IF THEY WERE NOT FAMILY, WOULD THEY BE FRIENDS

By Vernalee

Corporate great, Lee Iacocca once said, "If you have had 5 real friends, you have had a great life." Answer this sticky question. It's a live wire. Here goes...How many of your family members are friends and how many are "leave them where you found them” types? Ouch! Do they really get on your nerves? This brings me to another fascinating phrase that has been echoed for years. "If they were not your family, would they be your friends?” Stop! Don't shoot me I am just the messenger; specifically, the writer in this case. It takes courage to even put these words in black and white. Sure I know that I'm walking on thin ice with this post, but I did not invent the referenced phrase; neither am I here to prove its validity. I am certain that there are enough family members to test the phrase's authenticity and scientific hypothesis. Just think back to all the arguments, fights, bite your tongue moments that have occurred over the years. Here's another great one. Some family members go around prophesying in the name of Jesus, yet they haven't even spoken to some relatives in years! Sounds hypocritical to me! What do you think? Better yet, how many relatives have been at war for so long that they don't even know why they are fighting? Amazing, isn't it? Through the family's umbilical cord, some of the fights have moved into the next generation. Practice makes perfect! We do what we see! Children aren't speaking to their peer relatives because their respective parents didn't speak to each other! Oh what a tangled web we weave!

The Hatfields and McCoys are just plain neophytes compared to many noticeable family divisions and rivalries. Some relatives are blood thirsty barracudas who sucker punch each other verbally, emotionally - and have been known to engage in physical entanglements. POW! Lest not even enter the realms of those who can't stand each other's guts and make it known. Hush your mouth! Look people! Get this under control! We don't need this circulating in our midst. It's Cain and Abel like bitterness. We were warned about this problem in the Book of Genesis! Take heed! Show some love! Hatred and jealousies can start a deep penetrating and argumentative mess! The circle of this madness, disrespectful conduct, and hatred can stop with you!

The family was created by God! He knew what was good for us. We need to get with the program; before it's too late! We have to leave the scars of the past in the past. We have to dig deep inside, forgive, forget, and pray for guidance to mend that old broken down fence that has kept us apart for far too long. No one is exempted or blameless. That includes you and me! Life is too short! We are still family!

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DONT TAKE PEOPLE FOR GRANTED

By Vernalee

One of the worst things that you can do is to take someone's kindness for granted. It can be heartbreaking! I learned a long time ago that no one owes me anything! Showing appreciation to those who have help me along the way and particularly to those who bent over backwards go a long way. I have had several people who have given of themselves and didn't want anything in return. I have had others who gave and never reminded me of what they had done. How sweet it is! If you ever get confused over the concept of taking someone for granted, just ask yourself one question. Would you do for them what they did for you? Your answer will reveal the magnitude of your reciprocity and the spirit and generosity of their kindness. I am thankful for my blessings and the hands who have helped me through my journeys of everyday living. In fact, to use the words of rapper greats - Big Sean, Drake, and Kanye, "Way Up, I feel blessed!" You see, I don't take demonstrated kindness, consideration, or assistance for granted. I feel duty bound to help others as I have been help ... not to show off or even up the score, but to enrich another life. One good turn deserves another! Blessings will definitely come your way! Hebrew 13:16 tells us to not take things for granted and "to not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased."

Photo credit: www.picturequotes.com

MAKING ENDS MEET

By Vernalee

I can vividly remember from years back folks saying as they picked cotton … “Child, I’m just trying to make ends meet; to get by.” Just what does this expression mean, “To make ends meet.” I’m glad you asked. Here’s the dictionary's versions: * To manage so that one’s financial means are enough for one’s needs. The ends, it is assumed, alludes to the sum total of income and expenditures. * To have just enough to pay for the things you need. * To have enough money to cover expenses; to get by financially; to get through the pay period (sufficient to meet the next payday). Defining it was just a matter of strolling my fingers to a dictionary.

Living with it – well that’s another thing; it‘s a struggle to say the least. The upside is this – there is hope. Those same folks who told me about making ends meet, also told me that, “hard times don’t last always.” I share with you a few other inspiring and motivational quotes that will move you to act; to generate more than is needed; to move you from point A to point Z. Here we go. * God first. Family second. Career third. With life in that order, everything works out. * If you change nothing; nothing will change. * Just when you think you can make ends meet, somebody moved the ends. * Don’t let your struggles become your identity. * Keep the faith, hold on. It may be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever. * People aren’t always going to be there for you. You have to learn to handle things on your own. * You create your own opportunities. * Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. * Don’t count the days. Make the days count. * Success is a ladder that cannot be climbed with your hands in your pockets. So what do you do? To survive, you need to make ends meet. You need to “keep on a climbing because life ain’t no crystal stairs!” Photo credit: www.facebook.com