Living Water

Hey Folks! I am in a dry patch. You know, a little funk. Things are off in my world for various reasons. Don't get it twisted, I am still blessed beyond measure, but I am still down. When I am in this place, I turn to the Word or encouraging/inspirational quotes to feed my mind and soul. I am sure we all have little tricks to pull ourselves up and for me, nothing works better that God ministering through His Word. I keep an index card folio next to my bed. While I do my morning devotions, if a verse ministers to me, I write it in there for future reference. So I thought I would share some the verses that I depend on to give me back a little life and pep. If you are feeling blue, perhaps these same scriptures can also minister to your soul. I am going to stick with the NKJV to keep things simple. Also I have listed the verses in no particular order. Be blessed but more importantly, be a blessing.

Phillipians 4:6-8: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

2 Corinthians 4:8-9: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Proverbs 17: 27-28: He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

James 1:12: Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Psalm 30:5: For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Zephaniah 3:17: The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Psalm 34:19: Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

1 Corinthians 15:33: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Proverbs 23:13-14: Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.

1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

I haven't listed the verses in any particular order. They are as random as they come. Depends on the moment and mood or whatever I am going through as to whether something touches me enough to jot down. I certainly hope this encourages you in a dry spell. Maybe you have different verses that quench your thirsty soul. By all means, please share them. You never know who you might encourage at the time. Be blessed and be a blessing. That is the best that we can offer anyone at any time. Till next time, I hope I have watered your soul. Peace!

Copyright November 10, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Life, Uninhibited

Here's a really good question for you......answer honestly. If you could do anything in the world and money was not an issue, what would you do? Think of the answer without limiting yourself based on the thoughts of other people and your own self imposed restrictions. Now get your mind churning and tell us all exactly what you'd do. I am excited to see what your plans would be.

Now you know I wouldn't put such a wonderful question out there with first letting you in on my thoughts. Here goes..........After I open my Hallmark and Baskin-Robbin franchises, I would get my foundation in order. My foundation would be set up to mentor African American girls and expose them to opportunities normally not within their reach. I would also focus on eradicating illiteracy, and educating on the importance of fiscal responsibility, home ownership, and development of relevant small businesses. I would love to travel the world with my family doing random acts of kindness(small things with huge impact). I'd write several books and become a motivational speaker. Last of all, I'd go back to school to broaden my mind. What I want taken away from this experience is for my children to appreciate other cultures, to understand and value life from every perspective, and realize that they are, in fact, their brother's keeper.

This is not the first time I have put this question out there to folks. The first time, people wanted to make sure their responses would be confidential because they were hampered by what other folks would think of them. LISTEN UP! This is not a question for judgement. It is a question for you to lose your inhibitions and and just be whomever you want. If you could do whatever you want, what would you do? Who would you be? How would you utilize your personal influence? It isn't really that deep. Everyone is not going to be selfless. Everyone is not going to impact the world. The point is you have the freedom to be and do whatever you want, plain and simple. Share! Share anonymously! Be creative! Be free! You never know when that opportunity to live out your dream just might present itself.

Copyright November 17, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

My MJ Favs

After writing the previous blog about Michael Jackson's movie, This Is It, I thought I would grace you with my all time favorites from his vast collection of songs. They are in no particular order. Trying to narrow it down to a few songs is no difficult feat. I love music and had not realized just how many songs of MJ's were in rotation on my Ipod. I'd love to hear what your favs are and why. Who else could make you halt your plans while they debuted their latest video? No one but MJ. Here's to you, music lovers...you may not agree but hey there's hundreds of other songs to suggest to me and my fans to check out.



1. Man in the Mirror

2. I'll Be There

3. Human Nature

4. Got To Be There

5. You Are Not Alone

6. Earth Song

7. Smooth Criminal

8. She's Outta My Life

9. Black or White

10. I Just Can't Stop Lovin You

11. Gone Too Soon

12. Another Part of Me

13. Heal the World

14. Butterflies

15. Remember the Time

16. The Lady in My Life

17. Liberian Girl



Til next time.....Jam on my friends! Jam on!



Copyright November 3, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

This Is It

Like most children in the aftermath of Michael Jackson's death, my 8 year old son has become a serious fan of the man and more importantly the music and dance moves. Like many people my age, I had compartmentalized MJ as a troubled genius whose antics had turned me off. I still loved his music but was tired of the never ending drama surrounding his presence. I had written MJ off as a has been whose missed and troubled childhood had scarred him for life.

Since his death, my opinion has changed somewhat. I now view him as a musical genius who died of a broken heart. I have listened to his music so much in the past few months because my children have become obsessed with his music and his extraordinary videos. From the moment that the documentary, This Is It, was announced, my son has insisted that we see it. Who can deny an energetic, persistent, moon-walking kid the pleasure? There was no school, so off I went on a little date with my youngest child. He was very excited and I was reserved.

All I can say is MJ was the damn man as far as musical entertainment goes. The concert would've been off the chain! Based on the footage shown, I would scrape, beg, and borrow to witness the show. MJ's energy and genius made me think I could dance my arse off. NOT! Yet, there were moments where I just felt like I could get up and jam. My son articulated that same feeling. There are scenes where the dancers are in awe of MJ despite the fact that they were rehearsing onstage with him. They are so hyped by his performance and watching him, you can understand it. At one point, it is like they are at church where the worship and praise is so high that folks are getting happy. At another they are cheering and high fiving like crazy. Even holding back, vocally, the viewer is keenly aware that MJ has serious range and very good tone. He had planned to include his most popular songs and each one would be its own unique production within the concert itself. He's confident and in control of what is going on onstage. He's also a master at pleasing and teasing the audience, no doubt leaving them clamoring for more. For the record, MJ really does appear to be in good health and at the top of his game lyrically and physically.

Okay so we all know MJ took music videos to a whole nother level.....well I know his concert would raise the bar for other entertainers. His use of imagery and other creative methods was phenomenal. Absolutely awesome! MJ cared about humanity as well as protecting our planet for our future generations. All of this is evident in the superb production. I am positive it cost a mere fortune to put on a show of this calibur but would be worth every dollar spent. As I reflect on the number of concerts that I've seen, I realize that while they may have been good shows, none put forth the thought or the effort that was evidenced by this film. Shucks, they probably didn't even put this much thought into how the audience would percieve it.

All that said, I left the theater quite impressed with what could've been. MJ was treated with reverance and the utmost respect throughout the process. All of the individuals involved took their jobs quite seriously. They were inspired and honored to be a part of the tour. Of course, you couldn't have a better reference to boost your career. MJ was professional and respectful of everyone else and their feelings. He was serious about his craft. He was serious about preserving his voice for when it would matter. He was emphatic about elevating his show to a high level for the audience as well as letting his performers have their moment to shine. Say what you want about the tragic commentary that had become MJ's reality but no one can deny his ability to thrill and move his dedicated fans.

This Is It was to have been Michael Joseph Jackson's final curtain call and what a helluva curtain call it would've been. Unfortunately, God had other plans. We don't know what happened in Michael's home on that fateful morning, but God does, because He ordained it long long ago. What we do know is that his music is timeless and the effects of his genius will impact and inspire generations to come, in terms of elevating their craft, vocally and visually. We also know that a family is devasted and still mourning the death of a cherished loved one. It appears Michael Jackson will be larger and more profitable in death than he was in life. Whatever the case, I certainly hope he has attained the peace that seemed to elude him in life. I hope that his legacy will inspire each of us to be the best at whatever it is we do and to be more concerned about preserving humanity and our land. Now all we can do is wish and wonder how great that show would've been.

Copyright November 2, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Halloween

So this is a rather random post. Halloween brought out all the ghosts, goblins, and spooks. My kids have collected enough candy to feed a small nation and rot the teeth of everyone living in it. My neighborhood does Halloween pretty big so imagine what Christmas is like. (SMH) Now we all know Halloween is really for our children. Check this bull crap out.....My hubby, as usual, was left at home to distribute what would end up being not enough candy. Of course, I bought enough to feed a small army. He's a six foot African American man(who I left on the porch steps with a huge bowl of various kinds of candy) who is not thugged out, is very clean shaven. Anyhoo, I digress. He relayed to me that there were several individualswho would not allow their children to "trick or treat" from him. One was a man whose child was dressed as a Confederate soldier. Let's just say that we reside in a homogenous neighborhood with little color. Come on folks, how ignorant can you be? I was appalled to say the least. Reality check: Obama in the white house doesn't mean we've put aside our racist notions. Of course, I knew this, but come on, it's candy. Acceptance and tolerance are taught and learned in the home. Be careful what you teach your children.

Copyright November 2, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Keeping a Prayer Journal

In light of my last post, I found this information to be quite useful. There are all types of ways to journal but if you are spiritual, you may find yourself keeping a prayer journal. The prayer journal can serve many purposes such as highlighting the valley and mountaintop experiences or may track the way God has chosen to answer your prayers. If you want to keep a prayer journal but have no idea where to begin, this information may help you. Let me know what you think.

Organizing a Prayer Journal

Set a Pattern
•Decide how and when you will use your prayer journal. Do you require the discipline of writing in it at a fixed time in a regular place? Or do you prefer the freedom of carrying it with you so you can use it whenever? The key element is purposefulness.
Record Praise and Intercession
•Keep two running lists: thank you notes to God and requests to bring before Him. While the requests may come easier, balance is the focus.
•Leave space for answers and write them in. This can inspire gratitude for some items and perseverance for others.•Track petitions and praises for those for whom you pray regularly. You will see more clearly how God is using your prayers in their lives and avoid the dangers of spiritual narcissism.
Include Personal Worship
•Reserve a special page for permanent prayer items. "Lord, give me the perfect love of 1 Corinthians 13" can't be fully answered in this lifetime, but is the sort of prayer God uses to transform you and draw you closer to Himself. Likewise, "Father, thank You for Your great mercy and salvation" is a praise that will never end, and fulfills the high purpose of giving glory to God.
•Write out prayers. This need not stifle the Spirit's spontaneous leading. Many saints of the past, from King David to A.W. Tozer, have invested significant time and energy in recording their prayers. These are not public liturgies, but personal psalms from you to God.
•Meditate over Bible passages on prayer. Or the prayers of individuals such as Mary, Nehemiah, Hannah, Paul, and Christ Himself. Copy down verses and jot down thoughts that impact you.
Store Treasures
•Collect prayer "gems." If a sermon expands your understanding of prayer, note the helpful points. If a quotation says it as you've never thought of it before, copy it down.
•Keep a list of prayer techniques that will break you out of ruts. These might be anything from "Pray for those suffering every time I hear a siren" to "Try a different prayer posture."
Incorporate "Stones of Remembrance"
•Look back to look forward. Prepare your heart for prayer by reviewing the previous day's or week's journal entries. Or devote a special time to talk to God about your recent prayer life—reminding you of what needs prayer and His greatness in hearing you.
•Mark signposts. Several times a year, set aside one or more journal pages for reflections on the impact of prayer in your Christian experience. How has God used prayer in your life? How has prayer deepened your walk with God?
Copyright © 2009, Pray!, a publication of NavPress and The Navigators. All Rights Reserved. NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators, an international Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development. NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives of meaning and hope through personal and group resources that are biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical. To find more spiritual-growth resources, visit www.praymag.com.

Copyright October 27, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

The Un-journal Journal

Do you journal? Journaling is putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. In the past few years, journaling and scrap booking have become the rage. You can find all types of journals in card stores, Christian bookstores, and stores that specialize in stationary. There are guided journals which lead you in jotting down your inner most thoughts and there are open ended journals which allow you to free flow your thoughts. Whatever journal chosen, you can believe it can be beautiful or plain but it is meant to achieve the same thing. You getting to a place to feel comfortable enough to express yourself freely. A place to dream, and hope and sometimes to lament.

I love buying journals despite my reluctance to actually jot my thoughts down. My friends encouraged me to write often but despite the fact that I know writing is one of my many callings, I had the hardest time actually putting pen to paper and expressing anything. Not that I didn't have opinions or things to hope for and dream about, I just hated to feel committed to doing it. I wondered who would read the things in later years? What assumptions would they make about me, the writer? I felt like if I started, I had to be committed to doing it daily. I thought my words had to be politically correct. I thought everything I wrote had to have significance and purpose. So, I collected journals but did not write in them. Silly, huh? Yea, I agree.

One day I read a devotional that pretty much articulated all the things I was feeling about journaling. The author was all in my head thinking exactly like me. I had to laugh because I wasn't alone. What she did for me was to me to let go of my preconceived notions about journaling and just start to write about whatever, whenever.

I decided to term it "the un-journal journal." There are pages where I doodled instead of writing. There are pages where I made lists of my favorite things long before Facebook was even a reality. Some of those lists include my favorite ice cream flavors, my favorite love songs, and my house must haves and everything in between. When in doubt, there are lists of the things that I am thankful for on that particular day. There are poems and inspirational quotes. There are lists of Internet sites that I think might be of interest gleaned from news shows, magazines, and conversations with my friends. In other words, it is whatever I want it to be at the moment I choose to put my pen to my paper.

So if you are at all like me, free yourself. Be unconventional! Pick up a journal and just go for it. Sometimes you will want to write, out of anger frustration or happiness. Sometimes you won't. In the moments that you have nothing to say make a list of things you like or places you want to go. Express what you are thankful for at that moment. Chances are once yo free yourself of the burden of having to express yourself, you just might find that you have quite a bit to say. Next thing you know, you will be blogging. :) Okay, maybe not but honestly, you never know. Get busy. Then share with me your journaling journey. Perhaps it will look like mine and perhaps it won't but it will be a true expression of you. Peace and Love!

Copyright October 27, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe