We will give an account

There's an old Spiritual, "You Better Mind" - and in the short version, the words go like this:

Chorus: Oh you better mind, you better mind
You got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind -

You better mind how you talk, you better mind what you're talking about, you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind

You better mind how you walk, you better mind where you're walking to, for you got to give an account in the judgment, you better mind

My original thought for today had to do with the journey, the steps we take toward sisterhood, brotherhood - steps we take to draw closer to Christ. And I went to the Word in search of texts that speak to just how we're to behave toward one another.

As one who writes - I know that words are powerful. I also teach/facilitate in my profession. So I am ever aware of how important it is for me to not only articulate the materials I'm imparting clearly to those listening - but to also be mindful of HOW I say what I say; my voice inflections, my body language - all of that. I am responsible for providing an atmosphere free of tension, contention, drama, etc. It's serious.  I respect my role, and the people I stand before and interact with daily. I watch what I say, and make sure to avoid idle gossip. However, there are days when I miss the mark and make a snide or negative comment.  But - I always remember what the Word says...and God reins in my tongue. It's getting to the point where an ugly thought that becomes verbal, stays "under my breath" - and I've learned to repent of the thought and the words immediately. Dr. Charles Stanley teaches on that - when the sinner rebukes the sin and repents of it right then and there - the Holy Spirit is working, and empowers the individual to gain the victory over that sin. I've tried it - every time - and it's true.  Once upon a time, I was a huge gossiper - my mouth, a part of many hurtful situations in the past.  Today, there's not a tale I will hear nor carry to besmirch the name of another person.  The Lord has even worked things out where I've been able to ask forgiveness of the persons I've hurt due to my tongue and deeds. My life's work has become about conciliation, reconciliation and restoration, where possible.

Some context from Matthew 12:33-37, Jesus said:

"33 A tree is identified by its fruit. A tree from a select variety produces good fruit; poor varieties don’t. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man’s heart determines his speech. 35 A good man’s speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it. 36 And I tell you this, that you must give account on Judgment Day for every idle word you speak. 37 Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”

This journey is full of lessons, pitfalls, mountain peak experiences, pain - and as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ - all for the blessing of our own souls and the souls of others we touch along our path. I am careful to represent the One who has set me free. Free from doing things unbecoming a soldier in God's army - free from the desire to partake in ungodly activities. He's lifted me, literally, out of the muck and mire of my former self - and He's still molding me.

Beloved, let's mind what we say and do.

Step Out - Live Your Best Life!

Nothing too fancy
no need to do too much
just some wine and dine
a lil jazz and such

Folks always say
"the best is yet to come"
so step on out there now
go on and get you some!

Mon Fils Unique

Jonathan L. Wynn and me

My only son -

The bond between mother and son is indescribable. And coming from a family where the majority are women on my mother's side - and my first two children are girls - I was unprepared for the emotional power surge I felt when my only son was born.  He was the last one, but in no way is he the least.

Jonathan and his late father were very close; they were quite a duo. And when his sisters were off doing things with their friends, people often thought he was an only child because of the way he interacted with his father and me. He enjoyed being with the "old folks". He was easy to love as a boy. And as a man, he is still personable and kind.

Parents look to their sons to carry the family name forward. It is a thing of pride, and an honor to witness the family line growing - to be part of creating a legacy. When I think of this young man, my gift from the Lord, my heart swells with gratitude. He embodies all that was best in his father, and he bears a strong resemblance to my late father. The Lord's doing - and it is marvelous!

I embrace the bond I have with my son with full respect for his manhood and individuality.  I know the Lord is preparing him for that unique woman, the only one, for him.

Amen.

"Jon"

Psalm 119

Boaz Ministries

Psalm 119 

Recently, Mr. E and I were meditating on the 119th division of the Psalms. One of the key messages that comes through over and over, is first and foremost, the counsel, guidance, direction and precepts of God's Word must be sought with our whole hearts. Opening our minds and hearts to the statutes/teachings of the Lord, directs our steps. Trusting in the Word of God, anchors us when everything around us is unstable. We can have peace, security, assurance - and hope, because God has always come through. 

There are many popular Bible verses from Psalm 119; I will share a few more for your meditation: Ps. 119:1-3; 9; 11; 50; 103;105; 133; 165. 

The study of Psalm 119 is a complete meal, nourishing the soul, encouraging the heart, and opening the mind - the appetite - for more, and more.It's GOOD! But don't just take my word for it!

Family Time - Summertime

 Wineries, etc., Northern California, 2018

Bridges, Northern California, 2018

I'm learning how to really do work/life balance. With a retired mister who is also an entrepreneur and musician - it's an added incentive for me to carve out as much "us/me time" as I can.  And it's working.


Blessed to be able to do this because my employer is 100% in support of self care and vacation time! AND teleworking! Whether it's a "stay-cation", "mental health day", or a trip to a tropical paradise - I'm grateful to the Lord for the latitude and creativity my job affords me. 

Enjoying life!


#positiveseniority

#fitnessmatters

#sixtyplus                                                 
   

Venice Beach, SoCal, 2018

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Soundtrack of My Life

Over the past few days I’ve been on social media, reading the beautiful, moving tributes to Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, who left this earthly plane on August 16. To every post I read, all I could reply was “Amen”, or click the *heart* icon. I was speechless, and dealing with the “tender emotions” I now experience when someone dies - no matter who it is.

I chose this picture of Ms. Franklin from the thousands on the internet - because it’s from 1967, when “RESPECT” was released. That singular word informed the mind and heart of a then 11 year old Black girl in a profound, finger-snapping way, and was the sealant for what my parents had been instilling within me. My schoolmates and I could be seen on any given day strutting around the playground, reciting those lyrics, spelling it out. Singing joyfully. Proudly. Seeping into my subconscious, I was rehearsing RESPECT for myself, RESPECT for others - and as I got older, I began to understand the nuances of adult relationships Ms. Franklin was really singing about. Music lyrics teach us. And the winning blend of impeccable vocal and instrumental musicality made an indelible mark deep within my soul.

I want to thank my friends on my social media platforms for sharing their experiences, up close and personal with The Queen of Soul, and others who knew her the way I did, as the sweet, soulful LP playing over and over again throughout our lives. We LOVED Aretha. We LIVED Aretha. We love her still - and her soulful messages - THANK GOD - will fill the air forever.

Family Time, part two - July

It's been a dream of a summer! A whirlwind - and it's not over!

Cali Trip 2018

The priorities - 1. Get on the plane 2. See my mother, 3. Go to the Original Tommy's Burger  (numbers 2 and 3 were actually switched in reality. Mr. E had never had a Tommy's, so we went straight there from LAX)

Family!

Had the pleasure of catching up with my brother-in-law (my sister was at work) when we stopped by my mother's house. Then we enjoyed the rest of the evening with Mr. E's West coast family! A GREAT visit!

Just some shots of us at the airport and on the plane before departure

We were truly ready for rest and relaxation. This was a bucket list adventure for Mr. E - he had never taken the drive up the California coast - never been to San Francisco. So we started in Los Angeles and took the drive. It was awesome, because the part of Hwy 1 that had been closed for a year due to mud slides, opened up the very week we were traveling. We were able to go all the way up!

More pictures coming!