Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Last day of the month. August was a fast one. But a memorable month for sure. Another gorgeous day ahead. I am truly grateful for this time to experience the seasons off. I cannot remember a better summer since childhood and I look forward to the fall. Cooking and planning and moving into the holiday seasons....spectacular. Strange I won't be planning an employee holiday party....first time in over 10 years or so but God promised me He would replace all the old memories with new and improved ones. I try to explain to my husband that my old life was black and white and my new life is color. That is the easiest way to explain secular into a spiritual realm. But we cannot forget how we got here. We don't forget that life really throws everything at you and C and I feel compelled and obligated to help others. He truly has the heart for it and I am learning too. But we all have different gifts and God expects different things from different people so I don't beat myself up that I am not as outward as he. As a matter of fact he is signing up for a class at church called, Evangelism Explosion. Me??? Couldn't drag me in...haha . But that is okay for God knows my heart and I want to help people and minister how great God is and it will be the way He chooses it for me. So for me I choose to influence someone today, not impress someone today. Have a blessed and safe Tuesday!!


"Let Jesus free your spirit and give you dominion over this realm. " - unknown

Monday, August 30, 2010

Happy Monday. It is going to be another beautiful warm and sunny day. I woke up with both kitties laying all over me and even Christian was able to witness how funny they are in the morning. So the entire Jacobs' household was up and about by 5am. No wonder I am sleepy by 5pm! But it is a special time because life gets busy and hectic so I cherish the quiet times. Well once again I cannot go a day without giving God a shout out! I was leaving for church yesterday and I really wasn't excited about going to the children's room. I felt funny all morning in the stomach. For I knew what room they were placing me in (each room represents an age...infant, 1 year old, 2 years old, 3 years old and so on) but my heart wanted to be somewhere else. I was willing to sacrifice what I wanted for what the church needed. But God heard my prayer and knew what age my heart was longing for. So even as I was walking through the parking lot and into the building I was asking God to intercede and place me in the room I knew I should be in. I asked Him to make a way for me and remove all obstacles. As I entered church, the greeter smiled and recognized me and asked me how I liked the 3 year olds. I told her I loved them and that was where I wanted to truly be. With that Rich met us and started walking us to our assigned rooms. When he told Christian he was going to be with the 3 year olds, I spoke up and asked if I could switch and be in there instead. He stopped and thought about it and made the decision right on the spot to let me despite the schedule and placements made. My heart was so happy! Turns out that when I was able to speak with Rich and Melody that they were putting me with the 2 year olds because they thought that was what I wanted. I then explained I was doing the same thing for them. We all laughed b/c they said the 3 year old room was where they truly needed the help and me but didn't want to impose. So God being the ulitmate intercessor worked it all out for the church, me and most of all the children. And with that I joyfully got to hang out with 15 of the cutest 3 year olds I have ever met. We sang, danced, prayed, colored and played together. All the while my heart was dancing!

"Truth of knowledge with understanding = God's love!" - unknown

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Shout out to Lindsay for helping me complete the menu and tweaking the website for me. My business plan is now on to its next step. I need to now prepare the meals and get them ready for sampling. I know that I want to keep this about the purpose of why I am doing this. I want to help people by making their day alittle easier. I certainly know all about working a long day and then enduring a long commute to then turn around and have to prepare dinner. Believe me I understand why McDonald's and Taco Bell are in business but I do know that most people would rather eat a home cooked meal. So I will try to get my name and food out there and I will pray that the Lord will use my family and friends to help do just that. I am excited to get started. I was thinking how the timing of it will be so perfect. For summer will be ending and my pool will be closing. Everyone will be back in school and the temps will begin to get cooler. My boys will be on every night in post season (come on we Phillies fans BELIEVE!) and people will be tired and hungry. And I will be there to help the cause. It will also serve as a great deal of comfort to me for the pool occupies my afternoons so to be able to cook and be busy will help me also. So all of this will be a great blessing. And just think, lots of leftovers for all! But for now it is time to get ready to go help out with the little tots at church. They are super cute and really coming in to their own little personalities. It is a joy to be of any help! Happy Sunday and enjoy the sunny day!!


"God and His amazing timing will show you His evolution of belief which enters into the know." - unknown

Saturday, August 28, 2010

What a beauty this day is going to be. Actually if you follow the weather you will see all week is nothing but brilliant sunshine and 90 degrees each day. I have decided to treat this upcoming week like my vacation. I will plan to spend each and every day at the pool (you are welcome to join me!) like I am at a resort. Well we do call our backyard , Casa Del Jacobs and our pool is our "Own Blue Heaven" so I guess I kinda already am on vacation. But I need to refuel and ready up myself for a busy September. It is all coming together now. I am adding catering to my title which allows me to cook from home. Yeah! I am going to prepare sampler baskets for some of my family to take to work so others can sample the meals. I will deliver some to our neighbors so they can also try them out. And God will do the rest. I truly am happy and can totally understand why the other day happened. I was afraid of it getting "too big" too fast. I was scared how I was going to handle my phone ringing at all hours/days and how was I ever going to get other things done or how would I even be able to go away? But now it will be organized and a structured setting like I really wanted all along. So thank you Lord for slowing down my head. You will make my husband super happy. I feel really excited and I love to get my creative juices flowing. My niece is coming to help me today. I will have the completed menu today and cards/labels are on their way. I am really happy and I know it will allow me to step up to my next ministry idea, "God's Wheels.....from here to Heaven". That will serve as a way to give people rides to their local markets, doctor's, whatever they need cheaper than a bus or taxi and personalized and chaffeured by yours truly, Mr. Jacobs. Buckle your seats for that ride! So please keep us in your prayers as this is our new life and fresh start. It is wonderful to serve and help and through it the Lord will also allow us to earn the income we need to meet all of our financial needs. We will pray, we will believe and we will wait upon the Lord! Amen.


"The concept of the Trinity is... you think it, you talk it and you walk it. " - unknown

Friday, August 27, 2010

I had the sweetest dream. I was in church and I was sad and I felt a hand on my shoulder and someone real close almost on top of me. I heard his voice say, " we need to pray for her" and it was Joel Osteen. I just closed my eyes and he laid his hands on my shoulders and prayed over me. I would like to think the dream was from God letting me know He is near. Well He sure is because this morning I woke up with a severe migraine but I still woke up happy and relieved. I felt the Lord's spirit and my husband read to me some of the Psalms from Solomon. I turned the tv on and on the television at the very moment was TBN and it was a pastor talking about God's favor upon us and how our answers are right in front of us and our "spiritual" journey has taken us in to His spiritual realm and everything will come together for His purpose and he began to read from the book of Matthew. My husband told me the headache was a distraction and I need to fight through it and meditate on what it is God wants to show me and say. I am so happy to announce a praise report once again. And please always know I never share these wonderful stories to brag or shove in your face how great God is to me. No , I share with you because I want you know how fabulous and kind and sweet and all-giving and loyal and honest and faithful of a friend He is to me and can be for you. He is just so precious to me that I cannot help but brag about Him. And my praise report is the Lord placed before me the exact way I am to handle my business.


"Let God's love show you His truth. And the spirit of the Lord will facilitate the overcoming of the world through His dominion." - unknown

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Well we received the official good news that I did qualify for unemployment and the first day of my new life was also the first day of qualification. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and mercy. It will serve as a base for me to begin my home business. I registered my business name and we are officially called, Purpose Full Ingredients, LLC. God is so amazing. I have 2 other ideas that will come after but PFI, LLC has to be the base, the catalyst. But there is much to do and my first prayer to God is that he opens a door for me to begin to cook. It is against the law to prepare food in your home and sell it. So I need a miracle of a commercial kitchen for rent so to speak. I need a venue I can go to and prepare and store my food. At first I was really disappointed and sad but I know God is going to make it even better than what I could have imagined. To have a commercial kitchen means more room, more storage, bigger appliances, stoves, sinks. So I ask the Lord to guide me to this place I will need. For without it, I cannot begin. My home tasting party has to be tweaked alittle. I cannot hand out samples for sale BUT I can have an open house backyard bash and serve "food" to the people. Then from there we can explain to our guests the food is going to be for sale soon and hand out my menus and business cards. I can then fill them at a later time. I want to be blessed so this has to be done the right way. No lying, cheating or sneaking. The Lord will bless and sanctify this business and also unlock his power on it because of my obedience. I made a really nice friend at the Board of Health and she loved my ideas and encouraged me to move forward and make it happen. Thank you Wendy! God uses His people everyday in every form, strangers and friends alike. So for now I am moving forward and gathering everything I need to be ready. Licenses and business bank accounts. I am so excited and really happy. I also now feel a sense of relief and order because I will keep this in its proper order/focus too. God does not want me consumed morning, noon and night cooking. For it could remove my focus on Him, yet again. No this is all happening so I keep this in its proper perspective. I can only use the kitchen when they say so it will help me create a schedule. Thank you Lord!

"Let the Lord's true love for you empower you to trust Him." -unknown

August 15th, 2010 The Next 40 Days Witnessing His Ways

Sunday. My new life to be revealed. First day of serving. All the years I have been saved and have been to church I never knew it was a command of God's to serve. So now I am. Children. Can't wait. I think I got up by 5am today. Another new in our household. Our little kitties have decided that this is also their new life....so they have shown us they are ready to be free through the whole house. No longer confined to just the upstairs master bedroom. Cute!! They actually stayed free and were allowed to roam the entire time we were gone. So they are anew too. :) But God is moving in our lives and I feel so strong and fresh. I am ready to get back out there and be the person I always used to be. So today was my new beginning. My old life was all preparation for my new life. Training wheels off, big wheels on and ready to move forward. So stay with me as the Lord reveals the purpose of my new life. The whole meaning behind it all. What does He have in store for me next? All I know is He wants my days numbered by 40. So the next 40 days will be all a spotlight of His ways and how He is moving in all of our lives. The upcoming week is planned and will include our special friends visiting. Cannot wait. I missed all their faces oh so much. So special shout out to Jah, E, my Robin, Violet Mae and Danny.......I love you all and thank the Lord He placed you all in my life. Can't wait to swim, laugh (yes......that is for you Rob!), eat and just flat our praise the Lord and His blessings altogether.

Dinner # 40 The Last Dinner August 14, 2010

The Lord is amazing! He provided for us in more ways than ever thought possible. My heart's desires are being met. I cannot believe the 40th day is here. The 40 days were spent in love, obedience and faith. I stood firm on my rock of salvation and He did the rest. My hubby and I prayed in unison and believed in His word. So I am forever grateful and my 40th day was spent at family's with my sister making crabs and spaghetti and a surprise celebration for C's 40th birthday and my 40th day of completion! :) We feel blessed, rested and ready for our new walk in to our new life.

So August 15th, 2010 marks the beginning of my new self in my new life. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us!!!

The Lord would love you to continue to follow me as He takes me through the next 40 days living for His ways.....God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and Peace to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


DINNER SERVED: Crabs and Spaghetti

0 cost

Luke 10:27

Dinner #39

Last day I have to cook. So it will be left overs of spaghetti marinara. We have nothing in the freezer but some ellios and frozen vegetables. We ate a heck of a lot of chicken but God provided for us. There was enough to feed us and nourish us these past 6 weeks. And how merciful God is in that our supermarket starting Sunday has all the Perdue chicken line on sale for 40% off. Nice! So eating chicken dishes every which way and lots of salad and pasta was not so bad. It was the act of faith God is pleased with. And I must tell you that it was so comforting knowing God was there with me throughout the whole journey. Of course He still is but I felt peace knowing He would provide our meals on the table without worry and He did it with ease. I was faithful in that I never spent more than $25 a week on anything other than fruits, vegetables, salad makings, water, coffee, creamer and bread. So God is faithful and His promises are true and I am glad you took this ride with me. He can do it for you too if you would let Him.

So for now my 40 days from July 6th through August 14th is coming to a close. It was the most serene and still times of my life. I think I drove 30 miles total the whole time, versus my old 90 miles a day self. I think I ate less calories this whole time than I would have consumed in a couple weeks before. I shed 22 pounds and counting so God not only provided but He made us healthy and whole again. And I was so blessed to have spent this quiet time with my God, my husband, family and friends and you! So keep reading because I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for me/us in the next 40 days living His ways......................Love, Me


DINNER SERVED: Spaghetti marinara and salad


"Our God is an Awesome God".

Dinner #38

Time to begin my new venture into my new self/life. With only days to go, I am aware that the Lord now wants me back "out there". Time to serve, time to spread the gospel, time to labor. So it is now time to plan and begin my home business. It is time to read through all the ideas the God has placed on heart. It is time to make it happen and if you believe, it will. I heard someone say their pastor told them to DREAM BIG. But to also be careful of who they tell their dreams to. Well I am sharing with all of you so you will be able to bear witness to how great the Lord is. And you will see that when you give your heart and life to Him and allow Him to lead, it is a no brainer! So walk with me during my next 40 days because with what we all witnessed these past 40, I can only imagine......

Shout out once again to my angel I affectionately call, Stephela. For her kindness, generosity and time given to me and my projects today....can never be placed in words how thankful and grateful I am.


DINNER SERVED: Mandarin Inn with Stephie and C.
"Our first business meeting".


"I Can Only Imagine".................. lyrics by MercyMe *one of my favorite songs..check it out

Dinner #37

Wow only days to go. Someone asked me what I was going to do when the 40 day dinner journey was up and I responded by saying, "The exact same thing." I like being accountable of things and I like being mindful. So I like the new idea of not buying in excess. I do not find the need to stock up on things unless they will be used that week. So same as now. I like the discipline and I believe the Lord is pleased with my decision. I keep thinking of my favorite scripture(and my sister's too!) Psalm 37:4,5..."Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this." I am living proof that when you claim a scripture and meditate on it, it can become yours. I just reflect on alllllll that has transpired in just this short period of time and I cannot think of a more appropriate scripture that better describes how I feel about it all. I am grateful that the Lord rescued me from the pit of that work environment. Through that first step I am back in church. I am part of a ministry serving. I cut back expenses that have saved our household close to $1600. Christian being delivered from nicotine and saving another $300 and more importantly his life (Amen!). The restoring of relationships in my life. Making new relationships. Appreciating my home. Spending everyday with my kittens, who are now almost 5 months and watching them now roam through the house. They are such a source of joy to us. Experiencing the best summer of my adult life by spending everyday at my pool in one of the best sunny summers ever. Being healed from my emotional overeating and now using food as a fuel to nourish my body, not as a source of comfort. I am also grateful the Lord placed on my heart the love of cooking so that through that one talent and gift, I may be able to serve others and earn a new way of living. The freedom of owning your business . And most of all I am grateful that I know the Lord's promises are true and I can stand firm on them ALL! I think a lot of the scripture I used to pray everyday of my work life....."Lord let no weapon formed against me prosper!" And all I can say is God answers prayers because that spiritual boomerang that work tried to aim at me has made a u-turn and is headed right back at them. Thank you for loving me as much as you do!


Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• 2 cans of tomatoes
• onions
• Garlic
• Oil
• Salad makings

Items wanted, not needed: French baguette 99 cents

DINNER SERVED: Spaghetti marinara and salad

Isaiah 1:19,20

Dinner #36

Happy 40th birthday to Christian!!! We are up and ready to go celebrate in NYC. The boys have a special sitter, Stephela, who they adore so I feel fine leaving them and we are off. I know the Lord wants us to go and is allowing us to so we will be mindful of where we go and what we spend. Our NYC trips are usually $1000+ so this one will be interesting. But we trust God and are wise with our money so we will be fine. I see online some new things to try in Central Park, C's fave spot, so I am excited. Sitting on a park bench for me is not fun so I am happy for me too. But we are greeted with smiles and hugs at The Manhattan Club by all the doormen and bellhops because I have been going there for 13 years and C the last 9 so they know us. But it is a nice welcome and we are really excited to be away. We spend the day in the park and eat lunch on the lake at the Boathouse Restaurant and then rented a rowboat (that was a scene to witness) to ride in the massive lake that sprawls all through the park and city. It is peaceful, new and breathtaking. We just take it all in and thank God for this time off to enjoy C's milestone of a birthday. We just enjoyed our time still with good food and great accommodations. Is it not a miracle in itself that we are spending the night in a one bedroom/2 bath suite on 56th Street for zero dollars???? God is amazing and we are forever grateful. So thank you to you Lord for your faithfulness and goodness and I am just loving you and this wonderful new life!


DINNER SERVED: Serafina Restaurant on 55th and Broadway
Salads, gourmet pizza and cheesecake :) to die for....

Psalm 37;4,5

Dinner #35

Wow I cannot believe I am in the home strectch. Only 5 days to go. We are running out on things at this point but God provides and Him timing is perfect. We were so blessed to be given a free room in NYC tomorrow so we can celebrate Christian's 40th birthday the right way. So we will budget and be super mindful of where we go, eat and do. I cannot justify turning down a room that would normally be $450! We will practice what the Lord has been teaching us this last month and half. To be mindful and purposeful with our spending. But it also is a blessing because it gets us out of the house one dinner so between Tuesday being away and eating at my sister's Saturday, I realize we just have to get through today, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. My freezer is empty except for some frozen vegetables and the pantry is getting bleak too. But God did it and I have some recipe ideas in the back of my head so we will do it. I am in awe at how effortless this was. The Lord provided 40 dinners these last 40 days and He even did it without breaking a sweat:) And C learned to eat chicken thighs and eat leftovers and I learned to make do with what I had. It really was an exercise others should try. It really made us so keenly aware of every dime spent and we always ask is this necessary? I thank the Lord everyday for delivering C from smoking. He is smoke free and never experienced one second of discomfort or withdrawal. The Lord is an amazing healer! Through this miracle Christian chose life! and if only you knew the money we will save.....crazy. But I am happy and it is another sunny day. Ready to work, swim and rest. Happy Monday!

DINNER SERVED: Leftovers from Sunday. We have fried baken chicken and smashed potates.

Psalm 145:8

Dinner # 34

Another gorgeous summer morning. I have to say this has been one of the most gorgeous, sunny summers ever. I mean last year was a wash out, I remember that clearly. So I am just grateful for such a great season. :) Well I like to start my day the same everyday with devotions and then my blog. I then work for as long as it takes or as long as I feel like it. That has been one of the most remarkable gifts of all. To work when I feel like it. Now anyone that knows me knows I hustle and work very hard (bus #37, bus #19, bus #12 wink wink ). I do not sit around and lay on a raft all day (well all afternoon I do..). I like to get things done in the morning and then relax in the afternoon. This time off has just been a blast and I cannot believe I am only 8 days away from completing the 40 day journey. And the great news is my sister invited us to her house on Saturday, August 14th for crabs and spaghetti so what a great meal to end my 40 dinner/40 days challenge....and thanks God I don't have to cook it.....and it isn't chicken. :) But something happened on this particular morning. I was taking pictures for my selling and like any other day I was about to download them to a file on the computer for later use. No matter how hard I tried to complete this task, the computer kept saying, "error", "error with file" so I would reboot the computer, charge the battery on the camera and repeat the task. Again nothing. This went on for an hour!!!! It was then I stopped midstep between rooms upstairs and said, "Lord what is it you want to tell me? Clearly you do not want me to do this right now. Do you want me to read the word more? Tell me. " It was then I felt to read the unemployment letter again. This time in completion. I have to thank my husband for me even having it because I was ready to throw it all out and call it closure but he told me to just file everything away, including the letter. So I search for it and take it out and as I read I see something that tells me to reopen my claim after the disqualification period has expired. Huh?? It was then I see as plain as day ...
You are disqualified for benefits from 7/04/10 through 8/14/10.
I call my sister in disbelief who confirms after a 6 week penalty they usually do give it. I know nothing about any of this so I still am in absolute shock. It is then right there in the moment I realize that yesterday was a test from God. He wanted to see how I would react...would I panic? Would I stumble? Would I become fearful? Would I lose faith a little? Would I question this whole journey? I am so proud to say I did none of those things. I accepted it yesterday and just thought that God wanted my testimony to come about a different way than through unemployment. But I am grateful and it is also then that I stop and see that the dates of the "6 week penalty" are also the exact dates of my 40 day journey and it is on Saturday, August 14th that my old life ends and my new life begins. Lord you are incredible and I thank you for being my rock to stand on. Forever and ever!

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (last ones so I make enough for today and leftovers tomorrow. All gone!)
• Potatoes
• Can of Corn
• Bread crumbs

Items needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Fried chicken with smashed potatoes and corn

Psalm 18:2

Dinner #33

Another beautiful sunny Saturday in the summer. My sister is coming over and we get to just hang out in the warm weather together. It has truly been a blessing and "there are no words" to describe how I feel and the gratitude I feel to God. It really is true that when you obey God, He unlocks His power in your life. I see so many answers to prayers and this 40 day "bubble" has been incredible. I say "bubble" because I feel extremely protected by my Father. He is not allowing anyone or anything in my presence that is not of Him. I am quite aware that I cannot stay in this "bubble" forever but I am enjoying it for now none the less. For now I am in my office and I see someone out of my window doing his normal activity. The Lord places on my heart to share my story through my blog with him and his wife. I feel a sense of sadness coming from him/them. So I write down a note with the blog and I tell them God wants them to read it and they will be blessed and if they like it to let me know and I will forward it to them daily. I ask Christian to deliver the note. I know now that God is making me accountable to share His message. I also know that I am not responsible for it after that. I cannot force someone to read it for they have the free will to...or not to. But I know that God is taking me out of my comfort zone of privacy because your faith and God's message cannot be private....it is to be shared no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Well the letter that determines whether or not I qualify for unemployment comes and I open it with my husband by my side. I see lots of writing and my eyes zero in on one sentence.....you are disqualified for benefits. I calmly take the letter and put it away and accept it. I call my family and deliver the news and everyone is shocked, alittle angry and scared for me...."what are you going to do?"...........I am going to wait upon the Lord that is what I am going to do. "Are you going to appeal?"......no I gave my interview, I gave my story and I spoke the truth, there is nothing more to say. God has a different plan for me and the money will need to come another way. I also see it as an opportunity to get going on my home business. No time to waste. It must now come to the front burner. Lord you are a faithful God and I will not waiver. I trust you. I love you and I know your truth will all be revealed. For now, I will enjoy my day with my sister and take in the sunshine.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Salad makings

Items needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Baked chicken with salad

2 Corinthians 12:9

Dinner #32

I am seeing that the Lord really loves me. And He really has been faithful to me. And I am thankful today....and everyday. Just another simple day in the pool enjoying my summer. I am seeing my family a lot and just enjoying them and being with Christian. I want to experience everything I couldn't do for so long because of my schedule and work so I ask if we can go to a movie on a Friday night. Most people would say that is a crazy idea but I love it and look forward to it. This has been a wonderful rest and I know it is coming to an end soon and it will be time for me to get back out there but it has been a heck of a journey and one awesome summer. I do start to brainstorm my business ideas. Serving others with my food. Cooking right from my home. A dream for me and I am sure a blessing for many busy men and women out there. So I believe I am going to get that started in the next month so I begin my planning and plotting. All the times my hubby would tease me about being so anal or organized or precise is now coming to be a real godsend. For it is now more than ever that we need to really trust in the Lord and know our future is in His hands. I pray for favor upon my endeavor and I truly ask the Lord to bless it with enormous success so I can continue my love of cooking and make a living doing it too. They always say find something you love to do and find a way to make a living at it. Well Lord I ask for this in Jesus name. Please pray with C and I that we can move forward together in this new life and that our business will prosper and bless many. God Bless you all!

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs ( last pack of 8 and no more chicken!)
• Lemon
• Parm Cheese
• Broccoli
• Pasta
• Light cream

Items Needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Pasta & broccoli in a lemon and butter cream sauce

Proverbs 8:35

Dinner #31

Alone today. Quiet. I like stillness. Life can be so hectic and down right unnerving that I appreciate the lack of activity. I enjoy my home so much. It is my haven and my place of peace. So after a wonderful week of seeing 2 of my girls I am looking forward to a day alone. Some people don't like to be alone but I enjoy it. My husband gets out of my hair so he gives me space and at the same time it gives him time too. It really gives me time to reflect and talk with God and wait upon His word and answers. I am taking this journey all in because it is still is very surreal for me/us. We have never stopped working and hustling and moving. I am still waiting upon the Lord for my unemployment answer. I gave my interview and told them my side of things and spoke all truth. I will receive a notice within 5 days to let me know if I qualify for benefits. I have never collected before. I do not know much about it but I am praying and believing in God and whatever His will is with it. I truly am walking and stepping out in faith. When you ask for God's will to be done you have to accept what His will is. I have to accept that He may not want me to receive the money to strenghten my testimony. So as scary as that thought is and as hard as it would be financially on us I know that should He answer my prayer that way, He will provide for us through C working and my new business. I will give you a quick example and for R,V and JLo they know this story well. 2 years ago the girls and I were experiencing a lot of problems with a co-worker. We will refer to her as "5177" (wink wink). She was just plain off her rocker and I instructed the girls that we must "pray her out" and if 2 or more gather together in His name and ask for this, it shall be done. We began to pray in unison around July 4th. Nothing....no removal....nada. I would pray everyday with passion, "Lord please remove her with grace and mercy. Mercy for her financially so that the company would give her a severance package and grace for me so she doesn't taint my reputation". Everyday I prayed for God to remove her. Nothing............................until one day in late October I was blow drying my hair and same prayer, different day. It was then the Lord said to me, "You are not praying right. You are telling me what you want, you are not asking for My will to be done." I immediately asked the Lord to forgive me and I changed my prayer request to , "Lord if it is your will please remove her. But if her heart is pure and innocent than please let her stay with me until she dies like Carole but if her heart is black and not of you than let your will be done according to your purpose and remove her. I leave it up to you. I will no longer ask for what I want. " 2 weeks later she was removed from the office due to downsizing. So always give it to Him and He will answer according to His time and purpose. Never give up and always know that He is interceding in our lives each and every day. And should He answer a prayer differently than you asked or should He NOT answer you at all, always know He is doing what is best for us always and forever. He protects us from things we do not even know of. So always believe and trust in Him.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Bread Crumbs
• Parsley
• Dijon Mustard
• Olive Oil
• Salad Makings

No items needed: 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Baked chicken with parsley and bread crumb topping and salad.

Isaiah 40:31

Dinner #30

God is wonderful. He is moving in people's lives and they are calling and emailing me their praise reports of saved lives and souls and I cry and cry with joy. God is moving and I ask Him to enlarge my territory so my story can reach more. If He can do this in our small circle, imagine what He can do with an open one? I am ready to be used, my hands, my feet and my mouth. I realize how powerful our own walk is. Our own life. People watch, they study and if through my journey, others feel empowered and spiritually charged then I say by all means Lord, use me. I always lovedddddd the old Ron Kenoly song , "Use Me" and used to sing it and sing it and sing it and now I know the true meaning of it. People need the Lord. Just like that old song....God is so simple and so sweet and all about love. And all He wants is to be part of your life. To walk with you, beside you, in front of you. He isn't of the flesh filled with feelings of fear,anxiety, hate, envy, bitterness. He is all the fruits of the spirit.... love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. And if we live by the truth which the spirit has revealed --the gospel--we will produce its fruit in our own life. Can I get an Amen??

God bless you Danny and JLo in your new journey with God. He will be the best friend you ever had! :)

Ingredients and

DINNER SERVED:

• A seafood fest all supplied by Jen and Brian who were kind and generous and we feasted on scallops, shrimp, corn on the cob, shrimp cajun cakes (yummy), salad and Jen's "she should be put in jail" mac and cheese! Thank you guys for your kindness! XOXO

Items needed: none God provides!

Galatians: 5:22-23

Dinner #29

It is funny how I like having company and then a day alone. I like the quietness. The pool has been such a blessing in my life. I read and float for hours. People must think I am so lazy but my days start around 5:30 and I like to read and write and send my blog first thing and then I work on selling. Most days, all day. It has been a huge source of income for us and I am so grateful. It gives me peace of mind knowing I am contributing still. My home business idea is coming to the forefront too. I really believe that my 40 days is to rest, rejuvenate, restore and renew my mind, body and soul and then God wants me right back out there spreading His word. I have some great ideas and I can "see" it so I am excited. But I have learned to just take things day by day and entrust all of my ideas and tomorrows to God. For now to enjoy today...a sunny, hot and beautiful summer day. I have never been home in the summer in my life aside from when I was a kid off from school. This really has been a blessed time and I am so happy and so at peace. I feel so free and I still get on my knees and thank the good Lord for rescuing me from a place that just took with no regard to me. I want all people who feel the same way or experienced the same as I did in the corporate world to "take control back" and be empowered to change your destiny and life path too. If you ask God, He will help you!


Ingredients:

• Chicken roasted
• Honey
• Dijon Mustard
• Salad

DINNER SERVED: Baked chicken glazed in honey and dijon mustard over salad.

Items wanted, not needed.....french baguette 99cents cost

Isaiah 41:10

Dinner # 28

Today is a new day! Today I am seeing one of my old "girls" from work. I am excited. God heals all hurts. I am stronger and ready to move on. I describe my old self/life as a foreshadowing for my new self/life. In so many ways I find my old life a movie that goes back in time and then it catches you back up to present time. That is how I feel. Deja' vu if you will. My 40 day journey is ending soon. And I am seeing a blip of the new chapter...down the path, but I see it. I feel that for all the children that I fell in love with over the years and grew to know from work was all preparation as I give back to the children's ministry I am going to serve in. 2 years old to 5 years old. Right up my alley. Don't get me wrong, I love the little chunky babies (that is a shout out to you baby Cameron!) but I want to interact with the children. I want to read with them, sing with them, share with them. It is funny I go to Staple's a lot because I buy shipping supplies as I sell items and I was walking up and down every aisle looking for something and I just could not for the life of me find it. And every aisle I went up I kept noticing this mother with her 2 little kids and they were so cute and I was so drawn to them. We all met up at the check out counter at the exact same time and I asked the woman how old her daughter was and she replied, "2 in November". And the boy I asked? "He will be 5 tomorrow". (the same bday as my husband no less). I laughed and told her I was going to serve in church in their ministry for 2-5 year olds and how much I love that age and how cute her kids were and that was exactly what I wanted. She asked me which church and she nodded. She then proceeded to tell me she studied children ministries and even has a master's degree on the subject. For the next half hour she gave me pointers and instruction on how to engage the children. She was an angel sent from heaven. God is so neat!


Ingredients:

• Chicken quarters
• Brown sugar bbq sauce
• corn on the cob (thanks Rob!)
• salad

Items needed.....0 cost

DINNER SERVED: BBq chicken with corn and salad

Spending the day with Robin....priceless!

Psalm 62:6

Dinner #27

Restoration. What a glorious word. God restores relationships. And it is happening in my life and I am happy about that. Today is another gorgeous summer day. May I just say since I have been home it has been one sunny day after another. And you all who know me knows what that means...twirling in my pool. I am so blessed and so at peace there alone and still. The water calms me, soothes me. It is more than a day in the sun, it has shifted meanings. It is there that I read, pray and then meditate on what I read. Speaking of reading, I read that when a person endures a trial or tribulation it really shows the person's "faith-life" out in the open. It will either be a positive testimony to somene or a bad one. These are actually opportunities to show someone the Lord's love. It went on to say that the person who is experiencing the problem may become bitter because of it or better. Well I choose to be better because of my situation. I do not tolerate people who look to the negative of a situation but always justify it by saying, "I am not negative, I am a realist"....no it is being negative. Instead of thinking that way, think the positive way. In all things. God will take any bad situation and work it for good. He wants all his children to know Him and be with Him and it should be all believer's purpose and passion to do just that. So when we experience pain, sorrow, obstacles etc...rejoice in the Lord for He wants to "use" you and your trial to help someone come to know the Lord. Like Pastor Bruce said in church, this is not a private relationship that should kept quiet, this is a gift that you want and need to share. So today be that positive influence in someone's life. Be the hand that encourages today, not criticizes, be the light for a person today for you may be their only light they see.

DINNER SERVED: Leftovers from Mozzarella Grill.


Romans 8:28-29

Dinner #26

I am beginning to see that my 40 day journey which began on July 6th, 2010 will in fact end on August 14th,2010. My old life will end on that day as well. And the door will open for my new life on a Sunday (of course) and that date will be on August 15th, 2010. That is the day I begin my committment to help out in a church ministry and I look forward to it for I never did anything like it before. God revealed to me in church yesterday at how my old self in the secular field was "controlled" by my 2 former employers (I will not even mention their names) and now He will have me work for Him through the ministry at the church (for starters). And guess what the pastor's name is that actually oversees that particular ministry? Pastor John. And guess what the name is of the head pastor and shepherd of the church? Pastor Bruce. These are the exact names of my former employers. Lord, you do have a funny sense of humor and sometimes you are so obvious I am baffled at how someone would not see you are alive! As for me and my house, we believe.

For anyone that wants to know Jesus the way I do just quietly say to yourself , "Jesus come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. For I cannot do this alone anymore. I admit I am a sinner. But I believe you did something about it in the person of Jesus Christ. I commit my life to you."

If you prayed that prayer, your journey has just begun and Amen. Let me know!

That if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9


Dinner was spent with my husband and sister at Mozzarella Grill. No cooking!

Dinner # 25

Well my morning began with prayer and meditation. Then it was time for business and the call came at 8:30am. As soon as the call was completed I felt relief, closure and ready to move forward. I take each day as it comes. I never know what it will entail or include but I love living it for God. People are definitely asking q's. They marvel at how we are both home at this time and how are we going to manage and make it?? When you entrust your life to God, He will make it. He makes the ways, the paths, removes the obstacles and pushes us forward. He is the lamp to my feet that makes the path as clear as it can be. He performs miracles in our lives each and every day. I have to give glory and honor to God for delivering my husband from his addiction to nicotine. He was a man who smoked (and anyone that knows C can attest) a pack a day, if not more. Smoked for over 26 years, Marlboro red at $7.42 a pack, a day. And God's timing is perfect which I just asked Christian the morning of his deliverance how could God be pleased that He has placed a $25 limit on our household weekly for food and yet he was spending double that on cigarettes. The desire and addiction was removed from Christian 8 hours later. Thank you Lord for changing Christian's destiny in life. Thank you Lord for placing on his heart to choose life. As Christian declares he has much he wants and needs to do for God and he needs to live. Wow God you are a powerful and almighty God!

Ingredients:

• Our last roast chicken from the freezer
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• String beans
• potatoes

Items needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Small roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon served with potatoes and string beans.

Psalm 119:105

Dinner #24

God is amazing because we have been invited over to my sister's house for dinner. So it breaks up the monotony of me having to cook. I get to hang out with her and the doggies AND she is making seafood. So I get my seafood fest after all. God is great. But it is a day of reflection. A reflection of what God has done. He has been an amazing friend and partner and His promises are true. He promised to be here with me no matter what and that He would not leave nor forsake me. I feel truly blessed and overwhelmed with emotion of gratitude. So I decide to just bask in the glow of Him and give Him all of myself. He has moved mountains for us. He has orchestrated each detail of each minute of each hour of each of my days. It is hard not to cry. It is hard not to just go "Wow" but I know I am only half way there. For I know great things are on the other side of my 40 days. I know I am in my resting stage. My time for restoration. But I feel stronger. I feel like I can answer some q's, see people from work. I feel like I am on my way to healing. So I just thank God for today. I thank Him for keeping me strong and safe. I notice a really suspicious mole/mark on my back that has been there for years and just this year started to turn colors (I know not good!!) has completely disappeared. I asked Him to heal me in all ways from disease and I believe in my heart God has healed me from whatever it is that mole was or represented. It is completely gone. And Lindsay can attest when she sees it because it caused her alarm when she saw it. So thank you Lord for all you have done and will continue to do in our lives. I am grateful and blessed beyond measure. I wake up each day with a cat on my shoulder and the other on my pillow both filled with love and they make me happy. This time is very precious to me and very sacred and I will not take a moment of it for granted. I am truly living for once in my life! Amen!

DINNER AT SISSY'S: Bang Bang Shrimp (to die for and with a kick!) and roasted peppers with mozzarella for starters. Dinner was grilled shrimp skewers with roasted potatoes and asparagus.

By the way dinner with my family.....priceless! And a shout out to my brother in law for all his help. May we win this next victory! ;)

Philippians 4:8

Dinner #23

Today is my sister's birthday and the whole family will be together to celebrate. I look forward to that tonight. But for my days, I am still getting used to being "off" to do whatever it is I want to do. I see signs for farmer's markets and I forget I can do that! It is so surreal. And when I think of how we are affording this time for me , God shows me that while I have been home for almost one month, He has provided the same amount of income for us through our home sales, actually more. When you work, you have to gas your car, pay your toll, use 90 miles a day on your vehicle and thus more frequent tires replacements, brake repair, oil changes etc. We had a professional pool service that cleaned and managed our pool twice a month, we had the highest level of cable service with every channel. I write down the illustration to see how amazing God is. I write down in one column my previous take home pay. I then multiply it by 4, to represent the 4 pay periods I would have earned a regular paycheck. I then deduct $400 a month for the commuting expenses I would have spent , $400 on food I would have spent, $200 a month for pool service, $50 we spent on the extra premium channels we never watched (you know who you are!) so our real take home salary was after these monies were spent. So deducting $1050 a month reveals what monies were left so to speak. I do not equate my weekly tithes in to this equation. But I will tell you this, the Lord is not pleased with my previous employers. Because of them treating me the way they did, God had to remove me from there. So His kingdom could have been robbed of those tithes and offerings from lost income. However He is an amazing God and His kingdom received more tithes and offerings in this past month than if I had worked. That is a miracle! How do you ask? When I then add up our surprise check that came 2 weeks ago unexpected and our home sales from 3 different venues we actually made $627 more. Now if someone didn't believe that the Lord provides then please by all means, believe it now. I am reminded each and every morning that The will of God will never lead me where the Grace of God cannot keep me.

Dinner: We go out to celebrate Lisa's bday so no dinner in tonight. I have to admit, I am happy about that! :)

Malachi 4:1-3

Dinner #22

God is doing amazing things. I am hearing testimonies, people wanting to change their lives, their paths, their destinies. Life is so amazing and can be such an amazing journey that God does not want anyone to miss it. He wants all of us to have joy, peace, faith and purpose. I tell anyone that asks that for me my life was becoming mundane, routine. No real surprises, no real fireworks. I just see now that my life was not in balance. I always believe when you have established order, God is pleased. Well so much for my own order. Where the heck did I lose focus? I realize when you make money, you spend money. You acquire things. Some things you pay free and clear, others such as homes and cars are a long commitment. I see that it took my eyes off God. Never once did I forget He blessed us but I got sooo caught up in earning a living to pay for those things that I personally forgot to enjoy them. I realize that I love my home, my space, it is my haven and I want to preserve it. But I will not, can not do something that makes me unhappy to keep it. I will not , can not be enslaved to it. So I am giving it all up to God and we are praying and believing that things will happen for us. Doors will open, ideas will come to fruition. I will see the visions and ideas brought in to my mind in to true form. I know the Lord built our home, it was His idea, He picked the lot, He picked our neighbors. He lives within our home and people feel it and leave different than when they came. So I know this house is more than just stucco and mortar. I know this house is a place to worship. A place of stillness and calmness. I know we will live here. I know God will make a way when there appears to be no way.

Ingredients:

• BBq chicken
• Corn
• Salad

Items needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: BBq chicken with corn on the cob and salad

Matthew 19:26

Dinner #21

I read that obedience unlocks God's power. Wow! That is incredible and I repeat it over and over in my head. So when you listen and obey God, His power and faith comes. Thank you Lord for that message. I hear it, I seek it and I believe it. His power has begun when I look back and reflect what has happened in the last few weeks. I marvel at how peaceful I am. I am so happy and I have blessed assurance in abundance. I declare my faith in the infinite power of God. Through prayer, I am blessed with happiness, abundance, peace and love. I have that on my bullentin board and I have read it a million times but it has never clicked until now. That I truly understand the meaning and it is confirmation for me on what I have just learned. I tell my husband all the time my "previous life in the secular work field" was all an "interview" if you will...a "dress rehearsal"...for NOW....my purposeful life...in the spiritual work field. I know in my heart what I cannot do anymore. I cannot labor for man. I cannot repeat the pattern/cycle of what I just escaped from. I seek and I ask that you pray with me (thanks Rob..I love you!) that the Lord reveals to me and makes a way for me to earn an income working for Him. Most missions and most ministries are voluntary and I am seeking to commit to something through my church but I need income, residual pay, an ongoing river of blessings. I know the outside is looking in thinking I am may be irresponsible but as sure as I say my name, I know that the only way to explain all these recent happenings in my life is that the force behind it is fueled by the infinite power of God. And I am behind YOU all the way Lord.


Ingredients:

• Pasta
• Broccoli
• Parm Cheese
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Garlic Cloves
• Crushed Red Pepper Seed

Items needed: none 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Pasta and broccoli tossed in garlic/oil sauce.

So good!!!!!!!!!!! and light and not at all greasy!!!!!!

"As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you." Charles Stanley

Dinner #20

It is Sunday. Another day to praise the Lord in church. My husband wants to go at night as well as morning. He wants to see all the churches. I am happy right where I am. It is a nice and settling feeling when others around you search for a good "church fit" for them and I feel snug as a bug in a rug. I am there to worship, to learn, to heal. I am there to hear my Lord's voice. Well there have been many victories in the kingdom so far on this journey. We have been very successful selling and we have earned more money for ourselves so far being home than if I was at work. Work was fun being with the girls but the hours and the demanding schedule, the never ending days, the same thing day in and day out, the drive. I endured none of it and yet still made the same amount of money. Actually more! When you are employed by someone you are basically trading your time for money. But there is only one problem with that. There are only 24 hours in a day. So aren't you limiting your earning potential by working that way? I heard that somewhere and it rang true to me. NO I want my territory enlarged to the point it is busting at the seams. The Lord reveals so much to me now that I walk around with a groovy notepad and pen all the time. I just write what I hear, what I feel. So many ideas, like entrepreneur. Many things, many many things. And as the Lord reminds me, much given, much will be required.


Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, no skin, diced in cubes
• Bag of brown rice (in my pantry forever...........)
• The remainding can of the crushed tomatoes I had opened for the chicken scampi
• Crushed red pepper
• 2 red peppers
• 1 Onion

Items wanted: french baguette (this is C's addiction, not mine..) 99 cents

DINNER SERVED: Chicken scallopini over brown rice

* I actually searched on web for recipe with chicken thighs and crushed tomatoes and I liked this! And it was delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isaiah 42:6

Dinner #19

We are almost at the half way mark. I realize that this 40 day food journey is much more. I mean I knew this test was going to have more significance that just stretching a buck or a meal. But I have the revelation that it is putting food back in its proper perspective for me. I always loved to eat than I found the love to cook (thank you Ina! and my sisters lovingly call me Ina Jr...love her!) and those two things together can be a deadly combination. Ever hear the expression, "don't trust a skinny chef"...well let's just say everyone trusted me, if you get my drift. :) But it was emotional as well. Food served as a great source of comfort in my life these past few years. It made me happy, worthy and it also served as my reward. Even though I knew I was good at what I did at work it was hardly recognized or rewarded. Yes I received a healthy weekly paycheck but guess what? I want to hear that I am appreciated, that I make a difference, that I am an intricate part of the process. I knew I made a difference but darn it, if the higher ups could only tell you once in awhile. So for anyone who is of a place of authority...tell your employees, your spouse, your child that you appreciate them and that you recognize them and love them. You cannot imagine how that makes a person feel. And so.....emotional eating is a very real term and a very real action. I know....I lived it....until now. Thank you Lord for breaking the bondage of overeating and emotional eating. Thank you for putting food back in its proper place with me. Thank you for healing my heart, my head and my soul and making me feel special, appreciated and worthy each and every day. Man may let me down but you....Never!

Ingredients:

• Leftover chicken, shredded
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Blue cheese, crumbled
• Blue cheese dressing, light

Items needed: 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: Salad with chicken

By the way...life is fantastic!

Psalm 138:8

Dinner #18

Life is good! It just is. My husband tells me everyday how great I look. I don't say that in a bragging way for anyone that knows me, knows I am not a bragger. I don't like when people have to tell me how great or beautiful they are. It is their insecurities, I know but I just am attracted to humble people. Humility, loyalty and postitive thinking is what I am about. Period! But he says it because he sees I am transforming myself. He can tell that I am truly happy....again. I always was. I always just woke up smiling and grateful and just ready for the day. But I was getting very "hard" in the heart. Tired of people, their ways, their words, their actions. Tired of looking the other way and making excuses for it. I experienced a lot with my husband and my family in the last few years that was very disturbing to me. It made me sad. This I see now. Work made me sad. I was not fulfilled. So here I was not truly happy at home, with my family nor at work. No wonder God came running for me. No wonder He had enough. Not this child. Not this one. She will not become of this world. I will not allow it. Thank you Lord for rescuing me and restoring me. I know my heart has to heal and it is a process but I feel lighter already. I feel safer, happier, knowing you are right here with me.


Ingredients:

• Chicken (ok enough of the snickers....I hear them! haha)
• Lemon
• Butter
• Parsley
• Flour
• Oil
• Salad

No items needed: 0 cost

DINNER SERVED: CHICKEN PICCATA WITH SALAD

Hebrews 13:5