BEING THERE FOR PEOPLE YOU LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is a day to show an outpouring of love to those special ones in our lives. Many people send roses and gourmet chocolate in heart shaped boxes to commemorate the occasion. We all love to be loved! Don‘t we? It’s a warm/lovely feeling and emotion that is comforting, soothing, and gratifying. Never underestimate the power of love. It can make you do and say things that you never imagined. Can I get a witness? Recently, I heard a pastor say that “the riches in life are not found in money or possessions, but in relationships!” Perhaps to those who idolize their bank accounts, real estate holdings, and stocks/bonds, a statement of this magnitude would hit them like a ton of bricks. It is not difficult to place our emphasis in the wrong places. Listen up! Truly, it is our relationship with God foremost and our loved ones that brings us riches! Being there for people in their time of need is one of the greatest and loving gifts that you can give. Don’t ignore them when you can help them. They may not know of your resources, but God does! When you give of your time and resources, you will receive back so much more than you gave. Be blessed in your relationships! Be blessed in your life!

Give and receive love openly and warmly from your heart. You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to show expressions of love. Most definitively, it’s a year around thing! Photo credit: www.patheos.com

A PRAYING FAMILY

By Vernalee

Communicate with God. Read the Word. Pray incessantly. Teach your family how to pray and pray with them. Sometimes, it’s important to “go back to the old fashioned stuff.” My Mother taught me and my siblings how to pray. We saw her get on her knees by the side of her bed. Before long, we did the same. She always reminded us, “Don’t forget to say your prayers.“ When we sat at the table, you didn’t pick up your fork before grace was said. These were values being taught before our very eyes; values that were ingrained in us; habits that I would take with me when I left the soils of Mississippi; lessons that I passed down to my family. Nothing and I mean nothing beats sound generational family values. I learned to put God first. Though I cannot "sing a lick," I also learned to praise him with my voice of familiar hymns. I remember my Mother singing gospel hymns while she cooked. Her emotions were reflected in every word as she bellowed, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; “Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

Memories help position us where we need to be. They keep us grounded.

If our heads swell to make us think that we know it all and that we do not need anyone,

it is then that we need prayer the most.

It is then that I am reminded of the old folks' sage wisdom. "Come down off your high horse! You need God in your life. You need his guidance and direction not just today but everyday. Child, life is so much easier when we follow his Word. We can’t do it on our own." As a family, we should pray together when there is opportunity. Family prayer not only shows love; it unifies us as we honor God by putting him first. Yes ... A family that prays together, stays together! Happy Sunday! Blessings. Photo reprint: www.musefinds.co

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Vernalee

Why do people stay involved in other folks’ affairs? Is it boredom, the need to gossip, not enough excitement in their own life, jealousy, or what? The answer may not be clear; the solution is simple! Stay out of their business; mind your own! If you stay on top of yours, that’s a job in and of itself – very time consuming, I’ll say! In fact, when you mind your own business, you really won’t have the time to meddle in someone’s else! Plain and simple! If you don’t believe me, take the plunge. Mind your business, stay out of theirs, and see what happens! You will be amazed how much time you will have to spend on yours! Photo credit: www.pininterest.com