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/
