Thankful Thursday

I haven't been a writing mode or reading mode lately. If you know me, then you know that means something might be off. I feel I owe it to my readers to post regularly and I have been MIA for a couple weeks. To ease my guilt, I thought I would post a Thankful blog. I know this is done quite a bit in November to honor Thanksgiving. Every day that we wake up and have breath, moving limbs, and a sound mind we should be thankful. Hence this post. 

When I look back over the past year, I have a  million small reasons to be thankful for what God has done. This year, my husband and I had the pleasure of hosting several members of his family who came to visit. To borrow a term, most of these visits could be considered "milestone trips." All families have their share of dysfunction and his is no exception. Sparing you all the details, it was truly a blessing for his aging mother to come along with his oldest sister. Later in the year, another of his sisters visited and I truly gained a good girlfriend. We were also fortunate enough to have my hubby's children come to visit. If you know us well, you know that is a miracle that has been prayed for for a really long time. Every visit went well and a great time was had by all. My husband is a happy camper and I am thankful to be able to witness all these things come to pass. God is faithful and His timing is perfect even when we don't think it is. 

I am also thankful for the haters in my life. Truth be told, they motivate me. Life is tricky but God always reveals the true character of the people in your sphere of life. You never know who is trying to salt your game. Case and point, I asked an "acquaintance" about her opinion on something I had been asked to do by a common friend of ours. We had a brief conversation and I was done. As chance would have it, I was meeting the common friend right after. As we sat chatting, she opened her e-mail and there was one from the "acquaintance" I had questioned earlier. The acquaintance, had sent her an e-mail in less than a span of a half an hour and indicated that she had spoken with me but had some reservations about me doing what I had been asked to do. WTH? Who does that? I immediately got pissed off because my questions were a) quite general and b)because the person was in no position to have reservations about me in that capacity. SN: I knew I'd see the acquaintance the next day and she'd be smiling in my face(unbeknown  to her that I saw the e-mail). Of course I thought about confronting her and the earlier versions of me would have done so without reservation but the tactful mature me, let it go and tucked it into my head for future retribution reference. I will let you know how things turn out there because I don't deal well with backstabbers or well intentioned folks who stick their noses where they don't belong. 

I am also thankful for my friends and family. Most of my close friends live in different cities. God knows when to have them check in. Just when you think you might lose it, a well placed call from a person who knows the real you, does wonders for the soul. Not a day goes by that I don't praise God for the people I have chosen to have a role in my life, nor does a day go by that I don't give thanks for the the dysfunctional bunch of folks that I didn't choose (my lovely family). God knows what we need but more importantly who we need to cultivate the best of us or build in us the character that brings Him glory. The cast of characters in my life is as varied as it is flawed but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am blessed and I know it. Thanks for allowing me to vent/share/digress. Till next time, remember it is the little things that are important.

In Thankful Diva love,

Pam

Mommy Blahs #1

I have a headache as I type this blog. My oldest child is 14 and she is a Freshman in high school. She is a very intelligent young lady whose goal appears to be excelling in underachievement. You'd have to understand that my hubby is the consummate overachiever and I simply don't settle for mediocrity. God has challenged me with both of my children. they love life and everything about it but they aren't pressed about making a statement and leaving their marks. OMG! I was a busy in  high-school and college. I was NOT an A student, in fact, I was an average student. I did however participate in any and everything. My husband was #2 in his class and he too was a busy student. My kids are content to sit back and chill. Lawd, this entitlement generation is going to give me a coronary. We are miffed because nothing in us has prepared us for handling this.

I don't want to impose my agenda on my children but I know it is my role as a parent to spur them to greatness. My daughter has the ability to be an A student. She is lazy and hates to study. She is NOT interested in participating in any activities. My issue is this, if you aren't super busy with activities, you have to be an awesome student. Hubby and I are ranting about being well rounded for college applications and you know what? It is frustrating as all get out! She doesn't get it and we can't make her. Anyhoo, God has shown me yet another area of specific prayer! Pray for me and my children! I keep telling my kids to tap into their God-given power. Them being afraid of their power limits their friends. I think they need to spur their friends to greatness. and vice versa.  It is stressful when you see things in people that they fail to see in them selves. Don't get me wrong, there are adults who suffer from this but children still have more hope and potential to impact their niche.

Okay, I think I am over it now! Well not really! Thank goodness for God's grace and mercy. More importantly, for His plan. He has mapped out a future for both my children. No level of underachievement will keep them from doing that which He has for them to do. That nugget is keeping me sane right now. Thanks for allowing me to rant on what for most bloggers is Wordless Wednesdays! Love you guys!

In Kicking & Screaming Diva Love,

Pam :)

Seeds

We are still early in the year so most of us are still planning out how this year will be the year that we will (insert your plan here). Yep, we have a plan for things to happen even if we haven't made any resolutions. So, what does that have to do with a seed you ask? Well it is real simple. A seed is equipped with everything it needs to become a plant. The seeds contain the leaf, the stem, and the flower. We simply need to plant it and water it, and give it a bit of sunshine. 

Has God ever put something on your heart? Is there something you know that you are supposed to do but haven't done it? What is stopping you? Is it fear, anxiety, worry, or doubt? We too are equipped with everything we need. Sometimes we need to step out on faith and just do that thing. It may not make sense to anyone but you (and God). If God has told you to do something, He has already equipped you with everything you need to accomplish it.  So here I go, issuing you yet another challenge. Let 2012 be the year that you birth whatever it is that God has spoken to your heart. All you can do is put one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.  

Ponder this verse in your heart, The Message says it quite plainly, "Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle." (ref: Matthew 17:20) The Word is telling us that with just the minutest bit of faith, nothing is impossible. To further confirm, James 1:22 states, "Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!"  (ref: The Message) So what are you waiting for? Your destiny (and mine, because this is just as much about me as it you) is calling! Get started! Be blessed and be a blessing!

In Diva Faith & Love, 

Pam

New Beginnings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

These are my resolutions for 2012:

I resolve not to make any resolutions which I probably wouldn't keep anyway. That being said, I welcome the New Year because it brings new opportunities and a fresh perspective to what might be an old situation. So I resolve to be a better me. That translates into being happy, healthy, and positive. I can't let my circumstances define my persona. In turn, I will remain true to the fact that God will carry me through the highs and lows of life. Who benefits from this? Well, everyone in my space. A better me means a better Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, blogger, lover and anything in between. Every New Year is filled with promise. This year we each have 366 days to be better and do better. Don't make resolutions! Just put it in your head and heart that 201 will be more than you can dream or imagine and wake up each day filled with that purpose. One foot forward, no looking back! So what are you waiting for? There are only a few hours left and then you will only have 365 days to get it right.

Whatever your resolve or perspective, may 2012 be the best one yet. Life is journey, it takes a million twists and turns. Some are expected and others blow us away. The best that we can do is stay true to ourselves and not let the needs and wants of others change who we are at our core. We really can't be everything to everybody. We need to show resilience and grace in the midst of our storms. It is easier to smile than frown. Most important, we need to be honest...honest about our feelings, desires, shortcomings, and life experiences. Everyone can benefit from the truth. Finally, don't forget to pray, it may not change your situation but it will definitely change you! Enjoy all the blessings that are in store for you in 2012! 

Divaliciously yours, 

Pam

Don't Look Back, You're Not Going that Way!!!

Well, this is it! 2011 will officially become the past in a matter of hours. For many of us, myself included, it will be a time to reflect and renew. Out with the old and in with the new. For each person, 2011 has it's own set of memories, some great and others awful. No matter what has happened, if you are reading this post, it means you survived and made it through. Our experiences become the sum of our lives. Those experiences are our best teachers of how to move forward and continue processing this thing called LIFE. It is important to let those things go and remain a small part of our life journey. Each day holds its own set of drama and experiences. Holding on to past hurts and regrets will make you depressed and bring you down. Nobody likes dealing with Debbie Downer all the time. 

As we usher in 2012, many of us will make resolutions and promises. Some will be kept and others will be long forgotten before the 31st day of January. We all have an idea of what we think defines perfection in our lives. God knows better than we do, and often times, He has a totally different plan set for us. Whatever the path, be it easy to navigate or in need of a lot of direction, He remains in control. We simply need to stay in His will and walk the walk and talk the talk with dignity and grace. We need to remain true to our own values and not be defined by the needs and desire of others. Whatever the case, our eyes should be focused on the future. The past is just that, something that happened. We can't change it. It is old news and old stuff. Life is a journey, we go forward. Sometimes, we really do have to press ahead. That means no it won't be easy, but the motion is forward.

Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. God told us to let each day handle its own set of issues. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34 NASB) Sometimes we simply need to take the focus off of ourselves and focus on others. The world will never suffer from us being kind to a stranger. A smile can make a huge difference in some one's life. Listening is also important. Sometimes, it is a matter of us just slowing down long enough to meet a basic need for someone else. When all else fails, prayer works. God never answers in our prescribed method but He will move in a situation. Sometimes His lack of action is our answer. Prayers work not just for us but for others. We have to intercede and seek God's will for others, God isn't looking for us to pray about our personal concerns all the time, in fact prayers for self should be the end of our requests, not the beginning. 

Wherever you are and whatever you do to ring in the New Year, I hope you will do it safely. If you are drinking, please don't drive. Friends really don't let friends drive drunk. Whatever hurts, anger, and bitterness you are harboring, let it go. You will feel so much better and your health will improve. I say it all the time, on our worst day, we are more blessed than so many others in the world. If you are having a pity party, I challenge to to count your blessings, name them one by one. Once you do this, you will be quickly reminded that though your past has been challenging, your future is still bright with promise. Every day you can choose to be positive, you can choose joy, and you can choose to look beyond yourself. 

May 2012 be your best year yet! May God bless and keep you! May your successes be many! May there peace and prosperity in your future! May there be much love, joy, and laughter in the year to come. Happy New Year to each and every one!!!

In Diva love, 


Pam

Twas the Night Before CHRISTmas

Today is Christmas Eve! Yea! You all know that I absolutely love Christmas. From my previous post, you also know that I was having trouble getting into to the spirit of the season this year. Well the moment is upon us. I know there are folks out there shopping today but alas, I will not be one of them. Children are eagerly anticipating all the material things that they will receive under their beautifully decorated trees tomorrow. Parents are exhausted from running to and fro to find the right toy or gadget. Cookies are baked, parties have been given. The sad thought is that most of things have not included the real thing. Jesus, the reason for the season. You all are aware that Christmas is a spiritual holiday, aren't we? Funny, even secular folk get caught up in the wonder of the moment.

Christmas Eve is a good time to reflect on the past year and start looking ahead to the year to come. If you are reading this post, you are very blessed. God has been good to you. For some reading the post, it has been a good year, for others perhaps, it has been stressful year. All of us have weathered our share of ups and downs, trials and triumphs. We have lost loved ones, gained new friends, watched our finances stretch beyond our wildest imaginations. We've seen politics played out in the most immature and condescending fashion. Celebrities fiascoes have invaded our homes and wasted our time(and energy). Terrorists have been captured and killed. Icons have died and left legacies that will forever change technology. Television will not be the same but of course we already know that given the number of reality televisions shows that air daily and the lack of talk shows being able to survive.

No matter what has happened, guess who was NOT surprised? You got it, GOD. He ordained every single moment. I often find myself wondering why He allows some of the foolishness. Look what sin has done. Anyhoo, I digress! Christmas Eve is one of my favorite part of the season. Energy is high in my house and just about every other house in the world. What I hope is not missing is the reflection of what happened long long ago. The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Like Mary, the Virgin Mother, there are things we really should ponder in our heart. 

Christmas should be carried with us throughout the year not just from Thanksgiving to New Year. Our hearts should be filled with love for others 24/7. We should be kind to strangers and service workers. We should be hospitable, we should be caring and we should be happy. Our minds should go to the lonely neighbor down the street, the childless widow at work, the countless men and women who sacrifice their family time and unfortunately, sometimes their lives to protect our country, and the saints who serve on mission fields to spread the gospel of Christ. Our prayers should also be filled with these people. I say it all the time, "Be blessed and be a blessing!" Blessing don't have to cost a thing. It takes nothing to smile, hold the door, or engage someone in a really meaningful conversation. The gift of time is precious but it is also priceless.

Jesus had the unique ability to meet people wherever they were. Jesus met all of their needs. Physical, mental, emotion, and most importantly, their spiritual needs. Ministry is work but He made it look so easy. Jesus was never impatient and always had an agenda, yet He took time to nourish His own spirit with prayer. He surrounded himself with a myriad of characters who were constantly surprised by His compassion, power, and insight. Take note my friends. and take heart. Life isn't easy. It is even more difficult when you only focus on yourself and fail to pray. 

As we embrace the real day that has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us all reflect on how unselfishly God gave His only Son Jesus Christ for us. Let us not keep Jesus out of our celebration. Let us  hold the love we have at Christmas in our heart the whole year through. Embrace your family and friends and hold them close. Yea, I know they are all dysfunctional but hey, they are your dysfunctional peeps. Be kind to strangers, all the time. Donate to charity! SMILE! PRAY! BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING!

Whatever you celebrate...Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas......let it be filled with love and laughter. Be merry. Be thankful for all God has brought you through. You aren't the same person you were last Christmas. Hopefully, that is a good thing. Everyday is a new day. Christmas spirit can be a part of every one of them. As the night ushers in Christmas, remember that without CHRIST, there would be no Christmas and that Jesus is the reason for the season. Make that reality a part of your thoughts for the next 36 hours. You simply can't have a celebration with out inviting the guest of honor to the celebration! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

 

In Diva love, 

PAM

Without Christ, There Couldn't Be a CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year! For some reason, I am having a difficult time getting into the spirit. Maybe it is the commercialism that has dulled my senses. Let's face it, Christmas decor is being displayed earlier and earlier each year. I keep joking that eventually, it will be on display year round. I wish there was a rule that Christmas displays can't be put out til Thanksgiving. I know that means we'd only see them for a month. At this point in my life, I'd settle for November 1st. 

Christmas has lost its focus on Christ. I realize that many people have no spiritual grounding. During the month of December, I post a song, sometimes secular, sometimes spiritual, and this year a Christmas related quote. Who cares about being politically correct? My girlfriend watched A Charlie Brown Christmas for the first time this year and was pleasantly surprised that the special actually does focus on the true meaning of Christmas and that Linus' lines have not been edited out. He does quote directly form the Bible.  

Our best hope for the season remains in Christ. For those that don't know what it means to have a relationship with Christ, one can only hope that they will embrace the best spirit of the holiday. That means that hopefully they are a little more patient with the salesclerks or a little more charitable with their possessions. More importantly, I hope they encounter at least one person who will share with them the love of Christ and what His birth and ultimately His death means to them. Only then can you know the real meaning of Christmas. 

The story of Christ's birth is simple and plain but it is no short of a true miracle. I end this post by sharing it with you straight from the book of Luke, Chapter 2, verses 1-2: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (ESV)

I hope you have taken the time to reflect on the simplicity of Christmas. It really isn't about the gifts you give or receive but about the hope you have in your heart. It is about the character and joy you bring to others the whole year through. Like Mary, we need to ponder these things in our heart. Jesus was God's gift to us so that we could have eternal life. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas! Jesus is the reason for the season! 

Diva Blessings,

Pam