The opposite of "Win a few, lose a few". Luke 15:1-7
Age is the time of maturing but maturity is ageless. Job 32:6-12
The fear of criticism often paralyzes as much as criticism itself. Both kill spontaneity and creativity. Great faith rather than small scruples. Romans 14:1, 22-23
From wonder to vision by grace. Grace produces discipline Titus 2:11-12 and eliminates boasting in oneself. Romans 3:27-28 Discipline and self-control come from the same root word. Discipline expresses itself through prayer delaying immediate gratification Hebrews 12:11 into doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
Detouring immediate gratification into satisfaction. Psalm 90:14-17
Atlas unshrugged. Dancing where we are is obedience reflecting the Truth that we are free inside the court. Psalm 100 In direct contrast is our insane inclination to carry the world on our shoulders driven by unhealthy guilt when the ball is in our court. Realizing the Scriptures are God's voice(John 16:8-10), I am free from trying to figure it all out before I act. I can then not only thank Him for guidance ahead of time in faith(Proverbs 3:5-6), but I understand why I'm moved not as the fox trotts(Song of Solomon 2:15 false teachers), but as a hair short of the tortoise in the sheepfold. From impulsive aggression to reflectively proactive, as Jacob, after his self-will was broken and surrendered with compassion toward himself and others. Genesis 32:28-31, 33:14
Sometimes we feel we're getting "nowhere" yet this circling doesn't prevent us from hearing "Now here". Genesis 45:5 Continuing to look forward(turning inward) while seemingly spiraling down lets us hear the bigger purpose without having to look back. Luke 9:62
The ascending descent by creative sovereignty is where the "Rock" bottom is our absolute reality(through His Spirit in our inner being) Ephesian 3:16-17 and where the true high is experienced that no metaphor, whether scientific or otherwise, can reach. Colossians 3:1-3
The issue here is that I'm afraid. The One who is true whispers gently to me and turns my fearfulness into awe. I too often act on what seems to be true. Acting in fear, not faith, whether thought or deed, hides the obvious(fear) under what seems to be true. John 15:5
The 1st question should be "Who will move the stone for us?" Mark 16:3-4 The quest for the question that causes us to look up so that we may fall down is answered. Ezekiel 36:26-27 Happy Birthday mom!!!! on this Christmas day for never being more than a stone's throw away.
Sets fire to a longing to be free. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Today would have been my father's 77th birthday. He died in April 1994 at 62 years old . He lovingly laid the foundation by experience and example of what I could be as a father, husband, and friend inspite of success or failure. He raised me in his profoud love of a father that reminds me even this day that I'm a son because my "father made me one". His father died when he was 60. I'm 53 and just getting started again, I hope. Psalm 103:5
Painfully unlearning traditions of family and man that conflict with the painstakingly joyful process of learning righteous suffering. Philippians 3:10-12 It's the transformation(journey) from paleface to warrior. Jeremiah 30:6
Clamoring to be told what to believe and what to do. Luke 12:57
Outward beauty meets inward recognition. Psalm 85:10-11
When the impossible seems impossible. Mark 9:21-27