Good Afternoon,
The business of Eastern Gifts and Things cc is for sale as a going concern - whilst the economy is proving strenous for a lot of businesses, I am also struggling to find the time to devote to growing Eastern Gifts in the way that it should grow. Between having a fulltime job, assisting at our take-away business and running numerous other projects from home, I have decided it'd be in the best interest to find a buyer for Eastern Gifts. If you are interested or would like more information in this regard, e-mail me on michelleb@easterngifts.co.za.
The business of Eastern Gifts and Thingss cc will, should no buyer be found, be closing effective 31 August 2008. We just want to thank you - our valued customer - for your support over the last two years. From now until the end of August, get wonderful discounts on our last remaining stock items. Anything from 25% to 75% discount. Should you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@easterngifts.co.za.
For all your home decor, kitchenware and gifting requirements - log onto www.easterngifts.co.za.
Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM
Tel: 0842 366 388 / Fax: 0865 021 060 / E-Mail: info@easterngifts.co.za / Website: www.easterngifts.co.za
Tell your colleagues, family and friends about the Eastern Gifts and Things cc update newsletter. Simply e-mail subscribe@easterngifts.co.za with subscribe in the subject line or click here to register on line.
Eastern Gifts and Things cc does not promote spam. If you feel that you received this communication in error, please e-mail us on subscribe@easterngifts.co.za immediately. Eastern Gifts and Things cc cannot ensure that the integrity of this communication has been maintained or that it is free from errors, computer viruses, interference or interception. If you are not the authorised recipient of this mail, please notify us immediately at info@easterngifts.co.za and delete the original from your system. Terms and conditions apply.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Desiderata
written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s –
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Monday, July 28, 2008
The 'E' Factor
Dear Michelle
Emotion can be a real challenge for entrepreneurs to manage. We can decide how we choose to feel once we apply some discipline and logic to an emotive response, but we can’t always control that initial spontaneous reactive feeling that comes over us in the moment. It is a blessing to be able to feel, but sometimes it can seem like more of a curse and entirely undesirable, especially when our emotions are doing a better job of controlling us than we are of controlling them! The fact is that our emotional landscape not only dictates how we think and act, but also what we attract in terms of opportunities, people and even money. Negative emotions or fear, for instance of not having enough, often just lead us to less of what we want, not more.
What we experience as emotion is the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies triggered by stimuli to the brain. Sometimes we can be well aware of the stimuli especially if it’s external to ourselves, but sometimes we’re not aware, as the process of trigger and reaction can happen subconsciously. An emotional stimulus can take many forms, be it a sound, a tone of a voice, something you see or experience, but in most cases it is a thought. It is this internal process that can seem to dictate our feelings (quite ironic considering we might think we’d have much more control when it comes to our internal experience versus what happens externally around us) and affect our state of being so hugely. Our emotional states not only determine how we feel, but also our ability to act in a productive, positive way, so clearly negative states like worry, sadness, fear, anger and hurt are largely counter-productive to our journeys as entrepreneurs.
The reason we experience emotional states is to receive a message; unfortunately very often we don’t listen or pay attention to the message and so rather than being resolved, the state persists. If we are wronged by someone we love for instance, in most cases we will feel hurt and sometimes angry. These emotions confirm for us that an expectation we had was not met. In the case of personal relationships, often our expectations can be unrealistic or unfair without us even being aware of this until we’re disappointed. But our power lies in our ability to review or change an unrealistic expectation that we may have held, and act accordingly so that we feel happiness and love.
Our emotions are led by our thoughts and where our focus lies. If I feel wronged by someone, I may focus on why I feel hurt, leading to anger and argument. If I am worried that I won’t have enough money at the end of the month, I may focus on this fear leading to pain, anxiety, and I feel worse and worse. So if I keep focusing on the source of a negative emotion, I can easily become stuck, digging myself deeper and deeper and it just tends to get worse for me, attracting more negative associations or circumstances that confirm my worry or fear. It’s the Law of Attraction - the fulfillment of focus or perceived reality.
Getting stuck in a negative emotional state is dangerous because it can spiral out of control and become more and more difficult to break out of. You have to change it before it takes hold by managing your state and making sure you remain predominantly in positive, proactive states. Not only will you do more positive things this way, but you will attract more of the positive as well.
Okay, so how do we manage our emotional states?
There are many 'sciences' that teach state management, but there are really two simple techniques - focus and physiology. Remember I mentioned that our emotional state is predominantly brought on and enhanced by what we focus our thoughts on? If we think negative things, we feel negative things. So firstly we need to become aware of our thoughts and when we realise we’re feeling negative or upsetting emotions, we need to stop and look at what we are focusing our internal conversations on. To change this, we sometimes need a jolt to assist in breaking the pattern – change your environment (just get up and take a short walk, for instance), take proactive action and get something done, have a conversation with someone positive or listen to motivational audio programmes. For those more disciplined in emotional state management, simply start focusing on positive things and solutions and it will change how you feel. I find for myself that simply thinking isn't always enough, so what works for me is to start writing down some ideas. When I start planning solutions, my state changes.
Now for the physiological aspect to help you shift your state. Use your body - stand up, get moving, become aware of your posture, your breathing, go for a walk, go to the gym…your physiology and what you’re doing with it influences what you feel. By combining what you’re focusing your thoughts on and becoming aware of positive movement in your body (such as good posture and exercise) you can shift your state to the positive end of the spectrum. Yes, it is true that healthy, fit people manage their emotional states better than unhealthy, lethargic people – the mental and physical aspects are inextricably intertwined and the one affects the other.
The bottom line is, managing your emotional state is a critical tool in managing your outcomes. Please don’t just read this; use it, apply it. I know it will make a difference.
Have a 'happy' weekend.
Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh
Dear Michelle
Emotion can be a real challenge for entrepreneurs to manage. We can decide how we choose to feel once we apply some discipline and logic to an emotive response, but we can’t always control that initial spontaneous reactive feeling that comes over us in the moment. It is a blessing to be able to feel, but sometimes it can seem like more of a curse and entirely undesirable, especially when our emotions are doing a better job of controlling us than we are of controlling them! The fact is that our emotional landscape not only dictates how we think and act, but also what we attract in terms of opportunities, people and even money. Negative emotions or fear, for instance of not having enough, often just lead us to less of what we want, not more.
What we experience as emotion is the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies triggered by stimuli to the brain. Sometimes we can be well aware of the stimuli especially if it’s external to ourselves, but sometimes we’re not aware, as the process of trigger and reaction can happen subconsciously. An emotional stimulus can take many forms, be it a sound, a tone of a voice, something you see or experience, but in most cases it is a thought. It is this internal process that can seem to dictate our feelings (quite ironic considering we might think we’d have much more control when it comes to our internal experience versus what happens externally around us) and affect our state of being so hugely. Our emotional states not only determine how we feel, but also our ability to act in a productive, positive way, so clearly negative states like worry, sadness, fear, anger and hurt are largely counter-productive to our journeys as entrepreneurs.
The reason we experience emotional states is to receive a message; unfortunately very often we don’t listen or pay attention to the message and so rather than being resolved, the state persists. If we are wronged by someone we love for instance, in most cases we will feel hurt and sometimes angry. These emotions confirm for us that an expectation we had was not met. In the case of personal relationships, often our expectations can be unrealistic or unfair without us even being aware of this until we’re disappointed. But our power lies in our ability to review or change an unrealistic expectation that we may have held, and act accordingly so that we feel happiness and love.
Our emotions are led by our thoughts and where our focus lies. If I feel wronged by someone, I may focus on why I feel hurt, leading to anger and argument. If I am worried that I won’t have enough money at the end of the month, I may focus on this fear leading to pain, anxiety, and I feel worse and worse. So if I keep focusing on the source of a negative emotion, I can easily become stuck, digging myself deeper and deeper and it just tends to get worse for me, attracting more negative associations or circumstances that confirm my worry or fear. It’s the Law of Attraction - the fulfillment of focus or perceived reality.
Getting stuck in a negative emotional state is dangerous because it can spiral out of control and become more and more difficult to break out of. You have to change it before it takes hold by managing your state and making sure you remain predominantly in positive, proactive states. Not only will you do more positive things this way, but you will attract more of the positive as well.
Okay, so how do we manage our emotional states?
There are many 'sciences' that teach state management, but there are really two simple techniques - focus and physiology. Remember I mentioned that our emotional state is predominantly brought on and enhanced by what we focus our thoughts on? If we think negative things, we feel negative things. So firstly we need to become aware of our thoughts and when we realise we’re feeling negative or upsetting emotions, we need to stop and look at what we are focusing our internal conversations on. To change this, we sometimes need a jolt to assist in breaking the pattern – change your environment (just get up and take a short walk, for instance), take proactive action and get something done, have a conversation with someone positive or listen to motivational audio programmes. For those more disciplined in emotional state management, simply start focusing on positive things and solutions and it will change how you feel. I find for myself that simply thinking isn't always enough, so what works for me is to start writing down some ideas. When I start planning solutions, my state changes.
Now for the physiological aspect to help you shift your state. Use your body - stand up, get moving, become aware of your posture, your breathing, go for a walk, go to the gym…your physiology and what you’re doing with it influences what you feel. By combining what you’re focusing your thoughts on and becoming aware of positive movement in your body (such as good posture and exercise) you can shift your state to the positive end of the spectrum. Yes, it is true that healthy, fit people manage their emotional states better than unhealthy, lethargic people – the mental and physical aspects are inextricably intertwined and the one affects the other.
The bottom line is, managing your emotional state is a critical tool in managing your outcomes. Please don’t just read this; use it, apply it. I know it will make a difference.
Have a 'happy' weekend.
Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The beautiful Diana Carmichael Range
The beautiful Diana Carmichael Range
"Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honourable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself." - Cicero
Morning,
Eastern Gifts and Things cc would like to share with you the beautiful range of pewter products from Diana Carmichael.
The collection consists of timeless pewter tableware with stainless steel utensil inserts, resulting in functional pieces that are perfectly weighted and easy to hold. Detailed craftsmanship and unique finishes give Diana's products a refined exclusivity.
The hand-made collections include a wide selection of accessories: letter-openers, bar ware, pickle forks, sugar spoons, condiment bowls, cheese-boards and knives. These and many other items make unique gifts or distinctive accessories to complement any modern living environment.
Since its inception in 1995, the Diana Carmichael Artworks range has grown into a complete tableware line that meets the needs of a sophisticated clientèle not only in South Africa, but all over the world. Each piece is packaged in a Diana Carmichael-branded gift box and supplied with its own special care card.
Diana Carmichael was born in Singapore, but grew up in Zimbabwe where she studied jewellery design and manufacturing. In 1981, Diana moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where she continued to design jewellery. Still unable to find her true passion, Diana then pursued a career in graphic design and worked as a freelance artist for a number of years.
In 1995 Diana was inspired to take her talent and distinctive sense of design in a completely new direction. This led to the creation of the Diana Carmichael brand of pewter tableware and accessories.
Diana has been greatly influenced by the forms and textures of this extraordinary continent, where she captures the elusive "spirit" of Africa in her designs. This comes from "having lived in Africa all my life and experiencing daily the natural beauty of the African sub-continent and its people." She sees a "richness about life in Africa" which she reveals in her designs.
As part of her original vision, demand for Diana's product has created stable employment for 49 local South Africans. While each piece is hand-molded in a casting process that fuses them with the stainless steel utensils, the real work occurs in the finishing of the product. The five stages of finishing are all done by hand using traditional methods, and require a high degree of skill and the finest attention to detail.
Despite humble beginnings, the production of a single designer teaspoon has grown into a comprehensive tableware and home ware range that meets the needs of a sophisticated, global clientèle. Diana's inspiration, determination and technical expertise have made her the most sophisticated, exclusive pewter designer brand in South Africa. (Ref: http://www.dianacarmichael.co.za).
All orders for Diana Carmichael products are received in beautiful and stylish gift boxes, suitable for any occasion.
Please bear in mind that the average lead time for all orders on the Diana Carmichael Range is approximately two weeks.
The Diana Carmichael range can be purchased on-line at Eastern Gifts and Things cc and can be delivered to any address of your choice. For more information, click here.
Remember, with Eastern Gifts and Things cc, we will find the perfect gift for any occasion that you require a gift for - be it a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, house warming gift, Christmas, etc, etc, etc. Whatever you are looking for - we will have something suitable. And you can have up to five delivery addresses on your account, which means you can record addresses for family and friends without having to re-enter this information every time you make a purchase.
Shopping on-line offers you convenience, saving you time, money and energy. Why hassle with busy shopping centres not finding what you're looking for? Simply log onto Eastern Gifts and Things cc in the comfort of your home and office, and make your purchase. It really is as easy and as convenient as that.
Ordering at Eastern Gifts and Things cc is a very simple process:
- Create an account, including your delivery address (has to be a physical address and should include a phone number)
- Choose which items you want by adding these items to your shopping cart
- Go to check-out
- Pay either by EFT or Credit Card
- We deliver your order to you
- As easy as that!
Orders for any of our products can be placed on our website, via e-mail or per fax on 0865 021 060. Payment can be made via EFT or credit card (MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted).
Remember, we pack it, wrap it and deliver it – almost anywhere in the world.
Regards,
THE EASTERN GIFTS TEAM
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Enjoying Winter!!!
P.E. is finally having a proper winter. It is cold wet and raining and I'm loving every minute of this (this coming from a person who usually prefers summer:-)
Here are some quotes for winter which I thoroughly enjoyed:
"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape - the loneliness of it - the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it - the whole story doesn't show." - Andrew Wyeth
"January is the quietest month in the garden. ... But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean that nothing is happening. The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants. The feasting earthworms tunnel along, aerating the soil and preparing it to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come." - Rosalie Muller Wright, Editor of Sunset Magazine, 1/99
"In the depths of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet
"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you ..... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself." - Ruth Stout
"The cold was our pride, the snow was our beauty. It fell and fell, lacing day and night together in a milky haze, making everything quieter as it fell, so that winter seemed to partake of religion in a way no other season did, hushed, solemn." - Patricia Hampl
"In the sheltered heart of the clumps last year's foliage still clings to the lower branches, tatters of orange that mutter with the passage of the wind, the talk of old women warning the green generation of what they, too, must come to when the sap runs back." - Jacquetta Hawkes
"O thou, Who chariotest to their dark wintry bed The winged seeds, where they lie cold and low, Each like a corpse within its grave, until Thine azure sister of the spring shall blow Her clarion o'er the dreaming earth."- John Davies, 1570-1626, Ode to the West Wind.
"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches." - E. E. Cummings
"One kind word can warm three winter months." - Japanese proverb
"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." - John Boswell
Regards,
M:-)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Father's Day
Hi, there
Just a reminder that Father's Day is on Sunday - if you'd like any orders from the site, these will need to be placed by tomorrow at the latest. Our most popular seller for Father's Day thus far? A custom designed gift basket, including all the goodies that your Dad will enjoy!
And remember - Monday is a public holiday!
Regards,
M.
Just a reminder that Father's Day is on Sunday - if you'd like any orders from the site, these will need to be placed by tomorrow at the latest. Our most popular seller for Father's Day thus far? A custom designed gift basket, including all the goodies that your Dad will enjoy!
And remember - Monday is a public holiday!
Regards,
M.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Now! in Port Elizabeth
Yes, Now! in Port Elizabeth has finally opened and I just wanted to tell all the PE folk about it. Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar - tastefully tangled, to go - is a fast food take-away, emphasising healthier and better quality eating.
Now! has opened at the Lifestyle shopping centre which has just opened - why not try Now! now?
And my reason for this posting? Well, hubby is part owner... and is managing the front shop and kitchen areas.
Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar with pasta classics, pasta bakes, seafood pastas, modern pastas, Asian noodles, kiddies pasta, fashion salads, soup of the day, acacia, etc, etc, etc - all take away!
Shop 44
Moffat-on-Main Lifestyle Centre
17th Avenue
Walmer
Tastefully tangled, to go...
Enjoy - and, uh, happy eating!
Regards,
M.
Now! has opened at the Lifestyle shopping centre which has just opened - why not try Now! now?
And my reason for this posting? Well, hubby is part owner... and is managing the front shop and kitchen areas.
Now! Pasta & Noodle Bar with pasta classics, pasta bakes, seafood pastas, modern pastas, Asian noodles, kiddies pasta, fashion salads, soup of the day, acacia, etc, etc, etc - all take away!
Shop 44
Moffat-on-Main Lifestyle Centre
17th Avenue
Walmer
Tastefully tangled, to go...
Enjoy - and, uh, happy eating!
Regards,
M.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Boiling Water
I always thought this was nonsense - you know, like KFC using headless and beakless chickens for their food - but apparently this one is true. Don't say you haven't been warned - I double checked with some pharmacy friends of mine (people who work in labs) and this is most definitely true:
THE DANGERS OF BOILING WATER IN A MICROWAVE OVEN
The following e-mail was sent to National Safety from one of our readers.
“I feel that the following information that anyone who uses a microwave oven to heat water should know. My 26-year old son decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before.
I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me that he wanted to bring the water to boil. When the time shut the oven of, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water in the cup was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup “blew up” into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in the microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.
It is however a much safer choice to boil water in a teakettle.
Please pass this information on to friends and family.
General Electric’s Response:
“The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup.
After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it. I hope this helps. Should you need any further assistance, please contact us.
Response from a Scientist
“Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup). What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapour bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form.
As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point. What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken”.
If you pass this on….you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.
The following e-mail was sent to National Safety from one of our readers.
“I feel that the following information that anyone who uses a microwave oven to heat water should know. My 26-year old son decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before.
I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me that he wanted to bring the water to boil. When the time shut the oven of, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water in the cup was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup “blew up” into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in the microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.
It is however a much safer choice to boil water in a teakettle.
Please pass this information on to friends and family.
General Electric’s Response:
“The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup.
After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it. I hope this helps. Should you need any further assistance, please contact us.
Response from a Scientist
“Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup). What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapour bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form.
As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point. What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken”.
If you pass this on….you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.
Regards,
M.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Father's Day
Morning,
Just a reminder that Father's Day is coming up next month. I've added some interesting info on Father's Day and will be updating with some excellent gift ideas. Click here: http://easterngifts.co.za/celebrating-fathers-day-a-67.html
Thought you'd find it interesting:-)
Regards,
M.
Just a reminder that Father's Day is coming up next month. I've added some interesting info on Father's Day and will be updating with some excellent gift ideas. Click here: http://easterngifts.co.za/celebrating-fathers-day-a-67.html
Thought you'd find it interesting:-)
Regards,
M.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Stress
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water? "
Answers called out ranged from 8oz. To 20 oz.
The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.
So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now, put them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy! "
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
1. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4 * Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
5. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8. Never buy a car you can't push.
9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
10. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance
11. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12. The second mouse gets the cheese.
13. When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
16. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once
17. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours, but they all have to live in the same box.
18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mother's Day
A tribute to Moms - for Mother's Day!
Good Morning,
I recently came across this delightful tribute to moms, by Randy Duermeyer. I thought it so pertinent that I've decided to share. All those pieces of wisdom that Mom used to give you as a child still hold true today - even as an adult.
10 Tidbits of Mother's Wisdom: A Tribute to Moms Everywhere
It will soon be the fifth anniversary of my mother's passing. Like all children who are blessed with a mother to guide them through life, many of my mother's sayings still resound. I continue to appreciate many of them to this day. As Mother's Day approaches, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to discuss how some of her famous, never-to-be-forgotten sayings apply to my everyday business life, even now. I think most of you will relate to these timeless pieces of wisdom:
- Always wear clean underwear: you never know when you might get in an accident. Dress appropriately for the occasion and be prepared if a prospect or client might want to see you on a moment's notice.
- Did you finish your homework? Have you really investigated that business opportunity? Are you really prepared to make your presentation to a client or a prospect? Did you check out your partners before deciding to do business with them?
- Look both ways before you cross the street. A lot like Did you finish your homework - don't run your business with your eyes closed. Be alert to potential opportunities and try to think outside of the box from time to time. Investigate a company before you turn over your hard-earned cash for a business opportunity or franchise.
- Eat your vegetables or you can't have dessert. We all have things we don't like to do, but they have to get done anyway, at some point so don't put them off. You never know, later on you just might like vegetables!
- People in the world will starve if you don't finish your plate. Don't waste valuable resources. Recycle, re-use, re-purpose.
- Clean up your room. Organise your office or workspace. Get your filing into the drawer. Create a pleasant and clean working environment for yourself.
- Go ask your father. Sometimes it pays to get a second opinion when you're stuck on making a decision. It never hurts to ask for advice.
- Do you think money grows on trees? Solid money management is important to keeping your financial head above water. If you need to make a purchase, shop around. Take advantage of all of your available tax deductions. Keep track or your return on investment.
- Don't you think it's past your bedtime? No matter how excited you are about what you are doing, you need your rest in order to be effective. Don't work into all hours of the night as it will negatively impact your health.
- Are you planning to sleep all day? Get up! With all of the freedom that having a home business or working from home provides, you need to be disciplined enough to create an effective schedule for your work activities and stick to it. (Ref: http://homebusiness.about.com/b/2007/05/09/10-tidbits-of-mothers-wisdom-a-tribute-to-moms-everywhere.htm)
Quotes from Others About Mothers and Motherhood
"Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a mom. That was really important to me. I made that clear to my team members even before I had my kids. I made it clear to everyone from the outset that I wanted to keep family first, my husband and me at first, but that I would be including kids eventually. I'm fortunate that I work with an amazing team of people who understand and support that." -- Kathy Ireland.
"Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promised land. She prepares a world she will not see." -- Pope Paul VI. (Ref: http://homebusiness.about.com/b/2007/05/09/10-tidbits-of-mothers-wisdom-a-tribute-to-moms-everywhere.htm)
So, let's all spoil the mom's in our lives and we have a wonderful range of gifts to offer. Log onto our website for more details on our amazing gift offers. And if your mom lives overseas and you'd still like to get a gift to her for Mother's Day, we can assist. Simply click the icon below for more detail on our overseas offers.
Remember, we are your one stop gift solution shop. We cater for any occasion that requires a gift. We have gift vouchers, gift baskets, gift registries and so much choice and variety. Whatever occasion you're looking for, we will have something suitable. We pride ourselves on making your shopping experience quick, easy and convenient - saving you time, money and energy.
Remember that we have a range of unique handcrafted gift items to suit every gift requirement. If you can't find what you're looking for, simply e-mail us for assistance.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Sandpiper
The Sandpiper by Robert Peterson
She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
"Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I'm building," she said.
"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by.
"That's a joy," the child said.
"It's a what?"
"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance.
"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
"Mine's Wendy... I'm six."
"Hi, Wendy" She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me.
"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
"I don't know. You say."
"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again.
"I don't know what that is."
"Then let's just walk."
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.
"Where do you live?" I asked.
"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter.
"Where do you go to school?"
"I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today."
She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.
"Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?
"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"
"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
"When she died?"
"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-coloured hair opened the door.
"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was."
"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies."
"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.
"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukaemia. Maybe she didn't tell you."
Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
"She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?"
I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love. A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the colour of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.
NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less. Life is so complicated; the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis. This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses. This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you... May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences! Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?
I wish for you, a sandpiper.
She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
"Hello," she said. I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I'm building," she said.
"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper glided by.
"That's a joy," the child said.
"It's a what?"
"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed; my life seemed completely out of balance.
"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
"Mine's Wendy... I'm six."
"Hi, Wendy" She giggled. "You're funny," she said. In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me.
"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day." The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
"I don't know. You say."
"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically. The tinkling laughter burst forth again.
"I don't know what that is."
"Then let's just walk."
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.
"Where do you live?" I asked.
"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. Strange, I thought, in winter.
"Where do you go to school?"
"I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed. Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today."
She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.
"Why?" she asked. I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?
"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"
"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
"When she died?"
"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off. A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-coloured hair opened the door.
"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was."
"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies."
"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.
"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukaemia. Maybe she didn't tell you."
Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
"She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?"
I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed: A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love. A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the colour of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.
NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less. Life is so complicated; the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis. This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses. This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you... May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences! Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?
I wish for you, a sandpiper.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Learn to Relax
Learn To Relax
Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated...disturbed...and unsettled. - John 14:27 AMP
A well known Bible teacher says: "We can only walk in peace if we're willing to be adaptable and adjust to people and circumstances. When I lived in 'explode mode' it never failed that one of my children would spill something at the dinner table every night...and every night I had a fit. One night I was under the table because the milk had made it to the crack in the middle and was running down...The children were upset and somebody kicked me in the head, which made me even madder. I knew it was an accident...but somehow that didn't seem to matter... [Then] the Holy Spirit spoke to me - right under that table - and said: 'Once the milk's spilled, no matter how big a fit you throw you're not going to get it to run back up the table into the glass. You need to learn to go with the flow.'"
Jesus said, "[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated...disturbed...and unsettled]." In other words, work on controlling your reactions. Stop losing your peace over every little thing that goes wrong in your life. When there's nothing you can do about the situation, learn to let it go and keep your joy. Ask God to help you get over life's little offences and irritations quickly, whether it's a glass of spilled milk or somebody who's hurt your feelings.
When you put as much energy into 'letting go' as you do into 'stewing and steaming' and trying to control every possible outcome, you'll find that God's peace "which is so great we cannot understand it" (Php 4:7 NCV) will start to fill your heart and your home.
(Ref: Word for Today, New Zealand)
Just thought this is an interesting perspective - life happens, and reacting negatively ain't gonna change it. I found this quite inspiring, I hope you do, too! :-)
Regards,
M.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A Year in the Life Of
Hi, there
I'm not sure if you remember but there used to be a program on TV (we're talking years ago...:-) called A Year in the Life Of, starring Sarah Jessica Parker (way before Sex and the City). Anyway, I was chatting a friend of mine this morning about how different her life is from a year ago (her life has taken a 180 degree turn) and then started wondering where my life would be in a year from now. Doing pretty much the same thing as now - or completely different??? Where do you think you'll be a year from now and where do you hope to be?
Interesting...
Regards,
M.
I'm not sure if you remember but there used to be a program on TV (we're talking years ago...:-) called A Year in the Life Of, starring Sarah Jessica Parker (way before Sex and the City). Anyway, I was chatting a friend of mine this morning about how different her life is from a year ago (her life has taken a 180 degree turn) and then started wondering where my life would be in a year from now. Doing pretty much the same thing as now - or completely different??? Where do you think you'll be a year from now and where do you hope to be?
Interesting...
Regards,
M.
Monday, March 24, 2008
22 Startling Predictions
************************************
21 Startling predictions
************************************
"I don’t set trends. I just find out what they are and exploit them."- Dick Clark
As I look ahead to the rest of 2008, I can see one major trend. And it’s one that will have repercussions for the economy as a whole. That trend involves baby boomers. Boomers have been a major factor in consumer spending, saving, and investing for 50 years. So it’s likely they will continue to be. In fact, they will probably affect the economy for the rest of their lives - for the next 20 to 25 years.
If you accept this premise, the following 22 predictions may make sense to you:
1. Baby boomers will get poorer this year. They lost half of their retirement nest egg when the tech bubble exploded. And they have been losing much of the rest of it as property prices come down. This will continue in 2008. Credit will be harder to come by. Banks will get tougher with loans.
2. Scared by their shrinking wealth, some boomers will make one final, frenzied attempt to "get back" the wealth they never really had. They’ll scrape together their last rands. They’ll borrow money. And they’ll use it to make high-risk, leveraged financial investments in such things as currencies and commodities. The greediest sectors of the financial services industry will benefit, temporarily, from this short-term trend. Later, they will suffer from it as their customers disappear.
3. As 2008 ends, boomers’ speculative investments will fail to rescue them. So they will grudgingly accept the fact that they will never be as wealthy as they wanted to be. They will feel defeated, and they won’t have the energy to start anew. As a result, they will drastically decrease their discretionary spending.
4. Following the boomers’ lead, consumer spending in general will slow down. Growth will slow. Businesses will continue to go bankrupt at record rates.
5. With decreasing revenues on one side and increasing fixed costs (related to property) on the other, retail will be especially hard hit. Many, if not most, medium-sized retail businesses that exist today will be defunct within 10 years.
6. On the bright side, Internet spending will continue to grow. But the growth will be much slower than in the past. Lots of opportunities will allow people to make money by marketing products and services on the Internet. But many of those who are in business today will go bankrupt as the market becomes more competitive.
7. Multi-million rand homes will tumble in value, even below current prices. Many will be left vacant. It will take at least seven years for many of the properties that have been built in the past two years to be occupied. Investors in these properties will be wiped out.
8. More than 80% of the existing property development industry will go bankrupt.
9. Following real estate development will be the larger part of the banking and financial services industry. Thousands of young investment bankers and hedge fund managers will be out of work. This could happen as early as the middle of next year.
10. As the U.S. and S.A. economy slides into a protracted recession, baby boomers will recognise that they are poorer than their parents were when their parents were in their early sixties. Without the appreciation of a house to cash in on, they will give up their long-held dreams of retiring comfortably at 65.
11. Luxury will be uncool. Understated elegance will be in.
12. The campaign against conspicuous consumption will accelerate. Twelve-cylinder cars will be ridiculed and possibly outlawed entirely.
13. Hippie values will return. Peace and love and blue jeans will prevail… simply because baby boomers won’t be able to afford to indulge themselves materialistically as they have been doing for 40 years.
14. Technology and the baby boomers’ shrinking wealth will favour products that are simple and small.
15. The wristwatch will begin a 20-year disappearing act.
16. Yoga, meditation, and pilates will continue to increase in popularity. Aerobics, weight training and kickboxing will diminish.
17. Yachts, luxury automobiles, and Learjets will stand in warehouses, unused.
18. Technical jobs will continue to be outsourced overseas. And in the U.S., boomers will start to agree to work phones and read X-rays for minimum wage.
19. The information-publishing industry - particularly the specialised information-publishing industry - will continue to grow, outpacing the general economy. Entrepreneurs who understand the difference between information, advice and opinion will make fortunes.
20. Direct marketing will continue to grow as general advertising declines. Businesses that are unskilled at direct marketing will have a tough time staying competitive. Many will fail.
21. Boomers will "decide" to continue working during their retirement years. But many of them - lacking the skills to contribute to the Internet, information-publishing, or direct-marketing industries - will go unemployed. Those are my predictions for the rest of the year and beyond. But what good are such predictions? Can they make you any money? I don’t know. I do know a few things about investing in trends, though. Lessons I’ve learned from a lifetime of starting all sorts of businesses. For example: You can make the biggest money on a new trend that emerges quickly and grows strongly… if you get in early. It’s difficult to predict new trends with precision. You can sometimes see that a certain change is inevitable, but it is often difficult to know when it will happen. Usually, it happens later than you expect.
For any given day or week or month, chances are good - some studies say 70% - that things will remain the same the following day or week or month. That’s why it doesn’t usually pay to play trends in the stock market. Unless, that is, you know what you’re doing or are getting good advice from someone who does. The sensible way to invest in trends is to buy into good businesses that provide neutral or positive cash flow. That gives you a Plan B. You can sit out short-term fluctuations while you wait for the long-term trend to take hold. If I am right about the future for baby boomers, it won’t be the end of the financial world. People who are smart enough to put their time and money into developing industries (such as direct-marketing, information-publishing, and Internet-related businesses) will do well.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Just Three Steps...
Morning,
I came across this article, which really simplifies the concept of business. Yes, we all know its not that easy, and there is a lot of work involved to make it successful, BUT this is a start. And maybe, if you've been wanting to start your own business, this will be the encouragement you need to get there (if that is the right decision for you to make...)
Anyway, happy reading.
Regards,
M.
***********************************
You’re just 3 steps away from your new business - by Paul Lawrence
************************************
"Man is always more than he can know of himself; consequently, his accomplishments, time and again, will come as a surprise to him."- Golo Mann
I’m willing to bet that one goal you have for this year is to become wealthier than you are right now. If you’ve been paying attention to Michael Masterson’s advice, you know that means starting your own business - which, says Michael, is " one of the best (or possibly the best) ways of growing wealthy."
Well, what’s stopping you? Starting your own business may sound like an overwhelming task - but, like every worthwhile goal, it can be broken down into manageable parts. In fact, I’m going to show you how to do it in three simple steps. The important thing is to take action. Instead of just dreaming about starting your own business, do it! Don’t worry about the details, just come up with a sensible overall plan and get your business off the ground. You can go back and fine-tune it later. As Michael says, "Ready, Fire, Aim." I have helped start dozens of small businesses. And all of them were the result of combining Michael’s Ready, Fire, Aim philosophy with my own three-step approach.
Here’s how it works…
Step 1. Identify something that people want and will pay for. One of the most common stumbling blocks for aspiring entrepreneurs is deciding on a product or service to market. The primary consideration is to choose something that people will buy. And the easiest way to do that is to go with something that other people are already selling successfully. Ideally, that will be something you love and/or know a lot about. For instance, if you’re an accountant, you could create and sell programmes about how people can prepare their taxes, how they can make a household budget, and how they can find hidden tax deductions. Or, if you’ve always loved animals, you could sell pet toys, treats, and accessories. If you have trouble coming up with a likely product or service based on your own interests and/or expertise, choose a relatively simple service that’s in high demand. A house cleaning service, for example, or bookkeeping, lawn mowing, resume writing, or house painting. The possibilities are almost endless.
Step 2. Find a way to supply it. This step just requires a bit of business common sense. If you’re selling a service, you would either supply the service yourself or hire someone else to do it (or help you). If, for example, you’ve decided to go into the moving business, you don’t have to be capable of handling furniture yourself. Simply hire a few people who can do heavy lifting and either buy or rent a truck. If you’re selling a product, you would ideally seek out suppliers that can provide you with merchandise at a low enough price for you to be able to make a profit. But that usually means buying in volume - which may not work for you when you’re just starting out. Let’s say you’d like to sell bookshelves. In this case, it might make more sense for you to get your business going by buying the lumber and building the shelves yourself (or hiring someone to build them for you).
Step 3. Sell it to the people who want it. I’m a big believer in direct marketing for small start-up businesses. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to get your marketing message to prospective customers via e-mail, regular mail, ads in local papers, or even flyers distributed door to door.
Let’s say you want to start a housekeeping service. You’d identify a few affluent neighbourhoods where the homeowners could, presumably, afford maids. Then you’d target them with either flyers or small mailers. Or suppose you want to start a business where you take people on charter fishing boat trips. You’ll be marketing primarily to tourists, so you’d work on getting yourself listed in local tourist guides and maybe advertise on a few bus benches in your city’s hotel district. If you decide to go after locals too, you could contact local fishing clubs and see if you can rent their membership lists to do a mailing. You might also make a deal with local bait shops to distribute your flyers. Obviously, starting and running a successful business requires time, energy, and effort. Still, when you break down the process, it’s just three simple steps:
1. Identify something that people want and will pay for.
2. Find a way to supply it.
3. Sell it to the people who want it.
If you really want to run your own business, it’s time to take action. Just think - by this time next year, you could be living your dream. But if you’re the kind of person who finds it hard to come up with a great idea – look below (this newsletter will do the hard work for you).
Monday, March 10, 2008
Everything must go!
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Up to 50% off selected items until the end of March 2008! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!! Log onto www.easterngifts.co.za to view!
Regards,
M.
Up to 50% off selected items until the end of March 2008! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!! Log onto www.easterngifts.co.za to view!
Regards,
M.
Monday, March 3, 2008
A Teenager's View of Heaven
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote…" It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalogue system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalogue system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Joke for the Day
A man was walking on the beach one day and he found a bottle half buried in the sand. He decided to open it. Inside was a genie. The genie said,” I will grant you three wishes and three wishes only." The man thought about his first wish and decided, “I think I want 1 million dollars transferred to a Swiss bank account. POOF! Next he wished for a Ferrari red in color. POOF! There was the car sitting in front of him. He asked for his final wish, " I wish I was irresistible to women." POOF! He turned into a box of chocolates.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Should I stay or Should I go?
Subject: An interesting article
Should I stay or should I go?
By John Demartini
The general feeling among South Africans is doom and gloom based on various facts and perceptions. South Africa is the crime, murder and Aids capital of the world. It used to have the best roads and now they are full of potholes.
There seem to be only fraudsters at the top of the police force. The country's leadership under Mbeki is rudderless. The head of the ruling party is up on corruption charges.
Now a basic infrastructural commodity such as electricity is being rationed. This will directly influence future foreign investment, which in turn will increase unemployment, poverty and crime. Mines are periodically forced to shut down, losing billions, which will adversely affect the economy.
People who seek ease get continued difficulty
This also brings us to the unthinkable - we could lose the 2010 World Cup. And the even more unthinkable: are we slowly going the same way as Zimbabwe?
A poll taken by Carte Blanche recently confirmed that the majority of affluent South Africans had absolutely no faith in Eskom sorting out the power problems. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel... literally. The question on everybody's lips is: Should I stay or should I go?
Human behavioural specialist Dr John Demartini has some thoughts on the subject.
His teachings take him all over the world, enabling him to experience a vast array of living standards. Originally from the US, his work brings him to South Africa for extended periods about four times a year.
The question is not should I stay or should I go?
It is wiser to ask: What awaits me if I leave? Unquestionably there are challenges in South Africa, but you are living in a fantasy if you think there won't be a new set of challenges and drawbacks when you move to another country. People who run away from a challenge get more challenges to face and manage. People who seek ease get continued difficulty. It's the way it is - the integration of complementary opposites.
You have to get into proactive mode
The challenges in this country, like the power shortage, will also birth more opportunities. New enterprises will blossom as a result. Out of crisis always emerge the greatest leaders.
You may not realise it, but your challenges are unifying people in SA and making them think more creatively. SA is a seed of opportunity for entrepreneurs who could contribute to transformation.
Anyway, why run from your heritage? A situation like Eskom is a temporary glitch and it is unwise to let it interfere with your long-term visions and goals.
Remember, the greatest tension in the slingshot shoots the highest rock.
There is never a crisis without a blessing. So let's look at the blessings in the power situation. This may be a lesson to government to think beyond 10 years and accommodate a 50-year vision so subsequent generations benefit from these lessons.
On a day-to-day level, no power to your television is probably making families communicate more. Gold mines might have temporarily shut down, but the gold price shot up.
If you have made up your mind to go, that's fine, but if you are staying, bitching without taking actions towards solutions is not going to help. Don't let naysayers interfere with your dreams and opportunities.
However, staying means you cannot afford the luxury of sitting back. You have to get into proactive mode. Yes, it may seem insurmountable, but if every individual helps at a grass-roots level by figuring out how to empower the people around them, it will make a massive collective difference.
Nelson Mandela is the perfect example of just one person who stood up and changed things. You know the famous words of John F Kennedy: "It's not what your country can do for you - it's what you can do for your country."
Long-term visionaries know to stay the course. They don't focus on how things aren't being done; they always look at what is being done and what can be done on an individual basis. They are always solution-oriented and not problem-focused.
You are not at the mercy of your government; it's the other way round. They are there because the majority of people voted for them. If you don't like their vision, rally around and change it. In the meantime, don't wait on them to sort out the problems, make it a community project.
Contrary to the current thoughts of disillusionment and uncertainty, which are largely driven by emotion, remember foreigners believe in South Africa.
Look at Oprah Winfrey, who has built a school here, and Richard Branson, who has invested every aspect of his brand here, including buying a game reserve. Temporary setbacks won't stop these people.
Look at the history of social dynamics. Nations have risen and fallen for centuries. They have taken one step back and two steps forwards.
South Africa has made massive strides in the past few years. When I first got here South Africa was nothing like I envisioned. I was very impressed. And in the three years I have been regularly coming here, I have seen great progress in the landscaping, buildings and living conditions.
Would I invest in this country? I already have. I have ploughed in copious amounts of time and energy and this is the only place I have established an office outside of the US. My worldwide branding is currently being created here and my working visits are getting more frequent and prolonged.
I am even looking at possibly investing in a lodge in a game reserve. I have also experienced three robberies from my hotel room, but that isn't going to curb my long-term goals in South Africa.
Crime is an issue that needs to be tackled in a much larger forum than this. However, I will go as far as saying that when there is a high polarity between the haves and the have-nots, there will always be tension between the two camps and crime is the byproduct.
Closing the gap is the wisest strategy and this cannot be done through entitlement. Entitled people generally don't feel purposeful and are therefore not creating their own lives.
Education and mentoring, which translates into self-worth and true empowerment, is the only solution. I also believe that newspapers could play a massive role and be the hero in changing perceptions as they reach the masses. Their actions could even transform the government.
If you decide to stay and fight for your birthplace then you need to go from victim to victor mentality. Make the South African mantra: "I will stay and help build a great nation." And remember, if you become grateful for what you have, you will get more to be grateful for.
# Visit drdemartini.co.za
Interesting, hey?
Regards,
M.
Should I stay or should I go?
By John Demartini
The general feeling among South Africans is doom and gloom based on various facts and perceptions. South Africa is the crime, murder and Aids capital of the world. It used to have the best roads and now they are full of potholes.
There seem to be only fraudsters at the top of the police force. The country's leadership under Mbeki is rudderless. The head of the ruling party is up on corruption charges.
Now a basic infrastructural commodity such as electricity is being rationed. This will directly influence future foreign investment, which in turn will increase unemployment, poverty and crime. Mines are periodically forced to shut down, losing billions, which will adversely affect the economy.
People who seek ease get continued difficulty
This also brings us to the unthinkable - we could lose the 2010 World Cup. And the even more unthinkable: are we slowly going the same way as Zimbabwe?
A poll taken by Carte Blanche recently confirmed that the majority of affluent South Africans had absolutely no faith in Eskom sorting out the power problems. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel... literally. The question on everybody's lips is: Should I stay or should I go?
Human behavioural specialist Dr John Demartini has some thoughts on the subject.
His teachings take him all over the world, enabling him to experience a vast array of living standards. Originally from the US, his work brings him to South Africa for extended periods about four times a year.
The question is not should I stay or should I go?
It is wiser to ask: What awaits me if I leave? Unquestionably there are challenges in South Africa, but you are living in a fantasy if you think there won't be a new set of challenges and drawbacks when you move to another country. People who run away from a challenge get more challenges to face and manage. People who seek ease get continued difficulty. It's the way it is - the integration of complementary opposites.
You have to get into proactive mode
The challenges in this country, like the power shortage, will also birth more opportunities. New enterprises will blossom as a result. Out of crisis always emerge the greatest leaders.
You may not realise it, but your challenges are unifying people in SA and making them think more creatively. SA is a seed of opportunity for entrepreneurs who could contribute to transformation.
Anyway, why run from your heritage? A situation like Eskom is a temporary glitch and it is unwise to let it interfere with your long-term visions and goals.
Remember, the greatest tension in the slingshot shoots the highest rock.
There is never a crisis without a blessing. So let's look at the blessings in the power situation. This may be a lesson to government to think beyond 10 years and accommodate a 50-year vision so subsequent generations benefit from these lessons.
On a day-to-day level, no power to your television is probably making families communicate more. Gold mines might have temporarily shut down, but the gold price shot up.
If you have made up your mind to go, that's fine, but if you are staying, bitching without taking actions towards solutions is not going to help. Don't let naysayers interfere with your dreams and opportunities.
However, staying means you cannot afford the luxury of sitting back. You have to get into proactive mode. Yes, it may seem insurmountable, but if every individual helps at a grass-roots level by figuring out how to empower the people around them, it will make a massive collective difference.
Nelson Mandela is the perfect example of just one person who stood up and changed things. You know the famous words of John F Kennedy: "It's not what your country can do for you - it's what you can do for your country."
Long-term visionaries know to stay the course. They don't focus on how things aren't being done; they always look at what is being done and what can be done on an individual basis. They are always solution-oriented and not problem-focused.
You are not at the mercy of your government; it's the other way round. They are there because the majority of people voted for them. If you don't like their vision, rally around and change it. In the meantime, don't wait on them to sort out the problems, make it a community project.
Contrary to the current thoughts of disillusionment and uncertainty, which are largely driven by emotion, remember foreigners believe in South Africa.
Look at Oprah Winfrey, who has built a school here, and Richard Branson, who has invested every aspect of his brand here, including buying a game reserve. Temporary setbacks won't stop these people.
Look at the history of social dynamics. Nations have risen and fallen for centuries. They have taken one step back and two steps forwards.
South Africa has made massive strides in the past few years. When I first got here South Africa was nothing like I envisioned. I was very impressed. And in the three years I have been regularly coming here, I have seen great progress in the landscaping, buildings and living conditions.
Would I invest in this country? I already have. I have ploughed in copious amounts of time and energy and this is the only place I have established an office outside of the US. My worldwide branding is currently being created here and my working visits are getting more frequent and prolonged.
I am even looking at possibly investing in a lodge in a game reserve. I have also experienced three robberies from my hotel room, but that isn't going to curb my long-term goals in South Africa.
Crime is an issue that needs to be tackled in a much larger forum than this. However, I will go as far as saying that when there is a high polarity between the haves and the have-nots, there will always be tension between the two camps and crime is the byproduct.
Closing the gap is the wisest strategy and this cannot be done through entitlement. Entitled people generally don't feel purposeful and are therefore not creating their own lives.
Education and mentoring, which translates into self-worth and true empowerment, is the only solution. I also believe that newspapers could play a massive role and be the hero in changing perceptions as they reach the masses. Their actions could even transform the government.
If you decide to stay and fight for your birthplace then you need to go from victim to victor mentality. Make the South African mantra: "I will stay and help build a great nation." And remember, if you become grateful for what you have, you will get more to be grateful for.
# Visit drdemartini.co.za
Interesting, hey?
Regards,
M.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Secrets Everyone Should Know
************************************
Secrets everyone, starting out, should know - by Michael Masterson
************************************
"So, what's it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don't recommend it."
- Bill Watterson
Many of my friends believe that kids today have a more challenging life than we did when we were young.
"It's more dangerous out there."
"Good jobs are harder to find and harder still to keep."
"It's just so much tougher for kids these days."
That's the view of Tamara Draut, who works for an agency that promotes government action and whose book, Strapped. is subtitled "Why 20- and 30- Somethings Can't Get Ahead." But are things really tougher for graduates today?
I'm doubtful. When I graduated from university, I was R50,000 in debt. So was my friend Eric. Peter wasn't in debt, but he was about to be married so he had different financial concerns. Back then, unemployment was higher than it is now. Bad jobs were scarce. Good jobs were non-existent.
Peter, Eric, and I were doing everything we could to make money, but it was tough. We knew we couldn't save our way out of our situation. We knew we had to earn more money. So we started a little business. An above ground-pool installation business. We had no connections and no capital, but we had spent the previous summer building pools, so we did have some experience.
We went to a local pool distributor and offered to put up his display pools for free if he'd recommend us to his customers. He let us try one pool, and it took us eight hours - three times longer than it should have - to finish it. But it was built well and he gave us a recommendation.
One recommendation led to another. And before we knew it, we were working 16 hours a day, seven days a week, running four crews and making R2,100 apiece a day. We did that for 10 weeks straight. At the end of that summer, Eric and I had fully paid off our school loans, and Peter was able to put a down payment on a starter home for himself and his new bride.
I was able to not just get rid of my debt, but buy myself a car and pay to have my parents' house repainted.
That gave me a taste for entrepreneurship that I've never tired of.
I tried to write down everything I know about starting out and becoming successful - as an entrepreneur and as an employee. Here's some of what I noted:
* Don't fret about your problems. And don't wait for the government to solve them. Create a personal plan for success and follow it.
* If you can get a great job (and it's not impossible), then get to work earlier than everybody else and work harder and longer than everybody else, and do everything you can to work smarter than everybody else.
* If you can't get a great job, start your own business. Service-oriented businesses, though they have drawbacks, are the easiest and cheapest to launch. The good habits you (hopefully) developed in college will serve you well in this competitive, primarily blue-collar, environment.
* Get an apartment with two or three roommates. And, believe it or not, you can live very well for practically nothing. Good food, wine, and entertainment don't have to be expensive.
* Save much more than the experts tell you. Pay the government first (taxes can't be avoided), your loans next, and then put 15% of your income into an investment account. If you don't make enough money to do that, get another job. Work 16 hours a day if necessary.
* If you begin to feel sorry for yourself, volunteer to work for an institution that treats people who have real problems - like cancer, AIDS, ALS, etc.
* Give yourself a little time once a week to slow down and smell the roses. Then get back to work.
This is probably not the kind of advice that Tamara Draut would like to hear, because it doesn't do much to solve the "starting-out problem" on a global level. But I'd like to think it can help individual people - graduates and young people - become wealthy despite the challenges posed by our shaky economy.
Secrets everyone, starting out, should know - by Michael Masterson
************************************
"So, what's it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don't recommend it."
- Bill Watterson
Many of my friends believe that kids today have a more challenging life than we did when we were young.
"It's more dangerous out there."
"Good jobs are harder to find and harder still to keep."
"It's just so much tougher for kids these days."
That's the view of Tamara Draut, who works for an agency that promotes government action and whose book, Strapped. is subtitled "Why 20- and 30- Somethings Can't Get Ahead." But are things really tougher for graduates today?
I'm doubtful. When I graduated from university, I was R50,000 in debt. So was my friend Eric. Peter wasn't in debt, but he was about to be married so he had different financial concerns. Back then, unemployment was higher than it is now. Bad jobs were scarce. Good jobs were non-existent.
Peter, Eric, and I were doing everything we could to make money, but it was tough. We knew we couldn't save our way out of our situation. We knew we had to earn more money. So we started a little business. An above ground-pool installation business. We had no connections and no capital, but we had spent the previous summer building pools, so we did have some experience.
We went to a local pool distributor and offered to put up his display pools for free if he'd recommend us to his customers. He let us try one pool, and it took us eight hours - three times longer than it should have - to finish it. But it was built well and he gave us a recommendation.
One recommendation led to another. And before we knew it, we were working 16 hours a day, seven days a week, running four crews and making R2,100 apiece a day. We did that for 10 weeks straight. At the end of that summer, Eric and I had fully paid off our school loans, and Peter was able to put a down payment on a starter home for himself and his new bride.
I was able to not just get rid of my debt, but buy myself a car and pay to have my parents' house repainted.
That gave me a taste for entrepreneurship that I've never tired of.
I tried to write down everything I know about starting out and becoming successful - as an entrepreneur and as an employee. Here's some of what I noted:
* Don't fret about your problems. And don't wait for the government to solve them. Create a personal plan for success and follow it.
* If you can get a great job (and it's not impossible), then get to work earlier than everybody else and work harder and longer than everybody else, and do everything you can to work smarter than everybody else.
* If you can't get a great job, start your own business. Service-oriented businesses, though they have drawbacks, are the easiest and cheapest to launch. The good habits you (hopefully) developed in college will serve you well in this competitive, primarily blue-collar, environment.
* Get an apartment with two or three roommates. And, believe it or not, you can live very well for practically nothing. Good food, wine, and entertainment don't have to be expensive.
* Save much more than the experts tell you. Pay the government first (taxes can't be avoided), your loans next, and then put 15% of your income into an investment account. If you don't make enough money to do that, get another job. Work 16 hours a day if necessary.
* If you begin to feel sorry for yourself, volunteer to work for an institution that treats people who have real problems - like cancer, AIDS, ALS, etc.
* Give yourself a little time once a week to slow down and smell the roses. Then get back to work.
This is probably not the kind of advice that Tamara Draut would like to hear, because it doesn't do much to solve the "starting-out problem" on a global level. But I'd like to think it can help individual people - graduates and young people - become wealthy despite the challenges posed by our shaky economy.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Top 10 Steps to Making Major Life Changes By Steve Davis
The Top 10 Steps to Making Major Life Changes By Steve Davis
1. Identify the payoffs and price of staying where you are. There are certainly good reasons you have for not already having made a transition. Do some soul searching with trusted allies or through journaling to uncover what payoffs you're receiving for not making the change. At the same time, identify the price you are paying for maintaining the status quo. When your conscious mind gets that the price is greater than the payoff, you'll be much clearer whether it's in your best interest to keep things the same or to make a change.
2. Begin developing a reserve of everything. A difficult transition can be made much easier when you have reserves in many areas of your life. Develop a plan to put away enough money to support yourself for the next year or two. Seek out trusted friends and associates for your personal support team who are excited and committed to supporting you. Simplify your life in terms of time and clutter to free up the space for something more in alignment with what you want. Look at other life areas such as relationships, recreation, family, etc. that you can beef up to help you through the transition. Keep in mind that it's better to be over prepared and succeed than to fail because you were under prepared.
3. Develop a vision of what's possible to pull you through the transition. Not knowing what might happen if you change careers or leave a long-standing relationship can be very frightening. Fear of the unknown can keep you stuck. It can also keep you from honestly discovering and exploring the options that are always there. Once discovered, you can use these options to develop a vision of what your life will look like after your transition. Make up your vision if it isn't coming to you naturally, but make it good. Your vision will form the matrix on which you will create your new life and give you the inspiration and courage you need to move on.
4. Uncover your self-judgments. Guilt is rampant in our culture. So is the vendetta against selfishness. Suffering is supported and nurtured by friends, family, religions, etc. So it's not surprising that many of us, deep down, don't feel we deserve to have what we want. It's critical to dig down and uncover any judgments you may be holding against yourself, knowing that they are usually subconscious and may require some work. For example, you may feel that you're not good enough or deserving of what you want. Or you may feel that the transition you're about to make will hurt someone in your life and that you'll be responsible for their pain. Or you may feel that you're not smart enough, resourceful enough, bold enough, or just plain "enough" to make this change. Acknowledge these judgments then forgive yourself for holding these false perceptions about who you really are. Because the truth is, they are only ideas and you will create yourself each moment based on the new idea you can hold about who you are.
5. Give up playing the victim. Are you complaining about being in the situation you're in? Are you blaming others for this scenario? Or maybe you've accepted full responsibility for this situation and just beat yourself up for not making the change. If any of the above are true, you are playing the victim. It's time to come to grips with the fact that you have been forfeiting your power to make the change you say you want. Even if you're blaming yourself for not being happy or for having the courage to make the change, then part of you is beating up another part of yourself, hence there's a victim in there somewhere. To the degree you play the role of victim, you are losing power. So wake up and own your full power to create the life you desire, no matter what.
6. Give up analysis that breeds paralysis. We are so conditioned to figure things out before we leap, that sometimes we become paralyzed to take the actions our bodies are directed to take from the beginning. This is particularly true if you are an engineer, scientist, or other type of technical person who experiences the world more through analysis more than feeling. I was an engineer once and from my own experience know this to be true. The mind is meant to be used to create and to keep us safe. If it's stuck in a pattern rehashing the same ideas over and over, trying to figure out what will happen if, then you're probably stuck in a mind-loop. It's time to quit thinking and start doing. Ask your body what action to take, and then just take it. Often the information you're seeking will only be made available after the action is taken. Wisdom often comes in the motion, not the analysis.
7. Risk failure. Has the fear of failing got you stuck? If so, define what failure would look like for you. Imagine the worst possible thing that might happen. Can you live with it if it does happen? Can you make course corrections before it happens or after it happens? The answer is almost always "yes." I suggest removing the word "failure" from your vocabulary. Instead, realize that each of your actions will simply yield a result. This result will be one you want or one you don't want. Simply take the result as feedback from the universe on your action and take the next appropriate action. Viewed from this perspective, mistakes are merely indications that a course correction is needed and not to be taken personally. Pilots are checking their compass all the time and making course corrections based on this feedback. They'd never get anywhere if they took every off-course reading as a personal failure. Give up the concept of failure and take flight!
8. Access your inner warrior. Within each of us, men and women alike, there is an aspect that is built for bold, decisive action. This part of us is instinctual. It looks out, not only for our survival, but also for our soul's mission. It is not concerned about sacrificing Self for another, yet, in certain circumstances will give its very life for another if that is in alignment with its mission. You get messages from this part of yourself all of the time. These messages may come in the form of feelings in your body in response to certain actions, environments, or experiences. They may come in the form of "gut" feelings in certain situations. Or they may be just a sense of direct "knowing" that has no rational foundation. If you are contemplating a difficult transition, and have "contemplated" yourself into a corner, it may be time to let your inner warrior take over for a while. Just experience "knowing" what you need to do, then commit to doing it without thinking anymore about it until it's done.
9. Don't go to your deathbed wondering what would have happened if... It's easy for us to forget how short our lives really are. Many of us live as if we'll never die. We waste away our hours and days working jobs we hate, living just for the weekends, or "putting in time" until retirement, while living like zombies the other 70% of our lives. We may live in a relationship that drains and devalues us thinking it might magically get better somehow, someday. We deny our feelings or make excuses for frittering away our lives. Enough I say! I challenge you to project yourself forward to your death. It's real and it's coming for you! No questions about it. See yourself on your deathbed and ask yourself if the life you're living now is all you dreamt it to be. Write your own obituary today. How close are you to living your passion? Let this vision be a motivator to get off your butt and follow your dreams!
10. Get support to prepare and walk with you through the transition. Big life transitions can be overwhelming to accomplish on your own. There is no shame in asking for help from your friends, relatives, or from a coach. In fact, enough of the right kind of support can make a seemingly difficult transition, relatively easy. I've had a lot of help in making a couple of big transitions in my life. Being a former lone-ranger, asking for and accepting help from others was difficult at first, but really nice once I got used to it. Now I wouldn't think of starting a major project or making a big change without relying heavily on my support system of close and loving friends, and my coach. Do whatever is necessary to make change easy on you. You're worth it.
About the Submitter: This piece was originally submitted by Steve Davis, MS, MA, CCUG, Life Coach and Infopreneur, who can be reached at steve@livingmastery.com, or visited on the web.
Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002 by Thomas J. Leonard. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included.
Thought you'd enjoy,
Regards,
M.
1. Identify the payoffs and price of staying where you are. There are certainly good reasons you have for not already having made a transition. Do some soul searching with trusted allies or through journaling to uncover what payoffs you're receiving for not making the change. At the same time, identify the price you are paying for maintaining the status quo. When your conscious mind gets that the price is greater than the payoff, you'll be much clearer whether it's in your best interest to keep things the same or to make a change.
2. Begin developing a reserve of everything. A difficult transition can be made much easier when you have reserves in many areas of your life. Develop a plan to put away enough money to support yourself for the next year or two. Seek out trusted friends and associates for your personal support team who are excited and committed to supporting you. Simplify your life in terms of time and clutter to free up the space for something more in alignment with what you want. Look at other life areas such as relationships, recreation, family, etc. that you can beef up to help you through the transition. Keep in mind that it's better to be over prepared and succeed than to fail because you were under prepared.
3. Develop a vision of what's possible to pull you through the transition. Not knowing what might happen if you change careers or leave a long-standing relationship can be very frightening. Fear of the unknown can keep you stuck. It can also keep you from honestly discovering and exploring the options that are always there. Once discovered, you can use these options to develop a vision of what your life will look like after your transition. Make up your vision if it isn't coming to you naturally, but make it good. Your vision will form the matrix on which you will create your new life and give you the inspiration and courage you need to move on.
4. Uncover your self-judgments. Guilt is rampant in our culture. So is the vendetta against selfishness. Suffering is supported and nurtured by friends, family, religions, etc. So it's not surprising that many of us, deep down, don't feel we deserve to have what we want. It's critical to dig down and uncover any judgments you may be holding against yourself, knowing that they are usually subconscious and may require some work. For example, you may feel that you're not good enough or deserving of what you want. Or you may feel that the transition you're about to make will hurt someone in your life and that you'll be responsible for their pain. Or you may feel that you're not smart enough, resourceful enough, bold enough, or just plain "enough" to make this change. Acknowledge these judgments then forgive yourself for holding these false perceptions about who you really are. Because the truth is, they are only ideas and you will create yourself each moment based on the new idea you can hold about who you are.
5. Give up playing the victim. Are you complaining about being in the situation you're in? Are you blaming others for this scenario? Or maybe you've accepted full responsibility for this situation and just beat yourself up for not making the change. If any of the above are true, you are playing the victim. It's time to come to grips with the fact that you have been forfeiting your power to make the change you say you want. Even if you're blaming yourself for not being happy or for having the courage to make the change, then part of you is beating up another part of yourself, hence there's a victim in there somewhere. To the degree you play the role of victim, you are losing power. So wake up and own your full power to create the life you desire, no matter what.
6. Give up analysis that breeds paralysis. We are so conditioned to figure things out before we leap, that sometimes we become paralyzed to take the actions our bodies are directed to take from the beginning. This is particularly true if you are an engineer, scientist, or other type of technical person who experiences the world more through analysis more than feeling. I was an engineer once and from my own experience know this to be true. The mind is meant to be used to create and to keep us safe. If it's stuck in a pattern rehashing the same ideas over and over, trying to figure out what will happen if, then you're probably stuck in a mind-loop. It's time to quit thinking and start doing. Ask your body what action to take, and then just take it. Often the information you're seeking will only be made available after the action is taken. Wisdom often comes in the motion, not the analysis.
7. Risk failure. Has the fear of failing got you stuck? If so, define what failure would look like for you. Imagine the worst possible thing that might happen. Can you live with it if it does happen? Can you make course corrections before it happens or after it happens? The answer is almost always "yes." I suggest removing the word "failure" from your vocabulary. Instead, realize that each of your actions will simply yield a result. This result will be one you want or one you don't want. Simply take the result as feedback from the universe on your action and take the next appropriate action. Viewed from this perspective, mistakes are merely indications that a course correction is needed and not to be taken personally. Pilots are checking their compass all the time and making course corrections based on this feedback. They'd never get anywhere if they took every off-course reading as a personal failure. Give up the concept of failure and take flight!
8. Access your inner warrior. Within each of us, men and women alike, there is an aspect that is built for bold, decisive action. This part of us is instinctual. It looks out, not only for our survival, but also for our soul's mission. It is not concerned about sacrificing Self for another, yet, in certain circumstances will give its very life for another if that is in alignment with its mission. You get messages from this part of yourself all of the time. These messages may come in the form of feelings in your body in response to certain actions, environments, or experiences. They may come in the form of "gut" feelings in certain situations. Or they may be just a sense of direct "knowing" that has no rational foundation. If you are contemplating a difficult transition, and have "contemplated" yourself into a corner, it may be time to let your inner warrior take over for a while. Just experience "knowing" what you need to do, then commit to doing it without thinking anymore about it until it's done.
9. Don't go to your deathbed wondering what would have happened if... It's easy for us to forget how short our lives really are. Many of us live as if we'll never die. We waste away our hours and days working jobs we hate, living just for the weekends, or "putting in time" until retirement, while living like zombies the other 70% of our lives. We may live in a relationship that drains and devalues us thinking it might magically get better somehow, someday. We deny our feelings or make excuses for frittering away our lives. Enough I say! I challenge you to project yourself forward to your death. It's real and it's coming for you! No questions about it. See yourself on your deathbed and ask yourself if the life you're living now is all you dreamt it to be. Write your own obituary today. How close are you to living your passion? Let this vision be a motivator to get off your butt and follow your dreams!
10. Get support to prepare and walk with you through the transition. Big life transitions can be overwhelming to accomplish on your own. There is no shame in asking for help from your friends, relatives, or from a coach. In fact, enough of the right kind of support can make a seemingly difficult transition, relatively easy. I've had a lot of help in making a couple of big transitions in my life. Being a former lone-ranger, asking for and accepting help from others was difficult at first, but really nice once I got used to it. Now I wouldn't think of starting a major project or making a big change without relying heavily on my support system of close and loving friends, and my coach. Do whatever is necessary to make change easy on you. You're worth it.
About the Submitter: This piece was originally submitted by Steve Davis, MS, MA, CCUG, Life Coach and Infopreneur, who can be reached at steve@livingmastery.com, or visited on the web.
Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002 by Thomas J. Leonard. May be distributed if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included.
Thought you'd enjoy,
Regards,
M.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The tree that never had to fight
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease.
The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars,
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
Author unknown
"The only thing standing between me and greatness is me..." Woody Allen
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease.
The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars,
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
Author unknown
"The only thing standing between me and greatness is me..." Woody Allen
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Time Rolls On...
By: Regina Brett The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It's the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It's the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
- 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
- When in doubt, just take the next small step.
- Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
- Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
- Pay off your credit cards every month.
- You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
- Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
- It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
- Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
- When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
- Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
- It's OK to let your children see you cry.
- Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
- If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
- Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
- Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
- You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
- A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
- When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
- Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
- Over prepare, then go with the flow.
- Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
- The most important sex organ is the brain.
- No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
- Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
- Always choose life.
- Forgive everyone everything.
- What other people think of you is none of your business.
- Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
- However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
- Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
- Believe in miracles.
- God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
- Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
- Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
- Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
- Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
- Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
- If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
- Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
- Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
- All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
- Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
- The best is yet to come.
- No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
- Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
- If you don't ask, you don't get.
- Yield.
- Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Word for Today
I hope that you find this as inspiring as I have as you head into 2008!
Three QuestionsThe Lord gave him success in everything he did. - Genesis 39:3 NIV
Sit down, have a cup of coffee (or tea), and ask yourself these three questions:
(1) Am I happy with the way things are in my life right now? If you're not, take responsibility. Quit blame-placing and excuse-making! The only one who can stop you from becoming the person God intended you to be - is you.
(2) Am I afraid of success? Afraid of the cost and commitment required? Leadership is lonely; maybe you'd rather be with the crowd. Or perhaps you've been knocked down and you're afraid to get up again. When Thomas Edison was asked why he was successful he replied, "I start where other men leave off!" When world heavyweight champion Jim Corbett was asked what it took to win the title he replied, "Just fight one more round." Paul wrote, "We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going" (2 Co 4:9 TLB).
(3) Do I believe people can't be successful and Spiritual at the same time? Out of a confused (and abused) theology we've equated humility with poverty and assumed that successful people can't be humble. Not so. "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2 Ch 26:5). Does this give you the right to strut, or look down on others? No, but when successful people speak other people listen. Examine the lives of Bible characters like Joseph and Daniel. They influenced nations for God! We have a message of hope that others need to hear, but if we're not in a position to tell them how will they hear it?
If you have been settling for less, ask God for a greater faith and a greater focus, then start aiming higher!
Regards,
M.
Three QuestionsThe Lord gave him success in everything he did. - Genesis 39:3 NIV
Sit down, have a cup of coffee (or tea), and ask yourself these three questions:
(1) Am I happy with the way things are in my life right now? If you're not, take responsibility. Quit blame-placing and excuse-making! The only one who can stop you from becoming the person God intended you to be - is you.
(2) Am I afraid of success? Afraid of the cost and commitment required? Leadership is lonely; maybe you'd rather be with the crowd. Or perhaps you've been knocked down and you're afraid to get up again. When Thomas Edison was asked why he was successful he replied, "I start where other men leave off!" When world heavyweight champion Jim Corbett was asked what it took to win the title he replied, "Just fight one more round." Paul wrote, "We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going" (2 Co 4:9 TLB).
(3) Do I believe people can't be successful and Spiritual at the same time? Out of a confused (and abused) theology we've equated humility with poverty and assumed that successful people can't be humble. Not so. "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2 Ch 26:5). Does this give you the right to strut, or look down on others? No, but when successful people speak other people listen. Examine the lives of Bible characters like Joseph and Daniel. They influenced nations for God! We have a message of hope that others need to hear, but if we're not in a position to tell them how will they hear it?
If you have been settling for less, ask God for a greater faith and a greater focus, then start aiming higher!
Regards,
M.
Monday, January 7, 2008
I'm back...
After a wonderful holiday catching up on my reading, I am ready to tackle the New Year and have already posted the January newsletter on our site http://easterngifts.co.za/newsletter-january-2008-a-56.html. I wish you all a wonderful New Year and the opportunities to make the most of your life. Here's to a wonderful 2008!!!!
Regards,
M.
Regards,
M.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)