Edward M. Kennedy...Rest in Peace

Thank you Ted Kennedy for your service to our country and our world.

This man born of privilege & wealth spent his life working for those without either.

Exactly what God calls us to do.

Sisterhood Saturday

Today I'm doing some special "Sisterhood Saturday" shoutouts to women who make the world a better place. Why,because it's always better to show love, support & thanks to other women, rather than hatoration!


OPRAH: She don't have to...but she does...and she deserves the kudos, thanks and appreciation for her efforts!

HILLARY CLINTON: Globally representing on the regular, breaking ALL the glass ceilings...& handling her "business" the way SHE wants to!

MICHELLE OBAMA: Walking with and beside her man, elevating the game of sisters EVERYWHERE and inspiring ALL of us to step up our games!

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: The greatest world news correspondent male or female...makes us aware, keeps us informed & opens our eyes to the world!

And a very special "shoutout" to MOTHERS who can make a meal out of a white potato, hear your thoughts, correct you from across the room & will love you when no one else does!

A Mother
Anonymous

A Mother is one who understands the things you say and do

Who always overlooks your faults and sees the best in you

A Mother is one whose special love inspires you day by day.

Who fills your heart with gladness in her warm and thoughtful way.

A Mother is all these things and more - the greatest treasure known.

And the dearest Mother in all of the world is the one I call my own.

Note: Click on the individual names to find out more about these phenomenal sisters!

Sisterhood Saturday: For All of Us

Sister
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.

Thought For The Day...

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~

"Oh Crap, She's up!"

Thought For The Day...Fun

"Love puts the FUN in together,

the SAD in apart,

and the JOY in a heart.

Thought For The Day...

"If Barbie is so popular...

why do you have to buy her friends!"

Thought For The Day...

“Let everyone sweep in front of his own door,

and the whole world will be clean.”

Michael Vick: With FAITH & HOPE...I wish you well.

“It is often FAITH that makes HOPE possible, and when hope is present, new things begin to happen...

HOPE is believing in spite of the evidence,then watching the evidence change...”

Thought For The Day...Fear

“Each time we face our fear,

we gain strength,

courage, and

confidence in the doing.”

Sisterhood Saturday: The Honorable Justice Sonya Sotomayor!

Special Sisterhood Saturday Shoutout to

The Honorable Justice

Sonya Sotomayor.

Today, the first Latina woman was sworn in as an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Tonight, little girls who are persons of color will have another box they can check off on their list of "What I want to be when I grow up!"

Click here to watch Justice Sotomayor take the oath of office.

“May your work be such that when children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.”

Tell it Like It Is Thursday: Consistent Fairness...

I'm sure many of us read the story about the four women in Wisconsin who allegedly lured, held, beat and tortured a man in a motel room after finding out he was cheating on his wife (one of the women charged) with several other women (some of the women charged). As the print and broadcast media reported the story, the salacious details of how this man (disgusting he may be) had his private parts glued to his stomach during the incident had reporters and talk show hosts chuckling at the thought. Well think about this...

How would we feel if four men had lured, held, beat and tortured a woman in a motel room; regardless of what she had done and how many times she had done it? Would we snicker if these men glued her private parts together? Somehow I don't think we would we find it as funny.

Using violence connected with sex should never be a laughing matter as allegations of Sexual Assault are and should be treated seriously; regardless of the gender of the one being assaulted.

Thought For The Day...Walls

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

To the true "Power" Couple!

Special Shoutout to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Peace Rockstar himself, former President Bill Clinton...now that is a POWER couple!

Wonderful Wednesday: Change has come

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

The 2008 Presidential election was significant in so many ways. For the first time in the history of our country, an intelligent, well-educated, elegant and articulate man...who happened to be African-American...was elected President. He was faced with more challenges than any President since Abraham Lincoln, yet in his first six months in office; he is attacking each and every issue with the same diligence, ingenuity, steadfastness and discipline that got him elected in the first place. From fighting wars in two places, to an economic crisis that has sent the world into recession, to the battle to provide universal health care (...the moral imperative of this generation), to keeping the nation safe and secure; he has taken it all on.

Lest I become complacent, I've come to expect him to do things like nominate the first Latina woman to the United States Supreme Court and step right into a situation that then requires a real discussion on race; he has outdone himself over the past few months in the role he played (and didn't play) in getting journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee released from detention in North Korea.

Whenever people question whether or not "change" has really come to Washington...I think we can all reflect on this day..President Obama showed no ego, yet great leadership by allowing quiet dignified diplomacy and the help of others with experience to work for HIM! And he didn't have to give up anything...except the spotlight.

By making the release of these journalists a separate and distinct humanitarian priority rather than allowing their plight to be linked to a larger and more onerous political debate; he changed the discussion, re-directed the dialogue and got the result he wanted all along. By allowing his Secretary of State to do her job with the assistance of a well-respected leader and diplomat (who happens to be her husband and our former President); President Obama continues to fulfill his promise. It will not be business as usual.

Rarely do you see a politician table their own ego for the sake of those they were elected to serve. I'm so glad change has come...

Thought For The Day...Freedom

“Freedom is never given, it is won.”

Day of Prayer in support of Laura Ling and Euna Lee

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."

(Colossians 4:2)

Please spend the day in prayer that President Bill Clinton is successful in his efforts to bring Laura and Euna home to their families.

No recriminations...no negativity...just prayer for their release.

O God, you are the source of life and peace.

Praised be your name forever.

We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace.

Hear our prayer in this time of challenge.

Your power changes hearts.

Let all nations remember, and profoundly affirm,

that they are followers of the ONE God.

Enemies begin to speak to one another;

those who were estranged join hands in friendship;

nations seek the way of peace together.

Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these

truths by the way we live.

Give to us:

Understanding that puts an end to strife;

Mercy that quenches hatred, and

Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.

Empower all people to live in your law of love

Amen.

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."