C'MON NOW. YOU KNEW I WAS A SNAKE WHEN YOU PICKED ME UP

Being a prolific storyteller, allow me to tell you the story about the snake and his new found friend. You probably have heard it in some form or fashion. A man picked up an injured snake that was lying across the road. The man bandaged and nursed the snake back to good health. They lived harmoniously together for a spell. Then, one day out of the blue, the snake bit the man. Devastated, the man emotionally said, “I picked you up, nursed you back to health, fed and clothed you, and you bit me. Is this the thanks that I get?” The snake politely answered and said, “You knew that I was a snake when you picked me up!” Yes, that’s right; the snake talked; his actions spoke loud and clear for him! Wake up people! Stop thinking that you can change people. They can only change themselves. Don’t assume that one good turn deserves another! Just because you treat people right, it doesn’t mean that they will reciprocate. Some folks will turn on you, no matter what you do or have done for them! Things are not always what they seem. Be wise; watch your back. Need I add, watch your front and sides too! Beware of the snakes. They are everywhere… Metaphorically, they walk; they talk; they even sit … often times next to you. Occasionally, they are hard to detect. Disguises are one of their major forms of deception.

They pretend to be on your side, however they may dislike the very ground that you walk upon. Remember, it was the serpent that deceived Eve and filled her head with a lot of garbage that led to her and Adam’s demise. In addition to their convincing deception, they can be poisonous. Stay on the lookout!

Keep your guards up!

Stop imagining and pretending. You definitely don’t want to he bitten by a so called snake of a friend! It would be devastating. Photo credit: www.pinclipart.net

IF A DOG BRINGS A BONE, HE'LL TAKE ONE

By Vernalee

Doesn’t that doggie look so adorable? He is the cutest thing! His alluring appearance reminds me of some folks that a few of us considered – confidantes! We could tell them anything or so we thought. Close your mouth for a moment. Let me tell you something… 1. Protect your secrets; 2. Guard your words; 3. Be selective about who you tell what to … It’s only common sense. I’m sure that you have heard this advice before – time and time again. I have! Of course, we don’t always listen. If someone tells you other folks business, they’ll tell yours! It doesn’t take rocket scientist intelligence to figure that out; it’s plain and simple. You are not exempted from gossip particularly from a person who can't keep their mouth closed. Don’t assume that their behavior will change – just because it’s you! They took the liberties to put your business out in the streets because you provided the ammunition! You told them! Because you let your guards down, your information is now freely circulating through the universe for all ears to hear! Why would they be discreet? They could care less. Did you forget? They are bona fide gossipers. Besides it’s your business; not theirs!

It never fails. If a dog brings a bone, he'll take one! Photo credit: rover.com

ARE YOU A PERSON OF YOUR WORD?

By Vernalee

Are you a man or woman of your word? Do you do what you say? Is your word your bond? Does a handshake deal mean anything anymore? Don't answer me, your words and actions tell the truth every time!

Listen Up!

When you tell folks that you will do something, you create an expectation. In some cases, that expectation forms a reliance. So when you don’t execute on what you committed to do, not only were you untruthful, you disappointed and failed people who relied upon your word/commitment. Untruthfulness damages when your actions don’t coincide with your words! Once again, that small tongue caused big harm! It created an expectation that was not executed. It became a deep rooted and lingering by product that entered the memory banks of a person mind and buried its pain in their hearts. Lies have the ability to stick to a person’s heart like glue. It’s no wonder that when your words become lies that people become heartbroken! The answer to it all is really quite simple. Do what you said! Be a man/woman of your word! Photo credit: www.wordsonimages.com