FAITH FRIDAYS - BE ENCOURAGED

No matter what is going on right now in your life I encourage you to find good in your situation, stay in good spirits and speak life into your situation! A positive attitude draws positive things, events and people to you the reverse is true for a negative attitude. As the saying goes there is no use in crying over spilled milk. Clean it up and keep it moving. Learn from your mistakes and grow!

Be encouraged no matter what's going on,He'll make it alright,but you gotta stay strong.
I know right now it's impossible to see,but God is gonna work it out if you just believe.
Remember this one thing while you're going through,if God delivered Daniel, He'll do the same for you.

Hold on, trouble don't last always,these trials are just a test, just a test of your faith.
So stand strong and dry your weeping eyes,‘cause joy comes in the morning,and everything is gonna be alright.

Words by William Becton

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Romans 4:17 (NIV) As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Snoop Dog, Method Man, Red Man, and Devin the Dude plus the Hustle Boys & Bizarre
Wed, November 4th Congress Theater tickets available at www.rontgatetickets.com

Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, Jason DeRulo
Friday, January 8 and Saturday January 9 at the Chicago Theater tickets on sale today at 10A

Chris Brown, Thursday, November 26th, House of Blues Chicago

Queen Latifah, Sunday, November 29th, House of Blues Chicago http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/

Raphael Saadiq, Tuesday, December 15th, Vic Theatre http://www.jamusa.com/Venues/Vic/Concerts.aspx

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deals - Weekend Edition

Halloween is Sunday so most restaurants/bars are hosting Halloween themes...
Please note: Epiphany Essentials in no way endorses Halloween

Bon V 1100 W. Randolph
Dance with the Dead Events. $10

Bull & Bear 431 N Wells
Nightmare on Wells street, Includes drink specials, costume contests with cash prizes, candy and more. No cover!

The Shrine 2109 S. Wabash
Fri 9P- Soul Train Halloween features music by DJ Mick Boogie $20
Sat 9P - Masquerade Ball features music by DJ Timbuck2 $20

Harold Washing Cultural Center 4701 S. King Drive
Footworkingz (Season 4 America's Got Talent) along with M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Be the Groove and many more will be performing tonight at 7P $20

Mad River 2909 N Sheffield
Halloween Party, Saturday, October 31st $500 Giveaway for sexiest costume

Angels & Mariachis 1721 W. Division
Halloween Package $35 Includes all beer, wine, wells, and house margaritas plus a taco buffet!

Clark Street 2338 N Clark, Lincoln Park Spooktacular October 31st 1-4P
Trick-or-treating, Free Concert, Games & Activities, Costume Contest and more visit www.clartstreetssa.org for more information

Hi-Tops Nightmare on Lincoln Ave. 2462 N Lincoln Ave
$20 all you can eat/drink $3 shots Costume contests...win bulls tickets and more

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Essence Empowerment Conference

Tomorrow 9A-3:30P at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Click on the link for more details.

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Billion Dollar Babes

To sign up and become a VIP member and to attend this event click on the title of this post!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - THURSDAYS

Bull & Bear (431 N Wells St)
Half-price appetizers and min-sandwich trios 3-6P

Tumbao Bar & Grill (3213 W. Armitage)
Salsa dance workshop 8P. $5 mixed drinks, mojitos, and martinis



Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

MARTINIS, MANICURES, MASSAGES & MOVIES OH MY!

Martinis, Manicures, Massages & Movies Oh My!

Thursday November 5, 2009 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Palm Court @ The Drake Hotel 140 E. Walton PlaceChicago, IL 60611 $40 EVM Special 'til next Thurs 10/29/2009$45 online thereafter$55 at the door

Price Includes:-Manicure-Martini-Massage-Chocolate Tasting-Fashion Show-Sex and the City Film Screening-Special Champagne Toast & Appetizers from 5pm-6pmSpas include: Elizabeth Arden, Aveda, Aniko, Maria Tricoci and more!Tickets selling quickly so hurry!

Purchase Tickets Here

Sex and the City Trailer

Chicago Culinary Adventures

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Tom Joyner Foundation, Ford team up to drive support to HBCUs

(October 21, 2009) Target Market News has announced it will host the 2009 African American Internet Marketing Summit on Thursday, Nov. 19th in Chicago at the Wyndham Hotel downtown. The all-day conference -- the only such gathering of its kind in the nation -- will feature some of the industry's leading executives and companies in marketing, advertising, media, technology and research."Think of this as the 2.0 version of our 2008 Internet Summit...Story continued...



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

The Power of One Thing: How to Intentionally Change Your Life

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from The Power of One Thing: How to Intentionally Change Your Life by Randy Carlson (Tyndale House).


Do One Small Thing--Intentionally
The person who knows one thing and does it better than anyone else, even if it only be the art of raising lentils, receives the crown he merits. --Augustine "Og" Mandino, twentieth-century motivational teacher
Whoever or whatever is most intentional in your life wins--the difference between winners and losers comes down to this profound truth. What do I mean by intentional? I use it to describe the driving force in an area of your life--physical health, let's say. A woman who is more intentional about shedding ten pounds than sleeping later each morning might begin setting the alarm for an earlier time so she can hit the treadmill for twenty minutes. By following through on one small thing--an early-morning walk--it is clear that she values physical fitness above extra sleep. To make any positive change in your life, you must create an action plan and summon the determination to intentionally get to your goal, one small step at a time.
Notice I say successful people are intentional, not merely well intentioned. The key is commitment plus action. We can have great ideas about what we want to do next, but if we are not committed to actually changing what we do and how we think, nothing much will change. In Luke 18:18-22 (NLT), we read,
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'"
The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."
When Jesus heard his answer, he said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Jesus was talking about commitment plus action. He knew that the man's wealth and position stood in the way of his total commitment. Although the man had the desire to do the right thing, he was not fully committed and lacked the willingness to act. As a result, he passed up the opportunity to follow Christ wholeheartedly. His life was not transformed.
You need to recognize that something drives everything you do. The rich ruler was driven by his possessions and status. You have only two choices--either you become the most intentional force in your life or you allow someone or something else to exert more influence over your life. If you're not the most intentional about yourself, someone or something else will be--that's a promise. You might know people who would love to run your life . . . or substances waiting to run your life . . . or emotions that are ready to run your life. You decide--who or what is going to win today?
If you're like me, you want to succeed at what is most important to you, but you sometimes find it challenging to stay focused on your top priorities. Your good intentions don't translate into the accomplishment of worthy goals. Some days everything seems to be trying to sabotage your efforts. Distractions come at you from all directions, and your time is probably eaten up by demands every hour of the day.
You can be your own worst saboteur as well. Procrastination, laziness, discouragement, and disorganization strike everyone at some point. You may be skilled at multitasking, which can actually make you feel on top of your game when you are anything but. When you're driving and talking on your cell phone, neither the person you're talking to nor your fellow drivers are getting your best. Recently I heard a radio broadcast in which listeners were told that the brain can't really focus on more than one task at once. Consequently, when you multitask, your brain shift s quickly from one activity to another rather than focusing at least a little on each of the several things you're doing.


From Intention to Action
As you've seen, having good intentions is easy. Being intentional--making an effort to reach important goals--is difficult. But it's not impossible. Intentionality is critical; without it, you would never be motivated to change. But following through on your intentions is oft en manageable only when you focus on the next one thing you need to do to bring about change.
I tend to go off in numerous directions at once. I have lots of interests, lots of questions, lots of projects, lots of what-ifs. If you're at all like me, you can end up on lots of rabbit trails guided by your good intentions. And, as we know, the road to you-know-where is paved with good intentions. So what I'm about to show you comes from my own journey of moving beyond good intentions to life-changing results.
For me, getting focused happened when I was hit with one of those difficult, life-altering events. When my mother died in August 2005, eleven years after my dad, I suddenly realized I was an adult orphan. I was now part of the oldest generation in our family, and the shortness of life came into clear focus. Like the psalmist, my prayer became "Teach me to number my days" (see Psalm 90:12). I knew that if I was to turn my good intentions into reality, I needed to change the way I used my time and resources and start using the power of one thing to change my own life.
I wanted my life to count, and I became focused on my legacy. My parents had lived with integrity and commitment, and they ended strong. I wanted the same for myself. My parents had given up a big house in the suburbs and my dad's high-paying job in order to follow a dream . . . to build a ranch where disadvantaged children could get away from their dysfunctional situations for a while.
I realized that my tendency to overcommit, which sometimes led to procrastination, could keep me from living with a similar sense of purpose. I decided that the only way to finish life strong would be to break the rest of my life into bite-size commitments--one thing done each day in one or more essential areas of life. I realized that my legacy would be the accumulation of a series of "one things" lived out over an extended period of time--the rest of my life. I'm so committed to the power of one thing that I created a One Thing wristband that I wear every day as a reminder to do the one thing that day that will make the biggest difference in my life. Others have asked me about my wristband, and now thousands wear one just like it.


A Lesson from Tiger Woods
Every big accomplishment is preceded by lots of little, seemingly insignificant actions--resulting in the one big thing everyone sees. The other day, I watched as Tiger Woods won another PGA tournament on national television, but what the audience never saw was the hundreds of hours when Tiger, all alone, worked on perfecting his swing--one practice swing after another--far from the eyes of the public. While Woods is a dramatic example, we see the same principle in all areas of life. We cheer when our son or daughter wins a statewide musical competition, but we don't have fi lm footage of the hours the child spent practicing alone in his or her room. We congratulate a married couple on the accomplishment of a fifty-year marriage, but we weren't around to witness how they stuck together one day . . . one challenge . . . one disagreement . . . one illness at a time over those fifty years.


To illustrate how the power of one thing can lead to big accomplishments in your own life, try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and draw a horizontal line across the top. On the left side, write the year of your birth, and on the right side, write this year. In between, mark off the paper in five- or ten-year increments to make your time line. On your time line mark the major events, accomplishments, and changes next to the year they occurred. For example:
when you met Christwhen you went to collegewhen you got marriedwhen you solved a major problemwhen a child was bornwhen you made a decision to go in a new direction in your lifewhen you started a businesswhen you paid off your houseloss of a childloss of a jobmajor health crisis


Most people can list about a dozen "big things" in their lives. Once you have written them down, think about the questions below:
■ What small things preceded and followed each event? List all the "one things" that led up to that one big thing. Were they a series of interactions, a series of choices and behaviors, or people you associated with?
■ What pattern do you see? Are the significant events largely positive? Are they growth oriented? Or are they largely negative events that caused you pain? What does this indicate about how intentional you are? Who or what was most intentional leading up to each big thing?
■ How has your life changed as a result of each event?


Now extend your time line into the future. What is the next significant thing you are hoping for in the future? Are you working toward something that will result in a positive "big thing" in your life? Or are you just letting things happen? Your future will become reality only if today you remain focused on the most important next one thing.
For example, if the next important stop on your time line is to successfully raise your teenage daughter, then it is essential that you have a game plan to make that goal a reality. Start by making a list of all the "one things" you can think of that will be required of you to raise your daughter well.


■I need to deal with a bad attitude about my ex-spouse, my daughter's father.
■ I need to establish expectations and routines for myself.
■ I need to pray for my daughter daily.
■ I need to be more confident when I make a decision and not give in so easily to her demands.
■ I need to hold my daughter accountable for her actions and not respond out of guilt.
■ I need to monitor her relationships and get to know her friends better.
■ I need to encourage her strengths.
■ I need to stop criticizing her so much.


Even though the list may get long and feel pretty overwhelming to you, the power of doing the next right one thing is the only path to success. Remember, healthy change will occur only when the power of one thing is used. By doing the first right one thing followed by the next one thing until each is completed or has become a habit, you almost guarantee yourself success in what matters most.


When I look across my time line, I identify the following as the most significant moments in my adult life: my marriage to Donna, the birth of our children, the decision we made to move from Michigan to Arizona, the decision I made to finish my graduate work and go on for a doctorate, my decision in 1988 to write my first book, and the decision in 1990 to start a radio program to help families. I realize that each of these big moments represents a move or a change, something new. But each of these events in my life was preceded by many small "one things."


Why One Thing Really Does Make a Difference
We can only really live today one thing at a time--one thought, one idea, one relationship, one phone call at a time. Matt hew 6:34 (NLT) tells us, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." We can't rush ahead; we can't lag behind. So how does change happen?

Think of it this way:
One thing done once is an experience.
One thing done twice has your attention.
One thing done often is a pursuit.
One thing done always is a habit.

It has been said that our choices become our habits and our habits become our character. Our choices add up and determine the overall quality of our lives.
As you learn to choose one small change and focus on it one day at a time, your life is going to get better. After you have made the first thing a habit and experienced the satisfaction of having achieved a small but significant milestone, you can tackle one more thing with energy and confidence.


I've seen it happen--in my own life and in the lives of others--doing just one thing differently can produce significant and lasting changes for the better.
The key is how you manage each of the "one things" you do each day--the tasks, conversations, relationships, and projects that make up your life. Remember the advice of Solomon: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" (Proverbs 6:6). Ants are commonly thought of as industrious creatures. Ever noticed how absolutely focused they appear as they head back to their colonies, hauling crumbs several times bigger than themselves?
In this proverb, Solomon urges unmotivated individuals to follow the ant's example. He knew that people who do one thing intentionally over an extended period of time can change their lives. Don't be discouraged by how far you think you need to go. Instead, be encouraged as you consider the following:
Doing one thing to intentionally love your spouse each day will change your marriage.
Doing one thing to intentionally read God's Word and pray each day for even a few minutes will lead to spiritual growth in your life.
Doing one thing to exercise each day will lead to better physical health.
Doing one thing to be truthful and reliable each day will result in people counting on you.
Doing one thing to control your anger each day will reduce violence, abuse, and the likelihood of divorce in your home.
Doing one thing to maintain healthy opposite-sex friendships each day will prevent the destructive results from emotional or physical affairs.
Once you begin linking a number of these one small things--like pearls on a chain, each representing one small, positive change--you eventually will have a long, solid chain of improvements.


Warning: The power of one thing can be your friend or your enemy. Unfortunately, a string of negative actions also accumulates. If you ignore the signs and symptoms of poor health, for example, eventually you might find that you have a serious and advanced illness. If month after month you spend a little more money than you earn, you can wind up in serious financial trouble. If you don't discipline your child during the early years because he or she is just so cute, you are likely to raise a brat.


One small action leads to another, and they join together, for good or ill. Perhaps you have determined to improve your life before. As you probably discovered, it's far easier to slip back into destructive patterns than to achieve positive and lasting change. After all, when we do nothing, our situation just naturally deteriorates; improvement takes intentionality and consistent action. If you have tried to change before, only to give up, keep reading. The next chapter was written just for you.

Copyyright © 2009 by Randy Carlson. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

$1 MEALS AT BOSTON MARKET ENDS NOV. 1ST

ARE YOU WILLING?

Everyone wants to be a winner

Everyone wants to be successful

Some people even want to be the best

But very few people make the necessary changes to themselves to make it happen!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DEALS OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAYS

PLUSH (1104 w Madison Street)
$5 martinis, half price appertizers

WEST END BAR AND GRILL (1326 W. Madison)
$5 Salads, $5 glasses of wine

SHECKY'S GIRLS NIGHT OUT COMING TO YOUR TOWN

Boston – Oct. 27th-29th
Dallas – Oct. 29th-30th
Houston – Nov. 5th-6th
San Francisco – Nov. 11th-12th
Atlanta – Nov. 12th-13th
Miami – Nov. 19th-20th
Los Angeles – Dec. 9th-10th
Philadelphia – Feb. 23rd-25th
Chicago – Apr. 6th-8th
Washington, D.C. – Apr. 13th-15th

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Be You!

Good morning. Today you'll be you, it's truer than true, there's no one alive that's you-er than you - Dr Suess God is LoveRev Run



There is only one you, you were fearfully and wonderfully made. You are unique, special, beautiful, wonderful just the way that you are.



I sat in a woman's conference and we put the pieces of a butterfly puzzle together. Each piece was different yet necessary for the completion of the beautiful butterfly. We were all created different and we all lack certain things in certain areas to remind us that by ourselves we can do nothing. We need other people and we especially need God.



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

BACK TO SCHOOL

The Chicago Public Schools are currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. The application deadline is December 19, 2009.

All parents understand; your child is not required to attend the school in their neighborhood. Explore all of your options by visiting www.cps.edu and printing out the Options for Knowledge booklet. You can research schools and learn the difference between open enrollment, magnet, charter, classical, regionally gifted, majority-to-minority, and international baccalaureate schools.

YES THERE ARE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CHICAGO!

I am grateful that my mother did her research and I attended Mark T. Skinner School which was a Classical school (1st - 6th grade) and it was a great experience!

Be informed as a parent and do your research look at average test scores, activities and other things that you feel are important for your children to have to get the best education possible. Whatever you feel they are not getting at school make up for it at home, there are tons of websites, educational games, books, etc. that can enhance and enrich your child’s educational needs.

My son will be entering Kindergarten in 2010 and I am so excited!

Again be informed and do what you feel is best for your child. Remember you always have options!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEALS - TUESDAYS

Tuesday's Deal of the Day!

West End Bar & Grill 1326 W. Madison Street
$1 tacos and $4 margaritas

High Dive 1938 W Chicago Ave.
$.25 cent wings and $5 drink specials

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

TOTAL WOMEN - HEALTH EVENT

TOTAL WOMAN
Mind, Body and Spirit

Tuesday, November 3rd from 6 to 8 p.m.
(registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)

West Suburban Medical Center
3 Erie Ct., Classroom A-D Lower Level
Oak Park, IL 60302

This FREE program is for women of all ages.

Click on the title of the article/link for more information

Be a blessing and be blessed

Epiphany Essentials

YOU ARE WORTHY

A situation occurred recently that made me think about women and how we value ourselves especially when it comes to sex and men. Over the years there is one thing I recognize, all females be it teenage girls or women in there 20's, 30's, 40's, even 50's, struggle with this issue.

A lot of us are or have looked for love in all of the wrong places and thought that if we did certain things that would make the man love us and want to be with us. There is nothing that a woman can do outside of being herself that would make a man want to be with her. If he wants you and wants to be with you he will be with you no matter what.

I'm sure most women have felt and thought what does he see in her, I am prettier, smarter, I cook, clean, I perform very well sexually I do all of this yet he doesn't want me he wants her or he just simply doesn't want me.

The question is do you want yourself, do you love yourself, do you value yourself? Do you think you are the best there is and any man would be lucky to have you? That you are so great that he needs to prove himself to you? The best part about is the right man will wait, he will respect your wishes and your feelings. If he decides that he no longer wants to date or pursue you, chances are that wasn't the one.

Every man that you meet is not deserving of you, your time, and definitely not your pocketbook (literally and figuratively). I don't care if he has a nice smile, great body and/or personality, and a fat bank account. That doesn't mean that you open up your pocketbook to him. Even if you think to yourself I enjoy sex, I like it and I just want to open up my pocketbook. I encourage you to think and choose wisely. My great grandmother told my mom this and my mom told me, what you have between your legs is a gold mine treat it as such!

Be woman enough to know what it is you want, need, require, and desire then demand that and nothing less. Steve Harvey's book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man" was a great read. Now keep in mind there is no magic formula. Joan on the hit TV show Girlfriends had a 90 day rule and ended up dating a lot of guys that stuck around for at least 91 days.

YOU ARE WORTHY, YOU ARE WORTH THE WAIT, THERE IS NOT A PRICE THAT YOU CAN PUT ON YOUR POCKET BOOK, NOT A FANCY DINNER, NICE CAR, COMPLIMENT, NOTHING. CHOOSE WISELY AND WAIT. After all, the worst that happens when you wait is that you truly get to know the person!!!



The worst thing that can happen in waiting is you find out who the man really is and realize that you don't like him!! As my pastor said, he re-mixed Beyonce, Ladies if he likes it he is going to put a ring on it!



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Money Matters Mondays - SAVING

Save, Save, Save!

Yes you can save if you are single or married with or without kids, you can save. You can start by saving the change from your purse daily. Even if its a $1/day save something for your future. Deny yourself now to have more later and be able to do more in the future.

Pay yourself first then pay your bills put yourself first always!

If you have children save for their future. If you feel like you don't know where to start on saving go to www.Upromise.com . With Upromise you register all of your credit/debit cards, grocery cards (Jewel, Dominick's, CVS, Kroger). When you shop on-line and at participating grocers a % of your purchase will automatically be saved for your child. If you don't have children you can choose to participate in the program and help out someone elses child, after all you are only doing what you usually do. Again, check out www.Upromise.com for more information. I have been a member for 4 years now.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deals - Burger Mondays

Aberdeen 1856 W North Ave
$5 burger baskets

Hops & Barley 4359 N Milwaukee
4359 N Milwaukee

The Kerryman 661 N Clark
$1 burger after 4P

Faith Fridays - I Corinthians 2:9

Faith Fridays


"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" I Corinthians 2:9


God has so many great things in store for me Can't you see many great things in store for me God has so many great things in store for me Can't you see many great things in store for me
Eyes have not seen Nor ears heard Great things Great things in store for me I'll trust His word I believe Great things Great things in store for me
I'll trust His word Great things Great things in store for me (Rickey Dillard and New G, Great Things)


Trust His Word on Today, Believe It and Receive that there are GREAT THINGS IN STORE FOR YOU. No matter what is going on in your life, stand on His Word, His Promises and Believe Today!



Be a blessing and Be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Food for Thought - Law Passed Banning Sale of Cold Beer

"Arlington Heights has a new strategy in its battle wit those who wander village streets, sipping their favorite beverage for a paper bag: warm beer. A law passed by the village this week prohibits the sale of single cans of refrigerated beer." Red Eye October 24, 2009

It amazes me how communities outside of Chicago come together and create laws in an attempt to keep their neighborhoods and their children safe. I wonder if a law such as this was passed in Chicago and the entire cook county would that eliminate some of the foolishness that happens in and on our streets or at least eliminate people walking around with brown paper bags sipping a brewski? Your thoughts?

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deals - Weekend

Friday

High Dive 1938 W. Chicago Ave
$5 burger w/ fries, $5 Makers Mark cocktails

Purple Otter 2706 N Ashland Ave
$5 one-topping pizzas

Blue Line Lounge and Grill 1548 W. Damen
$5 appetizers 3-7P

Saturday & Sunday

Filene's Basement
This Saturday, 1st 100 customers receive a $10 off coupon

Navy Pier's Weekly Fireworks Show ends October 31st
Weekly fireworks show
Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Ave. - Streeterville
Fridays and Saturdays : 9 p.m. (ends October 31)
A 10-minute display over Lake Michigan is set to music.

Bronzeville Communit Market ends October 31st
Bronzeville Community Market
Bronzeville Neighborhood - 4400-4500 S. Cottage Grove Ave. - Grand Blvd/Oakland / Fuller Park
Saturdays : 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (ends October 31)
Shop for fruits and veggies, prepared foods and more.

Free Yoga Class
Sunday Salutations yoga class
lululemon - 2104 N. Halsted St. - Sheffield/De Paul
Sundays : 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Stretch and strengthen for free at this weekly class hosted by lululemon and sometimes partnered by various Pilates studios.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deals

Bull & Bear (431 N Wells St)
Half-price appetizers and min-sandwich trios 3-6P

Tumbao Bar & Grill (3213 W. Armitage)
Salsa dance workshop 8P. $5 mixed drinks, mojitos, and martinis

T.G.I.Friday's (through November 1st 4p-close)
Free appetizer with drink order at the bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

Visit https://www.tgifridays.com/gmms/GiveMeMoreStripes.aspx and sign up to receive your coupon!

Its A Great Day!

Did you wake up this morning? Is there still breath in your body? Are your children safe? Are you in your right mind? Are all of your senses in tact? Is your family well? Do you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and food to eat? Are you employed? Do you still have the ability to blink or smile?

If you answered yes to any and/or all of these questions Today is a great day! Anything on top of that is icing on the cake!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Maid/Chef/ATM/Caretaker...Oh I'm a Mom!

Pamela MW, 30, Sweden "Ok a review has been made and we need to add party planner/ personal chauffer/personal assistant/ to the stack of maid/chef/carpenter/plumber/ATM/washer/security guard/nurse/teacher/caretaker but it still seem to be so much easier just to call me MOM!"

Whether you live in the US or any other country, the role of mother is never easy and maybe more difficult when you are a single mother. As you see above you aren't just a mom you are many things to your children. Do not allow your many titles/roles to turn into self-neglect.

All mothers should take time for themselves on a regular basis to relax and rejuvenate. You cannot be super mom/woman if you don't take care of yourself. This time could involve exercise, walks alone in the park, pampering, reading a good book, or watching a good movie, alone or with friends, significant other etc. just away from the kids.

When you are the best person you can be then you can be the best mom, girlfriend, wife, employee etc. If you don't take care of yourself some of your efforts will go in vain. Some mothers think they have to take care of everyone else first and put themselves last. Don't mistake it however; there will be times when you will have to sacrifice something you want because of the need of your child. However, if you daily put yourself last and take no time for yourself you will find yourself frustrated, upset, confused, worn out, tired.

The best reward for your job is raising a child that turns out to be a productive member of society that thinks independently and can take care of them self!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

JOB LISTING IN CHICAGO AREA

Click on the title of this post and you should be re-directed to a list of job openings.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Chris Brown Announces 'Fan Appreciation' Tour Dates

Chris Brown Announces 'Fan Appreciation' Tour Dates

A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization devoted to providing friendships, jobs and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will also benefit The Jenesse Centera, domestic-violence intervention organization.

Daily Inspiration

Good Morning Sister’s!
by follower Created by God and Through God

“Have faith in God for assuredly I say to you whoever says to this mountain “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. There fore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them”.
Mark 11:22-24.

Amen another day of God’s grace and mercy…I thank him on this morning, for my power is in God…I am rejoicing just to know that God is my Father and I know that I am not taking any of my steps by myself.. I thank God for saving me and having a purpose for my life and that my purpose will be vital to his plans… To all my sister’s be blessed on this morning and I Love you all

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Chris Brown, Thursday, November 26th, House of Blues Chicago



Queen Latifah, Sunday, November 29th, House of Blues Chicago



http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago/



Raphael Saadiq, Tuesday, December 15th, Vic Theatre



http://www.jamusa.com/Venues/Vic/Concerts.aspx

DEALS OF THE DAY

D.O.C WINE BAR (2602 N Clark Street)

7P Ladies' Night Out. Complimentary manis and massages and $7 glasses of sparkling wine. No cover. RSVP info@shequechicago.com

PLUSH (1104 w Madison Street)

$5 martinis, half price appertizers

WEST END BAR AND GRILL (1326 W. Madison)

$5 Salads, $5 glasses of wine

Ungratefully Blessed

I was unemployed for almost a year and a half. I received a full-time job and for the first two months I was so grateful and was just happy to be employed. Then I discovered that while I liked my co-workers, I really didn't like my boss and therefore I begin to dislike my job, I wouldn't want to wake up in the morning and go to work because I didn't want to deal with my boss.

Then one day I had to tell myself, you are Ungratefully Blessed. There are millions of people in our society that do not have a job and wish that they had. God blessed me to be where I am right now so how dare I not be grateful and give thanks for the job that I have everyday. This is the resource that the Source blessed me with to supply my needs.

Philippians 4:19 tells me that And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

So if, this job is how God sees fit for my needs to be met who am I to question Him? Now that is not to say that I cannot desire to get a new job in a different working atmosphere but until then I will wake up this morning giving thanks for what I do have!

The song writer Walter Hawkins put it well in his song 'Be Grateful' God has not promised me sunshine, that's not the way it's going to be; but a little rain (a little rain) mixed with God's own sunshine, a little pain (a little pain), makes me appreciate the good times. Be Grateful!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Final Word of the Day

"Do today what others wont so you can have tomorrow what others cant" RevRunWisdom

October Events

Charitable Events

Today, October 20th Party with Polish in Pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Rumba 351 W. Hubbard 9P-2A $20 general entry and $10 if you party in pink.

Wednesday, October 21st The ASAP Foundation and The Tyrus Thomas Foundation Present: "Athletes Across Borders" Well known Chicago Athletes With Origins From Around the World Come Together to Support Our Youth A Reception, concert, and raffle with 100% donations to benefit the ASAP Foundation and the Tyrus Thomas foundation Wednesday, October 28th 2009 6pm - 10pm @ The Shrine (2109 South Wabash, Chicago IL. 60616)Featuring Live Performances by Laura Izabor, Spare Parts, and The "HeavyHitter" DJ Timbuck2. Hosted by Ryan Barber (CBS), The Diva Squad, Jerry Azumah and Tyrus Thomas Admission Costs$25 General Admission$50 Includes VIP Access$100 Includes Athlete and artist meet and greet To purchase tickets go to http://m1e.net/c?109991919-XrMtvuJ5MoTIw%404704454-mz3th2UbkDhSs or call 312.842.1042

Women Out Loud!

Women Out Loud! is a venue where women can spit fiery words in a nurturing space, and men are welcome to applaud and cheer. On Oct. 23, Women Out Loud! features poets Cristina Correa and Keli Stewart.
Friday, October 23, 2009, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Center for New Possibilities, 1505 W. Morse
Chicago, IL

The Play to See

Saturday, October 24th, The Queen of Urban Theater, Reshanda Henderson Presents The Mr. The Mrs. & The Lover Hit Stage Play!! Featuring Tiffany from Bad Girls Club 3, Mike James from BET's Hell Date, MonaLisa "SHY" from Flavor Of Love 3 for tickets visit http://thelover.eventbrite.com/ for more information visit http://www.reshandahenderson.com/


Free Days of October


Adler Planetarium - 6, 13, 20, & 27

The Shedd Aquarium - 2, 13, 19, 20, 26 nd 27

The Museum of Science and Industry - 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30


Things to do with the Kids

A Haunting in the Valley (Schaumburg)Covered wagon rides transport you down a trail of Halloween fun and magic. Includes refreshments, activities and a bonfire. Matinee rides available from 5:30-6:30 p.m. 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 23-24.
Autumn Harvest Festival (Schaumburg)Explore 1880s farm history with demonstrations of grain threshing, blacksmithing, corn harvesting and more. Also, see a 1790s frontier encampment. Activities include hayrides, live music, pumpkin ...
BatFest (Batavia)Dress in your best Halloween costume and enjoy games, prizes and more. Check Web site for details and time. Oct. 24.
Buckley Homestead Fall Festival (Lowell)Two-day festival includes demonstrations of traditional crafts, entertainment, food and re-enactors of various eras. Oct. 3-4.
Cantigny Fall Festival (Wheaton)Festival features hayrides, live entertainment, inflatable jumpers and slides, face painting and candy-dive. Oct. 10.
Chicago Botanic Garden Spooky Pooch Parade (Glencoe)Spooky Pooch Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Dogs in costume can join the parade and participate in the costume contest. Oct. 31.
Chicago Country Music Festival (Chicago)Enjoy a weekend full of music and activities. Families can visit the "Kid Corral". Oct. 3-4.
Chicago International Children's Film Festival (Chicago)Festival of films for children features over 200 animated and live action films from 40 countries. Features interactive workshops with kids. Visit Web site for details. Oct. 22-Nov. 1.
Chicagoween (Chicago)City-Wide Celebration of Halloween during the month of October, involving the Park District, Museums, Navy Pier, the Chicago Cultural Center, and other organizations. Visit the Web site for a ...
Columbus Day Parade (Chicago)Come see this famous tradition and enjoy the offerings of street vendors. Oct. 12.
Community Expo 2009 (Orland Park)Event features clowns, mascots, face painting, car show, raffles and refreshments. Also includes Kidsfair, sponsored by Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, with a magic show, Doctor Dress ...
Double Ten Parade (Chicago)This celebration of Chinese Independence features parade of patriots, marching bands, floats, lion teams, mystical dragon and more. Visit Web site for time. Oct. 10.
Fall Art Stroll (Kankakee)Dozens of artisans will line the 100 block of N. Schuyler Ave. in downtown Kankakee, featuring everything from paintings to paper sculpture. The event also includes entertainment, food vendors, and ...
Fiera Italiana (Chicago)Festival celebrates Chicago's Italian-American heritage with entertainment, food, drink, performing arts, shopping, artistic showcases and culinary demonstrations. Oct. 5-9.
Grove Folk Fest (Glenview)Featuring live folk music, square dancing, nature walks and pioneer craft demonstrations. There will also be storytelling for kids throughout the day. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4.
Halloween Fall Fest (Chicago)
Halloween Happening (Chicago)Dress up the kids in creative costumes for this Halloween extravaganza and parade. Prizes will be awarded for great costumes! Parade kicks off on the corner of State St. and Randolph St. Oct. 24.
HallowFest: A Garden of Good…and Evil! (Glencoe)Visitors can take the "spooky" or "friendly" path leading to Halloween activities in the Regenstein Center and McGinley Pavilion. Decorate pumpkins, do crafts, have your fortune ...
Harvest Days (Kohler)Event features a hay fort, corn maze, petting zoo, giant pumpkin contest, animal rides, and pumpkin patch tractor and wagon rides. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 3-25, and Oct. 29, 30, ...
Haunted Farm at The Childrens Farm (Palos Park)
Highwood Last Call Art Fair (Highwood)Art festival also features live music, food and kids' activities. Oct. 17-18.
International Houby Festival (Cicero and Berwyn)Annual festival along Cermak Road includes a pageant to select the Houby Queen, a parade and street festival with food, crafts and vendors, and a carnival. Parade is at 12:30 on Oct. 4. Visit Web ...
JJWC Halloween Expo (Joliet)Enjoy Halloween activities and a safe trick-or-treating experience. Oct. 18.
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Halloween Hoopla (Chicago)Featuring hayrides, face painting, cookie decorating, Halloween photo shoot. Family fun takes place at the school from noon-3 p.m., followed by trick-or-treating at Lakeview East businesses from ...
Lemont Fall Street Fair (Lemont)The 300 block of Lemont Street is blocked off in front of LAHS Museum for this event featuring craft vendors, fall treats, homemade cakes and musical entertainment.
Long Grove Apple Fest (Long Grove)Featuring music, carriage rides, hayrides, kids' activities and plenty of apple treats. Oct. 2-4.
Long Grove Oktoberfest (Long Grove)Fest features ethnic food and beverage, dancing, traditional German entertainment, carriage rides, pumpkin decorating and a variety of kids' activities.
Midway Village and Museum Scarecrow Harvest Festival (Rockford)Families can build their own scarecrow with straw provided free. Bring old clothes to stuff, or purchase clothes and accessories. Activities include traditional harvest crafts and activities, ...
North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show (Tinley Park)Event is an exhibition and sale of many breeds of exotic and pet-friendly reptiles, as well as supplies for pet owners. Event also includes educational talks on various aspects of reptiles. Oct. ...
Pinball Expo 2009 (Wheeling)Pinball exposition features exhibitors, seminars and speakers. Kids' arts and crafts session on Saturday. View complete schedule at Web site. Oct. 14-18.
Punkin' Chuckin (Morton)Watch as participants use their homebuilt machines to hurl pumpkins as far as possible. Visit Web site for details. Oct. 17-18.
Ravenswood ArtWalk (Chicago)This event encompasses more than 50 venues and the artwork of over 150 artists in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Located on Ravenswood Avenue between Lawrence and Cornelia Avenues, the event ...
Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival (Waukegan)Stories will included excerpts from Hamlet, The Turn of the Screw and some favorites by Ray Bradbury. Also find out more about the ghosts of Genesee Theater. Tickets are available at the theater box ...
Spooktacular Downtown Plainfield (Plainfield)Bring the kids to Historic Downtown Plainfield for a day of Fall & Halloween fun. Enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, pumpkin painting and hayrides. Oct. 24.
Spooky Pooch Parade (Glencoe)Dogs are allowed in the Botanic Graden for two hours only for a canine Halloween costume parade. The event includes parade, judging and awards. Nonprofits and vendors will be on hand with information ...
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival (St. Charles)See giant scarecrows and live entertainment during this annual festival. Enjoy free activities including a storytelling tent, local talent show, petting zoo, model railroad exhibit, carnival and ...
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival (Sycamore)Festival features thousands of decorated pumpkins on display, food booths, carnival, parade, fun fair and entertainment. Check the Web site for schedule of events and times. Oct. 21-25.
The Eli's Cheesecake Festival (Chicago)Feast on cheesecake and enjoy live music, games, kiddie rides, classic car show (on Sunday), cheesecake eating contests and samples. Oct. 3-4.
The Hair Razor Haunted House (Chicago)Prepare to be scared for 3 weekends in October. This is a scary event, appropriate for kids 12 and up. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No-scare days with lights on and candy treats for ...
Trail of History (Ringwood)Living history interpretive event features interpreters portraying life as it was from 1670-1850 in the former Northwest Territory. Event includes activities for visitors, including prairie games and ...

For all On-line .com shoppers

Freeshipping.org offers different free shipping coupon codes each week to a variety of major retailers!

The best things in life are free!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Deal of the Day

Tuesday's Deal of the Day!

$1 tacos and $4 margaritas at WestEnd Bar & Grill 1326 W. Madison Street

Loitering for a Reason

The article in today's Red Eye Loitering for a Reason caught my attention and I wanted to share some of it and also ask some questions......

How and some Uptown neighborhood residents plan to take back their streets. A brawl broke out on the corner in the Uptown area involving a group of you men, drawing police and emergency vehicles.

So, a group of residents got together on Friday night and united for positive loitering because they are sick of the gangs, the drug dealers, and the prostitutes.

“Experts say tactics such as positive loitering are indeed effective as long as residents can keep up the momentum and stay committed. In many cases of violence, such as the fatal fight near Fenger High School on Sept. 24, residents are left feeling vulnerable and powerless. When they work together, the experts say, they can regain a sense of control over their neighborhoods.

Chicago’s community policing director, Phillip Hampton, said “Absolutely it works. It is both prevention and intervention. It also allows residents to feel empowered against crime.”

Do you think this will help combat violence in their neighborhood? Do you think this would work in neighborhoods that are high crime areas?

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Its You, Not It!

Yes, You read it right, Its YOU not It! You control your day from beginning to end everyday. It all starts when you first wake up in the morning.

If you woke up with a woe as me attitude, another day of the grind, here I go again, oh my goodness there is so much to do and so little time, state of mind chances are you will get out of today the same thing you got out of yesterday, a day filled with “bad luck”, unfortunate experiences, dread, unhappiness etc.

Why? Because you have already set your mind that you can’t do something and that it won’t be a good day. Then when someone cuts you off in traffic, you break your heel, your kids are just unruly and don’t want to get dressed; the first thing that comes to your mind is I knew today was going to be a bad day!

Instead, I encourage you to wake up with thanksgiving and gratitude, taking time to clear your mind and just confess that Today will be a great day. If by chance and obstacle comes your way, I dare you to say in spite of IT, I am still going to have a great day!

Of course, it won’t change what happened but then again if it has already happened, you can’t change it anyway! What you can do is control how you respond and react to the obstacles that you face today. Vent, get angry, complain, pout and fuss if you want to for 15 minutes after that let it go, don’t bring it up again, talk or think about it. Time is the most precious resource that doesn’t regenerate, once gone you can’t get it back.

So if your day started out “wrong” or is going back, check yourself because after all Its You, Not It!/em>>

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

EVENT CANCELLED - MTV Anti-Violence Something's Wrong Video Shoot/Community Rally - October 20, 2009

On Tuesday, October 20th, 2009, (shoot time starts at 6:00am) at Georges Music Room, 3915 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago Public School students, community organizations, churches and activists will gather together to unite and advocate for non-violence within the community as well as use the hip-hop art form as a catalyst for change and a platform for youth to engage in community activism.

Local Chicago celebrities and artists including Twista, Malik Yusef, Naledge, Tiffany of Bad Girls Club, J-Niice (B-96), Leon Rogers (WGCI), The Cool Kids, Crucial Conflict, along with MTV host Sway will attend the rally/ video shoot in support of the community and song. Along with partnering with major brands, artist & celebrities, MTV has also made a Commitment to video;

Not Another Monday

Not Another Monday!

If you are like most people, you wake up on Monday morning thinking not again...I have to go back to work. Upon arriving it seems that all of your co-workers have the Monday morning blues and are already counting down to Friday and thinking about the weekend.

Whether you woke up this morning employed, underemployed, self-employed, or unemployed. You woke up this morning! That is enough to be thankful and grateful for. Life may not be all that you want it to be but you have yet another day to get closer to where you want to be.

I encourage you to approach this day and everday with optimisim, enthusiasm, and joy no matter what your current situation or circumstance! You will soon find that when your outlook changes, you will change and even if your situation doesn't change you will be changing into a better person!

Yes its Monday and this will be a GREAT DAY!

Welcome

Welcome to Epiphany Essentials blog,

Epiphany is an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure; Essential is something of the utmost importance.

This blog was created and exists to E-nspire, E-nform, E-ncourage and E-ngage women of all ages. To provide a platform for women to share their stories of struggle, pain, and success in the hopes that it will encourage another woman to be her best.

Epiphany Essentials desires to create a network of successful professional women and entreprenuers in Chicago and begin a referral service within the network. With this each month EE will spotlight a woman that you should know.

Each day you will be E-nspired and E-ncouraged by a word of the day, a testimony, an uplifting message.

You will be E-nformed of things happening in the Chicagoland area and beyond.

You will be E-ngaged through polls, questions, and hot topics....

Keep up with us on Facebook and become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Chicago-IL/Epiphany-Essentials/157878129813

It is our hope that you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy doing it! Comments and feedback are welcome and encouraged.

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials