Rest in Peace, Ms. Frances Gaylord!

One day and a half before Mother’s Day, my co-worker’s mother-in-law was buried.  Ms. Francis was 72 years old.  Her suffering in this world is now over.  She has found peace.  For the rest of that family’s life, Mother’s Day will always have a different meaning.  In fact, all holidays that the family has shared with each other will be different.  It is the same for me with Easter, Mother’s Day for me will never be the same.  My prayers are with the family.  Yes, dying is easy, it’s the leaving part that’s hard to cope with.  We all will leave someone behind, but we pray that we will see our love ones again in the new life.

Deal With It! But, Don’t Give Up!

As children, many of us experience the first fall from our bicycles while learning to ride. In these moments, parental encouragement plays a crucial role; they advise us to get up, dust ourselves off, and try again. Although we may have scrapes and bruises, we often find the motivation to persevere, knowing we have their support. Inherently filled with challenges, life presents obstacles as we grow older, especially without parental guidance. Therefore, it becomes essential to manage our challenges independently.

Resilience is key; the most important lesson is to avoid giving up or giving in, even when it may feel tempting. It's common to have moments of self-pity, which can be a natural part of coping with difficult situations. Understanding that everyone faces their struggles can offer some comfort. We can control certain aspects of our lives while surrendering the rest to a higher power or belief system.

Appreciating the small things in life—often referred to as blessings—can also help shift our perspective. While not everyone may have luxury cars or extravagant homes, cultivating gratitude for what we do have can foster a more positive outlook. It's essential to recognize that we often lack insight into the personal challenges others face. Others' external appearances do not always reflect their internal realities.

Moreover, self-judgment can hinder our growth, as we frequently criticize ourselves and others. Dissatisfaction with our looks, behavior, or living situation can overshadow the significance of simply being alive, which is a blessing. Change is possible and begins with our mindset.

The first step is to recognize our desire for change, followed by considering what sacrifices we may need to make. The journey of self-improvement often starts from within, requiring deep introspection and acceptance of our true selves. 

Understanding that we may not be as inflated in our self-perceptions as we think can ground us. Even during setbacks, blessings can be found. Seeking wisdom and understanding through reflection or prayer is beneficial as we navigate life's complexities.

Obama Got Osama!

Obama announcing that Osama was killed May 1, 2011

Obama announcing that Osama was killed  May 1, 2011

The area of a compound where it is believed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden lived seen in Abbottabad, Pakistan on Monday, May 2, 2011.

God Blocked It - Kurt Carr

I've Got So Much To Give - Barry White

Can You Hear Me Now?

It’s interesting that Verizon uses the term “Rule the Air” and has an outline of the world with the radio tower on top.  I know that it’s a commercial and has a very catchy ring to it but to me, there’s a subliminal message.  I liked the “Can you hear me now?” ad.  It put Verizon on the map, maybe on top.  But, whenever I hear “Rule the Air”, I think of the Biblical meaning.  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:2).  Yes, we have conformed to the ways of this world, mostly to be accepted.  I don’t think we “Christians” can handle persecution well.  Besides, its tough doing the right thing, isn’t it?  Look around, whenever someone wants to help another, they’re called a socialist or a do-gooder.  These are considered bad labels.  I’m digressing; let’s get back to ruling the air.  We don’t even realize that through modern technology, we are becoming brainwashed and controlled.  We want the latest gizmos to keep us on top of the game.  Yet, recently, it has become known that many of these smart phones are keeping track on us!  The cell phone towers signals map our locations but provide real improved functionality.  I refer back to the cell phone tower on top of the world in the logo.  Remember, I’m giving my own opinion, but so many opinions have been given on so many topics that people have taken them at face value rather than doing an in-depth study on the facts.  The bottom line is this!  Satan is running rampant in this world doing all that he can to cause us to fall away from God.  Whatever it takes to distract us from good and kindness, whenever we can hide behind these monitors and screens to spew our hatred towards others, we are doing what the deceiver wants.  Modern technology, progression is helping man, some of us are using it to take advantage of others.  I personally, question this connection.

He Has Risen!

Happy Easter!  I'm beginning to see a trend during the holidays that peace and harmony towards our fellow man is becoming less and less.  Apparently, the birth, death, and resurection of Jesus Christ is not what people are thinking of.  The thought is what do I look like dressed in that outfit and what am I getting to make me look better?  We all know that the holidays are commercialized but are we also drifting farther apart from Christianity?  We are experiencing more hatred than ever towards each other.  And no one seems to admit it.  We speak of God and announce our religious beliefs but we sure don't seem to practice them.  What a bunch of hypocrites we all are!  Christ died so that we might live.  A father gave up his son to better mankind but what are we doing about it.  Accept the facts, Christ's death didn't mean much when he was crucified and it looks like it means even less now.  Those that do accept Christ has Lord and Savior will have to step up as examples.  Don't make a show of it, just do it!  Little by little, a difference can be made.  Christ has risen!