Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Emmanuel

The Artist - Emmanuel Barbee

New Urban Author Mr. Emmanuel Barbee is a professional blogger, BlogTalkRadio host, an upcoming social entrepreneur and a new urban author of "The Solution For Black America: Reclaiming, Rebuilding, And Restoring The Urban Ghettos In America" second edition available on Amazon.com This book is an auto-biography about his experience growing up in the inner city of Chicago. He wrote this book for three reasons: one reason is to raise awareness about the genocide which is taking place in our inner cities in America.

Another reason why he wrote his book is to promote his virtual organization the Grass Roots Community Activist Movement. GRCAM will focus is on providing goods and services to the low income African American community and working directly with single black mothers, single black fathers, and low income two parent families within the communities and cities we will serve.

Finally, he wrote his book in order to generate capital/seed money so that he can hire qualified individuals to assist him in the daily operation of his business. He wants to make Chicago a model first before they expand to 10 other cities.

Their mission is to end urban violence, poverty, structural inequality, institutionalized racism, and police brutality within the communities and cities we will serve if given a chance.

You can find Emmanuel's book on Amazon (link below).

http://www.amazon.com/Emmanuel-Barbee/e/B00J6IKRUK

What keeps me balanced, focused, strengthened by Cindy H. Reed

Photo by Devin Hillery

Good morning Family!

Last week I told you I got a part-time job. Yep, walked in the store and got hired right on the spot, after an awesome interview of course!

I've never had a job in retail before and guess what? Not only did I get hired on the spot but I got hired to be an Assistant Manager! Of course, that's what I inquired about.  No time to be the "Manager" so less is more for me.  God is good - Assistant Manager, I'll take that, thank you very much!

Aflac is priority number 1. Building my business there looks very positive! I love working for myself and this affords me to do just that.

Part-time job - priority #2.

Cindy's Simple Pleasures, LLC and Creations by Cindy's Hands - priority #3.

Simply Cindy blog - priority #4.

Promotion of my new book, keeping up with social media, creating new designs for Creations by Cindy's Hands, selling my jewelry in the retail store, continuing to write my second book, and anything else I get my hands on, is priority #5.

All this is "work" and at times, I'm in awe that I have it all under control. You know why that is? Simple answer - in a word - "God". God is in control and therefore He's blessed me to be able to do these things.

Perspective. Knowing what I want and how I want to do things just makes the flow that much easier. Keeping the faith and remaining in constant connection with the Father keeps me in alignment with His will and His purpose for my life.

This morning, I'll walk into that store and learn how to work the register. I've got to know all the ins and outs in order to manage and be successful. All foreign to me but a challenge I fear not. Learning is key to growth and my zest to elevate myself and surround myself with the right people at the right time is motivation to make that happen.

Today, as in every day, I give Honor and Glory to my Heavenly Father. Never taking a step for granted, always praising.... I thank God for this amazing journey! It's not always pebbled on my traveled road... I come across plenty of big ugly rocks but you know - that doesn't stop me. I simply kick them to the side and keep it moving!

Nothing can stop what the Lord has in store! Find your road if you haven't already. Find your gift(s) as we each have one. Walk into your purpose - you only have one life. Each one, reach one... have you done something lately that you know the Father would be pleased with?

If you don't know your purpose or have direction, stand still long enough for God to whisper it to you. Allow the Holy Spirit to move through you to make a difference in not only your life but someone else's.

Make it a great day in the Lord family! One love and peace,

Cindy*

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Lisa

Lisa - Owner of HeavenLy HanDs Creations!                                 

About the Artist

My name is Lisa and crocheting is my passion. As a child, my Mother, Dorothy, taught me this amazing craft, and I never took it as seriously as I have since she passed in 2010. It is near and dear to my heart as if I will always have a piece of her since it was a passion of hers as well. I miss my crocheting partner, but carrying on in her memory keeps her heavenly hands going through mine,,,hence the intentional upper case "D" for Dorothy and "L" for Lisa in HeavenLy HanDs Creations.
http://heavenlyhandscreations.weebly.com/

Visit Lisa's website - fill out her contact form to place your order(s)!  Below are some pictures of her work!  Let's show Lisa our support!

Dishwasher Cleaning Tip....

Did you know this?  I didn't!

My dishwasher was leaving residue on my dishes and it was driving me crazy!  I'd either have to wash those dishes by hand or just re-stack them back in the dishwasher.  Most time, I'd re-stack.  ;)

I keep my food trap clean.  I rinse my dishes before stacking them in the dishwasher.  I use a rinse agent constantly - I couldn't figure out what was wrong and I didn't want the expense of having a repairman come in.

Every now and then, I'd notice that there was what appeared to be - grease around and on the trap. It looked like Spaghetti grease.  I didn't know if that was stopping my washer from performing at its optimal performance level or not.  I'd take it out, clean it but it continued happening every so often but the grit left on my dishes was almost daily!

I wondered if I could use Bleach in my dishwasher.  I decided to Google it and find out if I'd learn anything about that on the internet.  Sure enough, it was out there that I shouldn't.  Bleach will break down parts inside the dishwasher.  I continued researching and I found two tips that I liked from a very reputable site.

I read that before I start the process, I should make sure all the inside parts of my dishwasher are cleaned - free of dirt and debris. Easy enough, it looked spotless to me.  ;)  Then, I read that I should pour one cup of white vinegar in a cup and sit it in the top of the dish rack and let the cycle run.  I wondered how the vinegar would dump itself out into the water but I decided to "trust" the process... or so I told myself.  ;)

I got my measuring cup, filled it with one cup full of vinegar and let her run!  Doubt set in and I wondered if the vinegar was coming out the measuring cup so what did I do?  I opened the dishwasher to check after it was running for some time.  Sure enough, I could smell the vinegar and see that the hot water had splashed inside the measuring up.

I noticed that even though I could smell the vinegar - it was faint and the smell was very pleasant to me.  I immediately thought of lemons.  I didn't really care what it smelled like, I just wanted the process to work but the scent was an added bonus.  ;)

After it ran for what seemed to be - forever (I guess I never pay attention to it when they're dishes in it) - I decided I wanted to dump the vinegar inside the washer and let it finish up that way.  What could it hurt?

Anyway - I found that's a great way to clean out your dishwasher and stop the residue from residing on your dishes after you've spent your hard-earned money to run the washer for all that time.  No one wants to have to waste money by rewashing.

Another method I read about but I

haven't tried yet is - sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and let her run!  I'm going to try that the next time I need to clean my dishwasher out. This way, I'll be able to see which one I like doing the best.  ;)

I've shared this information with a few of my family members that never heard of it.  Now I'm sharing with you, my readers!  Share with your friends and family!  You can save money by doing this and save having to have a repairman come out and charge you for something you can fix on your own.

Cindy*

I was featured on NBC4 yesterday. I broke the news of a major scam going on.....

Cindy's NBC4 news story!

Creations by Cindy's Hands

I create necklaces for Men, Women, and Children!  

Creations by Cindy's Hands is all my handmade jewelry. Visit https://creationsbycindyshands.com/

Just Sharing My Thoughts by Cindy H. Reed

Family - I wrote this today at work, sharing with family and friends. I wanted to post on my FB page to share with others. I hope my words touch someone here as it's touched others I've shared with today at work.

God bless... Cindy*

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This is a good one for you to consume. This is how I view life in general.

This way of processing helps me to remain in control and not let stresses affect my daily routine. God is in control and he won't let us fall by the wayside but... we must do our part. We must continue to trust in Him and believe that in Him, all things are possible.

I see the calm before the storm so when the storm hits... my faith never waivers... I know I'll be protected & provided for..... Yea thou I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.....

As I grow older, I find myself reflecting on where I've been, where I am and where I'm going. I've found my purpose. I've also noticed a change in me. God's doing, of course, I am a blessed child of his, in training. I no longer do some of the things I used to do and I feel good about it. I recognize my strengths and my weaknesses. Capitalizing on my strengths, I move forward with an agenda, a self-imposing "to do list". Where I am weak - I work on being strong. I've taken that look in the mirror and I like what I see. Internally I am blessed. I am saved and sanctified. There is nothing about me that is good, that doesn't come from the Lord, and for that, I am eternally grateful and give praise.

Running... something I no longer do. Dropping to my knees, I reached out and was touched. God has signed, sealed and delivered me. My purpose is not perfected, its a work in progress. God is using me for His good. I am trusting Him to guide me.... speak thru me, and use me.

Are you where you need to be? Are you humble enough to accept that God has a calling on your life? Have you asked yourself the question - what does God have for me to do? What's my purpose in life? I believe God has a calling on each and everyone one of us who have been saved by the blood of the lamb. Have you had your little talk with Jesus? Have you told him about your troubles? Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Do you need to take a different course of action? Can you apply for the job? Is your resume in order? Do you have the right qualifications.....

Is your soul saved? Matthew 6:33 - "But seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things shall be added to you." Simple? Sure. Seek you first... God in all His infinite wisdom is there for you.

Your salvation is there, waiting..... Act 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The time is NOW. Act, don't react. Don't wait.... tomorrow's not promised. Today. We are living in turbulent times..... wars, famine, disease, animal attacks, earthquakes, gay marriage, children killing children and their parents, bullying, natural disasters are more frequent, the list goes on.... Take a good hard look at what the world is going thru. Look into your future. Search deep within your soul. Ask yourself - am I ready?

I hope you all have a very blessed day. Do some soul searching...... if your soul is lost... seek God, (Matthew 6:33); today!

Much love to you, Cindy*

Just sharing my thoughts..... written 8/29/2011

The Open Door by Cindy H Reed

Our life is comprised with many open doors. Some we walk through, some we close. Let's talk about the spiritual doors that exist in your life. How many of us know how to recognize an open door from God, versus an open door by man? To believers, God blesses us with his infinite love and mercy. We know that man can close doors in our lives but God will always open another.

When you receive a blessing - do you recognize that it is of God? Or do you believe that it's your earthly merits you stand alone on, that got you that far? Everything that is good, comes from God. Every blessing you receive, every opportunity that's presented, every milestone achieved; its a blessing from God.

God filled each one of us with purpose. With purpose come opportunity. With opportunity comes "doors". It's up to us to open each door and step through on faith. With faith anything can be achieved - God says we must first believe. Believe in him, that all things are possible.

My life decisions are based on prayer and faith. I can't have one without the other. I believe that without prayer and faith, one is stuck with life decisions, stuck in a revolving door; going round and round in a circle without direction.

I have stepped out on faith all my life. I know no other way. I've come to stand in front of many doors in my life that I've chosen to open, knowing I'd be walking through with God by my side. My most challenging door was one I'd had in front of me for years now. The one I knew was of God but I wasn't ready to have it open because of my fear of what was on the other side. My faith, where this door was concerned, was tested. How can I love God, believe and spread his message without having faith in what lie on the other side of this door, knowing it was of God? I realized I couldn't have faith "in what lie on the other side" but I needed to renew my faith in God so I could see what was on the other side of that door.

I did just that. I stopped running and I renewed my spirit. I gave myself to God once again, allowing him to let his will be done by accepting my role, whatever that may be, from him. My door was opened and I've walked through with a calm, knowing that God is with me.

Today, I am stepping into my blessings. I have seen a glimpse of the other side, I have heard the voice of the Lord. Opening that door was God's way of letting me grow; grow strong enough in the spirit to prepare me for my next steps, by walking out on faith. Opening that door and telling God I am ready, has taken me to the next stage in my life. Yea tho I walk through the valley..... Yes, God is with me. He is directing my steps, he is blessing my soul.

Do you have a door that needs to be opened? Or are you going through a revolving door with no direction or purpose for your life? Stop, take a look at yourself and analyze your thoughts and actions. Take a step today toward that door and open it by stepping out on faith. God is with you; he will see you through. Open your door today.

God's blessings upon you,

Cindy*

I'm in the Spirit right now by Cindy H. Reed

My strength comes from the Father, for my heavenly Father told me, "Yes, You Can" when I felt I was in my deepest and darkest place ever.

God told me to trust in Him and He'd bring me through. He wanted me to not just believe in Him but to believe in myself. God said, "Yes, You Can!!" When I think my plate is overwhelmingly full - God says - "Yes, You Can!"

I know my journey wouldn't be a successful one without His strength and endearing love for me. I know I wouldn't be in this position to hold on and keep on pushing if it wasn't for His grace and mercy. I've run into many obstacles on my journey - yet being discouraged isn't in my vocabulary. God has and continues to remind me that with everything in front of me - He's got me. God says be encouraged - "Yes, You Can!" "Yes Lord, I can!"

My daily prayers and my belief in the Father keeps me on this aggressive path to not only better myself but to encourage someone else. If I can recognize where all my gifts and talents come from and praise Him for trusting me to use them to glorify Him - you can too!

Step up, step out! Praise God for every challenge you've faced because you've been made into a better person for it. You made it through didn't you? Of course, you did - God said, "Yes, You Can!"

Each one reaches one, pass on God's love story! Help another to see exactly why you're smiling. Share God's word, His will, His way! We're in this together and I'm with you, my Brother, my Sister - let's take this walk together because with God on our side - we can do anything and we will be one in Him.

God says "Yes, You Can!" Thank you, Father, I can and I will!

Peace,

Cindy*

A word from Cindy*

Good morning family! God bless you all!

Today going forward, I'm reinforcing that I will be the best Cindy I can be! God is truly an amazing God and He loves me.

There are so many challenges and obstacles in life but with faith - even as small as a mustard seed, we shall overcome!

I will be successful because God is with me. I will continue to be blessed - because God is for me. I will always walk in His light because God has promised me. I know what's at the end of my road and one day I'll meet the Father and hear those words - "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

If you don't know the Lord - you're missing out on the BEST feeling that you could ever have. You're missing out on true happiness. You may think you know true happiness but w/o HIM, you're only touching the surface, that He's allowed you to touch! Knowing him, being reborn again is truly amazing!

The list of things that God blesses those that follow Him is too long to list. Each one of us that knows Him receives different blessings - to which those that don't know Him, only touch the surface of happiness and peace. To truly be one in Christ - the words, the feelings, the blessings, the peace, the grace, mercy..... it all goes well beyond words. It's the best of the best and you can't get any better!

Make today your mission to reach out and touch someone that you know doesn't know HIM. Show them how good God really is by living your life as a testimony! Live your life in a way that others take notice! Nothing wrong with them wanting what you have as long as what they want is God! There's enough of the Father to go around.

Again, make today your mission to reach out and touch someone you know may be lost or without Christ! There's no greater gift you can give to another than to invite them to receive the spirit of God.

Make it a blessed day in the Lord family! One love, peace.

Cindy*