Wherever You Are

On July 13, 2015, this is the post I put on my facebook page;

  39 years ago, on this date, God blessed me. God allowed a turn of events to happen to me in which my attitude would guide my thinking. This gave me the outcome that guides my ability to deal with things, most of the time. It gave me a way to view people, knowing that they could be dealing with things of their own, most of the time. Although I fail occasionally, more often than I like, I can honestly say I have been blessed.
July 13, 1976 A car driven by 16 year old girl was hit as she pulled out on Hwy 33 by the light. She was taken to a hospital where she remained unconscious for 4 weeks. Diagnosed with a TBI. She was released after 51 days but returned for physical therapy weekly for another year. She is now living as a witness for the God who created us claiming the life of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Yes, she is writing this post, and loves each one of you who have taken the time to listen. (and those who kept scrolling too) GBYD

I received so many good comments from that post. I learned things that I didn't remember ever knowing before. 

Like, my glasses found in the rootbeer float that I had just purchased, were sitting on the table as a constant reminder to my sisters while I remained unconscious in the hospital.

                                         Wow, an object of disdain or one of hope.

Also, the woman who encouraged, three times, for my sister to sit down at the accident site, actually prayed for me, for her, and my family.

  This woman, another life touched, gave the best thing she could at that moment. The Holy Spirit lead her to give, I don't know who it was nor who might have been around to join in.

One of my cousins was at Church camp when her father, a Pastor, and mother came to tell her.
Another one of my cousins had an accident a year after mine, but with a fatal result.

                                     At times, as her sister recalls, there are lessons everyday even though we don't understand in this lifetime.

Many things happened that I never knew, many people prayed who I had never met, many tears with many lives changed.... 


BUT many are the blessings as a result. God is always in control and always available.

******************

A few months ago, at my mother's memorial service, my father recalled a trip that they had taken to Israel. It was a very moving time for them to walk where our Lord and Savior, Jesus walked here on earth. They saw the trees and garden where He prayed. 
This was followed by the virtuoso singing of Jerusalem in an operatic style by my talented brother-in-law. 


The images that my father described were a beautiful 

visionary of an entree that mom must have taken to her 

heavenly home.

What this said to me, was to enjoy where you are, wherever you are, knowing that God is with you. Someone may use that moment as a reminder of a wonderful memory and someone else may see it as an entree into your heavenly home and someone will be lead by the Holy Spirit to pray.

Romans 8:28New Century Version (NCV)

28 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him.[a]They are the people he called, because that was his plan.

#1 Life-Coach

Jesus Christ

 An Expert Example of an Entrepreneur ~ My #1 Life-coach

I listened to a podcast today that got me thinking. Over the past few months I have been focused on Marketing in Business and Entrepreneurship. I want to better myself to the point of being able to help with the family budget. I also want to feel useful and needed as I help others advance at their own lives.

Today I heard of someone that had lost everything he had obtained through business to step out on his own. He took that bold step to get out from under ‘the corporate thumb’ and now does extremely well in his service to others.  The interviewer added that the same thing happened to him, not by choice, but by circumstance. These events were a pivotal moment in both of their pursuits of Entrepreneurship. It all sounded a bit familiar.

That’s when it hit me.  Jesus Christ must have had this entrepreneurship thing down. He told his followers to get rid of stuff and follow Him. He had a mastermind session.

 He 'conference called' a few guys and gave them a private mastermind session to let them go out and

 lead.

                                                          How Cool is that?!  

 

So as beneficial as this podcast was for me;

 to learn a new process, or way of thinking;

                                to have the 3 pillars to 1) Think Clearly 2) Speak decisively & 3) Act boldly;

 the analogy to the ‘box top’ when putting together a puzzle being able to see where we are going – our goal or prize that we attain to; 

                              or staging our day with an A+ and living up to that grade . . .however . . .

All the education that I took away from the podcast was so valuable, thank you Gene Hammett and John Robinson. But the best thought for me is total relying on Jesus.

                            I want to thank my future business coach, whoever that might be,

 for understanding I will also keep

                             my #1 Life-coach,

                                                       forever.

GBYD ~ God Bless Your Day

Anna's Clouds

I title this one "Anna's Clouds" -- because of her attitude, she looked at this when she took it and said... 

"Suns about to peek out". Overlooking the fact that there was a short downpour, overlooking any existing gloominess, --that's why I love Anna Ohm. GBYD

Momentum

                                                       Momentum, 
a curious word, it is defined as the impetus of a body resulting from it's  motion.



           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



 I think of it as a call to action CTA. It's not just a continuing of motion in my case, it is a strategy for gaining things like;

               connections,
                                          outreach,
                                                                intention,
                                                                                       growth.

It's like my friend Jeff Goins shares in his book "The Art of Work" - Our calling is not merely a moment; it's a lifestyle, a constant progression of submitting to a larger purpose.

So in that constant progression, we need to be always aware of the surroundings. Whether it's business or not, the clues are there. The people we meet and the people we help.

                                                                   Not always like, but could be like, a "Where's Waldo" puzzle that you need to search to find the one hidden push.

                                                 






 Could even be like, but doesn't have to be like, one of those images that you need to stare at or cross your eyes to see.
                                       

The call or momentum to continue on in your quest needs consistency, much like the efforts of basketball star, Michael Jordan:

                                                           

This is what I am saying today.
 From the words of Wendy Lipton-Dibner,MA

• Define your Action Formula - vision
• Discover your gift - what you can share
• Design your lifestyle - build your business around that
• Determine your perfect market - form an avatar
• Develop your product & services - focus
• Differentiate yourself and your business - what makes you special
• Deliver in a way to move People to Action
• Drive collaborative projects - don't do it alone
• Decide how to make an impact and learn to make good decisions
• Dare to go bigger and shatter your speed limits - then repeat

Focus on Impact - Show the world what you have. - Offer help - Give

                                          

                                       "By their fruits you will know them"

                                                                          Jesus Christ

May 10, 2015

Mother’s Day – May 10, 2015

 The date; a reminder of the day.  I will be blessed to celebrate for the 30^th time as a mother, and another first; the first time in 55 years that I will not have a mother to send a card to. I no longer have a mother-in-law or grandmother either. 

Don’t worry, this is not going to be one of those sorrowful posts that say poor me. I know that there are many who have lost their mother, many who never knew their mother, and some who have challenged relationships with their mother.  I know that I am no worse off than many others.

As a matter of fact, I feel that I am one of the lucky ones. I celebrate this mother’s day for myself knowing that I will see her again. I know that my mother is able to do the things that she had trouble doing on earth. Things like reaching up, or any arm movement for that matter. She could be picking dandelions to bring in to have Jesus put in a small glass on the windowsill, the way we used to do as children – for her.

I was at a funeral of a dear friend last Sunday. Her son gave the sermon. He almost laughed as he said, “Mom would never want to return here, even if she could. Heaven in all it’s glory could never be matched.”  He sang a duet with his daughter, Colette, called Mercy Tree by Lacey Sturm, which was fantastic and gave me chills.

My Mother is doing what she always did best. She always prepared excitement for our joy and I am thrilled to see what she and Jesus plan. She is seeing the place that He is preparing for our arrival. She could be asking Jesus for a French horn (my favorite) to be put in the corner, or a picture and composition by one of my sister’s favorite composers on the wall. She is helping to set the stage for my other sister’s performance or the gifts that my brother enjoyed to be available.

 She had a way of making things extra special. She went to each performance that her children were in.

Starting with her first born, Michael, she went to piano lessons with him, recitals, solo and ensemble competitions; she went to plays, speech meets, and Musicals that my sister Suzan was usually a lead in the cast.  My younger sister, Nancy did the solo and ensemble, every year with her Oboe and Piano. I played flute at first, but switched to my much beloved French Horn. Mom and Dad were always encouraging.

My mother is going to celebrate the best Mother’s day with our Heavenly Father.

When she was still on this earth, and feeling so much pain, she told my dad that she was ready to go home with Jesus, and that he should come soon too. She didn’t want him to have to be alone here on earth.  She knew the best place was waiting for our arrival. Such love was shared in that moment.

This is taken from something I wrote right after she died:

 My mother stood in my hospital room and told me every day, even before I was conscious, that God had saved me for a purpose. This truth is what I continue to cling to every day of my life. God can use me for His plan. • I believe that I am better able to see the blessings in life. I will always feel a terrific gratitude for the way my parents raised me –twice - both before and after the accident, to love Jesus. 

This is a tribute to the life of my mom. Vignette's of a life.

                        A memory of her final days, from my perspective:

She called me, right after she fell in the bathroom, to ask for prayer. She knew she could count on me for prayer, just like my sisters. I call on both of them when I need it.

To have a family that can turn to each other for love and prayer is the most important connection we can have.

The last time I talked to her, she answered the phone so happy. I said, “Oh you sound good.” It was a short conversation that ended with my usual comment, I said “God bless your day”.

She said, as she always did “And yours.”

God did bless her. He gave her peace in perfection.

                                                            *********

A story in the book of Matthew tells of someone suffering that claimed our Lord could heal him if it was His will. Jesus reached out His hand and said “I will, be clean” (Matthew 8:3)

Aha. . . mom reached out her hand and grasped onto the hand of Jesus. She told my dad that she was ready to leave this shell of a body and go home to be with Jesus. Then she said the thing that will forever be on my dad’s heart as she expressed her forever love for him. She told my dad how she wanted him not to wait too long; and he should come when he is ready. She was saying that she loved dad and that she knew they could live forever with Jesus. What a wonderful way to express love and loyalty. The love they shared was mentioned at my daughter, Angela's wedding dinner, as an example.

                                                            **********

My father showed her the best gift of love by letting her go. He knows he will see her again.

What an expression of faith. She loved my dad, through trials and through joys. She loves her Jesus. Always has. She knew that as Jesus called her she would be going to see her mom and dad again. She was blessed to have parents that brought her up in the church and taught her the love of Christ.

She would be with dad’s parents also. Mom is with God waiting to greet me when I come. I know I will see her again, too.

                                                            **********

She told me that I was saved for a purpose and I believe that God can use me to fulfill that purpose. God can use you, too, to fulfill His purpose.

We may never know the purpose that we each have; we may never know the impact of our words or actions; and we may never understand why some things happen, but we can trust that God can take what we give to His glory. And that, my friends is what we can see. We will one day see the full glory of God

.

I believe in Prayer and I believe that mom is sending me Prayers of Love still.

May 10, 2015 A reminder of another first. ~ Happy Mother’s Day ~ Whatever your situation, God loves you.

GBYD ~ God Bless Your Day

Movement Marketing Summit, Encore w/ Aj and Andy #MMS15

This is my review of the ENCORE to the Movement Marketing Summit, an Encore hangout with Aj Amyx and Andy Zitzmann and Special Guests.

This final get together was a heart felt time of thanks from Andy and Aj. The Movement Marketing summit was a success that truly gave way to some life changing pursuits of the participants. The in-depth knowledge given from each speaker showed expertise in the topic at hand. From opening with Wendy Lipton-Dibner who focused on our impact before the money to the closing speaker, Michael Port, who shared his gifted way of enhancing our public speaking skills to create killer content and be seen by our audience; we learned. Each speaker was considered and timed in such a way as to enhance the skills of the listeners.

Aj and Andy, along with their team of behind the scenes movers and go-getters, developed a Summit to empart knowledge, skill, and practical calls to action. A few of the participants joined in this last hangout to share some of their take aways.

Denise Fisher: She shared an experience that happened in her daily industry that was a benefit to her. "It helped to have the support of the community to bounce ideas off of..... I checked back in every couple of hours, and got advise and ideas..... It was kind of fun, actually."


Seth Knight: "My biggest take aways from the Summit were some of the various techniques I learned from the speakers, about putting my thoughts into action.....It all came back to going into a funnel based system...I'm getting my materials and design all set for my sales strategy.... Focus on my sales funnel and getting an analytic based strategy ... I have seen immediate results.... Changed my lead magnet and helped me face how their problem can be solved." His goal is to reach a number by a certain date, and his growth is attainable.



Andy and Aj shared how Seth helped them with a glaring problem in an effort to better the experience for everyone. Andy said, "Community is everything. Build relationships. Offer services when needed."

Jennifer: Mentioned things such as posperity, mindset, engaging, meditation and strategy. "I'll walk away with a lot on the content from Michael Port, Sue B Zimmerman,,,,(etc).." She shared about the importance of community and clarity.

Aj challenged us saying "What are you working on and now, What are you going to do about it?" He added his feelings on the old adage "Knowledge is power - but that's not true, if you do nothing about it. It will change your lives if you do something about it. ... What is a goal for you that will stretch you and push you?" Launch your product... set higher goals..."How can you implement the efforts?"


Denise asked how you do a virtual summit with a partner. Aj shared that he and Andy were intentional about the flow, content, and direction of each interview. Clearly articulated.

Andy added how they used a spread sheet for all the logistics, ie. the speakers signing the speaker agreement, their bio and picture. Also, who would address what issue.
Andy was good at mindsets and sells - Aj was good at marketing and mechanics. They each needed the others expertise for their clients. This is what they suggest for all of us in the community to rely on each other.

Will Munroe: He worded his trouble with needing to delegate. He was focused on what was important with a problem. He was advised to join the group. To be in touch with the others to find leads in people. Get recommendations.


Aj- "Communicate!"

Rodger: "You can tell that the role of serving is in Andy and Aj. A skill that is ........ "The person that you delegate to only needs to be 70% as good as you. You might find a perspective that you haven't seen yet."


It was then that the "Training Camp" was introduced. This will be a step further for us to get the work done. Movement Marketing Summit.com/Training Camp

"Momentum is a powerful thing if you have that momentum, it is your responsibility to keep it going. Whoever it is that is giving you the momentum, just be honest with yourselves and don't be afraid to go out and get what you need."



GBYD  ~ GOD Bless Your Day

3 Angels In Heaven

Three Angels

Today,  my blog takes a different direction as I give the moment to remember three women that had an impact on my life.

Barbara - my mother.

Lorraine - a woman who was tragically killed in a car accident.

Jill - a woman who, at 58 years old, had a heart attack in the middle of the night.

Each woman showed me love with prayer and compassion. Each woman died, yet I was able to thank God for taking them home. That's what it does for those still alive. I know that each one loved God and had faith and trust in Him.

First, Mom. She had been suffering with diabetes and confusion. She had some really bad falls that left welts, lumps, and bruises. The pain she suffered with was extreme at times. She told my dad that she was ready to leave that shell of a body and go home to be with Jesus. Mom and Dad had a DNR order put in her records so she could sleep in the hospital bed. At the next attack, she was gone. I published a prayer that I said at her memorial service,  per my dad's request. There are many more personal stories with my mother, but those will come later.

Lorraine was moving slowly as she put her groceries on the belt. My attention was on her purse as she retrieved her checkbook. See, she had had a stroke several years ago and was just finding the ability to write the check unassisted. I turned from my register lane to tell her how I was very happy and proud of her that healing was taking place. She agreed as we both praised God. The next day, she pulled her car onto a road that a semi truck was traveling, unable to stop, and she was confirmed dead in a matter of minutes.

Jill had been a friend, my older sister's age. The two of us became friends when she dated my brother. We almost became sisters-in-law, but young love being what it was, it wasn't meant to be. Things changed for the two of them, but Jill and I remained friends even at a distance. A few days ago, I got word that she had a heart attack at the age of 58, and was gone. This is the note I wrote to her daughter on Facebook (social media).

Jenna Coleman, I ran across a story that I had written years ago. This story was written before my own mother passed away this past November, my mother was 84. Your mother was 58. There is nothing that this story will tell you that you don't already know about a mother's love and care. My words, or anyone else's for that matter, can't make everything better. It is only the trust in God that your mother had that gives us confirmation. My mother loved your mother, always did. I still have the gift that she gave me of the 23rd Psalm. Please know that I am praying for you and your dad. GBYD ~ God Bless Your Day
And now the story: Sad yet real life

Sad yet real life

I had raised the window shade and sat on my couch while typing on the computer. A sudden thump was heard. It was almost as if someone had deliberately thrown an object at the window. I went to look and saw a bird lying on its back on the ground. A smaller bird hopped along the bricks that lined the yard. Back and forth it stayed looking at the fallen bird, and back up to the house where it had hit. In my mind, I thought of the mom bird teaching the baby bird how to fly.

I imagined that I could hear the baby calling to the mom. “What do I do now?” “I think I got it now, mom.” “You were showing me one of the things to look out for.”

I imagined the mom had been protecting the baby. Perhaps by stepping, or flying, in front of potential danger. Maybe these were the same birds that I had seen a month ago and said that God would take care of them. The weather had been unseasonably cold. The new snow covered the ground where the young birds had searched for food.

I am touched by the possibility that God can let things happen in such a way that, even in the tragic times, we are being taken care of. Is it expected? Is it the way we had planned/wanted? Are we making the right choices?

When “No” is the answer to any of these questions, turn it around to “On” and remember that the Holy Spirit is “On” this. He has got it.

I will remember seeing the baby bird hopping back and forth. I will remember the feeling of helplessness. I will try to remember that God has a bigger plan; that sometimes the tragic happens. It is sad, but it is life.