Day Eight – Cooking Impossible

It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~Nelson Mandela

Yesterday was a busy day! Ooh! Wee! As soon as my eyes opened, my feet hit the ground running! My day didn’t go as planned, but it went as well as possible. I started my day by visiting the local Home Depot. I had had enough of being locked out of the house once the door was shut. So, I was finally going to change the lock. But before I could do that, I needed to paint the front door’s exterior. Sadly, the front door exterior hadn’t been painted since the builder painted it over twenty-three years ago. It’s incredible how we can get used to subpar. Well! Yesterday was the day for giving the exterior door an updated look with paint and a new lock.

I returned home and asked my son to remove the old hardware, which he did. Then, he watched as I began to paint. Being an introvert, he prefers to observe unless invited to assist. As a Type A personality, I’ve been trying to avoid taking over projects and have been encouraging him to help when he’s interested. Together, we painted sections of the door, and the final result is fantastic!

As our day came to a close, he had volunteered to cook dinner, but things took a turn. He attempted to follow a recipe from a guy on YouTube, and it didn’t go as planned. Meanwhile, I was at Home Depot picking up more paint for the front door’s interior. Just as I was heading home, he called to say, “You and Mr. Jeff might want to grab something for dinner; the chicken didn’t turn out well.” I could sense the frustration in his voice. I replied, “Son! Gravy can hide a lot of mistakes! I’m about five minutes from home, so let’s see how we can solve this.”

When I got home, I entered the kitchen and discovered a man struggling with his cooking faux pas. I asked if I could taste the chicken he had already pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet. After tasting, I found the meat to have a good flavor. I told him it was great and that we would keep what he had made. Initially, I planned to prepare lemon chicken with capers, but I realized the lemons had gone bad. Instead, I made a roux, seasoning it with chicken bouillon and garlic. I also had him prepare some of those boxed hash browns from Costco. Dinner was ready!

I told him that nothing is impossible in the kitchen. He needed to trust his instincts and lose the thermometer! Why on earth are people cooking with thermometers now? My mom, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other great cooks never used one! Yet, they created amazing dishes! Everyone makes a mistake or two when cooking, but that shouldn’t make anyone feel like they’ve failed because a dish didn’t turn out perfectly. The bottom line is that cooking should never feel impossible! It’s a chance to create something worthwhile to eat instead of relying on fast food, which is usually unhealthy.

PRAYER

Father God, today marks a fresh start. Assist us in organizing our lives so that healthy eating becomes integral to our cooking experiences. Amen

OMG! After uploading the picture of my newly painted front door, I realized I also need to paint the trim underneath it! Oh! Well! That’s a project for a later day! Have a wonderful day living your best life! ~Annette

Day Seven – Believe In Yourself

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Each of us faces our own mountains to climb and conquer! Yes, even the three billionaires who stood alongside Trump encounter difficult moments. Remember, while money can enhance life, it isn’t the solution to all of life’s challenges. With a calm demeanor and a clear mind, anyone can overcome most obstacles and succeed if they believe in themselves and their goals. At least that’s the American mantra! That’s why many people dislike Americans, yet so many aspire to live in America. Our forefathers weren’t always kind or right in establishing the foundation of our nation, but they provided us with a blueprint that can adapt swiftly for our country’s success as well as individual achievements. The truth is, America’s success has always relied on the strength of God. May we always believe in and worship Him, for He has always been our rock.

So! When you have a mountain in front of you that you must climb to reach a goal, figure out a way to climb it with God on your side! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for this new day! Grant me my daily bread and the wisdom to achieve my present goals, enabling me to live an abundant life in You. Amen

Day Four – Harvesting Money

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

The other day, I planted a bush that I bought last summer. Honestly, I was so amazed it survived! Before I could plant the bush in its new home, I needed to remove the low-voltage landscaping lights and their wiring. Typically, I just toss everything away, but this time I had a different idea. I saved the wire my husband bought decades ago for $50. I sat outside at a table and started harvesting the copper. It was quite a challenge! So, I called my sister, who’s an expert at this, but she wasn’t very helpful, other than telling me how copper is priced. As a result, my determination became my best ally, and I managed to get it done! Now, I need to harvest more copper to make my efforts fruitful when I sell my copper wire. I have already spent the money. I have my eyes on a beautiful new bush I spotted at Lowe’s for $200. I can’t help but wonder how many others might throw money away like I did! Later, hoping for a bit of financial luck to splurge on something desired. Well, I found more copper wire that needs to be stripped! And! I need to get going in the yard. Wish me luck on both! Cha-Ching!

PRAYER

Father God, guide me today and every day to enhance my life and prosperity. Amen

Day Forty – Removing Clutter

13 If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If 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 do not have love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love 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. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹When 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 the ways of childhood behind me. ¹²For now we see only a 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.

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13

Let’s pray!

Today, Lord, I’m praying a worldwide Valentine’s prayer of love. I ask the following of you because all people deserve to live a fulfilling life. I pray for people in power that think and act and like children. Their immaturity has a negative impact on those they lead and the world. I pray that you will show them the level of their thinking in such a way that it gives them the desire and ability to change. Amen

Day Twenty-three: Removing Clutter

October 16, 2023

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
PSALM 32:8

I had a case of these small vases and I donated the entire case.

The car is loaded from the back to the middle! And! I did leave the driver’s seat unfilled though! Because had I not, I couldn’t get all the stuff I have to donate to the Salvation Army!

When I was a young single mom I always made a dollar too much to get food stamps for a family of three and later four, therefore, I was always struggling to make ends meet. Since buying food took a big chunk of what I made it was not unusual for me not to have money to pay my electric bill. I’m not even sure how I heard about the Salvation Army but I went to them for help. I remember sitting in an office and being extremely nervous as I was being asked questions concerning my finances. Honestly, I was ashamed! I couldn’t take care of myself and the children that depended on me! I had to go to strangers and ask for help! OMG! Telling this story ties into my feelings concerning my snaky ex! Let me move on quickly before I get myself upset!

Well! Each time I had to go there I felt so bad for asking for financial assistance. So for two years they paid my bill. Both visits meant I got my bill paid once a year through their organization. And glory be to God, their kindness allowed me to financially breath and sleep without worry for at least a month or two. It was then when I began to give what I could share to the person ringing a bell standing near a red pot in front of King Soopers grocery store every holiday. My donations were never over $20 dollars but I gave what I had.

My son’s are all grown and making it on their own without help from me, their dad’s and or stepdad. And every now and then when a melancholy moment returns and visits them about our past life of never having enough money they find strength in their journey and push themselves to be inspired for greater accomplishments.

Today, despite my emotional ties to never having enough so long ago has also helped me when it comes to releasing unused items to a worthy organization that has a great humanitarian cause. May the items always give joy to the new owners. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for keeping your eye on us and being an understanding teacher that lovingly instructs those that want to hear your wisdom. Bless all donations great and or small for the glory of God and for the good of humanity. Amen

Day Twentytwo: Removing Clutter

October 15, 2023

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
PSALM 33:11

As I write about my experiences with renovating my mom’s home and dealing with the snaky ex, I’m quickly reminded that some things perceivably hard and or bad gotta work a certain way to bring God’s plan to the forefront for our lives. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your strength and always let it be front and center on our journey. Amen

Day Twenty-one: Removing Clutter

October 10, 2023

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Titus 1:16 ESV

Why was I crying about the missed opportunity when it came to working with my friend? Well, I’ve done DIY projects forever. Twenty years ago I remodeled my first home I’d purchase for $43,500 and later sold it for $175,000. I made a nice profit of $131,500! As a result, I was able to pay off several student loans, pay several creditors off, move my children and myself to a better neighborhood and pay cash for a new car to boot! So, after years of remodeling my current home, I felt I could increase the estate’s finances by renovating my mom’s home after she had died. The task was easier said than done! Remodeling my own home on my own time and dime is one thing but when I entered into the construction arena with little to no knowledge, I became easy prey! Therefore, I found myself doing jobs that were harder than what I’ve ever done because of the outrageous bids I got. I became extremely tired and physically sick from it all. So, I cried because I knew my friend had the resources to help me. I didn’t know how to contact her. My ex rents her basement apartment and knew I was struggling. Yet, he never said a word to either she nor I to lighten my load. What a snake! It has always been about him! Never about the kids and surely never about the woman that gave him two wonderful gifts he claims he loves. And tomorrow always comes with him saying “I’m a nice guy.” What a freakin snake! Sigh. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, protect your children by covering them with the blood of Jesus. Amen.

Day Nineteen – Removing Clutter

October 8, 2023

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Tomorrow, I will write why my friend means so much to me. But, today I will continue on with telling the story of why my ex is still a snake. Sigh. Well, any-who-how, when my friend and I did connect we talked for hours! Hours! We caught up on everything and everybody we knew and didn’t know. As we covered our life journey my heart sank to the bottom of my already disappointed stomach once she said, “Oh, yeah, I’m an engineer and a realtor.” I remembered she was an engineer and a property investor but I must have forgotten she was a realtor. Shame on me! Because I allowed time to rob me of so many good memories. Yet, I’m glad I never forgot she’s a successful engineer that continues to reach back into her community to inspire young and old. She is truly amazing! And from the sounds of things her successes intimidate men. Her open desire to have a faithful husband and grandchild clearly shows no matter how successful you become, the heart always want to belong and connect with family. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.

We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.

We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure.

Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.

You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.

All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now. Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. ~Debbie McDaniel

Day Eighteen – Clearing Clutter

October 7, 2023

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
Proverbs 26:23-25

Well! After having being smacked in the face with a bone chilling reality check concerning my ex is still a snake! He forwarded my phone number to my friend his landlord. I missed her call. She missed my call. And on Wednesday night she and I finally connected. She was just as surprised as me that he kept silent about knowing either of us on some type of strange level. Boy! Oh! Boy! What a freakin snake! His silence closed doors of opportunities for she and I. And, sadly, those doors were closed by someone that tell us often he’s our friend. With a friend like him, people don’t need enemies. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, give us wisdom to discern friends vs enemies. Amen

The Hem of His Garment

October 6, 2023

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 9:21 KJV

The view from my mom’s hospital room as she fought to live.

My oldest celebrated his 44th birthday on October 1st. He spent it with a friend that’s a year older, shares the same birthday and is now fighting for his life. As my son told me about his wonderful day my heart went out to both men. My son shared how poorly his friend looked but his friend was happy to see another day. Oddly enough my son’s story took me back to when I had to sit with my mom during her sessions of infusion. For the moment the name of the department escapes me but not the images of those that were fighting to live. Oncology! Is the name of the department! Well, as I document my journey of clearing clutter from my home and occasionally sorting through mental clutter, I’m going to pray for the sick and shut in.

PRAYER

Lord, you’re the author of all life. Someone was medically diagnosed with terrifying news and you know who they are. You also know their fears go beyond the moment they received disappointing news despite them putting on a face of being strong. Place your loving arms around them and comfort their tormented souls. Showing them you’re there for the long run. Amen

SONG: The Anointing