Bathroom Freestyle

"I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston - Rest in Peace

2012-02-11T22:50:00.002-05:00

If you were an aspiring singer, music lover or simply listened to the radio over the last 30 years at some point, you were graced with one of the greatest, most soulful, dynamic voices you've ever heard. The voice belonging to Whitney Houston. This evening, Beverly Hills police confirmed that Whitney, the singer, actor, mother, daughter -- has died at the young age of 48 years old.
The news is incredibly tragic and saddening. When I was in the 5th grade, a good friend of mine used to call me just so that I could sing, "I Will Always Love You." Of course the reports are sharing the full picture of her life that include substance abuse and other dark issues. But when we really step back and look at the legacy left by Whitney, it comes down to one thing...her voice. So many singers have tried to imitate Whitney, cover her songs and really meet the bar that she set. There will never be another Whitney Houston. According to Wikipedia, Whitney was the most awarded female artist of all time, according to Guinness World Records, with 2 Emmy Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among a total of 415 career awards as of 2010.

However, even as she left the earth at a young age, she leaves this amazing legacy that makes her living far from in vain. She gave her gifts and talents to the world. She did what we're supposed to do everyday of our lives, give ourselves away to the benefit of others. Her voice will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were touched by her...forever.

My heart goes out to Whitney's family - Bobbi Kristina, Bobby Brown, Cissy Houston and Dionne Warwick.

Kristen

Grateful because I get to do this...

2012-02-10T00:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was one of the most fulfilling days of the year and in my professional career as it stands now. The last two years has been spent managing and balancing a freelance career with a day job. It hasn't been easy and sometimes down right discouraging, but I continue to forge through the obstacles and press forward. None of which I could have done without my Heavenly Father and my husband.

I woke up feeling like I hadn't slept in days - to which my husband aptly replies, "You haven't." I began praying to God to replace my weakness with His strength. From that prayer on into the rest of the day, I began receiving inspirational emails, one after the other. Normally, I receive one or two a day from sites I'm subscribed to, but these were personal, from people I actually know. The confirmation of strength replacement and a great day in store was certain. Once I got to work, I prepared for my first meeting of the day with the Executive Editor of a major business magazine. During the preparation, I felt heavy fatigue looming, but I continued to press through. All the while receiving encouraging emails as if people knew I was feeling physically empty...God knew and He was answering mightily.
The meeting was great. I had a similar meeting with this same magazine years prior, but I didn't have the same leverage. This time the meeting went differently and opportunities were on the table. I left feeling empowered and grateful that "I get to" do what I love.

My second meeting wasn't by coincidence, but rather my sweet tooth craving. As I was walking back to my office, I stopped inside a nearby Starbucks. To my surprise, a videographer that I've been wanting to work with was there. I politely interrupted her meeting to express my desire. She was totally open and the rest will be documented history. After that encounter, I'm sure I skipped back to work. God was lining things up step by step, piece by piece.

Shortly thereafter, I readied myself for my next meeting, a phone interview with a boutique financial firm. The story of how I met the owners was totally a God open door. From the on-set of our meeting, they were eager for me to tell their story. Our first foundational conversation today for the story was awesome. When I hung up the phone, I got my second wind. All of the fatigue from earlier had subsided and I was in full swing - shaken and movin.'

By the time I was leaving work, I was in full reflection of the day. What was happening??

As the fog cleared my mind and I put the puzzle of my day together, I began envisioning myself for the first as a full time freelancer. I left out one other key detail. Earlier in the day I received an email from a new connection and fellow NABJ member who is quickly making her mark as an outstanding writer having written for some of my favorite magazines. Her email was breaking down the ways to be a successful freelancer.
I see you God!

I felt like I was hitting a critical milestone in my journey to full time television and broadcast. I'm grateful that even as I build a foundation - I feel like everyday is my first day at this all over again. I approach it with freshness and excitement, because it's what I love doing and the stories are different. No story is quite the same and all have to be told with tailoring to the specific subject. I feel God's glory rising in and on me.

I get to do this...stay tuned.

Love,
Kris
@kristenlpopetv

Let Go!

2012-02-09T10:37:00.002-05:00

Feel free to surrender...He's already prepared the way. All you have to do is walk in it!

In love -
Kris

Who Cares What Other People Think?

2012-02-04T12:55:00.001-05:00

A HUGE overarching reason, I started this blog was because I needed to keep a record of my life. I'm used to keeping a paper journal. I have kept one most all my life. Several years ago my diligence for regularly updating my journal was lacking. Blogs were becoming the new thing, so I jumped on the bandwagon, really...just to keep a consistent record of my life's journey.

This blog, like my journal is for transparency, vulnerability and honesty. So here goes...

Growing up, I used to care a lot about what people thought of me and how they viewed me. It's strange because my calling requires mass amounts of people to judge me. I'm a writer, a television host, journalist, speaker, singer and actress. None the less, I struggled with people's perceptions of me for most of my life. Similar to most people, I want to be liked and accepted. In my case, it was to a fault. I always found myself the constant chameleon - editing myself to sound acceptable, conforming to fit in and creating false identities to not be judged. In the midst, I was silencing and covering my own voice and identity. Sometimes forgetting my own desires and wants in life.

It wasn't until I founded The King's Daughters, Inc. that I really felt like I had found my voice. Abstinence advocacy is not popular across the majority, but I strongly believe in it's mission and power and am committed to seeing it's message broadcast across the world.

Recently, I felt that past angst of discontent and insecurity rear it's ugly head. Since conquering or overcoming this desire to be "liked" and "accepted," initially I didn't know what it was. Until I noticed myself editing my phrases to sound acceptable. These attacks that creep up, saying, "Will they like me? I wonder what they think of me. Did I say something wrong?" etc usually happen the closer I am to my goals. The bigger steps I take towards fulfilling my calling the stronger the questions and accusations of whether I'm good enough, worthy and what will others think begin to rise up.

Overcoming this enemy and yes I call it an enemy is and will always be one of my greatest fights because its been one my greatest struggles. The learning I have gathered over the years is that as long as you care what other people think more than what God thinks or you think, you'll always remain middle of the road. You will always reshape yourself to fit other people's molds. You won't ever discover you're true identity in Christ as the unique person you were called to be.

No two people, not even twins are exactly alike. There is a mark of uniqueness on everyone. I've also learned that not everyone is going to like you. "Ah ha!" lol. So trying to fit it, trying to squeeze yourself into everyone else's mold is a waste of you talents and gifts. There are some people who will read this and criticize me, saying, "I never knew you were so insecure." "How weak." "She's pathetic." As if they don't have struggles of their own. Whatever... Who cares what other people think?

The greatest level of authenticity is what has caused the greatest amount of success in people's lives. People don't want your representative. They want you, the real you. No doubt, I am a poised, well spoken, confident woman. But I am also, quirky, a little wacky and sometimes inappropriate.

Maybe, I'm the only one who's gone through this and fought this fight. Regardless, this is my place to be transparent. I hope I've helped another, but truthfully, this is to help me.

Who cares what other people think? *clears throat* That includes you. =)

Love,
Kris
@kristenlpopetv

Black History Month begins - Love, Peace and Soul

2012-02-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

We're in the second month of 2012 already. If you haven't gotten entered your stride or made moves towards your goals and greater purpose...you might need a reality check. That's not a bad thing, just something to say "get moving!"

Black History Month is celebrated in February of every calendar year. While I'm a proponent of celebrating BHM 365 days a year, it is purposeful to make an impact during this month while other races, cultures and countries are watching.

This year's BHM started off somber with the death of "Soul Train" founder and creator Don Cornelius. As a music lover, artist and fan who grew up on the impact of Soul Train, Cornelius's death struck a cord. Regardless of how he died (reports claim suicide) he will be remembered as a trailblazer and legend in spotlighting African American's in music, dance and fashion. Looking at the groundbreaking work of Soul Train speaks to how powerful our voices, the media and technology really are. Rest in Peace Don Cornelius and thank you for your everlasting contribution.

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

This is how my hubby makes me feel....

2012-01-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

Usher - Superstar

This is for you, you, my number one
This is for you, you, my number one
This is for you, you, my number one

Spotlights, big stage
Fifty thousand fans screamin' in a rage
Bodyguards and limousines
This is the way I see you in my dreams
Paparazzi flash, hundred pictures all of you
Hangin' on my bedroom wall
I'm a kid again, I feel like thirteen
But I knew since we fell in love
Girl I'd be

[Chorus]
I'll be your groupie baby
Cuz you are my superstar
I'm your number one fan, give me your autograph
Sign it right here on my heart
Girl I'll be your groupie baby
Cuz you are my superstar
And as your number one fan
I'll do all that I can
To show you how super you are

Front row, there I am
Jumpin' and hollerin' waving both hands
Would you notice me, Little me
Drove twelve hours girl just to see
Your pretty face one more time
Bought my ticket I was first in line
This is a metaphor to show how I adore (I adore you)
Baby I do

[Chorus]

Now you know how I feel
You're truly special
Your love is legendary to me
Without you my life stands still
I'll never leave your world
Treat you like a diva girl
Girl you're one of a kind
Cuz they don't make 'em like you anymore
So I'll be your fan for life
I dedicate this to my superstar for all time

[Chorus]

Putting on Confidence vs. Embodying Confidence

2012-01-22T20:16:00.002-05:00

Is there a difference between 'putting on confidence,' and 'embodying confidence?'

There's a slight contrast and a subtle difference. When I hear, 'putting on,' I envision getting dressed or donning oneself. On the other hand, 'embodying' refers to a part of my being. There is no separation between me and confidence. I just am...

Why is this even important?

What if I forget to 'put on confidence?' Truthfully, there are days I forget to put on earrings, forget to put on perfume and sadly enough there have been days I forgot to put on confidence. There's nothing that I can do most effectively and believably without it. Every time, I leave my confidence off, I compromise the witness of God in my life, the depth and uniqueness of my gifts and talents and the ability to authentically connect with others.

Confidence is not something that I can afford to leave behind. So how do I go from 'putting on,' to 'embodying?'

Being full convinced of who God has created me to be and who He is in my life. Hebrews 10:35-36 talks about not throwing away confidence because there is a great reward for those who endure.

The ability to endure says to me that things will come to test and break my confidence. If I maintain it throughout, the reward will be well worth the struggle. I'm challenging myself (and you if it applies) to move from just 'putting on' confidence to 'embodying' confidence. 'Putting on' says we have the ability to take it off, but 'embodying' says it's who we are and we can't afford even for a minute to take it off.

Be Confidence!

Kris
@kristenlpopetv

Procrastination is no friend of mine!

2012-01-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

As I write this, I realize I procrastinated to start this post.

When did procrastination, with it's evil lurking head seep into my life?

Even reading the definition of procrastination is painful: To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness; To postpone or delay needlessly.

Ouch! This truth hurts.

I started noticing that some of my priorities were out of line a month ago. Naturally, I'm a very organized person. Creating good methods of tracking and follow up are some of my strong abilities. However, lately, I've noticed that my urgency to tackle simple tasks or follow-up is lack luster.

Since I'm an obsessive compulsive self-fixer, I've begun taking steps to combat this leaky faucet called procrastination. Not with a patch or a band-aid, but with deconstruction and rebuilding.

Deconstruct - To break down into components; dismantle. To write about or analyze (a literary text, for example), following the tenets of deconstruction. To expose or dismantle the existing structure in (a system, organization, etc.)

Rebuilding - To remodel or make extensive changes in; the activity of constructing something again.

I'm on a mission to deconstruct and rebuild. My first steps include committing this verse to memory: The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor. - Proverbs 12:24 (NASB); prioritizing what's most important and putting everything in a category; reading through my unread emails, surveying all unfinished projects with either plans to complete or abort the task.

Procrastination is no friend of mine! He's actually my enemy. Along with doubt, worry and fear. My life plan has no room for any of them!

In 21 days, I will include an update on my progress.

Death to procrastination!

Kris

@kristenlpopetv

One Year - RADIKL Living

2012-01-16T02:18:00.001-05:00

On the east coast it's my 1st wedding anniversary. Right now, I'm on the Westcoast and I have one hour to go.
I'm excited! A little nervous, but mostly excited. This has been the greatest roller coaster ride of my life, and the best is yet to come.
The extended version recapping this past year is soon to follow.
For now -- Happy 1st Anniversary to my husband and I. I'm blessed beyond measure.
Mrs. Pope

My Life Without Christ

2012-01-11T15:00:00.003-05:00

In my early adult Christian life, I heard the terms, "the world," and "the kingdom," to define those who were not in relationship with Christ and the mindset that goes along with their lifestyle and those who were in relationship and their holy lifestyle. As I've grown and developed in my Christian walk I believe that a relationship modelling your life after Jesus the Christ should look a certain way, but I don't believe it's as black and white as the terms suggest, but there is a foundation.

This thought has been bombarding me: What would my life look like without Christ? It became such a broken record that I had the thought investigate further. When I look at society or "the world," I see people hurting one another, unloving, glorying the wealthy while casting off the poor, emulating stereotypes, portraying themselves as carbon copies instead of a unique original.

Christ, in my opinion is the greatest example of faith and life lived whole that we have ever known. He set the standard for a relationship with God, our Father and people. He is the blueprint for how we are to do the same.

My life without Christ looks lost. Being in relationship with someone is constant work of sowing. The same is true for my relationship with Christ. I have to chose to be in a relationship with him everyday. It's not enough for me to "get saved," and never talk to him again, or never take the time to get to know him. It's a daily journey.

When I haven't spent time with God, listening to the Holy Spirit and studying Jesus, I feel lost, out of focus, like I'm searching for my center.

I need him. "The world," needs him. If you're searching for a deeper meaning in life...you probably need him too.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Arts & Technology: Red Tails Movie Red Carpet Premiere

2012-01-06T16:16:00.001-05:00

The highly anticipated movie, Red Tails based on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American U.S. service members during World War II, is garnering a lot of buzz prior to it's January 20th release date. The movie stars: Academy Award Winner Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrance Howard, David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, Method Man, Ne-Yo, Tristan Wilds and Jazmine Sullivan.

In advance of the worldwide release Red Tails is giving you front-row access to all the stars by living streaming their Red Carpet Event! The event takes place Tuesday, January 10th from 5-8pm. Details on the location and link are still TBD. (I will post as soon as they are made available).

Here's more background on the movie: The story goes on to tell about this crew of pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during WWII. They are then called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options -- including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. With the stakes stacked high against them, these fearless young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country. (Source)

@KristenLPopeTV

Music Technology: Gospel Singer - Trish Standley hosts Online Listening Party

2012-01-06T10:57:00.001-05:00

Gospel singer Trish Standley is not a novice to ministering the Good News through song, but she is bringing a fresh sound in her latest sophomore contemporary gospel album, Redemption.

Since her beginnings, Trish has opened up for Dorothy Norwood and shared the stage with award winners Phillip Carter, Earnest Pugh and Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews, The Oxon Hill High School Choir, recently charted on the UK Soul Chart with a single from the new release entitled “Love.”

Trish will be showcasing all of the songs from Redemption album with an Online Listening Party on CJBRadio.com on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 4PM EST. To tune in to the Listening Party, log on to www.CJBRadio.com. Trish will also speak about her influences for her music.

A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Trish began singing at her home church. Her songwriting career began when she took her mother’s poetry and put melody to it. Years later, after moving to Atlanta, she continued embracing her musical talents, and studied voice with Canangela Boyd-Robertson of Jan Smith Studios, owned by the famed vocalist and songwriter. For more information about Trish Standley, log on to www.jansjoy.net.

@KristenLPopeTV

Does Social Media and Reality Television Retard Creativity?

2012-01-03T23:03:00.002-05:00

A few months prior to the stroke of midnight on NYE 2011, I started making some lifestyle changes. I'm not a fan of new years resolutions. I believe that whatever success I'll experience I must commit myself to daily practice. My personality, behavior and mindset is not going to change at the the flip of the switch.

As a result of my not so new epiphany, I am doing a personal experiment. It involves adjusting my personal and professional priorities and deactivating my Facebook page temporarily. A part of me believes that it's not healthy to be so involved in other people's lives, especially when it's only the snap shot and highlights.

Reality television and social networking is all broadcast through some form of media. Media (Television, Radio, Internet, Magazines, etc) have long been the shaping tools of the masses.

Year to year, month to month, day to day, people are being "told" how to dress, how to look, how to talk and comparing their lives with others. My calling and trade requires me to be creative. Not only that, without the thoughts of others, your forced to form your own thoughts, ask your own questions and create your own identity instead of one being force fed to you.

I also question, how productive one can be when spending countless hours on social networking sites and watching reality television. Speaking from experience, I've logged onto Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc and looked up to find too much valuable time had passed. Afterwards, I felt unproductive and guilty.

Of course this is not true for all people, but it seems to be a growing trend. So I'll check back in on this personal issue in about 30 days to see if I notice any measurable difference.

In addition to cutting certain habits off and shifting certain elements of my life around, it's important to seed those areas with important nutrients. For me involves: more prayer, more quiet time to listen to the author of creativity--my Heavenly Father, listening to my husband and investing in relationships that bear continual fruit in my life, constant experimentation and greater leaps of faith.

I'm looking forward to becoming a better version of me.

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:05:00.000-05:00


Our last picture of 2011! I hope your New Year's Eve was blessed!

Here's to a supernatural, abundant and overflowing with greatness 2012!
Love,
Kristen

What Sets You Apart?

2011-12-28T10:55:00.000-05:00

Google+, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogspot, etc, etc I have them all and I'm looking into more. More ways to connect and inevitably more ways to increase the noise in my world and now as Twitter indicates, more interactions. Most people who use a computer or interactive device use one or more of these services. So what sets any of us apart from another? Why should any of us listen or buy into one another...

Content.& Creativity.

In this day in age when we are flooded with ways to connect and in information overload, content and creativity is what sets people apart. Originality is key. While it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel, it is necessary to not be a carbon copy and to do what you do well. Tailor your craft with originality.

Technology is only a tool. It's the voice, the authenticity and the originality behind the technology that sets each one apart. Do YOU! Be YOU!

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful..."

Music Technology: Jon Bibbs - JBLive App for Android

2011-12-22T18:08:00.002-05:00

Some goals of an artist is to connect with their fans, stay ahead of the trends and create a platform to get their work out. Independent artists, especially have to be more creative about getting their work to the masses. One of the more popular ways of doing this lately is creating apps for mobile devices.

Soul singer/songwriter/producer/musician, and fellow Hamptonian Jonathan Bibbs, better known as Jon Bibbs is taking advantage of this trend with the JBLive app. This app is fully integrated with his JB Live website. The app showcases news, his performance calendar, photos, videos and more!

Fans of Jon, like myself can easily log into the app while on the go and get updated with just a couple clicks. Most importantly, as an independent artist Jon is taking advantage of all the ways to get his music out. His shining bio gives a great highlight for the great, grounded artist he is and where he's destined to go.

The debut of this app demonstrates he's here for the long haul--and he's going to keeping providing fans with the new and the fresh!

Download the app here! Join the Jon Bibbs community and listen to his music here!

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Music Technology: Naughty By Nature App for Android

2011-12-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

Music artists new and more seasoned are taking advantage of the many ways to stretch their careers and exploit their brands. Legendary Hip-Hop trio Naughty By Nature is celebrating 20 years of being a group with a new E-book app that's available for Android platform phones.

The ebook is broken into three sections: photo gallery, videos and social networking.

NBN Member Vinnie gives a demonstration of the app here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lIzKsO6-OL4#!

Check it out!

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Music News: Ending 2011 with Hip Hop

2011-12-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

Right now, I'm anticipating the debut of one certain album tomorrow. There are two big ones of note that fall into the hip hop category, but being from Chicago, I'm biased.

The Dreamer, The Believer by @common one of my all time favorite rappers and arguably one of the best lyricists in hip hop releases 12/20.

A lot of hip hop fans are still caught up in the rapture of the "Watch the Throne" tour that just ended. I appreciate that @common is wrapping the year with this work. The singles he's chosen to release, "Blue Sky" and "Celebrate" have me excited for the rest of the album's contents.

I look forward to listening and chatting with you more tomorrow!

Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Making Connections

2011-12-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

The age old adage--networking is still a popular and critical topic. However, the paradigm and art of making connections with people for the purpose of collaborating later has changed dramatically. With texting, social networking, direct messages on Twitter, etc networking looks drastically different from conventional methods.

This morning Black Business Works hosted their Monday morning power call and invited me to be a guest. The topic, "How to make your network increase your net-worth," is timely with the continued inconsistency in our economy and job market. The shift in both makes our society ideal for entrepreneurial creativity and start-ups, which means networking is hugely important.

Here are some nuggets we shared:

Don't expect to network at a function and do business right away. This usually happens over time.
Go to events with a purpose. Separate social events from networking. When networking, don't focus on eating and drinking.
Approach networking with a can attitude that seeks to give and not just get from a potential connection.
Observe the room first to avoid having to "work the room"
Be willing to do a good faith project for a potential client.

Harvard Business Review has this to say about networking:

Network Beyond Your Bubble:

Revise your conference calendar: Attend at least one conference a year in a field that you make have interest in, but little experience.
Talk to the loners: At social events, don't just spend time with your friends and colleagues. See out the people that don't fit in and strike up a conversation.
Find diversity within: Reconnect with passions that you may have ignored because they didn't fit into your life. In doing so you'll encounter people far removed from your daily experiences who may provide you with new self insight.

Don't wait for 2012 to build your network and increase your net-worth!

Kristen

Mistaken Identity

2011-12-16T10:02:00.001-05:00

If someone asked you, "who are you," how would you respond?

It seems like an easy question. Almost too easy. There are many ways to answer. You could answer with your name, your passion, your career, some connection to your family. Growing up, I always felt connected to some kind of royalty. My parents always made me feel like I was apart of a larger legacy, a greater purpose that stretched outside of myself.

As life continued, events occurred to confirm this connection and events occurred to totally rob me of it. At one point in my life, I was so far gone from who I was, I was essentially lost. After some personal searching, rediscovery and rebuilding, I became convinced that I am, The King's Daughter. I am God my Father's child. No matter what happens to me, or what I do, or where I end up that one fact remains true.

Through my life's journey, some of my decisions didn't line up with this fact. I've made decisions out of fear, hurt, insecurity, doubt -- hoping and believing for the best. I've made some decisions forgetting who I am and the power that lies within me. My challenge is to make who I am consistently line up with what I do and the decisions I make.

My life is a living testimony, but it's also a living witness.

Who are you?

Blessings,
Kristen

Dont' Wait!

2011-12-15T10:48:00.002-05:00

Does procrastination, inconsistency, burnout or complacency (I feel like I just said a string of cuss words) ever enter your body, infiltrate your spirit and takeover?? I know that was kind of dramatic, but all of them have quietly settled in my mind, words and actions at some point in life.

We are two weeks away from welcoming 2012 and on schedule people are working on their annual New Year's resolutions. I'm not a believer in New Year's resolutions. Anything that I set out to accomplish, plan to complete or create as a goal I'm starting now. A good friend shared a quote year's ago that echos in my mind - "Don't wait for life to be perfect to be great."

One thing that is for certain, time marches on and you can't reach back and grab the moments you wasted or pause the clock to catch up. Anything you want to master and become great at takes consistent practice and the longer we wait, the longer we delay our impending greatness.

Every new day presents a second chance, not just the stroke of midnight on December 31st. Every new day presents an opportunity to take steps, plant seeds, and grow an inch closer. There's no need to wait to begin being great or start that thing you want so desperately to accomplish.

2012 will come and go and so will your resolutions. There are few destinations in life. Once you get to one place, the journey still continues on to the next place.

Seize the moment!
Kristen

Expect Good News!

2011-12-14T16:36:00.005-05:00

This morning started a bit off center. By the time I left the house, my heart was so full and lifted I could float. The reason...my husband's grand gesture of humility. Whether it took a lot for him to extend this gesture or it didn't, it set my heart on course to have a wonderful day. The bible says to guard your heart for out of it flows the issues of life. Richard's extension cured the issue of my heart. It was truly the best way to start the day.

From there, I was encouraged. With the course of the day in motion, I actually didn't need anything else, from the day that is. The day could continue as planned with no additional fireworks.

Early in the day a friend told me to expect great news today. I took it as additional encouragement for an already great day. But instead -- great news came! One of my best friends, Tatiana, has been vacationing in Costa Rica for the last week. Her vacation was cut short when she sustained a life threatening injury in a recreational accident. Midway through her vacation, she found herself in the hospital having surgery. She was originally due to come home yesterday, however the doctors required she remain in the hospital until further notice. Her prognosis has been everything from bed rest for a month and half to staying in the hospital for up to a week.

This afternoon, good news arrived! She's been cleared to leave the hospital as early as tomorrow. Bed rest is not necessary, however she will need to be on crutches for the next few weeks. I don't know about her, but for me, it's a sigh of relief. I've been to many countries, and the one thing I never wanted to happen was to become ill or need medical attention in a foreign country. It might be my short-sidedness, but it's outside my comfort zone.

During my honeymoon in Australia that hope came to an end. I experienced a paralyzing back spasm that required me to go to the emergency room and be treated for most of the day. I was so thankful Richard was by my side the entire time. Even though the hospital/medical/healthcare system in Australia is great. Anywho...

God is faithful. Tatiana has a powerful testimony to add to her life's story.

Expect good news!
Kristen

Finishing this year strong!

2011-12-13T10:26:00.001-05:00

Is this thing on??

I've been gone from the blogosphere for over two months! It feels much longer than that. Forgive me. Regular and infrequent readers have asked me when was I going to write another post. I took a pause, but the work didn't stop.

Since we last spoke, so much great has happened. My hubby and I attended a "Marriage Covenant Retreat," in the Bahamas. One of my best friends became "formally," engaged and we showered her with great joy on a beautiful afternoon. I co-hosted the 24th Annual Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund Gala Red Carpet show. Yes - it was amazing! It was also one of the most high pressured situations I've been in and it felt so natural. Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield and Rebecca Crews were some of the people I interviewed. It was pretty surreal and I can't take any credit! I had a great meeting with a newer television station in Somerset, NJ. (Great things are coming is all I can say about that)

My hubby and I spent Thanksgiving in Maryland with Richard's extended family. Most of the holiday was spent with his Grandfather in the nursing home. This is his first year there. For someone so independent, the transition has been tough. Our time together was very rich. Richard and I went back to relationship counseling to discuss the issues we found ourselves coming against in this first year of marriage. Let me just say, I love counseling. I love it when we need it and when we don't. There is a peace and a cleansing and a renewal that I love about the openness of our sessions.

Welcome to December! We're in the last month of the year. How? When? How? LOL! It's crazy. I feel like I just got married and I'm a month away from celebrating my first year anniversary. Wow. What a year...

We managed to put up our Christmas tree. It really makes me feel that Christ's birth season is upon here. We also joined our church's Media Ministry. This is going to be really fun! Working together with Richard is always a fun adventure. Together we are a "RADIKL" force (shameless plug) to be reckoned with. I look forward to serving the church in an impactful with through my passion.

As we prepare to wrap 2011, I am in full organization, prioritizing, goal-minded, mode. My prayer time, quiet time, Bible time is much more intense. I believe 2012 is going to ask a lot of me and I want to be ready. My hearing and my visioning needs to be sharp.

The feeling that I have barely scratched the surface of my potential, my marriage's potential is fuel to shoot for the moon and keep stepping out on faith. I am seeing so many of my most inexplicable but amazing experiences add up to the work God is doing in my life. Nothing is wasted.

There is already a lot under construction and underway for debut in 2012. I can't wait to share with you.

Thank you for continuing this journey with me. I'm praying for you as we finish strong--together!

Only love!
Kristen

Music News: Chicago's finest - Twista

2011-10-03T23:22:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, the BET HipHop awards took place in Atlanta, GA. During some down time in the Loews Hotel lobby, I chatted with one of my favorite rappers of all-time and fellow Chicago native --- Twista. He shared that he has his own record label, "Get Money Gang Entertainment" (GMG), also home to the Speedknot Mobstaz and Shawnna. Twista said he's also working on some new material for an album that could be released as early as late this year.

Twista's impact on music and specifically the HipHop world have been felt for many years. He released his debut album, Runnin' Off at Da Mouth, almost 20 years ago. He has consistenly recorded and released solo albums, collaboration albums and mixtapes. Most recently he released a mixtape featuring his GMG crew called, We Workin. The mixtape has 23 tracks and continues to prove why Twista is legendary. He also has a solo album called, The Perfect Storm (http://twista.ning.com/) to keep fans coming back for more.

To keep up with Twista, you can tweet him at @TWISTAgmg .

Blessings,
Kristen L. Pope
@KristenLPopeTV

Battlefield of the Mind

2011-09-22T13:18:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen cartoons that display the angel and the devil (or demon) on either shoulder of a person? The figments of imagination or voices of opposition are battling for power, for allegiance.

Do you ever experience it in real life? I have. I do.

In past, I've always lightheartedly chalked it up to my Gemini dual personality and nature. However, I know the truth. The truth is that we are in an on-going battle. This battle of flesh and spirit, human life and spirit life, seen and unseen forces.

Lately, the mental attacks have been more intense. There is so much competing for attention. Several years ago I encountered similar attacks and I picked up Joyce Meyers book, "Battlefield of the Mind." It spoke to so much of what I was experiencing. It also made me feel like I wasn't losing my mind, but rather had the ability to focus my mind and silence the opposing thoughts.

Interestingly, the attacks on my mind happen more frequently the closer I am to an achieved goal or vision. Thankfully, I have come to recognize that.

Our mind is fragile. Much more than we realize. Bi-polar disorder, multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, suicide, etc demonstrate the sensitivity of the mind. The verses below have been life to my mind as I fight back and arm myself daily for battle.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:6 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

Proverbs 4:20-22 - My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.(NKJV)

Mark 4:14-17 - The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.

The world isnt getting any slower and the craziness of the world won't end. It's critical ...no it's actually lifesaving to protect, guard and allow God to keep our mind so we can live healthy and happy lives.

My meditation and moments of uninterrupted silence have become non-negotiable. We are overcomers, even of the battles we can't see.

God Bless,
Kristen

Morning Thought - Happy Friday

2011-09-09T10:14:00.003-04:00

I don't believe I am here to be comfortable. I believe I am here to be convicted...to action.

What do you believe you're here to do?

Make the day great.

Kristen

Mark 4:17 - My revelation

2011-09-07T11:31:00.001-04:00

There is no greater text than the Bible. It never grows old. Revelation is always fresh and the lessons are unending. They always apply. As we continue to evolve as people the Bible stays relevant.

I read this verse, a verse I have read many, many times. Today, it fresh with new revelation. This verse is taking me to another level.

"and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away"

I also relate this to James Chapter 1.

I read this verse and of course had to do a self check.

This says, 'no firm root in themselves,' not the bible, not people, not even God. To me it's saying, not knowing who we are or what we are called to be. It says not knowing our potential, or our divine power. & because we don't know when problems arise, we fall away or we give up on the path we're on because we don't who we are. We're not firmly rooted in what we believe or know about ourselves. It seems like as long as we don't know, we have to keep starting from square 1.

I don't want to be a sugar rush or a passionate high with no grounding, no roots to sustain my journey and process. God has given us the tools, but we have to have staying power and perseverance to stay the course.

Rooted,
Kristen

Be True to You

2011-09-07T11:17:00.003-04:00

Living for the approval and to please others will only lead to a dead end road.

Storm Preparedness (not what you think)

2011-08-27T23:20:00.002-04:00

My faith and promises me that storms will come. Natural and spiritual storms.

As the Northeast braces and prepares for the impending storm, Hurricane Irene, residents are frantically trying to prepare. The lines for flashlights, batteries and food supplies exceed even a normal day in New York City shopping.

Richard and I did our due diligence as well. My father in law called with a lengthy list of things to do to prepare, that we pretty much followed to the tee. After we completed the list, we spent the day watching movies, talking, cooking, laughing, doing laundry and checking in with friends and family.

In the midst, we had one particular conversation about our interpretations of what it would look like if people gave the same attention to their preparedness for Jesus's return. In my interpretation, it would look like people doing all they could to serve their neighbor, love overflowing, people walking in their callings, forgiveness given freely and an overwhelming compassion for others struggle.

I don't think it would look like the panic we've seen these past few days, because it would be a daily walk. Not a last minute scramble.

My foundation and the values we are building "our house" on came to mind. In preparation, you can breathe easier knowing that you have a sure and solid foundation, if you are using the right tools and materials. A mentor once told me that when I got married, I wouldn't have the same time to spend in prayer and personal meditation as I did as a single woman. Initially, I thought, really? Why not? Won't my husband understand? I came to realize that it wasn't about him understanding. It was more about my priorities as a wife and having less time to myself. My habits, including prayer and mediation as a single person didn't automatically translate as a married woman.

When I first noticed the shift, I was evermore thankful that as single woman, I was wholly dedicated to God's presence, prayer and praise. Evermore thankful that Richard and I were abstinent before marriage and put God's business first. Now as we grow and become one, we re-prioritize our spiritual development as a unit together and when the storms come we have our strong foundation to stand on.

Even as we wait for Hurricane Irene, we don't have to panic, or run scared. We're prepared as best as we can in the natural and we pray God will protect us beyond all that we can do.

Matthew 7:24-27

The Wise and Foolish Builders

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Be Blessed and Be Safe!
Kris

Blessed by connection

2011-07-23T07:05:00.001-04:00

Who's in your circle? The people you are connected to matters. My life is blessed to the overflow, because of the people I am connected to, divine and natural. If you want different results in your life, if you want to eliminate drama, you might start by examining your connections.
In love,
KLP

Reporter Reel - Kristen L. Pope

2011-07-15T12:08:00.000-04:00

Extra!! Extra!! Read all about it!!

Please click on the url link below to view my Reporter Reel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THE2V-Ypgc4

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

There is definitely more to come.

God Bless,
Kristen Pope

My Wake Up Call at Midnight

2011-07-13T05:48:00.000-04:00

After a disturbing dream, (nightmare) last night, I forced myself to wake up. I couldn't take the series of events unfolding anymore. In reaction, I first emailed the details of the nightmare to Richard so that I would have a record of it and we could discuss it when he woke up. I then, prayed and talked to God first. Next, I searched the internet to clear my mind for a moment. Finally, I got intentional about what really just happened in my dream. I don't have nightmares often, so I felt it necessary to give it more close attention.

I began researching nightmares. Where they come from? How they originate and what we can learn from them. I found some interesting literature offering a number of reasons. The most reoccurring theme was that a nightmare could be a result of an inner conflict that needs to be resolved or a warning of something to come or to be warded off.

Close to 30 minutes into my search (at what was now 4:30am), I decided to continue my heavenly conversation. I asked God what was I to gather from this nightmare. I believe in seeking wisdom in reliable places, but I also know I can most times just cut out the middleman and as the creator. He's faithful to answer my questions, even if it's an answer I don't like.

The conclusion was that I need to be more present. I mulled over that for a while. Present. In what way? The answer revealed included marriage, home, priorities, basically my every day life. It sounds so simple, yet so complex. Those who know me, know when I'm on, I'm on. I used to take pride in giving the phrase, "mover and shaker," a whole new meaning. However, I'm starting to "get it." Get what was just revealed to me. I can move faster than the speed of light, and consequently miss things a long the way, important things. Even worse, things going on right under my nose.

But hey...it's New York! It's the nature of this beast right???
Who cares!?!?! I've been "doing" New York and doing it well for a while now. I feel like: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36) I have had to reshuffle my priorities more than a few times in life and it looks like I need to do it again...

Present.

Not talking about one thing, yet thinking about the next. Not thinking about one thing, yet participating in the next. Not listening to one thing, yet concerned about the next.

Not taking for granted that everything will just work it self out, take care of itself or someone else will step in and pick up where I left off.

Cherishing my moments while staying in the moment. Taking time, to just take time, knowing that this very moment is really all that matters, since the next isn't promised.

As much as I hated that nightmare, I don't ever want the memory of the revelation to disappear. It could potentially help save my marriage one day if needed, save my job, but most importantly...save me.

Be present Kristen.

(Sometimes I talk to myself and I figured since this is my blog, no better place to talk to myself than here, but thanks for reading too).

Love,
Me, today.

Quote that inspired me today

2011-07-11T09:46:00.000-04:00

"Don’t block your blessings. Don’t let doubt stop you from getting where you want to be...from now on I refuse to let anyone interrupt the vision I have for myself. Sometimes I think we hurt ourselves by being too aware of the challenges. It can be better not to know." - Jennifer Hudson

Bathroom Break!

2011-07-06T12:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer!
I hope you enjoyed a blessed and adventurous 4th of July holiday. I spent half the day in hot sun on Martha's Vineyard and the other half travelling back to my lover in Stamford, Connecticut. It was a great ride as it included diverse conversation with my girlfriends about school days, men, career, memories and more!

It's been a jam packed few months.

Rewinding to May - my girlfriends and I had a sleepover at, Richard and I attended two birthday parties and wedding by the end of the month. It's got us ready for our month of celebration since both of our birthdays are in June. June started with my birthday and my cousins wedding in ATL. Our trip allowed me to introduce RP3 to so many dear friends of mine whom live a little ways away...
A couple weeks later we travelled to Boston and stayed with great friends and their family. We attended our third wedding in less than a month and it was by far the most life-changing wedding we had been to. The spirit of the ceremony was so pure and beautiful. The following day we celebrated RP3's birthday at one of his favorite asian restaurants.

Last week, I headed to the second annual trip to Martha's Vineyard with my girlfriends and a great bonus - my Mom. It was a great vacation. The house was quaint and perfect for our eight person stay.

This week, I prepare to shoot the remaining parts of my newsreel. It's been a long time coming and huge investment and sacrifice from both Richard and myself. It's grounding to see it all come together in such a divine way. God has truly been at the center of it all. I feel blessed to be used as the vessel, as I keep stepping up.

This also leads up to preparations for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention in Philadelphia this August. My mind is focused on bringing my A game, my innovation and my best self. Thankfully, my confidence is high as I continue this narrow road. My prayer is that God helps me keep it there and take it further. I believe my steps are ordered for this opportunity and that His will is my heart's desire. I look forward to bringing back divine testimonies of my experiences over the next 30 days.

Preparation is truly the key. I am learning how important it is to always be prepared...for anything! Always being ready. When you're ready, the encounters chase you down. The opportunities chase you down - because you're ready.

Be Blessed! Be Ready!

Kristen Pope
"The Billionairess"

2 is better than 1 (and 3 is not a crowd…it ensures success every time)

2011-04-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

Who is 1: Me
Who are 2: Richard and I
Who are 3: Richard, me and God = RADiKL (RA+Di+KL -Radical - (according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online) - Fundamental; marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional; extreme; tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions or institutions; of relating to, or constituting a political group associated with views, practices, and policies of extreme change; excellent; cool.)

April 9 gave me new perspective on teamwork, partnership and divine intervention. For the second year in a row, the National Action Network (NAN - http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/) hosted their “Measuring the Movement” panel and conversation during their almost week long convention at First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC - http://www.fcbcsermons.com/). The event was covered by TVOne and other media outlets.

In a follow-up counseling session w/Richard (RP3) and I, our Pastor (Mike) offered the assignment of interviewing the panelists as a news piece for the church. I gladly accepted. (I wonder if I knew how the day would run, would I still have accepted so quickly).

I stayed up until about 4:30am the morning of the panel conversation, researching the panelists, their views and affiliations and preparing questions. After a nap, Richard woke me up to get our day started at 6:30am. Our first stop was to our friend Malaika’s house to have my make-up done. Immediately after, Richard and I headed to FCBC. We arrived to find there had been a disconnect in communication. The church’s media team with whom we planned to work with were not at the church and had no plans of attending. RP3 and I looked at each other, but did not panic. We began to strategize. We had two and half hours until the panel ended, to get a camera, mic and possibly a tripod and lightening to complete this assignment.

Our starting point was in the balcony of FCBC. I began taking notes in case the solution for our assignment would be a print story instead of a broadcast story. Richard began taking pictures and video with out SLR and recording the live audio with his cell phone. He also kept in communication with the church administrator for any updates on progress of getting the needed equipment to shoot. In true RP3 form, my scientist and researcher of a husband located a member of FCBC media team, Lorianne.

(Enter the beginning of divine intervention)

Lorianne identified another member of the team, Ian who also provided in the crunch assistance. Ian delivered one of the church’s studio cameras, some batteries and a mic. We’re almost in business. However, we didn’t have someone to shoot and we needed a live person because we didn’t have a tripod. Richard then downloaded and read the manual for how to operate the camera onto his cell phone. With less than 30 minutes until the panel ended, we began running mock interviews so that RP3 could get comfortable with the camera and its settings. He served as the videographer for the entire shoot. We still didn’t have lighting but God blessed us with a beautiful bright and sunny day, so we went outside to get in position on the corner where the church is located.

Once we were in position, Richard took my hands and asked me if I wanted to pray. We bowed our heads on the corner of 116^th and Adam Clayton Powell and petitioned to our Father for His strength, His guidance and courage. We thanked Him for bringing us to this point and praised Him in advance for getting us through the rest of the way.

The list was in from Pastor Mike of who he wanted interviewed. Lorianne managed the list and time the countdown to executing this assignment had begun. First up to be interviewed was heir to NAN and the National Director of Membership Dominique Sharpton. We then prepped for her father, the Reverend Al Sharpton, by his right hand woman. After our interview and exchange with the founder of NAN Rev. Sharpton, our next experience was a bonus and a bit unexpected. It was test and gave real color to the calling of journalism. It is sometimes (most times) not glamorous, but should always be that of an activist. A woman who did not attend the conference but had an earlier exchange with Rev. Sharpton approached him immediately following our interview. The only thing standing between she and him was me. She was very emotional and appealed to him for help on this crowded corner in Harlem for help to track down her son’s murderer. She was hovering over me, crying, almost falling and using me as an anchor to stand. I began holding her up with one hand and still holding the mic in the other. We (Richard and I) and a community of spectators were forced to switch gears. Real life was taking place. A woman in pain, still grieving her son’s death, seeking help to publicize his case and track down his killer. Rev. Sharpton responded quickly and immediately assigned one of his pastoral staff to her case. As the situation calmed, Richard, Lorianne and I regrouped for the next interview, NAN’s Executive Director Tamika Mallory. Soon after, we interviewed CNN and TVOne Correspondent Roland Martin who also hosted and moderated the panel. Next in our line up was NAACP President Ben Jealous. His interview stood out as he has a jovial nature, but is committed and passionate to getting the hard work done.

After a brief pause we switched our location from the corner to the front and center of the church to gain better light as we were experiencing a shadow. Once repositioned we interviewed Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable Intergenerational Public Policy Network. Last but not least was our interview with Dr. Boyce Watkins (http://www.boycewatkins.com/). We had technical difficulties on his interview and he was the right person to have them as he was very accommodating and didn’t mind when we asked him to do his interview a second time.

At this point we finished our round interviews although we were asked by numerous people and citizens of Harlem to be interviewed. We wrapped after taping the intro and outro and seemingly completed the task and assignment presented to us.

Richard and I inhaled and exhaled the day’s events. We started with almost nothing except our availability and willingness to complete an assignment and ended with our assignment done an experience together, better than we imagined. God’s hand was upon us the entire time. He never left us. Actually, he guided us the whole way through.

Whether it was a test of humility or a test of teamwork or a test of faith…we passed.

Here’s to a three fold cord – not easily broken.

I’m TEAM RADiKL.

Kristen

The Majesty of Holy Matrimony

2011-04-17T12:52:00.000-04:00

With 3 months into marriage, I am daily encountering the beauty of marriage.

I am part of something greater than myself. I have another child of God, depending on me to meet many of his needs. The same is true for me. The last month has been a testimony to the majesty of marriage and simply how blessed I am to be married to my husband Richard.

A little over a month ago, I had to have a minor procedure which would leave me in great pain almost immediately following for about a week. A couple of days after the procedure, I began a month long fitness boot camp with a personal trainer at 6am Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For me, it was very important that I took on this challenge as my transition from single to married and city girl to suburban wife had consequences…extra pounds. One day after the boot camp began; I started a month long television reporting continuing education class on Tuesday evenings.

(Even when I looked at Richard, like why you let me do this, he never looked back at me like I was crazy.)

During this time of heavy movement and activity, my husband stepped up tremendously. On days of extreme pain, he made sure that I was taking my medication and was comfortable at home. On mornings when I had boot camp, he saw me off to class and greeted me with open arms as I limped to the shower from an intense workout. At the end of every Tuesday night class he made the journey from Connecticut to the lower east side of New York City to drive me home from class. Even more on days of shooting footage, he was right there to document every moment.

(Side note: Richard thinks every day should be, “take your husband to work day.”)

At the beginning of April, I participated in a seminar, mentoring Broadcast Professionals. Since I have not been on air regularly in a few years initially I was a bit discouraged to attend. My better half encouraged me to go and get the most out of the experience.

Within this month, Richard and I somehow found (made) time to keep our date nights, host a couple’s game night and have quiet moments at home. We also had our first big argument since being married during this time. It hurt me to my core to argue and be at odds with my best friend and greatest ally. Friends, counselors and keepers of our marriage were there to lend support and reassure me that I was being too hard on myself and us. We did the best thing we knew how to do. We repented to God and to each other…and moved on.

More and more, I learn that “2 is better than 1.”

Stay tuned for my next entry as I elaborate more on this…

Be Blessed!

Kristen

I've Been Dealt a Winning Hand!

2011-04-12T06:40:00.001-04:00

...which means I can't lose! This is real to me in practical terms.

Even those things, events in my life and incidents that might appear to be failures are not. They are all apart of my journey to escort me to a destined place in my life.

Where am I?

I AM in my skin and loving it.
I AM on a journey with my husband, discovering sacrificial and selfless love.
I AM walking out my divine assignments.
I AM confident, secure and beloved.
I AM RESTORED, REDEEMED and the Lord's plan for me is being REVEALED daily.

One of the greatests revelations is, "The Majesty of Holy Matrimony." To hear more on this, stay tuned for my next entry...

God is Moving! (right now)
Kristen Pope

I Will Wait for You by Janette (Powerful Poem)

2011-03-11T10:13:00.001-05:00

The season of singleness can often times feel like a cold and lonely wilderness. But if given the nurture, the focus, the attention needed it can be the greatest season of purpose.

I have experienced a forced and intentional singleness it as well as many other sisters and brothers I know. One thing is true in the midst of the season, God is always there with you, willing to walk with you. He never leaves you and if you let Him, He will lead and guide you to your greater self and the mate He's been crafting and molding just for you.

A friend sent me this link of a young lady performing her poem about the waiting for him, but even greater, waiting for God. I encourage everyone to listen to her words. You can't help but feel her passion. Click or copy and paste the link below into your browser.

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhKd5523f5J4yhgXiD

Have a great and purposeful weekend, whether you are single, married or...waiting.

Yours,
Kris

2010 in review…Life Lived Blessed

2011-02-21T11:59:00.004-05:00

This reflection has taken longer than expected to pen (type). Mainly due to planning a wedding, changing residences, travelling, and GETTING MARRIED, just to name a few. However, reasons aside, I am beginning this, sitting in my hotel room in Australia and I find no clearer time to recap and gather the blessed moments of 2010 that have brought me to this point. Walk with me through a blessed year of ups and downs, super highs and some lows, kisses and hugs, laughs and tears, revelation and blessing. All in all, I thank God every day for this journey.

JANUARY 2010

The year opened with a New Year’s celebration at a friend and mentor’s home in New Jersey. The gathering was intimate and it felt like home even though I was miles away from Florida. Richard and I toasted the New Year and were excited about our budding relationship.
The beginning of the RADiKL (Richard Albert + Divine intervention + Kristen Lauren) union was really beginning to take shape as RP3 and I joined a new church together. This step was major in our relationship, but it has proved to be purposeful and more importantly fruitful.

Richard and I attended a book discussion of, “The Conversation,” by Hill Harper at my best girlfriend Toya’s house in Maryland. We joined a mixed group of men and women to discuss relationships. Being deeply engaged in my own budding relationship, hearing other’s point of views including my own partner was very enlightening.

Fresh off the heels of the book discussion, RP3 and I began engagement ring shopping which ended in he and I designing a beautiful engagement ring together. While it was not the easiest process, I take my hat off to Richard for allowing me the privilege of being a part of the process.

FEBRUARY 2010

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple! Richard proposed to me on February 1st at 1pm. My sweetie planned a surprise proposal at my job with the help of my co-worker, Dorean. Immediately after I said yes, he took me on a ride through Central Park and then lunch at a fabulous restaurant. In pure RP3 form, we stopped by the local State Farm to insure my engagement ring. The day didn’t end there. Being the consummate planner that RP3 is he made time for him and me to call our parents and let them know the great news. Shortly thereafter, we stopped by my place to prepare for his next surprise which was an engagement party at our friend Ashley’s place (who would later give me a place to stay during our engagement).

A couple of weeks later, Richard and I celebrated our first Valentine’s Day together in Phoenix, Arizona! We stayed at a scenic resort where we rode horses; sun bathed, drove to the top of a mountain, enjoyed dinner and dancing and filled the trip with much romance.

Later that month, I began an acting class at NYU which helped me hone my on stage skills and build my performance confidence. It was a wonderful, creative release every Wednesday after work that helped me shape my natural ability.

MARCH 2010

The tug of war within me regarding spirituality, changing churches, being engaged, and my calling versus my occupation was in full force. It caused great discord between RP3 and me. This began the testing and trials of many kinds.

I continued my acting class and battled the warring within me that the stage and on-air is where I belong. The spiritual isolation that began this month was a hard wilderness of preparation for so many life changes. Unfortunately, I was not ready to accept this season, and the kicking and screaming was leaving battle scars.

APRIL 2010

I took my first trip to Miami, Florida since being engaged. It was a fun trip accompanied by three of my favorite gal pals, Toya, Jina and Diondra. As a couple and family, we decided that the wedding would be in Miami outdoors. During the trip, my Mom and I picked the save the dates and created a mock invitation. Next, we took a group trip to shop for bridal gowns. We visited the wedding venue, had dinner on the beach and ended the wedding with worship at church on Sunday. The trip was a great start to the planning ahead of us.

My acting class came to a close. My final project consisted of me memorizing and reading a scene from the play, “Doubt,” played by Viola Davis in the movie, with a partner. My instructor said she was unable to give me constructive criticism, but left me with these words, “That was the best read I have seen at NYU in all my years of teaching this play. You’re a natural. Keep it up.”

MAY 2010

Richard and I began planning for each other’s birthdays which are both in June. We now share many mutual friends, and ended up calling on most of the same people to plan our different birthday celebrations. We have AWESOME friends!

Before we celebrated our birthdays, I made my way to Maryland to celebrate Toya’s birthday with a group of great ladies. We started the weekend with a roller skate party. The following night we danced and toasted the birthday girl! The weekend ended with brunch and hugs the next time.

My birthday celebration began at the end of the month with surprises from my then fiancé, including spa appointments and wedding planning with the girls. The same night, Richard and the girls, hosted a surprise birthday dinner for me. The night was oozing with love and celebration. The following day Richard took me on a dinner cruise in Newport, Rhode Island. The scenery was breath-taking. Throughout the weekend we visited wine vineyards and explored the beauty of Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut. After all that fun, we had to take care of some business. On my actual birthday, I renewed my driver’s license at the DMV! Richard and I ended the day with a double feature at the movie theater; Sex in the City 2 and Shrek 3.

JUNE 2010

Happy Birthday to RP3 and me! (and all of our Gemini friends)
My birthday was particularly special this year, because I became a published author. A story, I wrote was included in a compilation book called, “Souls of My Young Sisters: Young Women Break Their Silence with personal Stories That Will Change Your Life.” It was completely surreal to be able to go to Barnes N’ Noble and pick up a book in which I wrote a story. Writing has been my deepest passion since I was a little girl. Having a published work was a huge honor.

The beginning of the half point mark of 2010 began with my memorable birthday celebration. This month, Richard and I took our engagement photos on Coney Island with a superb artistic team. The shoot was some of the most fun I have had with Richard. The pictures told a really jubilant story.

Next up, we celebrated our twin Diondra’s birthday at a dinner planned for her. The love was flowing! After all of her hard work making sure that Richard and I had successful celebrations and events, it was a real honor to celebrate our friend. We were half way through the month and the birthday celebrations. This also began my weeklong celebration of Richard’s birthday.

However, we paused to toast another Gemini, Lawrence Saint-Victor, who was surprised by a birthday dinner by his beautiful wife, Shay. It seemed like June was adding up to be one of the most joyous and celebratory months of the year!

On the eve of Richard’s birthday, I had a long awaited meeting with my future mother-in-law, Mrs. Combs. It was a special time that brought my relationship with Richard full circle. She was the missing piece to the person I had grown so fondly of. This was one of the sweetest, richest moments of the year. She possesses the exact same sweet spirit that I have learned to love and know within RP3.

We ended RP3’s birthday week with a group dinner at his favorite NYC restaurant, Whym. RP3 is not very fond of group settings; however he was a good sport and went along with the spirit of the night.

The decision to participate in pre-marital counseling was a joint decision that was encouraged by my parents, but decided upon by Richard and me. We agreed it should happen earlier than originally planned. Since we still had seven months of engagement left, the constructive guidance was needed. We began our first trimester of counseling that proved to be very beneficial.

The month ended with a very important June birthday. My Mom turned 50! My Dad did a great job of pampering her as she entered a new season and decade of life. I could not think of one more deserving.

JULY 2010

The annual girl’s trip was one of the BEST and most memorable of trips to date. A dynamic group of ladies vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard for the Fourth of July weekend. It was so much fun! We stayed at the house of family friends. The house was the perfect vacation home. The weather was outstanding. We beached, tanned, dined, shopped, danced and laughed non-stop.

When I returned home from MV, Richard and I continued counseling and the wedding planning began to really get started. The combination of all these things created fireworks, some good and some bad, but we weathered all the storms we came up against.

At the end of the month my little-big brother turned 15! (This makes me feel old!)

AUGUST 2010

I had the privilege of celebrating another soon to be bride. Toya’s brother Tracey became engaged to his girlfriend Sonya and this month her bridal party hosted a bridal shower for her. It was a lovely afternoon. I felt the excitement for Sonya on the verge of being a bride and uniting with Tracey in marriage. She looked beautiful and I was blessed to attend.

SEPTEMBER 2010

The transition in my life continued as I moved in with my friend Ashley. For the next four months, I spent my nights on an air mattress in her living room. At the same time Richard moved into a shared living situation. This was all a part of a strategy for Richard and I to save money and sacrifice in the last quarter of our engagement for bigger things to come. Needless to say it paid off!

Labor Day Weekend was spent wedding planning in Miami. My planner, mother and I had an aggressive schedule in which we were extremely productive. We didn’t sleep much, but the outcome proved to be worth the hard work. In addition to wedding planning, I got to spend time with my new family, The Pope’s and it was refreshing to gain a deeper, greater connection to my future in laws.

My church, FCBC, hosted a series of dinners to share the details and give an up close and personal overview surrounding the “Nehemiah Campaign & Project.” The NC/P was an effort to faith-raise for the renovation of the church’s interior edifice. FCBC is housed in an old theater. The original building is beautiful and filled with charm that the leadership would like to preserve, but it definitely needs to be restored. Having only been members for a short while, Richard and I felt honored to be a part of a larger vision outside of ourselves.

At the end of the month, I visited some of my favorite people, Desiree and Aydin (my goddaughter) in Michigan. The trip came on time, as I needed the break from my everyday life. Tension and emotions were high between Richard and me. The time away gave us room to breathe without the wedding details. The simplicity of moments with Aydin and the thrill of hanging out with my best buddy “Elmarita,” (Desiree) were like medicine.

Richard and I ended our “pre-pre marital counseling” and began our formal pre-marital counseling with our Pastor at FCBC. This experience was endured with much introspection and a lot of revelations about us individually and of course as a couple.

OCTOBER 2010

Three and half months away from the wedding and my excitement was definitely building for the most important day of my life; second to entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
One day in October stood out vividly. This particular day, I had breakfast with a former boss, Lynne McDaniel. She was in town visiting her daughter and we made plans to meet. Our conversation was very refreshing and confirming from her wisdom that my life was on track and in line with God’s will for me. Later that same day, I had lunch with Toya as she was in town on business with her firm. There is never a dull moment when we get together and it never gets old.

When I returned to work, I had the privilege of conversing with a well seasoned journalist and professor who gave me some great advice regarding my media and journalism career. The day was filled with fulfilling conversation and was not finished yet. It ended at a restaurant with my cupcake backing, entrepreneur girlfriend, Joan Davis at one our favorite Harlem restaurants. The day was a rich reflection of God’s hand on my life.

NOVEMBER 2010

My Aunt Hettie planned the most fabulous high tea - bridal shower I have ever attended and anyone could have ever asked for. The pictures tell a royal and enchanted story. We called the day, “The Makings of a Lady,” and the day represented just that. The afternoon was one of the most memorable events of my engagement. Half of the guests travelled from out of town to attend, some of which had known me since I was in the 1st grade. Michigan, Maryland, Florida, CHICAGO, and Georgia were all represented. I felt so special. All the ladies were dressed like princesses with a smashing hat to match. The day was unforgettable.

My passions are many and run very deep, but what I know best is media, broadcast and print. I began re-shooting and re-working my newsreel with videographer, Josh Senior. We shot our first story together in Harlem. We had really good chemistry and the story turned out pretty good. It was a solid starting point with room for improvement. Expect more to come this year. Much more!

Richard and I spent our first Thanksgiving together in Connecticut with friends of our family. They used to live in Miami, Florida next door to my parents, but are now residing in Greenwich, CT. They live in a huge 3 floor, maybe ten bedroom house on a hill in what feels like the woods. We stayed for most of the holiday weekend. It was a relaxing weekend, as I rested up for another big project ahead of us.

We signed the lease to our new apartment in Stamford, CT. Not only did we sign a lease, but we signed the lease of the exact place we wanted. We had expressed our initial interest in the place in October. We put the request on our prayer list, and as we stepped out on faith, we watched God work and answer our prayer. Richard moved in and I joined him later. He prepared a wonderful place for him and me to dwell together.

DECEMBER 2010

The last month of the year – wow! It was hard to believe, we were here so quickly. Richard and I took one last trip to Miami before the wedding. This was our final push to tie up any last major details before January. As always, we had a heavy agenda. God showed us immense favor. We accomplished everything on our list and left feeling the joy of our wedding day approaching.

We finished our pre-marital counseling. When it was over there was a lot of healing that happened. By this point, we spent a combined 6 months in counseling and I was thankful for every session. I don’t make many relationship recommendations, but pre-marital counseling is a recommendation I stand behind.

Richard and I spent our first Christmas in Connecticut together. It was a peaceful day. It was also my first Christmas apart from the Rogers family. It was certainly bittersweet, but with all the planning, transitions and business of life, I was thankful not have to travel for the holiday. We spent the evening with our friend Jina and her family. It was a perfect ending to a blessed day in celebration of our Savior.

On the eve of NYE 2010, I spent most of the day prepping for a small and intimate gathering of friends at our new place in Connecticut. I woke up, took Richard to work, went grocery shopping and continued coming to the realization of my reinstated suburban life. At 5pm, my prayers had been answered to finish everything I needed to accomplish before meeting RP3 at the train station and heading to Harlem for the Night Watch service. RP3 stayed at home to finish his work and to greet Toya and Doug as they arrived to bring in the New Year with us. After service, RP3 picked up Diondra, N’Keisha and me up from the train to join the party and get the festivities started. We had a fun night, filled with laughs, toasts and New Year’s kisses. We welcomed the New Year with love and joy, just the way I envisioned it.

BONUS – JANUARY 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Just two weeks away until I become Mrs. Pope and I am eternally grateful and I am filled with overwhelming joy!

However, I as we grow nearer to the big day, it is not without adversity. Richard and I had a lot on our plate with last minute details, work and moving residences. Naturally, it caused tension, but it illuminated God’s hand on our relationship that much more. We relied heavily on the tools we learned in counseling and prayer and by the time we were set to leave for Miami, we were empowered to complete this part of the journey.

During the week that we were scheduled to travel to Miami, a major snow storm was predicted to plow through the Northeast. Richard and I had been praying for very specific things throughout our engagement. One being, the weather in Miami during the MLK weekend which is typically not the greatest. With the looming weather predictions upon us, we began praying and rebuking the storm from preventing any of our guests travelling from the affected areas from coming. Not only did RP3 and I make it out of NYC with no issues, but we did not have any cancellations of guests due to weather. Our wedding was a fairytale and the most perfect day. God was with us and is always with us.

2010 was a year of personal transformation. By the end, I felt secure in Kristen Rogers and ready to press forward as Kristen Pope. Change was constant, but the one thing that never changed was God with me. 2011 will be another year of great evolution and super natural power. I am inspired and motivated to walk out all that God has purposed for me in this new season of life and marriage!

Stay tuned…
Mrs. Kristen L. Pope

Kristen Rogers is now Kristen Pope!

2011-01-16T23:43:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Short and sweet...I'm married, AND IT FEELS GREAT!!! I will be back soon with the "2010 Year in Review...Life Lived Blessed," entry. It's a must read!

Love,

Mrs. Kristen L. Pope

Small Businesses Surviving the Economic Recession

2010-12-14T11:57:00.004-05:00

Reporter: Kristen L. Rogers
Videographer: Josh Senior
Location: DABarts Hair Salon, Harlem, New

Our Deepest Fear (Marianne Williamson)

2010-12-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I am thankful for the RAIN

2010-12-01T09:29:00.002-05:00

Today is December 1, and Richard and I can officially say, "We're getting married next month." Wow...this sounds like a powerful statement to me. We have come so far in such a short time.

To some living in New York City, today looks rather gloomy and dark outside. One's demeanor and attitude might even be affected negatively by the unattractive weather. However, today, I am thankful for the RAIN. This rainy day is releasing so many blessings. It it a sign to me that things are well.

Yesterday, Richard moved into our new home. The events leading up to moving into this wonderful space reaffirm that God is on our side. After coming up with a budget for what was feasible to spend every month on living expenses we began apartment hunting in September. Richard convinced me to visit an apartment complex that I was not interested in considering as an option. The complex was mixed with new garden style buildings, serving as the main corridors and a couple of separate of buildings that had been acquired by the complex. The annex as Richard calls it, had the larger apartments that we were most interested in viewing. When taking the tour we had to press the consultant to show us the annex buildings. Later we found out that his hesitancy was related to the lack of interest shown in these separate buildings. Interestingly, Richard and I took great liking to the annex building. The apartment he showed encapsulated everything that Richard and I wanted in a home individually and as a couple.

Since our search was still early from our prospected move in date, we continued to look lightly in other places. However, we were sold on the penthouse apartment that we stumbled upon. In his persistent manner, Richard visited the apartment weekly for updates on any other interested renters. He grew a rapport with the consultant and was assured that if anyone was interested we would be the first to know.

At the beginning of November interest in the building picked up greatly and we were faced with some decisions. We needed to decide if we would lease the apartment a month sooner than we anticipated and if Richard would live there during that extra month. The consultant followed through with his promise. He leased almost every other apartment in the annex except for the one we showed interest in. At that crossroad, we made the decision to lease the apartment.

Our prayers were answered and our diligence was honored. We got the exact apartment we wanted under budget. I'm thankful for the RAIN!

Blessed Abundantly,
Kristen

Behind the scenes! Taping for Small Business

2010-11-24T00:25:00.017-05:00

Finished Footage coming soon!

One Single Mother Empowers Many

2010-11-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

Single mothers are increasingly becoming the face of the modern family. According to Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2007, released by the U.S. Census Bureau in November, 2009, there are approximately 13.7 million single parents in the United States today, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.8 million children (approximately 26% of children under 21 in the U.S. today).

Recently, the long-running cable access program, “The Lenny Matthews Show,” taped in New York City featured a new voice and a new hope of encouragement for single mothers in Feona Sharhran Huff. Feona, writes the blog, “Living the Solo Mommy Life” (http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com) and maintains a rigorous schedule. She operates a full-service communications firm with an event planning arm, writes children’s books, conducts youth workshops and teaches all while raising her two talented children in Brooklyn, New York, “solo.” In her blog, Feona writes her daily discoveries, learned lessons and tips on balancing life. Feona’s blog is sometimes comical, sometimes tear-jerking but always empowering.

Feona studied journalism at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia and had the dreams of many young women that included marriage to her childhood sweetheart, living in a big house, raising children and travelling with her family. However, not all of those dreams became her reality. Feona has made strides to turn her life’s journey into an empowerment platform, rather than a pity party. “

Even though Feona has turned what could be seen like tragedy into triumph, her journey has not been without struggle. She says, her greatest challenge is not feeling like there is enough time to do all the things she needs to do. Achieving life balance is a daily goal. Feona sites knowing that her children love and support her as her greatest reward. “My children are my greatest joy and the best thing that has happened to me,” she says.

Feel free to contact Feona at (347) 386-9206, solomommymag@yahoo.com.

LMS Show: Kristen and Lenny interviewing "The Cake Lady" (unedited)

2010-11-09T10:27:00.005-05:00

Lenny Matthews invited me to co-host his long running cable access show. This is our interview of Renee the neighborhood "Cake Lady," at Sister's Bookstore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lDM0mQEVYo

Pictures from the Lenny Matthews Show Taping

2010-10-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

God Bless!

Kris

This face is making me smile today =)

2010-10-15T14:07:00.003-04:00

Complex Simplicity and Rainbows

2010-10-13T23:30:00.001-04:00

I was taught and read that the rainbow was a sign given to Noah after the flood had passed as a reminder that, that type of storm would never occur that same way again.

My interpretation is that the rainbow is a sign that the storm has passed and hope, new life and ultimately a new season is on the horizon. I also don't think that rainbows have to appear physically in order to experience them.

Recently, while sleeping I had a series of dreams and at the end of each dream was a rainbow. When I awoke my prayer was similar to the man in this video: www. youtube.com/watch?v=B6TfGD6CQs0. "God, what is the meaning? What does this symbolize."

I was left with a tremendous amount of joy at my answer. My dreams are becoming my reality. The are no longer intangible and only existing in my mind. They are within arm's reach and I have the ability to reach out and touch them.

The video of the man from Yosemite "ooooing and awwwing" over the sight of two rainbows has been a youtube sensation and worldwide joke largely due to the man's reaction. I question, doesn't the splendor and wonder of God's creation and glory deserve our praise and inquiry for the deeper meaning. I was humbled by the man's genuine awe of the rainbow. I remember while growing up in Chicago and looking at the stars at night was a big deal to me and watching the moon light up the sky was surreal and watching the sun rise in the morning and set at night was breath taking.

As I near the end of the road as a single woman, and become one with another, these simple yet complex wonders have caught my attention...again.

In New York, taking the time to smell the roses, or breathe in the fresh air (acutally you may not want to inhale the air...lol) is a moot pastime for most people in the region. The constant running, hustle and bustle of the daily grind seem to distract us from life's most precious and simple moments.

Today was the perfect example. I rushed to get to work on time; frantically checked and answered emails; both professional and personal; made plans to meet a girlfriend during lunch; rushed back to work; took a conference call; made some online purchases; got harrassed by colleagues; rushed out of work for a hair appointment before my stylist goes on vacation; and then took a long walk home and into the arms of outlet of release.

Tomorrow, no matter the weather, I will wake up and inhale God's creative beauty.

But first, tonight, I will power down, rather power off, and simply tell myself...Good Night.

(Connecticut, here I come - with rainbows following =)

XOXOXO
Kris

God's Healing Mechanisms

2010-09-15T17:32:00.003-04:00

Today, I have filled my ears with sounds from the ocean thanks to you tube. My spirit and my mind were in conflict and not much else was working. No sermons, or inspirational music, or empowerment seminars. Suddenly the calming sound of the ocean popped into my head. To my surprise there were lots videos of just sounds of the ocean. It definitely brought me peace and serenity. I thought of how genius a creator God is and how I can find him in all sorts of places and ways.

Recently, I experienced pain and thought about and the many ways it affects us. Which pain is worst: physical, emotional or mental? Some say it’s the scars you can’t see; emotional pain. Interestingly enough if you listen to a person long enough you begin to see those unseen scars meant to stay out of view.

Any way, I thought about the growing pains that are a part of life. Have you ever watched a plant grow? In elementary school, I was given an assignment to care for a plant and watch it grow. Over weeks and a few months, that’s what I did. Every day with eager excitement, I watched as the seed opened up and pressed its way through the soil contained by a small pot. Then little by little, one leaf at a time sprouted.

Even with the prudent growth of the plant, I noticed the struggle of the stem to press through the soil and reach tall above the planted pot. As I reflected on this process, I wondered in that process of growth and struggle, is this painful for the plant? In the process of development and maturity, is there discomfort?

It sure seems like it. Today, I find rest, peace, joy and understanding in God’s complex simplicities: plants and the ocean.

I also wondered if greatness is created when we experience the most pain. With pain, I have heard writers say that they wrote their best song, painters say they painted their greatest portrait, and people who seemed like they shouldn't have made it rise above all odds to higher heights.

In 2008, I created The King's Daughters, Inc at one of my lowest points. It is one of the things I am most proud of and it didn't just help to heal me. The organization touches the lives of others.

Surely, greatness can be achieved in happiness, but maybe it's pain that requires us to move beyond ourselves to seek the greater. In pain you have to fight for your happiness, your sanity...your life.

I'm worth fighting for. We all are.

Love,

The Growing Billionairess

Quote that encouraged me today

2010-09-15T11:39:00.000-04:00

Obstacles can't steal your dream without your permission. Obstacles are inevitable; quitting is optional! When you walk in faith and refuse to quit, God guarantees your obstacles won't prevent your vision from being fulfilled.

NO EXCUSES from me today.

2010-09-07T12:07:00.002-04:00

I, the Billionairess am making NO EXCUSES for my JOY, my SUCCESS, my "FAILURE," THIS LOVE...and must confess that the sum total equals - I AM COMPLETELY BLESSED!

Love is in Need of Love

2010-08-10T14:10:00.004-04:00

Check out the article I wrote for the website http://www.bevirtue.com/, founded by the fabulous Chantal Parmley!!

http://www.bevirtue.com/

Ever-Evolving Newness

2010-08-08T21:12:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wanted to freeze frame a moment in time or press pause to stand still? I guess that question was answered by the invention of cameras, video cameras and the like. Unfortunately, my camera was dead on Friday night.

This week was blessed. Not everything I wanted to happen, happened. However, there were things that I needed to happen and did not anticipate happening that happened.

I have to highlight one moment in particular.

Most weekends I spend my time in Connecticut. From my first few trips to this region of the country, coming from New York it has felt like a peaceful get-a-way, a small vacation. This past Friday, I left work and went to my 4th Bikram yoga class. This bit of torture in Harlem prepared my mind for a beautiful relaxing weekend in CT. As I made my way from Harlem to CT after class, I was bombarded (and I said bombarded because the comments and the yelling were intrusive) by the evening element and envoirnment. It was the first time I felt unsafe in Harlem as a woman, at night. It may have been because I have not walked the span of 125th Street in a long time in the dark alone. I'll give Harlem the benefit of the doubt, especially after 5 years. I refuse to leave feeling unsafe and scared of the place I have called home and grown to love.

Back to the moment...

I took the metro north from Harlem 125 to Stamford, CT. I arrived to open arms, a hug and kiss and a bouquet of yellow roses with red trim from RP3. While the open arms, hug and kiss are a part of his normal reception, the coming surprises were not. RP3 drove us back to his place for me to find a clean apartment (you would have to know my Tazmanian fiance to understand the implications of this), candles lit and a well thought, well prepared dinner for two. RP3's surprise menu consisted of shrimp jambalaya, sweet chilli shrimp, french green string beans w/cashew nuts and roasted potatoes. It was a total shock and awe moment; the perfect evening. Dinner by candle light in peace and serenity with my future.

Maybe pausing the moment would be short sided. As the picture of the future continues to unfold, it reminds me that there is more to see, more to experience. Through trial and error, counseling, guidance and wisdom we are learning to create an ever-evolving (shout out to FCBC) atmosphere of romance that does not grow stale. Here's to 90 years of newness...

Ciao.

The Future Mrs. RP3.

Kristen interviewed by the Lenny Matthews Show

2010-07-23T14:38:00.002-04:00

On July 19, I was interviewed about my contribution to "Souls of My Young Sisters" and The King's Daughters, Inc, by journalist and television host Lenny Matthews. The Lenny Matthews Show has been taping and reporting for over 30 years. I was humbled and excited to be interviewed by someone of integrity. My dream and goal is to create and host a news magazine show. I would be considered ol' school when it comes the type of television I like. My favorite television formats are public access television and cable broadcast stations. I like hard core journalism disseminated with integrity from a diverse group of informed, knowledgeable sources.

Here is my interview with journalist Lenny Williams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4PmsTJ-XMY

Give and Take/Sincerely Yours

2010-07-10T14:35:00.022-04:00

While watching the show "Scrubs" this afternoon, I received the random confirmation that "Give and Take" and "Sincerely Yours" are the right titles for this entry.

On Wednesday, I returned from a long weekend with the girls on Martha's Vineyard. It was wonderful! 6 ladies, one three bedroom house, one car and one gorgeous island!!! It was a road trip excursion that we're already looking forward to repeating with some tweaks next year. Three of us started the trip on Saturday and stopped in Providence Rhode Island, stayed at the Westin and had a great dinner. On Sunday morning, all six of us met in Martha's Vineyard via ferry. We gathered together in reunion style and hit the main drag in Oak Bluffs aka Circut Avenue, had lunch, did some shopping and took pictures. Then, we arrived at our lovely abode for the next few days. We rented a house from friends of my parents, The Jacksons', and it had all the charm of New England. The Jacksons' invited all of us to their house for a cookout. We enjoyed their lovely home as they also own the house next door...(I know, I know), ate well and learned more about MV. Since it was July 4th, we headed to a good spot along the water where we could watch the fireworks. We parked the car, hopped on a couple rocks, wrapped ourselves in blankets and had a front row view of the Independence Day tradition that lights up the sky. Afterwards, we headed back to Circut Avenue for some dancing! Reggae, our pick of the night set the stage for a great party! It was so much fun!

On Monday we had brunch at what became our most frequented restaurant, Deon's on Circut and then we headed for the beach!! South Beach. We baked in the sun and played in the waves for two and half hours. After we soaked up the sun, we headed back to Circut for some souvenir shopping and then home to freshen up for the night. Once together (and we did a great job I might add of 6 women getting themselves together for a night on the town) we headed to Edgarton for dinner at Atlantic Fish & Chops. The food was outstanding, but as tasty as it was it didn't compare to our riot of a waiter. He was Asian with so much soul. He had a sly remark for everything and a lot of swag. LOL! The icing on the cake was when he brought out the cupcakes we had prepared for Stephanie's birthday, lit them and asked could he have one. We had 10 for 6 people so sparing one was no problem. The next thing we hear is Happy Birthday being sung behind us. Our waiter had given the cupcake to the bartender for her birthday. Hilarious!! All we could do was laugh and take note at this funny story highlighting our vacation. We went home, and prepared for three of us to depart on Tuesday. The next morning we headed to Linda Jean's, the well known Mom and Pop restaurant of Circut Avenue for breakfast. From there we took Toya, Diondra and Steph to the speed ferry. It was hard to say good-bye and break up the group, but we did and continued the day. Leah, Jina and I headed to the house from there to plot out our next move which led us to bike riding! We drove to West Chop, rented bikes and rode for an hour. It was awesome! We grabbed ice cream, deserrt for the evening at Jina's family's place and headed home. After we made our transformation from sweaty bikers to sexy ladies we visited Jina's family who like her were lovely inside and out. We met friends of friends and friends of family, further confirming how small this world is. Later that night we went to a local restaurant for dinner on where else...Circut Avenue. The sandman was upon so we went home to sleep and prepare to depart our blissfilled vacation.

Wednesday morning, Jina and Leah scrubbed the house while I prepared the car for our journey back to NYC. We welcomed Jina's parents who split the week in the house with us. I love seeing where people come from and family is super important to me. Jina's parents are beautiful people and I hope they enjoyed the house much as we did.

I returned to NYC on Wednesday night to a smiling RP3, who allowed us to use his car for the trip. He gave me a very warm reception and I missed him madly! The roles of men and women are interesting. RP3 and I spent 30 days together in June with no pause and for the most part we were great. However, from our early beginnings, I expressed my need for me time and girl time and he has honored that. Maybe this is strange, but I enjoy missing him. I enjoy the renewal and the refreshing of our relationship. I enjoy having to be reminded why someone is special in my life and re-learn my appreciation for them. I appreciate the relationships in my life and what they add to me. Iron does sharpen iron.

God, my parents, my syblings, my fiance, the girls all have their place and purpose. I am made whole because of the completeness of purpose operating in my life. Continuing in all this purpose talk, I am spending the afternoon working on media business and wedding planning. See you next Saturday as the journey continues =)

Sincerely Yours,
Kris

Blessed Beyond Measure

2010-07-03T12:10:00.002-04:00

I'm in Connecticut this morning, praising God for just being God in my life. Thanking God for filling my cup to overflowing.

I'm putting the finishing touches on my packing for this weekend's trip to Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard with the girls. I'm so excited! I've never been to MV and we're fortunate to stay in the house of very good friends of my parents.

6 ladies...one house. How could this not be exciting!? I'm thankful for them and their friendship.

This morning RP3, in his helpful way put music on my iPod for the trip, made my breakfast, tea and a nail appointment for a mani/pedi nearby his place. The sun is shining so bright. Joy and peace have to be emminent.

He's not even bothered that I have turned his apartment upside down packing. Peace in the midst of chaos. Ummovable love.

This morning we listened to a song that I wrote and recorded five years ago, when I first moved to NYC. My how time flies. Maybe I'll re-record it and sell it. I spoke to my Mom this morning about wedding stuff and she was unusally agreeable. (I think that birthday gift card to Cole Haan helped =)

Although my thoughts are a litte scattered and this post is probably bouncing from one idea to the next...I reflect. I'm blessed beyond measure.

I'm here, loved, educated, whole, afforded the opportunity to travel with friends, engaged to a man who uncondionally loves me. I'm talented, my family is whole and to top it off...the sun is shining.

Whatever adversity comes my way today, is not permitted to erase my smile or steal my peace and joy. When the good outweighs the bad the way it does today, there is no more room for negativity.

Love is on my mind and in my heart. I hope you know how blessed you are too.

Just to be alive...

Love,
Kris

Re-introducting myself/Welcoming myself back

2010-06-26T10:58:00.007-04:00

Where do I begin...
I guess it would make sense to start at the beginning, but the beginning would focus too much on the past, rather the immediacy of the present. With that resolved, I will start at the present.

Change has been the name of the game for the past 11 months. Not only change, but in some ways complete overhaul.
I switched careers for a while. I left full-time finance to purse non-profit work. This is the most rewarding, however the hardest work (other than my current relationship) that I have done is non-profit work.
The King's Daughters, Inc, my mission and focus took center stage for a year. Now, I have to work on the next steps to make TKD, it's best. In addition, I began working for a very elite non-profit.
Working in non-profit has been an interesting learning curve mentally and emotionally. It has also helped me realize certain steps on my path of life: some sensible, some backwards, but they all count.
I want TKD to be a worldwide movement. As such, I need to do some more work on myself. That has led me back to media and working to build my ever growing media career.

In the past five years living in NYC, I have enjoyed singing on stages for 50 to 5,000 people, recorded in basement recording studios and participated in sessions at Chung King studios. I have appeared on MTV, had TKD appear on BET, been featured as a spokesperson, news host, been published as a writer for a national publication and the list goes on! I have been shown so much favor since manuevering this complex city. However, I have learned that everything I set out to do when moving to NYC is not nearly as important as the person I would become.
I have become a well rounded, mature, self aware, woman who genuinally loves people. I am not without my flaws, hang-ups and inconsistencies, but I am better today than I was five years ago. I've grown up a lot.
Where am I?

Spiritually: I am building on the foundation started years ago. I am discovering God in a new way everyday. He is not to be put neatly in the box most spiritual people like to keep Him in for our comfort. He's beyond our conceptual finite minds. As such, I am following Jesus to a daily relationship with God and all it's splendor.
Mentally: I am intrigued by all the chaos of this world. Some call it signs of the times. Whatever you call it, the atmosphere, the envoirnment, the world as we knew is shifting gears and will most likely never be the same. The Bible descibes many of the events taking place and their increased frequency as signs of Jesus' return growing near. The state of our world calls me to spend more time praying for others and petitioning God for greater revelation as to how to overcome.
Physically: I want to be in better shape! I just turned 28 with the realization that I actually have to work to stay in shape. LOL! That sounds crazy, but when you have never had to work to do this, to me it is crazy. Those pesky 5 or 10 unwanted pounds seem to stick around a lot longer. I have been working with a dynamic trainer that I hope to begin training with her regularly. Hopefully she will help me to kick these pounds to the curb!
Emotionally: I'm in a great place. I have greater control over my erratic emotions, however I am not without them. I have embraced that I do have emotions (this took a long time). They are not all bad, they are sensors that help me locate myself. Sometimes, I am way off base and sometimes, I am discovering. For sure I am ever evolving.
Financially: I have learned how to budget a lot and a little. I don't have all the money I want, but I have learned to live with what I have and make it work. My debt has decreased greatly and that is not all due to my doing, but financially, I'm in a good place and getting better.

Continuing with the question where I am...
Drum roll...roll...roll...roll...!
I'm engaged to be married!! Whew! I can exhale, now that I got that out. In February 2010, Richard Albert Pope III asked me to marry him and I said yes. He surprised me at my job on 2/1/2010 and proposed marriage. I no longer have to whisper to myself that I am engaged. It has sunk in and the lovely symbol he gave me is a constant reminder=)
RP3 (as I call him) and I have an interesting story. It is a story of divine intervention, blessing and favor. I will let him come back and tell the story as his version is better, but for now I will say, he and I began courting in July 2009. We let our parents (who introduced us) know our courtship status in person Sept 2009. In Dec 2009, Richard asked my father for permission to marry me and my father gave his blessing. In Jan 2010 Richard and began ring shopping. On Feb 1, 2010, he enlisted the help of my friends to help execute his surprise proposal at my job. Since our meeting, we have travelled the entire tri-state area and more: NY, NJ, CT, PA, MA, RI, MD, FL, AZ. Our relationship has been a wonderful adventure with it's ups and downs, but the discovery of one another, of ourselves and the ability to love beyond our personal limits has been liberating. It is true, "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." I feel free.
We are getting married in January 2011.

I also attend a new church. First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. I have always been civically involved on the local level. It's interesting that it took me 5 years, to become a member of a local church. All things are purposeful for it's season. In this new season, FCBC is purposeful.

Personally, I feel that I am coming into a more accepted, true self. Professionally, I am working on becoming what I believe: a media personality with the ability to own and operate media and financial empires. TEAM RADIKL in the building!!!

Today, I am Connecticut based and headed to the beach w/my lover.

More to come...

Kristen (The King's DaughterBillionairessKL in RADIKL)

Comfort Zone

2010-03-30T12:37:00.003-04:00

This song from Marvin Sapp's (my favorite Gospel artist) latest album, "Here I Am," best describes where I am and how I feel right now, this year.

I'm coming out of my comfort zone
Some of the places in my life that's comfortable
God is challenging me
Trust and believe
For to go where I've not gone
I must do what I've not done

So I am coming out of my comfort zone
Tho it may cost me some friends
I'll walk alone
God is challenging me
To Trust and believe
For to go where I've not gone
I must do what I've not done

God is calling me
(to walk into my destiny)
God is challenging me
(to go where I've not been)
God is proving me
(and for the rest of my life, I'll say yes)
Yes yes yes!

I'm coming out of my comfort zone
I'm being stretched to place where I've never known
God is challenging me
To trust and believe
For to go where I've not gone
I must do what I've not done

God is calling me
(to walk into my destiny)
God is challenging me
(to go where I've not been)
God is proving me
(and for the rest of my life, I'll say yes)
Yes yes yes!

I'm coming out
Into my destiny
I'm coming out
And for the rest of my life my answer will be yes
Yes, yes, yes

I'm coming out
Into my destiny
I'm coming out
And for the rest of my life it will be yes
Yes yes yes

Yes to your will
I'm coming out
Yes to your way
I'm coming out
Yes Lord
I'm coming out
Each and every day
Yes

I'm coming out (2x)

I'm coming out of my comfort zone
I'm being stretched to a place I've never known
God is challenging me
Trust and believe

"My Heart No Longer Skips A Beat"

2009-12-16T11:30:00.002-05:00

When you walk in a room
When I hear your voice
When I hear your name
I no longer feel the same

Constantly hearing your name
The sweating of my palms
The song on repeat
All cease to move me

…And my heart no longer skips a beat

I used to hold my breath when you walked in a room
Butterflies in my stomach when I saw you
Dreamt about your face
in my sleep

...And now my heart no longer skips a beat.

Choking back the tears
Thinking about what went wrong
I played it over and over again
A broken record like us

…But my heart no longer skips a beat

The sun has set
On this saga, this tale, this drama that failed.
I draw the line in the sand
I make no unnecessary demands.
You go your way and I go mine.
And this time I wont press rewind.

Fast forward to the next chapter
The story gets better after this
Now, I can put this behind...me.

...Since my heart no longer skips a beat.

Co-Written by Candice Lenoir

The Power of Relationships - Part III (A peek into my future)

2009-08-25T11:29:00.001-04:00

This summer I have learned a valuable lesson; never to think that God has done all that He is going to do or capable of doing because therein sets limits. He is always ready to outdo His last exploit and take you higher than before when we believe and trust Him. We just have to be open to receive! You can say that my arms are wide open. This testimony is really a continuation of "The Power of Relationships - Part II" because it took place the following day.

Toya Beasley is the host of 98.7 KissFM - Kiss Inspirations morning show. She and I had plans to meet for the first time face to face during her show at the radio station. After a night and into the morning of slumber partying, eating junk food and laughing hysterically, I had to prepare myself with three hours of sleep to meet Ms. Beasley about The King's Daughters, Inc. I made my way to the station for what I thought would be a simple, "Hi, how are you? This is what I do." As always my BIG GOD had other BIG PLANS in store.

Within about ten minutes of being in the station, Toya had me on the radio talking about TKD. For the rest of her show she introduced me as her special guest. Talk about the favor of God. I was able to introduce my baby, my God-seed to 2 million people several times. It was such a humbling experience, simply because I never saw the opportunity coming.

Toya has a big heart to give and help anyone she can. She is committed to using the platform that God has given her to bless others and bless God! That's everyone's call; to use the gifts, the talents, the access we are given to make God's plans big, big enough to touch all people.

The favor continues...

Tune into Kiss Inspirations on 98.7 Kiss FM at 5am featuring Toya Beasley.

Be Blessed!
Billionairess
Word of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Make Me Over - Tonex

2009-07-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

Verse 1
You know my other side
I can no longer hide
Let you down so many times
Sin freshly crucifies

Thought that I had a plan
Had it all figured out
But the more that you tried
To be by my side
The more I put you out

Chorus
Lord make me over (3x's)
Make me over again (4x's)

Verse 2
Time after time I failed you
Pierced your side when they already nailed you
Jesus heal my open wounds
I just want to be more like you

Father I let you down
What's not like you just take it out
Reconcile me Jesus
I just want to please you
Wash me and make me whole

Chorus
Lord make me over (3x's)
Make me over again (4x's)

Ending:
Make me over again Lord
Cause I'm tired of my evil ways
And I want to make a change
Make me over Lord

Chorus
Lord make me over (3x's)
Make me over again (until end)

The Power of Relationships Part II (A peek into my future)

2009-07-21T13:06:00.002-04:00

I declare that the floodgates of favor are open and as such…the story continues. Coming off of the heels of a successful King’s Daughters experience: Infectious Fire, some of the girls and I decided to have a slumber party. Not a big deal…but we had purpose, which is our lifestyle since we rarely do erroneous activities just to do them.

Our purpose for this slumber party was to create vision boards (inspired by our contagious guest speaker of Infectious Fire Life Coach and TV personality Dee Marshall – http://www.goraisethebar.com/ and founder of Raise the Bar Young Savvy).

However, we chose to set a standard not to slumber in our current circumstances and situations by sow a seed into our prosperous futures. With that in mind we decided to slumber at a New York Hotel. I emailed a family friend of mine and told him of our plans and without delay he booked us a room at the FABULOUS Millennium UN PLAZA Hotel in the center of New York City http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumunplazanewyork/rooms/2-BedroomSuite.html.

When we arrived at the hotel, our reservation was noted that it came from a top level executive and the favor began to flood. Within five minutes of checking we were upgraded twice to a two bedroom suite, complete with two bathrooms, a kitchen and full living room. To top it off we had a panoramic view of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and East River in NYC from the 33rd floor. We were on top of the world!

All of the normal al-a-carte services were complimentary. Our room normally that normally cost $1200.00 a night cost 10% of that. A better title for this entry is…”This is How We Roll.” :-)

My heart’s desire and I’m sure yours is as well is to be able to pick up the phone, write and email, send a text and get my needs and wants met. We are each other’s bridge to the other side. I’m training myself to look for the needs of others and meet them or at least be open enough to ask what the need is and meet it. I hope to help you one day!

God Bless!
Billionairess
Verse of the Day: Luke 14:28

The Power of Relationships (A peek into my future)

2009-06-30T20:11:00.004-04:00

I recently finished reading the Tipping Point, a great book that I highly recommend (thanks Diondra). The beginning of the book talks about “The Law of the Few: Connectors, Mavens and Salesman.” I—am a Connecter. Very naturally…that’s me. It felt so good to read this book and ingest examples provided by Malcolm Gladwell that were completely real world to me. It all made sense; why I do some of the things I do, and say some of the things I say.

Anyway, getting to the point of connections. I had to attend a friend’s wedding this past weekend here in NYC. The wedding, the bride, the day and all who attended were beautiful. J I waited until the last minute to decide on an outfit to wear just to find that I didn’t really have anything to wear. I know…I know…the woman obsessed with a dress didn’t have anything to wear. Well, I didn’t. Not to a garden wedding at 7pm.

My sister sent me a cute summer dress for my birthday that didn’t fit me quite right from my second favorite retailer, BCBG Max Azria. I went to exchange the dress, hoping to find something to wear to the wedding. Nothing. I was down to four days left and not much more time to shop. Plus, I was probably still going to need shoes!

I prayed, God, what to do? I need a dress and my budget doesn’t really allow for much right now. Without delay, I got my divine answer. “Ask the owners at Bebenoir (my favorite boutique) to loan you a dress.” Loan me a dress? That directive was way beyond me. Simply, because I rarely ask to borrow anything. But I was being told to ask a retailer to borrow a dress.

I called Fatimah, the co-owner of Bebenoir. “I need a huge favor. I have a wedding to attend on Saturday (it’s Wednesday) and I don’t have the budget for a new dress. Do you all loan out your dresses?” She said, “No, not really. Let me ask Ibrahima (the other owner) what he thinks. In the meantime, come by the shop and I will pull a couple of dress for you to try on.”

Hopeful, I rush uptown to Bebenoir and try on about six dress. To my chagrin, none of them work. “Did you try on this one?” Fatimah hands me a dress. I passed right over it without giving it a second look. I try the dress on. It’s perfect! We both share the joy of the moment. Without giving it a second thought, Fatimah wraps up the dress, puts in a bag, and doesn’t require me to sign anything. I assured her that I would bring the dress back the following week. Wow…

I’m ecstatic! The power of relationships had hit me rock hard. I had been a faithful and loyal customer of Bebenoir since they opened late 2007. Also, in my Connector way, I always found a way to plug the store to a curious lady inquiring about my bracelet or purse that came from the gem of a boutique. I had been sowing seeds into their establishment all along and was now reaping the benefits!

The next day, I received a text message from Fatimah. “Ibrahima wants you to keep the dress. Congrats!” WHAT!! My favorite boutique took a chance and not only loaned their first dress but was giving it to me???

All this because of an established relationship and following the leading of the Holy Spirit…

It also confirmed that this may have been my first complimentary dressing, but it certainly will not be my last. Don’t underestimate the power of relationships!

Blessed! (to be a blessing J)

Billionairess

Verse for the Day: Genesis 12:2

GOD LOVES ME

2009-06-24T23:31:00.002-04:00

You may find this strange or ask after reading, "Kristen, you're just now getting this revelation?" Well, yeah sorta of.

After my year long struggle with overcoming depression, one of the promises God made to me was restoration. In this place of restoration, He promised me that I would be better off than I was before my battle began. At first I couldn't see it, but now I see it. It's more than all the wonderful things happening in my life right now...the restoration is about how I see myself.

How do I see myself...as loved.

God loves me
Therefore I love me
And because God loves me, I can love you.

Love your neighbor as you love yourself. In the new testament that is the second most important commandment of a Christian. When I look back on certain relationships I have to ask myself...was I loving that person? No, because I didn't always treat them right. Why didn't I treat them right? Simply because I didn't know how to love. God is love, so it starts with Him. When I realized the amazing, overpowering, overtaking, larger than life love that is God, than I realized that I can love others as God loves me. After this epiphany, I realized that I can also love others. Really love others. A good friend of mine told me that she heard a word from a well known pastor that said we must be compassionate about God's people. That really touched me (ministered to me). Even if you don't love someone, God does. That includes yourself.

There was a time when I didn't have the capacity to love myself, and as a bi-product I couldn't love others. But to know the love of God is to know real love. A love that will die for you, lay down His life for you. That's real love.

The light bulb went off today and mainly because my life has changed so much. I have work to do, but I have come a long way! I can actually say that with confidence. I trust God, I love God, I honor and respect God. With Him there are no insecuries, no hang-ups...just freedom. I'm free to be me.

God loves me and therefore I love me and because I love me, I can love you!

I love you!
The Billionairess

She's Baaaaaack!

2009-04-15T02:25:00.001-04:00

Is it too late to say Happy New Year??!?!?! LOL

So...I took some much needed time off to work on a few things. Just letting you know I'm still out here, working ever so hard. I have expanded my endeavors and I am gearing up to give you a full update ASAP!

I miss chit chatting with you getting your feedback.

Till the morrow.

Love you,
Billionairess.

I Gotta Testimony: I'm FAVORED among many!

2008-12-21T23:53:00.001-05:00

Not too long ago I heard about message about Restoration and Reconciliation. The message was basically saying that God would restore all that you had lost (which is currently happening now) and that he would reconcile you, meaning he would make sure that you were not in a deficit by the end of the year. This is also happening.

The message about the current recession taking place in the world is resounding louder than any other message that the media is broadcasting. However, for Christians this is not our reality. We understand that we are not bound to the systems of this world. We are set apart and favored amoung the masses despite how bleek the world may look.

I work for a Private Equity firm, so needless to say the message about the world's recession is blarring loud most of the day. Thankfully, my company has not endured the hardships that many other companies have been experiencing: massive lay-offs, hard hit portfolios, corruption and the like. Instead, in an effort not to lay anyone off my company is taking some preventative measures to prepare for the rough economic coming up in 2009. Currently, the area where we are cutting back the most is compensation. Last week, my CEO and CFO announced that most people would be taking generous cuts backs in bonuses and most people would not receive raises. Normally, bonuses increase every year However this year, the would be cut by about 50% for those who were receiving them.

I had my annual review with my boss, the Head of the Investor Relations department on Friday. During the review period is when plans for individual compensation for the coming year are discussed. My boss and I have somewhat of a father/daughter relationship and we are pretty candid with one another. When he decided to have the conversation with me late in the day he acted as though he has some pretty rough news to tell me.

The conversation went something like this: Pat:"Sit down young lady. In light of the current economic circumstances, you....are GETTING A RAISE! You are one of the only people in the firm getting a raise. On top of that you are getting a bonus, and it's not being cut nearly as much as those who are getting bonuses. Most people are not getting raises or bonuses. We advocated for you to Dan (CEO) to continue to increase, because of your enthusiasm, positive attitude and willing spirit. Keep up the good work. And also, I want you to take on more responsibility in IR. Are you up for it?" Me: (Somewhat speechless) "Yes, Pat! Thanks for the opportunity." Pat:"Thank me after you begin doing your additional assignments. It's going to be a lot of work." Me:"I'm up for it and looking forward to it!" Pat:"Oh and here's a bonus from me. I wish it could be more. You deserve it and I look forward to an even better year in 2009."

That was bonus number two and three. I had already gotten one earlier in the week. After my conversation with me boss, my CFO called me into a conference room to debrief with me. He made sure to tell me of the fantastic job that I had done this year (which was so encouaging considering I felt like 2008 was my worst year for performance in any company). He reiterated that most people in the firm did not get bonuses and raises and I was one of the few. He also wanted me to prepare to dedicate my attention to Investor Relations. This was a fullfillment of my hearts desire. I created and took on many Human Resources related responsibilites and duties early on at the firm. However, HR is not really my passion or my desire. Investor Relations is definitely more my lane. PR for finance, interacting with our investors, making sure the RELATIONSHIP between us and our investor is in tact and on point. That's all me. Plus, I want to do some major deals and projects where finance is concerned. I feel like I'm getting paid to learn a big part of what I will do with the rest of my life.

God is good. ALLLLLL the time. Good, bad and Great. He's good, and he's faithful to his word.

I'm set apart
I'm favored
I'm different
I'm light
I'm unique
I'm blessed to be an EMPOWERMENT (blessing)

Word of the day: Malachi 3:10
Favored,
The Billionairess

Stretch My Muscles - Freestyle IV

2008-12-11T07:09:00.004-05:00

***Hater is a Fan***

Tell em why you mad son
Cause they hatin' on you?
No be mad when they stop hatin' on you
Cause that's when you need to step your game up

To another level
Reinvent
Rewind
Rethink
Relax

Nope, cause the moment you relax
He advanced
To level two and you're still on level one
Making excuses for why the world is against you

"It's just me against the world"
Get out of your own way
Make room for the blessings to flow

Tell em why you mad son
Cause he's biting your style?
Look closer, think smarter
Your hater is a fan

The role we model
The leader we follow
The first in line
The head of the class
The best talkin' trash
The new millenium man.

Swag is official
The secrets remain confidential
Paparazzi on the coat tail
Biters come with signs that say "for sale"

My image isn't up for sale
It's an original
Made by the Creator of the Universe
In His Likeness
Made to be Righteous
Rule and Reign
Look different from the same

Clones that follows me
Shadows attached to me
Remarks to mimic me
Dirty dozens to trip me...up

I'll tell you why I'm mad son
Cause yesterday I had 100 haters
And today I only have 99
I got 99 problems and I need one more.

"Haters are your Fans!"

Word of the Day: Proverbs 25:28
In love,
Kristen ~ The Billionairess

I WANT IT ALL BACK - TYE TRIBBETT & GREATER ANNOINTING

2008-12-09T06:59:00.004-05:00

I Want it all Back!
By: Tye Tribbet & GA

I want it all back

(Verse 1)
You may have thought, you won that last round
You may have laughed (cuz) I almost fell down
Maybe you think I give up easy
But it's not ovah, I got more in me
You thought I stopped, you thought I sat down
But I am standin', you made me mad now!
You got some things, I think you owe me
I've come to get back everything that you stole

(Chorus)
I want it all back

(Verse 2)
You hit me hard, I should be knocked out
Things I've been through, don't even wanna talk about
You crossed the line (this time) you violated me
I want revenge (I want everything back from) A to Z
The battle's not mine, the battle is the Lord's
In the name of JESUS, I'm takin' it by force

(Chorus)
I want it all back

(Bridge)
If you only knew what I was gonna be
After the storm you wouldn't have even bothered me

(Chat)
(And now I'm) stronger
(And I got more) power
(I'm a little bit) wiser
(And I got more) strength
(I got thee) anointing
(Got God's) favor
(And we're still) standing

I want it all back
Give me my stuff back, give me my stuff, give me my stuff back
I want it all I want that, What about your family and all your self-esteem, even your destiny? What about the joy you tasted and the time you wasted, do you want it back?
What about your place in God and all your faith in God, even the ways of God?
What about your hopes and dreams and your communities, even your kids and teens?
I want that 'want that 'want that 'want that I want it all back

Pretty Kool

2008-12-08T19:48:00.002-05:00

Blessed People...this is a letter I received from a new reader, that I wanted to share. It really warmed my heart.

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Dear Kristen, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. It blessed me so. I've been going through some rough things myself and find myself not the joyful Joy I was intended to be or the one I used to be. Thanks for the ray of hope. Also, I'm going to send your blog site out to others I know that would be blessed by it.

I design quilt patterns and make scripture prints with me photographs and scriptures from the Bible and inspiration. I would like to offer you one of my prints. Go to www.beejoyfulquilts.com/prints and pick out whichever print you would like. DO NOT click on the paypal button, but e-mail me back and let me know which one you want and I'll send it to you in the mai. It's just my way of saying "Thanks" for sharing and blessing me and others. I hope that you find one you will want.

May God take care of you and bless you bunches.
Joy

Word of the Day: Philippians 2:11
Always empowering,
Billionairess

Tis This Season to be Joyful: I Gotta Testify about my RAINBOW!

2008-12-07T01:15:00.003-05:00

My apologies for taking almost three weeks away from the blogosphere. As 2008 comes to a close my focus is sharpened and leisure time is more scarce.

I hope you all enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones. It's hard to believe CHRISTmas is almost upon us. Although the year has not been a blur, it has passed by rather quickly and even though the year is not over I will at least walk into 2009 with one extremely beneficial life sustaning lesson. That is: always having JOY and PEACE. I fought extremely hard for most of this year to hold on to my joy and peace. I cried out to God many many nights in tears and frustration. Not having these too major assets overflowing in my life affected most every area of my life: my performance at work, my relationships with co-workers, family and most importantly my relationship with myself.

(Here's transparent Kristen)

Basically, for most of 2008 I was depressed. Since, I'm not a doctor, I don't feel completely liberated to diagnose myself, but what I did and do know is...Kristen. Naturally, I am a happy, joyful person. This year I was the complete opposite. I was heavy burdened, unhappy and putting on a face to hide it. Mentally, I had no confidence in who God has made me to be, the person I have always been so proud to be and I could not concentrate or focus. Emotionally, I was empty and wounded. Physically, my body told the story (facial breakouts, signs of excema, sickness). Spiritually, I was broken and desperate for a major breakthrough.

I was pressing through daily emotional heartbreak and denial that the person I loved somewhere deep down inside loved me back and would show it. The first heartbreak, I assume is always the hardest. God, I hope that's the last time I will ever have to experience it. I love hard, so hard that it hurts. That may sound crazy to some...but it's honest. I don't fall in love easy, but when I do I stay there and it takes mighty mountains to move me from that place. As a result of that I spent most of the year avoiding eye contact with the opposite sex as my confidence and self esteem was so low. Feelings of interal and external rejection dominated my thoughts.

Additionally this year, I began using a product on my face that resulted in a volitale breakout that lasted for a straight month and wouldn't stop. The scars it left behind are costing me hundreds of dollars a month to correct. (Thank God for health insurance). One day I will post the before, during and soon-to-be after pictures.

I spent the greater part of this year running myself in the ground to achieve my dreams. Working 9-9 and staying up late in the studio and on the weekends in addition to stepping up my involvement at church. By July, I was physically tapped out. Most of the activities, however were band-aids for dealing with my real issues and they gave me something to talk about and to work towards.

Then finally...breakthrough came. In the form of people, intercessors, revelations, light and most importantly: JOY and PEACE. Somewhere along the way, God closed some doors, opened other doors and handed me a rainbow. The rainbow after what was almost a year long storm is my JOY and my PEACE. It's the rainbow I will always keep with me where ever I go.

Faith is an interesting force. It makes no logical sense to believe in something you can not see, touch, feel, smell and taste. But when nothing else seems to work and the world can not offer you any solutions for your issues, faith is your lifeline. It's your I-V. It's your life support.

Why am I sharing all of this with you...because someone needs to hear it. This is my record to look back at life and see how far I have come. It's my living journal to inspire, motivate and empower people.

By September, I began to see the light at the end of this tunnel only to make a right turn to continue the journey in a new direction. I wanted to put this whole year behind me as a failure and a loss. Quite the contrary. This year has been lesson after lesson after test after seed sown after prayer after cry to God till now my TESTIMONY.

Restoration is my Testimony. The Lord is balancing the scales now. My experiences were not in vain, rather preparation for a higher level. The tears were not in vain. The pain was not in vain. This year 2008 was not a waste. We really are puzzles that the Lord has the ability to put back together. He makes us whole. Not any person, not any thing, not any life changing event...just God. Without him, you really are insufficent, and without hope.

In times like the ones we are experiencing now my greatest assets are my JOY and my PEACE and an UNSTOPPABLE, UNBREAKABLE FAITH. They are my sustaining counterparts as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I'm not scared and not I'm apologetic about who God has made me to be and what he's brought me through OR where he's taking me.

I appreciate you for listening...reading, whatever. Taking it all in with me...LOL.

Till we share on the couch of Kristen again. :-)

Word of the day: Philippians 2:4
Honestly,
The Billionairess

Stretch My Muscles - Freestyle III

2008-11-13T20:39:00.002-05:00

***SHINING STAR***

Light in the dark

Joy in the pain

Love that rains

Love that pours

I'm a Beauty with a name

Unique amongst many

Charming outside and in

Laughter begins at the sight of him

Tried to put me in a box

Tried to make me his "bot"

Oppress and depress my shine

Blow out my twinkle

My candle burned too bright

The flame of my heart

Passionate from the start

Not ashamed to show my affection

Open about my intentions

Unique amongst many

Different from the plenty

Called out from the crowd

Told me I was less

Not quite right

Imperfect in his eyes

But well able between the thighs

Still not good enough

My vision is a little blurry

My hearing is a little a worried

Because now his opinion counts

His voice sounds in my sleep

When I wake up

I spend the day in night

Dark rules over the light

Mind over matter

Life over death

Air for my breath

Healing for my heart

Bruised and scarred

Mr. Right turned into Mr. Wrong

His name changed

When he changed his tune

Sang the wrong song
"Bump n' Grind" instead of "All my Life" (LOL)

What happens when the stars go dim

No hope the future

No kisses under Moonlight

No hugs at Midnight

The whole world is waiting for me

To turn my light back on

Glow in the dark

Illuminate greater than Times Square

Light brighter than Rockefeller Center

What happens when a star goes dim

She needs to be turned on again

This time the switch is from within

A place hidden in secret

Where no one can see it

Or turn the tables

Or break her heart

Shine bright little star!

The whole world is waiting for your arrival

Midnight into Daylight

New life is growing

Seasons change

But your light remains

***To all my stars...his opinion never mattered. SHINE BRIGHT! YOU ARE THE LIGHT***

Word of the Day: Proverbs 28:20

Shining,

The Billionairess

VICTORIOUS IN A HISTORIC BATTLE

2008-11-05T10:27:00.015-05:00

Do you know what it's like to be the first? The first to intergrate a school; the first to win an award; the first in your family to finish college. Being the first carries a huge responsibility and creates a long-lasting legacy. No matter who comes after you, you paved the way, you set the stage and you made it possible for someone else with similar hopes and dreams to follow. You lead the pack. At 5:30am on Tuesday morning, my roommate and I got in line to elect the first African American to the White House.

On, November 4th at 11pm, Senator Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States of America. This momumental moment in time has changed the perspective of not only Americans but people all over the world. It can be argued that no other US Presidential election has garnered this much media attention and public support. President Obama crossed color lines, changed the game of politics and created a campaign that was truly for the people and by the people.

While President Obama has more than his share of a mess to clean up and country to rebuild, I believe we are going to see prosperity arise again in the lives of everyday people. People who have been oppressed by the last eight years due to the downturn of the politics and economy in this country. Thankfully, Pres. Obama has the majority of the nation's support to make his message of hope and change a reality.

Americans must exercise patience during the Obama administration. It didn't take four years for this country to be turned upside down and four years may not be enough to turn back right side up. However, since God is still in control it can take an instant to change from one state of being to another. In an instant we will say goodbye to President Bush and hello to a refreshing change. I'm ready. The best is truly yet to come!

Our First Lady Michelle Obama who I must say is the finest example of leadership, poise and brilliance, is dedicated to issues concerning working mothers and our children. As a single woman with the desire to be married and have children one day, this gives me great hope! The Obamas are more than the first African American couple in the White House. They are a force for change. They are the best represention of the "United States." They're tireless efforts have brought this country together again for a common goal. Watching the media coverage in my hometown of Chicago in Grant Park was tingling. It looked like a Michael Jackson concert when he performed "We are the World!" This victory is not only for Black people, but all races, religions and backgrounds.

I have attended predominately African American schools with the exception of my high school years. Being surrounded by other high achievers that looked like me has always given me pride in my race. However, the combination of living in New York City, working with and befriending all races, and volunteering for this campaign helped to remove the "I only see Black" veil from my eyes. Don't get me wrong. I have never been more proud to be an African American, but embracing other cultures without pretence and prejudice has been equally as liberating.

My final words come from my Father (my hero, mentor, the greatest):

"I'm going on the radio in the next hour to address what does last night's election mean.

For our parents and grandparents, I believe this was validation of a group of people whom the country told all their lives they were not as good.

For my generation it should be fuel to move toward those goals that seemed out of reach.

For the next generation it will mean there is no excuse for anything less than excellence.

This has a lot more to do with the future than the past. These were not reparations. Another door that was closed is now open. But, in order for us to walk through that door still requires that we are the best of the best."

Word of the Day: Psalm 27:14 (The Best is yet to come!)

Inspired,

The Billionairess

PS - The links below are should continue to inspire you to stay the course, remain steadfast and never give up! xo

http://www.mahoganybutterfly.com/cms/templates/ourcelebrities_b.aspx?articleid=2883&zoneid=379

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/elections/local/105-Year-Old_Alexandria_Woman_Casts_Her_Ballot_Washington_DC.html

INSPIRED

2008-11-02T20:19:00.014-05:00

It's Sunday evening and I'm at the office. Doesn't sound like much fun, but its purposeful. The office is quiet right now (except that I am listening to the Idlewild soundtrack) making focus and clarity evident. I plan to write this into my weekend; a few hours on Sat or Sun, I will come in the office to work on work, song writing and the KINGDOM VISION.

The weekend has been full of celebrations. My girlfriend and fellow choir songstress Aja just got promoted at her job! My past and future travelling compadre Marcus passed the South Carolina State bar! Yesterday's message at church confirmed my life in full: the year I have had, my present day and what's to come!! To celebrate, some friends and I went out to stuff our faces and feed our souls with shouts of joy in light of all the great things happening!

This afternoon I had brunch at Max Brenners with my good friend Arin who's also pursuing her passion of singing and recording: http://myspace.com/arinmayamusic, http://noseandeyelashes.blogspot.com/. (Check out this glowing beauty). The conversation and mix of creative energy was the perfect yellow light during my day. We talked music, travels, experiences in NYC (we're both from the WINDY) and the journey of life. On our mission to good food, we ran into some locally and internationally known musicians underground in Union Station's subway. The "Hypnotic Brass Ensemble" (http://hypnoticbrass.blogspot.com/, http://www.myspace.com/hypnoticbusiness - pic above) also from the WINDY have toured with Mos Def, and independently released two albums. Arin knows them personally and I only remembered them vaguely from seeing them play underground in Times Square. They sounded so professional and played with much passion like "The Roots." I did what any music lover would do...I bought their cd for $10.00. I got home, listened to album and was thankful I spent the money. That was at least a year ago. Fast forward to today, after touring internationally, performing with Mos Def, gaining a significant fan base, I find them underground playing with the same passion and musicanship. I'm inspired.

We all have to start somewhere. No matter how small, the key is to never give up. Never quit. The seeds you sow today, will bear the fruit you enjoy tomorrow. Keep the same momentum and excitement about that thing you're working on from Day 1 to Day 365.

Additionally (my new favorite word), I saw Sen. (soon to be Pres.) Barack Obama live from Ohio on CSPAN today. Do you agree that if you have seen Sen. Obama speak, you can't help but be inspired. His journey, his passion, his faith and his diligence to stay the course no matter the obstacles is inpsiring. Are you convinced that VICTORY is going to take place on Tuesday? Don't doubt, just believe. If you are not on the Obama side of things...it's cool. I respect all points of view. Just know, he's gonna WIN. :-) xo Regardless of your viewpoint, excercise your RIGHT and your AUTHORITY to VOTE on Tuesday, November 4th. Take part in this historical election. We will never travel this road again.

Word of the Day: Proverbs 18:21

Always Inspiring,

"The Billionairess"

I Gotta Testify - II

2008-10-23T10:23:00.003-04:00

The praise reports continue! This week has been full of small victories that add up to make a major impact.

Many people that I didn't even know read my ramblings told me that my last testimony (praise report) blessed them and encouraged them to keep fighting the good fight of faith. So I plan to continue sharing my good favor. Be encouraged during uncertain times in this world. We win...no matter what!

Here's my recap in order from Monday to last night.

Monday:
I participate in the transit check program at work which allows you to pay for your metro cards pre-taxed. I normally pay for a monthly metro card that has unlimited usage for 30 days. By about October 7th, I lost my metro card. I called MTA to find that it could not be replaced. I prayed and asked God what to do and he said ask for what you want, because your needs are already met. I told my boss that I lost the card; the first time in two years with this company and he didn't hesitate at all to replace my monthly metro card on the spot! Monday, I dropped the new metro card in the open space where the floor and elevator meet in my office building You can imagine my thinking. This was the replacement card! So at the end of the day I took at step of faith and told our security officials in the building what happened. I showed them the elevator where I dropped the card and they called their service men to go downstairs into the basement of our office building. Within five minutes the service men came back upstairs with with my metro card! Such a WOW moment. Praise Him! (I'm holding on to this card for dear life!)

Tuesday:
My DVD player has not been working for months. Since I am not home enough to watch DVD's it does not bother me that much. This past Saturday my roommate and I wanted to watch a movie in the living room and of course the DVD player wasn't working. She asked me when I was going to get a new one LOL. I said mostly likely around Christmas. Just to back up a bit, last week one of my bestest, Toya asked me if I could buy anything for myself right now what would it be. I said a DVD player. Tuesday, my brand new DVD player arrived at work compliments of Toya! I was in amazement of fast God worked and so excited to believe God for "much more" more often!

Wednesday:
I came home after Bible Study and in my normal routine I checked the mail. Thankfully there was only one bill! Lol. I opened the Con Edison bill(excuse the step by step) and could not believe my eyes. As a sidenote my power bill hit astronomical numbers this past summer so when I saw the bill, I truthfully could not believe my eyes. It says we owe 93 cents! In total!
My roommate and I can not explain it. It reads that we paid last month's bill and this month's bill in the last month's cycle. Neither one of us can account for this. It may sound crazy or out there but when my bills come I immediately pray a simple prayer asking God to pay them, confess a cooresponding scripture, and then thank him for doing so. This is amazing! My Father is working faster than I can keep up!! Time for another Praise Dance!!!

DREAM BIG - EXPECT EVEN BIGGER - AND WHEN YOU GET IT...TELL SOMEONE!!!

Word of the day: Revelation 3:10
Lovingly,
"Billionairess"

DREAM BIG - EXPECT EVEN BIGGER!

2008-10-21T15:22:00.006-04:00

A famous filmmaker said, "I dream for a living." When I first heard this it sounded so abstract. Probably because I was processing this statement with my logical, over analytical mind, instead of my creative, loving, ever hopeful heart.

Do you remember when you were a child and you used to DREAM BIG and EXPECT BIG? There was nothing in life that you could not imagine accomplishing. Your thoughts were vast beyond your own ability. About a month ago, I realized that I had not taken the time to just dream silently or aloud. I believe your dreams are your visions. Your visions are what is at the end of the road for your life. Everyday that you move in the direction of your vision you become closer to making your dream/vision a reality. If you stop dreaming your ability to visualize BIG shrinks and your expectation of life's returns diminishes.

I encourage you to SOW BIG SEEDS, DREAM BIG DREAMS and EXPECT BIG VICTORIES!

While we are on the subject of DREAMING BIG. The word Billionaire in reference to me has been used more times than I can count in the last few weeks. I have always believed that I would be used as a catalyst to move my already prospeous family to a higher level. Even though I was not quite sure how, I knew God had chosen me to be a major part of this process. Additionally, there is much work to be done in the earth before I ascend to heaven.

Since joining my church choir my memory for remembering songs has expanded, my vocal range has expanded, my attention to detail has sharpened, but something else major has happened. I have been surrounded, submerged and almost drowned in positive affirmation. My expectation of what I was going to receive when joining my church's choir was too small. My brothers and sisters reaffirm the gifts God has placed inside of me (2 Timothy 1:6) every time we are together! I have never had so many people that I just met some only a few months ago speak life into me! I get called a Billionaire at least twice a week. So, I humbly accept the call! Ha! Billionairess...I AM! (Destined to inherit my Father's Billions)

Although singing and songwriting is a huge part of my destiny, so is overcoming the world's system of operating with the Kingdom of God's way of operating. "...your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) This is going to take BIG money.

It's time for the: TAKEOVER, TAKEBACK and TURNAROUND! Holla!

Verse for the Day: Deuteronomy 30:19

In Expection,

"Billionairess"

Room for Squares

2008-10-10T13:43:00.005-04:00

John Mayer's debut album, undoubtedly one of my favorites and still in rotation on my iPod, "Room for Squares," captures a young man finding his way on life's journey through song. I used to think every acoustic guitar strummed by a white guy all sounded the same. For some reason this album triggered emotions that others following this formula had not and tugged on heartstings to that point were underdiscovered. But whatever...I just liked it alot. :-) Since this album, I have continuously listened to John on later projects follow his own path for individuality.

Normally, I don't post things that stray too far from music, or empowerment. However, this article below is an excellent read and gives examples of a great model to follow no matter your passion. Further down in the article it highlights the founder of ING Direct in the light of the mortgage crisis. ING offers mortgages and out of 100,000 mortgages ING lended only 15 have ended in foreclosure. That's a pretty small number compared to the many in some cases the majority of mortgages owned by other well known, highly trusted banks that ended in foreclosure. I am happy to say that I bank with ING Direct and have watched a steady not huge, but steady increase of interest accrue.

Additionally, ING founder Arkadi Kuhlmann talks about the temptation to be unethical and greedy for lack of more friendly word during the housing boom. He choose to go another route. His path seems to be paying off not only for ING but for their homeowners. Kuhlmann instituted innovativeness in a less popular way. I'm sure he didn't have many cheerleaders and as many supporters but his choices have kept him above water and still winning.

I love the title, "Sometimes it's Hip to be a Square." (The road less travelled)
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How do you keep your head when all those around you are losing theirs? This has become a defining challenge for leaders in an age of technology bubbles, private-equity overreach, and, most recently, the mania (and meltdown) in the mortgage market.
Failure, we like to tell ourselves, is a powerful opportunity to learn. If that's the case, there must be lots of executives learning powerful lessons these days. The government has stepped in to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, once pillars of the financial system, whose misguided policies enabled so much of the mortgage madnesss. The CEO of Washington Mutual, once a darling of Wall Street analysts, resigned in the face of balance-sheet pressures. Banks and financial institutions everywhere are writing down assets, bumping up loss reserves, slashing payrolls--and watching shareholder value evaporate.

What can we learn from this heartache and misery? To me, the most valuable insights come from those few leaders who refused to be seduced by the promises of fast growth and easy profits. Sure, many of the biggest and best-known names in banking decided to offer teaser rates to attract unqualified borrowers, and to approve loans without verifying incomes. But a few holdouts, who were tremendously creative in much of how they did business, decided that when it came to the "financial engineering" that reshaped the mortgage market, Huey Lewis had it right: It's hip to be square.

One case in point is Hudson City Bancorp, a 140-year-old company based in Paramus, New Jersey that has managed to avoid the mortgage meltdown and continues to post tremendous results. Business journalists have discovered this quiet little outfit and marveled at its strategic insights. Its shares are up 50 percent since last August, when the credit crisis really kicked in. (A leading index of bank stocks is down 40 percent over the same period.) "Hudson City banks the old-fashioned way," Newsweek marveled. "It takes deposits and makes mortgages to people who buy homes in which they plan to live. And then it hangs on to" the mortgages, rather than sell them in the secondary market.
Imagine the brilliance! Take deposits. Make sensible loans. Repeat over and over again, until your market cap approaches $10 billion.
The New York Times tried to unpack the secrets of Hudson's success and offered this analysis:

"The bank carefully screened loan applicants to ensure they would be able both to afford a new house and reside there, rather than flip it. And the bank demanded hefty down payments...as a cushion against any sharp drop in home prices, because it planned to hang on to the loans."
What a formula! Make sure borrowers can afford their loans. Insist that they make a big down payment. Favor owners over speculators.
Hudson City's mindful approach to banking only looks remarkable because so many established banks lost their minds. ING Direct, a cutting-edge banking innovator about which I've written in the past, also managed to avoid the march of folly in its industry. The bank avoided the subprime meltdown because it stuck to simple, plain-vanilla mortgages rather than exotic instruments that sounded too good to be true (and were). The bank has written 100,000 mortgages worth $26 billion and has a grand total of 15 foreclosures. Not 15 percent, just 15 mortgages out of 100,000.

Arkadi Kuhlmann, ING Direct's founder and CEO, is one of the most creative business leaders I've ever met. But he was able to distinguish between get-rich-quick industry fads and real innovation. "Every person who tries to do real innovation is going to be tempted by money, greed, acceptance, being in the middle of the action," Kuhlmann says. "But at the core there is one fundamental difference: I know why I'm here. I want to make a difference. If I was into this just for making money, being a big accepted banker, I would have been tempted. But that's not why I'm here. I am trying to build something that changes the business, that allows me to stay on the right side of the discussion."

Kuhlmann's skepticism about mortgage fads speaks to one of the unappreciated elements of strategy and creativity. Sometimes, the most important form of leadership is resisting an innovation that takes hold in your field when that innovation, no matter how popular with your rivals, is at odds with your long-term point of view. The most determined innovators are as conservative as they are unique. They make big strategic bets for the long term and don't hedge their bets when strategic fashions change.
"We as individual leaders operate inside a cultural context," Kuhlmann explains. "The question is, do you want to try to influence the culture that you're in, or do you want the culture that you're in to overwhelm you?"

By combining cutting-edge insights with back-to-basics discipline, ING Direct, like Hudson City Bancorp, has created a powerful new force in the financial-services market. Kuhlmann and his colleagues resisted the worst excesses of the last few years, because they weren't interested in running with the pack--they were determined to do what made sense to them. "When you run with the pack, what you generally see are other people's backsides," Kuhlmann wisecracks. "We know why we're here, and it's not to photocopy other people's bad ideas."
Do you have the values and discipline to keep your head when so many around you are losing theirs?

Word of the Day: Joshua 1:7
Always Empowering,
Kris!

Stretch My Muscles - Freestyle II

2008-10-06T21:14:00.007-04:00

I Fly High

The low road, the road most travelled

The high road, the road travelled by champions

Olympians and now new millennium politicians

The low road where the little play and the little squander

The high road; where we don't ponder, we decide

We make changes in the world in which we abide

Soaring beyond the clouds with minds set on prosperity,

longevity; pressing toward the mark to become a better you, become a better me

I can see clearly from up here

Taking chances, taking risks, taking life by the wrists

Leaving the past in a cloud of rain to fall on the

haters that wished you pain

Beauty for ashes and dust to dust

The past is dead and life with wings as an eagle is a must

The low road can't sustain my high hopes

I put distance between me and she, me and he

To explore the air up there, up here

in a heaven of dreams. When I rest I float.

The low road, the road most travelled

Popularity abounds on the ground.

The high road, the road travelled by champions

I fly high, sometimes solo...in the sky.

"The happy heart runs with the river,

floats on the air, lifts to the music,

soars with the eagle, hopes with the prayer." - Maya Angelou

Verse for the Day: Job 4:4

Poetically,

Kristen Lauren

I Gotta Testify!

2008-09-26T01:54:00.004-04:00

Allow me share my testimony of the week (I say the week because I expect to experience and share favor filled testimonies with you weekly)!!!!

I have been songwriting for 15 years and it's only been in the last two years that I have taken this gift seriously instead of for just recreation. Today, I can say with confidence that the Lord has called me to write and sing His music; one of the biggest reasons for Him sending me to New York. Since moving to NYC, the Lord has blessed me with opportunities to write demo's for up and coming artists, co-write songs for well known hip hop artists and just meet some great people in the music industry. In the last year, I have had in studio training with accomplished writers, producers, artists and engineers in the music industry as well.

In an effort to continue working on my craft of becoming a serious songwriter, I enrolled in a songwriting course at NYU a couple of weeks ago. One day later after I enrolled in the class, it was dropped due to a lack of enrollment. I prayed that since the God closed that door, he would clearly open a new one. On Monday of this week, I got a call directly from the professor who was supposed to teach the class. He apologized for the class being cancelled although it was out of his control. However, he wanted to offer me an even better opportunity than the NYU class. He extended to me a personal invitation to join a select group of people to take songwriting sessions from him in his recording studio for the next month! After doing my research on him, I found out that he is a four-time Grammy nominated songwriter. His songs have sold over 27 million copies and he's worked with Brandy, Van Halen, and David Bowie to name a few. I always pray upon taking my desire to become a more skilled singer and songwriter to the next level, that the Lord open the doors that He would have me to walk through and allow me to work with the best, most anointed people He has to offer in music. This open door is a door opened by my Father that no man can shut!

*I'm doing my praise dance right now!* :-D

Word for the Day: Proverbs 21:13

Lovingly,

Kristen ~ "Olympian Pen"

Stretch My Muscles - Freestyle

2008-09-15T21:47:00.006-04:00

DIRECTIONS

I'm on a mission for change

To make a mark in the lives of others

Who can't seem to find their way

I know what's it like to be lost and alone

Stuck in rut, maimed with pain, ashamed of my name

Unclear of where to aim

my frustration

Incapable of making the right decisions

Lost in translation

In the middle of a transformation

Spinning out of control

Trying to find the breaks, hoping for a sign

that says this is the way you should go!

There it is...that still small voice

Slow down, stop and think!

Walk this way, turn right

You've been going left

One right turn, becomes another right turn

Till I find myself back on the right path

Moving in the right direction

I bring one, two, three people along with me

They looked stranded with their thumbs out

waiting for someone to pick them up

But now I know the way in which we should go

He whispered the directions in my ear

Just thought I should share

The path is straight and narrow

Not for the faint of heart

And sometimes it can get lonely.

Suddenly, I look up to find three, two, one

It's just me

Walking, changing, transforming

into what He wants me to be.

Following directions = long life.

Word of the Day: Proverbs 18:10

Thoughtfully,

"Olympian Pen"

Create Your Own Hype!

2008-08-20T16:08:00.002-04:00

"I've been waitin on this my WHOLE life! These DREAMS be wakin me up at night!"

~ Kanye West, I Wonder (Graduation, 2007)

The word "hype" is considered an inflated truth or exaggerated, misconstrued story. The word inflated stands out the most. Inflated means full of empty or prententious language. Meanwhile, this offering is to encourage you to "CREATE Hype!" and make it your own. (How ironic)

This year and the latter part of last year, I learned that Hype does not have to be BS. Hype is simply whatever you want it to be. It's your belief system. The thoughts, notions, values, principles, truths that you believe in, you will pub(licize), endorse and co-sign to the next level. This is totally me. When I believe in something, I make it public. I speak about it and I make it real BIG.

One of the greatest examples of Hype created in the last 12 months was the controversy between Kanye West and 50 Cent's album being released on the same day. Of course I had my money on Ye. There was so much Hype surrounding the release of the both albums, if you were music lover at all you could not help but to indulge just a little. Well we all know how that one turned out. Ye took the most units in the first week and his hype paid off once again. Why do I say again? (I don't want this to turn into a conversation completely about Ye but...) Again, because Kanye brought attention to himself at his beginnings by making people believe in his talents and gifts simply because he believed in them the most. I've watched Kanye's Driven, Through the Wire, read the articles, heard the rants, blowing of his own horn, etc. However, any one who subscribes to the trends, pop culture and the hip-hop generation can not deny Kanye's affect on all of the above. Kanye has always been his own hype man. When the labels wouldn't do it, he did it himself. When the award shows didn't show love, he created more hype and drama still turning the attention (although negative) to himself requiring more people to dig deeper into Ye. What's even greater about the hype that Kanye created around himself is that it's totally warranted. He is extremely talented in music and art. He has changed the hip-hop culture for this generation in many ways.

I have a tendency to down play my BIG stuff, and hype my "sister" or my "brother's" vision. Kanye's example shows me that we must HYPE our own visions. Getting them out there is our responsibility and at the end of the day, no one but God (and I think that even God can't believe it for you) will believe your vision, dream, or goal as much as you do. God gave you the vision and He will surely bring it to pass...if you believe it can actually come to pass. Kanye believed in his vision when no one else would and more than anybody. Now he has the whole world believing in "Kanye West - Mr. Glow in the Dark." I'm not mad at CHICAGOIAN-GEMINI-TWIN.

So from now on... CREATE BIG HYPE for your BIG and little DREAMS. When you take a BIG STRIDE, or make a BIG SPLASH don't down play it. MAKE IT BIG, SAY IT LOUD. You're helping someone else along the way believe that they can make their dreams and visions come true too.

I'm working on tracks with Keith "K-Boogie" Hanns, original member of Wreckx N' Effect. He's cool people with an experienced, comfortable flow. I'm writing songs like crazy for MYSELF (Yes!) and others of course, getting ready to take a highly-recommended class at NYU so I can join the ranks of the BEST to put pen to paper (Smokey Robinson, Lauryn Hill, Eric Roberson, NE-YO). The BEST is on it's way.

I'm also looking for a live band. If you know of one, let me know!

Word of the day: Philippians 4:8

Obama '08

Musically,

Hype-Woman~The Olympian Pen™

Thinking/Creating/Writing Like the Greatest of All Time!

2008-08-05T16:42:00.004-04:00

I haven't visited Bossip.com in many months. Once I arrived to their website, I still questioned why I decided today to explore the popular gossip well.
I found my answer in a post about the Greatest of All Time (in my book), Lauryn Hill.

"Lauryn Hill is building up material for a major comeback after giving birth to her five kids - she has song ideas and lyrics scribbled all over her bathroom. The reclusive star’s longtime partner Rohan Marley reveals Hill is as prolific as anyone in the music business, and cannot stop writing lyrics and tunes while she’s on hiatus. He says, “She writes music in the bathroom, on toilet paper, on the wall. She writes it in the mirror if the mirror smokes up. “She writes constantly. This woman does not sleep."

Many people have asked me the reason for the name: Bathroom Freestyle. Although my reasoning for giving this fountain of words that name is on the ride side bar, the question still persists in the minds of some people. However, others get the name right away and understand the meaning behind it. It sounds like Lauryn Hill has the same pattern of thought. Reading this quote above resonated in me like I just won an award for innovativeness...LOL! And one day, maybe my words, writings, songs, lyrics would be as impactful as one of my BIGGEST heros who ever put pen to paper, note to beat, voice to microphone.

Lauryn Hill is undoubtedly my Greatest inspiration. She is prolific, truly a genius with words and their deeper meanings. She's a singer/songwriter/lyricist/mother/actress. I can still remember the day I bought the most expensive cd I've ever owned, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," at Blockbuster in Roswell, Georgia in 1998. It was totally worth $18.99 without tax. I still found hidden, not so obvious meanings in songs like "Tell Him" and "Ex-Factor" ten years after hearing them. The title track, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" resounds in my heart, like I wrote it. That's how personal the song is to me.

It's true that you have to reach your own level, but looking up to the Greats like Lauryn Hill is like looking up to the standard, the Giant of the art in my generation. This makes me want to write, and write, and write until I get right. Here's to Lauryn and her foretold return. Like the many other loyal, diehard fans, I'll be waiting for the Legend to reclaim her stage bigger and better than before.

***Also check out fellow writer Ebonne Jones, "Letter to Lauryn Hill" http://www.mahoganybutterfly.com/cms/templates/expressions.aspx?articleid=2636 which also celebrates the 10th year anniversary of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.," this month. It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since the classic was released.***

Word for the Day: Ephesians 2:13
Lyrically,
Kris

PREPARATION in Surrender/SURRENDER in Preparation

2008-08-03T00:45:00.002-04:00

Preparation means: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. Readiness.

Surrender means: to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand; to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner, b: to give (oneself) over to something (as an influence).

How are these words related and intertwined? Currently, I'm in a season of preparation for many things: to be a cutting edge performer, an entrepreneur, homeowner, future wife, future mother, and some others characteristics. Earlier this year, I was in a wilderness season, entrenched in frustration. One of reason for my frustration was due to the many visions the Lord has given me for projects and goals to work towards. As a result, I was trying to accomplish everything at the same time, causing greater frustration, because I couldn't see, hear and think through any of them clearly. As I said before in "REST," I fall short in that area.

Lately, the Lord has been sending me many messages and revelations about surrendering to Him. (I thought I was surrendered to God and His will for my life.) But He showed me that in order to be properly prepared for the things He has in store for me, basically the list above, that I need to be surrendered to His will and His strength in my life. I, Kristen can't get all this done, by myself, but God working through me will accomplish these things to further His Kingdom and purpose for my life.

Recently, the frustration reared its ugly head again. This time my frustration was about wanting to focus only on music and only my music. My question to the Lord was, "Why do I have to focus on music, my job in finance, be an entreprenuer, etc?" Why can't I just work on music, learn about finance (get GREAT with money, develop the mindset for aquiring BIG, LONG wealth, not the money we deal with day to day just to live, and make a couple of meaningful wealth-building transactions), but really just focus on music? (I'll explain later my ideal vision for my future husband, music and our businesses in music and finance! :-) )

The Lord sent a messenger to answer this question today. Refer to the "Parable of the Talents," Matthew 25:14-28. In the parable a master gave his three servants a certain amount of talents (talent is defined as: a unit of value, the natural endowment of a person, a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude b: general intelligence or mental power : ability). In this parable, the talents were money. A quick summation: The master gave one servant five talents, the second servant two talents and the third servant one talent. After a long time the master came to settle his accounts with his servants. The servant with five talents returned to his master ten talents to his master. The servant with two talents returned four talents to his master. However, the servant given only one buried his talent in the ground and returned to his master the one talent that was given to him. His master referred to him as wicked and lazy and gave his talent to the servant who had ten. The revelation from my friend is that we are all given/entrusted with a different amount of talents (gifts). It doesn't have to be money, but sometimes it is. For me its singing, songwriting, encouraging, and one day wife, mother, and businessowner. But I can't even limit myself to these things, because God may add to this list. However many talents we are given not only are we required to do BIG THINGS with these talents, but we must take them a step futher than how they were distributed to us. We have to double them, increase them to bless others. This is completely the answer to my frustration, because I am now resolved knowing that I have MANY talents. I can take the limits off of myself and my BIG, HUGE God and stop using the word can't in relation to things that I have yet to try.

As I get surrendered (horrible english!), free in God I will continue to realize that my frustration comes from trying to figure the process out in my own knowledge, wondering how my time will be evenly divded and how things will get accomplished in Kristen's timelines. Usually the things that stick around and last for a while had to go through an extensive process. They didn't develop overnight. The parable makes it clear that the master returned after a long time to collect his increase. So, while I'm not going to procrastinate accomplishing the things set before me, I can also enjoy the journey and the process until they manifest.

And when someone says to me, "You're doing too much," I will have peace knowing that what they meant to say is, "I admire the talents God gave you and I look forward to seeing you use them in a way that impacts the whole world!"

Rewind: By now you know that I'm CHI bred, ATL refinded, but my parents live in MIA now. I travelled to Miami last weekend for my cousin's 40th birthday on Fisher Island and my brother's 13th birthday. WOW! Fisher Island is completely exclusive. You have to be on a list in order to take the island's ferry across the water to the island. I think the exclusivity of Fisher Island is what's so special about it. Or maybe is the 5 bedroom 6000 sq feet villas on the island available to rent during your stay. Or maybe it's that you don't see many people of color on the island other than in service positions (an there's nothing wrong with, but it's nice to see us enjoying the same luxuries on an equal playing field). Although Harold Ford Sr. and Oprah have residences on Fisher Island, to the common, everyday hard working African American Fisher Island seems a little out of reach. My cousin spared no expense to show us how great 40 looks, and it looks FABULOUS! I have great images in vision to aspire to. (The pics are from the last weekend.)

Have a wonderful week knowing that YOU really can do ALL things through JESUS CHRIST that gives you the strength. Phil 4:13

Word of the Day: Psalm 89:34

No more excuses. Just results (Dr. Toya Greene)

Kris

I'm in Love...

2008-07-14T22:42:00.015-04:00

Singing: "Lately, I've had the strangest feeling..." My admiration, my adoration, and my passion have been turned up a notch for some loves in my life. For certain sentimental beauties in my life, I have always been in love. But for others, I have only had a strong liking.
Today, I'm in love...again.

Here are my Top (kris)TEN In loves...from bottom to TOP.

I'm in love with...

#10: New York City - Good ol' NYC. I had the pleasure of hosting my 15 and 11 year old cousins from Cleveland, Ohio for the 4th of July weekend. This was their first time taking a flight and their first time in New York. I basked in the loving duty of taking them on a tour around the city of New York. We indulged in things that I had not yet experienced before even after being here for almost three years! It's good to know that I still have much more to discover in the city while I'm here.
#9: Romance - Ode to romance. I am the biggest romantic ever! I believe in it, I hope in it and I want to live the rest of my life saturated in it. Larenz Tate said it so eloquently in the quintessential love story of my generation, Love Jones..."Romance is about the possibility of things." I'm sure that romance will always be a huge part of my life, because I find it in everything. God created this earth with such attention to detail, beauty and most importantly love. The wind, trees, cobblestone roads, walks in the parks, rain and sunsets are the epitome of romance. And I live in it...everyday @---<<---- #8: Church - Most people I meet in the city share my introduction to NYC. They are a transplant from another city that’s not quite as culturally diverse, not nearly this fast pace or filled with such vast opportunity. However, the sustaining element when embarking on the Big Apple is always church. My church (my pastor, the people, the ministries) keep me sane, grounded and spiritually uplifted. Since joining my church choirs I can’t get enough of church. If you’re looking for me on a random night…that’s the best place to check. (http://www.worldchangerschurchnewyork.org/)
#7: ATL, GA- Those that know me, know that even though I’m from the “City of Wind,” my heart belongs to A-T-L-A-N-T-A-G-A. When I first inhaled the air in March 1998, I knew it was a special place of prosperity and beauty. Since then, I haven’t been able to separate my heart strings from this city. The trees, the “laid back kickin Georgia pride,” the red clay, the drawl, the food, my friends, and my Goddaughter all keep me coming back for more.
#6: Helping People – When do I feel the best about myself and life? When I am considering and contributing to the success and greatness of others. When I am making a difference in someone else’s life. Whenever I see people who dedicate their lives to helping others, they seem not to have one care in the world. Maybe it’s because life gives to the giver, God gives to the giver and when you are more concerned about the well-being of others you have less time to “care” about what’s not perfect in your own life. I love to volunteer, create ways to help others move to higher levels and see people accomplish their full potential, rather than just scratching the surface. (Look out for The King’s Daughters ™– Party for a Purpose coming soon!!!)
#5: My friends that are like family – My family and I are very close. (Sometimes I say that the reason for this is because I don’t live with them. LOL! They live in Florida). But nevertheless, being far from them is hard sometimes. My friends that are like family are the best gifts from God. They keep me excited about life, constantly practicing love in my relationships and they check me if I’m “trippin.” My friends come to visit me all the way from the west coast, to the Midwest and from the “dirty-dirty.” They continually bless me and allow me to bless them. The older, more mature and wiser that we become the circle of friends changes AND it also gets smaller. So I’m holding on to my “folks” tight…for the long haul.
#4: My Goddaughter Aydin – This whole entry could be about her (and it will be soon). You ever notice how everything to children and babies is so simple. When they’re fed, changed and clean they are so happy and pleasant. Then we grow up and make life complex. Looking in the face of my Goddaughter reminds me of the beauty and simplicity of life. The joy of being a member of the village called to raise and watch over her is fulfillment beyond measure. She gives me hope for the future and an invisible push to always strive for excellence, because God didn’t put us here for ourselves. Aydin is constant proof that we/our gifts are here for someone else.
#3: Music – Singing: “I like that I can talk to you. And you seem to adore it. I like that I can tell you…exactly, how I feel. I like that you don’t…look at me, that confused kind of way when…the thoughts are running through my mind and I can’t seem to find the right thing to say. Oooooooo…this feels nice.” (Easy Conversation, Jilly from Philly). This is my favorite song. It describes my relationship with music, with God and with my best friend. I have a King David experience daily, where I just cry out to God in song, a psalm. Music for me is totally spiritual. It’s the air, it’s the rain, it’s the wind and the water. Music is everywhere. So I make it, I sing it, I live it, I breathe it, and I share it.
#2: My Family – I am absolutely in love with my family. They are my rock and my foundation. It sounds very cliché but it so true. There is no Kristen without the Rogers. For most of my time spent away from home (the last eight years of my life) I have dealt with being away from them pretty well. But every once in while, I have a “blue” day. During my “blue” moment, it never fails that I can always call on my family for advice, to brighten my mood or to give an encouraging word. It’s simple…they’re the best!
#1: Jesus Christ – Two words to describe perfect, unconditional, undying, never failing, faithful love: Jesus Christ. He dwells in me and me in him. We’re always together, always talking, walking and laughing together. He loves me when it seems like no one else does or has the capacity to. He writes all my best songs and He gives me the creativity for new songs. He’s ALWAYS there, no matter what. He always makes time for me. I am totally obsessed with Jesus and who He is in my life. For some people, this is way too deep. But for me its home. It’s my DNA, right where I belong in the most intimate relationship I will ever experience.

So, I’m in love. And when I love, I love hard.

I’m headed to choir rehearsal, my favorite activity of the week! Gotta love a good praise session. Check out the pics from my performance this past weekend. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001095&l=60b54&id=1017204308. I had a great time getting lifted, elevated by the music, the feedback and the support. Shout out to my World Changers!!

Please also check out the best new fashion mag to hit stands next month: Boho Magazine!! http://www.bohomag.com/ Written and published by my mentor and sister celebrity stylist Gina LaMorte. This is the very first green fashion magazine! (Music to my ears). She rocks!

I’m headed to the studio on Sunday to record a song I wrote for a dope producer working with Rihanna and Chris Brown. Let’s get it! (A placement that is..:-)

And I had to include this url showing the new Rap-Up cover. Teyanna, Keri and Solange are wrecking havoc and I love it!! The cover is FIYAH! They inspire me!
http://concreteloop.com/2008/07/mag-covers-keri-teyana-solange-mary-j-rihanna#more-29452m

All the best to you as we approach a glorious weekend.
Word of the day: Matthew 6:6
In song,
Kristen

REST

2008-06-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

I don't think this is going to post the correct date, but today is actually June 30th. This has been in draft mode for like a week. As a result, I totally canned what I had written, but I could not go into July without updating my most loved outlet these days.

I just flew back to NYC from A-T-L-A-N-T-A-G-A this morning. I finally met my BEAUTIFUL and PRECIOUS Goddaughter Aydin. I thought it was going to be overwhelming and it was an emotional time, but honestly it was very serene looking into her eyes for the first time, holding her and recognizing that she's actually here. I have to admit that I have been a little nervous about being a good Godmother. I take this so seriously, and not in name sake only. My Godparents are the BEST EVER! Surrogates to me and my syblings and, they have been there for EVERYTHING and have always gone above the call of duty for the three of us. Big huge shoes to fill. But I had to realize that I'm not them, although I have their support and advice. My Godmother said that to love her unconditionally was the best and biggest thing I could do. I can't wait to go back to ATL and love on her some more :-)

I chose REST for this entry because it's exactly what's on my mind right about now...LOL! I got a little taste of sleepless nights this weekend with Ms. Aydin. But hardly what her Mom is experiencing. She's my new HERO. (Well kind of my Throwback HERO).

Last week was a Blessed Rollercoaster! :-) Last week, my pastor decreed a week of supernatural manifestation. Additionally, I heard many confirming words and messages that backed up what Pastor Dollar said regarding many things breaking loose in the lives of believers. This past week was MAJOR. By Monday, I had more than one offer to write songs with some great prodcuers working with Rihanna, Chris Brown, Timberland and more. I have to say I'm very proud of at least one of the new songs I wrote that I hope gets placed soon. Definitely that FIYAH! :-)

The logo for "The King's Daughters" is completed!!! I can't wait to unveil it - after it's protected of course. Last Thursday, I auditioned and joined World Changers Church New York's adult choir! The audition, the feedback, the feeling...all too powerful! Here's to singing, sangin, and singing some more!!! By Friday, I had my bags packed and was on cloud nine to head to my favorite region of the US...the SOUTH.

Last week didn't appear to leave much room for rest. I usually pencil in a nap during the week. I don't see the nap taking place this week either. No complaints though. I'm blessed to have a plate full of life blessings.

To resume about REST, I had a conversation with one of my Mary Kay leadership counselors and I told her that I don't really understand the meaning of rest, or resting in God. I just didn't get it. I always feel like I can be doing more, or I'm not doing enough and that continually keeps me moving. Recently, I read Proverbs 24:33-34 that says: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - an poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. My counselor told me that rest is different for everyone. Some people are not called to move at the pace that I move and vice versa. Some people aren't called to do as many different things as I do and vice versa. She also reminded me that in our own weaknesses God is made strong. So, I guess now I am resting in God, because my strength is a tad weak and to continue on, I'm solely relying on His strength. That's POWERFUL. Major Revelation as I'm writing this. And so that weak/week begins.

There are many more things I need to catch you up on, like the inspiring "Legacy of Homeownership Tour" sponsored by Chase Bank, that I attended two weekends ago for a day. It was Phenomenal! It reinforced that information is priceless and ownership is the legacy we MUST pass down. I'll be sure to invite you to my housewarming in no more than 12 months!!!

This weeks is JAMMED packed. I'll be SOB's tomorrow night for the Eric Roberson, Curt Chambers/Franklin Bridge and Fuzz Band Experience. Wednesday is Bible Study, "The King's Daughters meeting, and a celebratory Brotherhood-SisterSol farewell to Fabulous Kaajal Shah as she makes her transition to DC for New Beginnings. Thursday is CHOIR REHEARSAL! I can't wait. Friday, my 15 and 11 year old cousins from CLEVE-LAND come to visit for the holiday weekend. Time to get that second wind.

Be blessed this week! Good things are on the horizon as we continue to seek first HIS Kingdom.

Verse for the Day: 1 John 4:15

Lyrically Yours,

Kris

Better is Here and Best is on it's Way!

2008-06-10T10:51:00.005-04:00

Recently, I received a divine knock at my door and when I answered it "Better" was on the other side. I told "Better" I have been patiently waiting for his arrival (Psalm 27:13), looking forward to his interruption. He said that he was here to stay for a while, until "Best" showed up, and he assured me that "Best" is on his way. Let me share with you what "Better" looks like. He's basically my perception's idea of perfection, above average and never mediocure. He's constantly opening new doors and presenting me with new and exciting opportunities that lead to my destiny. He's the most encouraging, uplifting and positive whisper in my ear. He never hesitates to challenge me to come up higher. He's very supportive and extremely creative. He always operates in abundance, never lacking anything and he shares it all with me! Some might say, it sounds like you just met Jesus and I did.....about 13 years ago. "Better" is all of the remarkable, mind-blowing revelations and changes that have occured in the few weeks as a result of a "Better" relationship with Jesus, myself, my family, my friends and my passions. "Better" is clarity in many critical areas of life. It's contentment with what is, and hope (joy, patient expectation) for what is to come....."Best."

The blessed rain began on around June 1st and just keeps pouring down on me. The weekend of my birthday (June 1st) started with a slammin 80's/90's themed party downtown hosted by DJ Greg-Nice. So you can imagine the MUSIC. It was refreshing to see people dancing to every song that was played. Later in the weekend, my business partner Candice and I had the pleasure of escorting her six and three year old cousins around Harlem and then to church. We played games with imaginary people, shopped at my favorite boutique in Harlem, Bebenoir, went to church and then had dinner. It was a great preview for what Candice and I can anticipate running The King's Daughters™. On Sunday (June 1st!) my roommate put together a beautiful birthday brunch (shout out to the best Roomie - Nyle!) with some of my closest girlfriends at Paradou in the meat packing district. It was the perfect way to start my BORN DAY. Afterwards we indulged in the mania that is "Sex and the City." This was the perfect bridge on a day with your girlfriends. Afterwards a few of us headed to dinner and then to another fellow, brilliant Gemini's birthday pool party at Hotel QT. Normally, I venture out of NYC and head to Miami or Chicago to be with family on my birthday. So, I was a bit apprehensive to spend it in New York City this year. Needless to say it was one of the best birthdays I've experienced! Cheers to NYC!

Last week was full of belated birthday wishes and meetings regarding both music and non-profit stuff. This past weekend culminated the week long celebration of birthday events with a party on the roof-top of the Dream Hotel (courtesy of my fabu roomie Nyle and bestest Toya). This time we kissed the skyline of NYC and lived "Sexy in the City." It was a celebration filled with friends, great music, great atmosphere and CAKE!!! Those who know me well know my fetish for birthday cake. I can eat it everyday! To all my fellow Gemini's I encourage you celebrate for at least a week or until the first day of summer. It's all about living life to the fullest! (Good lesson learned)

On this same glorious day, 06/07/2008 probably one of the most important events of my life took place as well - my Goddaughter was born!! (Rewind back to May Flowers post) Aydin Santiago was born at 6:44pm and she is beautiful and perfect and I can't wait to meet her! The joy of new life can't really be compared to much else. The new birth of anything blessed is amazing. New life gives hope for the future, and forces us to keep pressing forward because we are reminded that we have so much to look forward to. I've never been a Godmother before, and I am so excited to take on this lifelong responsibility. As part of her village, it's my job to pray for her everyday and endow her with a legacy of wealth. What a cool job!!!

On Sunday, my business partner Candice and I shot a commerical for The King's Daughter's™ in and throughout Harlem. (Shout out to Jarrell aka DJCEO, Ashley, and N'Keisha for helping us create a masterpiece)! We shot for 8 hours what will probably be cut down to one minute. lol But it was an awesome experience to create our vision with images and put it together. I can't wait to unveil the logo for everyone. It's almost done and I think it really represents our mission and vision for the organization. Last night, I had a meeting with a well seasoned A&R who's been in the music business for the past 15+ years about his artist and my upcoming contributions to the project. Lately, I've been focused heavy on songwriting. I'm reading Jill Scott's book of poetry. Wow! She's one of my greatest inspirations. One of the best to bless a microphone. She's so unedited. I love her honesty and vulnerability. Her throwback goodie, "Golden" is my theme song for the summer.

You can tell the summer is upon us: the pre-mature heat wave, the dance - riding in your whip music, the events. Right now, I'm headed to a networking event at N Harlem, a boutique uptown. Later tonight Omar Sosa, a highly acclaimed Afro-Cuban musician is playing at the Blue Note downtown. If my schedule permits, I may check out my fave Eric Roberson hosting the famous Sol Village at SOB's tomorrow night. He's also opening for Lyfe Jennings at the Apollo Theater on Friday night. Good music lives long and strong even if you have to be creative to find it. The newest underground changed above ground phenom making waves that I'm diggin is Santogold. http://www.myspace.com/santogold She's going against the grain and definitely operating stage left. Gotta love that.

Thanks for tuning in to the update. There are many, many new things musically and charitably on the horizon. As the summer unfolds "Better" couldn't have arrived at a better time :-)

Verse for the day: Hebrews 13:6

Stand Strong...Walk in love!

On Pitch,

Kris

RISING UP: Onward and Upward!

2008-05-23T10:37:00.012-04:00

Onward and upward/forward and in my own words/thats the direction for the moment/the movement rather/the light at the end of the tunnel/propels me to keep moving/Different degrees of momentum/create a sensation/to press toward/what lies ahead/beneath instead/I reach for the past/but only to remember where I've been/to grab hold of where I'm going/Now it all makes sense/Faith covered by grace/Yesterday was preparation for today/and today is nurishment for tomorrow/tomorrow is today's hope/All wrapped up in one.......Forward moving movement.

Just had to get that off and out. After two weekends of travel, I find myself able to better appreciate New York City more than before I left. That has always been apart of my love affair with New York...coming back after I leave to go somewhere else to reenter this city's greatness.

Miami was mini paradise. It's always sooo hard to leave because my family loves on me so hard. Toya couldn't have picked a better birthday destination. We had the BEST time. South Beach never dissappoints except during Memorial Day weekend when it's total pandemonium (for those of you who still make the trek to Miami for Memorial Day weekend, do your thing...lol). We stayed in a FAB hotel on Collins and did the regs: Wet Willies, the News Cafe and a club called the Fifth (all while wearing the STRONGER glasses!) FUN! FUN! FUN! We tried a new restaurant every night for three nights we inhabited South Florida's beauty, tanned on the beach, drank margharitas by the pool and lived life in abundance to the full, until it OVERFLOWED! I took the 5AM flight on Monday back to NY and then went straight to work. What a weekend :-) It totally served its purpose....Loungin with my loved ones.

St. Louis...hmmm. This requires a slight pause.

Now I can begin again. I spent the Memorial Day weekend in St. Louis. I can feel the puzzled look on your face. "St. Louis? Why St. Louis?"

Again, May was all about seeing and spending time with my loved ones. So the trip to St. Louis was appropriate, since I was visiting another Bestest.

But man!!! Talk about Country livin. When I got off the plane and walked to the baggage claim area, I felt like I had stepped back into time. Immediately, I felt out of place. The weekend was complete after at a house BBQ, someone I had just met called me "High Sadity." Wow! I hadn't heard that one in a long time.

Despite that minor detail, the trip was good. On a positive STL note, African Americans in their late 20 and early 30's are making great entreprenurial moves down there: car washes, event planning business and restaurants that are making waves in the Lou.' That's always encouraging to see, especially since I'm on the same path to ownership. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and got a chance to thank a solider for protecting our country.

Speaking of ownership, The King’s Daughters™ is coming along with bright lights. The Lord is opening doors left and right in many different arenas. Graphic designers, potential investors, mentors, other business owners and opportunities are meeting my partner Candice and I the threshold of this divine call to empower the next generation of women. It's a very exciting time, especially whenever you can make your vision a reality.

My biggest vision and the core reason for this outlet is MUSIC. I start a new 8 week voice training class with a new vocal coach next week. She is endorsed by the SongHall of Fame (an org. that I am a member of) as one of the best, and her motto is to help you sing like you speak. Basically, to sing like you breathe with complete fluidity and flow. I'm so excited to take my gift to the next level and share it with you :-)

On the music note please, please, please if you haven't already...check out the Roots album. The single "Rising Up" is total fire along with the video and so is the rest of the album as to be expected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5HGPD3rWqA.

It's been real downloading with you...

I anticipate that the next time we sing together, I'll be a year older. June 1st is fast approaching and it's carrying a number 20-something with it :-0 I'm super excited for that too!

Verse for the day: Romans 4:17 - Our words have POWER.

In Love,

K.L.

Moving at GodSpeed

2008-05-14T21:03:00.005-04:00

Happy Humpday! Truthfully, I was not going to update this fulfilling tool of release until I got back from Miami this coming weekend, but I couldn't stay away that long. :-) While I am somewhat fatigued....life is great. Not that I should ever complain, but I don't have any right now.

I once read something from my pastor (Pastor Creflo Dollar) that mentioned it was better to live a life 'directed' rather than 'driven.' That seemed so foreign to me. Like, could it be possible to be ambitious, goal-oriented, passionate and not live a driven life? I began to put things into perspective. As a Christian it's vital to stay in the will of God for your life. In that place there's protection, mercy, grace and other infinite benefits. It's similar to the way the Bible describes Jesus as the vine and us as the branches. It's crucial that we stay connected to the vine because apart from the vine, the branches can do nothing. I say all that to say, in the past I have ventured off to do what I thought was cool stuff or get involved in cool projects without always heeding the voice of God. The aftermath would be weariness, confusion, eventual disinterest and then a complete failure to continue my committment. So, you live and you learn and I hope I have learned from those failures and so that now I can apply the wisdom and lessons learned to my present.

When I decided to move forward and start The King’s Daughters™ all signs and arrows pointed in the right direction. Everything really began to move into place. I took two steps and the Lord took 10. I honestly thought I would begin working on the organization somewhere later on down the line. However, the call to act on this movement was louder than NYC ambulance sirens. I have to admit that before about 12 months ago, I never really had strong entrepreneurial desires. I tossed the idea of owning my own business around, but not that seriously. I also knew that I didn't want to work for someone for the rest of my life, but I didn't formulate a plan to make that a reality either. Embarking on this mission is so exciting everyday! Laying the groundwork is even more enlightening. I read something this week that basically referred to moving to quickly, or hurriedly or in haste shows lack of wisdom. Talk about a wake up call for me. I can have a tendency to get on a roll and pick up momentum and then not know where to put on the brakes and find myself spinning out of control and then having to regroup and retreat. So now for the tough part. It has now become a daily, conscious task to take one step at a time, condition my mind, body and soul to be patient and live a directed life and not necessarily driven. My biggest hope and goal right now is to lay a solid foundation for this organization and take the necessary steps possible to build a long-lasting movement that touches many generations after me. Here goes.....

What's that you ask? Am I abandoning music? NEVER THAT. That would be like cutting off an arm or a leg. Not gonna happen. Music is here to stay and it will be a vehicle used to empower the young ladies in the organization. As a matter of fact, I performed at the Village Underground again on Sunday, Mother's Day. I sang another Jilly song, "He Loves Me." I got some good feedback and some good constructive critques. I had the priviledge of going first for the night! Wow! Day 26 was front row and so was the latest and greatest, Chrisette Michele (shout out to Michelle Renee), who also performed her *** off later that night. If you haven't seen her perform live yet, you need to. She's NEXT, period. Now back to me :-) The performance was really and last minute. Sorry for no notice. I'll do better, I promise. I have video of the performance that seems not to wanna load. :-( Big shout out to my homie Will Gordon over at Digiwaxx who taped the performance for me. Thanks so much for the love and enouragement.

Last Wednesday, I checked out the Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z concert. They are truly two of the BIGGEST BOSSES that we have seen thus far! MJB is amazing. She performs with total honesty and tranparency. Jay-Z, what can I say? It's like he invented his own arena, completely created his own space in the entertainment game and rewrote the rules for those currently playing and those to come behind him. Beyonce graced the stage for a few moments during Jay's set. Method Man joined Mary for the classic, "All I Need," Memphis Bleek paraded the stage with Jay for a few records and Diddy played Jay's hype man on one track. All in all it was the concert was a banger. For some reason that just felt really good to get to the music side of things!!

For those of you in the NYC area tomorrow night and those who just like to support good causes, The Brotherhood-SisterSol, an organization that I have been volunteering with for the past two years that empowers young African American and Latino youth is hosting their annual Voices IV benefit at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 West 19th Street tomorrow night at 8:00pm. Sway from MTV is hosting. Tickets are $150.00 and tax deductable. http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org/ You can use this link to buy tickets or simply make a donation. I hope to see you there!

Well good people....I'm signing off for the night. I'm in Miami this weekend celebrating one of my BEST FRIENDS in the whole world's birthday. T-Double aka Toya is turning the FAB 27 on Friday. I couldn't let her celebrate alone! Well that and she called me to tell me those were the plans. LOL. Miami or BUST! MIA is always a slammin get-a-way, no matter the length of time. Gotta love it. Plus my family lives there. BONUS!

I think we're all caught up.
Be blessed and not stressed by the mess that tries to tear you down. Be encouraged daily!

Verse for the day: Hebrews 12:3
Always Empowering,
#1CHISista!

MAY FLOWERS

2008-05-06T19:15:00.005-04:00

Flowers are the result of pollination, followed by fertilization, leading to the formation and dispersal of the seeds. I believe that this is often times not an easy process. Specifically the process of growth and development. Sometimes there is a struggle, a tugging back and forth of different forces and then there is the downpour of rain, heavy rain. I think the heavier the rain, the harder the stuggle to fight against the odds of survivial. Last month in April, I had a downpour of some heavy rain. There was definitely the stuggle of forces to stay motivated, and encouraged to rise to the next level. My mental, emotional, and spiritual capacities were warring against the process of growth, healing and development. I took my eyes off of the goals for a moment and focused on the obstacles and enemies put here for my demise. Last week, the sun came out and my flowers began to bloom. All the fertilization and rain is proving to be totally worth it. My soul is rejoicing for the next level; the rise. Without growth and development, there is no next level. There's only a tapering off. I'm so happy that I stuck out the period of rain, because right around the corner were multitudes of blessings!

I just got back from Detroit Michigan yesterday from celebrating new life getting ready to be born in 30 days; a beautiful baby girl to be exact and I'm the proud Godmother! Below is a picture of my best friend Desiree and I at her baby shower in her hometown this past Sunday. It was a rejoicing good time and a great opening into another subject.

This topic is very near and dear to my heart. As a matter of fact it is most of what's in my heart. It's the subject of helping one another achieve their destiny and specifically women empowering other women. Last week, I attended VIPink hosted by the WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network) organization founded by Valeisha Butterfield. Bryan Michael Cox performed. (In the picture above Lauren Lake (WEEN) interviewed him) This organization is bringing women together in a positive, supporting envoirnment. Something we don't see often enough. I applaud and admire organizations like WEEN and NABFEME, because they reinforce what women ought to always be doing: supporting each others visions and goals and creating an envoirnment where we can nuture one another, instead of having to rely on toxic relationships and negative envoirnments for affirmation. Which leads me to next point. (I love the way this is all flowing).

A huge part of what I want to do in this life, here on earth before I go to Heaven :-) is help this effort of empowering young women. Currently, I am starting an organization that is dedicated to doing this. My organization is called: The King’s Daughters™. My mission is to help young women identify who they are and help them develop the gifts that are inside of them. When I was younger I was not always able to articulate what I wanted to do or wanted to pursue in life. When people wanted to help me, it was hard because I couldn't give a clear picture and description. At times, I also struggled with self confidence and self esteem. My mission is also to help young women affirm who they are through Christian principles and not their outside circumstances, like the father that was never around, the bad relationship they just got out of, or the teasing that scarred them emotionally. I want to remind them of their royal heritage through Christ and their rich ancestry and change the negative images they may have formed about themselves. I am going to incorporate music, theater and of course travel! and many more elements of the arts, entertainment and of course Christian counselling. Getting ready to welcome my first Godchild into the world is a huge responsibility and joy for me. Surrogate parents have to be ready to step in at moments notice to handle parental duties and they are a vital part of the village that helps to raise that child.

As part of my month celebrating "May Flowers," I am travelling to Miami and the "Show Me State," this month to see more of my loved ones and surround my self with the people who have always been there for me, supported me and cheered me on at the finish line before I even got there. Since travelling is spiritual for me, this is also time I am using to gather inspiration for songs and ideas for my new empowerment organization that is already global! Look for more updates on The King’s Daughters™.

Just a sidenote... Today, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the world's greatest, genius, Gemini artists ever: Andre 3000 Benjamin. I'll keep the details surrounding our meeting private for now:-) However, I will say he has great energy. Very serene and peaceful, like he was back in Atlanta chillen under an oak tree enjoying the breeze. And for the ladies...what a smile. :-) It was a great ending to the perfect song (day)....

Till we sing again,
Verse for the Day: Ephesians 5:19 (Very appropriate for our conversation)
#1CHISista!