Ever wonder “what’s on the inside” of you? Tootsie Roll Pops have a soft chewy chocolate center inside once past the hard circle of sweet flavored candied shell. Mm Mm…something you can sink your teeth into and chew…enjoying the rich flavor…Mm!! It doesn’t matter what color or flavor you choose…the center is always the same…Mm…Good!! In the center of the Bible; Psalms chapter 118: verse 8 tells us: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord—than to trust in man.” REFUGE in the LORD is the BEST place to be. Having “C”HRIST (our Lord) as the “C”ENTER “C”ORE of your being you will have a “C”ONSTANT, “C”ONSISTENT, “C”OMMUNICATING “C”OMPANION who will always be there for you—no matter what! Open “HIS WORD”, “Consistently” to “C”  what he has for you…something GOOD…HIS “promises” you “C”AN “C”OUNT on!!! Blessings!!! Gayle Harrell

O’ God, keep our whole country under your protection. Wipe out sin from this land; lift it up from the depth of sorrow, O’ Lord, our shining light. Save us from deep grief and misfortune…Lord of all nations! Bless us with your wisdom, so that the poor may not be oppressed and the rich may not be the oppressors. Make this a nation having no ruler except God, a nation having no authority but that of “LOVE”…for you O’ Mighty God ARE  LOVE!!! AMEN!!! (Gayle Harrell)

As children; parents teach us how to become “independent” individuals into our adulthood; which is all well and good. Then at some appointed time throughout our adult-life we learn the once praised phrase “I can do it myself” no longer holds true. The second we enter this world we begin to “age”. We like to call it “growing up” and we do! This quite coveted, precious commodity called “TIME” in life is different for each of us and as it passes we must learn to become “dependent” in all ways to the One God who created us in the first place…isn’t that God’s plan? Blessings!!! Gayle Harrell

  Have you ever noticed that some people’s minds sleep in but their tongue is an early riser? A tongue without a mind attached is a dangerous thing! It seems like the mind acts as a filter and without it operating properly, it’s Katie bar the door! Words can build, encourage or elevate. They can also tear down, discourage or destroy. What are you using your mouth to accomplish?

Every person who ever tried to bring division and tear a church apart thought they were right. The enemy is very strategic. He knows how to whisper foolish words in our minds.He knows how to appeal to the pride that hides in each of us…the pride that says “we are right and they are wrong”. God will never ordain division as a solution. He is the God of addition and multiplication.

  Nobody likes to hear criticism because it stings! Whether it’s constructive or destructive, it’s unpleasant. It reminds us that we make mistakes and just flat out aren’t perfect. We knew it but we don’t want the whole world to know it. However we need to realize that in order for us to be all that God calls us to be, we are going to face all kinds of reactions from people. Some will love us and some won’t. Some will be nice and some won’t. One of the biggest hurtles we have to overcome in life is wanting everybody to love us and approve of what we’re doing. Here’s the bad news! You can’t please all of the people all of the time. A very wise man once gave me some very valuable advice. He said, “Melissa, when people tell you that you’re great, keep on walking. And when people tell you that you’re awful, keep on walking.” I’ve remembered those words through the years and how true they are! If you can do that, you can stay balanced. Lean too far one way and you’ll fall into pride. Go the other way and depression will set in. Neither…