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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Things To Be Thankful For......

1. Be thankful for growing older. Not everyone gets this opportunity. Aging with health and grace is a rare and beautiful gift.



2. Be thankful that you can read these words. It is a very sad thing that many people do not have the ability to read.



3. If you have to wait in line at the supermarket, be thankful that you can afford what you want to eat and have a convenient place to buy it. We are all aware of the many people waiting in line to have a meal at the local homeless shelter.



4. Be thankful for the ability to pay your bills, even if it means that you have to give up some things that you want. Remember that having basic needs met is a luxury for many people.



5. If you have to get up before dawn to get to work, be thankful that you get to see another sunrise and have a job to go to.

6. When you're stuck in traffic, be thankful you have a car to get where you need to go and money to buy gas. Standing in the rain while waiting for a bus is, at the very least, uncomfortable.



7. When the kids are screaming at each other, be thankful that you have children to love and who love you, and remember that at least some of the time, they do get along. There will always be bumps in the road, but they are usually followed by easier times.



8. When your spouse is acting grumpy or giving you a hard time, be thankful for having love in your life and someone to grow old with.



9. When your parents are telling you how to run your life, be thankful that you still have them around. If they are no longer with you, take a moment to be thankful for the time you had with them.



10. When you sit down with your loved ones for dinner, be thankful for everyone and everything that makes it possible. Look your family and friends in the eye and express to them your gratitude for sharing this time together.

Source Adapted From: (Psychology Today)

I think this is a great reminder of what we all have to be thankful for. Sometimes it is easy to forget and I think we need to be reminded once in awhile. I hope this was a great reminder.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Monday, October 4, 2010

Wreckers or Builders

I watched them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,
They swung a beam and a sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled,
As the men you'd hire if you had to build?"
He gave me a laugh and said, "No indeed!
Just common labor is all I need.
I can easily wreck in a day or two
What builders have taken a year to do."
And I tho't to myself as I went my way,
Which of these two roles have I tried to play?
Am I a builder who works with care,
Measuring life by the rule and square?
Am I shaping my deeds by a well-made plan,
Patiently doing the best I can?
Or am I a wrecker who walks the town,
Content with the labor of tearing down?

-- Unknown


I know I am a Builder! It is my passion to be a builder and I love it! What do you think you are? I hope this helps you in some way.

To Your Success!

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com

Friday, October 1, 2010

Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Sued for Selling Toxic Baby Shampoo by Sarah Pierce

If you purchased Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo or Wal-Mart brand Equate Tearless Baby Wash, you may want to stop using it. A class action lawsuit has been approved this month that claims these products may contain a toxin linked to cancer.



The class action lawsuit, filed earlier this year, accuses Johnson & Johnson and Wal-Mart Stores of selling shampoo and baby wash that allegedly contains methylene chloride, an ingredient banned by the FDA in cosmetics because it’s linked to cancer. The law firm that filed the lawsuit is also investigating Target’s Night-time Bath and Body Wash, which is not currently named in the suit.



A third Johnson & Johnson plant is now also under investigation for alleged quality concerns. The new Johnson & Johnson plant is one that manufactures Pepcid and Mylanta among other products. You can read the details on that investigation at Legafi.



Top Class Actions will keep you informed of the Johnson & Johnson class action lawsuit. If/when it settles we'll include it in our free monthly newsletter. Please make sure to sign up for it below. That way you won't miss any of the big class action lawsuits that are currently being litigated.

I learned about the toxic chemicals in Johnson & Johnson products two years ago when I became a member of the Internet Ceo Moms. My son had a consistant rash and I had no idea why. The Doctor had no idea why his rash would not go away. Then I found this team and found out it was by Johnson & Johnson body wash I was using on him. I stopped using the body wash and his rash went away and he has never had another one. I was shocked that these harmful chemicals were used in baby products and I felt awful that I was causing my sons rash without even knowing it. So many people have no idea that these harmful chemicals are in adult shampoo, toothpaste, skin care and make-up. I know I feel better knowing that I am now an educated consumer.

To your success,

Lori
www.momsforgreen.com