My Morning Meditation: BLESS SOMEONE

"When you have an opportunity to bless someone today

...do so."

Thessalonians 5:14 
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. 
Encourage those who are timid. 
Take tender care of those who are weak. 
Be patient with everyone.






Star's Interpretation:  Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit: we cannot flower and grow without it. When we see a friend going through a tough time, we often don't know what to do or say.  I find that a word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.  

My Morning Meditation: FRIENDSHIP

A true friend is with you 
in the good times 

...and with you 
when it's not so good.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend is always loyal,

and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Star's Interpretation:  Friendships are fragile things, and require as much handling as any other fragile and precious thing.  It is only with INTEGRITY & CHARACTER that we preserves old friendships, and procures new.  

My Morning Meditation: CHOICES

You can not go wrong doing right. 

Proverbs 13:6 

Remember that there are always two choices. 
Two paths to take. One is easy. 
And its ONLY reward...is that IT'S EASY.

Star's Interpretation:  If we are lucky...we all will get to face a crossroad in our life.  But LUCK is a crossroad where preparation and opportunity meet.  Don't be left wondering maybe if you took a left turn instead of a right you could be someone different.

My Morning Meditation: Embrace the New

Things are not the same. 

Everything is changing. 

Let go of the past and embrace the new.

Isaiah 43:18-19:

   “But forget all that—

      it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

   For I am about to do something new.

      See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

   I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

      I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

Star's Interpretation: Let it go.  When we know better, we do better, so whatever happened in the past...is just that; IN THE PAST.  You can't change it...but you can learn from it.  “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”  If you want something new and good to happen in your life, then stand in the space God has created for you, tell him Thank You for fulfilling his promise and go for yours!

Serves You Right

Stick a fork in him...he's done.

If Mel Gibson knew audio tapes of his abusive violent diatribes existed...he should have written a PREEMPTIVE check to his ex girlfriend in an effort to "plug the leak!" The "dribble" of negative information has made his life the BP of the celebrity set and it is KILLING him. A lot has been made of his use of racially charged language; I'm more outraged by his misogynistic abusive language.  My girl Whoopi says he's not a racist...& since I don't know him...I'll go with her on that. I don't know what fuels his anger, whether he was set up with these conveniently taped conversations with his ex or if the audio tapes were edited.  I do know that I don't want Mel at my dinner party drinking up my liquor...('cause he obviously LIKES his liquor) because he just seems to be an angry mean man.  

I like to think somewhere Robyn, his soon to be ex-wife, is laughing her ass off.  Mel left her after nearly 3 decades and seven children for a woman who helped put him in the proverbial trick bag.  Serves him right.  This should serve as today's lesson for these "high profile" fellas...YOU WILL be put in TRICK BAG when you choose TRICKY chicks.

10 Questions...July, 2010

Fans got questions...I have answers.  


Do u have any projects in the works? We miss you!  
- Well, I just finished my new book that will be published next spring (2011).  It is my first work of fiction and it will be a fun and dishy look inside the world of a daytime talk show.  I'm also developing several new TV and internet projects as both talent & producer for 2011.  It's going to be a good year!

Why did you leave the View? I loved you on there!
I loved being on the show...for the first 8 years. The last year...not so much. In a nut shell...They decided to move in another direction with other hosts and not renew my contract. I didn't like the way they were planning to handle it so I handled it myself...on my own terms.

What are your favorite NYC restaurants for lunch and dinner?
For lunch, I love Le Bilboquet, Le Caprice (Pierre Hotel), Fred's (at Barneys) and The Monkey Bar...
For Dinner...Per Se is my favorite restaurant in the world. Otherwise, anything my significant other is cooking b/c nobody does it better...

What do you think about Ocho's (Chad Ochocinco) show? Only 3 black women!
I don't watch "reality tv" because it is neither real, nor good tv.  Give me re-runs of Law & Order, Grey's Anatomy & The Practice....that's good TV!

Who dead or alive would you love to have dinner with or interview?
The Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall. He's the reason I'm a lawyer. He personified intelligence, justice & fairness...and he was a black man. 

Have you ever been star struck? 
Oh yeah...three times...The first was when Derek Jeter showed me how to hold a bat and hit a ball...in Yankee stadium. It was a dream come true.  The second time was when I hosted a formal charity event for Barbara Walters and General Colin Powell was my seat mate.  Being ever so the gentleman, he asked me to dance and when he spun me around, I felt like Annette Benning in The American President with Michael Douglas.  And the 3rd was the first time I met former President Bill Clinton. We've become friends now...but the first time was magical.  You meet him and although you are only with him 5-10 minutes...he is so charismatic he makes you feel like you're the only one in the room.

Looking back at your life, what one experience changed your outlook the most?
Gaining and losing weight in front of the whole world...and having everyone "weigh" in on my decision to save my own life.  It took years of therapy to come to grips with all the emotions, forgive myself and embrace the new me with NO regrets.

Did you know you have a huge gay following? My friend just said he "read" someone like he was Star Jones!
Oh yeah!  I once interviewed Elton Jon & he said "inside the heart of every gay may is a black woman screaming to get out!"


Why did u choose AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) over the other greek letter organizations?
An AKA is what a Delta isn't. What a Zeta couldn’t. What a SGRho wishes. What Qs likes, What Kappas love& What Alpha's can’t get enough of!  I'm sorry...I just became 18 all over again! Skee Wee Sorors.   Seriously, Alpha Kappa Alpha taught me confidence & commitment...life lessons that I have used for over 30 years now.

Of all your various accomplishments, which are you the most proud of?
I'm proudest of my law degree (because I earned it...and no one can take it away from me)...it's the ultimate trump card: EDUCATION!


And a bonus question...Would go on "The View" to promote your book when It comes out next spring?
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Gotta give the tabloids something to speculate on for the next 9 months! Why take all the fun out of it.

Afternoon Affirmation: KICK EVIL OUT!

"Give the devil no place in your life 

...and he will leave you alone." 

James 4:7 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Star's Interpretation:  Evil people can't visit YOUR house if YOU don't provide them a seat at YOUR table. We all have to start by telling messy people to take their mess somewhere else! If you can't bless me with your positive, happy, intelligent, thoughtful presence in my life...then I'm sorry...but you need to go. When you can look someone in the face & confidently say those words...you've broken the cycle of victimhood. Get ready for your victory!

My Morning Meditation: Responsibility

Whether we like it or not we have a responsibility to one another.

Galatians 6:3 

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Star's Interpretation:
It can be tiring having to deal with trifling folk...'cause they can suck you dry like a vampire looking for blood.. But think about it..Water seeks it's own level. So bringing someone else up elevates you also. But please come correct & have your stuff together. People want to see that YOU'RE doing all YOU can before they jump in to help.

MY Morning Meditation...REST

Do yourself a favor. 

Relax, take time to rest and refresh yourself.  

Genesis 2:2:
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.


Star's Interpretation:  After a week of work, toil and stress you need to stop, rest and feel good about what you've achieved.  Sleep in, take a long bath, let your mind wander and think good refreshing thoughts.  It will do wonders for your spirit and your mood.  A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation... is the medicine that puts all toxicity, fear and doubt on the run.  Lesson from the Roman poet Ovid:  “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”

MY Morning Meditation...LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS

Your friends appreciate it when you just listen. 

James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: 
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, 
and slow to get angry. 

Star's Interpretation:  Listening has become a lost skill.  Notice that the friends who listen to us are the ones we tend to move toward.  A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end you may disagree but at the very least you should know exactly what it is you're disagreeing with. When a friend receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits grow and our world expands.   Remember that it is the province of knowledge to speak but it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.  The Lesson:  Listen lest your tongue keep you deaf.

MY Morning Meditation...CONFIDENCE

Small beginnings can grow into big accomplishments

when you apply yourself.

 Job 8:7
And though you started with little,
      you will end with much.

Star's Interpretation:  It doesn't matter how you start out...what matters is where you end up; and it is a sin to not reach your potential because you are to lazy to try.  The Greek philosopher Plato said:  “Apply yourself for without effort, you cannot be prosperous." An intelligent person is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and still wants to learn more.  Don't let others rain on your parade with their self-doubts.  Let them wallow in their own insecurity...no need for you to co-sign onto their assessment of how far YOU can go.  Never allow your accomplishment to be socially judged by ill defined criteria that relies on another's assessment of how YOU are doing. Remember:  Confidence and perseverance are the keys because the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.

MY Morning Meditation...HAVE COURAGE

"Get yourself together and be courageous today!"

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart, 
       all you who hope in the LORD.


Star's Interpretation:  The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure. So the challenge is to have your FAITH surpass your FEAR.  Mental & Spiritual growth comes only to those willing to step out of their comfort zone and step up to their faith potential.  Fear is normal. It reminds us we need God's grace. Courage is just faith-based resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.  Show faith by being bold with your goals & reaching for what others are too scared to go after. Those unsure of their purpose play it safe.  Remember this: A ship is safe in the harbor...but that's not where ships are meant to be!

MY Morning Meditation...SPEAK TRUTH

When people don't want to listen, 

speak the truth anyway. 

Don't say I told you so...being right is enough!

Ezekiel 2:5
And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.



Star's Interpretation:  Doing the right thing because it is right is the magic key to living your life with integrity. You can bend it and twist it... You can misuse and abuse it... But NO ONE can change the Truth; because it is what it is. It does not require many words to speak the truth. You just have to have the courage to say no & the courage to face what the truth brings.  Do the right thing & it will gratify some people & astonish the rest. GOAL: For God to make me an instrument which only truth can speak.

My Morning Meditation...WORK HARD

Do your best work at all times. 

Especially when no one sees you. 

God will reward you. He sees all. 

Matthew 25:23
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Star's Interpretation:  Don't take on a task do a half-assed job & then complain when your result is rejected. Anything worth doing is worth doing it right!  Most successful people aren't born that way. You become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don't like to do.  And don't expect to always get the praise, the accolades or the acknowledgement.  The highest praise someone can give you is the responsibility to get a thing done. An African Proverb says:  “God makes three requests of his children: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, now.”  Do that and your reward will be magnificent as the highest reward for a job well done is not what you GET FOR IT but what you BECOME BY IT.

My Morning Meditation...LOVE

Love is there when it's good, Love is there when it's bad, 

Love is there when it's right and Love is there when it's wrong. 

Love never fails, it is always there. 

I Corinthians 13:7-8


Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Prophecy and speaking in unknown tongues and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

Star's Interpretation:  This one is simple.  Love is the greatest gift you can give...because it was the greatest gift given to us.  The sacrifice of our Lord was the ultimate act of Love.  What have you given to the one you proclaim to love?  Loving someone is encouraging them to shine instead of begrudging their accomplishments.  You cannot proclaim to love, but be “jealous" because jealousy comes from self-love rather than from true love. Are you patient with, kind to & grateful for the one you love? Or do you find fault, whine and criticize everyday & everything? Find the love in your life and show how happy you ae to have; because a lot of people don't. MESSAGE:  Get on with living and loving. You don't have forever.

My Morning Meditation...WALK OUT ON FAITH

Walk out on the Water
...Don't be afraid!

Matthew 14:29-33

"Come," he said.
 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."



Star's Interpretation:  When Christ told Peter to walk out on the water...he wasn't testing him...he was giving him proof...that with faith...you can do anything!  None of us like to fail...but if you've done everything necessary to succeed by preparing...take a chance & try something you didn't think possible.  Look at your life, God has built a bridge to safety over every river, stream and ocean the world presented to you.  If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt. Deep water shouldn't scare you off from fulfilling your purpose...your faith provides you with the ultimate life jacket.   If you believe his promises...then walk out on the water and take his hand.  He's got you. 

Sisterhood Saturday: SHOP TIL YOU DROP!

I'm a huge discount online shopper...and belong to three amazing designer shopping clubs.  For those who are always looking for a bargain...just click on the name for a link to my personal invites to join:

GILT GROUP

Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

IDEELI

ideeli is the first members-only shopping community in the U.S. We offer limited-time sale events that feature the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty -- at up to 80% off. Membership is by invitation only and there is no fee to join.  New brands are featured each day at up to 80% off. All events start at 11AM EST. Sales last 36 hours, or until items are sold out. We also have weekly giveaways. They have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Our members are notified by email, SMS, facebook and twitter each time a new sale starts.



RUE LA LA

Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service.  Membership is free. It's also invitation-only.

My Morning Meditation...FEAR NOT

The devil can scheme all he wants but God has got your back. 

Fear not! 

Romans 16:20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. 
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Star's Interpretation:  Aristotle said “Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.”  I say FEAR can paralyze you if your FAITH is weak.  It's very easy to claim to "trust God" when things are going well; but faith isn't faith until it's ALL you're holding on to.  Evil is all around us and is manifested in those who lack character...but FAITH is deliberate confidence in the character of GOD whose motives we never have to question. Our fear makes us human, but our faith makes us a child of God. Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. FAITH is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence; FAITH is daring something regardless of the consequences.  

My Morning Meditation...TEMPER TEMPER

  “Temper gets you into trouble. Pride keeps you there.”

Proverbs 14:17:
   Short-tempered people do foolish things,

      and schemers are hated.


Star's Interpretation:    The worse tempered people you meet are be the ones who are only acting a fool because they know they are wrong from the jump! People who have a short fuse scare me because they usually have an exaggerated reaction to ordinary occurrence. If you fly off the handle when faced with a problem...you don't make good decisions and bad decisions can put you in the proverbial trick bag!  A Roman poet wrote:  "one who cannot restrain their anger will wish undone, what their temper and irritation prompted them to do.”  So make it a practice to avoid folk who lead with their MOUTHS instead of their MINDS.  Because as my mother used to say:  "Don't let your mouth get you into trouble that your behind can't get you out of."

My Morning Meditation...KEEP WORKING

You are giving your all and it seems no one cares or even notices. 

Keep working it will pay off.

2 Chronicles 15:7:
But as for you, 
be strong and courageous, 
for your work will be rewarded.

Star's Interpretation: When it feels like you're pushing a big boulder up a steep mountain...all by yourself and you can't see the top...keep pushing; GOD HAS YOUR BACK. Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.   


“If A equals SUCCESS, then the winning formula is A = X + Y & Z, with X being " HARD WORK," Y being "PERSEVERANCE" & Z being "COMMITMENT." Anything worth having is worth working for because the only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the dictionary.  Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.  Remember we want to work to BECOME, not to ACQUIRE.