Not too long ago, I saw a movie that altered the course of my life– it was called The Secret. I then read the book, which essentially sets forth that you must visualize where you are going in order to get there.
A famous book quoted in The Secret is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which I proceeded to read, and which also sets forth the importance of visualizing your goals. Anthony Robbins and many other motivational gurus often talk about these same topics and inspirational ideas.
There is a lot to be said about clearly visualizing where you are going. You have to know where you want your life to go, and then set a path to get there.
But before you choose that path, you need to know where you are going. What’s your final destination? What you are striving for each day determines where you are going to end up. Whatever you plan to achieve, you will eventually achieve. Do you have no plans…? Are you planning for nothing at all right now…? If so, you’ll probably end up with a lot of nothing…
Looking back through my career, and looking at the current people I’m surrounded by, I can clearly see that what makes the successful people so successful, ultimately, is their burning desire to achieve their dreams.
In order to succeed, you need to visualize where you are going and you must stay on path. The further you visualize your business going, the more success you are likely to have.
There are several things I’ve noticed which really do seem to work when you visualize yourself succeeding.
The first is surrounding yourself with people who are likely to assist you in reaching your goals. It is not easy to rise up when those around you are not also rising. I have seen this happen countless times. If you are truly trying to better yourself, your business and your life, you need to ensure that you do not let others hold you back. This is crucial. You need to have the power to really become the person you want to be, and this needs to come from inside, without any external distractions.
You must try to avoid feeling down or becoming negative, even in the face of adversity or missed opportunities. Hold on to your dreams and stay positive. When it comes to your business, do everything in your power to ensure that you do not give up on your dreams. Continue to focus on what you want to become until you become it.
Do you know where you want to go?
Thanks Christine Ross for posting. Another great team member on Internet Ceo Moms
Merry Christmas!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
I have been happily married for 13 years and we have a wonderful three year old son. I am thankful everyday for my life and all of my blessings. I have been working from home since 2008 and I love being able to help others reach their goals and potential.
This is an informational blog on personal development, health & wellness, working from home and enjoying life.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Great Advice for anyone interested in a Home Business
If you’ve been wondering how to take an ordinary idea and turn it into an extraordinary business, read on. These 9 clues to success are guaranteed to give you the edge when it comes to making your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals a reality:
1. Decide – The women were very clear about their decision to become an entrepreneur. There was no turning back. They were focused on making their business dreams and goals happen. Period.
2. Live in Optimism – Each one of them spoke about the power of optimism and this one style of behavior helped them in times of challenge and struggle in their business (especially early on in the start-up phase).
3. Maintain Unshakeable Belief – I had a mentor once who used to say, “people are looking for the chink in your armor.” It’s not what you say about your business that will attract people; it’s how you feel about what you say. These women had unshakeable belief about their business goals from the very start.
4. Take Inspired Action – There is a difference between action and inspired action. Do you get up every day with energy and passion for your business or do you hit the snooze button most days? Do you feel inspired when you get into your office or does it feel like a “ball and chain?” These women love what they do and it shows.
5. Follow your “gut” – Whether you are in the start-up phase or ready to take your business to the next level of success, trust your instincts.
6. ASK – This was BIG. These women were not afraid to share their ideas with anyone. They developed a marketing message about their mission and shared it everywhere they went with anyone who would listen. Challenge yourself to ask more often for what you want in business and life.
7. Get Uncomfortable – It’s essential that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When we’re comfortable, that’s a big clue that we’re not growing. The only way to experience real personal and business growth is to challenge yourself on a regular basis.
8. COI – Sit down and make a list of your “centers of influence.” These people are admired and respected in your community and area of business. Make a commitment to contact them and share your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. I will share from my own personal experience that this one tip has taken my business from “surviving” to “thriving.”
9. Pay Attention – To your clients and customers. Once you begin to gain momentum in your business, pay attention to what your clients and customers have to say. They will tell you what they want and how they want it delivered. Survey your clients at least once a year to find out what they love about your business and how you can better serve them.
These 9 success clues were basic threads that ran through each speaker’s presentation. Here’s what I love about them; They are low-cost to no-cost and as expected, come from within you. All you need to do is decide. Make a decision about achieving your own level of success (whatever that means to you) and follow these easy-to-implement clues to take your Big Idea, Dreams and Goals from “surviving” to “thriving.”
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
© 2010 Joy Chudacoff
Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com
I hope this has helped you.
To your success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
1. Decide – The women were very clear about their decision to become an entrepreneur. There was no turning back. They were focused on making their business dreams and goals happen. Period.
2. Live in Optimism – Each one of them spoke about the power of optimism and this one style of behavior helped them in times of challenge and struggle in their business (especially early on in the start-up phase).
3. Maintain Unshakeable Belief – I had a mentor once who used to say, “people are looking for the chink in your armor.” It’s not what you say about your business that will attract people; it’s how you feel about what you say. These women had unshakeable belief about their business goals from the very start.
4. Take Inspired Action – There is a difference between action and inspired action. Do you get up every day with energy and passion for your business or do you hit the snooze button most days? Do you feel inspired when you get into your office or does it feel like a “ball and chain?” These women love what they do and it shows.
5. Follow your “gut” – Whether you are in the start-up phase or ready to take your business to the next level of success, trust your instincts.
6. ASK – This was BIG. These women were not afraid to share their ideas with anyone. They developed a marketing message about their mission and shared it everywhere they went with anyone who would listen. Challenge yourself to ask more often for what you want in business and life.
7. Get Uncomfortable – It’s essential that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When we’re comfortable, that’s a big clue that we’re not growing. The only way to experience real personal and business growth is to challenge yourself on a regular basis.
8. COI – Sit down and make a list of your “centers of influence.” These people are admired and respected in your community and area of business. Make a commitment to contact them and share your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. I will share from my own personal experience that this one tip has taken my business from “surviving” to “thriving.”
9. Pay Attention – To your clients and customers. Once you begin to gain momentum in your business, pay attention to what your clients and customers have to say. They will tell you what they want and how they want it delivered. Survey your clients at least once a year to find out what they love about your business and how you can better serve them.
These 9 success clues were basic threads that ran through each speaker’s presentation. Here’s what I love about them; They are low-cost to no-cost and as expected, come from within you. All you need to do is decide. Make a decision about achieving your own level of success (whatever that means to you) and follow these easy-to-implement clues to take your Big Idea, Dreams and Goals from “surviving” to “thriving.”
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
© 2010 Joy Chudacoff
Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com
I hope this has helped you.
To your success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The story behind Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
This is a great story! Very inspirational! We can all learn from this story!
The True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
I hope you have enjoyed this and has brighten your day in some way!
Merry Christmas 2010!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
The True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.
In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.
Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
I hope you have enjoyed this and has brighten your day in some way!
Merry Christmas 2010!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Internet Ceo Moms Conference Call - 12/13/10
One of our leaders Amber shared with us information about the book Leader Without a Title by Robin Sharma
The more you own the power to make choices the more important your choices become.
Robin Sharma talked about the word IMAGE and what it stands for in leaderhip.
I – Innovation
You have to make this day better than yesterday! Important to be a visionary and avoid being average before it creeps up on you so, do not get comfortable. Do small moves every day and it will make a difference over time. Do not regret! Be grateful for what you do have and it helps you move forward. The more hungry you become, the successful you become.
What if you had a team member call to say it is really hard this month? It does not have to be hard and it does not need to be mediocre this month. Break it down and mentor them on all of the positive things you can do to grow your business.
Your past does not determine your future! Hyrum Smith
M- Mastery
Who is the best in your business? Did you write your own name down? You have to be the best business builder in your business! When you protect yourself you destroy yourself. The only economy that matters is what is between your ears. You have control in your own household.
A - Authenticity
It is your ability to make an impact by the authority you receive than your status. You must be trustworthy! Feeling safe in your own skin! Be consistent is reflective of you on the inside.
G – Guts
You have to be unrealistically persistent and wildly courageous. Success is a numbers game and failure is not an option. We are doing something different! We are going to be different. Look at what I want to do with my life and do it!
It has more to do with them than you! Criticism is the defense mechanism that people put on. We all have the power to make a change.
E – Ethics
Be consistent with your values. Say what you mean and do what you say. Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. Use your inner leader skills that inhabits you to not only to lift your life but to elevate the lives of others. That is what it is all about, helping others!
Whenever you think something is impossible, it really means that you have not explored all of the possibilities.
Check out more information on Robinsharma.com!
Thanks Internet Ceo Moms for another incredible training call!
To your succees!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
The more you own the power to make choices the more important your choices become.
Robin Sharma talked about the word IMAGE and what it stands for in leaderhip.
I – Innovation
You have to make this day better than yesterday! Important to be a visionary and avoid being average before it creeps up on you so, do not get comfortable. Do small moves every day and it will make a difference over time. Do not regret! Be grateful for what you do have and it helps you move forward. The more hungry you become, the successful you become.
What if you had a team member call to say it is really hard this month? It does not have to be hard and it does not need to be mediocre this month. Break it down and mentor them on all of the positive things you can do to grow your business.
Your past does not determine your future! Hyrum Smith
M- Mastery
Who is the best in your business? Did you write your own name down? You have to be the best business builder in your business! When you protect yourself you destroy yourself. The only economy that matters is what is between your ears. You have control in your own household.
A - Authenticity
It is your ability to make an impact by the authority you receive than your status. You must be trustworthy! Feeling safe in your own skin! Be consistent is reflective of you on the inside.
G – Guts
You have to be unrealistically persistent and wildly courageous. Success is a numbers game and failure is not an option. We are doing something different! We are going to be different. Look at what I want to do with my life and do it!
It has more to do with them than you! Criticism is the defense mechanism that people put on. We all have the power to make a change.
E – Ethics
Be consistent with your values. Say what you mean and do what you say. Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. Use your inner leader skills that inhabits you to not only to lift your life but to elevate the lives of others. That is what it is all about, helping others!
Whenever you think something is impossible, it really means that you have not explored all of the possibilities.
Check out more information on Robinsharma.com!
Thanks Internet Ceo Moms for another incredible training call!
To your succees!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
What are you putting on your body?
This was posted by my business partner Kathy Fisher! Thanks, Kathy great article!
David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products, and save money!
What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola
Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.
We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.
Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.
These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.
The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.
Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).
Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.
In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?
Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.
The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.
You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.
I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
David Suzuki talks about the chemicals present in our personal care products. If you want to find out how you can eliminate these from your home simply by switching stores to better, safer products, and save money!
What are you putting on your body?
April 16, 2010
Do you know what's in your cosmetics? (Credit: Shawn Campbell via Flickr)
By David Suzuki with Faisal Moola
Every day, we slather ourselves with liquids, lotions, and potions-from shampoo and soap to deodorant and makeup. After all, most of us want to look and feel clean and to smell nice. It's not uncommon for a single person to use 10 or more personal-care products daily.
We don't usually think of our cosmetics as a source of pollution. But U.S. researchers found that one eighth of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal-care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, plasticizers, and degreasers.
Take a look at the ingredient list on your bottle of shampoo or hand lotion. Most of us would have a hard time identifying which chemicals in the typically long list of ingredients may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Chances are your personal-care products contain 'fragrance' or 'parfum'-often the last item on the ingredient list. Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets so manufacturers don't have to disclose the chemicals they include. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to create 'fragrances', usually in complex mixtures. Up to 80 per cent of these have never been tested to see whether they are toxic to humans.
These fragrances are not just found in perfumes and deodorants but are also in almost every type of personal-care product, as well as laundry detergents and cleaning products. Even products labelled 'fragrance-free' or 'unscented' can contain fragrance, usually with a masking agent to prevent the brain from perceiving odour.
The negative effects of some fragrance ingredients can be immediately apparent, especially for the growing number of people with chemical sensitivities. For example, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and migraines. Researchers have even found evidence suggesting that exposure to some of these chemicals can exacerbate or even contribute to the development of asthma in children.
Other chemicals may have harmful effects that don't show up right away. For example, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a cheap and versatile chemical widely used in cosmetic fragrances to make the scent last longer. But it is associated with a range of problems. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed it as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function. Phthalates have been linked to early puberty in girls, reduced sperm count in men, and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus (when the mother is exposed during pregnancy).
Some research has also suggested that phthalate metabolites may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in men. Health Canada has moved to ban six phthalates in children's toys, after evidence showed that prolonged exposure can cause liver or kidney failure, but it has no plans to regulate the chemicals in cosmetics. DEP is also listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment.
Fragrance chemicals often harm the environment. Some compounds in synthetic "musk", which wash off our bodies and find their way into nature, remain in the environment for a long time and can build up in the fatty tissues of aquatic animals. Researchers have found measureable levels of synthetic musks in fish in the Great Lakes (pdf), and they've found that levels in sediment are increasing.
In response to the sensitivity many people have to airborne chemicals, a growing number of offices and public spaces are becoming "fragrance-free". This is a great initiative, but what are these and other harmful chemicals doing in our cosmetics in the first place?
Canada's regulations don't measure up to standards in other parts of the world. The European Union restricts many fragrance ingredients and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances. Europe also prohibits or restricts the use of chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in personal-care products.
The David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations are working for safer products. We're conducting a survey to raise awareness and to find out what's in the products people use every day. We plan to present the results in September, along with recommendations for strengthening laws to protect Canadians and our environment from harmful chemicals in personal-care products.
You can help out by becoming more aware of what's in the products you use and switching to products that don't contain harmful ingredients.
I hope this information helps you. I think we all need to be more educated on consumer products and the first step is to switch stores to utilize products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Internet Ceo Moms Conference Call on December 6, 2010
Thanks Gina Pilara Neef for sharing on our biz call last night from the book, "The Mentor Leader" by Tony Dungy.
"Blessed be the leader who seeks the best for those he serves."
Engage - teamwork doesn't tolerate the inconvenience of distance.
Educate - good teachers help every student earn an A.
Equip - Our job as leaders is to show you what to do and how to do it. Your job is to do it consistently."
Empower – Leaders will be those who inspire others!
Energize - Create energy for your team, be a role model!
Elevate – Teamwork – Less me and more we!
Great information on our conference call. I feel so lucky to be part of a team that shares valuable information and insight every Monday evening. Thanks Internet Ceo Moms!
To your success!
Lori
"Blessed be the leader who seeks the best for those he serves."
Engage - teamwork doesn't tolerate the inconvenience of distance.
Educate - good teachers help every student earn an A.
Equip - Our job as leaders is to show you what to do and how to do it. Your job is to do it consistently."
Empower – Leaders will be those who inspire others!
Energize - Create energy for your team, be a role model!
Elevate – Teamwork – Less me and more we!
Great information on our conference call. I feel so lucky to be part of a team that shares valuable information and insight every Monday evening. Thanks Internet Ceo Moms!
To your success!
Lori
Monday, December 6, 2010
A prayer that might help
Almighty God,
help me to remember that
You alone are perfect.
You alone possess infinite patience.
When I expect perfection from
myself, teach me humility.
When I seek perfection in others,
give me patience.
Help me to treat others as I would
have them treat me, knowing
that we are all imperfect mortals.
Rid my mind of pride and power
this day and always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Submitted By: Jack Henry
I hope this helps you everyday!
Lori
help me to remember that
You alone are perfect.
You alone possess infinite patience.
When I expect perfection from
myself, teach me humility.
When I seek perfection in others,
give me patience.
Help me to treat others as I would
have them treat me, knowing
that we are all imperfect mortals.
Rid my mind of pride and power
this day and always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Submitted By: Jack Henry
I hope this helps you everyday!
Lori
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Our Quest for Happiness by Frank Vandersloot
I believe that a factor that is often overlooked in our search for happiness is the tremendous impact that our own moral compass has on our happiness. We all seem to have a moral compass--something inside of us that tells us what is morally "right" and what is morally "wrong". It's something that is inside each of us. When we live and act within the boundaries of our moral compass, we have peace of mind. When we find ourselves living or acting outside the boundaries of our moral compass, we don't like ourselves. And when we don't like ourselves we can never be happy. I suspect that this phenomenon has the greatest impact on our happiness. Liking who we are is, I believe, the most important aspect of finding happiness. I have often imagined a man standing in front of a mirror when he is 90 years old and saying to the person in the mirror, "I know you. I know everything about you. I know everything you've ever done. I know every thought you've ever had. I know every mistake you've ever made. And I know what you have done to try to correct those things. And therefore I like you. And I trust you!" I think that would be the ultimate test of our lives. If we can pass that test, we will have passed the test of life. We will like ourselves. And we will have lived a happy life.
I hope this helps you in some way!
To your success!
Lori
I hope this helps you in some way!
To your success!
Lori
Monday, November 29, 2010
Building a Business
I talk to several people every day, who are dissatisfied with the direction their lives are heading. They have become slaves to their circumstances and are trapped in jobs that are not rewarding;
emotionally, spiritually, or financially.
Most of the moms I meet, are struggling to find balance between the desire to raise their families, be present in their kids’ lives, and the need to earn additional monthly income. They are spread thin,
exhausted, and overwhelmed.
But through the chaos of daily life, I see a flicker of hope quietly glowing inside of all of us.
A Hope that we can create a better life for ourselves and our children.
A Hope that we can make a difference for others.
A Hope that life will get easier someday.
Please don’t let the draft caused by self doubt quickly extinguish that flicker of HOPE inside of you.
You can create a better life for yourself and your children, you can make a difference for others, and life can be easier.
As soon as you recognize that flicker of hope inside of you, and you start to pursue the better life you dream about, your perspective changes, the flame inside of you grows, and you see opportunity
everywhere!
I bet if you stop and assess your inner qualities, you will realize that you are ambitious.
You are dissatisfied with the way things are and you want to do something more with your life. You are caring.
You’re energetic when it comes to things you feel passionate about.
And I’ll bet that raising your kids has helped you to become decisive and developed your leadership and communication skills.
Those are the main qualities it takes to succeed in a home based business opportunity.
Building a home based business has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Has it been easy, No, nothing that takes hard work is ever easy.
Yes, it’s given my family a better life and allowed me to stay home with my kids, but more importantly, it’s turned that flicker of HOPE into a fire within me, to
help others succeed everyday as well.
I would be honored to introduce you to the possibility of building a home based business that uses your gifts and strengths to help others.
If you have an interest in making money online and offline while working from home and you would like more information about how you can partner with me call me and
let’s schedule a time to speak and get to know one another better.
I want to learn more about YOU!
Lori
emotionally, spiritually, or financially.
Most of the moms I meet, are struggling to find balance between the desire to raise their families, be present in their kids’ lives, and the need to earn additional monthly income. They are spread thin,
exhausted, and overwhelmed.
But through the chaos of daily life, I see a flicker of hope quietly glowing inside of all of us.
A Hope that we can create a better life for ourselves and our children.
A Hope that we can make a difference for others.
A Hope that life will get easier someday.
Please don’t let the draft caused by self doubt quickly extinguish that flicker of HOPE inside of you.
You can create a better life for yourself and your children, you can make a difference for others, and life can be easier.
As soon as you recognize that flicker of hope inside of you, and you start to pursue the better life you dream about, your perspective changes, the flame inside of you grows, and you see opportunity
everywhere!
I bet if you stop and assess your inner qualities, you will realize that you are ambitious.
You are dissatisfied with the way things are and you want to do something more with your life. You are caring.
You’re energetic when it comes to things you feel passionate about.
And I’ll bet that raising your kids has helped you to become decisive and developed your leadership and communication skills.
Those are the main qualities it takes to succeed in a home based business opportunity.
Building a home based business has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Has it been easy, No, nothing that takes hard work is ever easy.
Yes, it’s given my family a better life and allowed me to stay home with my kids, but more importantly, it’s turned that flicker of HOPE into a fire within me, to
help others succeed everyday as well.
I would be honored to introduce you to the possibility of building a home based business that uses your gifts and strengths to help others.
If you have an interest in making money online and offline while working from home and you would like more information about how you can partner with me call me and
let’s schedule a time to speak and get to know one another better.
I want to learn more about YOU!
Lori
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Leader always sets the trail for others to follow
One of the most exciting parts of your home business will be building and leading a team. When I first started in my company, I had zero experience. My home business was my very first at home anything I had ever done so I had A LOT to learn. It has been such an incredible journey going from someone who had no experience at leading a team to someone who has grown an organization of thousands. I'm SO excited to share with you how I did just that!!
My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:
L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.
E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:
* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.
* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team
* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.
A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???
D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.
E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!
R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.
* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!
* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.
* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."
S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!
H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.
I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.
P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.
Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!
GAME ON!!!!
Thanks Kristie Wooten for such a great article!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Lori
My 10 tips for you follow the letters in LEADERSHIP:
L - Learn from other leaders. When I first started my business, I didn't have any experience at this sort of thing at all. I was so green to this business and didn't have the slightest idea how to lead a team. One thing that really helped me was watching my mentor and the other leaders within our team. I watched and learned everything from them. I watched how they ran their businesses and lead their teams and I started implementing a lot of the same things they were doing. When any of them would give advice, I would listen and listen hard, whether it was a one on one conversation, on a team call or on stage at an event. They had already built dynamic organizations so it just made sense to follow their lead rather than reinventing the wheel. I remember asking my mentor "What do you do, because that's what I'm going to do." I listened very closely to her answer and took notes because I figured if she could do this business, I could too!!! I have always believed that if you surround yourself with successful people and do what they do, you too will reach success. And basically, everything else I am about to share with you guys is what I learned.
E- Environment - You want to create an environment for success. An environment where your team members can learn, have fun and most importantly GET IT DONE. And the way to do this is by getting them connected. Not only connected to you and the rest of their upline but to each other as well. What makes our group great is that our entire organization works together as a team. I have everyone connected with each other and we are a very tight group. The reason to do this is because it's so easy to feel like you are working by yourself when you work from home. Make it your goal for them to know that we are working FOR ourselves NOT by ourselves. You want them to feel a part of something big and special. It was my goal to create a special team environment and it's worked out beautifully. Some things you can do to accomplish this goal:
* Get your team connected on a Forum or Yahoo Group that you setup for your team - This was probably one of the best things I've done for my team. There have been a lot of great friendships and business relationships built on these. This is a place that they know they can go to to ask questions and get immediate answers. That way, for example, if someone on your team can't get a hold of you right away, they know they can go there for support. It also doubles up as a time management tool. A lot of new team members or team members in general have a lot of the same questions. When we answer them on the group or forum, that could answer five other team member's question that they also have which saves you time in answering them over and over again. It's all about working it smart guys.
* Setup challenges for your team and do the challenge with them! For example, I've done 90 Day Challenges with my team. Where we set specific goals to reach within that period and we all work hard toward them. The keyword being WE. Meaning if you want your team to do it, you need to do it. Leading by example is everything when you're building a team
* Get them connected to the team calls that your team and company provides. Host your own team call. Even if it starts with two people, start small, it will build up. Your team will appreciate hearing your voice every week. Until you feel comfortable doing that, send them to your upline's team calls.
A - Attitude - I'm just going to start by saying that attitude is everything. In every aspect of your life but especially in your business. When you maintain a positive attitude throughout your day and life, you can move mountains. Attitude is 90% of this business, the other 10% can be taught. If you're up, down and all around.....your business will be up, down and all around. Now I'm not saying it's not okay to have a bad day, we all have bad days. But don't let a bad day turn into a bad week or even worse a bad month. When I start having a bad day, I give myself an attitude adjustment. It's a choice that I make. Either sit and be miserable with my bad attitude or shake it off, put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. It's especially a very important choice when you're leading a team. Your team is watching you!! Attitude reflects leadership. If you want them to have a good attitude, you must have one!! Never complain to your team members, ever, if you're having a bad day, don't show it to your team. Attitudes are contagious, so ask yourself if yours is worth catching???
D - Daily Action - Your team is watching YOU!!! You MUST lead by example. A very common mistake I see new leaders make is that they go into management mode. This will put a screeching halt on your business. You can't tell your team to go out and recruit new team members and customers, if you're not recruiting new team members and customers. One thing I noticed when I first started was that my mentor was still putting business on the books every single month, even at the top level in our company and $250K in lifetime residual income. She wasn't just talking the talk but she was walking the walk and that inspired me to go out and do the same. I'll never forget what she told me when I hit my first level of management, she said "You're team is watching you, if you're adding business and promoting, they will follow you." She also told me to keep my name on the lists, meaning the top recruiter lists. That's been my goal ever since she told me that. It will make your team proud of you and it will inspire them. It will also give them a much higher respect for you as a leader if you are actually out there doing what you're asking them to do.
E - Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way- This is something I didn't really understand fully until about my third year in my business. Many of us go through obstacles and struggles in the beginning of our business. I know I had a lot of struggles and discouraging moments in the beginning of my business and now I'm so happy that I did. For me, mine were everything from going through a divorce, being a single mom working a full time job outside of the house, my utilities getting shut off, I had a HUGE fear of the phone, I made about 200 presentations before getting my first yes, I had very little money for advertising, I could go on with more stuff but you guys get the point. I am a person that firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. At the time, all that stuff seemed really big and hard but what I didn't know was that was a part of my training to become a better leader. Because when my team members go through those things, I can relate to them and help them through those times. I can inspire them and let them know that if I did it, they can do it! So, think of it this way. Embrace every obstacle and struggle that comes your way, because you're going to learn from it and when YOU are a Top Leader in your company, you can help your team members through it! It's all about attitude and perspective!
R - Recognition - This is my very favorite part. I love to shower my team with recognition. I will never forget the first time I saw my name on a Top Recruiter list. It felt really good. I was so proud and it put a fire in me. And from that moment on, I aim to have my name on all the lists. I remember telling my mentor that and she told me that people will work harder for praises than raises. It's so true. We LOVE to be recognized for things we're doing right, it's human nature. Recognition has been a HUGE part of my building a successful team. You can recognize your team in many ways.
* Team Newsletter - You can send this out weekly or at very least, bi-weekly. You can create an email with pictures of team members being recognized, graphics, articles and much more. For the recognition part, you can include the top customer and team member recruiters month to date, the Top Producer for the month (which includes all business added), New pin level and income level promotions and also do a featured team member of the week. Choose one leader every newsletter to be in the spotlight and include their bio in the newsletter. You want everyone on your team feel as special as they are. The best part, they ALL race for these spots. It's a nice healthy competition to get you're team moving!
* Team Calls - You can also mention all of those accomplishments on your team call. And at least once a month, I put a leader in the spotlight on my team call as my special guest.
* Mail greeting cards to those hitting new promotions/income levels - Everyone likes receiving good mail (you know, NOT bills) so a handwritten note from you is special. Taking the time to do that shows that you truly care.
* E-cards and emails for new business added - When someone enrolls their first piece of business, I'll send them an e-card with a short little message like "Congratulations on your first enrollment, remember if you can enroll one, you can enroll hundreds. Get ready for an amazing future." I also send a short little emails to congratulate my team members on new business. It could be something as easy as "Yay Traci, I'm so proud of you."
S - Step out of your comfort zone - I tell you, getting to the level I am now has required a lot of stepping outside of my comfort zone and I know that to stay successful, I am going to have to continue to do so. While this makes me a little nervous, I know that it is good for me. Picking up the phone to call a prospect is where it started, leaving fliers at businesses, being a special guest on a conference call (I will never forget the first time my mentor asked me to be on a call with her, I thought I was going to pass out!!!), hosting my own team calls, being in a television commercial and speaking at events, now THOSE last two were HUGE steps for me. However, all of those things have helped me to become a better person and leader. I love that my mentor pushes me to grow and be the best. It's a gift that she has given me. It might not have been as fun as getting a birthday gift...but after the fact when I stand back and see that I faced a fear and beat it, I am so grateful to her. The truth is, you must step out of your comfort zone to reach greatness in life. It will make you a better leader and your team will be proud of you!!!
H - Help your team - This one is kind of a given but still very important. When your team emails or calls you, it's important to get back to them quickly. I try to get back to them to same day but if I can't, at least by the next day. You want them to feel comfortable coming to you so they don't feel like they've been left hanging to figure it all out for themselves. Now, while it's very important to help your team, it's also important that you are working on your own personal production too. My team knows that I am unavailable for training between the hours of 12:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday because I am working on adding new business. This also sets a great example of balancing training and prospecting for them to follow when working with their own teams.
I - Inspire and believe in them - Keep your team inspired. You can send them inspirational articles, quotes, videos, audios, anything to get their blood flowing. Also, by reaching different levels of success within your own business, it inspires them to know that if you can do this, they can too! Let them know the obstacles and struggles that you overcame and that you are absolutely no different than them. The only difference is that you have been here longer. Also let your team members know that you believe from the bottom of your heart that they can do this if they want it bad enough. From the day I became a leader in my company, my mentor has always showed me in many ways how much she believes in me and it was amazing to see how that made me believe in myself and made me more confident.
P - Personal Development - Personal Development is something I never realized was so important until I started my home business. I guess I thought I just "didn't need that stuff." It took me a few months to finally give into it. When I did, it was a shocker to see what I was so skeptical of transforming my life both personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that if you keep feeding your mind that you will reach greatness on every level. I incorporate personal development into my daily routine. Every morning, I get up an hour before my kids to and listen to an audio while I am checking emails and having my coffee. It's an awesome way to start the day. It really sets the tone for my day when I immediately start putting good stuff in. I also encourage my team to do the same, not necessarily my schedule but at least a couple audios or chapters of a great book per week. When you start incorporating personal development into your life and business, your family and friends will notice it. You will be a more pleasant and positive person to be around. It will rub off on your team and you will be amazed at the growth you will have in your organization. I have people ask me just about everyday, "How do you do it, how do you stay so happy and positive all the time?" I tell them it's a choice I make and that I continue to work on being a better person and leader everyday.
Those are all of the steps I have taken to build a HUGE team over the years. Following those steps will help you to build a DYNAMIC organization as well!!
GAME ON!!!!
Thanks Kristie Wooten for such a great article!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Lori
Monday, November 22, 2010
HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
( Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
( Matt hew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
( John 3:16 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
( II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
I hope this helps you in some way!
Have a great day!
Lori
www.momsforgreen
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
( Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
( Matt hew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
( John 3:16 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
( II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
I hope this helps you in some way!
Have a great day!
Lori
www.momsforgreen
Monday, November 15, 2010
Christian Work At Home Moms Article
Welcome to Every MOMent Counts! Here you will find words harnessed together by energy and enthusiasm that I hope will provide encouragement and empowerment to you as a mom.
You see once God blessed me with the title “mom” my entire outlook on life was forever altered, tipped away from self and towards legacy. Suddenly my desire to glorify God was transcended from my life and into the life of His great blessing to me…my children. I was being entrusted with these tiny little lives to love and mold into “His little soldiers” as my younger brother declares.
In today’s world of “meism” the ability to place one’s personal desires aside and contemplate daily life through the lens of selfless motherhood can only be done… well, through the power of the Holy Spirit. And lest you think me a prideful, perfectionist, ninnymuggins; allow me to assure you my selflessness exists successfully only when I am well girded. The daily battle against self continuously screams loudly in my momlife.
Actually, so loudly does it scream that I am compelled though necessity to spend daily time in the word at most, and seek out scotch taped index cards streaming with Bible verses at least. My home is frequently alive with the cascading sounds of Christian contemporary music to wage war against my selfish thoughts. And on the days I really need some serious refocus – very loud, foot stomping strains of LeCrae, Skillet and Third Day are at a fever pitch level!
My children have always been the integral part of my life. They matter. I make time for them. I set aside my wants for their needs. I spend intentional time with them. I am always a teacher. I fail. I apologize. We keep moving forward. We make memories. We play. I am silly. I dance. I sing. I instruct. I have “do nothing” days. I cook. I am busy. I err. I ask for forgiveness. We rebuild. We laugh. We cry. We create. I take pictures – lots of pictures. We make memories. I am an intentional mom.
My children are now teens. We have a relationship…still. I am part of their lives. They talk to me about things. I know all their friends. They hang out at our home with their friends. They continue to accept instruction.
Why? How?
Intentionality works.
Remember…every MOMent counts!
Blessings.
Tracey
Tracey Eyster is the creator and senior editor of MomLife Today and has served with FamilyLife.com as a writer for three years. After becoming a mom, she “retired” from her career in public relations and marketing but continued to serve by volunteering on many committees and boards. She is passionate about momlife, encouraging other moms through speaking and writing, and is in the process of publishing her first book. Tracey is happily married to Bill has two teenagers at home (and several extras always looking for some fun n’ home cookin) and they live the simple life on a small ranch – horses, four wheelers, go carts and dirt bikes included! Always known as the “fun mom”- she embraces that title and challenges other moms to lighten up and make memories because … Every MOMent Counts! You can find her at www.momlifetoday.com, www.momlifeoutloud.com , www.blog.familymatters.net follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/momblog, and hear tips from her on parenting at www.iquestions.com.
Great article I hope you enjoyed it!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
You see once God blessed me with the title “mom” my entire outlook on life was forever altered, tipped away from self and towards legacy. Suddenly my desire to glorify God was transcended from my life and into the life of His great blessing to me…my children. I was being entrusted with these tiny little lives to love and mold into “His little soldiers” as my younger brother declares.
In today’s world of “meism” the ability to place one’s personal desires aside and contemplate daily life through the lens of selfless motherhood can only be done… well, through the power of the Holy Spirit. And lest you think me a prideful, perfectionist, ninnymuggins; allow me to assure you my selflessness exists successfully only when I am well girded. The daily battle against self continuously screams loudly in my momlife.
Actually, so loudly does it scream that I am compelled though necessity to spend daily time in the word at most, and seek out scotch taped index cards streaming with Bible verses at least. My home is frequently alive with the cascading sounds of Christian contemporary music to wage war against my selfish thoughts. And on the days I really need some serious refocus – very loud, foot stomping strains of LeCrae, Skillet and Third Day are at a fever pitch level!
My children have always been the integral part of my life. They matter. I make time for them. I set aside my wants for their needs. I spend intentional time with them. I am always a teacher. I fail. I apologize. We keep moving forward. We make memories. We play. I am silly. I dance. I sing. I instruct. I have “do nothing” days. I cook. I am busy. I err. I ask for forgiveness. We rebuild. We laugh. We cry. We create. I take pictures – lots of pictures. We make memories. I am an intentional mom.
My children are now teens. We have a relationship…still. I am part of their lives. They talk to me about things. I know all their friends. They hang out at our home with their friends. They continue to accept instruction.
Why? How?
Intentionality works.
Remember…every MOMent counts!
Blessings.
Tracey
Tracey Eyster is the creator and senior editor of MomLife Today and has served with FamilyLife.com as a writer for three years. After becoming a mom, she “retired” from her career in public relations and marketing but continued to serve by volunteering on many committees and boards. She is passionate about momlife, encouraging other moms through speaking and writing, and is in the process of publishing her first book. Tracey is happily married to Bill has two teenagers at home (and several extras always looking for some fun n’ home cookin) and they live the simple life on a small ranch – horses, four wheelers, go carts and dirt bikes included! Always known as the “fun mom”- she embraces that title and challenges other moms to lighten up and make memories because … Every MOMent Counts! You can find her at www.momlifetoday.com, www.momlifeoutloud.com , www.blog.familymatters.net follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/momblog, and hear tips from her on parenting at www.iquestions.com.
Great article I hope you enjoyed it!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
An Amazing Story from All God's Children International Newsletter
I can still remember telling my mother one day, "When I grow up, I will adopt a child." I don't know if she believed me or not, because I was just a child myself! However, I knew God had birthed that desire in my heart and I believed He would bring it to pass. My life continued to unfold. I grew up, got married, and eventually did become the mother of four beautiful children. The faith-filled statement I had made to my mother that day so many years earlier did turn out to be more than just a childhood memory. It had been a divine call, God's personal promise—and He brought it to pass. We adopted two of our children, a son domestically, and a daughter joined our family from Korea. My passion to help children find a family was realized and lived out daily in my own home. I was content raising our family and felt so blessed. My life was full of school and church activities and I loved being a wife and mother! Then, in a moment, my life changed…
ALL THINGS…
In the year 2000, my life dramatically changed. My husband who had finally achieved his goal of becoming a CEO, announced that he was leaving our family to start a new life in New York. In an instant everything in our world was turned upside down. I was devastated. After raising four children and just sending the last one off on her own, I found myself alone. Heartbroken and needing time to heal, I moved back to Kansas City to be close to friends and regroup. I found a wonderful church that allowed me to work in their office, and I was surrounded with love and a healing environment. I clung daily in faith to another promise God gave me through His word, a promise He gives to us all:
"We are assured and know that…ALL THINGS…work together and are fitting into a plan FOR GOOD
to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose." Romans 8:28(AMP)
I prayed diligently that God would, despite my heartbreak, help me to believe with all my heart that He would bring something GOOD out of ALL THE THINGS that had happened in my life.
HIS DESIGN AND PURPOSE…
In 2004, as much as I loved the work and the people at the church, there was restlessness in my soul. I felt God wanted me to give my life to something more. Since I had always been drawn to children in need of finding families, I researched children's organizations, thinking I might find a direction there; I found myself on AGCI's Web site. Since I was 53 at the time, I felt certain I would not be a candidate for adoption, so I decided to simply ignore what I had read. But God continued to put His orphaned children on my heart. Finally, I dared to entertain the possibility of doing something and decided to write for more information about AGCI's programs, thinking perhaps there might be other ways to help orphaned children through their ministry. By the time the information arrived, I had come to my senses and saw how ridiculous that idea was; I came up with a multitude of excuses, so I put the information away on a top shelf. Several weeks later, my courage returned and I thought perhaps it wouldn't hurt to just read it. A few days later I sent off for further information; I figured it wouldn't hurt! Much to my surprise, just three days later, I received a call from AGCI to talk with me about the possibility of adopting, despite my apology for wasting their time and sharing the fact that I was older and single. Could this be God? Was He clearly opening another door?
STOP SIGNS OR OPEN DOORS?
I immediately began to pray about this seemingly "divine development," asking God to show me "stop signs" along the way if adoption was not what He wanted me to pursue. I knew that AGCI had other ways I could help and serve the orphans I loved, but the doors kept opening. I was both delighted (and a bit scared) at the possibility! Although there were those who reminded me how difficult it would be to raise children alone, and others who told me how important it was for children to have a father, I kept trying to listen for God's voice above other people's opinions. The process just seemed to keep moving forward. One moment I was full of faith, and the next I entertained the inevitable questions that came with taking a leap of faith. Could I do this alone at my age? What was I thinking? But if I didn't—what if I missed what God had intended? I spent many nights praying and assuring God that if He chose to close this door, I would totally understand. I kept thinking if there were thousands of children living in orphanages, wouldn't it be better for them to have a mother, extended family, and a loving home, than remain in an orphanage for the rest of their lives? So I simply kept praying and asking fervently for direction and guidance. Yet miraculously, against all odds, the doors kept swinging open, one after another. I turned in my dossier to AGCI, requesting to adopt a little girl from Russia. Shortly after that red letter day, while driving to an appointment, I simply heard God speak to my heart and say, "I don't want you to just adopt one child; I want you to adopt two!" I was stunned to say the least. But I knew His voice. It was the same voice that had assured my heart as a little girl that I would adopt a child someday. Now I knew He was asking me to begin again, and spend my life loving and caring for two orphan children unknown to me, but He already knew them by name. So I called AGCI and my dossier was changed with some additional paperwork. Now I was praying for two!
MY JOURNEY BEGINS…
In November 2004, the pictures and referral arrived from Russia. I knew the moment I saw them I was supposed to keep going forward. Two precious little faces were smiling at me—two sisters, ages three and almost five, living in an orphanage in northern Russia. I made travel plans and in early December, my sister accompanied me to meet the girls for the first time. We found them waiting behind their orphanage door in the middle of Siberia. It was cold and snow was on the ground. I was kept warm by the deep love burning in my heart for these little ones who God had loved so much. He had, in His mercy, led me to their side halfway around the world. It was hard to kiss them goodbye, but I knew I would be back soon, so I left them in the Father's care. I arrived home just in time to celebrate Christmas at my house with my older children. They knew where I had been, but I don't think the reality of my pending adoptions became a reality to them until they realized those two little Russian girls had faces, and those faces were now on Mom's refrigerator door! We all had a heart to heart talk that Christmas. They shared their fears and I did my best to understand. They had all spent five years working through the fact of their dad leaving and life not being the same. In the end, however, just as all parents have to trust God with their children, my children had to do the same for me: trust God and believe He was leading me to walk in the light of His truth, what He had spoken to my heart.
FACING THE UNEXPECTED…
As the new year approached, I was busy preparing for the arrival of my new daughters. Unexpectedly, I received a phone call from AGCI with news that Russia was on the verge of shutting down its adoption program for an unknown length of time. My heart turned upside down. Was this the stop sign I had asked God to put up in case I had missed His will? Once again I prayed that God would help me walk the path He had put before me. AGCI worked diligently to expedite everything they could. They stood with me in faith and vowed to do all they could to get my girls home before the deadline. My admiration and appreciation is without measure! The urgency I felt in my heart, they also shared as well, and miraculously I realized that God had not put up a stop sign through the impending closure, but had instead mercifully opened up the highways of heaven to bring His girls home before the closure. In February 2005, I prepared to travel once again, this time with a friend, back to Siberia to pick up my daughters. Our translator never left our side, and the process went perfectly. On March 3, 2005, I brought Anna Grace and Emily Joy home! It was a new beginning for all of us. I thanked God for helping me be obedient to His call, and for being so faithful to me and my girls. I realized then that they were His hidden treasure, "THE GOOD" that He promised to bring out of the devastating "ALL THINGS" that had happened years earlier in my life. They were living reality of His promise in Romans 8:28. My daughter's middle names reflect the GRACE that God gave me to endure and believe my life was not over during that time, and the JOY He filled my heart with as He revived once again His purpose and call in my life.
FIVE YEARS LATER!
Now that I have had Anna Grace and Emily Joy for over five years, I can only say how grateful I am that God has allowed me to have them as my daughters. Anna is vivacious and eager to try everything from ice skating to horseback riding. Emily is so sweet and loves church, bowling, and swimming. They are great travelers, so we just returned from our annual beach week with their older siblings and my five grandchildren. They are and continue to be the most awesome gifts from God. I know that God in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what was needed by all of us, and He made us a family. Do they have some struggles? Yes, as most children do. We deal with some delays and learning challenges, but really just normal things that many parents encounter along the way. On the more difficult days, I find myself singing the same song I sang when I came across struggles with my older children. His strength is perfect when our strength is gone, and He will carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in his power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect. I am daily amazed that God would choose this older, often insecure, single woman to be the mother to these dear little girls. There are times that I wish I were ten years younger and had more time on this earth. There are so many children who need to experience God's mercy through a family.
TO EVERY GENERATION…
My story doesn't stop here! My son and his wife have recently applied to adopt an Ethiopian child through AGCI as well, so I will, hopefully, be welcoming a new grandchild soon. I hear they are praying for twins! I am so blessed! Our family resembles our own united nations: Korea, the U.S., Russia, and now Ethiopia. Throughout my life, I have seen God's mercy right in front of me, even in the difficult times I have experienced. Yet He has always graciously allowed me to walk in His path of truth and guided me forward each step of the way. I can confidently speak with David the words he wrote in the Psalms: "His mercy endures forever. His faithfulness endures throughout every generation." Psalm 100:5 (GWT)
His mercy does endure forever. He has been faithful to my family. I am now watching that same faithfulness and mercy being passed down and lived out in the lives of my children. God's mercy is remembered every day in our family. I see it in the faces of my older children, my younger children, and my grandchildren.
ONE LAST THOUGHT…
November is national adoption month. I just want to encourage all who read my story to stop for a moment and ask the Lord if there is something He wants you to do for orphan children around the world. Age doesn't seem to matter to God. If He wants you to do something, He will open the doors. All you have to do is be willing to walk through it. You never want to look back and wonder what might have been, if you ignore the open door He lays before you.
This article hits close to home since my husband and I adopted our son from Guatemala and looking to possibly adopt again. I have been waiting for God's sign. I think I need to really open my eyes and my heart to really hear what God is really saying to me.
I hope this was inspirational for you as well.
Lori
ALL THINGS…
In the year 2000, my life dramatically changed. My husband who had finally achieved his goal of becoming a CEO, announced that he was leaving our family to start a new life in New York. In an instant everything in our world was turned upside down. I was devastated. After raising four children and just sending the last one off on her own, I found myself alone. Heartbroken and needing time to heal, I moved back to Kansas City to be close to friends and regroup. I found a wonderful church that allowed me to work in their office, and I was surrounded with love and a healing environment. I clung daily in faith to another promise God gave me through His word, a promise He gives to us all:
"We are assured and know that…ALL THINGS…work together and are fitting into a plan FOR GOOD
to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose." Romans 8:28(AMP)
I prayed diligently that God would, despite my heartbreak, help me to believe with all my heart that He would bring something GOOD out of ALL THE THINGS that had happened in my life.
HIS DESIGN AND PURPOSE…
In 2004, as much as I loved the work and the people at the church, there was restlessness in my soul. I felt God wanted me to give my life to something more. Since I had always been drawn to children in need of finding families, I researched children's organizations, thinking I might find a direction there; I found myself on AGCI's Web site. Since I was 53 at the time, I felt certain I would not be a candidate for adoption, so I decided to simply ignore what I had read. But God continued to put His orphaned children on my heart. Finally, I dared to entertain the possibility of doing something and decided to write for more information about AGCI's programs, thinking perhaps there might be other ways to help orphaned children through their ministry. By the time the information arrived, I had come to my senses and saw how ridiculous that idea was; I came up with a multitude of excuses, so I put the information away on a top shelf. Several weeks later, my courage returned and I thought perhaps it wouldn't hurt to just read it. A few days later I sent off for further information; I figured it wouldn't hurt! Much to my surprise, just three days later, I received a call from AGCI to talk with me about the possibility of adopting, despite my apology for wasting their time and sharing the fact that I was older and single. Could this be God? Was He clearly opening another door?
STOP SIGNS OR OPEN DOORS?
I immediately began to pray about this seemingly "divine development," asking God to show me "stop signs" along the way if adoption was not what He wanted me to pursue. I knew that AGCI had other ways I could help and serve the orphans I loved, but the doors kept opening. I was both delighted (and a bit scared) at the possibility! Although there were those who reminded me how difficult it would be to raise children alone, and others who told me how important it was for children to have a father, I kept trying to listen for God's voice above other people's opinions. The process just seemed to keep moving forward. One moment I was full of faith, and the next I entertained the inevitable questions that came with taking a leap of faith. Could I do this alone at my age? What was I thinking? But if I didn't—what if I missed what God had intended? I spent many nights praying and assuring God that if He chose to close this door, I would totally understand. I kept thinking if there were thousands of children living in orphanages, wouldn't it be better for them to have a mother, extended family, and a loving home, than remain in an orphanage for the rest of their lives? So I simply kept praying and asking fervently for direction and guidance. Yet miraculously, against all odds, the doors kept swinging open, one after another. I turned in my dossier to AGCI, requesting to adopt a little girl from Russia. Shortly after that red letter day, while driving to an appointment, I simply heard God speak to my heart and say, "I don't want you to just adopt one child; I want you to adopt two!" I was stunned to say the least. But I knew His voice. It was the same voice that had assured my heart as a little girl that I would adopt a child someday. Now I knew He was asking me to begin again, and spend my life loving and caring for two orphan children unknown to me, but He already knew them by name. So I called AGCI and my dossier was changed with some additional paperwork. Now I was praying for two!
MY JOURNEY BEGINS…
In November 2004, the pictures and referral arrived from Russia. I knew the moment I saw them I was supposed to keep going forward. Two precious little faces were smiling at me—two sisters, ages three and almost five, living in an orphanage in northern Russia. I made travel plans and in early December, my sister accompanied me to meet the girls for the first time. We found them waiting behind their orphanage door in the middle of Siberia. It was cold and snow was on the ground. I was kept warm by the deep love burning in my heart for these little ones who God had loved so much. He had, in His mercy, led me to their side halfway around the world. It was hard to kiss them goodbye, but I knew I would be back soon, so I left them in the Father's care. I arrived home just in time to celebrate Christmas at my house with my older children. They knew where I had been, but I don't think the reality of my pending adoptions became a reality to them until they realized those two little Russian girls had faces, and those faces were now on Mom's refrigerator door! We all had a heart to heart talk that Christmas. They shared their fears and I did my best to understand. They had all spent five years working through the fact of their dad leaving and life not being the same. In the end, however, just as all parents have to trust God with their children, my children had to do the same for me: trust God and believe He was leading me to walk in the light of His truth, what He had spoken to my heart.
FACING THE UNEXPECTED…
As the new year approached, I was busy preparing for the arrival of my new daughters. Unexpectedly, I received a phone call from AGCI with news that Russia was on the verge of shutting down its adoption program for an unknown length of time. My heart turned upside down. Was this the stop sign I had asked God to put up in case I had missed His will? Once again I prayed that God would help me walk the path He had put before me. AGCI worked diligently to expedite everything they could. They stood with me in faith and vowed to do all they could to get my girls home before the deadline. My admiration and appreciation is without measure! The urgency I felt in my heart, they also shared as well, and miraculously I realized that God had not put up a stop sign through the impending closure, but had instead mercifully opened up the highways of heaven to bring His girls home before the closure. In February 2005, I prepared to travel once again, this time with a friend, back to Siberia to pick up my daughters. Our translator never left our side, and the process went perfectly. On March 3, 2005, I brought Anna Grace and Emily Joy home! It was a new beginning for all of us. I thanked God for helping me be obedient to His call, and for being so faithful to me and my girls. I realized then that they were His hidden treasure, "THE GOOD" that He promised to bring out of the devastating "ALL THINGS" that had happened years earlier in my life. They were living reality of His promise in Romans 8:28. My daughter's middle names reflect the GRACE that God gave me to endure and believe my life was not over during that time, and the JOY He filled my heart with as He revived once again His purpose and call in my life.
FIVE YEARS LATER!
Now that I have had Anna Grace and Emily Joy for over five years, I can only say how grateful I am that God has allowed me to have them as my daughters. Anna is vivacious and eager to try everything from ice skating to horseback riding. Emily is so sweet and loves church, bowling, and swimming. They are great travelers, so we just returned from our annual beach week with their older siblings and my five grandchildren. They are and continue to be the most awesome gifts from God. I know that God in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what was needed by all of us, and He made us a family. Do they have some struggles? Yes, as most children do. We deal with some delays and learning challenges, but really just normal things that many parents encounter along the way. On the more difficult days, I find myself singing the same song I sang when I came across struggles with my older children. His strength is perfect when our strength is gone, and He will carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in his power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect. I am daily amazed that God would choose this older, often insecure, single woman to be the mother to these dear little girls. There are times that I wish I were ten years younger and had more time on this earth. There are so many children who need to experience God's mercy through a family.
TO EVERY GENERATION…
My story doesn't stop here! My son and his wife have recently applied to adopt an Ethiopian child through AGCI as well, so I will, hopefully, be welcoming a new grandchild soon. I hear they are praying for twins! I am so blessed! Our family resembles our own united nations: Korea, the U.S., Russia, and now Ethiopia. Throughout my life, I have seen God's mercy right in front of me, even in the difficult times I have experienced. Yet He has always graciously allowed me to walk in His path of truth and guided me forward each step of the way. I can confidently speak with David the words he wrote in the Psalms: "His mercy endures forever. His faithfulness endures throughout every generation." Psalm 100:5 (GWT)
His mercy does endure forever. He has been faithful to my family. I am now watching that same faithfulness and mercy being passed down and lived out in the lives of my children. God's mercy is remembered every day in our family. I see it in the faces of my older children, my younger children, and my grandchildren.
ONE LAST THOUGHT…
November is national adoption month. I just want to encourage all who read my story to stop for a moment and ask the Lord if there is something He wants you to do for orphan children around the world. Age doesn't seem to matter to God. If He wants you to do something, He will open the doors. All you have to do is be willing to walk through it. You never want to look back and wonder what might have been, if you ignore the open door He lays before you.
This article hits close to home since my husband and I adopted our son from Guatemala and looking to possibly adopt again. I have been waiting for God's sign. I think I need to really open my eyes and my heart to really hear what God is really saying to me.
I hope this was inspirational for you as well.
Lori
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Proverbs 3:13-18
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed
I hope you are blessed by these verses. Wisdom is a big key to spiritual maturity. It is more important than wealth or success. Wisdom is the application of knowledge
To Your Spiritual Success!
Lori
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed
I hope you are blessed by these verses. Wisdom is a big key to spiritual maturity. It is more important than wealth or success. Wisdom is the application of knowledge
To Your Spiritual Success!
Lori
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
How 30 Minutes of Meal Planning Can Save You Hours of Frustration
Homeschooling Mom’s Blog
Michelle Schaeffer,
WordPress Expert, Entrepreneur & Business Owner
“What’s for breakfast, mom?” “What’s for dinner, honey?” “We’re hungry!”
How many times do you hear those questions in a typical week? How many times do you wonder, yourself, what to cook for the next meal?
Do you run to the grocery store at the last minute to pick up a missing dinner ingredient? Or drive through and pick up that less-than-ideal meal because you were in a rush?
Sometimes cooking dinner is the last thing I feel like doing at the end of a busy day! And I know I’m not alone.
The good news is that you can tame the meal time chaos and end all the questions by taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the week to plan out your meals. Think of all the time you’ll save when you don’t have to figure out what to make for dinner, make those last minute trips to the grocery store, or run out for deli or fast food!
Here are some tips to help you plan a week’s worth of meals:
1) Start with a menu page.
Create a weekly menu form that you can fill in each week and post it on your refrigerator. This way it’s easy for everyone to see what’s planned for each meal.
I use a grid style plan with 8 rows, labeled down the left side:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
And 5 columns and across the top label them:
Day / Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Snacks
Armed with your menu form ready to fill in, proceed to step 2.
2) Plan your meals.
Start with what you’ve got. Do you have any specific foods you need to remember to cook this week? Veggies you want to prepare while they’re still fresh? Add meals using those ingredients to your plan.
Next look at what you’ve got in the pantry that you can cook this week. Add those meals to your plan.
Tip: Ask your kids or spouse what meals they’d like during the week. You might find that planning a weekly pizza night every Friday, Mexican lunch every Tuesday, or other regular meal events makes the family happy and your meal planning easier!
Continue adding meals until your calendar is filled. Then add some snack ideas to the far right column (popcorn, yogurt, whatever your kids typically eat for an afternoon or after-school snack).
3) Create your grocery list.
Once you’ve got your meals planned the next step is to create your grocery list. Look over the meals you’ve planned and create your grocery list of any items you don’t already have at home.
Now you can shop and buy just the items on your list, knowing that you’ll have everything you need for a complete week’s worth of meals!
(Weekly and Monthly Meal Planning templates are available for download.)
***Would you like a free email course about meal planning, crock pot cooking, or freezer cooking? Visit http://michelleshaeffer.com/help-for-work-at-home-moms/ now and let me send you helpful tips and ideas that will make it easier for you to balance homemaking, homeschooling, and working from home. ***
________________
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.
You might also like:
10 Meal Planning Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Meals
How to Get Everything Done
How To Make Homemade Cornbread For Thanksgiving Meals
LinkWithin
These are great tips. I hope this helps you in some way.
To Your Success!
Lori
Michelle Schaeffer,
WordPress Expert, Entrepreneur & Business Owner
“What’s for breakfast, mom?” “What’s for dinner, honey?” “We’re hungry!”
How many times do you hear those questions in a typical week? How many times do you wonder, yourself, what to cook for the next meal?
Do you run to the grocery store at the last minute to pick up a missing dinner ingredient? Or drive through and pick up that less-than-ideal meal because you were in a rush?
Sometimes cooking dinner is the last thing I feel like doing at the end of a busy day! And I know I’m not alone.
The good news is that you can tame the meal time chaos and end all the questions by taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the week to plan out your meals. Think of all the time you’ll save when you don’t have to figure out what to make for dinner, make those last minute trips to the grocery store, or run out for deli or fast food!
Here are some tips to help you plan a week’s worth of meals:
1) Start with a menu page.
Create a weekly menu form that you can fill in each week and post it on your refrigerator. This way it’s easy for everyone to see what’s planned for each meal.
I use a grid style plan with 8 rows, labeled down the left side:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
And 5 columns and across the top label them:
Day / Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Snacks
Armed with your menu form ready to fill in, proceed to step 2.
2) Plan your meals.
Start with what you’ve got. Do you have any specific foods you need to remember to cook this week? Veggies you want to prepare while they’re still fresh? Add meals using those ingredients to your plan.
Next look at what you’ve got in the pantry that you can cook this week. Add those meals to your plan.
Tip: Ask your kids or spouse what meals they’d like during the week. You might find that planning a weekly pizza night every Friday, Mexican lunch every Tuesday, or other regular meal events makes the family happy and your meal planning easier!
Continue adding meals until your calendar is filled. Then add some snack ideas to the far right column (popcorn, yogurt, whatever your kids typically eat for an afternoon or after-school snack).
3) Create your grocery list.
Once you’ve got your meals planned the next step is to create your grocery list. Look over the meals you’ve planned and create your grocery list of any items you don’t already have at home.
Now you can shop and buy just the items on your list, knowing that you’ll have everything you need for a complete week’s worth of meals!
(Weekly and Monthly Meal Planning templates are available for download.)
***Would you like a free email course about meal planning, crock pot cooking, or freezer cooking? Visit http://michelleshaeffer.com/help-for-work-at-home-moms/ now and let me send you helpful tips and ideas that will make it easier for you to balance homemaking, homeschooling, and working from home. ***
________________
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.
You might also like:
10 Meal Planning Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Meals
How to Get Everything Done
How To Make Homemade Cornbread For Thanksgiving Meals
LinkWithin
These are great tips. I hope this helps you in some way.
To Your Success!
Lori
Monday, November 8, 2010
Faith, Hope and Love
Faith makes all things possible.
Hope makes all things work.
Love makes all things beautiful.
May you have all of the three.
This really says it all!
Have a great day!
Lori
Hope makes all things work.
Love makes all things beautiful.
May you have all of the three.
This really says it all!
Have a great day!
Lori
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Bio
I feel very fortunate to have such a supportive husband and a wonderful son. I have been working from home with Internet Ceo Moms since 2008.
My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.
I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways.
Let us help you achieve your goals.
Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com
My husband and I felt it was really important for me to be able to stay at home with our son. However, I felt it was really important for me to contribute to our income while being at home. I was very blessed to find the Internet Ceo Moms and that it was a perfect fit for me.
I have always worked in the corporate world and I have never done any type of home business before. I was very particular about finding a home business that I felt passionate about their mission. I found the Internet Ceo Moms in a Parent Magazine while taking my son to his doctor appointment. I did my research and I was impressed with the teams morals and ethics. The business is very simple and rewarding, which is exactly what I was looking for in a business. I know I have a very supportive team that will help me achieve my goals. I have gained so much knowledge and I know I am exactly where I am suppose to be. I am proud to be a part of something that truly helps families in so many ways.
Let us help you achieve your goals.
Lori McDowell
Proud Member of Internet Ceo Moms
Helping Moms Work From Home since 1999!
Visit our official fan page on Facebook:
http://www.likeinternetceomoms.com
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Only One Thing Matters
Have you ever wondered if maybe God miscalculated the number of hours needed in a day? Have you ever questioned His understanding of what it takes to live this life? We can submerge ourselves into His Word, but at the end of the day, we can’t understand how that time spent will get the bills paid, the house cleaned, the grocery shopping done, the yard work finished, the family fed, or the kids ready for bed. Maybe God just didn’t think far enough ahead into our fast paced, schedule driven, technology powered world. Maybe He’s not being reasonable by allowing us to spend a little less time with Him, so that we could get things done. And what about when the holidays come around? Did He not anticipate the decorations that have to be put up, the parties that need thrown, or the extra jobs that must be worked to pay for it all? Maybe God missed it.
Or maybe we have.
The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Am I a Mary or a Martha?” (Maybe we have multiple personalities that include the two. LOL) In Luke 10: 38-42, we find two women named Martha and Mary entertaining Jesus, only to end up at the brunt of one of His many unorthodox teachings. In those days, the women were to prepare the meals etc. The men were to be at the feet of a rabbi or teacher of the torah. There was no exception. So, Martha took her place in this world. And obviously, Martha was feeling as though she had more to do than she could handle on her own. (We can relate!) But, Mary recognized that her Lord was in the next room and there was nothing that was going to keep her from sitting at His feet.
The bottom line is, we all have a Mary heart . . . but we’re living in a Martha world. There’s things to be done. So, we can’t help but live our lives in the footsteps of Martha. But, in this account in Luke, Jesus beckons the “Mary heart” in all of us. As Martha politely, yet forcefully, demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her with the preparations, Jesus shocks us all with His response:
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke:10:38-42 (NIV)
Don’t you care? It’s a question we ask God a lot . . . if we’re honest. His answers sometimes come in the form of questions, but this answer was straight to the point. In essence, He says, “Stop worrying. Quit being upset. Just come into My presence. Just spend time with Me. I’ll give you peace and rest from your burdens.” But, Martha, like so many of us, had gotten “distracted by all the preparations.” We can’t fault Martha. After all, she was the one who invited Jesus into her home in the first place. She had opened her life up to Him— she just “missed it.” And Jesus sees us “missing it.” Jesus is helping us keep things in perspective. The things of this life that cause us so much worry and confusion suddenly become irrelevant when we’re in the presence of the Lord. You see, what Martha was doing was “essential” . . . what Mary was doing was “eternal.” That time Mary would spend with Jesus could never be taken from her. Martha’s efforts would be consumed and forgotten within hours.
Jesus wasn’t scolding Martha and He isn’t scolding us over this issue . . . He’s simply saying, “I don’t need you to do anything for Me, but simply let Me be here for you.” He’s saying, “Only one thing matters . . . and that’s being here, at My feet, in My presence.” The message is loud and clear. We can’t allow ourselves to be weighed down and distracted by many things
If you’re finding yourself stressed out; if you’re finding yourself angry with others for not doing their share; when you wake up in the middle of the night to despair about whether “things” will ever get done . . . don’t continue to neglect yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stop and sit in the presence of God. Take a moment to re-examine why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember that there is simplicity in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Ask yourself if you’re spending your time on the things that will last? . . . the things that “cannot be taken away from you?” If you’re consumed with serving the Lord . . . don’t forget who it is you’re serving. Keep your eyes on Him. Keep Him first in all that you do. It doesn’t matter to Jesus if you prepare a seven course meal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. What matters to Him is that you take the time to simply enjoy His presence. When daily life is frantic and out of control, when worry consumes you and you’re struggling just to make it through, Jesus says, “There’s only one thing that matters . . .
and I’m right here in front of you.”
About the Author:
Cherie Hill is the author of Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms, and an Amazon.com Shorts Bestselling author in the Christian genre. She has a BA in Psychology, a Biblical Counseling Certificate through the AACC, and is continuing studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the founder of ScriptureNow.com Ministry that brings the Word of God and prayer, into over 30 countries around the world everyday. (reaching over 100,000 people every year)
Cherie brings instructive and uplifting teaching of the Word of God across the world through the “SpiritWaves™” audio ministry on EzraWebRadio.com and GloryStar Satellite Radio, with a subscriber base of 11 million people.
Cherie’s podcast, “FaithSteps” ranks consistently in the top 100 Christian podcasts in the world on GodCast 1000.
Or maybe we have.
The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Am I a Mary or a Martha?” (Maybe we have multiple personalities that include the two. LOL) In Luke 10: 38-42, we find two women named Martha and Mary entertaining Jesus, only to end up at the brunt of one of His many unorthodox teachings. In those days, the women were to prepare the meals etc. The men were to be at the feet of a rabbi or teacher of the torah. There was no exception. So, Martha took her place in this world. And obviously, Martha was feeling as though she had more to do than she could handle on her own. (We can relate!) But, Mary recognized that her Lord was in the next room and there was nothing that was going to keep her from sitting at His feet.
The bottom line is, we all have a Mary heart . . . but we’re living in a Martha world. There’s things to be done. So, we can’t help but live our lives in the footsteps of Martha. But, in this account in Luke, Jesus beckons the “Mary heart” in all of us. As Martha politely, yet forcefully, demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her with the preparations, Jesus shocks us all with His response:
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke:10:38-42 (NIV)
Don’t you care? It’s a question we ask God a lot . . . if we’re honest. His answers sometimes come in the form of questions, but this answer was straight to the point. In essence, He says, “Stop worrying. Quit being upset. Just come into My presence. Just spend time with Me. I’ll give you peace and rest from your burdens.” But, Martha, like so many of us, had gotten “distracted by all the preparations.” We can’t fault Martha. After all, she was the one who invited Jesus into her home in the first place. She had opened her life up to Him— she just “missed it.” And Jesus sees us “missing it.” Jesus is helping us keep things in perspective. The things of this life that cause us so much worry and confusion suddenly become irrelevant when we’re in the presence of the Lord. You see, what Martha was doing was “essential” . . . what Mary was doing was “eternal.” That time Mary would spend with Jesus could never be taken from her. Martha’s efforts would be consumed and forgotten within hours.
Jesus wasn’t scolding Martha and He isn’t scolding us over this issue . . . He’s simply saying, “I don’t need you to do anything for Me, but simply let Me be here for you.” He’s saying, “Only one thing matters . . . and that’s being here, at My feet, in My presence.” The message is loud and clear. We can’t allow ourselves to be weighed down and distracted by many things
If you’re finding yourself stressed out; if you’re finding yourself angry with others for not doing their share; when you wake up in the middle of the night to despair about whether “things” will ever get done . . . don’t continue to neglect yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stop and sit in the presence of God. Take a moment to re-examine why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember that there is simplicity in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Ask yourself if you’re spending your time on the things that will last? . . . the things that “cannot be taken away from you?” If you’re consumed with serving the Lord . . . don’t forget who it is you’re serving. Keep your eyes on Him. Keep Him first in all that you do. It doesn’t matter to Jesus if you prepare a seven course meal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. What matters to Him is that you take the time to simply enjoy His presence. When daily life is frantic and out of control, when worry consumes you and you’re struggling just to make it through, Jesus says, “There’s only one thing that matters . . .
and I’m right here in front of you.”
About the Author:
Cherie Hill is the author of Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms, and an Amazon.com Shorts Bestselling author in the Christian genre. She has a BA in Psychology, a Biblical Counseling Certificate through the AACC, and is continuing studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the founder of ScriptureNow.com Ministry that brings the Word of God and prayer, into over 30 countries around the world everyday. (reaching over 100,000 people every year)
Cherie brings instructive and uplifting teaching of the Word of God across the world through the “SpiritWaves™” audio ministry on EzraWebRadio.com and GloryStar Satellite Radio, with a subscriber base of 11 million people.
Cherie’s podcast, “FaithSteps” ranks consistently in the top 100 Christian podcasts in the world on GodCast 1000.
Friday, October 29, 2010
My Prayer to my WonderFul Parents on their 61st Wedding Anniversary.
Serenity Prayer
God, grant us the...
Serenity to accept things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that we have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the
Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.
Thank you God for my parents and my family. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful parents!
God Bless Everyone!
Lori
God, grant us the...
Serenity to accept things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that we have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the
Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.
Thank you God for my parents and my family. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful parents!
God Bless Everyone!
Lori
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tips for Working at Home
Here are some tips that help me get more done while working from home and home schooling my children.
1. Schedule. Know what you need to accomplish in your day, and create a schedule. It may be a loose schedule with big blocks of time for general things (for example, morning for school work, afternoons for business work, evenings for family time) or it may be a more precise schedule with hourly plans (breakfast at 8am, math at 9am, spelling at 10am, mom checks email while kids take a break at 10:30am, etc). This depends on your personality. Try different strategies to find what works best for you and your family.
2. Plans and Lists. I keep lists and plans. My weekly menu is on the fridge. My shopping list is also there and as soon as we run out of something it goes on the list. I plan to use the crock pot frequently, especially when I know a day will be busy. I choose home school curriculum that comes with the plans already laid out so it’s easy to “open and go” then just check off the boxes as we complete things. I’m a big fan of following things that work and not trying to re-invent the wheel.
My calendar stays on my desk and when I have specific projects or things that need done they go on the calendar. I keep an eye on what’s due and what’s coming up soon. I also use Basecamp online for client work and some of my own projects.
Find the types of lists and plans that work for you. Keep your planning tools in the most convenient places so you are reminded to use them and follow them.
3. Have support. Surround yourself with people and systems that support you in the things you’ve got to accomplish. We’ve chosen to home school through a charter school program that gives us a teacher I can call or email when I need help. I have business friends that I know I can go to for support and accountability as well. Makes a world of difference to know that’s there if I need it.
4. Challenge yourself. If you think it’ll take 30 minutes to clean your kitchen or speed through your email, set your timer for 15 and just see if you can get it done quicker. You might be surprised how often it works!
—–
And now, let me give you access to some great free resources for small businesses including 101 Free/Cheap Ways to Market Your Business and more at http://www.michelleshaeffer.com.
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.
This is a great article with wonderful tips! I hope this has helped you in some way!
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
1. Schedule. Know what you need to accomplish in your day, and create a schedule. It may be a loose schedule with big blocks of time for general things (for example, morning for school work, afternoons for business work, evenings for family time) or it may be a more precise schedule with hourly plans (breakfast at 8am, math at 9am, spelling at 10am, mom checks email while kids take a break at 10:30am, etc). This depends on your personality. Try different strategies to find what works best for you and your family.
2. Plans and Lists. I keep lists and plans. My weekly menu is on the fridge. My shopping list is also there and as soon as we run out of something it goes on the list. I plan to use the crock pot frequently, especially when I know a day will be busy. I choose home school curriculum that comes with the plans already laid out so it’s easy to “open and go” then just check off the boxes as we complete things. I’m a big fan of following things that work and not trying to re-invent the wheel.
My calendar stays on my desk and when I have specific projects or things that need done they go on the calendar. I keep an eye on what’s due and what’s coming up soon. I also use Basecamp online for client work and some of my own projects.
Find the types of lists and plans that work for you. Keep your planning tools in the most convenient places so you are reminded to use them and follow them.
3. Have support. Surround yourself with people and systems that support you in the things you’ve got to accomplish. We’ve chosen to home school through a charter school program that gives us a teacher I can call or email when I need help. I have business friends that I know I can go to for support and accountability as well. Makes a world of difference to know that’s there if I need it.
4. Challenge yourself. If you think it’ll take 30 minutes to clean your kitchen or speed through your email, set your timer for 15 and just see if you can get it done quicker. You might be surprised how often it works!
—–
And now, let me give you access to some great free resources for small businesses including 101 Free/Cheap Ways to Market Your Business and more at http://www.michelleshaeffer.com.
Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she’s learned to help other small business owners and entrepreneurs.
This is a great article with wonderful tips! I hope this has helped you in some way!
To Your Success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Church One-liners
Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you.
If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Artrell Harris
VP of Mission Services / Chaplain
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
These are so funny and unfortunately can be true! I hope they have brighten your day in some way.
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?
A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you.
If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Artrell Harris
VP of Mission Services / Chaplain
YMCA of Greater Kansas City
These are so funny and unfortunately can be true! I hope they have brighten your day in some way.
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
5 Crucial Numbers
To begin taking charge of your own health, there are 5 crucial numbers Dr. Oz wants you to know. Make knowing them your mantra, and you’ll be on the road to a healthier, longer life.
1. Blood Pressure
Over 50 million American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension; within this range,1 out of every 3 isn’t even aware they have this serious medical condition. High blood pressure can cause a host medical problems including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and stroke, which can strike suddenly.
Your blood pressure can be tested in several places like your doctor’s office or at a pharmacy. Learn how to test your own blood pressure and invest in a device you can use at home.
Get in the habit of testing your blood pressure once a month. Make sure each time to test it at the same point in the day, when you’re most relaxed. For accuracy, take 3 readings and figure out the average number between them.
Pay attention to the top number – the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood – the best lifelong measurement for hypertension. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor.
2. Waist Size
If you’re sporting a large waistline, your risk of dying prematurely is nearly double. The reason is because belly fat, often fondly referred to as a spare tire or a beer gut – sends out a toxic stream of chemicals impacting the whole body.
Take your waist size once each month with a measuring tape.
Measure at your natural waistline, which is above your hipbone and below the ribcage – not where your belt lies or around your hips. Be mindful of your posture and suck in your stomach since the fat you’re measuring is deep inside the belly.
A waist size over 35 inches in women and over 40 inches in men greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and more.
The ideal waist size for women is 32 ½ inches and 35 inches for men. Click here to learn your body mass index, or BMI, to see how your waist size can impact your overall health.
3. Weight
Stepping on a scale and finding out your body weight is one of the easiest numbers to calculate and an excellent indicator of your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 out of 3 Americans are considered obese, which can cause a slew of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gout, hypertension, high blood pressure and cancer.
The average American woman stands approximately 5’4” tall. At this height, you should weight less than 175 pounds, the cut off point for obesity.
The average American man is about 5’9” tall and should weigh less than 196, his cut off for obesity.
Taller folks can add 5 pounds per inch; if you’re shorter, subtract 5 pounds per inch.
Write your weight down monthly. Studies show that by tracking this number, you’ll do a better job keeping it down.
4. Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
To test your cholesterol levels, you need to see a doctor or someone in the health care field who can administer a simple blood test.
Don’t worry about memorizing your total cholesterol number, which can be misleading. Instead, memorize the 2 forms it’s carried in: HDL and LDL. Your HDL, the healthy cholesterol, needs to be 50 or better; your LDL, the unhealthy cholesterol, should be under 100. If you’re numbers do not fall in this range, discuss strategies for lowering your LDL and increasing your HDL with a health care professional. Click here for more on cholesterol.
5. Fasting Blood Sugar
Testing your fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures your risk for diabetes, a chronic disease that can lead to blindness, cardiac disease, kidney failure, nerve problems and an impaired immune system. Diabetes is particularly high in the African American community.
Your fasting blood sugar number must be measured after an 8-hour fast. Fasting is key since ingesting food—say, a banana an hour beforehand—would raise blood sugar levels and could create a false pre-diabetic or diabetic reading. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test.
A fasting blood sugar number above 100 is considered pre-diabetic; treatment measures should be discussed with a physician.
By knowing and staying on top of Dr. Oz’s 5 numbers, you’ll minus the threat of major chronic diseases and multiply your odds for health and longevity.
I hope this information has helped you in some way. I know it has for me!
To your health,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
1. Blood Pressure
Over 50 million American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension; within this range,1 out of every 3 isn’t even aware they have this serious medical condition. High blood pressure can cause a host medical problems including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and stroke, which can strike suddenly.
Your blood pressure can be tested in several places like your doctor’s office or at a pharmacy. Learn how to test your own blood pressure and invest in a device you can use at home.
Get in the habit of testing your blood pressure once a month. Make sure each time to test it at the same point in the day, when you’re most relaxed. For accuracy, take 3 readings and figure out the average number between them.
Pay attention to the top number – the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood – the best lifelong measurement for hypertension. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor.
2. Waist Size
If you’re sporting a large waistline, your risk of dying prematurely is nearly double. The reason is because belly fat, often fondly referred to as a spare tire or a beer gut – sends out a toxic stream of chemicals impacting the whole body.
Take your waist size once each month with a measuring tape.
Measure at your natural waistline, which is above your hipbone and below the ribcage – not where your belt lies or around your hips. Be mindful of your posture and suck in your stomach since the fat you’re measuring is deep inside the belly.
A waist size over 35 inches in women and over 40 inches in men greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and more.
The ideal waist size for women is 32 ½ inches and 35 inches for men. Click here to learn your body mass index, or BMI, to see how your waist size can impact your overall health.
3. Weight
Stepping on a scale and finding out your body weight is one of the easiest numbers to calculate and an excellent indicator of your overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 out of 3 Americans are considered obese, which can cause a slew of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gout, hypertension, high blood pressure and cancer.
The average American woman stands approximately 5’4” tall. At this height, you should weight less than 175 pounds, the cut off point for obesity.
The average American man is about 5’9” tall and should weigh less than 196, his cut off for obesity.
Taller folks can add 5 pounds per inch; if you’re shorter, subtract 5 pounds per inch.
Write your weight down monthly. Studies show that by tracking this number, you’ll do a better job keeping it down.
4. Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
To test your cholesterol levels, you need to see a doctor or someone in the health care field who can administer a simple blood test.
Don’t worry about memorizing your total cholesterol number, which can be misleading. Instead, memorize the 2 forms it’s carried in: HDL and LDL. Your HDL, the healthy cholesterol, needs to be 50 or better; your LDL, the unhealthy cholesterol, should be under 100. If you’re numbers do not fall in this range, discuss strategies for lowering your LDL and increasing your HDL with a health care professional. Click here for more on cholesterol.
5. Fasting Blood Sugar
Testing your fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures your risk for diabetes, a chronic disease that can lead to blindness, cardiac disease, kidney failure, nerve problems and an impaired immune system. Diabetes is particularly high in the African American community.
Your fasting blood sugar number must be measured after an 8-hour fast. Fasting is key since ingesting food—say, a banana an hour beforehand—would raise blood sugar levels and could create a false pre-diabetic or diabetic reading. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test.
A fasting blood sugar number above 100 is considered pre-diabetic; treatment measures should be discussed with a physician.
By knowing and staying on top of Dr. Oz’s 5 numbers, you’ll minus the threat of major chronic diseases and multiply your odds for health and longevity.
I hope this information has helped you in some way. I know it has for me!
To your health,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Hurry, Scurry and Worry
Many of us have read or heard the story of Mary and Martha – the two sisters in Luke chapter 10.
Mary chooses to sit and listen to Jesus teach. Martha, on the other hand, scurries around taking care of what she deems important tasks. Luke 10:38 says that Jesus was a guest at their house, so I’m sure Martha felt that she needed to play the part of the hostess, making sure food was being prepared and floors were being scrubbed. She is busy hurrying, scurrying and worrying while Mary simply sits.
In her frustration, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary has left her to do all the work by herself. And do you know how Jesus replies?
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” (v. 41-42)
Lately I’ve found myself hurrying, scurrying and worrying like Martha. There seem to be so many things to worry about each day – my kids, my husband, my business. And if I’m not worrying about them, who will? And if no one worries about them … well, surely something would go wrong, right?
When I came across this story a few days ago I saw myself in Martha, but I long to be Mary. Mary knew that there is only one important thing in life. Hear me on this: One. Thing. And that one thing? Knowing Christ. Nothing compares and nothing else matters eternally.
The bills won’t follow us into eternity (thank goodness!). The laundry will get done. The floors will eventually be scrubbed. But to know Him is the “better thing.”
Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that [He is] God.” To know Him we must quiet ourselves. We have to make the time to sit at His feet as Mary did all those years ago and listen to Him speak to us – through His Word, time in prayer and by simply listening.
So, this week I’m doing just that – making sure my quiet time with the Lord happens every day – and that it’s actually QUIET time. And making sure that my focus is on the ONE THING that eternally matters, laying the rest at His feet.
How about you? Have you been hurrying, scurrying and worrying? Will you lay it all aside today and sit with Him?
Great article I found posted on the CWAHM web page. This is so true. We all do this hurrying around trying to get things done and worrying when they are not done When the only thing that we really need is to surrender it all to God. It is so simple but sometimes we choose to make it difficult. I know my day does not go as I plan, when I do not spend time with God.
I hope this helps!
To your success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Mary chooses to sit and listen to Jesus teach. Martha, on the other hand, scurries around taking care of what she deems important tasks. Luke 10:38 says that Jesus was a guest at their house, so I’m sure Martha felt that she needed to play the part of the hostess, making sure food was being prepared and floors were being scrubbed. She is busy hurrying, scurrying and worrying while Mary simply sits.
In her frustration, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary has left her to do all the work by herself. And do you know how Jesus replies?
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” (v. 41-42)
Lately I’ve found myself hurrying, scurrying and worrying like Martha. There seem to be so many things to worry about each day – my kids, my husband, my business. And if I’m not worrying about them, who will? And if no one worries about them … well, surely something would go wrong, right?
When I came across this story a few days ago I saw myself in Martha, but I long to be Mary. Mary knew that there is only one important thing in life. Hear me on this: One. Thing. And that one thing? Knowing Christ. Nothing compares and nothing else matters eternally.
The bills won’t follow us into eternity (thank goodness!). The laundry will get done. The floors will eventually be scrubbed. But to know Him is the “better thing.”
Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that [He is] God.” To know Him we must quiet ourselves. We have to make the time to sit at His feet as Mary did all those years ago and listen to Him speak to us – through His Word, time in prayer and by simply listening.
So, this week I’m doing just that – making sure my quiet time with the Lord happens every day – and that it’s actually QUIET time. And making sure that my focus is on the ONE THING that eternally matters, laying the rest at His feet.
How about you? Have you been hurrying, scurrying and worrying? Will you lay it all aside today and sit with Him?
Great article I found posted on the CWAHM web page. This is so true. We all do this hurrying around trying to get things done and worrying when they are not done When the only thing that we really need is to surrender it all to God. It is so simple but sometimes we choose to make it difficult. I know my day does not go as I plan, when I do not spend time with God.
I hope this helps!
To your success!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Importance of Finding a Good Mentor!
What to Look For in a Mentor:
• I can not emphasize enough the importance of finding a good mentor. If you want to be successful in business and in life, it is so important that you find quality people to surround yourself with. People who possess the kind of skills and traits that you want to have as well.
• When you look for a mentor you need to look for someone who will come along side you to motivate you and direct you, encourage and direct you in the way you should go. When it comes to business, a person may be successful and a "leader" but if they aren't willing to partner with you for the long haul you may be left feeling lost...so it is so important to have a mentor who will continue to work WITH you to ensure your continued success!
• Here are some things to look for in a Mentor:
1. Mentors Open Doors and Help YOU to Create Opportunities for Growth: A mentor who has already had the experience and connections can help open the doors of opportunity that you don't know about yet or have access to.
2. Mentors Can Help you develop your Abilities and Strengths: A good mentor will set you up to succeed, not leave you alone to fail. A good mentor should challenge you to go a step further then you might have gone on your own.
3. Mentors Set the Pace and are and Example: Mentors show you wher to go and what to do. Watch them and do what they do!
4. Mentors Strive to Help you learn from Your Mistakes and Better Yourself Each and Every time: Mentors are your partners not your competition. They want you to do well. They will help you use your mistakes to learn and improve for the next time!
5. Mentors Strive to Help you Aim for Independence and to Help you become a Leader Yourself! The support and training you receive from you mentor should help you to branch out towards the goal of becoming a leader and mentor as well. They shouldn't want you to stay weak and under their wing forever, but Empower you to become like them and even Better! No matter what your goals and vision for the future, a good mentor will lead you towards functioning successfully and independently enough to be able to go on and lead the next generation to success!
Sent via facebook by Stephanie Page
I thought this was excellent because I believe having a great mentor makes all of the difference. Hopefully, everyone is successful with having a great mentor!
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
• I can not emphasize enough the importance of finding a good mentor. If you want to be successful in business and in life, it is so important that you find quality people to surround yourself with. People who possess the kind of skills and traits that you want to have as well.
• When you look for a mentor you need to look for someone who will come along side you to motivate you and direct you, encourage and direct you in the way you should go. When it comes to business, a person may be successful and a "leader" but if they aren't willing to partner with you for the long haul you may be left feeling lost...so it is so important to have a mentor who will continue to work WITH you to ensure your continued success!
• Here are some things to look for in a Mentor:
1. Mentors Open Doors and Help YOU to Create Opportunities for Growth: A mentor who has already had the experience and connections can help open the doors of opportunity that you don't know about yet or have access to.
2. Mentors Can Help you develop your Abilities and Strengths: A good mentor will set you up to succeed, not leave you alone to fail. A good mentor should challenge you to go a step further then you might have gone on your own.
3. Mentors Set the Pace and are and Example: Mentors show you wher to go and what to do. Watch them and do what they do!
4. Mentors Strive to Help you learn from Your Mistakes and Better Yourself Each and Every time: Mentors are your partners not your competition. They want you to do well. They will help you use your mistakes to learn and improve for the next time!
5. Mentors Strive to Help you Aim for Independence and to Help you become a Leader Yourself! The support and training you receive from you mentor should help you to branch out towards the goal of becoming a leader and mentor as well. They shouldn't want you to stay weak and under their wing forever, but Empower you to become like them and even Better! No matter what your goals and vision for the future, a good mentor will lead you towards functioning successfully and independently enough to be able to go on and lead the next generation to success!
Sent via facebook by Stephanie Page
I thought this was excellent because I believe having a great mentor makes all of the difference. Hopefully, everyone is successful with having a great mentor!
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Miners in Chile
I just have to post how amazing this story really is. How brave all of the miners, their families and rescuers are going through this ordeal. The question is would everyone be able to go through this ordeal as heroic as these men did? The bravest person to me is the rescuer that volunteered to go down to help each man. That is the person that is also amazing. This story has captured the world and rightfully so.
I think most of us can say are problems are minor compared to what these men went through for the last couple months. To make 2 days worth of food last 2 weeks is incredible to me. What teamwork they must have had to keep each other strong. The faith and hope is another aspect of this as well. Because without it, who knows what would of happened. I prayed for the miners, their families and the rescuers. I surrendered it to God to give them strength. I know there were so many people across the world doing the same thing. It really does make a difference. Prayer is so powerful and my prayer is that everyone knows it.
To your success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
I think most of us can say are problems are minor compared to what these men went through for the last couple months. To make 2 days worth of food last 2 weeks is incredible to me. What teamwork they must have had to keep each other strong. The faith and hope is another aspect of this as well. Because without it, who knows what would of happened. I prayed for the miners, their families and the rescuers. I surrendered it to God to give them strength. I know there were so many people across the world doing the same thing. It really does make a difference. Prayer is so powerful and my prayer is that everyone knows it.
To your success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Spiritual Survival Kit
1. The toothpick is to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others
Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2. Rubber Band - The rubber band reminds you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
3. Band-aid - The band aid is to remind you to heal hurt feelings whether they are yours or someone else's.
Colossians 3: 12-14
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
4. Pencil - The pencil is to remind you to list your blessings every day.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
5. Eraser- The eraser is to remind you that everyone makes mistakes and it's O.K.
Genesis 50:15-21
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
6. Chewing Gum - The chewing gum is to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
7. Mint - The mint is to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
8. Candy Kiss - The candy kiss is to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or hug every day.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
9. Tea Bag - The tea bag reminds you to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I love these and they are so true. We should all try these and I know they will enhance our lives. This was sent to me by Artrell Harris.
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2. Rubber Band - The rubber band reminds you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
3. Band-aid - The band aid is to remind you to heal hurt feelings whether they are yours or someone else's.
Colossians 3: 12-14
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
4. Pencil - The pencil is to remind you to list your blessings every day.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
5. Eraser- The eraser is to remind you that everyone makes mistakes and it's O.K.
Genesis 50:15-21
And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
6. Chewing Gum - The chewing gum is to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
7. Mint - The mint is to remind you that you are worth a mint to your heavenly father.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
8. Candy Kiss - The candy kiss is to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or hug every day.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
9. Tea Bag - The tea bag reminds you to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I love these and they are so true. We should all try these and I know they will enhance our lives. This was sent to me by Artrell Harris.
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dr. Oz's Pesticide Wash Solution
Doctor Oz did a segment called “Dr Oz’s Most Wanted” to list the top 4 fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with pesticides. One of the most valuable portions of today’s show, to me at least, was Dr Oz’s Recipe for a Home Solution to remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables. The USDA measures the pesticides found on produce every year, according to Dr Oz’s guest Urvashi Rangan. Farmers use pesticides for many reasons, and it was really after World War 2 that we had developed chemicals for killing humans and figured out that if we diluted them and put them on our crops, we would be able to kill bugs… that sure does not sound appetizing to me. Organic farmers have found plenty of alternatives to pesticides and the more we support organic farmers by buying their produce, the cheaper organic products will become. It is up to us, the public, to demand that farmers stop using pesticides, or we will stop eating their produce. But that is my personal opinion, I wonder if Dr Oz would agree. Dr Oz said that when you go to the grocery, you should not look for perfect fruits and vegetables because those are less natural and not as good for you. Dr Oz showed how the pesticides on a strawberry gets into your system and can effect your auto-pilot system and cause blurry vision, it can make you have lung spasms similar to asthma, as well as a whole bunch of other negative effects.
Dr Oz’s Dirtiest Fruits & Vegetables
1. Strawberries
The USDA found over 50 pesticide residues on strawberries that range from carcinogens to chemical that cause reproductive and developmental damage. Urvashi Rangan said that we do not understand the harm caused by combining multiple pesticide residues, but it cannot be a good thing. Dr Oz suggested soaking your strawberries for two minutes in a bowl of water and then rinsing them well before eating them.
2. Apples
Over 40 pesticide residues were found on apples and most varieties of apples have them. Also, most apples are waxed, which does not help when you are trying to wash them off. One solution is to peel an apple, or if it is unwaxed, take a good brush and scrub it. Dr Oz said that you should be able to smell the apple, and if not, then it is likely covered in wax.
3. Spinach
Over 40 pesticide residues are found on spinach, but its too soft to brush it. You can soak it, but it sits in dirt in the ground and is very close to the pesticides. Dr Oz suggested buying frozen spinach, because he said that when they wash and blanch the spinach, it takes off around 90% of the pesticides. My question though is why can’t we just wash and blanch fresh spinach if that is the case???
4. Peaches
Dr Oz can eat around 12 peaches at a time, but he said that in that quantity, the peaches cause gas. Too much information Dr Oz haha! Peaches are very soft skinned, and in general, soft skinned fruits are tougher to wash and pesticides can absorb through the skin. Produce like avocados or bananas are safer options if you don’t go organic.
Dr Oz’s Pesticide Wash Solution Recipe
Dr Oz said that if you are going to eat non-organic fruits and vegetables, you can help to wash your produce off by mixing together the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 TB baking soda
- 1/2 lemon
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray your produce. Let the solution sit on your fruits and veggies for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Vinegar is anti-bacterial and lemon is a natural astringent. Fabulous home remedy Dr Oz!!!
I love Dr. OZ and this is great information! Quite Alarming!
I hope this helps you!
Lori
Lori McDowell
www.momsforgreen.com
Dr Oz’s Dirtiest Fruits & Vegetables
1. Strawberries
The USDA found over 50 pesticide residues on strawberries that range from carcinogens to chemical that cause reproductive and developmental damage. Urvashi Rangan said that we do not understand the harm caused by combining multiple pesticide residues, but it cannot be a good thing. Dr Oz suggested soaking your strawberries for two minutes in a bowl of water and then rinsing them well before eating them.
2. Apples
Over 40 pesticide residues were found on apples and most varieties of apples have them. Also, most apples are waxed, which does not help when you are trying to wash them off. One solution is to peel an apple, or if it is unwaxed, take a good brush and scrub it. Dr Oz said that you should be able to smell the apple, and if not, then it is likely covered in wax.
3. Spinach
Over 40 pesticide residues are found on spinach, but its too soft to brush it. You can soak it, but it sits in dirt in the ground and is very close to the pesticides. Dr Oz suggested buying frozen spinach, because he said that when they wash and blanch the spinach, it takes off around 90% of the pesticides. My question though is why can’t we just wash and blanch fresh spinach if that is the case???
4. Peaches
Dr Oz can eat around 12 peaches at a time, but he said that in that quantity, the peaches cause gas. Too much information Dr Oz haha! Peaches are very soft skinned, and in general, soft skinned fruits are tougher to wash and pesticides can absorb through the skin. Produce like avocados or bananas are safer options if you don’t go organic.
Dr Oz’s Pesticide Wash Solution Recipe
Dr Oz said that if you are going to eat non-organic fruits and vegetables, you can help to wash your produce off by mixing together the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 TB baking soda
- 1/2 lemon
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray your produce. Let the solution sit on your fruits and veggies for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Vinegar is anti-bacterial and lemon is a natural astringent. Fabulous home remedy Dr Oz!!!
I love Dr. OZ and this is great information! Quite Alarming!
I hope this helps you!
Lori
Lori McDowell
www.momsforgreen.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Spiritual Ways to Reduce Stress
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a The Good Book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you God.”
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
Source - Internet: Jim Gentil’s Positive Spiritual Living News Letter.
I hope this helps you in some way!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a The Good Book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you God.”
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
Source - Internet: Jim Gentil’s Positive Spiritual Living News Letter.
I hope this helps you in some way!
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Simple Hug
She was eighty years young and still very active. In this small town in southwest Virginia, not much happened. It was just another empty day for a senior citizen who lived by herself. Although she has four children, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren, she was often alone.
In need of a few small things at the grocery and a desire to just get out of the house and be among people, she took a trip to the local Kroger's. Since there were
only her own needs to satisfy, she walked up and down the aisles with a small cart. With just six items, she headed to the checkout.
He wandered the store. He'd come for a cup of hot soup and perhaps someone
to talk to. The soup was good, it always was, but no one wanted to talk to an old man. Disappointed, he was about to leave when he saw her. She headed to the checkout with only a few items.
"Good morning, Ma'am." He smiled, "You can't leave yet?"
She turned toward the voice. A well dressed man smiled at her. "Excuse me?" she asked. He pointed to the six items she'd selected. "Your basket is not full."
"There's no need to buy a lot." she replied. "There's no one to eat it."
He stared at her for a moment and said, "I'm so lonely!" "I know what that's like."
In the middle of an aisle, in a large grocery store, at 11:30 AM, they
stood and talked. "My wife and daughter died." he said. "They died too
young." His eyes softened as he spoke briefly of them and then added, "
I just recently, I lost my little Pomeranian. She was all I had left.
Now I'm alone." "I'm so sorry." She felt her own eyes moisten. He was as alone as she was.
"It's OK." he said bravely. "I hope I can find another dog like her. She was
such a joy. At least someone needed me. She gave me purpose. Now I have none. Perhaps I'll get another, but at my age, I don't want to leave her alone when my time comes. Then again, I have this big house. A dog would be happy there. I've lived in it for fifty years. It has big rooms." "Oh, the homes were built big back then. It was a time when people had large families." She smiled and wondered where the conversation was going.
"They sure did. This old place has four bedrooms. Three of them are empty.
It's just me now." He sighed. "There's not much to do. My days are empty. I do get out as often as I can. In fact, every morning I go to McDonald's for breakfast."
"Good for you!" she said. "I try to get out as much as I can myself."
"Those kids at McDonald's are very nice to me. They always greet me with a smile and make such a fuss over me. They're almost like having grand kids. And you know what?"
"What?"
He leaned close and whispered. "They let me have my coffee for free. What do you think of that?"
"That's wonderful!" She knew the joy it must give him to feel welcomed.
They chatted for perhaps twenty minutes. "Well," she looked into his eyes, which now sparkled with pride over the family he had at McDonald's. "I must be getting home."
"I understand." The sparkle faded. "It was nice talking to you."
"It was nice talking to you too." She touched his hand. "I mean it."
He looked back at her and asked softly, "Can I give you a hug?"
A bit taken by his request, but fully understanding his need, she said, "Yes!"
There they stood, in a warm embrace, in the middle of a busy grocery, on a normal day, that was made special by a simple hug.
That evening, she reflected on her encounter with the man. She felt like he did, alone in the world. How many others her age felt the same loneliness? How many seniors just need a kind ear and perhaps a simple hug?
Michael T. Smith
This is a true story from one of Michael's readers. When she heard we were using the story she said, "Oh Mike! That is wonderful - not because it is our story but because the subject is being brought to the fore in such a manner!
Michael lives with his lovely wife, Ginny, in Caldwell, Idaho. He works as a project manager in Telecommunications and in his spare time writes inspiration stories. He has recently been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul Books (All in the Family and Things I Learned from My Cat), in "Thin Threads - Life Changing
Moments" and in Catholic Digest. To sign up for Michael's stories go
to: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi
To read more of his stories, go to: http://ourecho.com/biography-353-Michael-Timothy-Smith.shtml#stories.
I love this story. It is amazing what a hug can do for someone. Try to remember that! I hope this story has touched you as it has me.
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
In need of a few small things at the grocery and a desire to just get out of the house and be among people, she took a trip to the local Kroger's. Since there were
only her own needs to satisfy, she walked up and down the aisles with a small cart. With just six items, she headed to the checkout.
He wandered the store. He'd come for a cup of hot soup and perhaps someone
to talk to. The soup was good, it always was, but no one wanted to talk to an old man. Disappointed, he was about to leave when he saw her. She headed to the checkout with only a few items.
"Good morning, Ma'am." He smiled, "You can't leave yet?"
She turned toward the voice. A well dressed man smiled at her. "Excuse me?" she asked. He pointed to the six items she'd selected. "Your basket is not full."
"There's no need to buy a lot." she replied. "There's no one to eat it."
He stared at her for a moment and said, "I'm so lonely!" "I know what that's like."
In the middle of an aisle, in a large grocery store, at 11:30 AM, they
stood and talked. "My wife and daughter died." he said. "They died too
young." His eyes softened as he spoke briefly of them and then added, "
I just recently, I lost my little Pomeranian. She was all I had left.
Now I'm alone." "I'm so sorry." She felt her own eyes moisten. He was as alone as she was.
"It's OK." he said bravely. "I hope I can find another dog like her. She was
such a joy. At least someone needed me. She gave me purpose. Now I have none. Perhaps I'll get another, but at my age, I don't want to leave her alone when my time comes. Then again, I have this big house. A dog would be happy there. I've lived in it for fifty years. It has big rooms." "Oh, the homes were built big back then. It was a time when people had large families." She smiled and wondered where the conversation was going.
"They sure did. This old place has four bedrooms. Three of them are empty.
It's just me now." He sighed. "There's not much to do. My days are empty. I do get out as often as I can. In fact, every morning I go to McDonald's for breakfast."
"Good for you!" she said. "I try to get out as much as I can myself."
"Those kids at McDonald's are very nice to me. They always greet me with a smile and make such a fuss over me. They're almost like having grand kids. And you know what?"
"What?"
He leaned close and whispered. "They let me have my coffee for free. What do you think of that?"
"That's wonderful!" She knew the joy it must give him to feel welcomed.
They chatted for perhaps twenty minutes. "Well," she looked into his eyes, which now sparkled with pride over the family he had at McDonald's. "I must be getting home."
"I understand." The sparkle faded. "It was nice talking to you."
"It was nice talking to you too." She touched his hand. "I mean it."
He looked back at her and asked softly, "Can I give you a hug?"
A bit taken by his request, but fully understanding his need, she said, "Yes!"
There they stood, in a warm embrace, in the middle of a busy grocery, on a normal day, that was made special by a simple hug.
That evening, she reflected on her encounter with the man. She felt like he did, alone in the world. How many others her age felt the same loneliness? How many seniors just need a kind ear and perhaps a simple hug?
Michael T. Smith
This is a true story from one of Michael's readers. When she heard we were using the story she said, "Oh Mike! That is wonderful - not because it is our story but because the subject is being brought to the fore in such a manner!
Michael lives with his lovely wife, Ginny, in Caldwell, Idaho. He works as a project manager in Telecommunications and in his spare time writes inspiration stories. He has recently been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul Books (All in the Family and Things I Learned from My Cat), in "Thin Threads - Life Changing
Moments" and in Catholic Digest. To sign up for Michael's stories go
to: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101828445578&p=oi
To read more of his stories, go to: http://ourecho.com/biography-353-Michael-Timothy-Smith.shtml#stories.
I love this story. It is amazing what a hug can do for someone. Try to remember that! I hope this story has touched you as it has me.
To Your Success,
Lori
www.momsforgreen.com
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