Thursday, September 30, 2010

Jesus Jesus Jesus. We need to cry out to Jesus. Every day, every night. So many of us need Him to help us. My husband and I find our prayer list growing more and more each day with people's needs and requests. I lift up my Mom and her health each day, our friend's son who struggles with "teen" matters and so many others. People simply need the Lord. I say it because He is here to set us free. You don't have to be a "holy roller" or consumed with the bible, church and only talk to people who believe exactly as you. That is not what He is about at all. He simply wants to be a part of your life each and every day. Can you imagine someone standing at your front door each and every day simply waiting for you to welcome them in? They are not intrusive with the doorbell or obsessive knocking or yelling. No they are simply standing there day after day, month after month, year after year simply waiting for you to welcome them into your home. That is what Jesus is doing. He is waiting for you to simply welcome Him into your heart to dwell within you and walk with you. I often tell new believers that a simple illustration to use when they are unsure of something they are doing or somewhere they are going to simply "picture" Jesus in the flesh tagging along with them as a friend. And to ask yourself ,"Would I bring Jesus here?" or "Would I be saying this or acting this way if Jesus were here with me?" or simply the question we all have heard and quite frankly have gotten too used to it b/c of the commercial use of it but "What Would Jesus Do?". It is a great barometer just like the illustration of how we ignore God's request to be our friend. What is it? Can God only get your attention now if He requests you as a friend on Facebook? Think about it. He just wants to be your friend. Won't you answer the door and let him in? Won't you accept Him as your friend as you do to so many on FB? No matter how trivial your problem may be or how tall the mountain seems to be, it matters to God and He loves and cares for us all and simply wants to be there for us! Let Him help you today. Amen!

Luke 12: 6-7

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Things are moving fast! All good, just fast. Say a prayer for my older brother who is going through alot right now and is believing in a miracle in a major way. Lift him up in prayer. Sometimes to say no to someone is the hardest thing. I pray he understands. God will shine mercy. But in everything I do now I seek counsel first. I really try to always ask God first what I should do or how should I handle something. It is hard because I am always used to "just doing" but I have to condition myself to seek Him first. I have a sign that states, 'Trust in God' and I read it and kiss it everyday for I do trust Him. It is hard when you have to allow Him to help someone when you are unable. To let go and let Him is a hard thing. So I will keep my entire family in my prayers and just ask God to intercede somehow, someway. For He is the master and nothing happens that He does not allow. All things work together for good and I choose to believe that in this case as well. Have a blessed day!

Romans 8:28

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

When God closes a door, He opens a window. Amen! God is really moving in my life. I am a witness to His action when you truly give it all to Him. I asked Him to take over every facet of my life that I once controlled, namely the finances. The miracles He has performed for me and the way He is just reworking and reshaping it all....amazing. I used to sit at my desk with a yellow pad and calculator and plug everything in on the date it would be paid and I truly would do it three times a week. The Lord told me to put down my pad and to put down my pen. He told me it was all on Him. I was driving yesterday and reflecting on some things and I started to cry and as clear as could be I heard the Lord say to me, "I will honor you" and I told Him I knew He would take care of me and I guess the tone of my voice caused Him to say, "Do you trust me?" to which I replied, "Yes". It was then that I realized that I must, all the way. I must focus all my energy on Him and know that He will then do the rest. He is the potter and I am the clay. I told Him to just smack me around if I lead or get in the way somehow so I am a work in progress. I always will be. And I will always depend and lean on God. I thank Him for His promises in this new season I am entering. We should ALL remember that He is with us no matter who we are or what we are experiencing. Whether you are a new mom trying to find her way or the newly divorced man who is still in shock of the life he now has to live. For the woman whose baby is ill or the woman whose brother may be terminally ill. For those trying to make ends meet financially whether you are single or married. We ALL must lean on Him. He wants to take control of it all. It is the only way. I can bear witness to it. Let my testimony show you He is here for us always. My husband said we are starting over, a new beginning in all ways and we will embrace it! And we will use all of it to empower ourselves.....and you!



2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Monday, September 27, 2010

This is the first rainy Monday I can recall in forever. God is good because we need the rain for the landscapers, farmers and everyone else that relies on the outdoors to make a living. So it is well needed. I think it can be cozy. Nice day to cook :-) Well the new 40 day cycle is already shaping up to be an eventful one. I am watching my husband faithfully get up every morning at 5am to be in church by 6am to pray and again every night at 6pm. Even one of the women in his group remarked how faithful he was. We are meeting many people who come by to see our items for sale and we are able to talk with them and pray with them. We met a preacher's son who C prayed with and another woman who was distraught over her brother's possible diagnosis with lung cancer. So God is placing people in our paths that He wants us to pray for. Amazing. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for us next. We look forward to the Phillies in the post season (BELIEVE) and the change of seasons and of course the upcoming holidays. I stand in awe of what the Lord has done for me and I am so honored that He set me free and I feel so in tuned to what He has to say to us. Even the little kids start my week off just right. They were eating their snack and Pastor Bruce was on the tv ending his sermon and I asked the kids if they knew who he was and one as a matter of fact said," He's God"....haha. I said, "Well he is not God but he is God's friend and God does speak through Him"....too cute! But my life just makes me happy. I am at peace, content and extremely grateful to all the gifts I have received!

God is an Awesome God!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

My husband and I experienced one of the nicest days together. I still am programmed to think I work on the weekends so I forget we can go out and do things. We woke reflecting on the amazing things God has done. I just woke up at peace and with an extremely grateful heart that I just wanted to sit and read the word. I felt His presence. We decided to take a drive and we hit all the local flea markets and farmer's markets. We had a Saturday morning diner breakfast. Could there be anything sweeter? And it felt good to connect with each other and just praise God for the freedom He has given us. The Lord is moving and changing things in our lives because He is in control. I am learning to be in tune to it and aware that I am not the one leading anymore. It is hard and does take adjustments but I am learning. There is a very big decision in our lives to make and we are allowing God to handle it all. It is neat to see how He works and we are not afraid of the outcome, no matter what He decides for us. I give it to Him completely and wholeheartedly. The day was as perfect as it could be even down to the dip in the pool! It is fall and 90 degrees! Amazing!! Did some homemade cooking and we ended the night with some shooflypie. Yummy! I am just happy! :-)

John 10:10

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Yesterday was more to me than another 90 degree sunny day in my pool. :-) It marked the completion of my 2nd 40 day cycle. I reflect back to the beginning of my journey and I can see that the Lord had me rest the 1st 40 days. He restored my mind, soul, heart and body. He renewed my strength and made me whole again. My old "life" of all work, no play is so far in the distance it amazes me. I am grateful that God has completely delivered me from any regrets or bitterness or anger. I never felt a day of anger for what was taken from me. Instead I rejoice and I praise God for Him loving me so much, He wanted to give me more. I am happier today that any other time in my life. I tell everyone a sad day is better than the best of fun days I ever experienced at work. He has blessed me with the lasting relationships from there so I am missing nothing. He has kept those important to me in my life. Those I do not see or talk to were for a season and I am not sad or angry about that. I am accepting of that. God never took anything from me that I needed. I used to think I was being punished for something. But now I look back to my 1st 40 days and I see someone who was so sad,broken and lost that it is of no wonder He came for me. Thanks Lord for rescuing me! As for the last 40 it has been a long road. Some of struggle,some of pain, some of change. I have had to let go of things and people in my life. I watched my husband do the same. It is sad but necessary. I have also watched the Lord bring new people into our lives so He never leaves us without. I would call it a peak and valley for He blessed us with so much as well. He is moving and shaking and pressing down to make things anew again. I feel rested and whole and ready for our next 40 days. God is great no matter what! Amen?!

2 Corithians 8:9

Friday, September 24, 2010

All it takes to see a miracle are eyes of faith. The Lord's promises are true and I choose Him. I choose to believe and I believe in miracles. Do you know how amazing He is? There was a knock on the door and it was a nice woman I had met over the weekend at the yardsale and I remembered her name and she was in shock. She was in love with this mirror that was only $5 and she was going to let me know if she wanted it. When she came to the door I assumed that was why she was back. Instead we went to the garage and she was still undecisive with the mirror so I was wondering why she was back. She proceeded to tell me she bought a book from my sale and it was helping her with forgiving and her problems with her mother. The book she bought was from Charles Stanley and it was about the gift of forgiving. It gave me the chance to talk with her and I told her to keep reading it and that CS was a fabulous preacher and biblically sound and to watch him and keep reading. She ended up buying a few items with her little daughter and off they went. Did she even buy the mirror? No! Do you think that she was led to come back for the mirror? No! The Lord led her back so I could talk with her and I was able to give her my card with all my information and blog. I hope she finds comfort in the words of the Lord. I pray she seeks Him and finds Him through these words....through her new book. Praise the Lord for this past weekend for it was much more to us than a sale. We spread the gospel and the word of God. We handed out to each and every person that walked up our driveway our blog address. I believe that those who need Him will find that piece of paper like the woman in the park did that day. And they will reach out to God. All it takes to see a miracle are eyes of faith.

John 20:29

Thursday, September 23, 2010

We as believers are to walk on faith. It is that simple. We are to cast our cares, anxieties, problems, worries...all of it on to God. He wants us to allow Him to take it all and do whtever it is He needs to do. Can you imagine that we actually argue with that? That we all try to fight Him on it. That we rather control our own messes that let's face it became messes because of us I am sure. He is ready, willing and able to take over our lives, finances, health, jobs, relationships, children and help us lead a productive and purposeful life. My husband and I battle with this everyday and it came to blows for us and our household. But you know what the Lord instructed my husband to do when he got home from church? To grab my hand and pray and give all of ourselves and all of our needs and worries to Him. He asked us to release and let go and allow Him to completely work and move through His spirit in our house and in our daily walk. So we did just that and I feel peace and relief and I know my husband does to. The closer we walk with God, the bigger the attacks so it is a constant battle and struggle and we fall and cry and get scared. And that is okay...for a minute or two....then brush yourself off, get back up and keep remembering the battle is the Lord's. So give yourself to God today...all of it...all the stuff you are holding on to...scared of...give it to Him. He is there waiting just for you!

Psalm 55:22

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Today is known as "hump day". Our church's 40 day prayer and fast for our country has started this morning. They are asking people to come to the sanctuary either 6am-7am or 6pm-7pm to pray as a church family for the country. I believe all churches around the country are doing it so that no pastor has to do it alone. My husband made a committment to be one of those that stands with the church in prayer. I heard him up and about by 5am and out the door before 6am. I have to say it makes me very proud and I respect him tremendously for his faith and his walk thusfar. He is a changed man by the blood of Jesus and it is like living with a whole new person. This is what I always envisioned for me and when I began dating him, it was his faith and belief that allowed me to even entertain the idea. I was not going to waste a date on someone who didn't believe or have the same church background. In the bible they call it being unevenly "yoked". However it has been a long nine years to get to where we are today. It is only by the grace of God that we are still together today. I have been divorced and I know the pain and the consequences of it and it is not an easy road. When I was weak and wanted to quit this life I would just say to myself that God doesn't make mistakes and I did not choose this man, God did. Yet what a process to get here. It is not the Lord's fault it is ours. But only because He is ever present in my life and His promises are true did I hold on. I also believe that because we stood in faith and were obedient to God through it all that He is pleased. I believe that great and mighty things are beginning to happen for us and much will be placed on our shoulders. I watch how he is educating Christian in all ways and I see the position God has been placing on his heart. He is making him the true head of the household and he is to lead us spiritually. God has placed much responsibility on him so he must obey and adhere to this calling. As much as God is pleased, the enemy is furious so we must stand guard and be spiritually aware. So keep us in your prayers today as we continue this whole new life. And remember never to give up no matter how hard something is at the present time. Look at me. Had I given up I never would be experiencing this wonderous journey now.

Hebrews 4:16

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I feel like I begin each day the same way. But I cannot help recite the words yet again how amazing God has been in my life. Yesterday was a breakthrough day for us. So many doors are opening and so many opportunites are coming our way. I remember walking around with a notebook in my hand when this whole journey began on July 5th and I remember the Lord kept saying , entrepreneur. I took the meaning to be that I would be involved in many things not that I would become rich. A lot of people comment to us that we have nice ideas but they won't get us rich. Whoever said we wanted to be rich? I believe the only reason my husband and I would ever want to be super successful is to give more to people that need it most. Much given, much required. The bible also cites that we are to tithe 10% of every penny of income that comes through our household to the storehouse. We really needed the yard sale money for our car yet I knew tithing and the Lord had to come first. Let me give you a quick testimony to this very principle belief. I was home sick Sunday from church and had already made arrangements not to serve in the early morning children's class because of my cold. A friend had spent the night so impulsively I told my husband I was going to open the sale up again and see what happens. With no advertising and in less than 2 hours of simply opening up our garage doors and sitting in my driveway with a friend we made back the money we had just set aside for our weekly tithes! So for our household whether it is an ebay sale of $12 or $300, we tithe 10%. It is our act of faith in God. And God wants it to be yours too. Don't ever think to your self that you cannot afford to tithe, you should be saying you cannot afford NOT to. I know how scary it is to do when you barely have enough to pay your bills or hardly any food money. But when you entrust your tithes to God, he will multiply it in so many ways. So trust Him in today and experience the wonderous works of the Lord. Be blessed.

Malachi 3: 8-12

Monday, September 20, 2010

Jesus saves! He saves us from ourselves. He can change our lives. I am so honored to have Him as my Father and as my friend. He comes 1st in my life and I take my role as a "fisherman" very seriously. My friend's son saw me place the Jesus fish symbol on all my garage sale flyers and signs and asked what it was and what it represented and he thought it was because Jesus fished or liked fish...it was cute. But I told him that Jesus looks upon us as "fishermen for souls"...we are to "fish for man's souls". Do you realize that IS our number one purpose? God created us, than saved us and than placed the responsibility on us to spread the word of Him. To think of others before yourself. To love your neighbor as yourself. To pray for your enemies. This coming from a woman who used to joke around with my girls and say, "I hate people"....God was never pleased that I cited that line let alone repeatedly so I have asked Him to forgive me. My new life is teaching me to love again, trust again and look at everyone with a new light. So forgive that person who you have been holding a grudge against. Be the first person to say you are sorry if you are being stubborn. Let all that bondage go....bitterness, anger, envy, resentment. It is of no worth, no purpose. Be the light today, be the example today. Share your story....share your testimony. You just may catch a "soul". :-)

Colossians 4: 2-6

Sunday, September 19, 2010

God is truly remarkable. Women I never met are following me and emailing me their testimonies. I am so inspired by their stories and their words. I feel so led to work somehow with women. My husband's heart is with the youth and teens. He befriended both teenage kids from our block and they both stopped by yesterday to support us and our sale. The one never tied a tie so my sister showed him how to do it and he bought one of Christian's old ties. Adorable! I really appreciate the concept of a neighborhood being a community. I felt that yesterday and a kinship. I feel really blessed to live amongst such great people. But God doesn't make mistakes and He built this house and picked our lot and picked our neighbors so it is of no surprise to me. But still nice to reflect. Still keep Christian and I in your prayers for it has been a long road of change. Our lifestyle of ease has shifted and things are no longer the same but we are truly happier than we have ever been. We both feel a sense of peace and a sense of purpose. I feel like I am accomplishing more now than I did before and I feel like it is making a difference. I pray that someday I can lead women in some kind of ministry. All a thought at this stage but it is in my heart so I will trust the Lord to lead me to whatever it is He called me to do. I hear about my old place of employment and it is only when someone brings it up that I remember it. I am so grateful that the Lord has given me a peace about it and that I seem so far removed. It seems decades ago that I was ever there. I miss my girls and our laughter together but that can all continue with us if we choose and cultivate that and build on it. For that place served as a way for us all to have met. But it is there that I realized that I can make a difference and I believe I have in their lives so maybe someday I can touch more. For now though it is Sunday and I am happy and tired. :-) God bless all men and women today who work fleamarkets for a living.

Proverbs 8:17-21

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Well thank you to all my neighbors I like to call the "Butler Bunch" , friends and everyone else that stopped by our yardsale yesterday. It was a gorgeous day and a successul one. We were happy to meet so many people and we were able to hand out my blog address and PFIngredients website and card to everyone so it was a multipurposeful day. :-) God gets all the glory for getting me through it with my cold that came on me. He gave me the strength to pull through. My husband was my rock and biggest fan with getting my "name" out there. Thank you V and Danny for your selflessness today and always. Your kindness means the world to me. I mean how many friends would get up at 5:30 am with you??? Danny for your energy and thoughtfulness for being Elvis for the day. The crowds loved you! And we were able to pass on some great stuff too. But the most important thing we passed on was the Lord Jesus Christ. For He gets all the glory for it being such an awesome experience. I heard horror stories and except for the occassional, "Your prices are high....I mean $1.50? I can get that at the $1 store" and for you Lee, "Can I give you 25cents for this?" everyone respected me and the prices and it was a cool day. So praise the Lord and praise you all.

John 16:33

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Lord is amazing. I am sitting at my desk writing this and it is 4am. I am alittle under the weather and just could not sleep so I decided to grab a pillow and a kitty :-) and head to the office. I always check my emails and do some routine things. Sometimes it is right now that I feel led to type my thoughts and other days not so early. Well I opened an email this am from someone I never met. Someone who received a flyer in the park from my husband and decided to check out the PFI website and my spiritual journey. What a wonderful and compelling story and testimony she began to share with me. I want her to know that she is on our prayer list and we will stand and pray and believe with her that all tests will be negative and that she will stand with her family in pure and perfect peace in Jesus' name. Amen. God is a powerful God and He will lead us to people and places just right when we need them and when you are able to look back and reflect you simply stand in awe at how wonderful and faithful He is. So if you are struggling with something, whether it be medical like this kind woman or something at work or in your home, just know God is faithful and all knowing. He will never let anything happen to you that He does not allow for a greater purpose. When we are in our valley it is the last thing we want to know. But it is true and I say it so we all can rest in His presence and just know that He is on the throne and He is the King of all Kings. So rest in Him today if it is too much to handle. Leave a worry at his feet if it is too much to bear and in all things, pray, for it moves the hands of God. As my dear sister Lee taught me.....praise and rejoice yourself right through the pain and right through the darkness. Just whatever it is today, give it to God! And entrust your tomorrow to Him.

1 Peter 1:3-9


To learn more about Purpose Full Ingredient log on to my website at:

https://sites.google.com/site/purposefullingredients/

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Just had to give a shout to the Lord for placing angels in my path. Ever since I started with ebay, I have winged it. The Lord placed an angel in line at the post office in the very beginning who gave me excellent pointers and advice on costs and shipping. And it turns out my mailman also sells on ebay. He chatted me up one day for the longest also giving me do's and don'ts of shipping. He said the post office crew likes C and I and knows I am still learning so when something is weighed wrong or wrapped wrong, Michelle is kind enough to let it slide for she knows I am not doing it to "slip by". My last shout to my angel is Charles who also works at my local Williamstown Post Office. For he also encourages me and tells me all is well and he keeps an eye on my packages. Now I met the nice woman in the post office and I met Michelle over the phone and of course Brian in front of my house. But how did I meet Charles you ask ? In the row in front of me at GCCC in last week's 11am service. God, you are so faithful and so wonderful that you have placed such awesome and kind people who have educated me and taught me enormously on ebay and post office shipping costs. Thank you to my angels and most of all to my God for bestowing such favor on me with my ebay endeavors!!!

Psalm 91:11

For more information on Purpose Full Ingredients check out my website:

https://sites.google.com/site/purposefullingredients/

Wednesday, September 15,2010

Well just as I reflected on how the enemy will pull no stops to discourage us or scare us from achieving something or reaching something, we had our own attack in the house. We began to fight which frightened my one little cat who jumped up on the highest banister balancing himself (long drop down) and we just prayed through it and when you tell satan he must flee in the name of Jesus Christ, he must. My husband prayed and read the word and the spirit passed. It is not always for the faint of heart but never be scared. Be angry and demand him gone! I laugh and rejoice because I know that he always comes before a miracle or great blessing because he does NOT want us to get there and experience it. Sure enough the rest of the day my husband and I began our marketing and promoting Purpose Full Ingredients, LLC. and we achieved so much in one day. So next time you feel scared and you recognize what is happening, simply pray through it and you will be a-okay. This applies to relationships with your spouse, a friend, a co-worker. Everyone in every circumstance. Just pray that you are covered in the lamb's blood and you are sacred and he cannot touch you and he is dirt under your feet.....it works! Don't you know my confirmation on this very message was on last night while I was watching Joyce Myers. She said fear is perverse. It is actually satan's form of faith. Has no meaning, no bearing. Just live life with blessed assurance for God is with you and know that every hair on your head is numbered!

Matthew 10:30

To learn more about Purpose Full Ingredients log on to my website...
https://sites.google.com/site/purposefullingredients/

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Lord can and wants to do great and mighty things in our life. And there is an entity that does NOT want us to receive such blessings and that is the enemy of satan. Pastor John told me to say the name because he is real and he is out to destroy everything the Lord has and wants to bring to your life. The enemy hates us and hates what we have and hates what we believe and dedicates his existence on destroying it all. Strong words, scary and maybe to some" too harsh" or "too dramatic" but it is real and it is stated in the word of God. And we believers must know these truths....You can not serve God and satan. You are either in the light or the darkness. Just like you can not be alittle pregnant. You are ever present in God or following satan and his ways. Reality.....Fact! So just know as you walk your life with Christ that there is a spiritual warfare going on between the principalities and they are fighting everyday over your soul. Just be armed in prayer, just wear your armour of God and ask the Lord to bless and protect you each and everyday and pray this prayer, "Let no weapon formed against me prosper." And I will leave you with this......there is always the rainbow after the rain! God is with you!


Isaiah 54:17

Monday, September 13, 2010

Well today is going to be the start of a busy week. We need to be super mindful of our time and as I tell C we need to be productive with our actions. This is not the time for leisurely rides, long talks on the phone. For we have set a goal and have a task at hand that we must adhere to. But I thankfully am organized and "live" for this kind of pressure so it is all good. I feel alittle run down but I must push through and know the Lord will provide the strength I need. I was watching my morning TBN broadcast and I use it as my morning devotions sometimes and they said that we, as Christians, are never to borrow money. I honestly did not know that and I started thinking and I liked when she said the Lord is to be our source and if the income does not come in, then we do not need whatever it was we thought we did. I like that concept and will apply that to our house. It is the same thought of not using a credit card unless you can pay for the balance in full at the end of that month. I just didn't see the connection. Thank you Lord for always teaching and guiding us. Well my morning ministry with the kids on Sunday was fun. I was responsible for opening up myself and waiting for the parents to bring in their children. So I was responsible for checking them all in and training a new girl. It made me feel like I was making a difference and we had 15. Pretty normal but boy were they rammy. :-) Quick story...during church service I noticed the crowds (we had a guest speaker and it was raining out...not sure which brought in more people) and kept keeping an eye out. I usually spread myself out because I like the space but this time I felt "led" to sit real close to C and make room. The service was 20+ minutes in but the people kept coming in. I honestly was surprised the usher did not approach me sooner but finally one did and asked if the seat next to me was taken. I told him no and that I tried to make it obvious so they could seat someone. Well they asked if someone could sit next to me and of course I said yes and when I turned to see the person walking towards me I almost had the breath taken out of me.....for it was a former co-worker of mine from where I just left. As a matter of fact I hired her 16 years prior and we both were stunned and started laughing. God was amazing because we were able to talk after and I was able to tell her what "really" happened with me and why I left so suddenly. It was none of the drama or lies she heard. God is the ultimate redeemer, isn't he? So she smiled and said , "I knew it." But God will draw people to us when they need it and she was able to share with us her feelings and thoughts and I told her I wanted to share my spiritual journey with her each day so God has added yet another to this miraculous email list. Thank you Lord for continuing to move in our lives. And a quick shout out to Danny who placed all my cd's into our computer and I am able now to listen to my praise and worship music as I type these words. I no longer commute so I really don't get the chance to listen to my music and I have missed it. So not only is God the ultimate redeemer, He is also the master restorer because not only do I have my music back but none of them skip.....good as new!Thanks Danny. XOXO

Deuteronomy 28:12

I like this too...."When God rains His blessings on you, you will be blessed with more than enough so that you can be a blessing to others." - Joseph Prince

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Happy Sunday! Yesterday was a real break through day for my husband and I. I began praying several years ago for God to unmask people to me and reveal their heart's to me and He has. And let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. For it can jolt you, devastate you and hurt you but when God gives you the gift, He also knows you can handle it. My husband and I are just starting to see some people's true hearts or intentions shall we say. He is the perfect example of a person who gives without expectations. He offers whatever he can to every person or situation. We used to be able to write a check and hand it to someone but in this season, that is not an option. So we offer of ourselves in the way of a ride, a meal, a talk. Some people graciously accept and some grossly misuse. My husband is now learning the unmasking of one's heart can be hurtful. He has been helping someone for 6 months now, taking him to the library, post office, bank, doctor's appointments. He was giving him cigarettes (when he smoked) and food. I never dared asked about money. That is between C and the man. But I started to feel a certain way. And I always try to check myself first to see if it is me being skeptical. But time after time, it is the person's black heart coming through to me. I did not witness a gracious spirit. I felt a racist spirit, a sense of entitlement spirit for lack of better words. It was confirmed to me when C shared the glorious news to the man that God delivered him from smoking and the first thing out of the man's mouth was , "Oh man now where am I going to get my cigarettes from". I know. Sad. Makes you angry. Me too. The point is that when we give of ourselves, it should always be with an open heart. Expecting nothing in return as God would want it. But be mindful. Take heart. Be wise for you also want to bear good fruit. I tell C he needs to plant the seeds and move on. The Lord will water them and help them grow. They will be accountable for their own decision to believe. The Lord revealed the same to me with this daily blog. I was emailing it to people each and every day and the Lord told me to stop it with certain people. Told me He wanted them to reach out for it. For this is all of God, not me. So I obeyed and I see now that the Lord wants me to change the email list every 40 days. So if I email this to you now, take heart to what God is saying to you....for it will soon be up to you to open this door daily. And know God will be waiting for you on the other side. Have a blessed Sunday!

Proverbs 9

Saturday, September 11, 2010

This date will never be just another September day again. I pray for the families and all the survivors of 9-11. If you have never been down to Ground Zero you should check it out.

Well God is moving at record speed. He is not sitting idle in my life. My phone call went fabulous and my car will be home safe and sound and repaired by September 22nd. Whew!! I truly asked God to make the decision if He wanted me to keep the car or sell it. And He made a way for me to keep it so I am so grateful. To be so close to paying it off and also being thisclose to losing it would just have been devastating but I was ready to accept God's decision. When we ask the Lord to answer a prayer, we have to be prepared for the answer. It may not be to simply give you the money to solve the problem. His answer may come in a completely different way. To rely 100% on the Lord for your financial means is very scary but also very exciting. And He made the way when it appeared as though there was no way. And let me just preface by saying our car problem wasn't a $68 solution like the truck. But God is faithful and when I was jotting all my notes down during the conversation I asked the woman who was helping me what her name was. She was kind and sweet and so compassionate to my situation. When I hung up God wanted me to look down at my notes and look at her name written and see her name.. ..it was Christina....and I knew He was right there with me for what He wanted me to see was His name............... Christ ina . I love you God. Please lift my brother up in prayer for he needs to see God's movement in his life at this very time as well.


Matthew 19:26

Friday, September 10, 2010

Fall like day. Chilly. Today is the day to change out my summer wreath for fall. Wow. Yet tomorrow will be 80 and the pool will be open. Nice! I was reflecting this morning that it will be close to 3 months since my new journey began with leaving my job. It has been 7 months since my husband stopped drinking and already a month and a half he quit smoking. I lost close to 25 pounds and the kittens are now my big boys who will be 6 months at the end of this month. They now are free through the house and yet they still follow me to every room I am in. Precious and yummy!! Well the Lord is continuing to move in our lives with each step of each new day. I lift up my family's special prayer requests as well as my own. And I ask that the Lord place a special dose of favor on each of our lives and needs today. I will be making a very important phone call today that will decide something big in my life and I will share more later. But the Lord keeps reciting September 22nd so we shall see what that means as He reveals more. I am holding steadfast on my faith today believing in the Lord's promise that He has me in the palm of His hand. So keep me in your hearts, minds and prayers today and always know you are in mine! XO

Psalm 62:6

Thursday, September 9, 2010

God can do great and mighty things in our lives. He wants us to believe that and seek it. I heard this morning a study on Malachi chapter 3 and how God wants us to ask Him for our desires and to concentrate on them and expect them. To recite what we have received, not what we haven't. Not always easy for people but it must be done. They talked about how Christians may see other people as having it easier, having more than you in the way of "things" and how being with God doesn't always bring the easy life. No it does not but we have no choice. For this life is the only way. People forget their pre-Christ life....filled with suffering. Yet people experience one slip or fall and they automatically think God isn't there or helping so what is the point. Just stay in the word and keep your eye on Him and even when things seem dim or hopeless, He is making moves and doing great and mighty things on your behalf. He loves you and wants you today to rely on Him. He can heal you, comfort you and most of all guide you each and every day of your life. Choose God today....He is waiting for you! Just simply tell God that you know you are a sinner and ask Him to come into your heart and guide you and protect you and He will and His spirit will manifest into you and you will feel His presence and your life will be transformed forever. Do it today for noone is guaranteed tomorrow.

Malachi 3: 13-18

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Well God is amazing and hears our prayers. I asked Him for an angel yesterday and he sent many....Lindsay, Maria and the big one, Oskar. I can not thank these 3 enough for their kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. For simply helping because they could and because they wanted to. Not for any gain or any other reason. So thank you angels for blessing C and I beyond all expectations. Oskar, thank you not only driving all the way up to us but for your expertise in mechanics. Who knew?? He diagnosed the problem and was able to repair it in record speed. All the truck needed was a new battery and he even plugged the tire with the nail in it. All in my driveway!! Amazing and all he wanted in return was some ice and some water. Oskar, you are the man. Ikea here we come!! So it is in our weakest moments that allows God to move in our lives. He does not want us always to be strong and brave and act like we are fine. He blesses us when we boast our weaknesses and I was at that moment yesterday. So a new day is upon us and I am ready for it. So thank you Lord and thank you all who have prayed and continue to pray for us. And Violet Mae, so happy we were able to spend your bday with you! XO

1 Peter 5: 6-11

Tuesday, September 7. 2010

Today is a new day. I asked God to send me an angel today. There are days where I have enough faith and strength to move a mountain and there are days when I feel weak. Today is one of those days. Faith is always my strength. So it is never a lack of that for I know God has me right where He wants me. Totally dependent on Him. Not man, not family, not anyone. This is all new to me for I have always held on to control. I have always managed our budget, finances, plans etc. This is all very very new to me. To have both of your vehicles out of commission and not know what the expense of it all will be is scary. Even to the strongest believer. I cried last night but God showed me a flash of what He has done in this short period of time and quietly spoke to my spirit and said, "Cynthia, I can do many things. " And I told Him, "I know". So He is so close to me and is guiding me with His hand and most of all reassuring me once again that he has it all in His control. I thank my husband for his deep faith and he helps me often in times of need. He read to me the message he heard at the Sunday pm service and it basically was to embrace God in every moment, good and bad. To know that He is in control and will work all things out. Discouragement is not of God so I will stand firm and believe in my miracle today and I ask that you stand with me.

Quick shout out to all the students who are back in school and to all the teachers and school administrators as well. Have a blessed and awesome new school year!!

Nahum 1:7

Monday. September 6, 2010

Happy Labor Day everyone! It is funny how the seasons change so subtly than you don't even realize it. Well church was awesome, sermon and music. And the little 3 year olds. What a difference from last week's gnawing feeling. This week I had a peaceful feeling knowing the issue was settled and I was with the 3 year old group. Cute and the time flies hanging out with them. Love it. Thanks Linds for your kindness in picking us up and allowing me to run some errands before taking us home . I am forever grateful for it. The smallest of gestures can be the most appreciated in times like this. And thank you to Maria and Matt who also lended a hand in allowing C to borrow their car to go to church last night. We are overwhelmed with gratitude. So for today it is a holiday and we will celebrate it. I am so blessed to be home and not driving in that rat race. First time in yearssss. I just continue to pray for the success of PFI and for its solid foundation so that it can grow bigger and sounder with each day. I also know in my heart that God's Wheels needs to happen b/c we sure would have used them this weekend. But for today we praise the Lord for His faithfulness and even in this minor setback we know He is God and He is in control of all of it. Amen.

Psalm 55:22

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Well we need your prayers. Both cars are out of commission as we speak. Please keep us in your prayers that both situations are repairable and fixable in Jesus' name. I am grateful for my family yesterday who bailed us out and for the kindess of neighbors who offered us their truck to get to church. (Wow so sweet!) We can still serve in this morning's service with the kids and worship at 11am because we arranged a ride and C may take the neighbor up on the truck so he can go to his 7pm service. He likes that as much as his morning church time. God provides and like I told him we need to take this matter one step at a time, one moment at a time and let God lead us and guide us. We ask that C's truck is just a simple matter of needing a new battery or a simple charge up on this one. This is when I ask for God to help us because we are utterly defensiveless when it comes to cars. So He will make sure all works out for His good. And how perfect His timing in that we have company coming tonight through Tuesday so we won't be stranded. I love you God and I trust you God and I know you will work this out for us so we can continue to do what you set us out to do. Amen.

Phillipian 4:19

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Happy Labor Day weekend. So happy to be off and able to enjoy it. It is gorgeous out. Not a cloud in the sky and the forecast looks bright through Wednesday. It is a nice treat to be able to enjoy the pool through September before it closes. But I get a lot of things done in the off summer months. And this will be no exception. I am busier now, more active than I was when I working a full time job outside of the home. Hmmm.....very strange. But I recognize and am so appreciative for this opportunity to steer my life in a new direction. Outside of the conventional way of things. Funny how when my husband and I worked full time people viewed us as a successful couple. Yet my husband held a full time commission's job. Which meant he could work a whole week and commute 2 hours a day and come home with zero dollars at the end of the week. But because he left the house everyday and went to a "place of employment" he was successful. And now he works and serves the churches and local schools and is happier and more productive than ever and people view that as "beneath society's standard". Hmmmm....very strange to me again. People measure their own success by viewing other people's life and those same people judge others by what they see on the outside. Maybe today we all should take the time and pray for one another. Maybe today we should all take the time and life up one another. Maybe today we should all simply be obedient to God and love one another.


Mark 9:42 recites and when you read the life application in the NIV version it states.."It is possible for thoughtless and sefish people to gain a measure of worldly greatness, but lasting greatness is measured by God's standard. What do you use as your measure-personal achievement or unselfish service?"

Friday, September 3, 2010

This is the beginning of the Labor Day weekend celebrations. Wow. I cannot comprehend it. What a fab summer and I believe the warm weather is going to spill into this month. Yesterday was a scorcher and for the first time in a long time my husband and I lounged at the pool..together and alone. No distractions, no running around. It was nice to see him peaced out. I am reading a Charles Stanley book right now called, "How to Listen to God" and I really like how he writes..simple and easy. It is an educational read and I liked how he explains when someone says (I refer to myself as a prime example), "I heard God say...". Understand the Lord wants to communicate with you. Guide you, walk with you and he has many ways he does this. The Lord speaks to us today through the Word of God. I know that when I am searching for an answer or crying out to God to help me, I always find His comforting words when I turn to the bible. He will lead you to the page, the chapter, the verse to which He wants your eyes to see and read. He also speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. If we walk in the Spirit daily, surrendered to His power, we have the right to expect anything we need to hear from God. When someone says "God said to me"....it does not mean audibly, meaning to hear an actual voice. It means He impresses His will in my spirit or mind and I hear Him in my inner being. Though not audible, the communication is precise nonetheless (Charles Stanley page 9 and 10). I wanted to clarify on the subject so new believers in Christ understand it. God sometimes speaks to you through other people, circumstances. These words may be from Him to you right now. So see how He is? He will speak to you no matter who you are, where you are and what you are. He loves us all the same and wants to have a relationship with us all the same. :)

John 14:26

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Well God is amazing. He began our new month with Purpose Full Ingredients, LLC starting. It is truly amazing when you allow Him to lead and you wait upon His timing. For when "His time" comes....get ready! I woke up yesterday with PFI all still in my mind and believing the launch would begin in October. Conceiving ideas still, sampler ideas, locations etc. My husband was heading out to a small local penecostal church (think "A Time to Kill"....great movie, sweet small church) to help them because the pastor called the night before asking for his services. Before he left he took all of my menus, business cards etc....and prayed over them and as he was doing it with his hand on mine I heard the Lord say to me, "church catering" and it was clear as could be. I waited for Christian to finish his prayer and I told him what the Lord placed on my heart. He left with some menus and cards and was off. I decided to be productive and clean the house and pretty up the kitchen, bathrooms etc. My precious Robin called and we caught up and chatted the morning away. I love her and pray for her and her heart's desires on this day. Funny C met a nice man who happens to be part of the AC High School and I asked him to keep an eye out for Jahsen as he ventures into a new school and he promised that he would. :) I was all done my house work and shipped some sale items so I decided to enjoy the heat and go swimming. My husband came home and told me about his day. Within ten minutes the phone rang and it was the pastor and she asked if I was open for orders and proceeded to order one soup, supper, side and sweet. Jesus you are amazing and I am so grateful. She explained she was having a prayer meeting and would like me to cater it and will pass on my menus to the congregation. She asked about each item on the menu so she would know it and I right then and there began my new life....as a church caterer!


Isaish 40:31

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

God is great! Pretentiousness repels me. I am attracted to humble people and their ways. I have always known it and it was confirmed when I was reading my "Purpose Driven Life" book. God has certainly changed the way it was meant to be read for me. Sorry Rick Warren. :( It is a fabulous book and so recommended to all but for me I read 2-3 paragraphs and meditate on them. I always find that what I am reading has either just happened or happens shortly after. I also am reminded today of my lesson to be careful who I share my dreams and thoughts with. People are not always genuine nor happy for you. They relate it back to themselves, compare, compete. I am a giver and a lover. I refuse to succumb to their ways. I will be the light and the way people should be and go. I will lead by example. I will not be defeated nor walk with my head down. People may look down on Christian or myself for the life they think we have chosen for ourselves. But they are to be corrected! For this choice was made for us....Jesus Christ has called us to do great and mighty things for Him.. Amen. So please just pray for us and lift us up. That is all we need and that is all we want. And always remember the sweet and simple message I saw on a church door one time....take the time today to encourage someone with your open arms, not criticize someone today with your pointed finger! Can I get an Amen?????????


"God is love and I choose to live my life full of it, for others and for myself." - Cindy Jacobs