Sunday, February 28, 2010

Church Shopping

I promised you that I would post some advice given to me about choosing a church. It has been an elusive journey for the Thorpes and I know that Satan would love to see my family fail. I know there is a church out there for us and this is the year that we are going to find it. If you are in the same boat, I hope this will help you too. I think it is rather valuable information. I wish someone had given it to me about 2.5 years ago. Better late than never. Choosing the right place to worship is very important and has eternal value for you and your family.

1. Choose a church that is close geographically. You will be able to participate in activities, and children will have peers they can relate to.

2. Don't look at the "label" on the door. Unless you have a thing about a denomination, give each church their own try! It's the people, not the denomination - attend where you feel loved and comfortable.

3. Attend where you prefer the style of worship... some like what is called "high church", others, a more casual style. Some like hymns, some like contemporary music, or a blend of both.

4. You need to get to know a church before making a decision... attend at least 3-4 weeks. However, you sometimes know a church is not for you after one!

5. Ask to see the church's constitution and statement of faith. Be sure you agree with it, and that there are not things missing that you want to see in a church's statements. Some churches offer this as a welcome class that meets for a few weeks. (You will learn about membership requirements there too!)

6. Visit the children's department. ask how it is run - who the teachers are, security programs, and curriculum used. Then visit the curriculum's website to see their statement of faith - make sure it lines up with the church's!

7. Most important... is the Bible, the whole counsel of God, preached from the pulpit? Which translation of the Scriptures does the pastor like to use? Be sure it's a good translation, (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, RSV, NRSV) not a paraphrase such as The Living Bible or The Message. It's ok to use paraphrases to clarify, but not for the entire passage.

I hope this helps! Pass it on! God bless you if you too are on a journey to find the church that best meets the needs of every member of your household. Finally, don't forget to seek the Lord and ask Him where He wants to place you to utilize the gifts and talents that He has given you. Till we chat again, God bless~

Copyright February 28, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Who Runs Your Life?

Do you make plans and expect everything to go exactly as you've mapped them out? I think we all do. When those plans fall apart, how do you react? Do you assess why they failed? I have friends who are serious planners and I have others who are a bit more relaxed. Whatever the case, we all have things we want or expect to happen in our lives.

I am guilty of making plans and having things mapped out a particular way. In my life, I've noticed that some plans have come to fruition while others tend to remain an elusive dream. The things that I really pray about and take to God tend to work out best. The plans that are really all about me, never quite turn out the way I expect. That is a reminder that while we have free will and can make all kinds of choices, God is really in control. Some days, I love being reminded of that fact, other days, I want God to consult me before He uproots my life. Not being disrespectful, just real.

Of course, God never consults me(I doubt He consults you either). He determines the times and places that we can best use His divine input. He has set some divine appointments for all of us; and all of our own planning can't do anything to change His plan or purpose for us. I don't know about any of you out there I times, that I wish the God would come down and knock on my door and give me my directions. There are other times that I wish He'd drop me a little heavenly note to provide clarity as to the path I should take.

I have been a Christian for quite a long time. I still mess up. I still fail. I still forget to bring my desires/requests to God. Yet, He is always there. He will lovingly embrace me whenever I run into His comforting arms. I think I know what is good for me, but God knows what is best for me. He has provided His Word to aid us on this life journey. We need to make the time to consult Him because there are verses to meet every need. Failing to plan can be a plan for failure but if we are led by the Holy Spirit, He will reveal things to us. That revelation can strengthen our plans or change it.

So, who runs your life? Are you in control or are you controlled by God? I hope you haven't fooled yourself into believing that you are in control. God has an absolutely great sense of humor. I bet He spends a good deal of time laughing at us, His children. I know I spend a lot of time laughing at my daughter, Chante, as I hear her make plans with her friends without consulting either my husband or myself, Silly girl! We are all like Chante sometimes. We forget that we have someone who cares for us and loves us. He wants us to grow and mature. Don't forget to consult your Daddy, He can direct your paths and oftentimes, He can save you stress and heartache. He wants you to live out your purpose. After all, that is what He created you for. So next time you make plans, remember who really is in control, because it certainly is NOT you. Till next time, be a blessing!!!!!

Copyright February 27, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Diva Dialogue II

Hey Folks! I missed y'all. Getting back to the routine is so hard but I wanted to let you know that you were in my thoughts and prayers. There is still snow all over the place but my street is finally ice free. It took forever. No props to VDOT. Hopefully all storms have passed and we are on our way to a very green Spring. I have lost(big drumroll please) 13 pounds as of last night. I have been diligent in my exercise despite all the craziness of the weather and everyone schedules being tossed and driven. I just might make my goal. I have not struggled to pull away from the table thought there are mornings that I literally drag myself outta bed. I wish my niece was here teaching her Zumba class. Props to Tiffany(you can check out her blogs too) who is handling her business despite her growing belly. Can't wait to see Baby T! There will budget cuts at hubby;s place of work. Unfortunately, we won't know if he's on the chopping block till June 1st. Pray for us. Too much change is not good and our family has endured more than our fair share. I have been going to church. I am not sure that it is my church but I did decide to be far more pro-active and relax my expectations a little bit. Someone gave me some great advice about the situation. You know what, I will post it in case any of you are in the same boat. It is good stuff. Well that is it for now. I love you all. Be a blessing, okay!

Copyright February 25, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Same but Different

Here's another blog written by my friend, Dorna. She has taken the liberty to sum up our friendship and she did it so well. I love her like a sister and I can neither add nor subtract from what she has written. I hope each and everyone of you has at least one friend like Dorna in your corner. We've laughed together, cried together, and just simply had fun together. No pretense and very little drama along the way. Oh and because of her, I gave guacamole another chance and will eat it in small quantities. So here is my girl, Dorna, in her own words.........

Same Kind of Different As Me
Last year this time I was walking through Barnes and Noble (one of my absolute favorite places) and saw the book, Same Kind of Different As Me, in the bargain section. I knew nothing about it being a book club selection of many or that it had been a best seller. I was totally captivated by the title because it immediately made think of My Favorite, Pam Thorpe! Pam and I share a really special deep friendship that has developed in a fairly short time. One day during a visit, I had an epiphany and I said “Pam, we’re the same, but different!” Which of course made us bust out laughing because it just sounded so silly! It is, in fact, the truest statements I’ve ever made and we find ourselves still saying it and understanding the comfort in the knowledge.


I met Pam in November of 2005 while we were both in the Godforsaken place of Albany, GA!! Both of us had relocated from relative normalcy and displaced to The Place Time Left Behind; connecting via her husband with whom I worked. We came together passively and more out of a sense of need for connection but we grew over the next 6 months to actively seeking each other out. The summer of 2006 we began to spend a lot of time together as her husband was out of the country. We both had children (my daughter then 12, her daughter 8 & son 4), loved to talk, cook, read and most of all laugh!! We shared some of our best meals with our combined cooking and meager money. The more time we shared together, it became evident we really liked each other and had kindred spirits!! I had a new REAL friend and FAVORITE!!

The sameness of Pam and me has helped me at times to know that I’m not such a misfit. We both are strong, intelligent, confident African-American women. We both went to private and public schools with diverse populations; sometimes predominately white. We both have the same top pet peeves: rudeness, selfishness and mean people!! We are both outgoing, easily making friends; having strong passions and values. We love mixing it up with diverse folks and being in the thick of things. Family is extremely important to us and we believe in the village concept of child rearing, much to our children’s chagrin. We are both problem solvers but we are both capable of raising hell if the issue warrants it!!

Where Pam and I are different makes for the wonderfulness of our friendship!! Pam doesn’t like guacamole…that’s just un-American!! :) Pam has the best gift of discernment and analysis. Although I’m analytical, I’m sometimes too tunneled (or oblivious) to discern the truth about things or people. Because of Pam though, I am becoming more trusting of my own instincts. Pam’s faith is really strong, whereas I’m not as far in my walk, she continues to encourage me with her shining example (..this little light of mine…!).

Pam and I now live 700 miles apart and I miss the ability to see her face to face, though we talk regularly. Truthfully, there are days that I feel like Pam gets the short end our friendship because she is a wonderful person with a generous, giving heart and spirit. She never fails to brighten my day and lifts my spirits when we chat. I can call and ask her the craziest question or have a really deep conversation. I would fight for her and would want her, along with my sister Robin, at my side in a fight. If I had to pay her for all of the psychotherapy /advice she has given, she would be RICH! Instead, my life is richer because of her friendship!! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like her!! Pam is the 2nd sister I wish my mother had given me, but God was kind enough to bring her to me. The best part of our differences is that we can RESPECT each other regardless and LOVE each other unconditionally!! Unfortunately, not many friendships/relationships have this attribute. Our friendship celebrates the fact that we are same, but different!

Copyright February 18, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe





Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Tiger Will Roar

Do we really care that Tiger Woods is planning to talk on Friday? I don't think so! WTF? What is there to say at this point? If I was prepping him this is how it would go...."I maintain my right to privacy. Enough focus has been placed on me and my family whom I've hurt deeply. I have issues and I'm working them out. If I've disappointed you it should solidify that role models should be people who are in your sphere(ie. family and community members). I will return to the golfing world and I will continue to focus on the sport. I hope you will respect my decision to not discuss my personal life from this moment forward. The public will believe whatever they want and you, the media will continue to harass me because we have become a news driven society whether it is worth hearing about or not. I remain committed to my wife and children. Thanks for your time!" That is my take. What do you think?

Copyright February 17, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mommy Rant

Okay, I just wanna say that my children haven't been to school since February 4th. My hubby has been home too. I have really enjoyed having every one of them at home but it is time to get back to some level of normalcy. I am sick of Wii, Facebook, and movies. We have consumed ginormous amounts of food and increased landfills beyond measure. I am happy to report that the tension and fighting have been kept to a minimum. My daughter is moping around because we confiscated her Ipod, cell phone, and computer, so she is missing out on her social life. Her fault, she is grounded. My son would be happy to never return to school because there are way too many video games to play and more than enough programming on the Military channel. All three of them are more than happy to come up with random menu items for ME to prepare on a whim. I have read a few books, done a lot of baking, despite the fact that I am trying to lose weight and eat healthy. I have maintained my exercise routine. We've stayed up really late, gotten up really late, and lazed around in our pajamas. We have had some comical and serious family conversations. We have even had a photo shoot to assist my husband with his photography homework. We are running out of creative things to do.

So why the rant? Well because it is my blog and I write what I want! No, seriously. All this togetherness is fun but we've gotten to the point where we no longer appreciate each other retreating to their own space to maintain their mental sanity. I miss my friends and my routine. My house is not as clean as I want it to be. I haven't had an uninterrupted telephone conversation in so long that I've forgotten what that is like. Ross, TJMaxx, and Home Goods are all calling my name. They miss me, and I them.

As I type this, I have just been informed that schools are once again closed. Oh, I forgot to mention the the County School Board sent out an e-mail telling parents to get together to clear walk ways and bus stops for the children to be safe. Excuse me! Are you freaking serious? REALLY? Umm, last time I checked that was the reason folks pay taxes. I mean really! We have only seen one snow plow, but there were two major storms. I can only hope the trucks were so busy getting the school lots together, but alas that is not the case or they would be going to get ome education in the morning. This crap is ridiculous! Who knows when I will get mail. The snow is so high by my mailbox that if I am not outside to get the mail from the mail person, I can probably forget it till Spring. Okay, I am done. Just needed to vent and get a couple of things off my chest. I love you all for taking the time to hear me out. My love affair with Winter is officially over. Pray for a meltdown of the snow that is, not for me to have one! Peace!

Copyright February 16, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Friday, February 12, 2010

DIVA Dialogue

So here we go with a totally random post....a few things on my mind....gonna share them with you. Hold on to your seats, you might learn something about me.

1. When I weighed 145 pounds, I thought I was overweight. What I wouldn't do to be that size again. Two babies and a whole lot of pounds later, I can only dream of that weight.

2. The best books that I read in 2009 were Same Kind of Different As Me and The Help.

3. Marriage doesn't ever get easy but it will always change you in ways that you never dreamed of....parenthood too.

4. You should start exercising while you are young...it is so much harder when you get into your 40s. They tell me it is good for you and your heart. So I have remained dedicated to working out since Jan. 4, 2010 and while my endurance is growing, it still isn't easy.

5. You are never too old to want your mommy. More and more, I wish that I lived closer. I talk to my mom almost everyday and I'd rather be looking at her and having her really experience being "Grandma" to my kids.

6. A lot of people are not comfortable with themselves. They can't handle lengthy periods of inactivity alone. I love being by myself indoors and out.

7. Some people will be larger in death than they were in life. Richer, too.

8. After years of home ownership, I realize that I hate being a renter.

9. The reasons I hate moving are that I'd have to find a new church, hair-dresser, and friends. All present a different set of challenges.

10. In addition to this blog, I have Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter accounts. MySpace is neglected, I don't understand Twitter, and I utilize Facebook way too much.

11. So far, the girl child is far more challenging than the boy child. I love them both but the girl is a force to be reckoned with. Thank God she has two crazy parents to keep her in line. Did I ever mention that I only wanted boys?

12. Coloring and cooking are both forms of therapy for me. I own a 120 count box of Crayolas.

13. I should have been an English teacher.

14. Dogs can interpret your feelings and emotions better than anyone else in the house. I am serious about that.

15. I haven't been to one High School Reunion function but I plan to attend the 25 year festivities next year. Damn, 25 years out of high school. I can't believe that!!! (SMH)

Well that is it for now. Be blessed! Be a blessing!

Copyright February 12, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Life is Worth Living

What do you think about suicide? Everyone has some opinion whether politically correct or not. Let me clear the record before I rant...I HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED TAKING MY OWN LIFE. I have given thought to the subject because my cousin just told me about a 17 year old who took his life and it appears Alexander McQueen, fashion designer may have also taken his own life. What drives someone to this point?

Life is difficult for most folks and sometimes it weighs you down. Does it get so bad that there is no other alternative besides the finality of death? I don't think so. Again, just my opinion. My girlfriend, Jeanine thinks that suicide is the ultimate act of selfishness and the most extreme of temper tantrums. I think it is an accurate opinion. It is selfish, kind of like telling everyone F@#% you to the highest degree. It is even worse if you fail to leave an explanation. Those you've left behind will be consumed with guilt and pain. They will always be wondering what they could've done to help you or convince you that life really was worth living.

When young people take their lives, I feel a huge amount of sadness for them. Their life has barely begun. They haven't even experienced the real ups and downs of life. I am not negating any one's screwed up childhood but true life experience comes once you are on your own, making foolish decisions and learning from your mistakes. As individuals, we are the sum of our experiences, good and bad. None of escapes life without a few bumps and bruises. God has not promised that everything would be easy. He did state that He would not tempt us beyond what we can bear.

When things are not going the way you think they should, talk to someone. Change what you are doing. Sometimes you need to change the environment. Everyone has a different breaking point, this I know. I don't really know what it is like to feel a extreme sense of hopelessness. Honestly, I hope I never get to that point. I am a talker by nature. Sometimes I need a friend to listen and give me a totally different perspective. You know that we all think from our own point of view and sometimes it is skewed. I try to wake up each day and see the glass half full with new opportunity for improvement. I remind myself and my children that on our worst day, there is definitely someone suffering far more than we are. Why would you want to cause yourself pain? Your family and friends? I often wonder whether the suicidal person thinks about an unsuccessful attempt. If it isn't your appointed time to die, can you handle being in a wheelchair or whatever lasting effect an unsuccessful attempt results in. Man, that would be something, wouldn't it?

I think life is a blessing. Every 24 hours, we are given a new opportunity to change, grow, inspire, and persevere. I pray none of you has or is currently thinking of taking your life. Life is precious! You are a gift to someone and you do make a difference. Some of our impact is great while others will be small. Rest assured, God has purpose for your life. It is worth living. It might not be all that you want it to be but you have the ability to progress to what you want it to be. Baby steps are still steps. Don't be selfish, seek help, get medication, or whatever it takes to make you feel a sense of hope. Talk to God, it helps. Seriously. He is there if you feel no one else understands your pain and anguish. Choose life. Live it to the fullest, no regrets!

Copyright February 11, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Super Bowl Madness


Are you ready for some football? Today's match up proves to be an entertaining one. Indianapolis Colts(AFC) vs. New Orleans Saints(NFC) in sunny Miami, Florida. The Colts are favored by 5 points. It's Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees in this 44th battle of football's finest. So who are you rooting for? In my house we have the idea that the Colts will probably win but we are rooting for the underdog. I love it when the underdog wins. It keeps things far more interesting. Wouldn't you agree?


We usually attend a Super Bowl party. There is something about watching with a group of animated folks that makes the game far more interesting. Mainly, because everyone has their own opinion about what it takes to win. Everyone has a reason for wanting one team to be victorious and sometimes it has nothing to do with the athleticism of the the team. I love those discussions. I love the fellowship and the trash-talking. More importantly, I love the food and the commercials. Who the heck pays all that money to debut a commercial? Seriously, that scares me.


For some reason, party food gets me excited. I have promised myself that I will not fall off the wagon and eat everything in sight. I will monitor my drink intake. For some reason, being snowed in makes it soo much harder to only consume water. Pray for a sista! So who will have the best commercial. Creativity in this arena is always at a high. Entertainment for the Super Bowl is always worthy of discussion. This year, Carrie Underwood will sing the National Anthem and The Who will perform at half-time. That should be entertaining in a good way.


Whatever happens, the Super Bowl generates a ton of money for quite a few entities. It provides good water cooler discussion the day after, too. No matter who is victorious, fun will be had by all and the city of Miami will be that much richer. So again, I ask, "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??????" By the way, I am all for a spoiler so I am going to root for the Saints! Oh and a special shout out to my nephew, Jeffery! Happy 11th Birthday!

Copyright February 7, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Snowgasm, 2010


Can you believe it!?! Another major snow storm in the DMV(DC, MD, VA area). It is the 4th largest snowfall ever. People, I have lived in this area off and on since 1992. It still amazes me that the area is surprised when God blankets us with mounds and mounds of snow. I realize that we certainly should not expect the ginormous amounts of snow seen in Cleveland or Buffalo but dammit, it does snow here and frankly we should be used to it.

The Dept. of Public Works is always caught off guard and the proper budget allocation never occurs. Sometimes, we even run out of salt and the other necessary items to treat the roads. Dare I even discuss the grocery store situation? Are you really that short on milk, eggs, bread, orange juice, and toilet paper? How long do you think it will be before you can actually leave the safety of your warm home? It is just not that serious! Unless of course you have no electricity or trees are falling down around you.

I believe in safety and precaution. I will never knowingly jeopardize the welfare of anyone. I really think there needs to be a class for driving in the snow. It is something that you can only learn from experience. When we have major snow, I stay home and enjoy my family as much as possible. We play games, watch movies, and bake and eat a lot. I stay home, not because I am not able to drive in the snow but because I can't drive for everyone else. If the children were given a snow day, they stay home. They don't get to sleep over a friends or go to the movies because heck if it was too dangerous to go to school then it is still too dangerous to be out cavorting with their friends. Snow days and blizzards are a great opportunity to really exhale and do some things you haven't done. It is also a good time to bond with your family. No obligations or commitments are weighing on you.

The picture, accompanying this post, is of my street. Not a plow had come through. That was around 3PM today and it had been snowing for over 24 hours. As of this moment, a plow has gone down the middle of my street, one time. Like myself, my neighbors are wondering where the heck we put all this snow. I could hardly walk, the snow was almost up to my crotch. My kids are already wondering if they will again enjoy the warmth and comfort of home on Monday. Note though that they want to attend the Annual Super Bowl Party at a friends house tomorrow! They are a trip! Go figure. Well maybe not, I am watching the news as I type this post and two school systems have close for Monday and Tuesday.

So I have had my say. Tomorrow I will again help my husband by shoveling. I will continue to bake cookies and cakes at my family's request. I will read, read, and read some more. I will play Wii like crazy. Cabin Fever takes a while to settle on my family. We love being in our pajamas. We enjoy each other's company and we have enough space that we can retreat to our own areas when we've had enough of each other. We go out and take pictures(or we keep gong to the window) as we marvel at God's handiwork. The peace and brightness of fresh fallen snow can only bring you to the thought that He is the Master Creator. No matter whether you love the snow or not, it is always beautiful as it sits on the trees and branches. So as you get quiet before that picturesque scene, you have to give God praise. Oh, by the way, they are predicting additional snow on Tuesday.
Copyright February 6, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Dumb is in Style


Whassup, peeps! I told you that from time to time I'd have a guest blogger. Today's post is written by a very good friend of mine residing in the ATL. Her name is Dorna and I met her in November 2005 when I relocated to Albany, GA. The best way to describe our friendship is that we are the same but different. We love a lot of the same foods, books, shoes, and handbags. We enjoy several of the same TV shows and share many of the same opinions yet we differ on several things. We keep each other on our toes and inspire and challenge each other in all aspects of life such as love, parenting, and spirituality. Recently, we had a discussion that being dumb was currently in style and that intelligent folks were really a small percentage of the population. As always, comments are expected and welcome. Here is Dorna's opinion.........

Growing up, I was taught I had to master certain things in order to succeed in life; reading, writing and arithmetic to name a few. I didn’t have much trouble mastering any of these things and was quite proud of myself for the ability. I also figured everyone else would have to do the same thing if they wanted to make it in life. Sure there were some people in my class that had some difficulties, but for the most part everyone got it. If you didn’t you weren’t able to “pass” to the next grade. I went through life with the philosophy that 85% of the world is smart and 15% is not quite so smart.

So imagine my surprise as I started interacting in the real world only to discover my numbers were waaaaayyyy off!! I kept giving people the benefit of the doubt because otherwise I would have to change my thinking about the world. I periodically adjusted my percentages because I would have several encounters in a row with people who were unbelievably stupid in thinking, process, or outlook. Then I realized my percentages were just totally off to begin with; I should have flipped the numbers at the very beginning!! The real minority is smart people and we only make up 15% of the world!! Today is a good day, so I’m being gracious because it’s probably lower in reality!! Now I’m sure if you have just read that statement, you are thinking that I’m either really full of myself or you’re part of the 15%. Trust me; I did not come to this conclusion lightly. In my journey of life, so many events have occurred on a personal, societal, and global level that can only be explained as people are stupid!!!

Personal example, my soon to be ex-husband, who is a very nice person, still lives in the home we bought together with 2 incomes. He doesn’t want to move even though keeping the house puts him in such a financial bind that he has had to get a roommate; and still struggles. He refinanced the home with an ARM which I knew would expire. So I suggested that he refinance the mortgage. Instead of working with his current mortgage company, he went to a disreputable organization who instructed him not to pay his mortgage; send them the mortgage payment and they would work it all out! You all are probably cringing right now and know exactly where this story is headed. Yep…they did nothing, his mortgage was not paid for 3 months; I found out and sent him in another direction. Now his credit is totally screwed!! The only explanation for this…stupidity!!!

Societal example, let’s take a look at the latest celebrity sex scandal…John Edwards’ love child! Seriously, what rock has he been under? Has he ever heard about DNA and paternity testing? Did he miss the coverage of Former President Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Former Governor Elliott Spitzer and let’s not forget Tiger Woods! Edwards, like the others, just doesn’t get it, the moment you have sex with someone other than your spouse…you too will get caught!!! Lying will not help you, and there’s always evidence!! If the woman will commit adultery with you, what makes you think she’s trustworthy enough not to expose your dumb ass? Oh, that’s right; you’re smarter than the other guys. No, what you are is stupid!!!

Global example, consider the war in Afghanistan. I have a very strong opinion about war in general, but here’s what works my nerve about the Afghanistan war. I was fully behind Bush when he declared war in search of Osama Bin Laden. I totally understood his rationale. What became an issue was not having a firm game plan and timeline. Not to mention we (America) didn’t really have a full grip on Bin Laden’s methods and international influence. So we go in with less than necessary force and here we are 9 years later no closer to apprehending him than we are the Man in the Moon!! Osama is somewhere laughing his butt off and calling Americans and our allies STUPID!!
Now knowing that I’m part of a real minority doesn’t make me feel better, I just want to find the other intelligent people and live in smart bliss. Actually, if we could rule the world, life would be better for the majority!!

Copyright February 6, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Be Encouraged

So today is Groundhogs Day.....Guess what? It is snowing again! Neither of those is the reason for this post. We are now into the second month of the year and I feel like I simply need to put a word of encouragement out there for my peeps. Times are difficult for everyone and folks are seriously depressed for one reason or another. That includes me. On any given day, we are all struggling with some life issue.

As a Christian, struggle with being down or complaining about my circumstances. The Bible tells us to be content in our various situations(Phil 4:11) and that all things will work for our benefit(Rom 8:28). We tend to forget that that will happen in God's time not ours. We simply need to pray and heed His voice. I know being obedient is so difficult sometimes, especially when you want to throw up your hands and scream at the top of our lungs. You know that you want to throw an all out tantrum sometimes. It just might feel liberating but as adults we usually let cooler heads prevail.

So what is my point? It is this...Weeping may endure for the night but joy does come in the morning(Psa 30:5). Joy may simply be the fact that we woke up with the ability to think and move. Well someone didn't, so be joyful in that fact. God sees and knows every struggle we face. Praying doesn't change His position, it changes ours. Just a little talk with Jesus really does make it right. Whatever your situation, it could always be worse. On our worse day, our situation just ain't that bad. If you need to be convinced, ask a person who still is wondering about a loved one in Haiti. Ask a person who just lost everything in a house fire. The list goes on. We have much to be thankful for. Our pain leads to growth in our character. God has not put more in front of you than you can bear(I Cor. 10:13)

So my friend, be encouraged, God has not forgotten you. Use your support system, we are supposed to bear each other's burdens(Gal. 6:2). When this season passes, you will have a testimony to share with and inspire others. Guess what? It just might bless someones socks off. I love you but God loves you more. Don't let that problem or difficult circumstance have victory over you or steal your joy. You are equipped to handle it and you are going to be better/stronger for it. I know it! I hope you do find some encouragement in this message. We all need it sometimes. Lift up your head and carry forth. I know you will be fine!

Copyright February 2, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe