I’m going to make this a really quick post…

A little over a month ago, I wrote a post about being placed in the spotlight and waiting on a few things to complete my book. Well, today, I was able to obtain my ISBN number and upload my book to CreateSpace/Amazon. Purchasing my ISBN had been the only task to complete before I was able to sell.

I can’t begin to express how dry my finances has been but GOD…

In less than 30 days, I will have my OWN home and a NEW car.

My faith has always been UNSHAKABLE! I’ve stood on God’s promises and I will continue to do so no matter what may come up against me. I’ve endured a lot of pain but it is NOW my DUE season. I’m not going to worry about those who I’ve lost, will lose or those who will appear in this next season in my life. I’ve learned the hard way, EVERYONE will not be happy for you. I’m appreciating those who do.

I’m going to apologize for such a crappy photo. I could NOT find the camera and my phone was dead. GRrr…

Anywho, I’ve been reading, “The Lean” by Kathy Freston. It’s a really great book! I’m on a battlefield to lose 100lbs and my first war that I’ve come against is eating breakfast. I’m a morning person, I just have a VERY hard time eating breakfast. So, I’ve decided to make a goal to eat breakfast everyday – starting today!

Kathy posted on the Huffington Post‘s website a morning breakfast recipe. I’ve made a few modifications but overall this is a FAB breakfast meal and one I will continue to make. Give it a try.

Breakfast Quinoa

This recipe is one of the many delicious recipes created by Dayna McLeod specially for The Lean: A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss.

This breakfast quinoa recipe is so delicious it can double as a dessert. Quinoa is naturally loaded with protein and fiber, so it provides long-lasting energy throughout your day. A perfect way to start your morning out right.

Serves 2
Active time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
½ cup water
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon Earth Balance spread
1 medium apple, diced, with peel  1 Kiwi, diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup toasted walnuts sliced almonds
1 tablespoon agave nectar

1. In a small saucepan, bring the quinoa, milk, water, and salt to a boil for 2 minutes.

2. Reduce, heat to low and cover for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt the Earth Balance spread. Add the apple, stir together until evenly coated, and saute for 1 minute. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft.

4. Add the Earth Balance, cinnamon and walnuts and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Stir in the almond mixture with the quinoa, and divide between two bowls.

6. Drizzle the agave nectar on top and enjoy!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. …Psalm 118:1-18 ESV

God is so good! Today was one of the best days of my life after enduring numerous trials and tribulations. I am one step closer to opening The Brooks J. Young Home for survivors of domestic violence. I can’t begin to express all that I’ve accomplished on today. After meeting with a representative from the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and receiving a stamp of approval that I’ve followed all the guidelines to open the home without errors; I am humbled and excited. There’s still a lot of work to be completed, a home to acquire, licences to obtain and money to raise. However, I know that because of God’s promises I’ll accomplish everything in order because He has made provision for the vision.

There were a few times over the course that I’ve become weary and overwhelmed. I’ve cried, worried and had fear BUT I’ve NEVER given up. While being in the fiery furnace, I know MY God was right there with me, guiding, holding and extinguishing fires as they came.

I’m grateful that the God I serve is WHO He says HE is. I am n longer fearful, worried or overwhelmed. Each day that I awake, I’m going to continue to give God all that I have. He deserves to receive the glory for all that He’s gifted me to do.

T.D. Jakes uses inspiration from the Lord’s Prayer to reveal how the act of forgiving—and learning to be forgiven—can lead you to a more joyful, peaceful, and purposeful life.  As unconditionally loved children of God, we are all forgiven.  Through His grace, we can forgive ourselves and the people around us.  In this way, we can live the fulfilled and happy lives God has for us

Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call themJoyceisms-and one of her best loved is “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” This was the basis for

Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest book, Meyer provides “power thoughts,” bringing the reader to a new level of ability to use the mind as a tool to achievement.

In POWER THOUGHTS, she outlines a flexible program to turn thoughts into habits, and habits into success. Sections include:

· The Power of a Positive You

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Proclamation — National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, 2012

NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Though we have come far in the fight to reduce sexual violence, the prevalence of sexual assault remains an affront to our national conscience that we cannot ignore.  This month, we stand with survivors of sexual assault, join together to break the silence, and recommit to ending this devastating crime.

Rape and sexual assault inflict profound suffering upon millions of Americans every year.  Nearly one in five women has been raped, and still more have endured other forms of sexual violence or abuse.  Tragically, these crimes take their greatest toll on young people; women between the ages of 16 and 24 are at greatest risk of rape and sexual assault, and many victims, male and female, first experience abuse during childhood.  The trauma of sexual violence leaves scars that may never fully heal.  Many survivors experience depression, fear, and suicidal feelings in the months and years following an assault, and some face health problems that last a lifetime.

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

There were a few hundred people awaiting my arrival into this world. My grandmother had fallen ill so she was admitted in the hospital when my mother gave birth to me. She dragged every doctor, nurse, family member and stranger to see her granddaughter. She repeats the story often of how I had “all that hair”, a big BEAUTIFUL face and was quite observant at all things around me from day one.Some things never change. The story can go on for hours and since it’s about me, I always plan my escape to leave the room because I dislike having the spotlight on me.

Thirty-one years later, I am publishing my first book – my memoir. I’m not sure what God’s plans are, but I know that I am excited, nervous, and full of ideas. I have book signings scheduled, an upcoming photo shoot, speaking engagements, and an awareness tour. I’ve never wanted to do anything that’s traditional. I am more “out-of-the box”. In fact, I’ve crushed the darn box because I will never fit into anyone else’s mold. I have to listen and obey God, follow my heart and move accordingly.

It has taken me 5 years to complete this book, the final draft coming while I experienced homeless. That’s when God spoke words that made me stand tall, let go of my past, and walk in my purpose. Throughout the entire process of writing this book, I’ve been on a faith walk because I do not have a penny to my name. My EVERY need has been dependent on God’s promises for the journey that I’ve traveled. At this moment, I am still waiting on things to move forward, but I trust God with everything that I have.

Where God Took My Soul has been featured in the April-June 2012 issue of Today’s Leading Ladies Women’s Journal with Recording Artist, Tammy Trent on the cover.

I am featured as Today’s Leading Ladies Women’s Journal “Book & Author of the Quarter”. What an HONOR!

I am very excited as this is my first feature before the release of my memoir. I’m shooting for the cover next ~

I’ve never written a post about my grandmother but, today, I learned that she has been rushed to the hospital. Right now, I am not for sure all that is wrong with her so I’m waiting on my Aunt to call back after she arrives at the hospital. Less than one month after moving to Georgia, my grandmother has fallen ill. A part of me is blaming myself since she told me that she would no longer be here when I return for a family visit. We are more like mother and daughter. She is my Madea and I am her “Oprah” (her words) LOL.

Through all the struggles, I’ve been through, she has been right there pushing and encouraging me. There were a few times when we had our little “spats” and did not speak”. We both worried about the other but we always loved each other. My grandmother can love, nurture and laugh with you in one moment and play the dozen with you in the next. If you work her nerves too bad or become disrespectful no matter how old her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are… she has her pistol to shut you down. LOL Hey, my grandmother is only 4’9 she needs something a little bigger than herself. I’m just kidding but not about the pistol. She does not play!

You can always find my grandmother in the kitchen putting her feet in some good ole soul food.  She always says, “The moment I stop cooking, you better have your black dress because I am tired. I want God to take me on my feet.” I believe her. She cooks for EVERYONE! All you have to say in my hometown her name and they will direct you to her home because she does exactly what the Bible says: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting those in prison. She’s a praying woman. I know it is because of her prayers that I made it through life’s obstacles.

I can’t imagine my life without her. I know that ONE DAY she will leave me but now, I just want to see her smile, hear her laughter and hug her to pass my strength to her…not that she needs it. My grandmother is one of the strongest women I know. In fact, the day she told me that ALL 11 of her child births were naturals I wanted to faint. I think she will go down in HISTORY My grandmother is simply amazing. She’s survived so much but she is STILL STANDING!

If you are reading this post, please keep my sweet Grandma in your prayers. I’m sure she’s going to be just fine. I am planning to fly out so I can be with her.  I can’t wait to see her and she says, “Gotcha!” I just wanted you to come back LOL Regardless of what happens I know that she is in the Master’s hand.

3/20/2012 @ 5:33 pm: My Aunt sent me a text that it has reported that my grandmother has had a mild heart attack.

03/21/2012 @ 4:35 pm: Grandma is now in surgery. They are expecting it to last for up to 3 hours.

03/22/20102: @ 5:15 pm: Grandma is home! The surgery was not as serious as I thought but she is resting and eating catfish. LORD, help me LOL

Title: Tell Your Time
Author: Amy Lynn Andrews
ASIN: B005F0H7BK
Pages: 32
Release Date: July 27, 2011
Publisher: Amy Lynn Andrews
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary From Author’s Website

Tell Your Time: How To Manage Your Schedule So You Can Live Free outlines a straightforward, step-by-step approach to controlling your schedule and ensuring the important things don’t fall through the cracks.

Tell Your Time helps you accomplish not only what’s on your to-do list today, but what’s on your to-do list for life.

My Thoughts and Overall Rating

On any given day, I have a number of projects to complete. My day starts on most days at 5:00 a.m. when I enter my prayer closet for my Morning Prayer and meditation. After a shower, breakfast and now adding an exercise routine, I’m off and running mainly for my nonprofit. However, there are days that I sit at the computer for hours, logging on Twitter and losing track of time because I’m doing my best to educate everyone on domestic violence. Touching Heart, my nonprofit, has become my life. I am finding it very hard to separate myself from “saving the world” to actually “living in the world”. Between finding housing and resources for clients, writing/editing my books, designing websites and maintaining a healthy lifestyle physically, there is no time that I’ve actually had a chance to sit down and relax.

My bedtime is usually at 2:30 a.m. or later which means that on an average day I’m only sleeping maybe 2.5 to 4 hours of sleep. Not good. For years, I’ve read, researched and requested books to read on organization and time management. I can honestly admit this is one of my biggest obstacles that I face daily: learning how to stay on schedule and complete projects in a timely manner. I have what I call the “fix it” syndrome. When a problem occurs I stop what I am doing and run to “save the day”. This means I am not completing tasks at hand because I’ve added more to my plate.

This morning, as I was searching for MORE organization and time management tools, I ran across a blog, Blogging with Amy.  I really did not want to buy a 30-page eBook for $4.99. I’m an author and publisher so to me that was a little steep and I’m a little cheap frugal. But, I took the plunge since the reviews were mostly 5 stars (43 out of 49).   I’m glad I read the book but still not convinced that it’s worth the $4.99. The information was not anything that I’ve haven’t read over the years searching for my “golden time management tool” but it was a clear and concise book that is different from the others. Amy explained how to manage your time by roles instead of projects. Her breakdown using grid which I’ve heard about from other time management books like Steven Covey’s Time Management quadrant grid. There are similarities in the two grids, but, I believe Amy’s grid and breakdown offers a better understanding and approach for a busy woman like myself. Her principles are biblical but not church-y.  I love the fact that Amy’s morning/day starts a lot like mines so it was easier for me to follow along. Amy also includes a copy of her schedule and blank worksheets to start your own. The book is really good.

 I’ve learned:

• Roles vs Projects are better for me
• Scheduling roles using Amy’s schedule system will work (Must buy the book to see her schedule form)

Find Amy Lynn Andrews
Website | Twitter  | Facebook

Purchase Telling Your Time
Amazon

Disclosure: The links in this post are my affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.