Thought For The Day...

" the set back is only the set up for the come back"

Thought For The Day...Vacation

"Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer."

SiMPLY BLESSED: It Ain't Over...until GOD says it's Over!

Sometimes God speaks to us when we least expect it...but we most need it. I had that experience today and felt like I needed to share it...actually SHOUT IT! Why I don't know...but if my epiphany blesses someone, I'm willing to step out there...

The past few days have truly been amazing in my life. I've had some good business meetings, had the privilege of hosting a fundraiser for my friend David Paterson, the Governor of NY, helped raise $200,000 for Art for Life and hosted a lunch for the family of my guy at my home...making him proud. Sound like I had it "going on" right? WRONG...

I went out to pick up some crab for dinner tonight and I found myself experiencing a low moment. Nothing in particular happened...I just had a moment where I felt overwhelmed, inadequate and sad. Instead of celebrating my blessings; I started reviewing all the stuff in my life that I WASN'T happy with and got down on myself so intensely...that I started to cry...sitting in the car all alone.

Then God spoke to me...

A song came on the satellite radio just as the tears started to flow and I truly felt the presence of the holy spirit take over. Maurette Brown-Clark was singing "It ain't over...until God says it's over"...and I had to literally pull the car over and just PRAISE HIM!

Thank you Lord for reminding me that YOU are in control of ALL THINGS! The stuff that makes me feel good about myself is your gift to me...and the stuff that I have to struggle through is also a gift; because it makes me stronger.

I didn't have a crisis of faith...because my faith is stronger than that...but I did forget that I am HIS child... and he promised to give me the DESIRES OF MY HEART! He reminded me...so I stopped and praised HIM.

I know people in the public eye don't like to share that they have moments of fear, vulnerability and doubt...but I want you to know that we do...and those of us who believe in the omnipotence of God...go to our knees.

I don't know WHAT the future holds...but I state with complete certainty that I know WHO holds my future and FAITH in his word will see me through. I have been blessed with so much...and I want to thank HIM publicly and share it with others. My heart is full tonight with praise for my gifts.

We all go through tough times at one time or another...but remember this... God brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt...but before they reached the promised land they had to be washed in the blood (go through the red sea), and then languish in the wilderness for 40 years.

What that says to me is that we don't get the blessing without the struggle.

That is my testimony today...and I make a promise to God that it will be my daily testimony from now on.

Note: I found a You Tube Live Video of Maurette Brown-Clark singing "It Ain't Over..." watch it and I guarantee that you'll be blessed.

Friendship Friday: Stop Worrying!

This is a week that I've been single minded. I've been PRAYING and WORKING! What I haven't been doing is WORRYING!

As I think about it it, I've spent an awful lot of time in my life worrying. I've worried about grades in school, getting a job, keeping a job, getting a man, keeping a man and getting rid of a man. I've freaked myself out worrying about approaching deadlines and shrinking bank accounts. I've worried over my health and the health of those I love. I've worried about bills and expenses, rising gas prices and insurance costs. I've even worried about having my home in perfect condition for "company," and within seconds of their arrival, the house is turned upside down and no one even notices.

I've worried about first impressions, political correctness, identity theft and contagious infections. In spite of all the worrying, I'm still alive and well, my bills are paid, my puppy pooped on the paper and not on the floor, my man thinks my haircut is sexy, my parents still hold hands...even after all these years and there is a fresh pack of thick cut bacon in the refrigerator. So I'm doing alright!

Over the span of my lifetime, worrying accounts for hours and hours of invaluable time that I'll never get back. So, I have decided that I'd like to spend my time more wisely and more enjoyably. If you're not convinced yet to give up your worrying, here are four biblical reasons not to worry.

1. Worrying Accomplishes Absolutely Nothing.

   I don't know about you, but I don't have any time to waste these days. And worrying is a waste of very precious time. Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it?

   Matthew 6:27-29
   Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

2. Worrying is Not Good for You.

   Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause us to grow physically sick.

   Proverbs 12:25
   Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.

   The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust.

   Matthew 6:30
   And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
   Philippians 4:6-7
   Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

4. Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction.

   When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need.

   Matthew 6:25
   That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
   Matthew 6:31-33
   So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
   1 Peter 5:7
   Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
   I know that we are all facing challenges in our lives, but I believe in the power of prayer; and prayer does nothing if we are "double minded" when we come to God for his divine guidance. My grandmother taught me: "pray so you don't have to worry; because if you're still worrying...you're wasting your time praying."

Thought For The Day...Simplicity

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life...with just baggage enough.”

The Best Piece of Advice I Ever Received...Wisdom from Eartha Kitt

When they throw manure on you...

just use it as fertilizer and GROW!

(Eartha Kitt 1927-2008))

SiMPLY BLESSED...Prayer for Grace

O Lord, how absolutely necessary Your grace is for me, both to begin a good work and to persevere until I accomplish it. Without grace I can do nothing, but I can do all things in You, when Your grace strengthens me.

O true and heavenly Grace, without you we cannot have merits of our own or value the gifts of nature. No art or beauty, no strength or riches, no genius or eloquence, are of any worth to you, O Lord, unless accompanied by Your grace. The gifts of nature are common to all people, both good and bad, but grace or divine love is given only to the elect, and those adorned with it are esteemed worthy of eternal life. This grace is so excellent that neither the gift of prophecy, nor the working of miracles, nor even the most sublime speculation, is worth anything without it.

O most blessed Grace, that makes the poor in spirit rich in virtues, and makes the wealthy humble of heart! Come, descend upon me, fill me with your comfort, lest my soul faint from weariness and dryness of mind. I beseech You, O Lord, that I may find grace in your sight, for your grace is sufficient for me even if I never obtain anything which my nature desires. If I am tempted and tried I will fear no evil as long as Your grace is with me. Your grace is my strength, my counsel and my help. She is more powerful than all my enemies and wiser than all the wise. She is the mistress of truth, the teacher of discipline: the light of the heart, the comforter in affliction. She banishes sorrow, expels fears, nurses devotion, produces tears of repentance. What am I without her but a piece of dry timber or a withered stump, fit for nothing but to be cast into the fire.

Grant therefore, O Lord, that Your grace will always go before me and follow men, keeping me ever intent upon good works, through Jesus Christ Your Son. Amen.

Thought For The Day...Grace & Mercy

Grace is what God gives us when we DON'T deserve and Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we DO deserve.”

Thought For The Day...SISTERS

“A sister is both your mirror - and your opposite.”

Thought For The Day...Change

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Racism 2009...Through the Eyes of a Child

"Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome."

-Rosa Parks

When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States and he moved his African-American family to Washington DC, I remember thinking, "finally, there will be some black Barbie Dolls in the halls of the White House!" I thought of all the little black kids who would go to bed at night thinking, "someone who looks like me is the President., wow, I can do ANYTHING I want"...well, not so fast...

You can grow up to be President of the United States, but apparently you can't swim in the pool of a club in Pennsylvania. Here's the background:

Two weeks ago in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, a suburb outside Philadelphia, Creative Steps Day Camp paid The Valley Swim Club more than $1900 for one day of swimming a week for their 65 campers, but after the first day, the money was quickly refunded and the campers were told not to return. Apparently, when the campers entered the pool, White parents took their kids out of the water, and the swimming club's staff asked the campers to leave. Several campers said they heard pool members making racist remarks during their time inside the club. I saw a little boy on CNN relating the story of his first encounter with racism and my heart just ached for him.

The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership...but evidently, the club didn't know the kids were largely Black. The next day, the club told the summer camp that their membership would be canceled and that they would refund their money. When asked why, the club's leader said it was because the minority children might "change the complexion...the atmosphere of the club." Yes, that was the actual statement by the the club's president, John Duesler.

I don't need to tell you that a "Whites only" pool in 2009 should not be tolerated. The club's actions appear to be a violation of the Civil Rights Act. Whether or not any laws were violated, a "Whites only" pool should be something every American condemns.

I've just joined ColorOfChange.org and others in doing exactly that -- will you join me, and email your friends and family asking them to do the same?

We're also calling on the President, The Vice-President, The Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice as well as the Governor of Pennsylvania, both Senators and members of the Pennsylvania delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives to evaluate suing the facility under federal law.

Barack Obama is President but that doesn't mean that suddenly all is fine when it comes to race in America. This is a vivid reminder of what we know still lies beneath the surface...notwithstanding the Honorable Justice Clarence Thomas' recent lone dissent against the Voting Rights Act. His statement that ''The violence, intimidation and subterfuge that led Congress to pass (the provision of the Voting Rights Act) and this court to uphold it no longer remains.'' He further stated that "The extensive pattern of discrimination that led the Court to previously uphold (the provision) . . . no longer exists...And the days of 'grandfather clauses, property qualifications, 'good character' tests, and the requirement that (voting) registrants 'understand' or 'interpret' certain matter,' are gone."

Is it really? Has anyone told the members of The Valley Swim Club?

We all know stories like this one -- similar incidents play out quietly every day in different communities across the country. The difference in this case is that folks got caught and there was a contract in place that makes for a potentially illegal act.

Standing up now isn't just about making things right for these kids in Philadelphia or bringing consequences to the Valley Swim Club. It's about creating a climate of accountability everywhere. If we can publicly shame the Valley Swim Club and hold them accountable for this incident, it will make others think twice before engaging in this kind of discrimination.

Human Rights investigations have begun into this incident; as well they should. However, no one who loves this country and believes that we are all "equal under the law," should be quiet about this.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

So please join me in condemning the Valley Swim Club's blatant discrimination and calling on the Justice Department to investigate whether they violated civil rights laws. And please ask your friends and family to do the same.

Please feel free to copy, cut and paste any or all of my letter...or simply use it as a guide for your own thoughts about this issue...but WRITE TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES so that our collective voices are being heard. Here is all the info you need:

To write President Barack Obama, click HERE for the link.

To write Vice-President Joe Biden, click HERE for the link.

To write U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, click HERE for the link

To write Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, click HERE for the link

To identify and write the Pennsylvania U.S. Representatives in Congress, click HERE for the link.

To write the U.S. Senators from Pennsylvania, click HERE for the link.

Here is the letter I sent, feel free to cut and paste it or use it as a template to write your own:

Dear Public Servant who is dedicated to Justice for All:

I was shocked and outraged to learn that the Valley Swim Club in Huntington Valley Pennsylvania seems to be enforcing a "whites-only" policy at their pool.

Two weeks ago, the Creative Steps Day Camp paid the Valley Swim Club more than $1900 for one day of swimming a week for their 65 campers, but after the first day, the money was quickly refunded and the campers were told not to return. Apparently, when the campers entered the pool, White parents took their kids out of the water, and the swimming club's staff asked the campers to leave after making what can only be described as racially insensitive and discriminatory comments directed at the children. The President of the club compounded the situation and left nothing to interpretation by stating that the children were not welcome at the club as they might "change the complexion...the atmosphere of the club."

I'm sure you agree that is shameful that in 2009, anywhere in America, children have been turned away from a swimming pool because of their race.

I stand together with thousands of Americans across the country in condemning the Valley Club's discrimination. We are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate whether the Valley Club violated federal civil rights laws. Together, we are sending a strong message that this kind of discrimination has no place in our society.

Sincerely,

Star Jones

New York

Thought For The Day...Death

“Seeing death as the end of life

is like seeing the horizon

as the end of the ocean.”

Tuesday Triumph: Rest in Peace

“Death is a challenge.

It tells us not to waste time...

It tells us to tell each other right now

that we love each other.”

Thought For The Day...SISTERS

“For there is no friend like a sister, in calm or stormy weather, to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.”

Thought For The Evening...Secrets

“Three may keep a secret,

if two of them are dead.”

-Ben Franklin

Waiting patiently to see what REALLY made Sarah Palin resign...

Thought For The Evening...Sister

This Thought For Today is for the Superstar Williams Sisters. Serena you and Venus make all of us feel like your sisters!

“A sister is one who reaches for your hand

and touches your heart.”

Thought For The Evening...Excellence

“Excellence can be obtained if you:

...care more than others think is wise;

...risk more than others think is safe;

...dream more than others think is practical;

...expect more than others think is possible.”

Wonderful Wednesday: Begin Your Life!

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”