Saturday, December 31, 2011

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



Saturday, December 24, 2011

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

Saturday, December 17, 2011

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

Sandals

Three luxurious Sandals resort in three jam packed, fun-filled days. Dreamy Destinations just attended site inspections on Sandals properties.Can you imagine 240 travel agents on a charter plane descending on three properties all at once? Well that is what happened.  We saw Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma (Bahamas), Sandals Grande Antigua, and Sandals Royal Bahamian.

If you are a couple looking to revitalize and enhance your romance,Sandals is your destination. Did you just get engaged? This would make a perfect location for your destination wedding. They have 8 Martha Stewart packages for you to choose from-you can add on to make it unique. There is also a professional wedding coordinator on each property.  If romance is not on your agenda right now, maybe you need a girlfriend getaway or a place to have a birthday/anniversary celebration. Sandals can make it a memorable celebration just for you. There are numerous restaurants to satisfy your palate. Romantic rooms, luxurious beaches, and no children. Does it get any better? Are you looking for professional, 24 hour service that will cater to your every need? You can't beat butler service. They will draw your bath, unpack your bags, decorate your room and pretty much any other thing you can think of. The staff is friendly and accommodating and the grounds are beautifully landscaped.

Water sports abound, most included in your package. To plan you perfect excursion, Island Routes is on the resort to make sure you have the thrill of a lifetime. There is daily entertainment and nightly activity too. Commercials get you interested in Sandals, but the pictures we posted after seeing the resorts up close and personal, are the real deal.  Each resort has its own unique flavor but what doesn't vary is Sandals commitment to making your vacation an experience that you won't soon forget and will keep you coming back for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Call us to book a fantasy vacation that you won't soon forget!


In Diva Travel Mode,

Pam

Thursday, December 8, 2011

December Diva Dialogue-2011

I have been AWOL and Lord knows things have been moving and shaking in my absence. Sometimes it kills me not to put my opinion out there. Life calls though and I can't always post like I want, when I want. That being said, I am going to riff on several things.

First up, Herman Cain. I am going to keep it short and simple! I hate arrogant people who are also ignorant. Herman Cain fits the bill. I never considered him a serious contender for the GOP nomination but let's face it, their pickings are extremely slim.  That being the case, he was allowed to gain popularity despite being ill informed on a variety of subjects. I am gonna say that he is also an unattractive womanizer. Goodness, he reminds me so much of Clarence Thomas that I wanna scream. I am mad because he didn't champion his wife enough to go immediately to clear up the drama of all these women coming out of the woodwork to say that he allegedly sexually harassed them. He made the wife wait five days before he went to see her. WTF? Dead wrong!As of this posting, I guess he's had plenty of time to mend fences with her because he has finally done the appropriate thing and removed himself from the media spotlight.Now we can focus n the antics of Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. Happy happy joy joy!

Let me just put this out there. Is Gloria Allred the only attorney who can represent sexually harassed victims of men in the spotlight? I mean really. I hate seeing her! Maybe it's just me!

Jerry Sandusky was again arrested on yesterday as a ninth and tenth accuser have come forward to allege abuse at the hands of the former Penn State defensive coordinator.  Joe Paterno has been been fired. The legacy of that University has been tarnished forever. The major question which emerges is this, actually there is no question. Joe Paterno was dead wrong for not being more proactive about Sandusky's problem. We are our brother's keeper and as a coach, Joe had a responsibility to do the right thing and pursue corrective action.

Donald Trump is back. Oh joy! Here he is talking politics again. Really, media whores are ruining the US one appearance at a time. What serious presidential candidate in their right mind would participate in a debate moderated by him? Trump has and always will have his own agenda. Any minute he will be talking about running again. Like that could happen. 

Today, there has been another shooting at Virgina Tech. This really saddens me. I know you really aren't safe anywhere but my goodness, how much can one school take. I am praying that my children aren't interested in going there. Once again, the Virginia Tech community stands in need of our prayers and support.  I am not sure what is going on but I know God is ultimately in control.

Black Friday was about two weeks ago. I am saddened by the stories of trampling, pepper spraying, and gunfire all to get a cherished item at a bargain price. At some point don't we have all the video games and electronics that we can use? Haven't these folks got Internet service? Order your stuff from the comfort of your home. If you must go out, use your manners people. Be on your best behavior.

I am going to close for now. I promise to return soon. In the mean time, It is the Christmas season. Christian or not, most folks get caught up in what is a spiritual holiday. Jesus is the reason for the season. Commercialism abounds but the true meaning of the season is giving. Go beyond the gifts and focus on your character. Are you giving your best? God gave us His best. Take a moment to pause and reflect on how far you come and what you have achieved. Did you make a difference? If not, it isn't too late. 

In the Spirit of the Season,


Pam