CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN YOU GET THERE

By Vernalee

Life’s travels take us down many roads. Some roads are paved (None in gold that I have seen; only I wish); others not. Arriving to our destination is the primary objective. Hills, valleys, and bridges we encounter along the way. To “Cross that bridge when you get there” means to not worry about a possible future problem, but deal with it when and if it occurs." Why worry about issues that don’t exist or haven’t happened? Besides, some may not occur.

One of our childhood chats was, “Weight brought the bridge crumbling down.”

Likewise, stress and worry produce weighty consequences. They can take their toll, become “heavy” burdens placed on our shoulders and problems that we carry around. Oh, my aching back! Anxieties and sleepless nights can follow.

What's the antidote? It's simple. Enjoy the moment! Reasonably, prepare for tomorrow; live for today! Deal with problems when and if they occur. The scriptures in Matthew 6:34 tells us: “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Finding the balance is achievable, but is not always easy. We are encouraged to “let go and let God!” Try it and see the positive results! It’s definitely worth the wait as it will alleviate the weight!

Photo credit: www.en.wikipedia.org – Greenville, Mississippi Bridge.

SEPARATING THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF

By Vernalee

Cruising down memory lane, the cotton fields indeed left unforgettable memories. During the summer, you laboriously walked from one end of the cotton field to the other in the blazing hot sun chopping down the weeds from the cotton plants. This removal was necessary to allow the crop to produce white snowy cotton for picking. It was the separation process that determined the outcome and purity of the harvest. Our lives are no different. Some of our associations are valuable; some are not. We have to remove the badness from our presence to allow our goodness and quality to blossom. Unlike noticeable weeds, sometimes the badness in people can’t be immediately seen. Invariably, their actions will reveal their naughtiness. Once their ugliness raises its head, if you don’t remove yourself from their midst, you are subjected to continued infestation. The wheat has worth; the chaff is worthless! An alignment with worthiness produces prosperity.

It is by far the better position ... because nothing from nothing leaves nothing! It’s as simple as that! Photo credit: www.aven.amritalearning.com

A STILL TONGUE MAKES A WISE HEAD

By Vernalee

“A still tongue makes a wise head” refers to a person who only speaks when it has been determined that it is appropriate to do so. Can you say that again? They are not chatter boxes and are wise enough to not just say whatever comes to mind. Being a good listener helps you to exercise control and discernment which will ultimately reflect good judgement.

My Mother provided me with wise counseling decades ago. “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

Of course, it took me years to fully apply that wisdom. Admittedly, sometimes, we learn the hard way because we just want to do things our way! A still tongue also serves to protect and guard us against unnecessary conflict. Allow me to “Vernalize” this for you.

Simply put - Mind your business. Stay in your own lane. Guard your thoughts; guard your tongue. Be selective about what words come out of your mouth. Proverbs 17:28 provides wise advice: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” It will behoove us to do just that!

Shh! Did I hear, “The cat‘s got your tongue.” For some -– that’s a good thing! Silence can be golden! Photo credit: www.pininterest.com