From the category archives:

Marlon’s Insights

The Power of Family Traditions

by Marlon on April 30, 2012

From a young child to an adult, I can vividly remember my family holiday dinners at my grandparents’ home.

Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, our entire family (my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, all of my cousins, brothers and me) would gather together in the dining room to recite 23rd Psalm and bless the food before we began eating dinner.

Family Traditions are Special

Wow!  I remember it so clearly…

My grandmother would be sitting at one end of the long table and my grandfather would be sitting at the other end.

All the adults would be sitting at the table and the children would be standing around the table because we ate in another room.

 

(It was real cool when I became old enough to sit at the grown folks’ table. (smile))

We would all hold hands and my grandmother would begin reciting the 23rd Psalm.   And everyone would join in with her.  (Ok, let me be honest.  When I was a young child, I would just mouth the words.  But over time, I memorized the entire 23rd Psalm by heart.)

To this day, I still find comfort in reciting the 23rd Psalm.

Every night, before Jade and Cory go to sleep, Syreeta and I read a book to them and then we all say our prayers.

Tonight was special because we selected The Beginner’s Bible for the night-night story and as I was flipping through the pages, I landed on page 190 entitled, “The Lord is My Shepherd.”

Right when I saw the title, I smiled and told Jade and Cory about how when I was their age that their great-grandmother would lead us in reciting 23rd Psalm every Thanksgiving, Christmas and any other family holiday dinner.

They smiled and then I recited “The 23rd Psalm.”

“The Lord is my Shepherd.  I shall not want.  He maketh me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me besides the still waters.  He restoreth my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.  For thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.  Thy preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  Thy anoint my head with oil.  My cup runneth over.  Surely, goodness and mercy will  follow me all the days of my life.  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.”

I feel strength every time I recite the 23rd Psalm.

Does this scripture impact you too?

What memories from your childhood make you smile?

Do share by posting your comment here…

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Is it Just Me Or is Time Moving Faster?

by Marlon on April 13, 2012

What’s Happening With Time?

Does it feel like time is moving faster and faster each day?

Time is rolling!... Are you keeping up?

Think about it… Today is Friday, April 13, 2012 and it was 104 days ago when we were just getting ready to bring in the NEW year on December 31st!

104 days ago!

And before we know it, summer will be here!

 

So what are you doing to maximize your time?

I ask because TIME is most precious!

Tomorrow is not promised so let’s you and I be more focused on spending our time wisely.

Do you agree that our RELATIONSHIPS are critically important to enhancing our lives and making life more rewarding?

I’m sure you do.  That’s easy!  But the real question is, “Are you living your life where you are making your relationships a priority?”

When was the last time you told your loved ones how special they are to you?

Was it today?

Was it last week?

Last month?

Ok, last year?

Or is too long ago to remember?

Within the next 48 hours, I challenge you to be intentional with your time and let at least 3 people know how much you appreciate them.

Trust me, it will be special to them and it will definitely bless you as well.

Do post your comments below to these insights or how people respond to you after you share your appreciation.

Let’s agree to no longer take time for granted.

Make the most of your life and that means MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME!

The clock is ticking!…

 

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My Son’s 2-year-old Birthday is Today… Where Did the Time Go?

March 31, 2012

Have you ever asked yourself, “Where did the time go?” I’m sure you have because we all can relate to feeling like time is moving fast. Time is our most precious commodity and TODAY I was reminded of just how important time really is. Today is my son Cory’s birthday. He was born at 11:34pm [...]

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Making the Most of Your Time

February 29, 2012

Is it just me or does it feel like life is moving SUPER fast?   Have you ever asked yourself the question: “Where did the time go?”   How are you staying focused on being intentional with your time so you are completing your top priorities? The reason I ask these questions is because sometimes [...]

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Who Are You Really?

January 10, 2012

Isn’t it interesting how when you first meet someone, everything seems “perfect” because it’s new, fresh and exciting. But as time goes on, people get comfortable and remove their “best” image so you now see the “real” deal. And sometimes, you are shocked because the “real” person is not who you originally thought he or [...]

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2012 — A NEW Beginning!

January 3, 2012

Happy New Year! So the NEW Year is Here! What does that really mean to you?   How is this year going to be different from previous years?   How will you keep the excitement rolling? For me, I love NEW Beginnings because there is a fresh start where I reflect on the past, learn [...]

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Are You REALLY Receiving My Love?

December 19, 2011

Why are couples having so many challenges in their relationships? How can a couple be so much in love during their honeymoon and end up in divorce court? Where is the disconnect? These are some deep questions!   So what are the answers?  What do you think? In my marriage, I’ve experienced a range of emotions… [...]

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Do I Love You More, Less or the Same as When We First Met?

December 13, 2011

Do I Love You More, Less or the Same as When We First Met? This is a deep question. Having been married for 5.5 years, I know that I’m traveling toward a potentially huge argument based on how I answer this question.  (Smile) Well before I can honestly answer this question, I must remember my [...]

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The Gift of Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2011

Did you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner?  The food smells so good. Did you eat too much? What an amazing gift Thanksgiving represents?… A time when families and friends are intentional as they come together to fellowship and celebrate their relationships. Today was very special to me because I asked an intriguing question of myself, “Beyond [...]

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1961 Freedom Riders – Do I have the Same Commitment for My Family?

May 23, 2011

Recently, I watched the PBS Documentary entitled, “FREEDOM RIDERS” and it was powerful. This documentary truly touched me. Watching these brave people, male and female, black and white, risk their lives to challenge injustice was so inspiring. As the film continued, I became more intrigued by the Freedom Riders’ faith, courage, and willingness to sacrifice [...]

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