What do these women have in common?

Following are the stories of two women. Two very contrasting stories, but they share something in common. Can you find it?

Women #1 - Married. 26. Pregnant , and 6 year old daughter from prevoius marriage. Abusive and drug addicted husband. Sleeps at night with pillows covering her head and stomach because she randomly gets kicked or punched in the middle of the night. Spends evenings playing games with daughter while husband and his friends are in kitchen cooking crack , doing cocaine, and cutting counterfiet money. Scared always of the police, because drugs are in car and home. Having to move every three months because of evictions. Alienated from all friends and family. Her and daughter are sometimes held by gunpoint, in a closet, for days at a time by husband who is hallucinating. Always, she has to work with bruised and black eyes, and give different lies about what happened. Husband sleeps with other women, basically in front of her. Electricity gets turned off often. Literally, no money for food sometimes. Familar with bondsmen and the jail system, frequently bonding husband and friends out of jail. Often called names by and beat by husband, and humilated in front of people. Always scared, worried, trying to escape, and never at peace or had any hope. Lives her life in the dark.

Woman #2 - Single mom of 4 children. 36. Sleeps peacefully at night. No one abusises her. Spends evenings with children in a safe and loving home. The only thing scary about police is that she might get a speeding ticket. Has been in her home for 7 years. Has close relations with her family. Has numerous friends in her life. Never has a bruise or broken bone thats caused from another or for a reason she has to lie about. Always has the money and resources to pay her bills. Her family never goes hungry. She's not involved with people that need to be bonded out of jail on a regular basis. She is never scared. Has no need to worry. Never has the feeling of fleeing for her life. Always has peace and she always has some hope. Her life is lived in the light.

Now what do these women have in common?
..............................Its the same woman, 10 years apart.

... On this Thanksgiving day I praise God for how he changed my life. Completely. He gave me a complete new life. In every aspect. I am thankful my children are safe and they know jesus. I am thankful my children dont live in fear and abuse. I am thankful for my friends and family and the amazing work God has done in my life.

dare to prayer

I notice sometimes that I dont pray for something because it looks impossible for God to answer it. Even though I know that nothing is impossible for God.
Tonight at church, I was reflecting on many of my prayers that have been answered. And the answered prayers of other that I've witnessed. Some seemed completely impossible to have ever happened.

So I decided to ask for my hearts desire. I look at my life and I try not to complain much. I try to find the joy in what I have and be grateful. I know I am blessed. One thing that is not right in my life in working on sundays. I dont mind for myself, especially because I can attend church on Saturday evenings. Its because of my kids. I pay an incredible amount of extra daycare , just for this day for the baby. And my two boys are just home, alone, agrueing with each other, just waiting for me to come home. The whole day, my kids are on my mind and I sometimes spend more in daycare than I make. With my job, Sundays are mandatory.

In my small mind - there is no possible way I can have sundays off of work. For the past 20 I have worked and it just looks impossible. I didnt even want to pray about because I cant see a way that God can fix it.

Well, I'm giving it to God now. I've seen him do miracles, I've seen him be creative, and I've seen him answer impossible prayers. I trust that he will take care of this. I'm going to live like working Sundays is finally almost over. I believe today, God will put his plan in action.

I cant wait to blog about how he answered this prayer!

Update from Nicolas...............

I just wanted everyone to know that my life has improved since my last blog. I have a highchair now. I am happy. I am fully able to eat what I want and spit the rest on my mom or throw it on the floor. I learned a new game too. I throw something down and someone always picks it up and gives it back to me to do again. It's so much fun. Life is Good!----Nicolas.

God does have a sense of humor........

I have been praying about my nieghbors for a while. A few years. I live in a pretty rough nieghborhood and dont have any communication with any of my direct nieghbors at all. Everyone just keeps to themselves. I know I have a huge opportunity for ministry here, but its just very akward.
One family in particular, I missed a big chance to get to know. About four years ago, when I was married, my husband threatened the life out of these people because some guys were flirting with me. The man and women or anyone else visiting the house never spoke to me again.
Well about 8 months ago, the man from the house, came over and offered me a peace offering. A plate of Lasagna. He caught me at a wierd moment , freaked me out a little, and my only response was that sorry I dont like Lasagna.
I have felt so bad about that and prayed for another opportunity.

Well, I got what I prayed for and just what I deserve too. The man and womens niece and her husband and child moved in. Turns out the husband befriended my brother in prison , later finding out that he is our cousin. Long story short, this family is related to me my marriage. Now, we are friends.
The funny part is the little boy, Jason. Jason is 8 years old. He decided that I am his Auntie. He is a carbon copy of Steve Erkel ! He has informed me that he will probably come over everyday. He loves our house. He also wants to eat dinner with us everyday. And go everywhere with us. So now I have Jason to add to my list of 4 kids and Nathaniel. (if you dont know Nathaniel, he showed up at my house last year and has been around daily since.)

God has a funny way of answering prayers and kind of throwing something right in your face.

Pastor John recently talked about "intrusions" . This is one for sure. But the opportunity is definetly there for me now. In my face! Now I have to my part.

blog interruption from nicolas

EXCUSE ME .......... Has anyone seen Ms. Brandi? If you see her could you please tell her that I am looking for her, I heard that she hangs around the blog world. Just look how my mom is feeding me. I know I look cute and happy but I'm not and she promised me a highchair. I understand that she's a busy mom and shes very concerned with world hunger and everything. I really dont want to bother her, but I just need a little of her attention.

Thanks for your help - Nicolas.

Kids Lake - august project

My kids and some kids from the neighborhood raised money for Kids lake yesterday. I was there first time - they did a carwash/kool-aid stand/candysale/popsicle sale. They had such a good time and were so proud to raise $42!

I was thinking about how, as a new christian, sins have been idenitfied and taken out of my life.

In the beginning, I saw this huge list in front of my face. HUGE! And I thought IMPOSSIBLE.

I started with the easiest things first. Turned out some of what I thought was the hardest, turned out to be the easiest. It was a heavy wieght on me. The list was so long and some things I felt like I just couldnt change. Many times I wanted to just say forget it, if I have to do all this just forget it. Its too much.

Then I realized that I couldn't change anything on my own. Only God can! - and he changes so easily. All I had do was just want it and ask him. After I realized this I went from changing about 2 sins a year (with pain and struggle) to 2 or more a month (with ease and fun).

Some things I had to learn the hard way. The very hard way! Like not having sex outside of marriage. I really didn't want to give that one to God! Its seemed unrealistic and impossible. When faced with that one I rebelled, I was on the line of giving up to sin. Actually, I crossed the line and almost gave up God. The consequences of that were huge, but not as huge as they could have been. Thank God, he dispilined me in just the right way to make me return to him with lesson learned.

Back to topic... origanally I thought I just had to get through this list of sins and I'll be done. Not true, at all. My origanal list is complete, but my list is still big, even bigger. It just keeps replenishing itself. I hope it never stops growing - if it does that means I will to.

I need ideas

I was reading some parenting tips sent home with my children from school yesterday. The booklet reccommended having your kids start a collection of some sort.
I never did this with my kids. Its such a good idea. It gives them something interesting to say about themselves when meeting new people. and its just fun. My grandma used to do this with me a lot.
I cant think of anything good for them. (boys - 5 and 10 ).
I know theres stamps, rocks, postcards, stickers............... but I want something really fun.
I already asked Mr. Google for some help, but he gave me nothing.
I need some ideas!

Fishing Poles

My son Darius has a friend who stays with us a lot, since the beginning of summer. I know his home situation is not good. The other night I saw jsut how bad it really was. He has five siblings, ages 2 - 14. The mom is only 26. They live in a dangerous apartment complex, the mom hangs outside smoking pot. The apartment is completely filthy, with cigarette butts everywhere. Five kids in one room with not even one piece of furniture.
My initial response was to help them. Yesterday, I woke up with the desire to buy all of their school clothes and supplies and my mind was just whirling with what I needed to do for these kids. I quickly emailed some friend to see if they wanted to help.
I figured out that I was flying in the completly wrong direction. It was soon pointed out that my ideas were not the best. My eyes were opened to the fact that the mom has money for pot, for hair and nails, and for cigarettes. Also, the fact that I should probably call DCF.
I felt terrible all day. Really bad. I really felt like I had to do something, but couldn't pinpoint my place in this situation. I prayed about it. I went to sleep. And I woke up this morning still feeling terrible. I didnt even wont to get out of bed. This was so so heavy on my shoulders.
I did go to work and started talking about this with my co-workers. And thats when I got my answer...............
.........................Amy, you cant give someone a fish, you have to give the a fishing pole.

It makes so much sense to me! And its like a missing piece of the puzzle of what God has been doing in my life.
I've been trying to find my place in ministry and I've been having a hard time to narrow it down.

Now, I'm sure it has something to do with fishing poles. Sounds odd, I have so much resources at my hands. I have been through many things in my life and have overcame much. I can direct a single mom to any direction she wants to go - for sure.

I'm thinking I have many fishing poles to offer people, many fishing poles, all colors, all shapes, and any size that they want.

For now I will offer a fishing pole to this mom. Tommorrow, I will give her a print out of every school supply event that I can find. So much easier than buying 5 kids school supplies and clothes. And it feels like what God wants me to do. Maybe she will use the fishing pole to fish and ask for more or maybe it will be just a planted seed or maybe she will throw it in the garbage. Thats up to God!!!

My newest skill

HAIR EXTENSIONS!

Not just any kind of hair extensions either. Sewn in hair extensions, they last for a couple weeks.

They can be washed and styled and reused, because its human hair.

I haven't figured out how they get so much human hair???? I know some people sell there hair, but I dont think that many people do it?

My first model..........My daughter, Julia. She loves it! Too bad you have to turn your head sideways to see my picture, I don't have any idea how to rotate it.

Find your gift and give it away!

I read this while I was stalking peoples blogs.
It inspired me - the give it away part.
I have always had a passion for trying to hustle money. Everything I see, I want to do, and I do it. For example: I see really neat hair braiding designs, so I learn to do it.
I see balloon animals, I learn it.
Face painting, hair wraps.
Dreadlocks, perms, straightners, highlights.
I see a cute baby blanket, so I learn to crochet.
Cute jewelry, I learn to make it.
Acrylic nails and nail art.
From Macrome anklets to anime manga costumes.
and the most addicting is when I see things on sale, I think "I can sell it on ebay!"

..and thats just a sample of things from the past couple of years.

The motivation behing all of these ventures is money. Thats the problem. So, since I turned my life towards God, I have been struggling with this issue.
Because, even though these ventures are money motivated, I never really make any money. I put all my energy in these things, I lose time with my kids and I lose time with God.

When I read this " find your gift and give it away", I realized that I'm not giving it away. I'm trying to sell it. I believe God has gifted me with this, but I was letting Satan use my gift.

Now, I've commited to God that I wont let Satan use my gifts anymore. I will give them to God to use. No matter what!

The first thing I started with is the ebay, because its already in motion. Every penny I profit from ebay I will give away, even if I make a million! And from this point I will see how God can use my gifts.

Today I........................

................ woke up at 5:30
quickly read my bible and prayed and sort of stretched
brushed my teeth and washed my face
let the dog out
let the dog in
gave dog her eye medicine
gave aj his medicine
cleaned up the house a little
gave the baby a bottle
as I was juggling the baby around.........
packed three kids lunches for the day
packed myself up for the day
woke up three kids and made sure they got ready
fixed breakfast for two kids
dressed myself
dressed the baby
got everyone out of the house by 700

then I .....................
dropped to kids off at one location
dropped another kid off at another location
dropped the baby off at another location and picked up my friend to give her a ride to work with me

ALL OF THIS JUST TO GET TO WORK BY 800

After work at 4:00 I ......................
picked up the baby
picked up another kid
and then picked up two more kids

I came home and while juggling the baby I ......................
fixed dinner
and started blogging
and the day is not even close to being finished yet. And then I have to wake up and do it all over again, if not more.

I dont think this is at all what God has planned for me. It is very tiring! But it's the best plan that I can come up with on my own. Now I'm praying for GOD to give me a better plan, a plan that glorifys HIM!

If he don't its okay. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.
Despite the craziness - I'm very blessed and grateful for what I have. And I know, compared to a lot of people in this world, I am living like a queen!

Sales Calls

I decided this week to be nice to the people who call my house.
I admit I have always been mean to them. At my nicest, I would just hang up. Even though I did this job of telemarketing once , I should sympathise with them. It's just so hard because they are soooo annoying. But I decided to just suck it up and be nice.

So, the first call I accepted wanted me to do a survey online. I agreed, I didn't even have to buy anything or sell anything. It took me about 10 minutes, and guess what........ they sent me ten bucks in the mail.

The second phone call I nicely accepted was from the state troopers office. They wanted a donation --- I gave the ten bucks.

It's funny, its such a little thing. I'll keep being nice to the callers, it makes a big difference. My kids took notice right away. They think its wierd that I'm answering the phone and talking to the people. And the people calling are probably very happy that I am not hanging up on them.

Who knows - maybe I'll get another $10.

July - blessings

Again, God provided in many ways for me.
So many creative ways:



This past month I recieved ten dollars in the mail just for doing a 10 minute survey. It was the first phone call I took after I made the decision to be nice to telemarketers.


I recieved an exersaucer for my little one for FREE! About a $50 or more savings.


I recieved hand me down clothing for my 5 year old in his next sizes from three different people. I wont have to purchase him any clothing for the next couple of years. Big savings!!!



Did I mention that I love love love "hand me downs".


I worked out a "barter" with someone. A friend at work. I braid his hair and he takes care of my yardwork. Big relief!


My porch light broke, the maintence guy at my job came over a replaced it for FREE!


NO Car or home repairs or any extra expenses.


Two field trips got canceled at the boys and girls club. I usually pay for Darius and his friend Nathaniel , they were a little dissappointed but it saved me $100!



$25 free - for opening a higher interest bearing savings account.



2 seaworld tickets. (me and my kids have passes, but this was a blessing because we were able to bring my sons friend,Nathaniel, with us.)


Help with Darius and AJ school supplies from a few friends ( big savings! )

And, again, probably a lot of unnoticed blessings, as well.

God's provisions

A little more than a year ago I made some financial decisions that were hard but right.
More than half of my income comes from tips. I never claimed my tips to the IRS. Before I was a Christian I found no need too. I payed less in taxes, recieved a bigger tax return, and I qualified for benefits like food stamps and free child care and medicaid.
The Holy Spirit was pushing me to be honest with my finances. I had to trust God. I didnt have extra money as it was and I would be giving up about 1000.00 a month more a month just by claiming my tips. Also I was scared I would lose medicaid and I was pregnant. Then someone said to me " Amy, God is so much bigger than medicaid! " .
DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I had faith and did it.
Since, I am still surviving. Actually, I am better off financially than before. God provides things in such creative ways. He didn't increase my income, but he provided the things I needed.
Just in the past month he provided household furniture and needed items at more than a 1200.00 savings, he provided my sons school uniforms at about a 400.00 savings, a 42.00 saving on a pair nike uniform shoes, no car repairs or home repairs, and showed me a few cut back in my budget ( about 100 per month ). There is probably more that I didnt' take notice of or forgot already.
Oh yeah, I only work 40 hours a week now instead of 60.
Before I gave up all that "extra" income I only trusted in myself to make ends meet. I always worked hard and harder and harder and worried like crazy. After I gave in to God, I had no choice but to trust in God, because it was not even possible for me to do it on my own.
Now, I see how easy God makes things if you just give up trying to do it the hard way. I dont have to work half as much and I dont have to worry at all!

The Sign of Jonah

I read this morning, Matthew 12:43 - 45.
When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.


I imagine the there is an evil spirit lurking around waiting for me to invite him to my clean house. And he has seven friends to bring with him.
If I let him in, how terrible would my life be.
I pray that no temptation would ever come to me great enough to choose to walk away from God and invite that spirit into my house. I'm terrified at just the thought of the suffering that I would endure.

Keeping my guard up against Satan

One thing I've learned (the hard way), is that I alway have to keep my guard up against Satan. There is a real spiritual battle going on. I have to remember he's always trying to get in, he never stops. If he finds one little crack, its access for him.

When I became a Christian I didn't realize this at first. I thought I was following God, end of story. I didn't have my guard up, so he came in like a hurricane. I backslid, big time.

I was seperated from God for a couple months. It seems like it was years. I went back to a few old habbits. Completeley questioned every Godly thing in my life. I was completely misserable. During this short time, I became pregnant from a married man. Because of this embarrasement I almost (very almost ) turned from God completely.

For one thing I felt like I ruined my salvation. I felt forgiven for my past sins, but not this one because I knew him now. Secondly, I wasn't sure if I was not going to contunie a relationship with this man. Basically, I had to choose God or this man.

Thank God, that i chose God.

After I decided to choose God, I was still left with the fact that I'm pregnant ( with my fourth child and no husband ).

So, I start thinking of what to do. ( I haven't learned at this point to ask God to help, I thought it was only on my shoulders, which made it even harder ).

Well, abortion crossed my mind. I came very close. No one would have had to know about my sin. I wouldn't be embarressed at all. That's what Satan wanted me to do! Thank God, I didn't do it.

So, I almost left my church. I thought I could just go to a new church, no one would really know my story and I wouldn't be embarrased. Satan would have been satisfied with that. Thank God, I didn't do that.

The only thing I could do is face the music. I am so glad that I made that choice and I am even more glad that I am through that storm. I think it was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life ( and my life hasn't been easy ).

Even though it was so hard, I think I grew so much with God. I learned a lot.

I learned humility. I had to be completely ashamed and embarrassed. I know what people thought of me and some still do. But, I knew God had forgiven me so I had to just walk with that.
I learned to be humble. I had to accept help from others and ask for help.
I learned the love of the body of my church. So many people gave help to me and showed me love straight from thier hearts.
I learned Gods forgiveness and grace and mercy.
I saw God's miracles and answered prayers.

I came out of this much stronger in my faith, more at home in my church family, and more aware of Satans tricks.

I am so in love with Jesus right now!
Satan is no match for him at all! But, I know I have to always keep my guarded, with no cracks for him to enter.

Back to Blogging!

Recently I deleted my myspace, my facebook, my orkut and my blogspot.
Being a single mom with four kids doesn't leave me much free time. I was finding myself using that time on the computer. Instead, I should have been spending time with God ( and my kids ).
Well, I'm glad about my decision for all of it except for blogspot. I really enjoy writing. It also provides me with the chance to share my walk with jesus, to acknowledge Gods blessings and answered prayers, and to record these things so they wont be forgotten. It's a way for me to see how God works in my life.
Also, I want to take notice of opportunies that God gives me, like people he puts in my path everyday.
I made a commitment to spend time with God every morning. I want to give him time before anyone or anything else.
Each day I will check myself : If I dont have time to give to God, then I wont allow myself time on the computer to blog. Hopefully, I'll be blogging everyday!