As we close out 2009, it goes without saying that it's been a helluva year. Some are going to be very sad to see 2009 end and others will not. Whatever the case may be, we all look to the future with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. It is a time of new beginnings, so we reflect on things we did wrong in the past and want to correct or change in the future. Some of us make resolutions...most of which will not be kept. They will be broken before January comes to a close. Y'all know I'm right.
This year was full of surprises. Barack Obama became America's first African American President. Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic Supreme Court judge. Huge financial institutions had to be bailed out lest we suffer serious financial collapse. Ted Kennedy, Michael Jackson, and Walter Cronkite, just to name a few, passed away leaving huge legacies. People married, divorced, and had babies. America continued to fight in countries that have no desire for us to be there. Tiger Woods' sexual indiscretions became international news and media fodder. America continues to be voyeuristic and indulges itself in the myriad choices of reality television. The list goes on and on.
They year was full of broken hearts, broken promises, and broken dreams. It was also a year of hope, change, and promise for some. Any year can be any number of things to any number of people. Depends on who you are and what life threw your way. It is also about how you chose to handle the obstacles and blessings that you faced.
No matter what you did or how you perceived 2009, it will go out like every other year. A quick but distant memory. What changes are you gonna make to improve your life? to improve the life of someone else? to make a difference in your community? to impact your little world?
No life is perfect. We all have some dream to fulfill. What baggage are you leaving behind? What purpose are you planning to pursue? What attitude will you change? The answer for each of us will be different. The thing that will be the same for all of us is this...we all can start fresh once we ring in 2010. Actually, each day we can start anew and make one small change. Before we know it, we will have made some significant change.
It starts with you. You do your part. God handles the rest. So welcome to the New Year. Welcome to the rest of your life. What are you gonna do? Here is my plan, not resolutions, just a plan. I am going to exercise. I have employed my gung-ho hubby to help me out. In that process, I hope to lose a little weight. I hope you will check up on my progress. I need accountability you know. I am going to also try to cut out processed foods. I eat pretty healthily most of the time but there is always room for improvement. I am going to be more faithful to God. He has NEVER forsaken me. So I am stepping up my prayer life and recommitting myself to my daily devotions and Bible readings. I feel guilty that this is the first year in the last six that I have not read the Bible in its entirety. I also want to resume tithing. I guess it would help, if we actually belonged to a church. Our finances were all over the place for 09 and we need to be vigilant in 2010. So pray that my family and I can agree on a church. While there is so much more I could plan, this one is important enough to mention.....I am following my first mind, it is never wrong! I am ridding myself of negativity and cynicism(that's gonna be difficult!). I am also ridding myself of toxic people and relationships. Other folks and their baggage is too much for me to carry, I got enough of my own ish. Lastly, I am committing to making a difference in some one's life each day. Care to join me?
However you foresee 2010...the past is the past. It is meant to be left behind. Your future is waiting but the present is a gift. Each day you have 24 hours to make a change, impact the world and be someone new. Don't let anyone impose their "shoulds" on you. Life is short and you have a destiny to fulfill. If God showed up for you in 2009, He will show up for you in 2010. You need to show off for Him. So as we say, "Good-bye, Sayonara, and Peace out!" to 2009.....I wish you a God-filled, safe, and prosperous New Year. Let 2010 be your year! It really is a choice you know? Go out and manifest your destiny! Here's to New Beginnings! Cheers! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Copyright December 31, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Happy Birthday, Chante!!!!
Twelve years ago today, I gave birth to my first child. It was a beautiful winter day and snow was falling from the sky. Labor began around 5:45 AM with my water breaking. I felt no contractions whatsoever. Dmitri and I knew we were having a girl and we had already decided that she would be named Chante Aliya. Let me just say that labor is work but the fruit of labor is worth every moment.
Chante's birth was interesting, to say the least. I had a very close group of friends and Chante was really the first birth in our little circle. Dmitri was adamant that no one would be present in the delivery room. Yea, well that went out of the window rather quickly. While I won't bore you all with the details, Chante was born at 5:12 PM weighing over 7.5lbs about 20 inches long. Present at her birth were several of my closest friends who helped get me through the birthing process and who have and will impact both Chante and I for many years to come. Chante came out of the womb and just looked around. No tears, just wide eyed and bushy-tailed with a head full of hair and very fat cheeks. My very wise grandmother said, "She's going to be something, that's just a sign." Yea, well Nanno is hardly ever wrong, so like Mary, mother of Jesus, I pondered that, in my heart.
Chante is something. She is an old soul in many ways. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at the young age of four. She requested to be baptized several months later. She is perceptive. She is unique in her sense of style and personality. She is outspoken and articulate. That runs in her genes. She is very stubborn and always wants things to go her way. Chante is asthmatic but never lets that interfere with her zest for life. Chante has the potential to be a leader. She has the gift of gab and her friends seem to look to her for guidance. Chante is unaware of her magnetism and potential. She is keenly aware that Dmitri and I have very high expectations for her and her brother. My desire is for her to realize the potential and not be afraid to use her influence in a positive way. I keep telling her it will liberate her and her friends from conforming to the status quo.
I could go on and on about my daughter. I love her from the bottom of my heart. She has brought me joy and pain. She makes me smile and laugh. I am amazed at her fierce determination and her conviction about things she is passionate about. Yes, she is a fickle, hormonal tween, but she can also be a loving big sister who is very competitive. She will impact the world, about that, I have no doubt. For now, I am enjoying watching her grow up and become a young woman. I hope that her faith in God, her sheer loquaciousness, and her extreme determination will carry her far and open doors for her. She has big dreams and knowing her like I do, NOTHING will stand in her way. So today, with a grateful heart, I say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Chante, My sweet child. May God bless you today and always, and May He smile richly upon your future!"
Copyright December 27, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to each of you, my loyal readers! I appreciate you so much. It means the world to me that you take time out of your busy schedule to read my thoughts and sometimes comment on them. I've said any times that this is my favorite time of year. I really do enjoy the shopping, baking, and overall mayhem associated with the season.
I also love that Christmas is a celebration of Christ. My spiritual birthday is in October(the earthly one in in June) but Christ really should be celebrated daily. Society is doing everything it can to commercialize what should be a remarkably religious celebration. The kids can't mention God in school. My hubby(his co-workers, too) was warned, like a child, not to forward e-mail that had religious overtones so as not to offend those who don't believe.
The Christmas Story has been told for years. The Virgin Mary along with her betrothed, Joseph, would have a son and call him, "Immanuel" which means "God with us." He would come to save the lost and provide eternal life for a sinful world. Simple story. We know He was born in a manger with animals all around. Three wise men would come bearing gifts to behold the magnificence of His birth and to worship Him. And so the details of the story go. The Nativity Story is important for so many reasons but the most important is that the Savior of the world was born. No greater gift exists! Until you develop a relationship with Him, you will never know that personal experience of faith, hope, and unconditional love.
While you are enjoying the special moments of the season, I hope your mind will journey back to that lowly manger of many years ago. Reflect on the fact that Jesus, the Light of the World, was born to a Virgin mother. She had the same hopes and dreams as any new mother, but God had chosen her child for a special task. Her child, Jesus, would be perfect, sinless. He would live a short life by today's standards. He would also die an extremely painful death on a cross between two sinful prisoners. Not only that, He would experience the weight of the WORLD'S sin(past, present, and future). Can you imagine that, He who knew no sin, carrying every sin? UGH! I think of Him carrying just my sin, and I feel tremendously guilty. He would leave the tomb for a short time and walk the earth before eventually being carried up to Heaven to be with God, to judge and to intercede on our behalf. How awesome is that?
When you take time to reflect on that information, you become acutely aware that gifts are wonderful, but That gift really was something special. The Bible is full of stories but the Nativity story remains one of my favorite. I prefer to read it in the book of Luke. That account is the most detailed. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (ref. Luke 2:11) That sums it all up in a nutshell.
So it is with a grateful happy heart that I say to everyone of you, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!!! Merry Christmas!!!" Enjoy your family and hold them close! Encourage your friends! Bless a stranger! The priceless gifts are those you unselfishly give from the heart. So I end by saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Copyright December 25, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
I also love that Christmas is a celebration of Christ. My spiritual birthday is in October(the earthly one in in June) but Christ really should be celebrated daily. Society is doing everything it can to commercialize what should be a remarkably religious celebration. The kids can't mention God in school. My hubby(his co-workers, too) was warned, like a child, not to forward e-mail that had religious overtones so as not to offend those who don't believe.
The Christmas Story has been told for years. The Virgin Mary along with her betrothed, Joseph, would have a son and call him, "Immanuel" which means "God with us." He would come to save the lost and provide eternal life for a sinful world. Simple story. We know He was born in a manger with animals all around. Three wise men would come bearing gifts to behold the magnificence of His birth and to worship Him. And so the details of the story go. The Nativity Story is important for so many reasons but the most important is that the Savior of the world was born. No greater gift exists! Until you develop a relationship with Him, you will never know that personal experience of faith, hope, and unconditional love.
While you are enjoying the special moments of the season, I hope your mind will journey back to that lowly manger of many years ago. Reflect on the fact that Jesus, the Light of the World, was born to a Virgin mother. She had the same hopes and dreams as any new mother, but God had chosen her child for a special task. Her child, Jesus, would be perfect, sinless. He would live a short life by today's standards. He would also die an extremely painful death on a cross between two sinful prisoners. Not only that, He would experience the weight of the WORLD'S sin(past, present, and future). Can you imagine that, He who knew no sin, carrying every sin? UGH! I think of Him carrying just my sin, and I feel tremendously guilty. He would leave the tomb for a short time and walk the earth before eventually being carried up to Heaven to be with God, to judge and to intercede on our behalf. How awesome is that?
When you take time to reflect on that information, you become acutely aware that gifts are wonderful, but That gift really was something special. The Bible is full of stories but the Nativity story remains one of my favorite. I prefer to read it in the book of Luke. That account is the most detailed. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (ref. Luke 2:11) That sums it all up in a nutshell.
So it is with a grateful happy heart that I say to everyone of you, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!!! Merry Christmas!!!" Enjoy your family and hold them close! Encourage your friends! Bless a stranger! The priceless gifts are those you unselfishly give from the heart. So I end by saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
Copyright December 25, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Thursday, December 24, 2009
All I Want For Christmas Is......
Children have been making their wish lists and checking them twice for weeks now. I'm done shopping and I know we have over indulged my children yet again. Funny, no one asked me for my list, so I thought I'd share it with you , my faithful readers. Really, it isn't what I want just for Christmas but the whole year through.
I wanna deeper relationship with God. Up close and personal. I want to be better about my quiet time. I don't want Him to neglect me so I have to make sure that I carve out time to sit at His feet and bask in His Sweet Presence.
I want the best for each member of my family. I want them to be safe and healthy. I want them to have giving spirits. I want us all to see each other more often and have the means to make that happen.
This year, I want to find a church that feeds the needs of each member of my small family. Sounds simple but it has been no easy task. In fact, it's been downright daunting. Who knew wanting a Bible teaching church who values family and has good praise and worship would be so difficult?
I want to become gainfully employed. That would alleviate a small bit of boredom I experience on a daily basis and make my husband extremely happy. I would like the job to pay well and challenge me without a commute. I also need to be able to maintain my side hustle, preparing tax returns. This would also allow us to return to being home-owners.
I would like to own another home in a diverse neighborhood with an excellent school system.
I would like to be able to take a trip without my kids so the hubby and I can connect as well as a family trip for my little family to better connect. You all need some time away from the mundane cares of life and the daily routine.
I want to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker, or friend that I can be. I want to let things roll off my back. I want to hold my tongue and attitude in check a little more.
I would like to handle all that life throws my way with wisdom and grace, without whining and complaining.
For each of my family members and friends who are suffering financially, I pray for employment with benefits.
Of course I'd like world peace, no recession, no racism or terrorism, safety and well being for the Obama family, as well as wisdom for our government leaders, and safety for all children.
So now you know how you can be praying for me. Of course we all know that God is in control. I will be praying for you and your family as well. If you sent me a holiday card with a picture, I will be placing it in an album and praying for your family(I stole that idea from my friend, Tracie Nall) during my daily devotions.
If you want to make a change, you might need to change what you do. I encourage you to be the best person you can be and to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. You just might bless someone else in the process. I hope that you are successful in all of your endeavors. Take time out each day to be thankful and to pray. In the words of Steve Harvey, "Prayer really does change things, you can take that to the bank!" From my heart and home to yours, I wish you bountious peace, hope, and love. Be safe. Till next time, "Merry Christmas! Christmas is about Christ, not about you! Peace!
Copyright December 24, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
I wanna deeper relationship with God. Up close and personal. I want to be better about my quiet time. I don't want Him to neglect me so I have to make sure that I carve out time to sit at His feet and bask in His Sweet Presence.
I want the best for each member of my family. I want them to be safe and healthy. I want them to have giving spirits. I want us all to see each other more often and have the means to make that happen.
This year, I want to find a church that feeds the needs of each member of my small family. Sounds simple but it has been no easy task. In fact, it's been downright daunting. Who knew wanting a Bible teaching church who values family and has good praise and worship would be so difficult?
I want to become gainfully employed. That would alleviate a small bit of boredom I experience on a daily basis and make my husband extremely happy. I would like the job to pay well and challenge me without a commute. I also need to be able to maintain my side hustle, preparing tax returns. This would also allow us to return to being home-owners.
I would like to own another home in a diverse neighborhood with an excellent school system.
I would like to be able to take a trip without my kids so the hubby and I can connect as well as a family trip for my little family to better connect. You all need some time away from the mundane cares of life and the daily routine.
I want to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker, or friend that I can be. I want to let things roll off my back. I want to hold my tongue and attitude in check a little more.
I would like to handle all that life throws my way with wisdom and grace, without whining and complaining.
For each of my family members and friends who are suffering financially, I pray for employment with benefits.
Of course I'd like world peace, no recession, no racism or terrorism, safety and well being for the Obama family, as well as wisdom for our government leaders, and safety for all children.
So now you know how you can be praying for me. Of course we all know that God is in control. I will be praying for you and your family as well. If you sent me a holiday card with a picture, I will be placing it in an album and praying for your family(I stole that idea from my friend, Tracie Nall) during my daily devotions.
If you want to make a change, you might need to change what you do. I encourage you to be the best person you can be and to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. You just might bless someone else in the process. I hope that you are successful in all of your endeavors. Take time out each day to be thankful and to pray. In the words of Steve Harvey, "Prayer really does change things, you can take that to the bank!" From my heart and home to yours, I wish you bountious peace, hope, and love. Be safe. Till next time, "Merry Christmas! Christmas is about Christ, not about you! Peace!
Copyright December 24, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gifts of the Season
As we proceed with the festivities and celebrations of the Christmas(Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) season, we are sort of forced to reflect on many things. For me, I reflect on the goodness and mercy of Christ, as well as God's love toward me and my family. As the year closes, I have renewed hope and faith for the year to come.
Family is important to me. I love my family immensely even when they get on my nerves, which I might add, is often. My family is scattered in various parts of the States which I actually hate. I've missed so much of my nephew's and niece's lives. This year my sister and I wasted six months because we were too stubborn to get past a misunderstanding. I know my dad would be disappointed with both of us. Family matters. It is with those people, with whom you should be able to let go of all of your inhibitions, and just do you.
Peace is important to me. If God is all that I profess Him to be, I should let each day take care of itself. (ref. Matthew 6:34) I could stop right there but in case you are reading this and you don't know the peace which surpasses all understanding(ref. Philippians 4:7), let me say this.....We only get 24 hours in each day, no more, no less. Everyday you have a chance to make a fresh start. Our bodies require a minimum of 7 hours of sleep to heal itself, more would be better. Nothing that causes you anxiety can be changed in your sleep. Some stress is natural but worrying about things which might happen is a waste of time and energy. If you have faith, then trust that God will utilize the situations to your good. Be a peacemaker and don't let anyone disturb your peace.
Hope is vital to everyone. You have to have dreams. Dreams sustain you and carry you through the rough patches. Things can always change even when they seem impossible. I try to maintain a positive attitude because optimism works for me. No doom and gloom in this camp. My life has many valleys but I have always known that something better would eventually come along. God has not failed me yet. It is true, you will have disappointments and people will not live up to your expectations but if you have hope, you will be able to take the next step.
Love is the final gift that I am addressing. Love covers a multitude of sins. Jesus came to earth in the form of man to save each and everyone of us from the destruction of our sin. He was sinless, yet He bore the weight of every one's sins on the cross so that we could have eternal life. Now that is a real present. It doesn't get any better than that. That is what the true gift of the season is really all about. God loves us unconditionally and NOTHING that we do can separate us from Him if we believe in Him.
God has called us to be in relationship with others. Every relationship is symbolic of His love for the the Church. I Corinthians 13 is the "Love Chapter." Nowhere else is love defined so sacrificially. This is best evidenced when we look at a newborn. Babies don't thrive if they aren't loved(or touched). Adults don't either, they just might cope better. Today my neice asked me to define love for her via text. What a loaded question! I told her that it was complicated and that the defination varied from person to person. That will be another blog for another day!
Whatever you celebrate this season, I certainly pray that you have love, hope, and peace as well as a family to support you through the good times and the bad. If you are missing any of those things, my prayer for you is that you find it in the New Year. If you are at odds with your family, mend fences and be genuine about it. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. If you are burdened with anxiety and stressed out, turn it over to God and move on. The best gift you could give yourself is a good night's sleep and good health, both of which you are missing, if you are suffering from anxiety. Peace of mind is simply priceless! Then, there is always hope. You gotta have something to believe in and hold on to. Love is not elusive, it can be found in the strangest places. To get love, you might just have to show love. Really, if you have the Love of God in your heart, most things will fall into place. Do you have the gifts of the season? If you don't take time to reflect and try to attain them. We all deserve these presents more than any other. Till next time, may the gifts of the season be yours now and forever. Blessings!
Copyright December 22, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Family is important to me. I love my family immensely even when they get on my nerves, which I might add, is often. My family is scattered in various parts of the States which I actually hate. I've missed so much of my nephew's and niece's lives. This year my sister and I wasted six months because we were too stubborn to get past a misunderstanding. I know my dad would be disappointed with both of us. Family matters. It is with those people, with whom you should be able to let go of all of your inhibitions, and just do you.
Peace is important to me. If God is all that I profess Him to be, I should let each day take care of itself. (ref. Matthew 6:34) I could stop right there but in case you are reading this and you don't know the peace which surpasses all understanding(ref. Philippians 4:7), let me say this.....We only get 24 hours in each day, no more, no less. Everyday you have a chance to make a fresh start. Our bodies require a minimum of 7 hours of sleep to heal itself, more would be better. Nothing that causes you anxiety can be changed in your sleep. Some stress is natural but worrying about things which might happen is a waste of time and energy. If you have faith, then trust that God will utilize the situations to your good. Be a peacemaker and don't let anyone disturb your peace.
Hope is vital to everyone. You have to have dreams. Dreams sustain you and carry you through the rough patches. Things can always change even when they seem impossible. I try to maintain a positive attitude because optimism works for me. No doom and gloom in this camp. My life has many valleys but I have always known that something better would eventually come along. God has not failed me yet. It is true, you will have disappointments and people will not live up to your expectations but if you have hope, you will be able to take the next step.
Love is the final gift that I am addressing. Love covers a multitude of sins. Jesus came to earth in the form of man to save each and everyone of us from the destruction of our sin. He was sinless, yet He bore the weight of every one's sins on the cross so that we could have eternal life. Now that is a real present. It doesn't get any better than that. That is what the true gift of the season is really all about. God loves us unconditionally and NOTHING that we do can separate us from Him if we believe in Him.
God has called us to be in relationship with others. Every relationship is symbolic of His love for the the Church. I Corinthians 13 is the "Love Chapter." Nowhere else is love defined so sacrificially. This is best evidenced when we look at a newborn. Babies don't thrive if they aren't loved(or touched). Adults don't either, they just might cope better. Today my neice asked me to define love for her via text. What a loaded question! I told her that it was complicated and that the defination varied from person to person. That will be another blog for another day!
Whatever you celebrate this season, I certainly pray that you have love, hope, and peace as well as a family to support you through the good times and the bad. If you are missing any of those things, my prayer for you is that you find it in the New Year. If you are at odds with your family, mend fences and be genuine about it. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. If you are burdened with anxiety and stressed out, turn it over to God and move on. The best gift you could give yourself is a good night's sleep and good health, both of which you are missing, if you are suffering from anxiety. Peace of mind is simply priceless! Then, there is always hope. You gotta have something to believe in and hold on to. Love is not elusive, it can be found in the strangest places. To get love, you might just have to show love. Really, if you have the Love of God in your heart, most things will fall into place. Do you have the gifts of the season? If you don't take time to reflect and try to attain them. We all deserve these presents more than any other. Till next time, may the gifts of the season be yours now and forever. Blessings!
Copyright December 22, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The storm actually hit Virginia! Yea us! As I write this post, the snow is still falling(and has been since about 8:45 PM) and it is so beautiful. My kids are ecstatic, my hubby(who has to shovel), not so much. My son is requesting a family snowball fight. My dogs are confused as all get out but the American Bulldog, Spike, is loving it. Cinnamon, the princess dog, not so much.
The ingredients for baking some really good cookies are set out. First up, oatmeal-raisin, and then sugar cookies that will be baked tomorrow. On tomorrow's baking agenda, chocolate chip and peanut butter blossoms, along with the sugar cookies, whose dough will have chilled long enough. Yum! The house will smell great.
I am going to rearrange the gifts under my tree. The gifts are randomly thrown under it right now. If you want something done right, do it yourself! I have two movies to watch and plenty of books to read. Life is good for me. I have already caught up with one my BFFs. Shout out to my my girl, Monica Ann Cowans. We've been friends since dirt! Going to catch up with a couple of others later on! Does it get any better than that? I don't think so!
Again, I wish each of you the joy of the season. Be safe! Share your blessings with others. Have a prosperous New Year!
Copyright December 19, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Friday, December 18, 2009
Let It Snow
So we have a threat of a serious snow storm here in the Mid-Atlantic. The prediction is 8-12 inches of the white stuff. That translates to pure pandemonium for some and a serious time to relax and enjoy quality family time for others. I like snow when it is fresh fallen and clean. It looks so beautiful and it reminds me of the peace of God. Plus, we need cold to get rid of germs.
I like being in the house with my family. We bake, play games, and watch lots of movies. The children will play in the snow. Unfortunately, we live in area where traffic tends to be horrendous when the sun is shining brightly so you can imagine what it's like when the snow falls(or even if it rains). I grew up in Cleveland and attended college in Pittsburgh so I am used to snow and cold. Who knew I'd live somewhere that actually could run out of salt? WOW! Needless to say things get a little hairy, folks forget how to drive, and things like milk, toilet paper, and orange juice disappear off the grocery shelves like there is no tomorrow. The first time that happened, I was so confused. I am out doing my regular grocery shopping and alas, the shelves were bare. I inquired as to why and to my surprise the store clerk said, "Ma'am, there going to be a snow storm!" I had a WTF moment. After living in this area for years now, I still have to laugh.....I mean how long can we really be stuck in the house. The stores are open and the folks out are few. You can get what you need.
So here is to the impending storm! I look forward to the time spent with those I love the most at the time of year that I love the most. I love the Thanksgiving through New Year period. Time together is priceless, we all like the arrival of a lot of snow....No School, No work, All play! Yea! So what does your family do? Do you make the best of the situation and bond? Do you get out the sleds? Do you bake cookies and drink hot chocolate? However you choose to spend the time, I hope you make the best of it. Forced family fun and games can bond your family and create priceless memories for the future. It looks like we just might have a white Christmas after all....and that makes me immensely happy! Be careful and be neighborly! Shoveling snow is back breaking work and injuries can be had. Be careful but more importantly, see this as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy your loved ones!
Copyright December 18, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
I like being in the house with my family. We bake, play games, and watch lots of movies. The children will play in the snow. Unfortunately, we live in area where traffic tends to be horrendous when the sun is shining brightly so you can imagine what it's like when the snow falls(or even if it rains). I grew up in Cleveland and attended college in Pittsburgh so I am used to snow and cold. Who knew I'd live somewhere that actually could run out of salt? WOW! Needless to say things get a little hairy, folks forget how to drive, and things like milk, toilet paper, and orange juice disappear off the grocery shelves like there is no tomorrow. The first time that happened, I was so confused. I am out doing my regular grocery shopping and alas, the shelves were bare. I inquired as to why and to my surprise the store clerk said, "Ma'am, there going to be a snow storm!" I had a WTF moment. After living in this area for years now, I still have to laugh.....I mean how long can we really be stuck in the house. The stores are open and the folks out are few. You can get what you need.
So here is to the impending storm! I look forward to the time spent with those I love the most at the time of year that I love the most. I love the Thanksgiving through New Year period. Time together is priceless, we all like the arrival of a lot of snow....No School, No work, All play! Yea! So what does your family do? Do you make the best of the situation and bond? Do you get out the sleds? Do you bake cookies and drink hot chocolate? However you choose to spend the time, I hope you make the best of it. Forced family fun and games can bond your family and create priceless memories for the future. It looks like we just might have a white Christmas after all....and that makes me immensely happy! Be careful and be neighborly! Shoveling snow is back breaking work and injuries can be had. Be careful but more importantly, see this as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy your loved ones!
Copyright December 18, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Crunk Carols
I love Christmas but I really love Christmas music. Nothing gets me in the mood or spirit of the season other than a good Christmas song. The Motown Christmas Album(oops CD) is the absolute best. Here are a few of my favorites in no particular order. Check them out! Let me know what I might be missing. As always, get your Christmas jam on and if you don't have a spirit rousing play list, you can always borrow mine(you can tweak it later!).
1. Silent Night-Temptations
2. Santa Baby-Macy Gray
3. Hallelujah Chorus-Morman Tabernacle Choir
4. What Child is This-Vanessa Williams
5. O Holy Night-Mariah Carey
6. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire-Nat King Cole
7. O Come All Ye Faithful-Luther Vandross
8. I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus-Jackson 5
9. White Christmas-Destiny's Child
10. This Christmas-Donnie Hathaway
11. Do You Hear What I Hear-Whitney Houston
12. The Little Drummer Boy-Temptations
13. Christmas Just Ain't Christmas-O'Jays
1. Silent Night-Temptations
2. Santa Baby-Macy Gray
3. Hallelujah Chorus-Morman Tabernacle Choir
4. What Child is This-Vanessa Williams
5. O Holy Night-Mariah Carey
6. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire-Nat King Cole
7. O Come All Ye Faithful-Luther Vandross
8. I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus-Jackson 5
9. White Christmas-Destiny's Child
10. This Christmas-Donnie Hathaway
11. Do You Hear What I Hear-Whitney Houston
12. The Little Drummer Boy-Temptations
13. Christmas Just Ain't Christmas-O'Jays
So get your holiday groove on. Trim the tree, decorate, and be cheerful. These songs should definitely help. Most importantly, reflect on the love of Christ and remember to reflect it in your day to day dealings. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas!
Copyright December 9, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Keep Your Friends Close and your Frenemies Closer
What is a frenemy you ask? A frenemy is a supposed friend who doesn't quite treat you right. Yes, it is defined in popular dictionaries. So is the person a friend or an enemy? Both dictionary.com and Websters define a frenemy in a way that shows that the friend is a fake with bad intentions. I like Dictionary.com's definition best. "A person who is ostensibly friendly or collegial with someone but who is actually antagonistic or competitive."
Do you have someone in your life who fits that description? I hope not but let's be real, you probably do. I hate to say it but I have a frenemy or two and so do most of my friends. I think my mama even has a frenemy or two. So who is this person and what is really going on with them? Maybe the person is jealous of you, maybe they don't feel that they measure up and you are their model of perfection so they are in your space toget something learn from you.
I hope at this age none of us is guilty of smiling in a person's face and then stabbing or talking about them behind their backs. That was elementary and middle school stuff that should have been left behind. Our friendships should be authentic, honest, and true. We should seek to spur our friends to greatness, not tear them down.
As a parent, it is important to exemplify realness in friendships for my daughter. I so don't want to see her placed in position to get hurt, but I know, it will eventually be inevitable. She's popular, but even popular girls have their fair share of frenemy encounters. I constantly remind her to be careful of her text messages, IMs, and social networking sites. I am on Facebook, and I have received friend requests from people who I think simply want to get in my business. I have had discussions with my friends and I know it is not just me. My husband wants an acquaintance button to distinguish friends from associates. He really hates to bestow the friendship title on someone who really isn't his friend.
In an age where we have instant access to everything and reality television has extremely high ratings, we seek out the familiar, even if the familiar wasn't our cup of tea in the past. I warn you all to be cautious of what you put out there as well as how much information you allow others to have on you. Everyone is not meant to be a part of your audience. Some will really be in your corner, others are simply haters. Let your haters be your motivators. There is nothing like overcoming the naysayers.
If you are superficial in your relationships, check yourself. The person who may be hurt the most is you. When Jesus encountered anyone, He met their basic needs first and then He made a positive change in their lives. He is our greatest example of how to be a friend. Philippians 2:3-4(NKJV) states, "let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." The New Year is approaching, commit to being authentic in each and every relationship that you are in. Life is too short to be phony, cutting the loss may make room for the real blessing that God has in store for you.
Copyright December 8, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Do you have someone in your life who fits that description? I hope not but let's be real, you probably do. I hate to say it but I have a frenemy or two and so do most of my friends. I think my mama even has a frenemy or two. So who is this person and what is really going on with them? Maybe the person is jealous of you, maybe they don't feel that they measure up and you are their model of perfection so they are in your space to
I hope at this age none of us is guilty of smiling in a person's face and then stabbing or talking about them behind their backs. That was elementary and middle school stuff that should have been left behind. Our friendships should be authentic, honest, and true. We should seek to spur our friends to greatness, not tear them down.
As a parent, it is important to exemplify realness in friendships for my daughter. I so don't want to see her placed in position to get hurt, but I know, it will eventually be inevitable. She's popular, but even popular girls have their fair share of frenemy encounters. I constantly remind her to be careful of her text messages, IMs, and social networking sites. I am on Facebook, and I have received friend requests from people who I think simply want to get in my business. I have had discussions with my friends and I know it is not just me. My husband wants an acquaintance button to distinguish friends from associates. He really hates to bestow the friendship title on someone who really isn't his friend.
In an age where we have instant access to everything and reality television has extremely high ratings, we seek out the familiar, even if the familiar wasn't our cup of tea in the past. I warn you all to be cautious of what you put out there as well as how much information you allow others to have on you. Everyone is not meant to be a part of your audience. Some will really be in your corner, others are simply haters. Let your haters be your motivators. There is nothing like overcoming the naysayers.
If you are superficial in your relationships, check yourself. The person who may be hurt the most is you. When Jesus encountered anyone, He met their basic needs first and then He made a positive change in their lives. He is our greatest example of how to be a friend. Philippians 2:3-4(NKJV) states, "let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." The New Year is approaching, commit to being authentic in each and every relationship that you are in. Life is too short to be phony, cutting the loss may make room for the real blessing that God has in store for you.
Copyright December 8, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Friday, December 4, 2009
Weekend Plans
I am going camping with the Girl Scouts. Pray for me. I am not a camping kinda girl. I do love my daughter. I also love her troop leader. She's one of my good girlfriends. Thank goodness, my daughter and her troop thinking camping equals bonding, not bonfires. They want to work on a photography badge and prepare their own meals. That, sandwiched between them doing their nails and watching as many movies as possible constitutes their idea of a great camping experience. Lucky for me, I can handle that. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Don't spend too much money, January bills arrive much faster than you think!
Copyright December 4, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Copyright December 4, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Random Musings Again
So Many things going on, so little time to get them all down. What? With celebrating the birth of Christ, who has time to write it all down? I have to get things in where I can fit them in so.....who knew the end of the year would have us scratching our heads so often.
Tiger Woods-Ummm, to keep it short, I will say, Bruh(and you are a brother, so you just got a reality check), you screwed up. We all do. Unfortunately, the media never respects your boundaries when you mess up. They drop the rules and make up their own. We can all tell the tale whether you speak publicly or not. You had sexual relations outside of the marriage bed and got caught. Elin opened a can of Whoop a$$ on you and went the heck off. Girlfriend was going to wear that a$$ out with your golf club(if you tried that crap, you'd go to jail, it would be a damn weapon). You drove off in a tizzy, indignant that her kept, excuse me, well kept, a$$ challenged your infidelity and crashed your SUV. Kinda hard to keep the media whores from humping you for info. They are relentless. Now she's rumored to be revising her pre-nuptial agreement and you are apologizing like crazy. Yep the pre-nup will be revised, you will agree to the changes, after all she has your babies and that speaks volumes in most courts unless she is just trifling. Then you will do a Kobi(Bryant that is) and buy a ring that is a house...oh and probably a house that is a house as well. Won't be the end of story because now everyone will want to get paid and let's face it, tabloids will pay top dollar to put your ish on front street. So all the women will give you up and tarnish your name. Some of the endorsements might disappear. Does your sexual habits have anything to do with your golf game? Not at all but this will be the time they remind you that you are a Black Man. Need I say more? I doubt it because my readers are extremely intelligent.
Homosexuality-why has it become so stylish? I mean really. I don't hate the people who are living this lifestyle but I don't agree with it. When did it become acceptable for TV series to have at least one homosexual act(or relationship) in each episode? Do I have to see two women kiss every time I watch Greys or whatever other show? Ugh! Leave some things to the imagination. Meredith Baxter Birney revealed she was gay this morning on the Today Show. Come on, Alex Keaton's mom? Actually, I wasn't surprised but hey if it took her this long to figure it out welllll, I think it is suspect. No visibility, no roles, wanna resurrect my career or at least get people talking, reveal something publicly. Even our youngsters think being gay is cute. It's not. Parents don't be wimps, advise and guide your children...the decisions they make now can affect them for the rest of their lives. If you don't have their ear, their peers do, and they may not be giving them the right information if they are confused about their sexuality.
The Salahis-okay, they were dead wrong but they maintain their innocence. Come on people! We are not stupid. Your own family is calling you media whores. No more press for you on my blog.
Secret Service-don't slack on security. We ain't never seen no ish like that happen before. You all know folks are still ticked that Barack made it to the big, I mean White House.
Papparazzi/media-damn, give our nosey a$$e$ a break. Yes we have gotten used to the fact that you hide in trees and leap single buildings in a bound but really sometimes enough is simply enough. It's a wonder ain't nobody gone postal on y'all's crazy selves. Inquiring minds do want to know but there is a cost and nobody knows the price the constant pressure places on anyone. Sometimes you need to respect the privacy of others.
Sesame Street-they are 40 years old! How cool is that? They are still relevant and remain contemporary, teaching kids basic values and pre-school basics. They continue to maintain a level of diversity along with a good balance of celebrities hanging with those interesting muppet creatures. I loved Sesame Street as a kid and when I catch a glimpse of it now, I am still impressed.
Vampires-someone please tell me what the fascination is. I know the Twilight series is popular but really folks.....the books stores are now innundated with vampire knock-off series. Team Jacob or Team Edward? Who cares?
Having a pet-Audriel, this is for you. ;0 I was perfectly content with our very lazy chill beagle, Cinnamon and lo and behold, my son started asking us for "a bulldog named, Spike." I politely ignored the request and humored him appropriately. See I knew I'd end up taking care of said pup. My husband took it upon himself to start researching and found a heck of a del for a bulldog from a local breeder. He called me from work with this bright and brilliant idea to surprise DJ with his request. (raised eyebrow and scratching my head trying hard to hide my growing anxiety and anger-WTF moment). I maturely explain the burden of a new puppy with no home training. He agreed. Well a day or two later, he makes an executive decision and vetoes my vehement, resounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Another WTF moment. Let me just say that I am so not used to being vetoed. Excuse me, I need my reality back! So long story short we get Spike the American Bulldog at 8 weeks old. Damn, he was cute. He was still a puppy though. I love dogs, note the word, dogs, not puppies. Puppies need training. Spike is no exception. So after several months, there are several things that need to be replaced in my house. Spike is playful and man does he love to chew. Spike will chew on any and everything. Flip-flops, comforters, and Web-kinz are his favorite objects. If something has a tiny hole in it, Spike will find it and enlarge it and eventually the stuffing will be all over my floor. Spike is a typical bully dog and doesn't know when to leave his smaller big sister alone. He will ignore you when you call but let you call the other dog and Spike is off and running. I could go on and on but I will stop for now. Despite his shortcomings, Spike is loyal just like Cinnamon. Both of them are adept at reading people's moods and acting accordingly. They are man's best friend. Audriel, in other words, don't do it, get some fish! LMAO!
Christmas-it really is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the spirit of charity. I love the music....ain't nothing like the Motown Christmas CD to get your spirits up. Aside from that, it is most important to remember the gift of Christ. He came to save us from all of our sins, past, present, and future. Christmas is a time of hope and renewed faith. None of us is perfect but Jesus Christ is. If you are missing joy or peace, seek a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Your life will change and the void will be filled. Jesus is the reason for the season and without Christ, there would be no Christmas.
Till next time, I wish you hope, joy, and the peace of this season. May Christ fill your heart with His presence and peace.
Copyright December 2, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
Tiger Woods-Ummm, to keep it short, I will say, Bruh(and you are a brother, so you just got a reality check), you screwed up. We all do. Unfortunately, the media never respects your boundaries when you mess up. They drop the rules and make up their own. We can all tell the tale whether you speak publicly or not. You had sexual relations outside of the marriage bed and got caught. Elin opened a can of Whoop a$$ on you and went the heck off. Girlfriend was going to wear that a$$ out with your golf club(if you tried that crap, you'd go to jail, it would be a damn weapon). You drove off in a tizzy, indignant that her kept, excuse me, well kept, a$$ challenged your infidelity and crashed your SUV. Kinda hard to keep the media whores from humping you for info. They are relentless. Now she's rumored to be revising her pre-nuptial agreement and you are apologizing like crazy. Yep the pre-nup will be revised, you will agree to the changes, after all she has your babies and that speaks volumes in most courts unless she is just trifling. Then you will do a Kobi(Bryant that is) and buy a ring that is a house...oh and probably a house that is a house as well. Won't be the end of story because now everyone will want to get paid and let's face it, tabloids will pay top dollar to put your ish on front street. So all the women will give you up and tarnish your name. Some of the endorsements might disappear. Does your sexual habits have anything to do with your golf game? Not at all but this will be the time they remind you that you are a Black Man. Need I say more? I doubt it because my readers are extremely intelligent.
Homosexuality-why has it become so stylish? I mean really. I don't hate the people who are living this lifestyle but I don't agree with it. When did it become acceptable for TV series to have at least one homosexual act(or relationship) in each episode? Do I have to see two women kiss every time I watch Greys or whatever other show? Ugh! Leave some things to the imagination. Meredith Baxter Birney revealed she was gay this morning on the Today Show. Come on, Alex Keaton's mom? Actually, I wasn't surprised but hey if it took her this long to figure it out welllll, I think it is suspect. No visibility, no roles, wanna resurrect my career or at least get people talking, reveal something publicly. Even our youngsters think being gay is cute. It's not. Parents don't be wimps, advise and guide your children...the decisions they make now can affect them for the rest of their lives. If you don't have their ear, their peers do, and they may not be giving them the right information if they are confused about their sexuality.
The Salahis-okay, they were dead wrong but they maintain their innocence. Come on people! We are not stupid. Your own family is calling you media whores. No more press for you on my blog.
Secret Service-don't slack on security. We ain't never seen no ish like that happen before. You all know folks are still ticked that Barack made it to the big, I mean White House.
Papparazzi/media-damn, give our nosey a$$e$ a break. Yes we have gotten used to the fact that you hide in trees and leap single buildings in a bound but really sometimes enough is simply enough. It's a wonder ain't nobody gone postal on y'all's crazy selves. Inquiring minds do want to know but there is a cost and nobody knows the price the constant pressure places on anyone. Sometimes you need to respect the privacy of others.
Sesame Street-they are 40 years old! How cool is that? They are still relevant and remain contemporary, teaching kids basic values and pre-school basics. They continue to maintain a level of diversity along with a good balance of celebrities hanging with those interesting muppet creatures. I loved Sesame Street as a kid and when I catch a glimpse of it now, I am still impressed.
Vampires-someone please tell me what the fascination is. I know the Twilight series is popular but really folks.....the books stores are now innundated with vampire knock-off series. Team Jacob or Team Edward? Who cares?
Having a pet-Audriel, this is for you. ;0 I was perfectly content with our very lazy chill beagle, Cinnamon and lo and behold, my son started asking us for "a bulldog named, Spike." I politely ignored the request and humored him appropriately. See I knew I'd end up taking care of said pup. My husband took it upon himself to start researching and found a heck of a del for a bulldog from a local breeder. He called me from work with this bright and brilliant idea to surprise DJ with his request. (raised eyebrow and scratching my head trying hard to hide my growing anxiety and anger-WTF moment). I maturely explain the burden of a new puppy with no home training. He agreed. Well a day or two later, he makes an executive decision and vetoes my vehement, resounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Another WTF moment. Let me just say that I am so not used to being vetoed. Excuse me, I need my reality back! So long story short we get Spike the American Bulldog at 8 weeks old. Damn, he was cute. He was still a puppy though. I love dogs, note the word, dogs, not puppies. Puppies need training. Spike is no exception. So after several months, there are several things that need to be replaced in my house. Spike is playful and man does he love to chew. Spike will chew on any and everything. Flip-flops, comforters, and Web-kinz are his favorite objects. If something has a tiny hole in it, Spike will find it and enlarge it and eventually the stuffing will be all over my floor. Spike is a typical bully dog and doesn't know when to leave his smaller big sister alone. He will ignore you when you call but let you call the other dog and Spike is off and running. I could go on and on but I will stop for now. Despite his shortcomings, Spike is loyal just like Cinnamon. Both of them are adept at reading people's moods and acting accordingly. They are man's best friend. Audriel, in other words, don't do it, get some fish! LMAO!
Christmas-it really is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the spirit of charity. I love the music....ain't nothing like the Motown Christmas CD to get your spirits up. Aside from that, it is most important to remember the gift of Christ. He came to save us from all of our sins, past, present, and future. Christmas is a time of hope and renewed faith. None of us is perfect but Jesus Christ is. If you are missing joy or peace, seek a relationship with your Heavenly Father. Your life will change and the void will be filled. Jesus is the reason for the season and without Christ, there would be no Christmas.
Till next time, I wish you hope, joy, and the peace of this season. May Christ fill your heart with His presence and peace.
Copyright December 2, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe
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