YOU BROUGHT THE SUNSHINE

By Vernalee

If your eyes were glued to the Lifetime channel like mine's during its premiere, we saw the making of the gospel group, the incomparable Clark Sisters. We traveled back in time to witness their family problems (we all have them), their climb, their challenges, their struggles, their successes, their love ...

True to form as their lives personified, "We see the glory, but we don't know the story."

The Clark Sisters have many gospel hits, but "You brought the sunshine into my life" will make you jump up and shout! These lyrics mean so much right now.

Listen ...

"You made my day You came my way You heard me every time I pray You gave me peace You gave me grace You put a smile upon my face

You brought the sunshine in my life You are the lifeline Since that I have found Christ There has been such a change in my life."

Powerful Lyrics, I'll say!

Sunshine brings light, it brings heat, it guides us ...

Sure, some days may seem dark, but God gives us light that comforts us; delivers us; makes us whole ...

Without fail, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The light of day is powered by the sun ... which is powered by God.

Our lives are changeable and sometimes like the weather. We may have stormy days, but if we stay close to God and remain prayerful, "daylight will come in the morning!”

The Clark Sisters through their harmonious voices reminded us that through it all - we are “Blessed and Highly Favored.” They reminded us about the sunshine that God brings that makes those horrific dark and dreary days bright.

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

LEAN ON ME

By Vernalee

Several years ago, we lost a music icon, Bill Withers. His legendary songs carried so much meaning. One of them, "Lean On Me" is so appropriate particularly now. The appropriate theme is "We are all in this together."

Written decades ago, the lyrics will never grow old. ”Just call on me brother when you need a hand.”

By now, we should realize that we are not an island. Plucking the strings on his guitar, Bill Withers' voice so harmoniously mellowed the lyrics, "we all need somebody to lean on." This Sunday morning, whether we are sitting in our familiar church pews or worshipping online, we can still praise God. We can thank him for bringing us this far. We can come to him in prayer and ask for his grace, mercy, blessings, protection, and covering for us and our families. We can stand on the ground in humility and realize that We Need Somebody beyond ourselves. There is nothing wrong to lean on someone as that person can become a crutch; a stabilizing force who can help us make it through the day. As they help us, we in turn help them.

Proverbs 27:17 tells us "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Ecclesiastics 4: 9 -12 reads "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

There are many scriptural references that speak to strength in numbers. So today, we should realize that we are not alone. We are never alone as long as we keep God centered in our lives.

Though Bill Withers was not a gospel singer, many of his songs (Grandma's Hands) reflected on life and love for the people who cross our way. It is only fitting to step back for a minute today to reflect and realize that we need God and we need each other ... to lean on!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

MY SOUL IS ANCHORED IN THE LORD

By Vernalee

As we sit at home during these uncertain times, we find solace in our faith. Trusting in God brings peace and comfort when your soul is

anchored in The Lord. Knowing that God is omnipresent and with all of us right now is reassuring.

Reading God's Word and prayer are the best doses of medicine to take. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be' dismayed.”

Prov. 3 Verses 5 to 6 instruct us to

[5]Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Psalm 23: A Psalm of David reads -

1”The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Hang on to whatever scripture brings you comfort as you know that God is with us now and forever!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!