Hardship is the norm in a fallen world. But so too is God’s grace. Woven into the fabric of life is the goodness that comes to everyone who endures. One aspect of a mature inner life is practicing the simple skill of perseverance.
“Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1 “Conversations Within” ts 7/15/25
I remind myself that the Lord is giving even when He takes away. I believe this because my faith tells me that our Father cannot help but work anything but goodness where His children are concerned. This of course makes a priority out of knowing that I am His child. Christ in us is the hope of this glory.
“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job “Conversations Within”
Don’t expect positive change from negative energy. Hate just breeds more hate. Do I really believe that the love Jesus exemplified is what the world truly needs now. Do I believe that this love conquers all? Let me seek change in the world with love, His sweet love.
"Love bears all
Decide and you will feel better. If you decide right, you will always feel better. Decide wrong and you may feel better only for a while. Decide then to make decisions that bring lasting joy, not just temporary comfort. For me it has become simple, choose the worldview of Jesus.
“Follow me…” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/
I like that Jesus tells us not to worry. I always like it when He tells me to do something I already like doing, and I certainly like not worrying. He is teaching me the freedom that comes from telling myself, "I ain’t gonna worry about right now." Why worry about tomorrow or anything when all things are in His loving hands.
“Stop worrying about even one thing…” Phil.4 “Conversations Within” ts 7/8/25
There are so many stories not only in the Scriptures, but in everyday life that teach us to trust in God’s goodness even when tragedy strikes. He encourages us to not only believe in a bigger picture but that He is the one painting it, and when it is finished, all will be good.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no
Few things can compare to a good night’s sleep. As of late, arthritis is robbing me of having one, as it does so many. I remind myself that after a bad night, I can still embrace the abundance that Jesus promised. Let’s face it, hardship is also promised. Take your turn at bat with a smile. It helps!
"When you lie down, you will not be
One of the first sins recorded in the Bible was shifting responsibility--blame. The women blamed the serpent, and Adam blamed not only his wife, but also God for creating her. Lord, remind me to stop trying to fix blame, and instead, fix the problem.
“The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Gen.3 “Conversations Within” ts 7/5/25
If we are not mindful, our joy can be lost in the rush of trying to get it on camera. There is nothing wrong with taking photos, but as with most things keep it simple. Live life, don’t spend it posing and posting, to convince others, maybe even yourself that you are.
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. “Only one thing is important.” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 7/4/25
Sometimes we cannot choose to be healthy; ill health can strike anyone. But, and this is an important contrast, we can always make healthy choices even in the midst of being sick. Never underestimate the power of one healthy choice multiplied over time.
“...may you prosper and be in health, even as your soul
Oh how the world changes in the light of a grateful heart! The greatness of our gratitude is the measure of our true wealth. Nurture gratitude and you heart will rest knowing that life is unfolding under the designs of a loving Father.
“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD” Is.45 “
There is a story of a man who politely asked Thomas Jefferson for a ride across a river. Someone asked him why he had asked “that man” instead of any of the others for the ride. The man replied that Jefferson had a “Yes” face. Father, give me a face that says yes when someone needs help.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13 “Conversations Within” ts 7/1/25
Be generous in service, and overwhelm people with kindness. Embrace the actions of love, and always focus on bringing goodness to others. Lavish people with encouragement, and praise. We should not restrict our generosity just to giving money, but with everything good enrich the world.
“A
Lord, I know You don’t want my money or my time, just my heart. When You have my heart You will have my all. Let me address the needs of the world by giving You my heart, and as I give You mine give me Yours in return.
“God loves a cheerful
There is no real risk where trusting God is concerned. What may appear as a risk to us has already been determined by Him. This is especially true when He asks us to invest in giving to someone when we cannot see any promising returns. His promise is our greatest insurance.
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you
The happy life is a generous life--always giving, overflowing, and making a positive difference. The generous person is always holding their hand out to give, not to take. There is so much joy in thinking of others, instead of being trapped in the pursuit of selfishness. Jesus is right, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will
Gratitude isn’t an occasional, or seasonal activity, it is the ambiance of finding life before God to be the greatest treasure. I want to radiate gratitude, and to be the aroma of it, and share the deliciousness of each moment together with Him and with those in my life.
“The cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Prov.15.
I want my body to be my servant, not my master--to answer my call, not vice versa. If I want my body to serve me, I certainly need to take care of it, but not overindulge it. The key to self-control is knowing which desires to pursue and which ones to redirect.
“I discipline my body and make it my servant.” “Conversations Within” ts 6/23/
The fact that God is in charge, and that He allowed His Son to suffer a cruel death, might bring little comfort to us if our main goal is to avoid all suffering. But consider another perspective that brings enormous comfort.
‘He who did not spare his own Son,
