“You never know when a helping hand will change another's person’s entire life.” Zig Zigler

 I am humbled by the helping hands that have reached out to me, often when I needed it most. Each of us can be the gift we give one another, especially when we help carry the various burdens of living in this place. Only when we stand in the Presence, will we fully know how our service to others not only worked good for them but also in them. 

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/20/2021

Photo: Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park, WY

“It is better to be perfectly useful than uselessly perfect.” Dr. Idel Dreimer

 Do not let imperfections in yourself, or others, or in circumstance keep you from contributing goodness in any situation. Don’t wait to get it perfect, wade in and help out.  

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecc.11.4 Conversations Within” ts 8/19/2021

Photo: Grand Canyon National Park

“Make yourself useful.” Meme

My life is abundantly wealthy with friends who support, encourage, and come alongside me to help with whatever. When you think about it, is there any other kind of friend than one who contributes goodness to your life. The best way to surround yourself with this kind of friend is to be one yourself. 

 “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/17/2021

Photo: Sharing 

"Rumble stripes-The sweet sound of safety."

 Most of us have strayed off a highway only to be jarred awake by rumble stripes warning us to get back on the road. The experience is certainly unpleasant, but it serves us well. By comparison, every time we lose our spiritual peace, God is signaling that we have strayed off the path and the negative experience is encouraging us to make a positive move. 

 “Keep in step with the Spirit...The fruit of the Spirit is...peace.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 8/16/2021

Photo: Western desert highway

“I don’t have to attend every argument I am invited to.” Meme

 I am never happy when I allow myself to get drawn into an argument. Why go there? I have never seen anyone change their mind about anything as a result of arguing. Quarreling is a waste of energy, and time, and one of those things we can do without.  

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels,...but be kind to everyone…”2Tim.2.23 Conversations Within” ts 8/15/2021

Photo: Van Hiking, Fort George Island, FL

”Life is so much easier when you keep your cool.” Meme

 Keeping your head often means keeping your emotions in check. Do what you need to do to keep your cool. Greet everything and everyone with a smile. Walk away if you need to. Put it down and come back to it later. Keep your cool by keeping your sense of humor.  

“But you, keep your head in all situations...” 2Tim.4.5 Conversations Within” ts 8/14/2021

Photo: Glacier National Park, MO

”Pray With Your Eyes Open.” Richard Pratt

 Jesus assures us that God listens to our prayers and that they certainly make a difference in our lives, and the lives of others. Because of this we should do our best to think about what we want from God when we pray to Him. He encourages us that if we don’t know what to say, He can make sense of even of our deepest longings. This does not mean that we shouldn’t try to pray intelligently. Think clearly, speak clearly. Flowery language is not necessary.  

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” 1Pet.4.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/13/2021

Photo: Alabama Sunset

”Keep your head clear! It doesn’t matter how bright the path is if your mind is always cloudy.” Unknown

One of the reasons we need to think clearly is so that we will act with clear intention and leave no doubt to ourselves and to others our desire to live life around matters that truly matter.  

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1Pet.1.13 Conversations Within” ts 8/12/2021

Photo: Mount Mitchel, NC

“Think things through – then follow through.” Eddie Rickenbacker

I have a “Think it Through” journal. It serves me in a number of ways. It helps me to lay out the steps needed to get something done. It encourages me to consider whether I need to do it at all. It forces me to think logically and keep my emotions out of the way. It brings focus to my daily schedule. It enables me to measure if my thinking is true, wise and consistent with my desire to follow Christ.  

“Be alert and of sober mind.” 1Pet.5.8 Conversations Within” ts 8/11/2021

There is a simple and straightforward rule that will help us when we are tempted to judge someone. Don’t do it!

 I sometimes find myself silently passing judgment on someone’s bad behavior only to realize I’m guilty of doing the same thing, if only in my thoughts. There is a shameful kind of arrogance when we practice such hypocrisy. It is quite inexcusable.  

“You, have no excuse, who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you condemn yourself, because you do the same things.” Rom.2 Conversations Within” ts 8/9/2021

Photo: Coosa River, AL

“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind.” Roy T. Bennett

 I would rather lead by what I affirm as true rather than be led by my emotions. Anyone who rock climbs knows you can feel safe on the wall and yet be in great danger, or feel afraid of falling, yet be completely safe. Don’t pay attention to your feelings, but the truthfulness of what and who you trust. 

"Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/8/2021

Photo: Yosemite National Park, CA

“To affirm is to make firm.” Peter McWilliams

 We are wise to make certain that what we affirm to be true is actually true. There are aspects of life too important for wishful thinking, or giving it our best guess. Who would cross the street holding the hand of their child until they first made doubly sure it was safe. In similar fashion, our appointment with God approaches. How certain am I, of how the outcome will go?  

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1Jo.5.13 Conversations Within” ts 8/7/2021

Photo: Road to the Sun, Glacier National Park, MT

Religious or spiritual?

In recent years, I hear people choose to describe their inner life more in terms of being spiritual than religious. Religion seems to have gotten a bad rap and for many good reasons. Religion tends to focus on man’s efforts to reach God, whereas the message of Jesus is more about God’s efforts to reach Man. God gives us the gift of His Spirit to accomplish in us what human efforts fail to do. 

 “For what the law was powerless to do...God did by sending his own Son...in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Rom.8 Conversations Within” ts 8/6/2021

Photo: Snow on Japanese maple

”The kiss of God is the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Bernard of Clairvaux

 How precious is the gift of God’s Spirit. Yes, He is a gift. We do not earn or deserve His presence in us. A gift is given freely; that's what makes it a gift. Stop trying to earn God’s love and simply accept it. To accept it is to accept Him. 

 “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2.38 Conversations Within” ts 8/5/2021

Photo: Inner Coastal Waterway, FL

The best gift that God can give us is the gift of Himself, and a close second is our freedom to discover this.

 The life that Christ offers us is very much a companionship like no other. His Spirit comes to dwell in us, and brings enlightenment, encouragement, and the enabling power to live life as God intends. Christ did not just leave us a set of rules to follow. He gives us the gift of Himself. To wake to His presence in our heart is to begin the journey of discovering all He desires to be for us in life.  

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/4/2021

Photo: Looking Glass Rock, NC

“All you need is love.” John Lennon

 A simple formula for happy living is to love God, love others, and love yourself. If we are really serious about it, we can extend the circle of our love to include our enemies. To love someone is to bring benefit to them. It’s as simple as that.  

"The greatest of these is love.” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 8/3/2021

Photo: Crescent City, CA

Just trust me on this.

 There are a number of things that God asks us to trust Him even when from our point of view it doesn’t add up. I can understand why He tells us to practice moderation in order to enjoy certain pleasures. That makes sense to me because my experience confirms it. I don’t understand why bacon tastes so good but is not good for you. The list goes on, but truly it doesn’t matter. My Father has earned my trust and that should be enough when He asks me for something I don’t understand.  

"We walk by faith and not by sight." 2Cor.5.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/2/2021

Photo: Hail Storm, Rocky Mountains, CO

Lord, may my attitude always embrace gratitude.

Our inner life can be expressed in many directions and often in the same moment. We sometimes experience joy and sorrow, confidence and concern, anger and patience, all at the same time as we interact with the world around us. This means that we can express gratitude even in moments of injury and great pain. This does not mean that we give thanks "for" everything but "in" everything.  

“In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” Conversations Within” ts 8/1/2021

Photo: Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortuga National Part

“Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional.” Meme

 It is sobering to realize that our attitude toward pain is the one thing that can keep misery out of the picture. None of us can escape pain, but we do not have to suffer the loss of spiritual joy. A positive mindset, reflected in things like gratitude, or an enduring and overcoming spirit can determine if our pains cripple us or spur us to get our game face on.  

“For the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross…” Conversations Within” ts 7/29/2021

Photo: Death Valley

How are the people in our life to know the value of Jesus if His presence in us is of no practical value to them?

 The best witness we can give to others about Christ is simply to communicate His value to our daily lives. The best way we can communicate this is by having the same value to the people around us that He is to us.  

“Love others as I have loved you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2021

Photo: Neptune Beach, FL

“To tend...v. “to care for something or someone.” Dictionary

In the Good Book God is said to be a Shepherd, a gardener, our Heavenly Father and more. His principal activity is to tend. He is doing so right now, this very minute, even though we tend to forget it. Whatever you are going through, God is tenderly looking after you.  

"Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Pet.5.7 Conversations Within” ts 7/28/2021

Photo: Pine Mountain, GA

Listen to what you want to say, then choose what you know you should or shouldn't say.

Remember the childhood encouragement to “Stop, look, and listen.” This has proven to be great advice before crossing a street, and just as effective before we open our mouth. Be deliberate in your speech and say only what conveys goodness.  

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1.19 Conversations Within” ts 7/27/2021

Photo: River Flooding, GA

”The mystery of human existence lies not just in staying alive, but finding something to live for.” Fyodor Dostoevsky

 It has been reported that along with a good diet and consistent exercise, people with purpose live longer, healthier lives. Beyond just living longer in this place of “moth and rust,” having a reason to rise each day is good for the soul. Jesus modeled it for us. “Love one another as I have loved you.” 

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2021

Photo: Dawn Patrol

“Rest is not idle, it is not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do for body and soul.” Erica Layne

It is easy for me to fill up an “off day” with so many projects that the time I set aside to rest is anything but restful. It is the wisdom of the Creator to lay hold of a healthy rhythm of work and rest. Rest is also a verb that denotes an action. Be deliberate about it and take some time off.  

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” Gen.2.2 Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2021

Photo:St. Augustine, FL    

”If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.” Meme

Moderation is a blessed means to enjoy everything that God has made for us to enjoy. Don’t overdo it. Keep eating and drinking, work and play under the wise guidance of self control. Enjoy every pleasure as God designed them to be enjoyed. Enjoy them do not let them enslave you.   

“If you find honey, eat just enough-- too much of it will make you sick.” Prov.25.16 Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2021

Photo: Thanksgiving toast

Don’t you just love being happy?

The desire to be happy is a powerful motivation, probably the strongest. I love being happy! The fact that I do has helped me realize the benefit of eliminating attitudes and behaviors that steal it from me. The Spirit of Christ has a proven recipe for joyful living. He invites us to the delightful discovery of living with a grateful and wholehearted devotion to the simple pleasure of love and service to others.  

“O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Ps.34 Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2021

Photo: Trout River, FL

"If I've learned one thing from climbing, it's the power of incremental progress." Alex Honnold

 Positive change is often realized one decision at a time. Pay attention. Consider carefully your next thought, word, action. Make sure it lines up with your decision to follow Christ. Run the route of affirmations, attitudes and actions that will lead you safely to the summit. Focus on your next foot hold.  

“Keep in step with the Spirit…” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 7/22/2021

Photo: Eye Brows Route ???