It's Almost Turkey Time !

We all know that Thanksgiving is more than just cooking and eating.

It's a time to really reflect on our blessings.Big and small.Everyday that we're able to be here , is truly a blessingas the days are not promised. Whatever blessings we have, Let us remain grateful. Spend time with our family and friends & cherish each moment.
As a reminder, to beat the rush for your dinner shopping, "shop early!" The grocery stores have everything you need right now! Make your list,and each time you go to the store, pick up 5-7 items. Do as much as you like,then just mark it off that it's been taken care of.Also, it doesn't take a big chunk out of your paycheck all at once. Doing it this way will help to alleviate the stress of it all. If you're able, the goal is to have your items purchased atleast a week before Thanksgiving day.

Food Tip:
If you've never had sauerkraut with your Thanskgiving meal, Try it!
I don't know, maybe it's a Baltimore thing. I grew up on it for the holidays!

Decoration Tip:

Don't forget those pretty candles.Even the scented holiday ones, with hints of vanilla, custard,or warm spice.Tableclothes, & Pine cones.You could go to the park, gather the pine cones, wash& dry.

Later,spray paint them with a sparkly glitter gold.

How beautiful! Get creative without too much cost!

God Always Know The Way

"Is the road you're on,

headed in the right direction?"

Is it the best road for you or even at this time?
Ponder over your life today
and make sure things flow "logically".


Food For Thought:
Is your life aligned with God's word?

Burst With Unlimited Possibilities

Tap into your gifts & talents.

When you explore all possiblities,
you will burst with purpose & joy!

D-R-E-A-M B-I-G!!!

Pull It Out & Put It On!

Just this morning, I decided to pull out a metallic purse

that my husband purchased for me about two years ago.

I know in the past year, I haven't used it once!

Well, it's still cute,so I'm going to wear

it proudly just as I did back then!

Try pulling out some of the old purses, shoes,boots, earrings,
hats, or maybe even that stylish necklace that you've been
saving for some "wonderful" reason! Don't forget that unique scarf
that's been hanging up, but you haven't been bold enough to wear it.

Whatever it is, put it on!
Today is that day because you're alive
and that's the best cause to celebrate!

"Go On ...Do It!"

Have FAITH!

Sometimes in life,we just have to
"leap" "jump" or "run"...
Whatever you do,
trust and have faith!

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.

Thank YOU!

To Whom It May Concern,

Sometime late last night I went to "twitter"

and my "blogspot" and noticed that someone had actually taken the time

to utilize the boxes just below the blogs that I write.

THANK YOU for that! I'm not sure who's actually reading my blogs or

how many people or even how often. I just hope whomever is reading them,

that they are inspired, motivated,uplifted and encouraged. Perhaps,

I may even make you laugh when you needed it most.

I do have 9 followers and I want to Thank YOU as well, and ALL who visit and maybe even comment. I too sometimes need encouragement, afterall, I'm still human! lol

Your thoughtful consideration inspires me even more!

To Depart Or Not To Depart...Go To The Word

1 st Corinthians 7: 13-15

13-And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not,

and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

14-For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by his wife,

and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband:

else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

15- But if the unbelieving heart depart,

let him depart.

A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases;

but God hath called us to peace.

Socializing

Get out, socialize

& network with others.

You'll discover that it can be very enjoyable in the
right setting & with the right group of people.
Find a hobby or a new journey in life that
will empower you on a new level.

We all need to engage ourselves with other people
and not spend too much time alone.

"What's stopping YOU?"
You may even make a new friend!

And to all the women I met today,
"you were such a pleasure!"

Think Through

Make wise decisions at all times!

Don't allow emotions to dictate the outcome.

Have a HAPPY & SAFE Friday!
May God Protect you.

Keep Trusting!

HEBREWS 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please GOD,

for he who comes to GOD must believe that HE is,

and that HE is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM.

No matter what, keep "diligently" seeking HIM.

HE should always remain the center of your world!

"A Very Special Guest"

" So have you washed the dishes and put them away?"

"Did you sweep or vacuum the floor?"

"Did you dust a little?"

Don't forget to empty the trash can!

"Are the beds made?"

"Are your windows clean?"

Now don't forget to clear the clutter

on that table in the corner!

Last, but not least, make sure your home

is filled with love & peace.

No confusion & bickering!

"Why?"

"Well, because everyday,

GOD should be invited into your home."

(Apt. or House)

Make sure it's neat & clean.

Food for thought:

Home is where you make it!
HE sees all & HE knows all.

"Something Beautiful!"

Capture Beauty In LOVE

A few weeks ago I heard an Atlanta Radio Host on Fish 104.7 tell another radio host how he explained to his daughter what the meaning of "beautiful" is.He explained it in a way that she would understand and not to think that it was all make-up, hair, fancy this or fancy that.

He simply told her that "beautiful" meant wherever GOD was... And we all know HE's everywhere. He also went on to explain how he saw beauty in his wife, (her mother) for the very first time, and that too was beautiful.

When we capture the essence of beauty,

we capture love.

GOD is beautiful because HE IS LOVE!

Food For Thought: It's All Spiritual.

"Me, Myself & I."

That's right...just YOU!

There's only one of you, and how special that is!

You must treat YOURSELF with respect and that

will set the standard for how others are supposed to treat you.

Food For Thought: D-I-G-N-I-T-Y

Happy Anniversary!

Love Is...

Honesty

Trust

Respect

Communication

Unselfishness

Sensitivity

Compassion

Patience

Forgiveness

Proverbs 31:10-31

Genesis 2:24

Floyd & Terry Hodge

Photo taken by son, Timothy

Count Your Blessings

Today, count each blessing.

My number #1 blessing... "I'm Here!"

What does that mean? It means that I can

make a difference to others somehow.

"What are you thankful for?"

I know GOD has a plan for YOU.

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

Lean not on your own understanding,

Acknowledge HIM in all your ways,and

HE shall direct your paths.

There's More To That Woman!

"Will it hurt you to compliment another woman?"

It shouldn't if it's sincere, and that should always be the case!

There's something we can find in others. It doesn't have to be the obvious things like, clothes, shoes or our purses. (material)

Their character.

Their smile.

Their caring ways.

Their humor.

Their understanding.

Their trust & honesty.

Their Time.

We should never take these things for

granted of those who give it.

They should be thanked, and complimented.

It also encourages them to remain as wonderful as they are.

STRESS

Sitting in silence may just be the remedy

needed for your stress overload.

For the past several days, I've had a migraine. Up and down. Sometimes it lingered around as if it were waiting for one more thing to send it into a "hurricane migraine" if you know what I mean. Yesterday was the big kicker! The more I wanted to do, the more I couldn't.

My husband ,youngest son and I headed out for dinner, and had to turn right back around. I could feel the intensity of my headache escalating into a migraine. I think what may have triggered it even more, was the thought of knowing what was in store for me. PAIN & nausea!

I've been down that road many times! :) Not Good!

I decided to take a hot bath, and turn in for a few hours. It helped. No tv, no music, no talking, just silence. I could only hear my ceiling fan and my other fan that really soothes me for some reason. I just have to have it on...always. :)

This morning, I could feel a slight headache lingering because my thoughts were LOUD!

I've been excited because my one year anniversary is a few days away! I have to shop for my honey's gift. I'm excited thinking about the things I've been working on. I'm excited about the meeting I'm doing next month. You see, stress doesn't have to be caused by something "negative". It may be caused by "joyful excitement".

I recall several years ago when my fiance , boys and I took a trip to Baltimore to meet my family. Unfortunately, the entire trip was a nightmare for me because I suffered with a migraine. I was so excited about the trip, anticipated how much fun we would have and how I would show him where I lived, where I went to school, and for my husband to taste the best crabcakes in the country! I had to brag on Maryland's Crabcakes as he did for his hometown in California! Then I also wanted him to get to know my family and for them to do the same. Funny thing now, but not back then... I sat in the truck ill from a migraine as I forced him to eat with my family inside of a seafood restaurant! LOL Everyone kept coming outside to see how I was...I sent them a away as I tried to relax and calm my excitement! Can you believe that? My migraine eased away as we were on the expressway driving back to Atlanta.

Food For Thought: When STRESS happens, we all must "calm down" and allow our thoughts to be silent. We have to make time to sit still and take our minds to a soothing place where there's serenity. Whatever or wherever that is for you, then take your thoughts there to relieve the stress. For me, I visualize walking on the beach as the sun sets, feeling a cool breeze, feeling the sand as I walk and hearing the ocean's waves as the seagulls fly above.

We all react and handle stress in different ways. Some may get a headache, migraine, nervous energy, or maybe even a stomach ache. Pay attention to your body, and slow down a bit.

Today, if you're stressed ...silence your thoughts and take your mind on a vacation.

Health & Peace To You. : )

LOVE Yourself

You're something beautiful!

Don't you ever forget it!

Snack Attack

Ok, I'll admit it. Yesterday I was totally on track until my husband pulled up at the Krispy Kreme drive-thru unexpectedly! LOL The plan was to drive back to the place where he left his wallet and go back home.

" Who said anything about DOUGHNUTS?

So there we were, IN LINE! "Was I to tell him to back up, or speed away?" "What was I to do?" I couldn't allow him to eat alone! lol

He ordered a dozen of the glazed ,and I just couldn't resist ordering (1) Lemon filled!

How kind of my husband, to ask for two! Such a sweetheart! : )

Today, back on track. "Are you guilty of going overboard?" Well, yesterday is gone, and today is the start of something new.

Eat more fruit and vegetables.

Redirect Your Energy

A few days ago I went to get my nails done and while sitting in the chair I kept hearing a " beeping" noise.

It was very bothersome!. "Beep", "beep", "beep" and on and on and on it went! I asked the manicurist, "What is that?" I didn't hear her well, so I started to look in the direction that I thought it was coming from...still, I couldn't locate. And naturally that bothered me. It appeared as though the beeping noise intensified as I became more annoyed. Then after awhile, I realized that my attention was now on my nails! My thoughts were directed on something else that was relaxing and enjoyable.

(That beeping noise I no longer heard, although it never stopped) As I sat there I thought "wow" , isn't that how we are sometimes? We're so focused on what's wrong....so intensely that it can truly take the joy out of what's in front of us. Then as soon we direct our thoughts elsewhere, on something "positive" & stay focused on "that"... we channel our energy in a good way. The noise never left the nail salon, but what did leave were my negative thoughts about how it got on my nerves.

Today, channel your energy somewhere else. Take it to a place that's productive.Think of what's good and what's right, rather that what's a bother.

Eventually, it won't be such a nuisance to you.

"Are You Believing For Something?"

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.

STRENGTH

Whatever you may be going through...just rest in it & it will eventually pass.You don't always have to fight pain. It has to take it's course.GOD loves YOU and HE IS with you ALWAYS.

ISAIAH 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.

From HIM, To Us

Only GOD CAN do this!

GOD has given us such marvelous things to enjoy for free.

Take notice...look around and find it.

How beautiful!

DREAM!

A few questions just for YOU!

1.) "What's your dream?"
2.) "Do you truly believe?"
3.) "Are you pursuing it?"

GO FOR IT!

It's NOT What You Think!

Yesterday,my cousin and I were discussing via e-mail about the teen clubs here (Atlanta) and also in Baltimore.,although I'm sure they're up & running in many other cities,therefore I felt the need to blog on it.

Before you continue, I must warn you that I will not bite my tongue. I will however, use as much tact "as possible". Years ago my oldest son had a talent performance at a roller skating rink ,afterwards the "roller skating rink" " did their usual thing on this particular night. They had a "pajama party" for kids! "Minors". First, I've never been to a grown up pajama party, nor am I interested. But CHILDREN??? At home,yes. Public place, NO!

What's the purpose of having the kids go to a roller skating rink, with pajamas on, and not skate at all? In my opinion, this is considered a "teen club".

Now, I totally understand some parents are not aware of this as my cousin and her friend weren't. All that they knew is that they were dropping their children off to "skate". Totally innocent. As when we were younger, that's what it was...innocent. All fun!

What goes on in "some" of those places "today" is another story!

What was even more crazy was the fact that officers of the law, could see that young girls were in shorty short pajamas, dancing as if they were strippers, as the young teenage boys were looking and circling and encouraging. Touching & humping like animals! My mouth dropped open with such shock & concern!

I wanted to run over and snatch up the young girls, and tell the boys to scat,but I didn't because someone may have arrested me for protecting minors!

There were girls there as young as 7 or 8 years old hanging out with big sis.

What have we as a society been reduced to?This is exploitation of the kids!!! Especially the girls. It was practically the girls who wore the pajamas...not the boys. The males walked around with sagging pants, boxers showing, and no shirts. Flexing their arms! Give me a break!

Think about it parents!

Your young daughter is in this club dancing provocatively for young boys to be enticed!

Your young sons are in the club being enticed my a young girls dancing provocatively!

They end up conversing, exchanging cell numbers. They call, and make contact.

They could possibly hook- up when you are no where around ...then THAT could lead to TEEN PREGNANCY and now YOU'RE the one raising the child, and who knows, perhaps your sons or daughter could drop out of high school and never get the education they need & deserve!

PREVENTION! Watch your children!

Tell your kids, NO.. they cannot go! Give your sons and daughters curfews! YOU ARE THE PARENT! No child should ever run-over the parent! Now, I'm all for roller skating. I'm all for teen clubs that promotes positivity for our youth.Board games, tutoring, cooking, book clubs, anything that will help....not hurt! Even a talent show that involves dancing. But when that talent show is over...then it's over. No opening up the entire rink for kids to swirl around one another to see which girl dances the nastiest!!!!

PLEASE open your eyes! Help our youth! It's our responsibility!

They are young & ignorant to the many dangers of the world and consequences.

Teach them now!

If your child wants to dance...then put him or her in a dance program. I've seen enough of this nonsense. Once is too much when it concerns OUR CHILDREN.

Parents I urge you to make sure that you're kids are not in that environment...

I also urge you to speak about it with other parents who may not have a clue as I didn't initially , nor did my cousin & her friend. GET INVOLVED with your children!

Food For Thought: There shouldn't be ANY facility operating in this manner where minors are exploited. Ladies,this is EMPOWERMENT for YOU to empower your children. We all do better, when we know better. There's no shame in that! God Bless You & Your Family.

If you feel the same as I do...please make a comment via e-mail.

tdoram@rolemodeltmd.com

Thank you

And It Will Come Back Around!

In life we will all go through things that we 're simply meant to go through in order to serve as a lesson being taught. These things are no fault of our own, and we cannot avoid them.

However, some things we "may" bring on ourselves due to something done in our past to others , and then when it happens to us,we're reminded of how wrong it was to have done it to someone else. Karma! What goes around DOES come back around.

Therefore, don't put anymore on yourself, than what you know YOU cannot handle, although it was easy to dish it out initially.

Keep a watchful eye on what you SAY & DO to others.

Food For Thought:

When it eventually comes back around to you, it may sting a little more. Karma,well, it's still a lesson you will have learned! Not only will you now know that it was hurtful to someone else, but you'll "hopefully" learn to never do it it again in the future!

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Very Simple.

Oh...A Little Won't Hurt!

Congratulations!! You've been very disciplined. Way to go!

Remember to enjoy a treat when you've totally earned it,
However, don't go overboard!

ENJOY!

Commandments

Exodus 20:1-17 (King James Version)

1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

HE Is With You

Psalm 121:1-2

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

People are hurting everywhere! Pain caused by various reasons.YOU may even have pain. I pray that your spirit is lifted and whatever cares you have,that you place them in the hand of the Lord.

I pray for those that are going through a devastating time,especially at the loss of a loved one! I pray God's peace engulfs them "speedily" & allow their hearts and minds to be strengthened and comforted.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Please"love" one another. AMEN.

"How Many More Times?"

When you first leave a relationship held in bondage, you will initially "feel" uncomfortable although it's the right thing to do.

I'm no relationship expert, I've just had my share of heartbreak from making mistakes more than a few times! Unfortunately! However, at the same time, it's now a benefit to those that I may now help from my trial and error. God always use our messes to bless others somehow , someway. I'm blessed that God is using me. That's fortunate!

Nonetheless, when you've prayed over a situation pertaining to an unhealthy relationship, and you step away to move forward, " why must you look back?" "Do you know?"

Perhaps,you may look back because it's what you were used to.Going into a new , unfamiliar place in your life without that person, makes you feel concerned, worried and fearlful.

You never have to go it alone.

The Lord is there with you as you move forward in your "new" life.

Galations 5: 1 STAND FAST therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galations 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth.

I'm not a bible teacher obviously, however, this scripture spoke to my heart when I was saved. I was in an unhealthy relationship & prayed to be removed from it. Weaning myself from him was "uncomfortable"...therefore, I looked back, and wanted to just stay with what I was used to, in order to avoid "change" & the suffering of "going through". That was hard. I realized that "staying" in a place where I knew my spirit was calling me from was even "harder"....a place of bondage. I meditated on those scriptures & many others to remind me, that it would be foolish to go back to nonsense when GOD loved me enough to take me out of it! What a blessing!!!

The scripture, asks, " who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

So, "Who's hindering "YOU" from walking where you need to walk? Don't allow anyone or anything keep you from walking ahead. You cannot look back , or go back to a place that no longer serves "purpose" in your life.

You don't have to be chained to your past!

Have FAITH & move ahead!

Pray! GOD HEALS

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Please send prayers up to our Heavenly Father for those who are suffering with breast cancer, along with family members & close friends who need strength in order to give strength to their loved ones. Also,send prayers up for those who are suffering with any form of cancer.

May GOD heal your bodies speedily and may HE keep you all in HIS perfect peace throughout your trying times. AMEN

Such Freedom!

Believe it or not, having your own independence brings about such freedom! Even with your independence that doesn't mean that you can never allow people or someone to help in time of serious need. Ponder over the feeling you get when you reach in YOUR purse, grab YOUR wallet to get YOUR cash & spend for YOURSELF!

I love that feeling!!! That's not to say, that your honey, cannot buy you nice things or even give you cash of his own. I mean who wants to refuse that when there are no strings attached? lol However, this freedom that I'm speaking about keeps you from being hindered & being able to " be" or being able to just "do". You don't have to sit around and wait for someone to take care of you because you CAN do it for yourself. It's never a good place to depend on someone for long...because eventually you'll see that if that person doesn't have a right heart, they may take advantage of what they consider, "their" power over you.

Never get manipulated by money or anything else.

I remember many years ago....I had an old car. It gave out here and there,then completely "out". The person that I was in an unhealthy relationship with saw that as an opportunity to "control" me, by allowing me to drive his second car. Since I needed transportation desparately, I agreed. Well, as a little time went on, I was monitored like a child, and had no freedom. Eventually, I had enough & prayed over it. Guess what? GOD blessed me!! I was able to purchase a brand new car! It was awesome to regain my freedom, my independence!

Food For Thought:

Never except gifts of any sort with strings attached.
If you're married, you may still have your independence as long as
it doesn't interefere with family...have balance.

Wise hubsands should understand this.

If you've lost your independence, regain it one day at a time.
*Don't forget that little nest egg for emergencies!*
Pray for guidance in this area.