"In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself." Jiddu Krishnamurti
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
A blog created to E-nspire, E-ncourage, E-ngage, E-nform, and E-mpower!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I'm Gonna Be Your Friend: Bob Marley's single "High Tide or Low Tide" : Save the Children UK
I'm Gonna Be Your Friend: Bob Marley's single "High Tide or Low Tide" : Save the Children UK
From the Chicago RedEye:
"More than 150 stars from Lady Gaga, U2, Justin Beiber, Jay Z, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are among the well known figures using their FaceBook pages and Twitter feeds to urge fans to donate money to help the numerous families starving in the region.
The campaign, called "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," can be found at www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org . It shows a video of Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 song "High Tide or Low Tide", accompanied by malnourished children created by award winning fiml director Kevin Macdonald.
Millions of children are facing starvation."
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
From the Chicago RedEye:
"More than 150 stars from Lady Gaga, U2, Justin Beiber, Jay Z, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are among the well known figures using their FaceBook pages and Twitter feeds to urge fans to donate money to help the numerous families starving in the region.
The campaign, called "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," can be found at www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org . It shows a video of Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 song "High Tide or Low Tide", accompanied by malnourished children created by award winning fiml director Kevin Macdonald.
Millions of children are facing starvation."
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
YES, YOU CAN SAVE!
Yesterday I blogged about saving up and paying cash for cars, homes, and higher education. Many of you probably think that is a far fetched idea because the majority of society doesn't live like that. The majority of society finances, pays interest over years and periods of time until its paid off. I am in no way knocking the system, I do what us to stretch our minds and realize there is another way.
There are some people that will say. I simply cannot save I am barely making ends meet. If this is true this means that the salary/income you receive is only spent on basic necessities. Meaning you are not eating out, going to the movies, renting movies, or buying so much as a candy bar. You are simply spending on food, shelter, clothing, car gas etc. This may seem far fetched but if you feel the price of gas is too high, maybe you should start car pooling or taking public transportation. I don't care how you do it, you can save. At a family gathering my uncle said something that was profound to me. He said he started saving pennies until he could save nickels, nickels until he could save dimes, dimes until he could save quarters, quarters until he could save dollars and so on... So yes, you can save I don't care if it is $1/month the point is to do it and start somewhere.
Here is a great story from the bible about being a good steward, saving, investing and increase:
The Parable of the Bags of Gold
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The guy who hid his one gold coin reminds me of the poverty mentality. I only have this little and I must hold on to it and keep it safe for fear of losing it. Well what if it was invested and multiplied? You will never know if you bury your treasure.
Here are other scriptures to reference on finances and money...
Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Luke 14:28-30 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish."
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
Ecclesiastes 5:5 "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
Ecclesiastes 11:2 "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth."
Matthew 6:31-32 "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;"
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
There are many more scriptures to explore, a lot of them can be found http://christianpf.com/money-in-the-bible/
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
There are some people that will say. I simply cannot save I am barely making ends meet. If this is true this means that the salary/income you receive is only spent on basic necessities. Meaning you are not eating out, going to the movies, renting movies, or buying so much as a candy bar. You are simply spending on food, shelter, clothing, car gas etc. This may seem far fetched but if you feel the price of gas is too high, maybe you should start car pooling or taking public transportation. I don't care how you do it, you can save. At a family gathering my uncle said something that was profound to me. He said he started saving pennies until he could save nickels, nickels until he could save dimes, dimes until he could save quarters, quarters until he could save dollars and so on... So yes, you can save I don't care if it is $1/month the point is to do it and start somewhere.
Here is a great story from the bible about being a good steward, saving, investing and increase:
The Parable of the Bags of Gold
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’
23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The guy who hid his one gold coin reminds me of the poverty mentality. I only have this little and I must hold on to it and keep it safe for fear of losing it. Well what if it was invested and multiplied? You will never know if you bury your treasure.
Here are other scriptures to reference on finances and money...
Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Luke 14:28-30 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish."
Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."
Ecclesiastes 5:5 "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
Ecclesiastes 11:2 "Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth."
Matthew 6:31-32 "Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;"
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
There are many more scriptures to explore, a lot of them can be found http://christianpf.com/money-in-the-bible/
If we are not good stewards over what God has already entrusted us with, why are we expecting more and increase?
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
THIS IS NOT A WAR ZONE.....
Yesterday, during rush hour a man was shot at close range in downtown Chicago by State St. and Wacker Drive. There have been numerous senseless murders in Chicago this year, heck this week even and its only Tuesday. 4 children were shot on Sunday in the early morning. A 6 year old girl and a teenage boy were fatally shot and killed in different neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago.
The quote by Carl Burson Jr. 32 bothers me, "This is not a war zone, this is downtown Chicago. We don't do that down here." It bothers me because I want to know what that means. If violence and crime affects one person, area or neighborhood in Chicago we should all feel the effects and want to do something about it to help. Not say oh, this doesn't happen downtown but it happens in Englewood, the Austin area, Humboldt Park, Gage Park, the Wild 100's etc. As if when it happens in those areas its ok. Sadly, there are people that are used to gun shots and have become immune to it but it is still not ok.
I refuse to accept crime in any area and become immune to a rising epidemic in the city of Chicago. Do I have the solutions? No I do not but I believe if we all come together there can be a solution. Do I believe crime will completely disappear? Of course not. However, I do believe it can be curbed and reduced.
I think of the newspaper article I was reading about the Kenwood/Hyde Park area because 4 people have been shot in that area this year alone. Many in the area were outraged and attended a police meeting they weren't invited to, to speak on it and ask the police to do something about it. There reasoning, prior to this it had been 2 years since someone was shot in there neighborhood and they want the matter addressed now before it gets out of hand.
One solution - we have to stop being selfish, we have to stop focusing on me, myself, and mine. Me and mine are ok, I will focus on us and what happens in my home. We have lost our sense of community. I think of the old African Proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." How many of us really know the people on our blocks, in our immediate neighborhood, many of us don't even know our next door neighbors.
I do agree with Burson in the fact that downtown Chicago is not a war zone. I will take it one step further to say that no area in Chicago should be a war zone.
If we are not a part of the problem, we are apart of the solution. Do whatever it is that we can do to be the change needed.
"I will waste not even a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day." Og Mandino
Lets all plant good seeds today, remember your thoughts and words give out energy. If you are filled with negativity you are putting that negativity into the atmosphere, it is gravitating to others, and continuing to grow and manifest.
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
The quote by Carl Burson Jr. 32 bothers me, "This is not a war zone, this is downtown Chicago. We don't do that down here." It bothers me because I want to know what that means. If violence and crime affects one person, area or neighborhood in Chicago we should all feel the effects and want to do something about it to help. Not say oh, this doesn't happen downtown but it happens in Englewood, the Austin area, Humboldt Park, Gage Park, the Wild 100's etc. As if when it happens in those areas its ok. Sadly, there are people that are used to gun shots and have become immune to it but it is still not ok.
I refuse to accept crime in any area and become immune to a rising epidemic in the city of Chicago. Do I have the solutions? No I do not but I believe if we all come together there can be a solution. Do I believe crime will completely disappear? Of course not. However, I do believe it can be curbed and reduced.
I think of the newspaper article I was reading about the Kenwood/Hyde Park area because 4 people have been shot in that area this year alone. Many in the area were outraged and attended a police meeting they weren't invited to, to speak on it and ask the police to do something about it. There reasoning, prior to this it had been 2 years since someone was shot in there neighborhood and they want the matter addressed now before it gets out of hand.
One solution - we have to stop being selfish, we have to stop focusing on me, myself, and mine. Me and mine are ok, I will focus on us and what happens in my home. We have lost our sense of community. I think of the old African Proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." How many of us really know the people on our blocks, in our immediate neighborhood, many of us don't even know our next door neighbors.
I do agree with Burson in the fact that downtown Chicago is not a war zone. I will take it one step further to say that no area in Chicago should be a war zone.
If we are not a part of the problem, we are apart of the solution. Do whatever it is that we can do to be the change needed.
"I will waste not even a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day." Og Mandino
Lets all plant good seeds today, remember your thoughts and words give out energy. If you are filled with negativity you are putting that negativity into the atmosphere, it is gravitating to others, and continuing to grow and manifest.
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
Monday, August 8, 2011
MONEY MATTERS: CREDIT OR CASH?
There is a famous saying "a fool and his money are soon parted". My definition of a fool is someone who has no budget or plan for their money. When they receive money they spend it and wait on the next time more money comes be it a paycheck or whatever resource, because Yahweh is The Source, the money comes from. With that said, if you don't have a goal get one.
This past Sunday, I watched Washington Watch with Roland Martin on TV1. The topic for discussion was credit as well as saving and personal spending habits.
Credit for some its a scary taboo, for others they are so buried in it that it keeps them awake at night full of worry on how they will pay their bills and survive, and when we think about our credit scores and how it effects finance rates on purchases some automatically assume defeat.
Why is credit so important? Well in order to purchase a house or car mainly you need a credit history and a good credit score. This statement is incorrect and it is used often. Let me clear something up, in order to finance a house or a car lenders look at your credit score. If you purchase a house or a car with cash, your credit score is a non issue. Now I can see someone reading this right now saying how can you purchase a house or a car with cash? The simple answer, you save your money, if you choose to invest do it wisely, and build up enough cash to get what it is you NEED not want in a house and a car.
I read an article months or a year back about a couple who purchased their $100K home with cash. Of course I cannot find it right now but if you are a skeptic I encourage you to do your research. Michelle Singletary of the Washington Post, participated in the discussion with Roland Martin and she said that she only pays cash for her cars. She drives her cars until the door handles fall off and then she tapes the handles back on! She mentioned how she has the number for every tow driver in her area. She also spoke on how she never trades a car in she always fixes it up and gives it to a family member. Her reason for this is because she has a goal, she has 3 children that she wants to put through college with cash. Roland Martin mentioned he drives a Navigator that he paid cash for. Michelle's response was you can do that because you don't have 3 kids to put through college I would never buy that type of car because I recognize what my goal is. In no way was she knocking Roland she was simply stating based on her goal that is not a car she would justifiable purchase.
Now there are those that say don't pay cash for a car because it depreciates in value as soon as you drive off of the lot. True cars depreciate in value so why finance and end up paying more. If I buy a car and negotiate a price of $20K lets say it automatically depreciates. Cars depreciate between 15 to 20% each year. So let's say it depreciates 5% as soon as you drive off the lot. So what you paid $20K is now worth $19K. If you finance the $20K at 10% for 5 years you will pay about $25,500 in total for the car. Now let's see how much the car is worth each year with 20% depreciation:
Year 1: $16,000
Year 2: $12,800
Year 3: $10, 240
Year 4: $8,192
Year 5: $6,553.60
You have completed paying $25,500 for a car that has depreciated to $6,553.60 and that doesn't mean you will receive the $6,553.60 if you decide to trade it in. You also paid $5,550 in interest. Now imagine had you just paid cash for the car and saved the monthly note you would have been paying of $424.90, you would have a car worth $6,553.60 and have $25,494 saved in the bank to purchase a new car, CASH. So which way is better, paying cash or financing you be the judge.
Now back to the credit issue. Roland Martin mentioned that he had a low credit score because he buys everything cash and pays off everything on time. Yes, not using credit will cause your credit score to be low. However, if you have cash you don't need credit. Remember cash is king. And in this economy I encourage you to also invest in some precious natural resources, gold, silver etc. and have them at your disposal as well.
Now, financial "experts" will tell you, you must use credit, you must have credit cards and use them now and again to keep your credit score at a level where you can receive financing. Now just in case you ever choose to finance something I encourage you to be mindful of your credit score but I highly discourage falling into the credit trap. What is the credit trap? Charge it now and worry about it later. I believe everyone should have at least one credit card. It simply makes renting cars easier and some other luxuries in life, however only use it for emergeny purposes and pay off as much of the balance as possible.
Back to financing, before you finance a house, car etc. Obtain all three of your credit reports and credit scores from the credit bureaus. Be sure to dispute any discrepancies. A gentleman on Washington Watch mentioned if you are going to pay down debt to increase your credit score do it 30 to 45 days before you plan to make your purchase. Find out what your options are for getting the best interest rate possible even if you have a less than desirable credit score. Don't be so anxious to drive off the lot in the new car or move into your own home that you agree to pay interest rates of 15%, 30% etc.
I was able to purchase a car with 0.9% financing with a judgement on my credit report. Mainly because I did my research and I was prefinanced through Capitol One financing before I went to the car lot therefore I was informed and had a bargaining tool. The interest rate right now for home loans is 4.25%. Imagine qualifying to buy a home at a rate lower than that, it is possible. I have a cousin in North Carolina living in a home that she financed at 2.3%.
In closing, don't be a slave to credit. Don't use credit as a regular buying tool for clothes, shoes, grocery, restaurant meals etc. things that you could go without. Use credit wisely and sparingly. Save more than you spend as it relates to your discretionary income and live BELOW your means. Look for great bargains, sales etc. and please forget about the Joneses because they can't even keep up with themselves. If you are currently in a financial rut. Instead of quickly paying down your debt. I as well as other financial experts, no I am not an expert, suggest you pay the minimum balance on your credit cards while saving money at the same time. Again, cash is KING!
Yes, you can buy a car cash I am a witness to that. My first car when I drove it off the lot was paid for. Yes, you can put your child through college with cash. My father paid for my 4.5 years at the University of Illinois Urbana without me having to take out loans. Now had I listened to him and not gotten any credit cards while I was in school I would have graduated in a better financial state. Nevertheless, all is well now. Roland Martin even mentioned how he filed for bankruptcy due to medical bills etc., went through it and came out of it and now pays cash for everything. So no matter what your current circumstance it is not your final destination. Your life and your circumstances can turn around right now. Place a goal in your mind, map out a plan, execute the plan and stick to it by any means necessary.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Epiphany Essentials
This past Sunday, I watched Washington Watch with Roland Martin on TV1. The topic for discussion was credit as well as saving and personal spending habits.
Credit for some its a scary taboo, for others they are so buried in it that it keeps them awake at night full of worry on how they will pay their bills and survive, and when we think about our credit scores and how it effects finance rates on purchases some automatically assume defeat.
Why is credit so important? Well in order to purchase a house or car mainly you need a credit history and a good credit score. This statement is incorrect and it is used often. Let me clear something up, in order to finance a house or a car lenders look at your credit score. If you purchase a house or a car with cash, your credit score is a non issue. Now I can see someone reading this right now saying how can you purchase a house or a car with cash? The simple answer, you save your money, if you choose to invest do it wisely, and build up enough cash to get what it is you NEED not want in a house and a car.
I read an article months or a year back about a couple who purchased their $100K home with cash. Of course I cannot find it right now but if you are a skeptic I encourage you to do your research. Michelle Singletary of the Washington Post, participated in the discussion with Roland Martin and she said that she only pays cash for her cars. She drives her cars until the door handles fall off and then she tapes the handles back on! She mentioned how she has the number for every tow driver in her area. She also spoke on how she never trades a car in she always fixes it up and gives it to a family member. Her reason for this is because she has a goal, she has 3 children that she wants to put through college with cash. Roland Martin mentioned he drives a Navigator that he paid cash for. Michelle's response was you can do that because you don't have 3 kids to put through college I would never buy that type of car because I recognize what my goal is. In no way was she knocking Roland she was simply stating based on her goal that is not a car she would justifiable purchase.
Now there are those that say don't pay cash for a car because it depreciates in value as soon as you drive off of the lot. True cars depreciate in value so why finance and end up paying more. If I buy a car and negotiate a price of $20K lets say it automatically depreciates. Cars depreciate between 15 to 20% each year. So let's say it depreciates 5% as soon as you drive off the lot. So what you paid $20K is now worth $19K. If you finance the $20K at 10% for 5 years you will pay about $25,500 in total for the car. Now let's see how much the car is worth each year with 20% depreciation:
Year 1: $16,000
Year 2: $12,800
Year 3: $10, 240
Year 4: $8,192
Year 5: $6,553.60
You have completed paying $25,500 for a car that has depreciated to $6,553.60 and that doesn't mean you will receive the $6,553.60 if you decide to trade it in. You also paid $5,550 in interest. Now imagine had you just paid cash for the car and saved the monthly note you would have been paying of $424.90, you would have a car worth $6,553.60 and have $25,494 saved in the bank to purchase a new car, CASH. So which way is better, paying cash or financing you be the judge.
Now back to the credit issue. Roland Martin mentioned that he had a low credit score because he buys everything cash and pays off everything on time. Yes, not using credit will cause your credit score to be low. However, if you have cash you don't need credit. Remember cash is king. And in this economy I encourage you to also invest in some precious natural resources, gold, silver etc. and have them at your disposal as well.
Now, financial "experts" will tell you, you must use credit, you must have credit cards and use them now and again to keep your credit score at a level where you can receive financing. Now just in case you ever choose to finance something I encourage you to be mindful of your credit score but I highly discourage falling into the credit trap. What is the credit trap? Charge it now and worry about it later. I believe everyone should have at least one credit card. It simply makes renting cars easier and some other luxuries in life, however only use it for emergeny purposes and pay off as much of the balance as possible.
Back to financing, before you finance a house, car etc. Obtain all three of your credit reports and credit scores from the credit bureaus. Be sure to dispute any discrepancies. A gentleman on Washington Watch mentioned if you are going to pay down debt to increase your credit score do it 30 to 45 days before you plan to make your purchase. Find out what your options are for getting the best interest rate possible even if you have a less than desirable credit score. Don't be so anxious to drive off the lot in the new car or move into your own home that you agree to pay interest rates of 15%, 30% etc.
I was able to purchase a car with 0.9% financing with a judgement on my credit report. Mainly because I did my research and I was prefinanced through Capitol One financing before I went to the car lot therefore I was informed and had a bargaining tool. The interest rate right now for home loans is 4.25%. Imagine qualifying to buy a home at a rate lower than that, it is possible. I have a cousin in North Carolina living in a home that she financed at 2.3%.
In closing, don't be a slave to credit. Don't use credit as a regular buying tool for clothes, shoes, grocery, restaurant meals etc. things that you could go without. Use credit wisely and sparingly. Save more than you spend as it relates to your discretionary income and live BELOW your means. Look for great bargains, sales etc. and please forget about the Joneses because they can't even keep up with themselves. If you are currently in a financial rut. Instead of quickly paying down your debt. I as well as other financial experts, no I am not an expert, suggest you pay the minimum balance on your credit cards while saving money at the same time. Again, cash is KING!
Yes, you can buy a car cash I am a witness to that. My first car when I drove it off the lot was paid for. Yes, you can put your child through college with cash. My father paid for my 4.5 years at the University of Illinois Urbana without me having to take out loans. Now had I listened to him and not gotten any credit cards while I was in school I would have graduated in a better financial state. Nevertheless, all is well now. Roland Martin even mentioned how he filed for bankruptcy due to medical bills etc., went through it and came out of it and now pays cash for everything. So no matter what your current circumstance it is not your final destination. Your life and your circumstances can turn around right now. Place a goal in your mind, map out a plan, execute the plan and stick to it by any means necessary.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Epiphany Essentials
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Helping the Poor and the Needy
Everyday when I arrive to work I log into Yahoo! and check out the current news briefly. This morning I came across an article that moved me to action. US: 29,000 Somali children under 5 dead in famine. There are people in Africa, other countries and even the US that are dying because they have no food. I think about the fruit that I buy that I forget about it rots and I throw it in the garbage. Or when I am full and I discard the remaining contents of my plate. To think I have an abundance of food and there are innocent children dying because they don't have food or water.
As I write this tears come to my eyes as I was making a donation tears came to my eyes. I have known as many of you that there are need of others greater than myself. I can say that I donate to local shelters in my area and I volunteer to help children in Chicago and beyond. Nevertheless there is more work that needs to be done and that I could be doing.
See I realize I am blessed as my daily needs are met and exceeded. Unfortunately many of us think in terms of self and feel that we don't have enough and therefore are unable to give. I don't care if you are eating Top Ramen every night you have a meal to eat. It may not be fillet Mignon nevertheless you are not starving. You may have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but thank God for the bread, peanut butter, and jelly as there are people in the world with absolutely NOTHING to eat.
Its time for us to be more grateful, complain less about our personal circumstances and do more.
Here is a link to World Vision (http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?a=b), I gave to them to help if you know of any other reputable organizations please share them with me.
It is up to us to take care of the poor. God works through His people if you are a spiritual person, Christian, a child of God etc. you are his eyes, mouth, hands, feet etc. God needs you through His Power to feed the hungry, take care of the elderly, tend to the sick and those in need that is our responsibility.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Deuteronomy 15:11 "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4
"'He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD." Jeremiah 22:16
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." Luke 12:33
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind." Luke 14:13
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9
"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27
"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." Proverbs 29:7
"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
As I write this tears come to my eyes as I was making a donation tears came to my eyes. I have known as many of you that there are need of others greater than myself. I can say that I donate to local shelters in my area and I volunteer to help children in Chicago and beyond. Nevertheless there is more work that needs to be done and that I could be doing.
See I realize I am blessed as my daily needs are met and exceeded. Unfortunately many of us think in terms of self and feel that we don't have enough and therefore are unable to give. I don't care if you are eating Top Ramen every night you have a meal to eat. It may not be fillet Mignon nevertheless you are not starving. You may have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but thank God for the bread, peanut butter, and jelly as there are people in the world with absolutely NOTHING to eat.
Its time for us to be more grateful, complain less about our personal circumstances and do more.
Here is a link to World Vision (http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?a=b), I gave to them to help if you know of any other reputable organizations please share them with me.
It is up to us to take care of the poor. God works through His people if you are a spiritual person, Christian, a child of God etc. you are his eyes, mouth, hands, feet etc. God needs you through His Power to feed the hungry, take care of the elderly, tend to the sick and those in need that is our responsibility.
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18
Deuteronomy 15:11 "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4
"'He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD." Jeremiah 22:16
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." Luke 12:33
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind." Luke 14:13
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9
"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses." Proverbs 28:27
"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." Proverbs 29:7
"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
STEER CLEAR OF DREAM KILLERS
There are dreams and desires that Yahweh has placed on your heart and in your spirit because He knows through His Power you can fulfill them. However, an interesting thing happens when we dare to dream, most people feel the need to tell someone else. There is nothing wrong with being excited about your dreams and wanted to share them with others. Its just not wise to share them with the wrong people. What do I mean by the wrong people?
When we tell others of our dreams we are bound to receive one of these responses
You want to do what? No one has ever done that before!
Where did you get an idea like that? Get your head out of the clouds and come back to the real world!
Oh wow, I say go for it but how are you going to do it? It seems like a lot to take on!
That sounds wonderful, if there is anything that I can do to help let me know. I will lift you up in prayer, keep the faith!
In my own personal life I can think of times when I let someone else kill my dream/steal my faith. When I was a freshmen in college I was speaking with one of my roommates and I told her I planned to buy my father a Corvette. As a child I'd always known that was his favorite car and he told me how he was going to buy one for he and I. Well since my dad is the best dad I could have ever imagined here on earth that is something that I wanted to do for him. The first thing my roommate said was by the time you buy your dad a Corvette he will be too old to enjoy it. A part of me thought whatever however, I allowed her words to enter into my subconscious and somewhere I killed that dream and lost the faith that I would be able to follow through.
Another time I can think of my boyfriend at the times mom was asking me why I didn't know how to cook etc. I told her when I was old enough I would have a maid. She laughed at me and pretty much said good look with that one!
Now, as I am growing in Christ and growing into my spiritual supernatural self that Yahweh created me to be I realize I could've bought my dad that Corvette and yes, one day soon I shall have a maid/butler!
Why do I feel this way? Because Yahweh placed these desires on my heart. Psalm 20:4"He will give you your heart's desire and carry out all your plans."
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
As we delight ourselves in the Lord he will give us the desires of our heart. As Pastor Bill Winston says if God said it, you can take it to the bank!
While you are delighting yourself in the Lord remember to be aware of the dream killers and faith stealer's. So what no one has ever done what you want to do before. There is a 1st time for everything! Do not allow another person's negative thoughts or lack of dreams deter you from fulfilling yours including your own negative thoughts. If you know someone is negative in their own life and the lives of others, don't even share your dream with them, keep it to yourself. Sadly, these people I speak of could be regular church attendees that are saved and filled with the holy ghost.
Share your dreams with those who are faith filled, positive, you see them walking by faith daily and living by faith, those who have positive energy and speak well of themselves and others. Keep in mind no one is perfect and no one is positive all the time but you should know the difference between a positive person and a negative person. Steer clear of those who are negative PERIOD!
Also be mindful of the back stabbers those who will smile in your face and run and tell everyone how "crazy" you are and what "crazy" idea you have come up with this time. It just keeps negative energy down in your life and allows you to truly focus on your task at hand. Have no fear remember "No weapon formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuse you in judgment you will condemn." Isaiah 54:17 Also know what Yahweh blesses no one can curse!
When we tell others of our dreams we are bound to receive one of these responses
In my own personal life I can think of times when I let someone else kill my dream/steal my faith. When I was a freshmen in college I was speaking with one of my roommates and I told her I planned to buy my father a Corvette. As a child I'd always known that was his favorite car and he told me how he was going to buy one for he and I. Well since my dad is the best dad I could have ever imagined here on earth that is something that I wanted to do for him. The first thing my roommate said was by the time you buy your dad a Corvette he will be too old to enjoy it. A part of me thought whatever however, I allowed her words to enter into my subconscious and somewhere I killed that dream and lost the faith that I would be able to follow through.
Another time I can think of my boyfriend at the times mom was asking me why I didn't know how to cook etc. I told her when I was old enough I would have a maid. She laughed at me and pretty much said good look with that one!
Now, as I am growing in Christ and growing into my spiritual supernatural self that Yahweh created me to be I realize I could've bought my dad that Corvette and yes, one day soon I shall have a maid/butler!
Why do I feel this way? Because Yahweh placed these desires on my heart. Psalm 20:4"He will give you your heart's desire and carry out all your plans."
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
As we delight ourselves in the Lord he will give us the desires of our heart. As Pastor Bill Winston says if God said it, you can take it to the bank!
While you are delighting yourself in the Lord remember to be aware of the dream killers and faith stealer's. So what no one has ever done what you want to do before. There is a 1st time for everything! Do not allow another person's negative thoughts or lack of dreams deter you from fulfilling yours including your own negative thoughts. If you know someone is negative in their own life and the lives of others, don't even share your dream with them, keep it to yourself. Sadly, these people I speak of could be regular church attendees that are saved and filled with the holy ghost.
Share your dreams with those who are faith filled, positive, you see them walking by faith daily and living by faith, those who have positive energy and speak well of themselves and others. Keep in mind no one is perfect and no one is positive all the time but you should know the difference between a positive person and a negative person. Steer clear of those who are negative PERIOD!
Also be mindful of the back stabbers those who will smile in your face and run and tell everyone how "crazy" you are and what "crazy" idea you have come up with this time. It just keeps negative energy down in your life and allows you to truly focus on your task at hand. Have no fear remember "No weapon formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuse you in judgment you will condemn." Isaiah 54:17 Also know what Yahweh blesses no one can curse!
All Yahweh needs is a believer, someone who will keep the faith and believe and trust Him. If you can just do your part and do that Yahweh is faithful and just to do just what He said.
While you are being mindful of the dream killers and faith stealers make sure you are not one yourself!
Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
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