THANK YOU POWER

November 25, 2009

Thank You Power

Rachel Olsen

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Devotion:

In my (part-time) job as a university teacher, I'm frequently reading research. I know ... it sounds as dry as an over-cooked turkey. Sometimes it is but often I find interesting stuff in that scientific prose. For example, I read about a study that showed just how great it is to be grateful.

The researchers found that grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, more satisfaction with life, and more vitality and optimism. All good qualities I want more of in my life. They also found grateful people show lower levels of depression and stress - two things I'd like to experience less in my life.

What's more, they found that people who write weekly in a journal about things they are thankful for are healthier. They exercise more regularly, report fewer physical symptoms, and feel better in general than people who journal about neutral or negative life events. That sounds great, and I'll take all the help I can get in the exercise department.

Finally, the research showed that people who daily count their blessings report higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, and energy. Wow, the benefits of being grateful are remarkable and many! I guess that shouldn't surprise me after considering today's key verse. The Bible urges us to give thanks ... all the time ... in every situation ... because this practice is the will of God.

Thank You Power, gratefulness can affect your health and more importantly your life. What do you choose? You have choices in life everyday that you wake up you have something to be grateful for. If you do not believe, then maybe you should!

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

EPIPHANY ESSENTIALS WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES A HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

I PRAY THAT DURING THIS TIME YOU ARE ABLE TO REFLECT ON ALL YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - TUESDAYS

404 Wine Bar 2852 N Southport
$15 build your own flights, $15 flight of the month

Aberdeen 1856 W North Ave
1/2 price bottles of wine

Gaslight Bar & Grille 2426 N Racine
$5 wine glasses

Hunt Club 1100 N State Street
1/2 price bottles of wine

Theory 9 W. Hubbard
$6 select wine glasses

Swirl Wine Bar 111 W. Hubbard
$3 wine tastings, $10 wine flights

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

FAITH TUESDAY'S - BLESSED & HIGHLY FAVORED

"Clark Sisters Lyrics"
"Blessed and Highly Favored"

He brought me through hard trials He brought me through tribulations Never let a day go by and not realize Had not been for the Lord who was on my side
Back was against the wall He looked out for me He heard my cry and rescued me Never let a day go by and not realize we are blessed
Don't take it for granted that we are here today Just know that we're blessed and highly favored Just know that we're blessed and highly favored

As I look back through the years,It's amazing how He kept me.
What the devil meant for evil, God turned it around, Turned it around just for my good.
I know that I am blessed and highly favored. Just know that we're blessed and highly favored.
Vamp 1: It coulda' been me, It shoulda' been me, It woulda' been me if it wasn’t for the blood.
Grace, mercy. Grace, mercy.
Just know that we're blessed and highly favored, just know that we're blessed and highly favored

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Epiphany Essentials

COMPASSION IN ACTION

Yesterday I attend 10A service at my church and we had a great worship and praise experience. The spirit was truly permeating through the people on yesterday so much so that the Pastor did not even preach a sermon. Nevertheless as a church we uniformly exhibited compassion in action.

Before the choir sang the director blessed one of the choir members with $50. She'd lost her job on a Friday, had an interview the next Monday and was offered a new job (Our Heavenly Father is good!). She spoke to the choir during choir rehearsal and just expressed how she was down to her last few dollars. The choir director was led by the spirit to give and he obeyed. Afterwards he laid $50 at the feet of our Pastor. Immediately my aunt was in her purse pulling out money had walked up to the Pastor and laid the money before his feet as well. One by one the majority of the church body began laying money at the feet of the pastor out of love, compassion and thankfulness of all that he gives and does for us in the name of the Heavenly Father, Yahweh. Pastor hugged everyone that gave. This moment led the Pastor to tears. Simultaneously while this was going on the choir director was speaking the word, people were praying, praising, and thanking God spending time worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

After Pastor got himself together he approached the pulpit and expressed that the sermon had already went forth. Then he asked for single mothers who were having a hard time feeding and providing for their families a Thanksgiving meal to come to the alter. He blessed those families with a monetary gift so that they could experience the joys of Thanksgiving and proclaimed "if we eat, they eat!" "If one of us eats, all of us eats!" Hallelujah. Then the Pastor asked for a man that wanted to do something nice for his wife and just didn't have the means to do it. He wanted to bless that man with enough money to buy his woman some nice flowers and take her out for a nice dinner. It took awhile for a man to come forward but one did and the Pastor reached into his own pocket and gave.

We are blessed to be a blessing. We are not blessed to hoard our blessings and keep them for ourselves. We should not have an I am only worried about me and mine mentality. Pastor mentioned the Parable of the Good Samaritan and how even the priests and holy people saw a man stripped, beaten, and laid for dead and did absolutely nothing, his own brethren saw him and did nothing, yet not only a stranger but aN "enemy" saw him in need and met the need.

It is time for compassion in action when you see a need that you can meet, do it! Wheter you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Agnostic, Atheist, etc. it doesn't matter if you see a need that you can meet, do it! Financially, Spirituality, Mentality, Time however you can meet the need, Just Do It!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - MONDAY'S

Blue Frog Bar & Grill 676 N La Salle Street
$.25 wings (4P)

Brownstone Tavern & Grill 3937 N Lincoln Ave
$10 rib platter with beverage purchase

Sidebar Grille 221 N La Salle St.
$5 Bacardi Limon bombs, half-price appetizers

Half-Price Chicago
Its time you saved 50% off Chicago Restaurants & Experiences www.half-pricechicago.com

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

FAITH FRIDAY'S - IN MY NAME (JUST ASK)

I'll give you peace, when the storm is raging.

I'll be your light when the road ahead seems dim.I have the power.

Just put your trust in me.

Anything you need, have faith indeed.

Just ask, Just ask In my name Just ask, Just ask in my name

I am the Lord, I can move all mountains

I'll be your strength, when you're weary, weak and torn

Believe in my promise. cast all your cares upon me

Anything you need, have faith indeed.

Just ask, Just ask In my name Just ask, Just ask in my name

Chorus

In my name all things are possible

I'm able to do the impossible

In my name all can come boldly before me

Yes in my name

I am the father, Just put your trust in me

Anything you need, have faith indeed

just ask, just ask in my name Just ask, just ask

Chorus

There is power Power in the name (repeat 2X) joy, in the name (repeat 2x) love, in the name (repeat 2x)

I've got peace, in the midst of the storm.

I've got peace in the name.I've got joy in my name.

I've got love, its all in the name.

If your looking for love its all in the name. Just ask in my name

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - FRIDAY'S

Bar Celona 3474 N.Clark Street
$5 Bacardi bombs, $5 Paninis

Bull & Bear 431 N Wells Street
Half-price appetizers and mini-sandwich trios 3 -6P

High Dive 1938 W. Chicago
$5 Maker's Mark, $5 Burger with fries

McFadden's 1206 N State Pkwy
$1 Land Shark drafts, half-price quesidillas and nachos

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

As the holiday approaches and you are preparing to celebrate with your family, friends, and loved ones. I encourage you to think of those that do not have family, friends, and loved ones that are near and dear to them. I encourage you to think about the families and people who live in shelters, that may be homeless, or simply don't have the means to provide a turkey let alone the type of traditional Thanksgiving meal we are all used to.

As you ponder those things I encourage you to meditate and think about how you could be a blessing to someone else during the holiday season. While this is a joyous time for some this is also a time of pain, hurt, despair, and loneliness for others.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

THANKFUL THURSDAY

As Thanksgiving approaches I think of all the things that I am thankful for. On FaceBook someone sent a post around that said to post daily what you are thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is on the 26th I am going to write 26 things that I am thankful for. I encourage you to do the same as well, because when we reflect on all the things that we have that we are grateful it will hopefully lessen some of your worries and concerns and fill you with some sort of happiness and joy!
I am thankful:

1. for my understanding of God, that there is a Higher Power and have experienced in my life
2. for my peace of mind
3. that I am a generally happy person
4. for the values my mother and father instilled in me
5. that I am a leader and not a follower
6. for a roof over my head
7. for clothes on my back
8. for food to eat
9. for a reliable car that I have had for almost 10 years (great investment!)
10. for my health
11. for my intelligent son
12. for a place of employment
13. for the love and support I receive from my family
14. for the ability to read and comprehend
15. that I have the activity of all my limbs
16. that all my senses are intact and working
17. to have great friends
18. for my ability to think independently and use it
19. that I have a great hair stylist
20. that I love and know myself
21. for all the bad/uncomfortable experiences that have and are shaping me
22. that I decided to just do it and started my blog
23. for a great Pastor who delivers the Word of God so that I can apply it to my life
24. to have an aunt & uncle that have been married 37 years, it gives me hope
25. that I had a chance to travel overseas
26. Life!

Well, those are my 26, what are yours?

Be a blessing and be blessed!

Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - THURSDAY'S

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

The Underground and Akira present 56 W. Illinois
Chicago Prep Fashion Show Tonight November 19
Door open at 10p comp admission b4 11p
Must RSVP to VIP@rockitranch.com

Be a blessing and be blessed!
Epiphany Essentials

PARENTS - EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

It is amazing sometimes how much children are just like or a lot like their parents. As parents we don't realize no matter how young are old, are children are watching us and learning behaviors from us. Children can take on their parents strengths, weaknesses, fears, worries, bad/good habits etc. As parents we often times don't realize what lessons we are teaching our children simply through are actions. It is not enough to say do as I say not as I do. That may work sometimes, usually when they are young, but we must keep in mind that we are leaving impressions in our children's minds based on our actions. As the saying goes actions speak louder than words.

With that said our children also learn from the world and people around them, they ultimately have to make the choice, especially as the near adulthood what type of person they choose to be. They should examine what things we as parent taught them that were good and should be kept as well as things that should be left behind.

I was blessed to have a mother who entered corporate America in her early twenties which allowed her to meet and work with people that exposed her to new experiences. Now I must give my grandmother credit she believed in taking her children and grandchildren to the different museums, zoos etc in Chicago as well as taking her children on trips downtown to show them there was life outside of their neighborhoods. My mother was reading by the time she was 4 years old. My grandmother was also a strong proponent of education, reading, and being wise with finances. She also was wise enough to send my uncle down to a neighbors house a sort of mentoring because the neighbor was a great husband and took great care of his family. As a young boy my uncle probably doesn't know why he was forced to visit that family often. Nevertheless my uncle has been married for 37 years and he is a great husband, father, man! My grandparents did not have much money, they were raising 5 children in Rockwell projects but they did instill values, standards, and placed expectations on their childern. They used the resources that they had to give their childern the best they knew how!

My mother embraced that concept and expanded upon it thanks to her involvement with people different from herself. By networking and socializing with her co-workers it opened up the door to choices in education and different activities for her children to be involved in and allowed her to follow through on them. My sister and I never attended a neighborhood school, not that all neighborhood schools are not up to par however the majority of neighborhood schools in Chicago are not quality schools!

My mother also made sure I explored/tried a variety of things. I took ballet and jazz lessons, along with piano, tennis, golf, gymnastics. Not all simultaneously of course but over the course of my childhood. I spent a summer or two attending Metro for girls. I also went to the Illinois Math and Science Academy to participate in a program there. While attending Providence St. Mel School I studied abroad in Switzerland and Paris (all my parents had to provide me with was spending money!).

I in no way turned out to be the perfect model child but I thank my mother and as I looked back she provided me with everything she knew how to prepare me to enter into this world as prepared and equipped as possible. After my mother did all she could I exercised choice and my free will and made decisions for my life. As parents we must understand that our children will not do everything we want or think they should do nevertheless as parents we should give them as much as they can in order for them to grow into independent, self-sufficient thinkers.

I say all this to say we can blame the "man" we can blame the "system" we can blame the "quality of the schools" are children attend or we can take a long hard look at ourselves to determine if we have done our best!

There are tons of programs/associations/groups/projects out there that can assist you whether you are living below or above the poverty line, middle income etc.

Here are some examples:

Junior Achievement www.ja.org (US)
T.Y.E (Tomorrow's Young Entrepreneur's) http://www.tyentrepreneur.com/ (Illinois)
Youth Entrepreneur Camp http://www.aaceryec.org/ (Georgia)
Metro/Midtown http://www.midtown-metro.org/Metro/ (Chicago)
Future Business Leaders of America http://www.fbla-pbl.org/ (US)
4-H Clubs http://4-h.org/ (US)

This is just a start their are programs offered at your local libraries, colleges, volunteer programs that your children can be involved in not-for-profit etc.

Be the change that you want to see in the world. That change starts with you, your home, and then you going out and helping someone who cannot help themselves or needs some assistance.

Be a blessing and be blessed!
Epiphany Essentials

THINGS TO DO AROUND CHICAGO

School of the Art Institute of Chicago 112 S. Michigan Ave (FREE ADMISSION)
2nd Annual Holiday Art Sale Friday, November 20th 11a-7p and Sat, Nov. 21st 11a-5p

Kasia's Bridal 6043 W. Irving Park Road
Friday, November 27th - Sunday November 29th doors open at 9A
Huge Designer Gown Sale!

House of Blues 329 N Dearborn
Every Sunday Gospel Brunch 10a & 12:30P

Ice Skating Millennium Park 55 N. Michigan Ave
$10 Skate Rental opens Friday, November 20th

Be a blessing and be blessed!
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - WEDNESDAYS

Halsted's Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted
$5.95 turkey burgers

The Cedar Hotel 1112 N. State
Two-for-one appetizers

Brownstone Tavern & Grill 3937 N Lincoln Ave
$5 all you can eat wings with drink purchase

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

Yesterday a couple of my friends expressed their state of unhappiness, one even said that she was depressed, another friend as I spoke to her told me that Happiness is a choice, I asked her what did she choose and she said I choose whatever.

Happiness is a choice so if you are generally a happy person, an unhappy person or find yourself in a state of depression you made the choice to be there. Do not misunderstand me or think that I am just being mean. I understand things in life happen, you don't get the job that you want, your relationships aren't what you want or thought they should be, your children whom you welcomed into the world are now driving you up a wall, nothing in your life ever seem to go right, no matter how hard you try you end up with the short end of the stick. Completely understood.

Nevertheless none of those things should have the ability to take away your personal joy or happiness. Now don't get me wrong you don't have to walk around with a smile on your face always in a good mood. We are all human and there will be times that we become sadden or unhappy. However, you have the choice of whether to dwell there and make it a permanent resident or to just visit from time to time here and there.

The choice is yours. That new job, car, accesory, article of clothing, shopping trip, etc. will make you temporarily happy in the moment. However, once you get it and the thrill wears off you will be back to your unhappy self.

Nothing outside of you can keep or make you happy for an extended period of time. You determine your happiness and your state of being.

My life is far, far, far, far from ideal nevertheless I wake up everyday happy. The fact that I am alive gives me joy! Each day I choose to be happy and let nothing or no one steal my joy. They didn't give it to me and I will be darned if they take it away.

As I spoke with the friend that said happiness is a choice and she chooses whatever, it saddened me. I wish that people especially women could experience the happiness I feel just by waking up, being alive, looking at my son knowing all is well with him. I wish that for the beautiful, strong, talented, loving women in my life. As I spoke to my friend that is when she told me happiness was a choice and in essence she was telling me there was nothing I could do.

That is one of the reason why I blog. It is not for me, it is in the hope that something I write or share from someone else will help just one person move toward becoming a better, happier them and in helping others I am in turn helping myself.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

UPCOMING EVENTS - THINGS TO DO

Queen Latifah Introduces Queen by Queen Latifa
Macy's on State Street, Saturday, November 28th 3P

Adler Planetarium (every Third Thursday) Enjoy the Night for those 21+
www.adlerplanetarium.org

Shopping Tuesdays with Steve Kemble, Today, Tuesday, November 17th 6 - 9P
Fashion Show at 7p Level 2

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - TUESDAYS (WINE SPECIALS)

404 Wine Bar 2852 N Southport
$15 build your own flights, $15 flight of the month

Aberdeen 1856 W North Ave
1/2 price bottles of wine

Gaslight Bar & Grille 2426 N Racine
$5 wine glasses

Hunt Club 1100 N State Street
1/2 price bottles of wine

Theory 9 W. Hubbard
$6 select wine glasses

Swirl Wine Bar 111 W. Hubbard
$3 wine tastings, $10 wine flights

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

MAKE IT HAPPEN

"Good morning. When all is said and done... Don't let more be said than done!"
God is Love Rev Run

Whatever it is that you want out of life or you desire to have start doing what it takes to make it happen. Surround yourself with people that have what you want, surround yourself with positive, motivated, ambitious people that are doers. Go for whatever it is you want don't simply talk about it take action!

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Magnificent Mile 2009 18th Annual Lights Festival
Saturday, November 21
www.TheMagnificentMile.com

John Mayer Battle Studios World Tour with Special Guest Michael Franti & Spearhead
Saturday, April 10th
Advance tickets go on-sale today thru Friday for American Express card holders
www.americanexpress.com/entertainment

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - MONDAY'S

Blue Frog Bar & Grill 676 N LaSalle Street
$.25 wings (4P)

Brownstone Tavern & Grill 3937 N Lincoln Ave
$10 rib platter with beverage purchase

Sidebar Grille 221 N LaSalle St.
$5 Bacardi Limon bombs, half-price appetizers

Half-Price Chicago
Its time you saved 50% off Chicago Restaurants & Experiences
half-pricechicago.com

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Epiphany Essentials

FAITH FRIDAY'S - THE STRUGGLE IS OVER

Wherever you are

Whatever you've been going through

God says the struggle is over for you

You've been in this place long enough

And your mountainside has been rough

The struggle is over for you

Wherever you are

Whatever you've been going through

God says the struggle is over for you

You've been in this place long enough

And your mountainside has been rough

The struggle is over for you

The struggle is over

The struggle is over for you

The struggle is over

The struggle is over for you

The struggle is over

The struggle is over for you

The struggle is over

The struggle is over for you

Your heartache is over

Your heartache is over

Your heartache is over

Your heartache is over

The trouble is over

The trouble is over

The trouble is over

The trouble is over

Your struggle is over

Your struggle is over

Your struggle is over

Your struggle is over

Your struggle is over for you

You've been in this place long enough

And your mountainside has been rough

The struggle is over for you

I've been in this place long enough

And my mountainside has been rough

The struggle is over for me

You've been in this place long enoughA

nd your mountainside has been roughThe struggle is over for you

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

DAILY DEAL - FRIDAY'S

Bar Celona and Grill 3474 N Clark Street
$5 Bacardi martinis and $5 panini's

Dirty Martini 23 W. Hubbard
$10 Ultimate vodka martini's

Union Park 228 S. Racine
$5 Absolut martinis, half-price entrees

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

All Stars Project of Chicago - VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION HELPING CHICAGO YOUTH

All Stars Project, Inc (ASP) is a nationally-recognized, independently funded nonprofit organization bringing an innovative model of development to inner-city youth. The ASP seeks to empower and engage young people through a unique performance based approach.

I met the Director of ASP Chicago, David Cherry, last night during a volunteer information session. I learned during that session that ASP is heavily volunteer driven. David Cherry is the only paid staff person in Chicago all other positions are held by volunteers.

ASP believes that life is a performance. Whatever it is you do, you are performing. ASP Chicago was launched in 2007, currently offers tow outside-of-school programs for youth on the city's South and West sides.

All Stars Talent Show Network, young people 5-25 have the opportunity to produce and perform in talent shows within their own communities.

Development School for Youth (ages 16-21) learn the "performance" of the business world through workshops and internships sponsored by members of Chicago's business community.

Students attend a 10-week session of workshops on resume writing, professionalism etc at downtown business offices conducted by professional lawyers, accountants etc. After graduating from the session students are placed in a summer paid internship. The goal is not to steer students toward a career path but simply to expose them to the business world and allow them to learn how to present themselves, speak, and behave in the professional world.

This is a great program. ASP started off in the Bronx, NY over 20 years ago.

To learn more about the organization please visit www.allstars.org if you are interested in volunteering you can contact Julie Lenner 312-360-0660 jlenner@allstars.org

(this info came from a handout and information presented to myself at the information session!)

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

YOU ARE A PHENOMENAL WOMAN

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret liesI'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's sizeBut when I start to tell them They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes And the flash of my teeth, The swing of my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can't see. I say It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, The palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

from And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

Be a blessing and be blessed!,

Epiphany Essentials

Desegregation of Chicago Public Schools - New Admissions Policies

My son is 4 years old and I have decided to put him in kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year. As I began searching the CPS website www.cps.edu I learned that the desegregation order of the Chicago Public Schools has been lifted as the courts felt that CPS had acted in good faith while under the order and no longer needs it.


Magnet schools, Consent Decree
In 1980, the Chicago Board of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a desegregation consent decree which, among other things, required CPS to implement a voluntary desegregation plan designed to create and maintain as many racially integrated schools as possible. CPS utilized a variety of methods, including magnet schools, as a means to achieve this goal.

On September 24, 2009, the Court determined that CPS achieved “unitary status.” This essentially means that the District demonstrated substantial, good-faith compliance with the desegregation mandates of the Consent Decree, to the extent practicable, so that the remnants of past discrimination have been eliminated and judicial oversight is no longer warranted. This returns control of all school admissions processes to CPS. Given the current legal landscape, it also means that CPS may not continue to use race as an admission criteria in a formulaic manner.

“The court has held that Chicago Public Schools are in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the United States in the District’s efforts to achieve unitary status, " said CPS CEO Ron Huberman. Read the complete statement from CEO Huberman about the SACD termination. (http://www.cps.edu/Pages/MagnetSchoolsConsentDecree.aspx )


This is only in effect for the most competitive schools. Instead of using race as the key criterion socioeconomic status will be used. In the hopes that CPS will maintain racial integration while enhancing economic integration. The district is only putting this into effect for 1 year after which time the results will be assessed. (RedEye)

With the gentrification that has happened on the West Side of Chicago near the Madison/Western area now called the West Loop and with more housing developments ranging in the upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars within the city. It seems the city is saying that they most wealthy or well-off will have first picks at some of Chicago's most competitive schools.


I attended Mark T. Skinner Classical School formerly located at 111 S. Throop. As the neighborhood began to change over the past 10 years and people began purchasing condos they were outraged that their children could not simply attend the school. As a Classical School all students must be tested for entry. Those homeowners felt that their tax dollars earned their children the right to go to whatever school they pleased. It seems as if the dollars, I mean requests, have been answered.


Your thoughts?


Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Thursdays

Reggies Music Joint 2105 S. State Street
Half-price burgers and sandwiches with fries, $4 bombs and Malibu cocktails

Lucky Number Grill 1931 N Milwaukee
$4 wings bucket, $6 wings and domestic beer combo, $1 mini burgers

404 Wine Bar 2852 N Southport
$15 build your own flights

Bowman's 4356 N Leavitt
Half price shots, 30 cent wings (minimum 10 wings and 1 drink)

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Lessons We Teach Our Children

This morning my son decided that he wanted to take a Popsicle for everyone at the day care including the provider and her husband. So he went to the freezer and begin pulling out Popsicles. Instantly a thought popped into my head if you take all of those Popsicles to school there won't be many left for you to eat. Before I spoke the words however a voice said to me its OK, he is sharing.

Now, keep in mind I just blogged yesterday about being a blessing in order to be blessed. And I asked myself why did I even think to say to my son oh maybe you should think before giving away your Popsicles about what you will have left for yourself.

I can surely buy him a new box when he runs out and there is nothing wrong with him sharing and I sincerely believe that you must give to receive. I am just glad this morning I was able to put my beliefs into action. I can blog all day about what I should do and what others should do yet it means nothing if I don't actually do it!

So when we arrived at the daycare I told my son that is very nice of him to share his Popsicles with his friends. Sharing is a good thing.

We can have fundamental beliefs on certain topics and situations. Nevertheless, when placed in a situation that causes us to act will our fundamental beliefs manifest or our own selfish desires and motives?

As a mother while I am teaching my child lessons it is good to know that I am learning from him at the same time.

To sum it up, practice what you preach because you are your child's first teacher!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Wednesday's

42 Degrees N Latitude 4500 N Lincoln Ave
Buy one entree, get one free 5-10P

Butterfly Social Club 722 W. Grand
Butterfly Theater. Free movies, pizza, and popcorn 9P-2A

Le Passage & The Drawing Room 937 N Rush Street
20% discount on food and $10 gift certificate fod for a return visit

Wabash Tap 1233 S. Wabash Ave
$5 pulled pork sandwiches with fries

The Tasting Room 1415 W. Randolph Street
$5 fall cocktails, half price flat bread

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

10 WAYS TO STEP YOUR MOM GAME UP - YOLANDA SANGWENI (ESSENCE.com)

Every mom wants to be the best parent possible. But the trick is realizing that there’s no universal script. It’s always about trying new ideas here and there. Here are 10 savvy ways to make sure you and your child are growing in the best possible ways. -Yolanda Sangweni

Share your thoughts and dreams
Let them see (and know) that mom still has her own dreams outside of those she has for her children. By sharing, you’re also encouraging and giving them the power to dream.

Be on top of your game
Whether trying to lose weight or saving money, the more you’re on top of your goals the happier you’ll be, and your children will see it. More often than not they’ll mimic your actions.

Get web savvy
This doesn’t mean “friend” your child on Facebook necessarily, but don’t let the generation gap get so far apart that you’re not aware of their online presence. Even Google them once in a while to make sure of their safety.

Expose them to different types of success
Let them know monetary success isn’t the only kind available. Whether it’s a local chef or painter, reach out to various people who can demonstrate that the NBA isn’t the only route to success.

Have your own outlet
A good book, a night out with girlfriends; anything that nourishes your spirit.
Talk about money
The point is to teach children how to budget and save; a skill that will last them a lifetime. You may not be so good at it yourself so this might be the time to learn together.

Be open to communication
Gone are the days when children were to be seen and not heard. Having an open-door policy lets your child know you can switch up from “mom” to confidante.

Teach them about faith and spirituality
From an early age, children have all kinds of philosophical questions and church should not be the only place they learn about faith and spirituality. Have an open dialogue about their beliefs, and yours.

Go on a date
Let your children show you their world once in while. It will give you an idea of what makes them happy.

Laugh…a lot
Always find the lightness in the situation. It’s been said that children laugh about 150 times a day and adults about 15. Guess who’s happier?

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials
E-ncouraging, E-nspiring, E-nforming, E-ngaging, and E-mpowering Women!

Be a Blessing and Be Blessed

There are a lot of people in the world that say they are blessed and/or are expecting to be blessed and receive blessings.


Some of us struggle in certain areas, we want to receive but we do not want to give. We want others to do for us but we don't want to do anything for anybody else. We do not want to offer our time, money or resources to others yet we are expecting and waiting on something.


Some feel they do not have anything to give. If you can put a smile on your face and open your mouth and say please and thank you, you have something to give. Those acts alone can bless someone in a way that you never imagined.


In America we have a me and mine mentality. One rapper said I gotta get mine you gotta get yours. Why is it that we cannot get ours together? There is not one person on the face of this earth that became successful on their own. There is the saying I scratch your back and you scratch mine that is fine in certain circumstances but that should not be the only time that you choose to do something for someone else.


When one gives glady, from their heart without any pretenses or expectations they shall receive their just reward. The bible says in Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.


So in order to reap you must first sow. In order to receive you must first give. In order to be blessed, be a blessing.


Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

UPCOMING FASHION EVENTS

Fashion Cafe Chicago Cultural Center 77 E. Randolph Street November 12 5-8P Free

Shop menswear clothing and accessories. Ladies can find the perfect gift for the great man in their life!

Glitter a holiday shopping event at Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, Thursday, December 3rd 11-8P

This event will include special items, sales and original fashions by Chicago designers and boutiques.

Support your local designers and boutiques and enjoy one-stop shopping.

for more information visit www.chicagofashionresource.com

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Tuesdays

The Beer Bistro 1061 W Madison
$2 burgers, $4 draft of the month

Cleos 1935 W Chicago Ave
$6.99 half-slab baby back ribs with fries and coleslaw

High Dive 1938 W Chicago Ave
$.25 wings, $4 Absolut cocktails

Juniors Sports Lounge 724 W Maxwell
$1 burgers with beverage purchase 5-7P

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on Him and trust in Him. On Sunday in service my Pastor said that God puts you in the opposite situation that you pray for to develop you and allow you to acquire the skills needed. So if you pray for peace you will be placed in chaotic situations and you must find or be the peace in that situation to develop peace in your life.

The Word doesn't say that everything in your life will be peaceful it states to keep your mind on God and He will keep you in perfect peace.

So whatever situation you are facing on today, take time to go to God in prayer even in the midst of the situation, meditate on His Word, trust that He is in control of the situation and that you will have the victory no matter what.

So if you are looking for peace in your life and feel that you have yet to find it, go to the nearest mirror for you are the only one keeping yourself from the peace you desire. We cannot control what others do, say, think, or feel, we can only control how we react to the situation.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Mondays

Orvleto 2200 N Ashland Ave (Inside Green Dolphin)
$5 10-inch pizzas

Aberdeen 1856 W. North Ave
$5 burger baskets

District Bar 170 W. Ontario
Half-price margaritas and appetizers

Mahoney's Pub & Grill 551 N Ogden Ave
$7 all you can eat taco bar, $3 Cuervo and Cuervo flavored shots

Tumbao Bar & Grill 3213 W. Armitage
20 cent wings, 50 cent mini burgers


Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

BLACK ENTERPRISE HOME OWNERSHIP CONTEST EXTENDED*

*Click title link to be directed to BE's website.

Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

FAITH FRIDAY'S - THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

The majority of what we have and don't have is based on our own thoughts and actions. When things don't seem to be going our way or happening in the time frame that we want it to happen we sometimes give up. So we end up with unfinished business - things we've started but didn't complete. This happens over and over again and we find ourselves discouraged thinking I tried but it didn't work out so why even bother. I encourage you today to ensure that you exhaust all possibilities do all that you can and never give up. I encourage you to believe that whatever it is you are looking for or desire to have you shall receive. If it takes, hours, days, weeks, months or years continue to believe and have a spirit of expectancy and faith!

I'm looking for a miracle,I expect the impossible, I feel the intangible, I see the invisible.
I'm looking for a miracle,I expect the impossible, I feel the intangible, I see the invisible.
Chorus: The sky is the limit to what I can have. The sky is the limit to what I can have. The sky is the limit to what I can have.
Just believe and receive it, God will perform it today, yeah, yeah.
Just believe and receive it, God will perform it today. (Clark Sisters 'I'm Looking for a Miracle)

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Fridays (Weekend Events)

Great Tree Lighting Macy's 111 N State Street
today at 12P with Michelle Williams



Chili Cook Off 3258 N Sheffield Ave
Celebrate the season with scores of samples or BYO $15 cover includes buffet and 2 beers



Funky Buddha Lounge
DJ Word spins. Drink specials include $4 vodka cocktails. 9-11P Absolut Mango tasting. No cover with rsvp to rsvp@80babieschicago



Crobar 1543 N Kingsbury
Recession Buster Friday. $1 drinks



The Full Shilling 3724 N Clark Street
$6.99 fish and chips



Mac's 1801 W Division
$8 fish and chips



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

WEEKEND WITH THE KIDS

Chicago Garden Buddies Winter Celebration. Indoor winter garden celebration features winter-themed nature crafts, take-home paintings, stories, games and demonstrations. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. Families with kids 6 and under. $5. Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. (312) 742-5039, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

North Suburbs Native American Program. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the museum and explore the various tribes that lived in Illinois. Play Native American games and create simple crafts such as a clay pinch pot and beaded necklace. 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 for crafts. Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-3994, elkgroveparks.org/museumcampus.asp.

West Suburbs Toy Soldier Show. Meet toy soldier enthusiasts as they display collections of small-scale soldiers and armaments. Items will be for sale and painting techniques will be demonstrated. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free, parking $5, $2 before 10 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

South Suburbs Dutch Oven Cooking. Learn to cook the way the pioneers did, using a Dutch oven, and sample the results. Reservations recommended. 4-6 p.m. Saturday. Kids 12 to adult. $9, $6 resident. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

Indiana Owl Banding in the Dunes. Learn about this amazing new research and education project going on in the dunes. Meet fellow owl fans at the Nature Center auditorium for a look at the tiny saw-whet owl and tour the owl banding nets to see if any owls were caught. Bring flashlights and a warm jacket. 5:30 p.m. Friday. Free. Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton. (219) 926-1390, interpretiveservices.in.gov.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

We Need To Be The Change - Part I

I have been struggling with the state of black America across the US and especially in Chicago where I live. It saddens me how our people are so far behind in two crucial areas, education and economic status. Everyone wants to point fingers at the government, the school system, the parents, the teachers. Lets just say to some extent in a lot of instances no person or entity is doing all that they can do to make the situation better.



As the Christmas season approaches it amazes me each year how many people rush out to buy their children new toys and gadgets yet "little Johnnie" can't read or struggles in math or science. There are so many educational games, websites, toys and avenues that parents can utilize to help their children.



Now there are also some parents who unfortunately just don't know any better, they don't know what to do or where to start. Their resources are limited. That is when those in the know who are more informed need to step in. It is time for us to take care of our own and help one another achieve. It is not enough for a few of us to make it here and there we as black America need to come together and help one another.



Listening to the radio last night Kanye West songs 'All Falls Down' came on and I listened to they lyrics and could only shake my head and say this is so true:



"'Cause they made us hate ourself and love they wealth That's why shorty's hollering, "Where the ballas' at?"Drug dealer buy Jordans, crackhead buy crackAnd a white man get paid off of all a dat"



The majority of Black America does hate themselves that is why women wear weaves, fake nails, fake eyes, relaxers etc. Why we move out of our neighborhoods once we make a little money and become educated. We aspire to elevate ourselves and remove ourselves from the "ghetto" a poor densely populated city district occupied by a minority ethnic group linked together by economic hardship and social restrictions. So in a quest to make it out of the "ghetto" some choose to ball their way out (bball, football etc.) others choose to be ballers ( street pharmacists), some choose to rob and steal, others choose to attach themselves to a baller so he can spend cash on them.



So they drive around in fancy cars wearing expensive clothing and jewelry thinking I have arrived I am not like those who drive old beat up cars and have to shop at Wal-Mart for their clothes!



I worked with a man that made 6 figures a year and received about 7% commission off of his $25 million dollar sales he brought into the company. He purchased a pre-owned vehicle, he shopped at Target for his children's clothes, his children attend a public school system that will pay for them to go to college, and he participated in the Flexible Spending Account for tax purposes. I guarantee he is saving for the future of his children and for his own retirement.


Now one may think well he makes a lot of money. Yes he does make a lot of money and he lives within his means and is not concerned with what TV is saying is the newest it most have fashion trend or concerned with driving the most expensive car just because he can afford.



What I am trying to say is as black America we need to make better choices. We need to start saving for our retirements and our children's future. For the Christians out there the bible tells us in Proverbs to leave an inheritance for our children's children! We need to start loving ourselves just the way we are. We need to start learning the difference between needs and wants. We need to teach our children about money, finances, saving, and investing when they are old enough to start asking for things that cost money! We need to invest more in books and educational things that will stimulate our children's minds then on Xboxes, Nintendo DS's, playstations etc. We are a part of the reason we are behind. There are plenty of free books out there located at your local library branch. We have to start using the tools that are readily available to us and exhaust all of those resources. We have to start taking care of our own and helping those who cannot help themselves.



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials

Charity/Noteworthy Events

Kare for Kids
November 8th, 2009 115 Bourbon Street 3359 West 115th Street Merrionette Park, IL
Tickets $30 for five hours of drinks and buffet. All are welcome, all proceeds go to Kris and Shaun Toborg.

Walk in the Shoes of a Legend
( In support of the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation www.payton34.com )

Cohosted by current and former Chicago Bears players along with the Payton Family

Friday, November 6 7-9P Bull & Bear 431 N Wells, Chicago, IL

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Thursdays

Reggies Music Joint 2105 S. State Street
Half-price burgers and sandwiches with fries, $4 bombs and Malibu cocktails

Lucky Number Grill 1931 N Milwaukee
$4 wings bucket, $6 wings and domestic beer combo, $1 mini burgers

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Start Your Day Right

Everyday that you wake up is a blessing. Despite what your day may hold know that you are already blessed because you are alive with breath in your body which means you still have things to do here on this earth.

Each morning wake up and give thanks for the new day. Get in the practice of waking up with a grateful, expectant attitude.

You would be amazed at how your life can change simply by changing your outlook on it!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Upcoming Concerts

Ghostface Killah, Fashawn 9P House of Blues



U2 July 6, 2010 at Soldier Field, tickets go on sales Monday, November 9th



Tonight, Snoop Dogg at the Congress Theater



Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Wednesdays

Nacional 27 235 W. Huron Street
Snack on complimentary tapas and consider adopting a free potted herb from 5-7P

404 Wine Bar 2852 N Southport Ave
$15 build your own flights

Bull & Bear 431 N Wells Street
1/2 price appertizers 3-6P

Fulton Lounge 955 W. Fulton
$7 fish and chips

J Bar 610 N Rush (Wii Wednesdays)
$2 mini-burgers and play Wii from 6-8P

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

BECOME THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE - VOLUNTEER

Yesterday my FB status was Become the change that you want to see.

On Sunday, my Pastor preached about becoming a doer and not just a hearer of the Word of God. Being a doer of the Word is not just about reading the Word, praying, fellow shipping, and even serving within the church. It goes beyond the walls of the church to your community.

A lot of things have happened this year in Chicago that are mind boggling. As I watch the news and read the newspaper I shook my head thinking about the Youth of today and how lost they seem to be. Well me talking about it is going to do nothing to change the situation.

God will send you just what you need when you need it. Yesterday I asked about volunteer opportunities here and I didn't get any responses. This morning a commercial came on We TV and directed me to http://www.wetv.com/about-vol.html.

Today I have signed up to be an ePal. I also contacted The All Stars Project Organization (poor and low-income children and young adults in Chicago) as well as the Chicago Christian Industrial League (to provide interviewing coaching), and will lastly be contacting the Tap Root Foundation (to provide HR Consulting).

God did not give me talents to keep to myself and those closest to me.

I did my part and took the 1st step and I will let God do the rest!

There are great volunteer opportunities at http://www.wetv.com/about-vol.html just put in your zip code anywhere in the US and opportunities will come up.

This is where I am in my life right now, this is what I was led to do. Do what it is that works best for you just wanted to share.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Do Unto Others

Luke 6:27-31 27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

As Christians we have been commanded to love those whom hate/dislike/talk about/persecute/mistreat us. Why? Because if we only loved the ones who loved us and treated us right we would not be acting in a Christian Christ-like manner.

The hardest thing to do is to treat someone right whom you feel has wronged you. Yet that is exactly what Jesus wants you to do. Even as he was on the cross he said in Luke 23:34 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." As Jesus was in excruciating pain having been whipped, wearing a crown of thorns, having carried his cross He prayed for those who harmed him and asked God to forgive them.

We as Christians have to let our light shine in the midst of darkness and despair. Despite what someone has said or done to us we must if we are Christians continue to treat them with love and not change any of our behavior towards them as that is the Christian thing to do.

We can go to church every Sunday, we can go to church 3 or 4X/week. 1 Corinthians 13
Love 1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

God loved us so much that he gave up his only begotten son for us. Despite how we treat God, what we say to Him, how we use, misuse and abuse us His love for us never changes and never fails. That love is what we need to aspire to toward everyone we come in contact with here on this earth!

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

EE2 - E-nformation (Energy Assistance for Chicagoans)

$1 Million coming for energy help! (From today's RedEye)

Mayor Daley said Monday the city will help low-income residents apply for energy bill assistance, as well as weatherization programs that make homes more energy efficient.

For details call 1-800-571-2332

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Daily Deal - Tuesdays (Cheap Eats and Drink!)

The Beer Bistro 1061 W Madison
$2 burgers, $4 draft of the month

Cleos 1935 W Chicago Ave
$6.99 half-slab baby back ribs with fries and coleslaw

High Dive 1938 W Chicago Ave
$.25 wings, $4 Absolut cocktails

Juniors Sports Lounge 724 W Maxwell
$1 burgers with beverage purchase 5-7P

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

WISDOM FROM THE PSALMS: SELFISHNESS TO SELFLESSNESS

Psalm 131:2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

Thomas got so sick of his sister telling him to grow up and act his age. Sure, he blew his temper sometimes, but so what? Everybody does. Who did she thing she was, telling him to grow up? He was plenty grown-up. It was other people who needed to grow up, not him. Anybody who thought differently just didn't know what he was talking about.
At some point in our lives, we pass from thinking only of ourselves to thinking of others. We become less defensive and more peaceful. We admit when we are wrong, and we affirm others in their opinions. The Apostle Paul says that we must come to a place in our lives where we put aside childish things. Christian maturity comes when we begin to think less of self, more of those around us. There are times in all our lives where the message is clear: We need to grow up.

Prayer:
Help me to grow and mature in my faith, Lord. Turn my attention to the needs of others. Turn my selfishness into selflessness. Amen

* Copyright 2009 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

Do it!

Good morning. There's nothing more draining than putting off a task and knowing that it MUST be done..

God is LoveRev Run

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials

MONEY MATTERS MONDAYS - WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING?

Do You Know Where Your Money is Going?
by Jason Unger on March 30, 2009

http://www.automaticfinances.com/wheres-my-money/

If you're not taking control of your money, chances are you have no clue where it's all going.
Stop me if you've ever said one of these:

How did my account balance get so low?
It doesn't feel like I bought so much stuff this month.
Why does my credit card bill keep getting higher?

The first step to properly managing your money is to know exactly where it's all going!

How to Budget Your Money
http://www.wikihow.com/Budget-Your-Money


Unless you budget your money, you're practically inviting unnecessary debt into your life, and making it impossible to save. These steps will help you figure out what money is supposed to go where so you can control your spending accordingly.


Create a budget every time you get money. For most people, this is once every two weeks. Sometimes it's weekly, sometimes it's monthly. Either way, it's a regular interval, and it's the best time to decide how you're going to spend your money.

Make it a rule that you don't spend any of your paycheck money until you've worked out your budget.

Make a list of all the things you'll need to pay for until the next paycheck, such as:

Rent/mortgage
Utilities
Vehicle payments, insurance, maintenance (e.g. oil changes, tire rotations)
Debt (credit card payments, student loans, doctor's bills)
Gas
Tuition, school supplies
Food/groceries
Health insurance

Anticipate how much you'll need to pay for each and write that amount next to the corresponding item on the list. You can also opt to pay for a fraction of something that isn't going to be due until after the next paycheck. For example, if your rent is $800 due on June 1, you just got paid $700 on May 12, and your next paycheck will be $700 on May 26, it may be wise to set aside $400 from this paycheck for rent so that you only need to take $400 out of your next paycheck to pay for rent.

Add up all of the amounts (we will call this your regular expenses) and subtract it from your paycheck amount. Do you get a negative number? Then you are living way beyond your means. If you have money leftover, split that money up into a few groups:

Flex money. This should be about 10-20% of your regular expenses. It's for if something you need to pay for turns out to be slightly more expensive than you anticipated. This can happen with utilities, or if gas prices suddenly go up, or you get a flat tire.

Savings. Ideally, this should be about 30% of your paycheck, although even 10% (if you do it consistently) is pretty good. Build up enough savings for an emergency fund (about 4-6 times your regular expenses), then start saving money to invest.

Spending money. This is whatever is leftover after you subtract flex money and savings money. It's what you'd spend on things like clothes, eating out, movies, gifts, and anything fun, basically. If you start to cry when you realize how little fun money you have, then you need learn How to Reduce Your Expenses.

Put everything but your spending money out of reach. The easiest way to do this is by leaving everything (except your spending money) in the bank. Withdraw all of your fun money in cash, and leave your debit card (and credit card[s]) at home. Use the cash for anything you want, just make sure you make it last until your next paycheck. You might not want to carry it on you all at once, but having physical cash will help you keep better track of your fun money than using a card.

How to Pay Yourself First
http://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Yourself-First

The phrase "pay yourself first" has become increasingly popular in personal finance and investing circles. Instead of paying all your bills and expenses first and then saving whatever is left over, do the opposite. Set aside money for investing, retirement, college, a down payment, or whatever requires a long-term effort, and then take care of everything else.

Create an account that is separate from all your other accounts. This account should be only for a specified goal, usually saving or investing. If possible, choose an account with a higher interest rate--usually these types of accounts limit how often you can withdraw money, which is a good thing because you're not going to be pulling money out of it, anyway.

Determine how much you want to put into the account and at what interval. For example, you can decide to put in $300 per month, or $150 per paycheck. This will depend on what you intend to do with the money. For example, if you want to put a $20,000 down payment on a home in 36 months (three years), you’ll need to save about $550 per month every month.

Put that money into the account as soon as it is available. If you have direct deposit, have a portion of each paycheck automatically deposited into the separate account. You can also set up an automatic monthly or weekly transfer from your main, active account to your separate account, if you can keep track of your balance enough to avoid overdraft fees. The point is to do this before you spend money on anything else, including bills and rent.

Leave the money alone. Don't touch it. Don't pull money out of it. You should have a separate emergency fund for just that--emergencies. Typically that fund should be enough to cover your for three to six months. Do not confuse an emergency fund with a saving or investing fund. If you find that you don't have enough money to pay your bills, look for other ways to make money or cut expenses. Don't charge them on your credit card (see Warnings below).

Tips
The idea behind paying yourself first is that if you don't, we somehow find ways of spending money until we have very little left. In other words, it's like our expenses "expand" to meet our income. If you cut your income by paying yourself first, your expenses will stay under control. If they don't, be resourceful instead of dipping into your savings.

Warnings
If you become increasingly dependent on credit cards so that you can pay yourself first, then you're missing the point. Why save $20,000 for a down payment while you're racking up $20,000 of debt (and the interest charges that come with it)?

It may be difficult to pay yourself first as outlined above if your financial obligations are urgent, such as if your rent is due or collectors are at your door. Some people believe that you should pay yourself first no matter what, and others believe there's a point at which you should pay others first. Where you draw the line is up to you.

Epiphany Essentials advocates paying God first, then yourself, then your bills...Even if paying God and yourself 1st means saving/giving a $1/check heck even $.25 start somewhere and get into the habit of saving/giving.

Be a blessing and be blessed,
Epiphany Essentials