BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU GOT

By Vernalee

In 1974, William DeVaughn had a song titled, “Be Thankful for what you got!” At the time, we sang and hand danced to the song not knowing the true meaning of its lyrics. The greater our life experiences, the wiser we become. DeVaughn’s lyrics (below) reflected the times, but the meaning extended beyond the seventies. It’s relevancy is timeless! “Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac You may not have a car at all But remember brothers and sisters You can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you got.” Yes, we should be thankful and be grateful for what we have; not what we don’t have! We have more than enough compared to many. Our blessings are over flowing compared to some. If you need a reminder, you don’t have to look far … just look around! Photo credit: wwww.quotesgram.com

JUNETEENTH

By Vernalee

This year more than ever we should celebrate Juneteenth.

Allow me to share some history on the significance of the day.

"Juneteenth is now a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation o enslaved African Americans.

Historically, Union army general Gordon Granger's read federal orders in the city of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were now free.

Celebrations date back to 1866 to church-centered community gatherings in Texas. Knowing our history helps us to understand our present and navigate our future. Many have fought and died for our freedom... A fact that we should never forget!

Photo Credit: www.wane.com

A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH MORE THAN TWO IN THE BUSH

By Vernalee

At a recent seminar, the question was asked – “Would you rather have a huge sum of cash now or smaller chunks over a period of years?” Great question; varied answers. Today versus tomorrow; certainties versus uncertainties are the essence of this hypothetical question. For a person with a statistical mind, he/she would do the math on the present value in comparison to the future value of money! Would spreading the cash out bring more manageability and assure that all wouldn’t be spent at once?

Whew: my head is spinning! “Why make the simple stuff complicated? It is either now or later. Is it necessary that this scenario encounter a sprinkling of dazzled words or the brilliance of facts? Spare me the details. Sometimes, we have to be brought down to earth; to simplistic terms. Some say forget the hypothetical factors and investment strategies. Others say deal with the certainty! Forget the debate. Let’s cut through the chase. “If the cash is in your hand, take it! It’s a sure thing! You don’t know what tomorrow will bring!” In other words, you can’t count what you don’t have! Stop dealing with the “what if’s” when you can deal with reality. If this was real, most folks would be at the bank with the check in their hands before you could count one, two, three! That my friend is the reality!

That is why - “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Photo credit: www.redbubble.com