BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

https://youtu.be/w_4GJwriRnM

By Vernalee I awoke this morning listening to my favorite singer, the late great Aretha Franklin. Nobody can touch my soul in voice better than the Queen. As I listened to the best selling song ever for Columbia Records originally recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1969, my heart was excitedly jumping and my soul was emotionally filled with Aretha’s rendition. You see, she and I were on first name basis for years though we have never physically met or exchanged pleasantries. Her extraordinary voice and talented fingers gliding across those ebony and ivory keys have always been relaxing and soothing for me. Sometimes we have to be lifted up. Sometimes in addition to prayer, we have to hear the voice of others; melodies that will transport us! Songs have always been life’s rhythm put to words accompanied by music. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” though not a gospel song in the true sense was written to provide comfort. That it has done for me today! It is my heartfelt desire to be a bridge to those who need me; those that I can help. That is how God intended it; that is what I want to do!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TWrGjzBheno

By Vernalee

God’s guidance is all we need. His direction keeps us grounded. We just have to listen and obey. We can’t make it without God!

Sometimes, we criticize others for the exact things that we do.

That is why we need to check ourselves

... daily!

Matthews 7: 1-5 say it better than me. It reads: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Those words crystallize the message and bring it home. We need to keep our eyes focused on ourselves and our conduct which is an all inclusive job which leaves little time for much else. Watching others and criticizing/judging them is not the best course of action. Really ... Who has the time?

We need God’s direction and The Word daily. We need God in our lives. We can’t make it without him!

OH HAPPY DAY

https://youtu.be/ihGHltBuBBI

By Vernalee

Surrendering your life to the principles of your faith by being baptized is a big step. Baptism is a "religious rite of immersion in water, symbolizing purification and admission to the Christian faith." Your baptism is a spiritual awakening. It is a washing away of your sins. It is the beginning of your new beginning. It is a happy day. Let us rejoice in our faith everyday. Truly, we enjoy happy days when we walk in the path and follow the instructions that God has provided for us. We can sing praises to The Lord as it is a Happy Day to walk and live by his rules which will keep us cleansed. Since 1969, we have been joyfully singing Oh Happy Day ...and it hasn't gone out of style!

Listen to the Edwin Hawkins Singers rendition of Oh Happy Day and be blessed.

Happy Sunday.

Photo credit: wikipedia