need repeating. The key is to cross every bridge when you come to it. Re-decide everyday what you decided was worth deciding in the first place.  

“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1.4 Conversations Within” ts 5/7/2020

Photo: Chimney Rock

“Plans are nothing, planning is everything.” Dwight W. Eisenhower

 I am one to write down the activities I hope to accomplish each day. Some of the items on my list are created for me by the simple demands of life. Others are calculated by me because I want to accomplish some goal I have set for myself. In any case I think it is wise to give thought to our activities before we begin. It not only saves energy, we may decide something isn’t worth doing.  

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/6/2020

Photo: Arches National Park    

The value of a relationship with God is now, not just endless days to come, because what we do now will have a lasting impact then.

What value is there in living forever if we are not living life now? Truthfully, we can only live in this moment. Am I living life right now? The value of a relationship with God is that He helps us fine tune our pursuits around that which is life indeed. He encourages us to invest our energies into all that has lasting value. His Spirit is with us this very moment, and at the crossroads of every choice we make.   

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1Tim.6.19 Conversations Within” ts 5/5/2020

Photo: Zion National Park, UT

“The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Kakuzo Okakaura

Go with the flow or swim against it, both require that we adjust to our surroundings. Be relevant and readjust when needed. Life is flux. This in no way implies that we compromise character in doing so. We can be flexible in our approach and faithful to our convictions at the same time.    

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." Ecc. 3.1 Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2020

Photo: Yellowstone

If you are angry with God, tell Him, He already knows and values honesty.

When things do not go as I have planned or as I have prayed they would, I have at times gotten angry with God. I suppose anger is a natural part of any relationship. Because it is, and my wife has forgiven my outbursts many times, I know my Father in Heaven also forgives, and can use my frustrations to deepen a humble acceptance of His wisdom. We do not always have to like what God does or doesn’t do, but it is in our best interest to humbly submit to it.  

“Your will be done…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/4/2020

Photo: Tannehill State Park, AL 

”Never begin the day until it is finished on paper.” Jim Rohn

 I'm a believer in writing it down. I am also a believer in reviewing my plans with the Lord. When we are encouraged to commit whatever we do to the Lord, He is assuring us that He cares for our lives and even the smallest details of our day. This in no way encourages us to use him like some good luck charm but to consider our activities in such a way that we are confident that Jesus would happily represent them to His Father. If we can't commit something to God, we probably shouldn't plan on doing it,.  

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Prov.16.3 Conversations Within” ts 5/3/2020

Photo: Lake Mono, CA 

“I pray because I can't help myself. 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 find it natural to speak with God, especially when I am interacting with nature. Praying for people is more of a challenge. I suppose I struggle with knowing what to say. I know God does not need my advice on helping others, yet I feel His inner encouragements to pray for them. It may very well be that we pray because He has decided to answer a need in someone's life, and our prayer, at least in part, becomes His instrument to address it.  

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thess. 5 Conversations Within” ts 5/2/2020

Photo: Arches, UT

“Don't be a victim of negative self talk - remember YOU are listening.” Bob Proctor

It doesn't matter if our self-talk is directed at ourself or our environment, if it is negative then it is unhealthy. Work on positive conversation with yourself. Rise up above negative feelings and complaints.  Speak only what builds up yourself and others and nurtures all that is healthy. Recently my wife and I decided that we would spare ourselves and others the burden of listening to our complaints about any pains we are having.

“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 5/1/2020

“Can-do-it-tude!--Can do attitude!” Meme

 The value and power of faith and attitude are never more clearly seen than in one’s accomplishments. If it is worth doing, it can be done. Why would God not give strength and wisdom in the accomplishment of something good. Goodness is the very fragrance of His presence.  

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Conversations Within” ts 4/29/2020

Photo: Okeechobee Waterway

“Ingenuity is the best tool on a boat.” John Lemond

Everyone faces challenges, and God’s wisdom is offered to all who sincerely ask for it. Wisdom is not only the ability to figure out what needs doing, it counsels us how to go about it in a way that succeeds. We are promised that when we commit what needs doing to our Father, we will have His wisdom, strength and assistance to get it done.  

“Ask and it will be given to you…” I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.”Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/28/2020

Photo: Gulf of Mexico 

“Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth. Tame the dragon and the gift is yours.” Noela Evans

 Some days you just gotta push through. Character is deepened on such days. Of course it depends on our attitude if it deepens a sweet or bitter character.  

“Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 4/22/2020

Photo: Everglades, FL

"God does not want anything from us. He simply wants us." —C.S. Lewis

I see a number of arenas in life. I call them the four “R’s” Relationships, Responsibilities, Recreations, and Resources. I have come to realize that God the Father doesn’t want me to have a 5th “R” called Religion. He will not allow me to tuck Him safely away into just another part of my life. His desire is to share in all the others aspects of life, and offers His partnership in each of them. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 4/26/2020

If you get caught in the rain, you will not get dry wishing you should have brought an umbrella.

 A simple attitude that accepts what is going on around you and makes the most of it, creates and expresses a peaceful heart. Don’t blame God for your troubles. “Do not be overly righteous.” Yep, you read right, it says these very words in the Bible. Things happen. If something breaks, fix it if you can. Don;t waste energy trying to read a theological something into it.  

“If a tree falls to the south or to the north there it lies…” Ecc.11.3 Conversations Within” ts 4/25/2020

Photo: Sunset Malory Square, Key West, FL

Life is a process. Process it one step at a time!

When something goes awry sailing on a boat, you take a breath and start working the problem. The same is true for a marriage, a health concern, and for life in general. Prayerfully think it through and calmly work one step at a time. Calmly is important because reacting with frantic emotions cloud what needs clear headed reasoning. This is why it is important to “prayerfully” think it through.  

"The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Ex.14.14 Conversations Within” ts 4/21/2020

Photo: Dry Tortuga