Stuff We Talk About

Although my mother went home to be with the Lord, she told me something years ago that I will never forget. I want to pass on the same...

By Vernalee I found myself telling my niece something this week that went way, way back to my days growing up on a graveled paved road lined with dirt ditches now called Spencer Street (it was unnamed when I lived there). It was one of those throw back phrases that I often heard the old women say. "Girl, just feed 'em with a long handled spoon." Of course as a young girl, I had no idea what that meant! This saying - "simply means to respect people, but not to get too clo

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 suns

The roots provide the foundation. It is the roots that gives it strength. In that regard, a writer once wrote, “Our stories and pasts are our roots. If taken away, we would not flourish into healthy plants/people. ⁠Difficult stories and experiences are beneath the surface for many of us and are critical for our survival – let us never forget them. I am not my past but without it I would not be standing. I have learnt this - and it has become my source of strength. Learning to

By Vernalee There have been a number of theories and quotes on the types of friends who walk through our lives. For me, the version that hit the nail on the head is outlined in Bishop T. D. Jakes’ sermon on “3 Types of Friends.” Bishop Jakes called them, “Confidants, constituents, and comrades.” The confidants are people who are for you. Your confidants love you unconditionally. Confidants weep with you, rejoice with you, and are happy for you….Confidants will make sure th

By Vernalee It hit me like a ton of bricks. I would not in a million years have thought that the person in question could be that ruthless or sinister. Did you? She didn’t look like she would hurt a fly. How many times must we be reminded that looks are deceiving? So when I heard of the betrayal, I was flabbergasted; speechless to be exact! What hypocrisy! I don’t know why I was startled! Jesus was betrayed by one who was within his midst! Why would I expect anything differ

By Vernalee There has been a number of theories and quotes on the types of friends who walk through our lives. For me, the version that hits the nail on the head is outlined in Bishop T. D. Jakes’ sermon on “3 Types of Friends.” Bishop Jakes called them, “Confidants, constituents, and comrades.” 1. The confidants are people who are for you. Your confidants love you unconditionally. Confidants weep with you, rejoice with you, and are happy for you….Confidants will make sur

By Vernalee I’m often reminded of “the classic opening to the famous Girl Scouts' campfire round! It’s a simple but beautiful reminder that while new connections (silver) bring fresh energy and excitement, long-standing friends (gold) offer a depth of history that can’t be replaced.” New connections and old ones - we need them both! They both bring special meaning in our lives. I’m thankful for both my silver and gold friends…What would I do without them? Their love, guidanc

By Vernalee There is such much truth in the quote - “Small minds discuss people. Average minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.” The operative question become what category do you fall into? Be honest! Next … what category fits your associates, particularly those for which you spend the majority of your time? Of course, we know a few other things as well. Just as “Great minds think alike;” “Birds of the same feather flock together.” Lest not forget, “Bad association