Clutters Last Stand! Get it right this year!

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1Corinthians 14:40

Al Gore

 I have declared it more than once – the war is on.  But this time the clutter is not going to win!  I will conqueror it before it conquerors me.

As a lover of books, magazines and newspapers, I find it extremely difficult to throw them away. Even with the age of the Internet, I still like to read my newspaper or magazine clips from its original form.

So, I have a home that is clutter prone.  As a writer, anything that has words on it I think is important. (But I have learned to let go of Post-it notes).  

It's always my goal to start the new year with a clean desk and empty email box. 

Also every spring I make promises to do “spring cleaning” and every summer I try to have a garage sale to get rid of stuff – it keeps multiplying. I’ve been through this cycle for years.  Dejunking is hard work.  I have tons of books on the subject to prove it.

There are the rare moments when cleaning that I do find “treasures.”  I renew my commitment to save and re-file. Yes, I’ll keep that old issue of the newspaper from September 12, 2001 and I won’t part with the Time magazine with the tsunami cover story in it. That’s history and defining moments in my life.

But nothing gets you to tackle and defeat clutter than moving.  All the “things” you thought you needed suddenly are unnecessary.  I ask myself, “Do I really want to pack and move all those old trinkets to the new home?  Do I really need all those things I’ve hidden in drawers for years?”  If I didn’t even know that the stuff was in there – toss it.  No regrets either!

It’s so liberating.  Tossing and letting go.  

Why did I even hang on to so much stuff to begin with?  Travel light.  I have a new found freedom.  It’s like getting a brand new lease on life. Clearing up clutter gives new clarity!  

Cleaning out a cabinet, a drawer and a closet makes me feel like a new woman.  I’m more excited about obliterating clutter than moving to the new house.   I am destroying piles of junk like Rambo.  I am tossing out stuff with reckless abandon like the Terminator. 

I’m on a rampage.  Through the kitchen – I toss out stuff I’ve never used.  Through the garage – I have a big Hefty bag just looking to fill it with everything that in there.  In my office, I am taming the paper Tiger and email monster!!! 

Clarity. Focus. Freedom.  Order.  It’s so exhilarating – when you make room for the new by getting rid of the old, increase is the next season.   

I’m planting seeds too by giving away tons of stuff. This is the year of amazing abundance and I now have room to receive it. 

Clutters last stand – and I win – finally. Cleanliness is next to godliness.  Hallelujah! 

Pam Perry can be reached via her website at www.pamperrypr.com No junk emails please. Trying to keep it clean.

Courage: Look Fear in the Face and say No, GO!

Cowards crumble. Winners keep swinging. How much can you take? How much heart do you have? Are you willing to persevere for the prize? 

Winners don’t talk defeat – those in their corner don’t talk defeat either. They believe. They train. They pump themselves up. They prepare, practice and plan to win. Those that fail to plan – plan to fail.

I don’t know about you but this year has had my heart up in my throat with what has been going on in our economy. I have seen so many businesses close. From the grocery store down the street that I went to weekly, to the nail salon I patronized every other week. And they’d both been there for years!

It was an awakening too when I went to my favorite sandwich shop on Wednesday and went back on Friday – and they also had a sign in the window, “Out of Business.” No warning. Just gone. This was all within my community – which four years ago it was Voted by CNNMoney.com as one the Best Cities to Live in because of the economic opportunities.

And on Sunday we got the newspaper to look at the Christmas flyers but out fell a section about two-inches thick of all the homes in metro Detroit that are in foreclosure. Thousands of thousands of listings. It made me mad! I felt like Rocky in this clip!




So, what steps can you take to keep COURAGE?


1. Don’t be afraid of your shadow. Trust in God and build up your faith. Be strong and take courage. Do not be dismayed even though things seem hard and tough – know that you have God with you wherever you go. Just only believe.
2. Smarten up and sharpen up. You have to put in the time to learn. You have to train, prepare and get your groove back. Learn technology. Integrate, automate and delegate tasks where you can.
3. Figure it out. Information is power. Quit saying you “don’t know” and go get your Google search on. All the information you need is at a click of button on your computer. The more you know, the more you grow and this increases your confidence.
4. Be bold. Be fearless. Be willing to take risks. You have to risk to win. No one who is living large ever did so by going the safe route. Get out of your comfort zone. Quit being “shell shock” and get some CHUTZPAH, some gall, some nerve. Some audacity!
5. Believe in yourself. Know your worth and demand your value. Keep dreaming big dreams, doing your vision board and saying your affirmations. Who cares what others think or what they don’t do for you? Be true to yourself. Stay on your path and stay excited about your goals – no matter what.
6. Keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. If you have to stop to rest, rest in the Lord. He will give you strength. Don’t panic – know God has a plan. Keep doing your part – and know God always come through. He is our “Superman.”
7. Have a coach or mentor that pushes you. Have a network that celebrates you. Know what type of people to stay away from and know who you need to show more gratitude towards. Who you hang are around is who you will become. Don’t “friend” everybody and follow only those who “get it” and are going places, believing God for big things.




Pam Perry PR

Pam Perry PR Coach view from the Top

“Men’s natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them” – Confucius

Cultivate habits that will change your life 
and take you to the TOP!  



1. Read and meditate everyday. Visualize your success. Record your thoughts and ideas. Speak to God and He will speak to you. Inspiration comes from being still and connecting with the Holy Spirit – our true source of inspiration.

2. Change your look. Do more than diet or get a new hair cut. Be bold and try new styles. Let your image reflect the inner change in you. How you feel on the inside should reflect on the outside. Dress where you’re going, not where you’ve been. Next level thinking requires a next level image.

3. Update your environment. Create a private retreat area in your home. This will be your sanctuary where you’ll get refueled and refreshed. Inspiring ideas come from inspiring surroundings.

4. Pursue your passion. Step out of your comfort zone and go back to school or take a course. Pull out those old business cards and make some calls. Connect with those who will help you with your passion. Attend conferences and join organizations that deal with your interests. Research the field and become an expert in the area that excites you. You are the architect of your life – design it with the things you love.

5. Celebrate others. Our lives are a reflection of the relationships we cultivate. If you have good friends that motivate you to go to the next level, make them feel appreciated and encourage them too. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. Achievers hang out with achievers.

God gives us vision, purpose and passion.
Have COURAGE to act on it. 

Remember what God said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


Create your own story board and star in your own show!

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Video: Chance to Begin Again

 What happens when 2010 didn't turn out like you planned. It's called life. And you know what, you can start over.

At the beginning of every year we feel we are starting over with a clean slate. We typically have high hopes are looking forward to the bright future ahead.

Except this year a lot of people faced layoffs, decrease in revenues, foreclosures and even bankruptcy.

Does it mean we cave in? Does this mean we don’t dream? No. In the midst of adversity is the biggest opportunity – if you expect it.

Don’t keep your mind focused on the economy and how bad it is. What you dwell on expands. You will attract what you expect. Your most dominant thoughts, if negative, will cause you to live in lack and in fear.

So stop it! If you are a child of God, do you live by faith or by fear? Nothing is too hard for God.

Watch this video.


www.pamperrypr.com 
 

People who Achieve their dreams...

They have confidence in themselves
They have a very strong sense of purpose
They never have excuses for not doing something
They always try their hardest for perfection
They never consider the idea of failing
They work extremely hard towards goals
They know who they are
They understand their weakness
    as well as their strong points
They can accept and benefit from criticism
They know when to defend what they are doing
They are creative
They are not afraid to be a little different
    in finding innovative solutions
        that will enable them to achieve their dreams
                                                 
                                                  ~Susan Polis Schutz  

What's on your DREAM BOARD for 2011?

Really? The Mobile Phone Madness & Texting Is Out of Control.

 Has technology taken over our lives, really?
I love this spot that shows folks checking their mobile phones. It's gotten out of control.

Do you love YOUR mobile phone that much? 
Could you go without checking all day? How about 2 days?

Heart and Soul with Dr. Thema: goals

Hear the podcast with Dr. Thema on the CHOCOLATE PAGES SHOW: http://tobtr.com/s/1375337



Greetings dream seekers and visionaries. There are three important keys to manifesting your dreams. First you have to allow yourself to dream and when I say “dream”, I mean setting a specific goal that is larger than your current circumstance. Dreaming or goal setting requires vision and faith.

Trusting that your life experience can be more than it is right now. This step alone is revolutionary. There are so many messages we receive from people around us, the media, and the inner voice of fear that seduce us into settling for the mediocre. Your life experience will not change, until you free yourself to dream again – to believe again that more is possible. Simply stating, “I want a good life” is a start but you have to get specific. What would a good life look like to you? Begin to draw in the details.

A building is only built after the architect develops a design. A film is not shot until the filmmaker has story boards or pictures or what the story would look like when told visually. You need to be able to articulate what you want? What do you desire to be and to do? Your life is a canvas. What is the picture you would like to draw with your days?

Once you have the dream or the goal the next step is to take a step and then another step. Dreams without action remain dreams. To see manifestation you must do more than wish and wait for it to appear. You need to research, strategize, study, implement, and re-assess as you go along. Most people who are considered over night successes have spent many seasons in preparation for the moment you see them “arrive”.

Begin to invest in your dream. Your investment of time and resources will inspire others to take your dream seriously. Many people say what they are going to do but as the Chinese Proverb says, “Talk does not cook the rice.” You have to move from talking about your goals to making them happen. Determine today at least one thing you can do to further your goal. Take a class, research on-line, talk to someone who has done something similar, or practice your craft.

The third key to manifesting your dreams is perseverance. Anyone who has a dream must be prepared for obstacles. There will be barriers, mountains, doubters, and challenges. This is a guarantee. Dream manifestation or goal attainment requires a can-do spirit regardless of the circumstance. When some people see storm clouds, they stay home. Staying where you are is safe but is that what you really want to do? When you are facing a brick wall remind yourself of the dream, the vision, and the possibility. If it is where your passion lies, continue to press for it.

Find people and things that feed your spirit, encourage your heart, and nurture your soul. When you face a set-back, take time to learn from the experience and then dust yourself and determine to move forward. A dream deferred is not a dream denied. Achievement is within reach but you will have to stretch.

Heart and Soul with Dr. Thema: goals
www.pamperrypr.com

SEE EVENTS BY ESSENCE OF MOTOWN LITERARY NETWORK | Click Here!

Oleta Adams Get here if you can: Essence of Motown is CREATIVITY and NETWORKING

Those that show up, go up! - Pam Perry
"Get here if you can, I don't care how you get here, just get here..."
Put the social back in your social networking!

Click to listen: http://tobtr.com/s/1367968

Networking Tips for Authors

1. Be visible. Dress sharp and snappy. Look like someone others want to know because your image says “success.” Be willing to attend functions alone. Networking expands your circle of influence, builds your personal brand, and garners support.

2. Give before you get. Sow before you reap. Share information and resources with contacts before asking them for anything. Search for their interests and goals when meeting someone new. Figure out a way to help them.

3. Gather, collect, and distribute info. Position yourself as the “go to” person for information. Provide regular updates about helpful events or books. Use an email database system like Constant Contact to simplify the process and send information attractively. See http://ministrymarketingsolutions.constantcontact.com

4. Write your vision. Make it plain. Make the most of networking opportunities by having eye-catching marketing materials. Have more than a business card when going to a conference or event. Be intentional about your purpose. Have a bookmark or postcard describing your book. Offer a CD or brochure as a speaker.

5. Demonstrate your sincere faith by being a person of character and integrity. Follow the Golden Rule which says, “Treat others as you want to be treated,” with respect and courtesy. Follow up and follow through. Deliver on your promises.

Pam Perry is a ministry marketing pioneer and expert in the African American Christian market. Her public relations and advertising career spans over two decades. She spent the first ten years working in ad agencies and secular media. She has dedicated the past ten to ministry marketing. Her company has a roster of some of the most well known Christian publishers and African American Christian authors in the industry.

SEE EVENTS BY ESSENCE OF MOTOWN LITERARY NETWORK | Click Here!

Dealing with High-Drama People

Got people that get under your skin? People that make you want to whip your hair back and forth?

This post is a "God-send" then. It's a guest post from my twiter friend, Dr. Thema.

There are some people who thrive on high drama. They like to create it. They feel most comfortable when they’re surrounded by it. Constant drama is not only a lot of work for the individual who is creating it but it is also very draining for those who are around them. It usually doesn’t take long to recognize when you’re dealing with a high drama person.  

Here are some of the signs:
• The person has the capacity to make the smallest issues into a major event.
• The person usually dominates every conversation.
• When the person does withdraw, they do it in a very attention grabbing way that manages to focus all energy toward them.
• They seem to always be on stage or putting on a performance.
• They find it easier to see the negative than the positive.
• They have a way of speaking to people that creates tension.

If you have a friend or family member who is a drama starter, it can be very difficult to manage. There are a number of possible reasons for their behavior. The person may:
• Create drama as a distraction from dealing with their real issues.
• Have grown up with constant put-downs and have never learned how to be positive or affirming.
• Feel insecure and need constant attention to convince them that they are valued.
• Confuse peaceful with boring and create drama to entertain themselves and others.

For those who are in relationship with high drama people, here are some pointers:
1. Be very clear about your relationship with the person. You can be the supportive friend, family member, or spouse but you cannot be their therapist.
2. You have to set up healthy boundaries to both take care of yourself and also to discourage unhealthy dynamics in the relationship.
3. Aim to be a stable, grounded person not someone who feeds off of the drama and escalates it. Do not give the person the message that their job is to entertain you. Be the kind of friend that doesn’t pressure them to perform.
4. Develop a healthy sense of yourself so you don’t let the drama cause you to doubt yourself or your worth.
5. Set limits. While it is good to be supportive, if the high drama person is being disrespectful or abusive, don’t feel you have to suffer in silence. Take the space and time you need to think honestly about the level of contact you want to maintain with the person. If you need to reduce the time you spend with the person, it doesn’t mean you are a bad person. It means you are taking steps to protect and preserve your emotional well-being.

Most importantly, don’t get caught up in the drama. Take a step back so you can see things clearly. 

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, Associate Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine Univeresity, is President of the Society of the Psychology of Women. Dr. Thema is a licensed clinical psychologist. ESSENCE magazine named her among Women Who Are Shaping the World. She has been featured on Dr. Phil, BET Tonight, K-Ci and Jo Jo Come Clean, and PBS' Basic Black as well as in the Boston Globe and Black Entertainment Television’s Weekend Magazine. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed books and is the recording artist on the CD Sky: An upbeat black girl’s song. Her work is based in an interdisciplinary understanding of spirituality, culture, and psychology.

The Breath of Life: BREATHE and Experience the Breath of GOD

Portia Lockett

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

- Mark Twain

Some religious traditions make breathing a central practice of meditation.  Deep breathing releases stress and concentrate our attention.  A period of deep breathing at the start of every meditation can prepare us to be more focused and calm.

 Here's how to release stress:

1. Sitting upright and quiet become aware of your breathing.  Do not try to control or analyze the process of respiration; simply become conscious of it.
2. Follow your breathing carefully.  Slowly inhale through your nostrils and let the air flow all the way to the bottom of your diaphragm, filling your lungs completely.  Then slowly and gently exhale through your mouth.  Again, inhale deeply and exhale slowly.  Do this ten times.
3. As you continue to breathe deeply, imagine that each time you inhale you are filling yourself more and more with God’s peace.  Imagine as well that each time you exhale you are breathing away your cares, tensions, and fears.
4. Keep doing this exercise for 5 minutes or until you feel that you have exhausted its value for you.   

When you are done, thank the God who is for you and for all people, the breath of life.

This post in honor of Redella Cousins

Fight against Sarcoma Cancer

By providing grants, loans, or donations to:

Allen James Pete Jr.

6765 Corporate Blvd Apt #6201
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-1090

Phone: 337-296-3150

Are you CREATIVE? Here's How.

Creativity comes from the CREATOR. 

When we ignore the Creator, we will not be all that we were created to be.  When we spend time on the wrong things, we run through life without purpose and no instructions on what to do and where to go.  That’s why so many people are stressed out.    

We’re trying to figure out how life works without consulting the One who created life.  Quit letting distractions, even though innocent in itself, steal time from your relationship with God. That’s why our passions of other things is higher that our passion for Him.

Shut off the TV, quit playing games on Facebook and spend some quality time with the Lord.  

Be a God chaser and chase after Him.  Wrap your life around Him.  Make Jesus the object of your affection.  When you say you are a Christian, meaning you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must discipline your life and follow His ways. The only way to know His ways is to spend time getting to know Him.  You must dedicate time in prayer, meditation and studying His “instruction manual for living” – the Bible.

Offer your heart back to the Lord. 

He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Seek the Creator, not just the stuff He created.   Get CREATIVE again! Heed His Voice.

When we surrender all to Him, He will give it all back to us. Nothing is more important than Jesus.  Give Him your love, and your cup will run over with blessings – continually all the days of your life. 

Our ultimate goal is to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  The good life here and now and ever after but only if you’ve allowed Him to capture your heart by His unfailing love.

What the HELL is social media - in 2 minutes

Social Media is networking on steroids. OK?
If you are in business. You need it.
If you are looking for a job. You need it.
If you are looking for car. You need it.
If you are looking for a date. You need it.

It is part of everything we do...and if you don't "get it" - see me. No,
really, go to my PR Pro Shop and see all the "easy non techie" tools that will
help you to get it and to master it! Say, "Yes we can!" LOL!




Hear my weekly internet radio show as I rave, rant and review social media tools and talk to top experts. Hear the podcasts NOW. | Click Here!

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Social Media Marketing Roadmap to Success: A Coach, A Plan and ACTION!

It's not what you know, it's what you do. So get busy! - Pam Perry

Social Media Marketing For Dummies

Hands-on training available at http://socialmediapr.eventbrite.com

Gospel Celebrities: Pastors in Prime Time Or Hot Seat?

Do you love your pastor or worship him? Has the media influenced the way the church looks at ministry today? Has the "prosperity gospel" created a monster beast called, Gospel Celebrity? Hmmm.

Has too much exposure in TV, parts in movies, and glitzy websites made the ministers of the Gospel think that they are rock stars? Some are acting like it. Driving cars that cost more than some homes - and wearing custom suits and expensive watches to prove that they are "blessed" and highly favored child of God.
But then the news hits.

We don't mind reading in the tabloids or online about a rock star and their "mistakes." But what happens when our pastors, preachers or prophetesses start making HEADLINES - and we read about their dirt?


We are in shock because they really aren't what we they portrayed to be. Or did we just see what we wanted to see? Was it there all the time and money was the magnifier? 

I will never forget the children's story "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Anderson. I really liked that story because it illustrated that just because you think you're right - doesn't mean you are - even if other people seem to go think so too.


The Emperor surrounded himself with people who feared him. They put him on a pedestal and felt he was their "god." They were afraid to disagree with anything he said or thought. They were the consummate "yes-men." Consequently, they let him fall for some really dumb stuff. Like walking around in "invisible" clothes.

That's the problem with having just "yes" people around you. They will let you look stupid instead of challenging you because they're too afraid. In the story, it wasn't until one truthful child stepped forward and told the Emperor that he had no clothes on, then the Emperor finally got a revelation!

There are two sides of this story and they're both based on things that are ungodly: fear and pride.

If the people had not been in fear - they could have told the Emperor the real deal. And if he hadn't wrapped himself up in pride, he could have recognized that he was really looking ridiculous.

Fear and pride are elements that can kill a soul and destroy a nation. When rampant in the church, it can stop the move of God.

God's Word says that we should submit to those in authority. We are to respect and revere them - not be afraid of them. First Peter 5:5 says, "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

We are to respect one another. When we worship a pastor to the point that we're afraid to tell them the truth - it's dangerous. The pastor will go around exposed to deceit and not even know it. We should never worship or esteem man over God - it's detestable in God's eyes. It's idolatry - and anything you idolize you will not dispute - even when you know it's right to do so.

If we really love our pastors, we must speak the truth.

Ministry leaders must also learn to temper their stubbornness - which comes out of pride. The Bible says there is safety in a multitude of counselors. Wise counsel is godly. If a pastor thinks he knows it all, he is heading for destruction. The Word warns us that "pride comes before destruction."

If God gives grace and favor to the humble, we all must be willing to say, "I was wrong. I stand corrected." Stubbornness keeps us from doing what is best - thus in the end we hurt others and ourselves too.

Confrontation requires courage. Reverence does not mean we can't speak the truth to our pastors in love. Mutual respect is the key element. It flows both ways.

Ministry marketing pioneer. social media strategist and PR Coach Pam Perry helps authors garner publicity and leverage online strategies. As a 20-year PR veteran, she is also the co-author of "Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry." For a free MP3 of "What Every Author Should Know," go to http://www.PamPerryPR.com. She offers free help at her blogsite: http://www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com thru her free e-newletters and teleclasses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pam_Perry

Honoring Sweetest Day with Classic Chocolate Pages interview with Pastor Rudy Rasmus

What's LOVE got to do with it? EVERYTHING>>> Pastor Rudy Rasmus (author of "Touch")
Pastor Rudy Rasmus and wife, Juanita Rasmus (Houston, TX)
PASTOR RUDY'S LOVE REVOLUTION TO LAUNCH ON  SIRIUS XM'S PRAISE CHANNEL The one-hour weekly show to feature performances, interviews and specials with today's biggest gospel artists "Pastor Rudy's Love Revolution" to launch  with in-studio performances by Brian  Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7,  Juanita  Bynum and Micah Stampley (New York, NY -- October 15, 2010) -- SIRIUS XM's Praise,  the channel showcasing today's biggest gospel artists,  will launch a new weekly show hosted by Pastor Rudy,  the author, pastor, street ethicist and global humanitarian.   Pastor Rudy's Love Revolution will feature music hand selected by Pastor Rudy Rasmus, uplifting conversation  with the Pastor and his special guests and a regular segment,  "Ask Pastor Rudy, during which  Pastor Rudy will answer some of his listeners' questions. Pastor Rudy's Love Revolution will launch this Sunday,  October 17, at 12:00 pm ET, on Praise, SIRIUS channel  68 and XM channel 33, with a set of in-studio  performances by Brian Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7,  Juanita  Bynum and Micah Stampley. "Pastor Rudy's Love Revolution on Praise is a dream  come true," said Pastor Rudy. "A long awaited dream to touch and possibly change the world forever with the power of unconditional love."  The SIRIUS XM  exclusive show will air each Sunday at 12:00 pm ET. Pastor Rudy Rasmus is the co-pastor, with his wife Juanita,  of St. John's United Methodist Church, located in  downtown Houston, Texas. Pastor Rudy and Juanita  founded Bread of Life, Inc., a not-for-profit organization in 1992 and began serving dinners to the homeless  in the sanctuary at St. John's.  He is the author of TOUCH: Pressing Against The Wounds of a Broken World  (Thomas Nelson Publishers), which profiles  his interesting life story and his unique brand of faith.  Pastor Rudy has contributed monthly to Oprah Winfrey's O magazine for an ethics column titled "Now What Do I Do."  He is also featured monthly in Epitome magazine. Pastor Rudy and long time member, Beyonce    Praise plays uplifting sounds of today's  gospel superstars, including Hezekiah Walker,  Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, BeBe & CeCe Winans,  Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond and more.   ### For more information, visit www.sirius.com/praise or www.xmradio.com/praise    Hear the podcast interview now with Pam Perry and Pastor Rudy Click here >  Chocolate Pages Show