Gratitude can transform every event into a celebration of faith, hope and love. Consider how you think about what is coming your way, and look for matters for which to be thankful. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints.” How is that, for changing the way we see life and death?
“Oh death, where is your sting?” 1Cor.15 Conversations Within” ts 11/22/2024
Everyday I answer the needs of my body. I eat, sleep, go to the bathroom. The idea is not that my body dictates my day, but I take care of it so that I can live the life I desire. A healthy body serves the soul. A healthy soul knows the value of keeping a healthy body.
“I discipline my body and make it my slave.” Conversations Within” ts 11/21/2024
If I loved healthy activities as much as I love health, I would probably be healthier. Walk everyday for physical health. Walk with the Spirit for spiritual health. Walk in love for healthy relationships. Walk wholeheartedly to embrace all that God desires to be for you right now.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 1John3 Conversations Within” ts 11/20/
I often find that I am not ready to publish my thoughts. I realize that what is baking in my oven is not ready to be served. It is better to wait until faith and love have matured my thinking, because until they do, I should just keep it in the oven.
“The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.” Prov.16.25 Conversations Within” ts 11/
To view all things from an eternal point of view is one perspective that Jesus offers the world. Someone said that if something will not matter in five years, don't waste more than five minutes on it. I am sure there are exceptions to this rule, but it is wise to consider matters that really matter, and will matter forever.
“I appointed you to bear fruit, fruit that will
Gobble it up! Family and friends around the table, food piled high on each plate, holding hands in grateful praise while saying the blessing, pumpkin pie, an after dinner nap, texting or calling friends to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, and leftovers-turkey breast sandwich on toasted bread, Miracle Whip and of course lays potato chips. Gobble it up!
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His
Giving thanks becomes a habit that defines you. It also defines the kind of day/year you’re going to have. After a while, giving thanks comes almost without effort. There is always something to value and appreciate.
“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good…” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 11/16/
Every morning the beauty of nature is brought into our yurt living room via a wide screen TV playing music in the background. Gratitude swells in me, especially when I look up from writing and realize that we have walked, hiked or paddled in many of these places. God has made our life rich with experiences, and more so, with family and friends with which to share them.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving.” Ps.100 Conversations
Physical health improves by eating less and exercising more. Spiritual health will no doubt improve by consuming less and giving more. Live on less in order to give more.
"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And...a poor man...who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table.” Lk.16 Conversations Within” ts 11/17/
I confess that I generally look for the path of least resistance. This somewhat goes against the wisdom of Jesus who said that the way that leads to life is “hard.” And while He also said that His burden is easy, it does not discount the simple truth that many good things only come to us after a long hard hike.
"For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/14/2024
It pleases me that the Spirit of Jesus encourages us to think about what is “lovely.” The word means likable, pleasant, beautiful, that which you are friendly towards, or fond of. There are times when I am overwhelmed by something or someone and staggered by my feelings about them.
“Whatever is…lovely…think on these things.” Phil.4.8 Conversations Within” ts 11/13/
I know what holiness to the Lord is supposed to look like. I have even experienced it. I want more of it. I want holiness to define me, rather than me just reciting a definition of it. I want to be wholly yours Lord, and know every day what is to be holy unto You.
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
I am so grateful for the gift of music, and for those who make it. It is one of those extras in life, and as someone rightly said, “It is only goodness that gives extras.“ Music is a powerful medium of meditation, and reflection. Dance to its rhythm, and see the answer unfold.
“I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.” Ps.49 ESV Conversations Within” ts 11/11/
We must often seek peace. Living in harmony is something we do on purpose. It doesn't just happen. Kindness is a universal language. We can show it even to an enemy, much less to someone with a different point of view.
"Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it" Ps.
I am grateful for the power to choose. And although I do not always choose what is healthy, or wise, I understand that love can only exist in the air of freedom to decide. This in no way removes the destructive consequences when we choose selfishly. Don’t place more value on the freedom to choose over the fruit the choice produces.
“Choose this day whom you will serve.” Josh.24 Conversations Within”
God gardens my soul. He prunes all that is worthless. He does this by teaching me to not entertain unprofitable thoughts and to watch and weigh my words and measure if they heal or hurt. He removes the worthless fruit so that the fruit of love, joy and peace may flourish in my life.
“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/08/
Now I must confess that I had to look up the origins of the word “dickens.” As it turns out, “dickens” is an expression used to intensify or strengthen the experience of something, and interestingly enough, comes from the word “devil.” Now that’s appropriate. Devils can worry the dickens out of you, but only if we let them.
“Do not worry…” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/04/
I like the morning me--quiet, calm, peaceful and eager to listen. As the day merges into the afternoon, I am less so. At some point I entertain a thought that leads me away from the person I want to be. It always begins in our thoughts.
“Take every thought captive…” Conversations
Many things may tempt us to worry, but our faith can answer back and restore confidence to our lives. Faith in God's character and power reminds us that God is over all things and has the final word on everything.
“You are my
We are not told the color of Jesus’ eyes, but we are assured that they look with tender compassion. His face can be stern when any thief attempts to rob His children of the joy He intends. His face may show sadness at some of our attitudes and actions, but the thorn pressed scars on His brow will match His smile when He greets us and says, "Welcome home."
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ" 2Cor.4.6
If God gives you a shovel, more than likely, He wants you to dig. Take stock of your gifts, talents, and resources, then use them to love others. Be useful.
"We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach…” Rom.12
I am grateful for every person who reaches across with kind words and healing dialogue. How beautiful to witness love and humility in action. Lord let me be such a person.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 11/07/2024
I pray that my daily schedule, at least in part, reflects my intercessions for the people in my life. As I pray for them, may God use me to see all the good things He leads me to ask for them.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions,
Every life is a seed to be sown.
I watched in fascination as the offspring of a conifer delicately made their journey from one season of life to another. Spinning playfully from tree boughs to the forest floor, moved me to reflection. So much preparation and design had gone into their brief journey. I realize that our purposefully crafted bodies transport us. Ours is a brief journey no less, and just as pregnant with significance. For where and how the seed of my life is sown, there I will take root in a new and different existence.
“Except a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth
The right attitude is as important as the action tied to it. It ensures that the action is done with the right motive and that it is the fruit of true love.
“Love is patient, love is kind…” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/28/
Every day can be a never ending celebration. Life is reason enough to celebrate. Choose the goodness of being alive, and do not forget the joy of playing. We were created for this.
“...the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15 Conversations Within” ts 10/27/
Respect and submission to governmental authority is not only a civic duty, it is my Christian duty. To respect and obey those whom God has appointed is an act of faith that says, I am obeying my Father in Heaven.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Rom.12.1 Conversations Within” ts 11/03/
I cast my vote before election day, but more importantly is that I cast an ongoing vote to faithfully pray for whoever is elected. Let me admonish my soul to be faithful in prayer for them, for God establishes all who are in authority on the earth.
“I urge that petitions, prayers,
I come to the quiet, to quiet my soul. I also quiet my soul to come to the quiet. There is great value in learning to still the soul, and keep it peacefully focused on all that is mine in Christ each and every moment.
“He leads me beside still waters. Ps.23 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/
I am amazed at the number of small insignificant things that I have allowed to bother me. A scratch on a new surface; an out of place item; or a long red-light has upset the cart of my peace. I am learning how to just roll with it and find that I am happier when something bothers me to just smile and simply not let it.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Phil.4.12 Conversations Within” ts 10/24/2024
Love really is all we need, except for maybe the wisdom to apply it. Love is the answer to all violence, and every conflict in the world, and every problem facing each of us. Love answers every situation by simply saying “do what is best for everyone, even an enemy. When in doubt, always take a step in the direction of love.
“Love your neighbor as you love
The life Jesus offers is an "over and above" kind of life. It is an abundant life. He wants to make us rich, rich in goodness, in love, joy and peace. His is a wealth beyond measure. At the end of each day I want to smile knowing I have lived abundantly.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/22/
I want the Spirit of Jesus to correct any misunderstandings I have about life. What I want more is that when He does correct me, that I keep in step with it. What good is knowing the right thing but not doing it.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
We are told that God loves us more than we could possibly imagine. I can imagine a great deal so I am drawn to move deeper into understanding the greatness of God’s love. Praise be, His love is great to forgive, great to bless, greater than all the uncertainties and doubts I may have of standing in His presence.
“And I pray that you…may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph.2 Conversations Within” ts 10/20/
It is the edge of the sword that cuts, the edge of darkness where light appears, and the edge of the cliff where new heights are revealed. God may take us to the edge of our limits before we finally lay hold of His unlimited power. God’s strength is often found on the edge.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
When Jesus told His disciples that they could do nothing without Him, He wasn’t saying that they could not put on their sandals, or fix a sandwich. He was saying that doing these things, or any thing for that matter without Him would accomplish nothing of eternal value. He is the 1 beside every zero.
“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/17/
This is such a good reminder to keep my focus on serving others. It is easy to get lost in the dark woods of a self centered life. Think about others. Do for others. Wake to the beauty of service--of contributing.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Conversations Within” ts 10/16/
If it should be done, or needs to be done, or has to be done, why not enjoy doing it. Enjoyment is a powerful grace given to us by God. It can lighten any load, make ascending any mountain a soul lifting stroll.
“I tell you these things that my joy may be in you and your joy is made full.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 10/15/
There are some things you never grow beyond, you can only grow deeper into them. Being a learner is one of them. A thirst for wisdom is the dynamic of a true disciple.
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance". Prov.1.5 Conversations Within” ts 10/14/
An African tribe was once introduced to the game of Croquette. When one member finished first, he immediately ran back and advised the player behind him until he also finished. This was repeated until the ball of the last tribe member made it to the stick. Only then did they all jump up and down to celebrate. As one person put it, “Find your tribe and love them hard.”
“...we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” 1Cor.12.13 Conversations Within” ts 10/13/
Have you ever not done something simply because you knew you wouldn't have enough time to enjoy it. I would love to build and live in a tree house, but my time left to enjoy it is running out. Now wouldn’t it be great if everything we did was not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us. A mature perspective finds joy in the benefit of others.
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…” Prov.13.22 Conversations Within” ts 10/11/
I know too well the inner conflict of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I used to wonder if others have the same struggle. I am now confident that this malady is common to the human condition. I know it will not change so long as I remain in this body. Thank God, I am promised that the story will not end this
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Rom.7 Conversations Within” ts 10/9/2024
