2015-the year of digging deeper

I resolve to_________. It's that time of year again when people make New Year's resolutions. Some folks keep theirs and others don't. Me, well, I don't even make them. Yet, maybe I should. Maybe we all should. However instead of resolving to eat healthier or save money, perhaps, there is something more worthwhile that we should make a resolution about. Diamond Rio has a song called "Love a Little Stronger" and it will be the focus of my New Year's resolution. Here are the lyrics:

"Love A Little Stronger"

I don't leave any room for doubt
When it comes to you and me
You know all about the way I feel inside
You know how hard I try
But that don't mean that I can't

Love a little stronger, dig a little deeper
Go a little farther, anything to please you girl
Tonight I'm gonna start all over
Show you girl what's in my heart
Ooh, ooh, ooh, gonna love a little stronger

You tell me you're the lucky one
But I see things differently
I have just begun to show you that you mean
Everything to me
I still feel the need to

Love a little stronger, dig a little deeper
Go a little farther, anything to please you girl
Tonight I'm gonna start all over
Show you girl what's in my heart
Ooh, ooh, ooh, gonna love a little stronger

Love a little stronger, dig a little deeper
Go a little farther, anything to please you girl
Tonight I'm gonna start all over
Show you girl what's in my heart
Ooh, ooh, ooh, gonna love a little stronger

Love a little stronger, dig a little deeper
Go a little farther, anything to please you girl
Tonight I'm gonna start all over
Show you girl what's in my heart
Ooh, ooh, ooh, gonna love a little stronger
Gonna love a little stronger
Gonna love a little stronger

Love a little stronger. Dig a little deeper. Those two sentences say it all. For so many people, love is stagnant. We get into our daily routines and, even though we love certain people very much, we sometimes don't "love a little stronger." The good news though is that it is possible to love someone stronger each day, but, as the song so accurately says, it takes some "digging deeper." Do we dig deeper each day to notice things about our loved ones? Do we dig deeper and offer to help our loved ones when they need it, even though we might be tired? Do we dig deeper and take the time to do something spontaneous and special for our loved ones? We could all dig a little deeper, myself included.

Scholars say diamonds are formed about 100 miles below earth's surface and are mined about 800 feet below earth's surface. Diamonds are precious gemstones. Our love for others is also a "gemstone" of sorts and can be uncovered more and more as we "dig a little deeper." So, this year, in 2015, let's make it a point to "dig a little deeper" and "love a little stronger." Let the ones you love know how you feel in your heart. Love a little stronger!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!

Be in the company of a companion

Two heads are better than one! It takes two to tango! They're two of a kind! They're two peas in a pod! Well, what word or phrase comes to mind when you think of two people, especially two people who are close to one another? For me, the word companionship comes along. From the beginning of time, man has desired companionship. God even said early on in Genesis that it was not good for man to be alone. 

So many times in life, people get lonely and all they really want or need is a companion. Something that I aim to do each and everyday is to be a great companion or friend to all that I come into contact with, especially those whom I love the most.

So, we know what companionship is in a general sense but what does it really encompass? What makes us a companion? Being a companion to me is so much more than being a "friend." The word "company" can almost be found inside the word "companion"-all you're missing is the "y." I really think that is what a companion is-someone who is company to another person-someone who is there at all times and in all kinds of ways.

Reba McEntire has a song called "I'll Be" and I believe it accurately describes what we should all "be" as a companion. Here's the lyrics:

"I'll Be"

When darkness falls upon your heart and soul.
I'll be the light that shines for you.
When you forget how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you.
When you can't find your way,
I'll find my way to you.
When troubles come around,
I will come to you.

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.

And when you're there with no one there to hold.
I'll be the arms that reach for you.
And when you feel your faith is running low.
I'll be there to believe in you.
When all you find are lies.
I'll be the truth you need.
When you need someone to run to .
You can run to me

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.

I'll be the sun.
When your heart's filled with rain.
I'll be the one.
To chase the rain away.

I'll be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on.
Be your shelter.
When you need someone to see you through.
I'll be there to carry you.
I'll be there.
I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be.
I'll be.

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Shoulder, shelter, rock-those are just words used in this song to describe a companion. We should be that shoulder to lean on-that companion. We should be that shelter from life's storms-that companion. We should be that strong rock that stands the tests of time-that companion. Being a companion all comes down to just being there for someone and that's something we all can do. Let's all create an atmosphere where those around us will always "be in the company of a companion."

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!