I'm Running On Low Today!

A few days ago, my little one (Captain) ran into the kitchen and said "mommy mommy i saw a mouse" in an excited way. As if he had found it, killed it and had it in his hand (lol) I did not believe him but there was a small part of my that did. I brushed it off. Just goes to show you, we must listen to our kids. Anyhow last night my two older ones, Kirk and Keeno came into my room all excited and said, "mom, you know that mouse that Captain said he saw? We just saw it and tried to get it but we don't know where he ran off too." NOW I WAS UP AND SCARED TO DEATH! I said a bunch or things; Get it, Kill it, how did it get in here, this house is so clean and it's bran new...ohhh myyyy...ohhhh myyyy....and can't remember the rest. I got out of bed and ran downstairs to see where they saw it.

Let me tell you this, i would never imagine a mouse would want anything to do with a "clean house." I mean why would he/she/it? There is nothing to munch on, on the floors or dirty corners to hide in. But, much to my surprise, because we live in a bran new complex that is still under major construction, apparently the winter days are too cold for these little buggers, so they run in for heat through open cracks or holes.

Okkkk, i have not slept all night. I am totally running on LOW today. I could not stand the idea of having that bugger all up in my space! Like nooowayyy!!!! I woke up, drove Captain to school and headed straight to Canadian Tire to purchase whatever trap kills these guys FAST! I bought 5 packs of "stuff" and when i came home, i did not even want to touch the traps. I woke up my son Kirk, and made him do it. He stood there laughing at me. One of the traps that came in a pack had 4 individual traps in it. It's the cardboard's with the sticky glue on it and when the mouse steps on it, he gets stuck and dies. Now my only problem is, i will see it dead on the board. Oh goodness. The other ones are the regular traps.

All i have to say is, it better hurry up and get caught or i am calling the pest control (lol) Oh what a day. I am sitting in the dining room listening out for it (lol) I can't believe i am so afraid of something that is the smaller then my pinky finger. Ohhh boyyyy......

I Got Excepted

I have thought about blogging about this or NOT blogging about it. But then after i prayed and gave God thanx, i decided "it's ok"

Lately i have had the urge to foster another child, only i want a girl this time. I have always fostered boys at home, and i felt the need to make a difference in young girl's life. I feel i have so much to offer a girl. Besides i always wanted a daughter :-))) Maybe God never wanted me to have "one just like me" as my dear mother would put it. My sister and her husband filed to be foster parents a few weeks back and got excepted. I was and am so happy for them. They are going to be such an inspiration for that young girl. Perfect role models. It is the most rewarding thing a person can do.

After much research into the company, i decided to call for a "home visit." When they got to my house, what was suppose to be one hour ended up more then 2 hours. We laughed, chatted, shared stories and laughed some more. It was so uplifting. To my surprise, after sharing a bit of my world with this lady (who has been doing home visits with foster parents for 32 years)  she looked at me and said, "you are one of the bravest and strongest ladies i have ever met. I feel blessed to be sitting here with you." I shared my website with her, my blog, my Project Blanket videos, my work  and volunteering that i have done with youth and more. But above all, it was MY STORY that had her speechless. She could not understand how i got so  much done, after having gone through what i did with my childhood, my teens, my twenties, being a single mother, the love for my children and of course my divorce (which i don't talk about here).

I got excepted and start my training along with my sister in Jan. I told her i would love a "girl" and she believes i have a lot to offer a girl. Many of the girls in care, have been abused and she believes i can offer a lot to help her get passed that and live out her full potential. I believe so too.

Lately i have been very emotional. I think a lot of it has to do with the holidays and our Project Blanket.
I don't believe Christmas is about presents. I believe it is a time to share with someone something you have. Be it time, words of wisdom, your story, God, a meal or maybe just to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them. This life i have is not about ME. I have been chosen by God to make a difference in this world. My dear friend Ernie told me a quote this morning that touched my heart, "If you can't feed a hundred, then feed ONE" Mother Teresa.
 
BE A WOMAN AFTER GODS OWN HEART!

End this year with a positive MOVE! There are a million ways you can make a difference. Please do it!

Thank You God for Choosing Us!

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful and fulfilling days of our lives (Ernie and i). We were up late the day and night before; collecting donations and preparing food. We laughed, cried and laughed some more. We were fortunate enough to have a dear friend of mine Dalley and his mother join us.

 Dalley & Ernie

This is Dalley's second year with Project Blanket. Both last year and this year he offered to bring all the donations in his van, not only did he do that, he was in no hurry to leave. His mother (God bless her soul) helped us prepare sandwich's and snacks for our dear friends downtown as well. It was amazing. We woke up early and hit the road. We all met at my house.

Ains (our camera friend) was right by our side the entire time. From the day and night before to the DAY OF for the entire day. He was truly God sent! What a friend.

We hit the road just after 8am. When we got downtown, much to our surprise, there was already a lot of people outside the shelter. We had a few friends meeting us; Nicole Stiletto along with Al and a few other wonderful ladies.

Our new found friend (in the middle)

We got started right away and believe it or not we stayed all day. We had so much fun. Even when there were only a few people out there after our many rushes, who decided to just hang out after they were fed and clothed. I didn't want to go home. Ernie and i would have stayed all evening.

These people, both men and women are REAL people with a REAL story. They are beautiful. They have soul in their eyes. They were so happy to have us there all day. Many of them mentioned they have never seen anyone stay out there for so many hours. We barely noticed the time go by. There were a few stories that i brought home with me and laid in my warm bed with my warm sheets and duvet and cried my eyes out just thinking about them. If i could have, i would have brought them home. All i want in this life is to be OK; Enough to help in the little i can. My dream one day is to own a women's, men and children center called "The D.e.v.a In You Club"

We seen a few people come and go with sandwich's and even hot meals. A newly wed couple came with a trunk full of food containers and explained to me that the ladies get together early in the morning at the mosque and prepare the food. She said the children come out to the mosque too and it's like a big family affair. God, it's so amazing to see that people like this exist. Then another lady and her husband (again) came and handed out socks and sandwich's. My heart was so uplifted to see this.

Here we are with another found friend in the middle

I just want to say THANK YOU to all the people that donated. Thank you for the monetary gifts as well. Thank you to all our volunteers. Many of them were Ernie's friends and believe me, you were so appreciated.

Next year we are hoping to make it bigger; with HOT meals or frozen Turkey's for the areas near by the shelter. We are praying that God will bless us with wonderful people in our lives who will help us to make that happen.


Thank you and stay tuned for the footage. We love you!

Project Blanket Drive for The Homeless

Good morning to all my friendly bloggers and readers. This is a reminder that the annual Project Blanket Drive for the homeless is this weekend. We are doing our runs tomorrow to pick up any donations and also to stop at Value Village to purchase items.

Please make a monetary gift as little as $5 to $10 to our email at projectblanketdrive@gmail.com
Every bit counts. If you have donations such as blankets or coats, please let us know and we will arrange a pick up spot or you can also drop them (that does not matter) off to us. It is up to you.

Last year we collected hundreds of items and made many trips downtown to drop them off in person to our homeless friends. My friends, this is such a serious problem in the GTA. Most people don't want to think about it but we need to face it and do what we can to make a difference. This area downtown is dear to my heart because i grew up on those very streets watching drug addicts and dealers, prostitutes and homeless people give their souls away for whatever reason and all they want to see is a little bit of hope. The world has given up on these people, but i have NOT! So please join forces with me and make a difference.

Here is a clip Ernie and i created from last years journey. We record this so that you can all see how serious it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMYjxjGn_8g

Again if you have any monetary donations please email us at projectblanketdrive@gmail.com

Who Do You Pray For?

Last night while Captain and i laid in bed and said our prayers, i realized something amazing; he never forgets anyone while praying. This is why our prayers take a longgggg time (lol). Not only does he do that, but he explains what he is praying for. For example, "I pray for Dinga (my sister) that her boo boo on her arm will go away fast.....i pray for Ms.Barnes that she will always be a good teacher......i pray for mommy that you will always be nice to me and that your car will always work (lol).....i pray for Titi Soni (my brother).......and it goes on and on."

I had an aha moment last night when i realized how much time we take to pray. It's not how long you take to pray that counts, but what and who you are praying about. What are you saying? Do you remember the crossing guard? Or all your friends? Their children? How about your neighbors? Or your pastor and his wife? Your parents (i sure hope so) Your siblings, their souses and kids. Your aunts or uncles in another country. The homeless. The thousands of people living in poverty or the ones who did not have a meal to eat for days. Are you thanking God for what you HAVE? Instead of asking for more.

Shelter. Food. Clothes on our backs. Our health. Our job. Education. Your eye site. Legs. Arms. Or a bed to sleep on. Milk for the kids. Your car. Or the buses that you have access too. The sun. Rain. Snow...instead of complaining about it. Your business. Your boss; are you praying for him / her? Gran-parents. But above all, your kids? What are you praying for when it comes to them? Tonight, i ask you to take a few moments while praying and pray diligently. Don't rush. Because remember God sees and hears you. I mean, isn't that why and who you are praying too?

We must spend more time in our prayers. You don't have to scream or yell or do what you may see others do....just humble your self and think about what you are praying for and about. Focus on your prayers. Wait and listen for Gods voice. He is there.

Today i thank God  EVERYTHING he has given me and everything he has taken from me. Even when things seem to hurt you and you don't understand why??? Remember if you are a child of God (which we all are) then isnt that His job, to protect you? Ok, so don't argue with Him regarding loosing someone or something. He is a perfect God.

He Makes Me Smile All The Time!

Today was a great day. Everyday is a great day. As long as i can wake up, see my kids, eat and have a roof over our head, it's a great day. God is good.

When i woke up this morning, with Captain right next to me (and not in his own bed) i just laid there and stared at his beautiful face and smiled. I smiled because the last thing i remember is the hard time he gave me to go to sleep and just like every night he told me that he "had to sleep with you mommy" lol. I made his warm milk with Ovaltine and before i woke him up to drink it, just like every morning, i kissed him up all over his face. Of course he woke up. He acts like he doesn't like it but when i stop he grabs my face back down to his. God i love that boy. It takes him about 5 minutes to wake up, fully. He drinks his milk and then feels much better. As if i fed him some type of energy juice. lol.

He asked for his DS game so i went and got it. He laid there and said, "mommy come beside me and kiss my face like you always do so i can take pictures of us to send to daddy." I started laughing because what does this 3 and a half year old know about "sending pictures." Ohhh boy.

So we took the pictures and got ready for school. Despite how much Captain does not listen (at times...many times) he is the joy of my life. The love of my life. Everytime i look at him (even when i am upset) i smile. When he is away from me at school, and i think of him, i smile.


He truly saved my life!

Don't Worry Yourself Sick - Literally!

I had a wonderful weekend. Church was probably the highlight of it all. The pastor spoke about stress and what it does to our bodies and mind. He mentioned that it is one of the leading causes of many diseases and sicknesses in the world. I thank God for this man in my life. he is truly a disciple, a teacher...a prophet.

I truly believe that is true and when i got home, i researched it and YES it is in fact the truth. We may not feel like "our worries and stress" will give us cancer at some point, but it will. I mean there are so many other diseases, even the ones we think are minor ones; like high blood pressure. I don't take any of it lightly. Awhile back my iron was very low. At first i was like "Oh Dr. why is that?" Like HELLLOOO....of course it was low. I was not eating right at all and was not talking my iron vitamins, as i use too. But above all, i was stressed. Although i didn't feel stressed, i was. We don't always feel it because we are so busy going going going....Not eating well and stress combined....is trouble. Look around you. Do the math.

Everyone i know who was under stress or did not eat and live right got sick at some point. The bible talks about the way we should be eating. God never intended on his children to eat McDonald's, cookies, cakes, fried foods and the list goes on. He wants us to eat fruits, veggies, fish etc. Food that will do our mind and body good.

Look, I'm one to talk. I need to stop the sweet tooth cravings too. I tend to go up and down a lot. But i need to stay faithful to what i know God wants me to do.

What is the point of stressing or worrying? What difference will it make? Most of us stress over finances (i know the feeling), but there is nothing we can do. I just got another job to help out my issues a bit. Some people work 2, 3 and even 4 jobs. I know this is going to be hard for me with school starting in Jan but i got to do it. I'm looking at the bigger picture here. If Captain (my 3 year old) is going to be in sports all the time; then i need money. We have bills, food, mortgage/rent, gas, personal expenses, insurance; life and car...and it goes on. We have to pay to LIVE! If it means we get a couple jobs, so be it. Complaining only adds to the problem. Believe me, i KNOW! Complaining is like poison. Only it is a slow killer. It drains us and makes us ugly and weak. I don't know about you, but I'm NOT WEAK, so the feeling of it does not do well within me (lol). We need to lift up our heads, smile and trust that God has it all under control.

From this day forth, NO MORE STRESS or worrying for me. I want to live to see my kids and  grand kids get married.

Coconut Oil - The Real Deal

I'm amazed on how many health benefits coconut oil has. I tell you, when you research, you find the TRUTH. I'm going to attach an article on this oil and the link to where you can go and read more. A dear friend of mine is selling the pure organic coconut oil, and yesterday while at church, he was explaining the benefits to me and where this pure oil comes from. He said, "Liz everyone on this planet should be using coconut oil; to cook with, use on our skin-The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil, our hair and even drinking it." I was sold. Although i have been hearing about this for a long time, i never took it serious. It is also a cleanser and a form of loosing weight. It's magical. It is truly from God. As believers, we should use nothing but Pure Organic Coconut Oil.

Please read this article found here....

Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats (Don’t panic! First read to the last word. Your opinion may change), with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin Coconut Oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this.

• The Saturated Fatty Acids: Most of them are Medium Chain Triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric Acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic.
• The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid.
• The Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: Oleic Acid.
• The Poly-phenols: Gallic Acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
• Certain derivatives of fatty acid like Betaines, Ethanolamide, Ethoxylates, Fatty Esters, Fatty Polysorbates, Monoglycerides and Polyol Esters.
• Fatty Chlorides, Fatty Alcohol Sulphate and Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphate, all of which are derivatives of Fatty Alcohols.
• Vitamin-E and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.

Let us explore the benefits of this oil in our hair: 

Hair Care:

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.

Please visit Organic Facts for this entire article. You will be amazed. Don't wait to long before adding this oil to your diet. If you would like to know where you can purchase this, please contact me at elizabeth@devainyou.com

I'm Praying and Fasting for DIRECTION!

When i woke up this morning, my plan was not to fast this weekend. I have not fasted in awhile. But then my good friend Vanessa called and put it in my heart that i must pray and fast this weekend. The funny thing was it was on my heart to fast but i ignored it. Baddd Liz. That is when we get into trouble. When we don't listen to Gods voice or for those of you who are not spiritual, it would be your gut (trust me that's God).

I know today a lot of people do not fast. I find the longer they have been in church, the longer they go without fasting. Let me tell you fasting is more important now then EVER! Look around you. Our world is falling apart. Destruction is everywhere. Fasting and praying are appropriate for all believers of all ages throughout all centuries every part of the world. I believe through the years that most churches have not taught "fasting and prayer" therefore many people don't do it....anymore.

If you want a breakthrough in your life, then FAST and prayer. Trust me.
I found this article while researching "fasting" online today. I will quote a part i found to be so true.

"That breakthrough might be in the realm of the spirit. It may be in the realm of your emotions or personal habits. It may be in the realm of a very practical area of life, such as a relationship or finances. What I have seen repeatedly through the years-not only in the Scriptures but in countless personal stories that others have told me -- is that periods of fasting and prayer produce great spiritual results, many of which fall into the realm of a breakthrough. What wasn't a reality . . . suddenly was. What hadn't worked . . . suddenly did. The unwanted situation or object that was there . . . suddenly wasn't there. The relationship that was unloving . . . suddenly was loving. The job that hadn't materialized . . . suddenly did.
The very simple and direct conclusions I draw are these: First, if the Bible teaches us to do something, I want to do it. I want to obey the Lord in every way that He commands me to obey Him. And second, if fasting and praying are means to a breakthrough that God has for me, I want to undertake those disciplines so I might experience that breakthrough!
Every person I know needs a breakthrough in some area of his or her life. I am no exception. I need breakthroughs all the time -- it may be a breakthrough in understandhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7796882312118537010ing a situation, a breakthrough answer to a problem, a breakthrough idea, a breakthrough insight, a breakthrough in financial or material provision, a breakthrough in health. If you have any need in your life, you need a breakthrough from God to meet that need! Fasting and prayer break the yoke of bondage and bring about a release of God's presence, power, and provision." By CBN.com
 
Do you ever notice when you eat a meal it's hard to pray after. You feel either lazy or like you don't want to do anything, much less pray. When you are lifting up the Lord in prayer, there is a certain power in your words. When you are speaking it out loud through your lips, there is power in that. We have more strength spiritually when we are on an empty stomach.

Think of it this way...what did Eve use to entice Adam? FOOD!

Pray for me as i pray for you. Today, I'm praying for DIRECTION this weekend. In my life. Career, family and my ministry.