Sister Tarpley with her sister, Rose Fielding, far right and their niece, Jeanie Driver Avery in the middle.
Life is a Gift – Today, before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can’t speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your spouse, friend or any loved one, think of someone who’s praying to God for a companion, a friend, or someone that loves them.
Today, before you complain about life, think of someone who passed away before you were ready for them to go. Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but is barren.
Before you complain about your dirty house that has to be cleaned, or how someone didn’t clean or sweep it, think of the people who are living on the streets and thank God for strength to clean it.
Before whining about the distance you drive to work or the supermarket, think of someone who walks that distance or more all the time.
When you are tired and ready to complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wish they had a job.
Before you think of pointing a finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin and we all must answer to one maker, God the Father of all.
When depressing thoughts seem to get you down, put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around. Remember that life is a gift from God, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it and fulfill it.
It has been said that man is no match for the lion in strength; outstripped by the Ostrich in speed; would not win medals against the dolphins in swimming; can smell less accurately than the dog; cannot see as well as the hawk, during the day, or the cat at night.
Yet, as far as we know and understand, man is God’s most sophisticated creation. The late Elder Philip White at Love Chapel C.O.G.I.C. taught that man is spirit, soul and body.
Man is a spirit being, having a physical experience, not a physical being, having a spiritual experience. Simply put, like God, man is a spirit first.
God put man in the “God class.” Man is not like the rest of creation. Man is not like the birds, is not like the animals, and is not like the fish. No other created thing was created in the image and likeness of God. Yet, we are left wondering so many things about God.
I say this because no matter now often it comes; we never get use to a love one passing away. This year, and it’s not over yet, three of my siblings passed, James my only brother and my two sisters Billie Daye and Eloyd Avery all in Dallas, TX; they will surly be missed.
Had I known that the last time I saw each of them, I would have hugged them a lot longer. This brings to mind something that I read.
Be Kind to Yourself – There will be times when it’s hard to remember your strengths. These are the times when you need to give yourself special attention. Kindness nurtures and gives hope to growing dreams. Respect yourself, listen to your needs, and treat yourself as you would a friend.
Encourage yourself; remember what you truly want, and fight for it as you would your life. Appreciate yourself; don’t take for granted the qualities that make you unique. Focus yourself; it is with discipline and motivation that you will move towards your goals. Be giving towards yourself; in that way, your strength will thrive, and you’ll be realizing your goals a day at a time. –Gail Mutterperl
