OH HOLY NIGHT

By Vernalee

As I traditionally do, I always take my readers visually back to my home in Mississippi. Travel with me! As we listen to the Boy Choir of Harlem sing - "Oh Holy Night," do know that its founder, Dr. Walter Turnbull graduated from my alma mater. Let's read about him. From Greenville, Mississippi, “Dr. Turnbull, was an American musician and the founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem. Turnbull graduated from Tougaloo College where he studied classical music and vocal performance. He moved to New York City in 1968, and in addition to continuing his education at the Manhattan School of Music started to perform as a tenor with the New York Philharmonic. He also began teaching music at a Harlem church upon his arrival in New York. This church group eventually turned into a popular city choir and then eventually the internationally renowned Boys Choir of Harlem.“

TAKE IT TO THE KING

By Vernalee

Ps 55:22 tells us "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he will take care of you."

It begs to ask this significant question, Why are we trying to figure things out by ourselves?

My late Mother would say, “Turn it over to the Lord. Put it in his hands and leave it. He’ll work it out.” Was Mother ever right! That’s exactly what I’ll learn to do. It’s called faith! Proverbs 3:5 say it better than me. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;“ It is for that reason and more that we should Take it to the King! Happy Sunday! God bless!

FORGIVENESS

By Vernalee

“Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense and let go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.” It has been noted that forgiveness and our health are closely associated. When we forgive, the act helps to remove many associated negative emotions including among others – hatred, animosity, guilt, regret, remorse, blame, shame, and self-contempt. Essentially and often, forgiveness and forgetting go hand in hand. Some people forget, but they don’t forgive and vice versa. They hold tight to the infraction that produced the hurt. You can’t forgive what you won’t let go! God forgave us! Why can’t we forgive others? Therefore, it is imperative that we – forgive, forget, let go, and move on! It just can’t be lip service. If we hold onto those negative feelings that we should let go, stress and worry will likely follow. Forgiveness has healing powers. It will make us a better person and since there are associated health benefits, we will feel “lighter” and better ... when we are no longer carrying around the weighty accompanying stress! Photo credit: www.unity..com