The big picture

I am consistently encouraged to view life from a holistic perspective, no less by the Spirit of Christ living in me. He directs me to consider the viewpoint of both the eternal, not just from the limited horizon of what is temporal. Death, as well as life, come into clearer focus when I do. There is a calming grace when we look at everything from the throne of God.

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.” Is.57.1 “Conversations Within” ts 10/24/25

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

Forgiveness adds unique value to our interactions. Learning to overlook another's failings is a necessary part of any healthy relationship. Practice it if you want to create, and sustain a gracious heart.

“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 10/23/25

“Sometimes you have to look hard at a person and remember he's doing the best he can. He's just trying to find his way, just like you.” On Golden Pond

 You would think that with everybody's personal failings that compassion and understanding would be commonplace. The fact that it is not is just another personal failing. I pray for the grace to be gracious to every one, even those who do not live with kindness. They perhaps need compassion the most.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph.4.32 “Conversations Within” ts 10/22/25

“Peace is retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” Wayne Dyer

 Sober thinking is a governing dynamic of a peaceful mind. It enables us to process problems without adding emotional drama to them. The waters around me may not be calm, but I can calmly sail through them. Peace is a manner of living as much as it is a state of the soul.

“...always be sober-minded.” 2Tim4.5 “Conversations Within” ts 10/21/25

"Use your head when you use your head. ” Unknown

Who thinks clearly when they are angry, afraid, impassioned, depressed, or worried. To be sober minded means that we take charge of the decisions we make first, by not giving them over to our emotions, and desires, and second, by basing our choices on what we know is good, right and true.

“Keep your head in all situations.” 2Tim.4 “Conversations Within” ts 10/20/25