Now that Thanksgiving is over, I know many people have the most important day/holiday (at least for me) on their minds. Honestly, it’s been on my radar for months now. In fact, I put up my Christmas decorations weeks ago. I’m sure many have considered it to be a bit “too early,” but does one feel the same when they celebrate their birthday days or weeks in advance? Needless to say, I know many people are already struggling to think of what to get their kids, family, friends, or significant other, a well as how they’re going to afford it. Christmas shopping used to not only cause my unnecessary stress and debt, but it made my Christmas somewhat blue. I’ve always loved my family, but it made me feel bad and guilty even, when I couldn’t afford to buy them gifts.

That’s one of the primary reasons why I stopped gift giving, not to mention, it’s not what Christmas is really about. I guess you could say that it is, considering Jesus is the greatest gift we’ve been given. I’m sure everyone you ask will probably tell you they love receiving and gifts, but nothing is more upsetting when you can’t give one in return. Or if you do and the person doesn’t like it, let alone appreciates it. Nevertheless, if you have your mental and physical health, family, and friends, you have all that you need. Christmas is not meant to be gloomy, when the One we’re celebrating (at least some of us) has brought us such much light. Don’t let what you can’t financially do stop what you can do, and that’s to be of love, joy, and good cheer!

La’Rue

If all you have this holiday season is your family, then you have all you need. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy this day, but with each other.

Deetra La’Rue

With years’ old tradition, one way to determine the length in our winter months, is the use of a groundhog. On groundhog’s day, February 2, if a groundhog emerges from its den (barrow) and sees its shadow, we’ll have six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t see its shadow, we’ll have spring. While this is widely considered superstitious and silly by some, many others believe it. Because of wisdom, I personally don’t believe a groundhog, its shadow, or any animal can predict the weather or determine the length of our seasons. However, what I do believe is God never changes or casts a shifting shadow (James 1:17). He’s always been constant; yesterday, today, and forever more. If He were like that groundhog, He could immediately switch up on us or change His mind as it relates to what He does for our lives. He could easily allow something so minor to influence what happens next for us. Because He is not a man, He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Whatever He says He’s going to do, He’ll do it, and nothing or no one can change it or over “shadow” it.

La’Rue

I can only imagine the excitement a couple feels after learning they are expecting. During the entire pregnancy, they are nervous and afraid of what could possibly go wrong. Things can be especially scary if they are first timer’s traveling through unchartered territories. As they make their way through each trimester, they can see the homestretch in sight and themselves finally becoming parents. They’re panicked, excited, and probably terrified, to say the least, but it all goes away when the doctor announces “The baby is here!” And just like that, the anxiety and fears subsides because the delivery has reassured them that all is well. Just like this story, God’s word reassures us to not be afraid for He (too) is here (John 6:20). It doesn’t matter what we go through (big or small, pregnancy or trial) God is always with us. Nothing can separate us from God or cause Him to go astray. He’s always on our side.

La’Rue

One of the most crucial things a defense attorney or prosecutor needs in succeeding with their case, is a credible witness. This person or persons can give a first-hand account of what they’ve seen to a juror which would not only solidify the case, but cause one to believe. I’m always skeptical when I watch online sermons or motivational speaking done by public personas/figures. While I appreciate them wanting to get others to believe their situation will get better, I often wonder do they have proof that it will. In other words, are you a witness? Can you honestly say things will get better because you’ve been in the situation and made it out, or you think it’s what they want to hear? I, for one, can bear witness to the amazing things God has done and will do for others, which I share almost daily. I make no admission that I or my notes are better than anyone I’ve listened to or you, however, what I am saying is that people don’t want to just hear “things will work out for their good,” they want proof that it will.

You don’t have to be religious, spiritual, or belong to a particular denomination or church affiliation to share with others how wonderful God’s been to you. I’ve learned a lot of times your “testimony” is crucial and relevant to others case. I know it can be traumatic reliving what you’ve gone through, but just think how it’s going to help others make it through.

La’Rue