Devos

Do you have FOMO? I know I do!

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I saw a commercial the other night on t.v. that got me to thinking.  It was talking about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).  We have so many things that are a part of our daily life- due to FOMO.  I know I have FOMO.  I check my Facebook page to see if anyone has commented on anything noteworthy or has tagged me in a post.  I look at my phone, from time to time throughout the day, just to see if someone texting me or has called me.  I have to hop on Pinterest to see what is new in the world of crafts, funny sayings, fashion, recipes, home décor, & the like,  because I don’t want to be the last one to know what’s happening.  I have to check my email, read the articles on Yahoo & scan the blogs I love- just to make sure I am up to date.

Then, there are cell phones….need I say more??  Why is that I cannot go anywhere without my phone?  I mean I take it room to room with me, at home.  I have it while I am driving, at the store, at work, at church (on silent of course), wherever I am I have my phone.  Texting is a whole other entity in itself.  There is a campaign going on with AT & T telling people – “It can wait.”  Why?  Because people have a fear of missing out, more now, than ever before.

There’s one appointment, that we do not have to worry about missing out on.   The Hebrew writer tells of it in

Hebrews 9:27-And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.

If we miss death, then we will meet the Lord in judgment.

I Thessalonians 4:15 For we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

    1. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, And the dead in Christ will rise first.
    2. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
    3. Therefore comfort one another with these words.What a wonderful thing to look forward to.  I admit, I seriously have a bad case of FOMO.   But am so happy I won’t have to miss out on seeing Jesus one day!

      I am so glad you stopped by my blog today.  I hope you are having a great week.  Fall weather is in the air & it’s making the days much more bearable.  Welcome October!  I am so glad to see you!  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes…..

I Found A Real Live Angel At The Consignment Store

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You know how sometimes things just happen to you & you think-wow, there are nice people still in the world?  I had one of those moments Saturday. 

My youngest & I had a day out in town.  We ate lunch at a local drug store (they have the best burgers & fries).  And actually had dessert at another pharmacy. (No, there was no theme for the day- nor did we plan it that way!) We window shopped at a few stores downtown in our little corner of the world.  Local merchants really are the best.  I love the mall, however, I do not love the money it takes to shop at a mall. 

In recent years I have been all about getting a good deal.  If I feel like I have gotten a good deal I am really happy.  Thus, the reason we were rummaging around in my FAVORITE consignment store, on Saturday.  This consignment store has all kinds of things-furniture, dishes, books, clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc.,.  You just never know what you may come across, that you have been looking for,& just have to have.  So I have set the stage so you will know what bliss I was in.  I took my “had to haves” to the counter & the nice lady rung up my findings.  Miss Neenee, who can behave wonderfully, when she wants to, came over to me & asked me if she could get a book. (For those of you reading this, that know us, I know you are thinking- “you mean the same girl that runs around like a wild Banchee Indian after each church service?”  Well, you have to understand as a kid, that acting, the way you are supposed to , at church, was a big problem for me.  So, she comes by it honest.)

Anyhow, this day, her manners were working impeccably & she was being really good. I let her put her $.50 cent book in with my bounty.  I paid & the lady gave me my sack.  She asked Miss Neenee, “Do you like jewelry?”  Of course the Miss got all brighted eyes & says, “Yes, ma’am.”  The lady said, “Well, I have something for you.”  She hands over a long black box that contained the prettiest amber colored beaded cross necklace & earrings. 

Beautiful necklace from the lady at the consignment store

I asked her, how much it was.  She said,” I want to give this to her.”  I about started crying.  You see, the lady looks to be about the age my Mama would be.  I have a “thing” that makes me sad- just knowing Miss Neenee is growing up without a living grandmother.  I was so close to my grandmothers & loved them more than anything.  I know how important it is for a little girl to have a grandmother to spoil her. When we come across kind people like this, it just melts my heart.

In Hebrews 13: 2 the Hebrew writer states- Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

I think that’s what happened to us Saturday.  We entertained an angel! 🙂  Have you ever had a wonderful experience like this?  I would love to hear about it.  Right now I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes…..

Yes, Carrie Underwood, we all know you have amazing thighs, so you are welcome to put them away….

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I was watching the Country Music Awards last night, when low & behold here comes Carrie Underwood.  Her singing was amazing.  She was sure to entertain.  Especially, since she had on her shorts, baring her legs, again.  We saw her knockout legs on her video “Remind Me” with Brad Paisley.  And her “Good Girl” video, and ….. get the picture??  Yes, Carrie Underwood, we all know you have amazing thighs, so you are welcome to put them away, at any time.  Seeing Carrie out there on stage, looking gorgeous makes me feel like any other red blooded American woman.  Well, mad.  You see while sitting there in the living room watching all 72inches of Miss Carrie, with me, was my husband & my 8 year old daughter. My husband was all glassy eyed, staring at the t.v.  My 8 year old daughter said, “Mama, her thighs are so pretty.”  It’s not that I am not trying my best to keep my daughter from having body issues, as it is.  Now, I have a gigantic perfectly bodied singing woman standing there in front of us.  That’s a lot to try to live up to. There’s not many women out there that are as beautiful & talented.  And here she is making the rest of us look bad.  I mean what she has going on is almost unrealistic.

My friend SC a little something to post about on Facebook about Miss Underwood:

So I’m surfing through fb on my lunch and see a video of the cma fest preview.  I love carrie underwood. I loved her voice from the first audition. However, for once I would love to just watch her sing without having to stare at her thighs… While she balances on stilts to make them look more pronounced. All the while feeling like I am the most inadequate woman alive. We get it… She looks amazing. Now put em away. Okay… I’m going back to my tortilla crusted fish lean cuisine now….

I am glad God doesn’t have an unrealistic view of beauty.  He wants us to be more beautiful on the inside.   He wants us to have a clean heart.  In Psalms 51:10 it reads: Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.  He wants love for one another, inside our hearts.  John 15: 17 These things I command  you that you love one another.  He wants us to have the fruit of the Spirit, as well.  Galatians 5: 22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control.  Against such there is no law.

Remember God does not look at a person, the same way we do.

I Samuel 16:7 …For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

 I just want to make it clear, I am not bashing Carrie Underwood.  I think she is a very lovely young lady. I am just thankful God doesn’t care what my thighs look like.  I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today.  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.
***Special thanks to my bud SC for letting me use her Facebook post!!!

Ever Have Too Much To Do??

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I am usually a happy person. Most of the time. But some days there just seems like there is too much to do. The schedule may be so full with appointments, meetings, and obligations that there just seems like there’s no room to breathe.  Life often contains too much work, house work, parenting, yard work,  & other responsibilities, for one person to handle.  It can leave me feeling frustrated, anxious, & out of control!

When that happens to me, as it may happen to you, I have some options.  I can retreat into a shell of inactivity and leave everyone who is counting on me out in the cold.  I can struggle my way through, moaning & groaning, making everyone around me wishing I had chosen option one.  Or I can pull my self together & deal with it.  All the while getting my perspective realigned by reminding myself what Jesus said to Martha in Luke 10: 38-42.

Jesus went to visit Mary & Martha at their home.  Martha went about trying to get things together for her company (as many of us do).  While Mary sat & visited with Jesus.  Jesus told Martha she had become distracted with much serving (v.40).  He reminded her that her sister Mary had chose the one thing that would be never taken away (v. 42).  Like a lot of us, Martha had gotten so wrapped up in her service, that she forgot the most important thing- fellowship with the Lord.

Are you overwhelmed?  Don’t lose sight of your priorities.  Spend some time with the Lord.  He will lift your load & give you the right outlook.  Thank you for visiting with me at my blog.  Y’all come back any time! I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.

Psalm 27:4  One thing I have desired of the Lord,… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Parts of this article was taken from a devotional from Our Daily Bread, authored by Dave Branon.

An unforgiving spirit

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Forgiveness is not something we do for other people.

We do it for ourselves- to get well & move on.

Our preacher taught a lesson about those with unforgiving spirits.  Since I have fallen victim to this before, I took notes & have studied this.  People who have an unforgiving spirit are in for a lot of uncalled for things.

This list is what our minister gave regarding those with an unforgiving spirit:

  1. You will develop emotional problems.
  2. You will ruin your physical health.
  3. You will withdraw from God.
  4. The devil will harbor hatred in you heart.
  5. You will lose your soul.

On the Mayo Clinic website, there is an article which talks about the benefits of forgiving.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

  • Healthier relationships
  • Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
  • Less anxiety, stress and hostility
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Fewer symptoms of depression
  • Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

True forgiveness is possible.  Here’s how:

  1. Determine when you forgive, to let that issue go & do not raise that issue again. Expect occasional imperfections from people in your life.
  2. Ask the Lord for strength, to not take revenge.  God is the only One qualified & has the right to be in the vengeance department.  He is a righteous judge.  He tries to teach us- “I’ll do to you what you did to me” will never balance it’s self out. Try to learn this as early as possible.  It will save you much heartache.
  3. Remember those you have hurt.
  4. Rebuild the relationship.
  5. Pray for that person each day.
  6. Remember the cross of Christ.

If the hurtful event involved someone whose relationship you otherwise value, forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. This isn’t always the case, however. Reconciliation might be impossible if the offender has died or is unwilling to communicate with you. In other cases, reconciliation might not be appropriate. Still, forgiveness is possible — even if reconciliation isn’t.   See my blog “When God says forgiveness just isn’t enough”. It is a good lesson reminder on how just because you say you are sorry, does not guarantee the relationship will be put back together as it once was.

Always remember kindness is free.  If we are committing ourselves to kindness, then we will be less likely to be needing forgiveness.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you are inspired to forgive, in some way.  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes!

 

Today’s Blessing

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May you always have

enough happiness

to keep you sweet;

enough trials

to keep you strong;

enough success

to keep you eager;

enough faith

to give you courage, and

enough determination

to make each day a good day!

Stay tuned…. come back to find out why an unforgiving spirit can be harmful to your health!  I will write about it soon.  I have to go for now, because I should be washing clothes.

The Real Recipe for Happiness

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So many times I have heard or read about people who say,” I just want to be happy.”  Then it is proceeded by some life changing event like divorce. There are books written on how to be happy.  There are people who give seminars or talks on how to be happy.

What makes you happy?  Is it your favorite breakfast from your favorite resturant?

Best omelet ever from Hazel’s- this makes me happy!

Is it being close to the ocean?

The beach makes me happy!

Is it family?

These faces make me happy.

However,  I want to take just a minute to look at what Jesus says what it means to be truly happy.

In Matthew 5:2-12 (the Beatitudes) Jesus gives us the total instructions on how to be truly happy.  So, while you read over these ask yourself, are you truly happy?

  1. Are you poor in spirit?  v. 3  We should seek to be enriched by God, who is a spirit.
  2. Do you mourn? v. 4  Can you mourn your sins & short comings with Godly sorrow?
  3. Are you meek? v. 5 We should allow God to rule our thoughts & actions instead.  We should be more concerned with God’s way than what we think is best.
  4. Do you hunger & thirst for righteousness? v.6 Is the Bible a regular book on your reading list? We don’t go one day without eating food for our physical bodies. We should not go without feeding on God’s word for our spiritual bodies.
  5. Are you merciful? v.7 We should show appreciation for what God has done for us.  Have you ever heard someone say they just won’t forgive someone for being wronged?  A refusal to forgive will make you one of the most unhappy people on Earth.
  6. Are you pure in heart? v.8 If our hearts are full of Godliness, wholesomeness, & righteousness, then we won’t have time to let bad things in.
  7. Are you a peacemaker? v. 9  Do you stir up strife or drama in your home, church, work, or wherever you go?  Are you always miserable & just can’t help but spread it around?  That’s where the the term misery loves company comes from.
  8. Have you been persecuted for righteousness? v. 10 Are you the one who is not going to be swayed by wrongdoing, no matter what?  No matter if someone gives you a hard time about it? Or do you give in?

If you will remember the Hebrew writer speaking of Moses in Hebrews 11: 23-25 stated that Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.  It’s all a discipline thing.  We have to bring ourselves into subjection to Christ.  We live in the world, with sin.  So, we are not immune to trials, problems, or bad things happening to us.  But we do have an awesome God that we can turn to. We must be patient & know that no matter what the Lord will take care of us & our situations.

In v. 12,  of the Beatitudes, it tells the ending of the story on how to be happy.

Matthew 5:12  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “ Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

We should make an effort to be happy, God’s way.  That’s true happiness.

*** I must make mention the biggest part of this blog was from a sermon from church.  I asked our minister  could I use it to share with my friends on my blog.  He happily agreed.  Thank you Bro. Brad for such a great message from God’s word!

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  I have enjoyed you visiting.  I must be going now, because I should be washing clothes…….

What is a true friend?

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What is a true friend?  One might say it’s someone who likes the same things I do.  Someone who “gets” me.  Someone who cares for my well being.  Someone who is there when I need them.  I believe these are great qualities to have in a true friend.  In your life, you may experience all different kinds of friends.  You may have friends that you made in school or friends you worked with.  There are life long friends & then friends that you knew for a while, but then lost touch.  What ever the kind of friend, they all served a purpose.  Kindness, love, understanding, patience, these are all things that are necessary to find in a friend, but also to practice, so that you may be a true friend.   Recently, I have been blessed to have met up with an old friend, that I have not had contact with for some time.  Since we have been back in each others lives, it’s like we picked right back up where we left off.  Even our preacher laughed & evaded my friend & I  are so excited to see each other, that at times we have to take turns talking!  Others may sometimes think we are in our own little world, because we get so caught up chatting with each other, that we may not realize anyone else is around!

 

Two sweet friends

However, don’t be deceived.  There are some people who may seem to be true friends on the outside, but on the inside are not.

 

People who say things to hurt you, with no regard for your feelings, that’s not a friend.

People who act out in anger toward you without a cause, that’s not a friend.

People who are spiteful & jealous of you, that’s not a friend.

People who are more absorbed in themselves than anyone else, that’s not a friend.

People who want you around only when they have time, that’s not a friend.

 

Once you have a friend, that God takes out of your life, you might want to think long & hard before you chase back after them.  There might be a reason God took them out of your life.  It could be that you can be happier & more productive without them.  It’s sad, but things like this do happen.  When those people lose sight of what it is to be a friend, then, it’s best just to carry on without them.  No good will come out of negativity staying in your life with these folks.  So, just pray for them & move on.  Some people are never happy.  They are jealous hearted & vindictive.  That’s not your fault.  Real friends will not want to see you upset, feelings hurt, or unhappy.  You can’t change others, so give it up, cut ties & let your life take a turn for the better.

 

In I Samuel 20:12-17, 41-42 there is a wonderful story of two true friends, Jonathan & David.  When Johnathan was being pursued by the jealous King Saul, he had a friend who risked big danger to stand by him.  Jonathan, Saul’s very own son, proved his loyalty to David.  He cautioned him of his father’s intention to kill him (I Samuel 20:31-42),  Later, when Saul went after David in the wilderness, Jonathan, “arose & went to David in the woods & strengthened his hand in God. (23:16)  In I Samuel 20:17 it says that “……he (Jonathan) loved him (David) as he loved his own soul.

 

What a wonderful thing to have such a friend!  If you love your friends as Jonathan did David, as your own soul, that is an unconditional love.  That is a precious love that is an incredible encouragement.  Jonathan stood by a friend in need. That is power that is only when two people are true friends in life. That aids friends when there is heart ache & pain in this life. It gives another a feeling of security & hope to go on in a sin sick world.  Whose hand can you strengthen by being a true friend today?

 

I have been so busy with kids, & summer & getting back in school, that I have not blogged much here lately.  I hope to be over all of that soon, so that I can get back to spending time with you.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I have to be going for now because I should be washing clothes!

Been busy with these pretty girls!

And could not leave out the latest sweetie I’ve been busy with!

 

God’s not everywhere

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I Kings 19:11-12

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

I was in total disbelief, as I stood & looked before me at the massive amount of nothingness that stood between 2 sets of tree lines.  On April 27, 2011, a category F5 tornado hit the small rural town of Smithville, Mississippi.  A couple of weeks later, I stood, with a group of church friends, viewing the devastation that was left behind.  From where we were at, we could see across the highway at an area that was hard hit.  Right there, in front of us, it was as if a huge lawn mower had plowed right through a wooded area., leaving an empty spread about ½ a mile wide.  I looked at the places where houses were no longer at.  But most importantly, I got to look into the faces of many of those who were victims of the tornado.  We were set up at a church building, cooking, handing out meals, giving away necessities to those who were left without.  It was amazing the outpouring of love people from all over the country were sending in way of food, clothing, money, home furnishings, anything you can think of.  Folks were helping in the time of need.

You may ask, but what about the tornado?  What about those who lost their lives?  What about those who lost their loved ones & everything they owned?  Why does God let these things happen?  I have an opinion about all of this.  Stay with me, because sometimes, I know what I am trying to say, however, might take a minute to get there. I am not entirely convinced that God has His hand in everything that happens.  There is another entity that is present on this earth besides God.  That would be the devil. Does the devil have influence over anything?  I would say so.  Look at all the sin in the world.  The killings, hunger, theft, drugs, alcohol, and just pure down right meanness.  That’s not from God. The devil was there when God told him he could have his way with his servant Job.  Actually, Satan declared, that he had been going to and fro on the earth walking back and forth on it (Job 1:7)  He caused a load of trouble for Job, including his family being killed, v. 13, his livestock being attacked & killed v. 15, his servants being burned up, v. 16, he himself was struck with painful boils from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet 2:7.  Where was God?  Did He not love Job?  Yes, but at the time Satan had his way with him. Job endured to the end, with the devil & he was blessed more than tin the beginning.42:12  God was not in all that happened to Job. Satan was in a lot of it.  Could God have intervened?  Yes, if He had of wanted to.  However, He can’t be in cahoots with Satan.  So, when Satan is having his way, God’s not there.  But ladies & gentlemen, be aware, because Satan is among us daily.

So, what happened with these folks in Smithville after the tornado?  I don’t know about all of them, but I do personally know about one family.  This family lost all their material belongings, in that tornado.  Their mobile home, cars, clothes, anything you can think of. They dug their way out of a church basement once the storm passed thorough.  All they had were the clothes on their backs & each other.     But God had a plan for them.   After it was all said & done, they had a better house than they had ever had.  Since the storm, more people had helped them & got them back on their feet in a way they could not have done for themselves.  They came out of this life changing incident much better than they were in the beginning.  The tornado, that was the devil.  The love & compassion, that was God.  God will always triumph over evil.

Thank you for coming by to visit. Right now I have to go, because I should be washing clothes!

When God says apologies are not enough

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Sometimes being sorry, for faulting someone, is just not enough. Let me explain myself. When you are hurt by angry words or when someone treats you unfairly, an apology can do wonders. However, forgiveness does not always put everything back together like it was before. Many people may feel that they can treat others with hatred & discontent-but should be put right back in good graces once they breath an apology. While apologies & seeking forgiveness for wronging someone is essential to mending relationships, sin in any form is at a cost. And yes anger & lashing out at others is a sin.

Let’s consider what the Bible teaches-

Ephesians 4:26 says this:

“Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”

On in verse 27 it says “ nor give place to the devil.”

Then on down in verse 31 the apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians,

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice.”

What’s the cure for anger? Verse 32 says,

“And be kind to one another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

There is a price for sin & not listening to God’s teachings. Take for instance, one of the most remarkable men of the Bible- Moses. In Numbers 12:3, it states “Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth. Verse 7 of the same chapter indicates God saying Moses was faithful in all his house. Verse 8 says that God spoke to him face to face. God must have had a really high opinion of Moses. In Deuteronomy 34:10 it says But since then there was not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” Now, with all the wonderful things the Bible says about Moses, there was an incident that happened in Numbers 20 starting in verse 7, which God did not approve of.

Numbers 20:7 Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying v. 8 Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.

Moses took the rod, as He had commanded. Moses & Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock. Then for whatever reason instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice with the rod. And you know what happened after that? The water came out in abundance. Enough to give water to the congregation and their animals. It looked like everything went well, until the Lord had His say. If Moses did not think God would notice he disobeyed him, he found out pretty quickly, He was not amused. The Lord said in verse 12 to Moses & Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore, you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have promised.”

Moses picked right back up & kept on following God. In Deuteronomy 3:23-25 he pleaded with the Lord to see the promised land. Even with the faithfulness & forgiveness He bestowed upon Moses, because of his sin, He would not go back on His word. Finally, the Lord got tired of his apologizing, & angrily responded in verse 26 to Moses“Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter.”

Moses was a great leader of the Bible. He wrote five books of the Bible. He was the deliverer of the Lord’s commandments which is thus referred to as the Law of Moses. This Law was what Christ lived under. However, because of his sin, he was not granted the gift of entering the promised land. Sin can be forgiven, however there is responsibility for those sin. Take for example someone who is a prisoner in jail.  They may truly be sorry for the things they have done.  God can forgive them.  However, they still have time to serve.  Somethings can just not be regained after sin. Many times things cannot ever be as they were before. God will forgive. However, people need to consider the damage, that can be done to others, before letting the devil have his way with their actions & words.

I believe we should all make efforts to right our wrongs. Especially in relationships. However, we should not be surprised when saying you are sorry does not put everything back together again. This is why we should consider the long lasting detriment sin can have. Perhaps this will be enough help us to bridle our tongues & be watchful of what we do. As a southern girl we are groomed to be mindful of someone else’s feelings. I can remember my mama teaching me to not say this or that or do this or that. Why? Because it might hurt a person’s feelings. Let’s do our best to be kind & tenderhearted to one another. That way, we don’t have to worry about making apologies.

 

I appreciate so much you stopping by to visit with me. I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes……….