Monday, October 5, 2009

Achieve Your Goals in 1 Year

I often look at this scenario in the first or second session of an executive coaching encounter, so I thought I would share the thought process.If you identify parts of your business life in this scenario, take heart - you will always gain from another fresh perspective!

Think about it.You have been running your business for several years now, have hired a number of staff, have made a good amount in sales, your customers appear happy, and, it appears you are on your way to accomplishing your dream!You may have even hired an executive coach to share your dream with.

Wait a minute, that dream - where did you put it inside your cranium, in the left or the right lobe?Hmm, was it something your coach asked that you couldn't answer?

As a matter of fact, you may have noticed that your staff has been grumbling a bit lately about unhappy customers, late deliveries, poor quality product, and not being paid enough for what they are worth.When was the last time you looked at the product quality, the delivery schedule, when did your staff last get a wage adjustment?

Is this your business?Let's hope not, but, if it is, are you willing to try a few basic exercises? If so, here are some executive coaching tips.

First, would you write down your 5 top business goals for the year?Consider a revenue goal - increase sales to $ 1 million, a profit goal - achieve a 5% net profit after taxes, a personnel goal - provide my employees 40 hours training in customer service, a process improvement goal - decrease unit product time and cost by 10%, and a customer goal - increase customer satisfaction rates by 25%.

Second, identify why you have these goals.As an executive coach I often ask my clients these questions: Why are they important to your business and its success?How are they related to you achieving your dream?Oh yes, have you written your dream down yet?

Third, let's ask how you are going to accomplish these goals?Will you need much more input from your employees, will you need to survey your customers to identify their current level of satisfaction, and will you talk with your accountant and business advisor about industry benchmarks for sales, profitability, and production time/costs?

As the owner, will you be doing what you do best, and liking the results - all in one year?I hope you will answer yes and achieve great satisfaction in the year ahead.

About

Warren J. Rutherford President of Rutherford Advisors Inc. is an Accredited Associate, IIB, a CMT Accredited Master Mentor with certifications as a Behavioral Coach, an Analyst in Axiology, a One Page Business Plan Consultant, and is a BNI Assistant Director in the SE Mass/RI Region. He provides executive coaching and business advisory and consulting services to small and medium-sized business. He can be reached at http://www.RutherfordBusinessAdvisor.com Copyright 2009, Rutherford Advisors, Inc. All rights reserved

Over Complimenting People Might Turn Them Off

It has often been said that giving praise or compliments is indeed, a way to "Win Friend and Influence People" and yet, since everyone already knows this many can see through the veil of false praise. Fake kudos is so common that many now will not even take a compliment.

It's just not worth analyzing to figure out if it was genuine. Worse, everyone is running around complimenting everyone for nothingness, that it does not mean anything anyway.

Additionally, it really matters where the approval is coming from. For instance, let's say all the dogs in the neighborhood approved of you, would this make you very happy? For some it does. How about a troop of chimpanzees? How about a group of humans with an 80 pt. IQ level? How about a schmoozer in the office or a salesman at the car lot?

Okay, let's say a cyclist who rode in his first race and placed 54th went up to Lance Armstrong and said "Good race" and Lance Armstrong says thank you, but in his head he's thinking, who are you to judge me? You didn't even try in your race, you didn't practice, and you don't take it seriously.

Now, it is common courtesy to receive the compliment, but it's not about Lance Armstrong feeling approval, it's about the approver being able to compare themselves with the excellence, which they are too lazy or pre-committed in other endeavors in life to achieve. See that point.

Sometimes compliments turn people off, sometimes they are not necessary, and believe it or not there is a huge generational gap on the issues of the need for approval and the use of compliments in society whether it is online or in real life. Think on this.

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Learn about Lance Winslow's aircraft business; http://www.aircraftwashguys.com/about.shtml.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Can You Make Life Easier With a Hot Tub Cover Lifter?

There are many reasons to cover your hot tub, many of which are health related. The cover is great for holding the heat in and and debris out. In addition, the amount of electricity needed to keep the water heated is reduced which reduces your costs, and this way the cover eventually pays for itself. The risk of children or pets falling into the hot tub is reduced when a cover is properly used. And the list goes on. In fact, the only drawback to a hot tub cover is lifting it off of the tub.

The original purchased hot tub cover generally weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. Insulation within the cover collects moisture over time as it sits over the spa. This can increase the weight to close to 100 pounds. This makes it difficult to remove, especially if you're attempting to remove it alone. Oftentimes, hot tub owners opt to uncover part of the tub and leave the rest covered so they don't have to pick up the full weight of the cover. For those who wish to reclaim the use of the rest of their spa, hot tub cover lifters are available. A cover lifter assists you with the removal and storage of the spa cover.

Hot Tub Cover Lifters are Available in a Wide Variety of Styles

After deciding to purchase a hot tub cover lifter you need to make the choice between different styles and options. Some cover lifters will mechanically lift the cover for you while others assist you in safely a pulling or pushing the lid off without damaging it. Most of the styles available hold the cover off the ground to protect it from damage, which is an important feature considering the cost of replacement covers.

When shopping for your hot tub cover lifter it's important to have measurements available because you will need to know the measurement for the clearance between the hot tub and its enclosure. A general rule of thumb is to give a clearance of 2 feet between the hot tub and the fence or gazebo to allow all the lifter enough space, although there are some which only require 6 inches for those of you who have much tighter quarters.

There are different options for the storage of the cover itself as well. Some store the cover folded in half; this can make it easier for you to enjoy the view around you. Others store the cover standing upright which can work as a privacy board as well as extra protection from wind. When making your choices consider the amount of space you have and which one will best suit the surrounding of your hot tub.

Hot tub covers are a important item to protect both your spa and your loved ones, and a cover lifter makes using the cover easier and more convenient. Having the ability to move and store your hot tub cover in a safe manner will add life to the cover itself in this means not only saving you money but allowing you to increase the life your spa, thereby increasing the time that you are able to relax and enjoy life.

Visit us for more information on hot tub parts and hot tub accessories.

DIY Tips For Basement Waterproofing

There are only two things you can do when your basement starts to leak. First, you can call experts or contractors that will fix the problem for you which of course it will be a bit expensive. Second, you can do it yourself. The second one is a good choice because you will save money, just be sure you will choose the right product and follow these simple do-it-yourself waterproofing tips.

There are many products out in the market now and these products might help you decide to do it yourself.

Basement dry: For you to use this product you need to drill a hole into your basement floor, a probe will then be inserted. The probe detects ground water and once water is detected, the probe will suck up the water into the self-priming pump. The product is doubly effective because once the water is all suck up, the pressure is also removed. If ever water is not removed, pressure would remain and it result to water being pushed into cracks in the floor or wall. Thus, you will know where the cracks or holes that you will need to repair. Remember it is not easy to look for the cause. Using this product will help you look for the root cause.

Squid Gee Dry: This works on poured and block walls. The water is trapped in the holes of the block. Water is drain simply by drilling small holes on the bottom layer of block. For poured walls which are not hollow, water comes from the crack and goes to the cold joint. Seal the cracks top to bottom. Make sure you will leave the very bottom unsealed for the water to go to the Squid Gee dry.

These two products are not only useful in preventing to waterproof your basement, but most especially if you think it has already has cracks, holes, and leaks.

The easiest and cheapest way to know if your basement has leaks is for you to use foil. By simply taping the foil to the wall of your basement you will know if you have leaks. Wait for some time and check which sides has a moisture on it. If the moisture is on the room side of your basement then you are very luck. All you need to do is to add a humidifier. But if the moisture can be found on the other side, then you really need to waterproof your basement. You might as well use the two mentioned earlier.

There are still a lot of products you can use for DIY basement waterproofing but choose the ones suggested and proven to be effective so as not to waste money. Like if you choose to buy concrete water-proofing products, make sure that you will only by the right one.

It is also advise to start waterproofing the outside part then the inside part. It will double the effect though it will also double the cost. These are just a few great ways to have a waterproof basement. Remember that it's easier to fix a problem before it starts than doing damage control after it's too late.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

The Monotheistic Lie

Avraham who is known as the father of nations is credited with bringing monotheism to the world 3500 years ago, opposing those of many gods and beginning a tradition that has spread throughout the world-but, that is simply not true. There was never a question among the ancients as to the reality of the Creator of Heaven and Earth, but their contention was the Creator had abandoned creation into the hands of the stars and constellations to who they prayed.

True it was the affluence that fed the earth was conveyed on the wings of angels attached to the tenuous little shafts of star-light that surround the world with illumination; were it not for the darkness of space a mantle of light covering the solar system would be visible. They called the Creator-God of gods. The only question was: where is God.

Since God, Creator, is neither physical nor spiritual, therefore nothing in creation from the lowest physical manifestation until the highest metaphoric hint of the truth can encompass God; to the Creator creation is but a small thing, an easily done accomplishment. Perhaps, thought the ancients, God created, but God left. Avraham came to announce to the world that God was present in the seven outer worlds of the solar system and in the four corners of this physical earth where life abounds.

This knowledge of God's presence was conveyed through a single word: Echud/One; the Talmud-Book of Law breaks down each of the three letters, reducing them to numbers then extrapolates: the Oneness of God (Aleph/One) is in the seven heavens and the earth (Chet/8) and the four corners of the earth (Dalet/4). One is a philosophic idea portraying the relationship forged between Creator and creation.

The idea of One goes beyond the first of many-the dot progenitor of a line-One is unique and indivisible. Those who say God is the accumulation of all existence diminish the idea of One. The beginning and the end is comparable one to infinity; infinity is made up from many ones and one is the beginning of infinity-thus the comparison to God falters. There are no parts to God, only the effluence of God is divided up into particulars according to the needs of creation.

The Creator is not defined by creation in any shape, form or fashion; being beyond creation God is available to everybody and everything all the time everywhere. It is why we pray in our minds and in our hearts because this innate knowledge permeates the human experience. It is this knowledge that Avraham brought into the world by means of his life which was full of miracles giving witness to the fact that God was truly in the world.

This fundamental idea of Echud/One was later enshrined in what is known as the Shema Yisroel, a saying of six words-the mainstay of Jewish faith declaring: God is One. When religion came along 2000 years ago this pristine idea was adopted, usurped, expropriated and finally manipulated into something other than the truth: God is one among many instead of One indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Monotheism is the lie of religion trying to reduce the important message delivered by the father of nations, Avraham, who came to help the world from the darkness of chaos. It is the purpose of religion to hide the truth so the seeker will become reliant on a poor substitution-dogma. In the laws of charity, the greatest gift one can give to a poor person is a means to become self-supporting. The Talmud-Book of Law insists wealth is only found in the knowledge of the truth.

Dovid Krafchow lives in San Francisco and is the author of Kabbalistic Tarot published by Inner Tradition and a new series of five ebooks called The Dance of the Pig: a cosmology and world history based on the Cabala, available only at JewishBohemian.com Dovid is a Jewish elder and teacher, unaffiliated and non-religious. He stridently believes that in the end it is the individual who changes the world

Types of Foundations - San Diego Construction

The foundation is the first part of a home that is constructed. It creates a base for the rest of a home's parts. If a foundation is not good, the rest of the house will have problems. Because there are options for choosing a foundation type, builders and home owners have an important decision to make. Any decision concerning a foundation should be made while keeping in mind the cost, market demand, soil composition, and weather conditions of the area.

There are three main types of foundations: full-height basement, crawlspace, and slab-on-grade. All of these foundations do a more than adequate job of supporting a house.

Full-Height Basement

Full-height basement foundations provide an accessible space between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a home. This space can be finished to provide extra space for a family or left unfinished and used primarily for storage. This type of foundation provides more head room for individuals than a crawlspace will allow.

This foundation type is typical in an area with a colder climate where the foundation needs to be below the frost level. A foundation needs to be below the frost level to prevent it from cracking.

Crawlspace

A crawlspace foundation creates an accessible space with limited headroom between the soil and the bottom of the first floor. This type of foundation is predominantly used in areas with heavy clay content in the soil.

The crawlspace foundation does not provide a new room for a family to use but it does allow for ample storage.

Slab-on-Grade

Slab-on-grade foundations are the least complicated of the foundations. It is just a structural concrete slab poured directly on the dirt. There is no accessible space between the foundation and the dirt because the foundation sits on the dirt.

This type of foundation is popular in areas that have a high water table. The water table is the depth to which an individual must dig before he or she can find water.

All of these foundations are generally constructed from concrete. There are options to concrete though. The two main ones are Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are hollow, concrete blocks similar to cinder blocks. The hollow portions are filled with concrete from top to bottom to hold the blocks together and to hold the wall together.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are rigid foam insulation forms into which concrete is poured. The insulation forms are made of a mold, hardware, and any necessary bracing a wall or foundation could use.

After the concrete hardens in the form, the outside, the inside, or both forms are removed. This type of construction is common in areas that have building codes which require insulated foundations. The biggest benefit of this type of foundation is that the homeowner or builder can immediately finish the basement without adding studs.

Joseph Devine

If you would like more information concerning foundations or the home building process, please visit http://brchomes.com/article_choosing_a_custom_builder.aspx. Their team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have concerning foundations or any other aspect of your home

Tips to Get the Best From Your Bathroom Remodeling

Many people mistakenly believe that the bathroom is the least important area of the house. Considering that this is the first place you visit after you get up, and probably the last place you go to just before bed, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, many people spend many relaxing moments in their bathroom, luxuriating in a bath while listening to soft music or playing with their kids before they go to bed. Therefore, it is only reasonable that many people want to remodel their bathrooms to give it the looks and comfort that the rest of the home provides.

Often, people are totally defeated by the thought of giving this small space a new look. After all, what is there to do? How much can one move the lavatory or the bathtub, and what would be the point anyway? Well, there are many ways you can use mirrors, lighting, free-floating cabinets and light to give this space a large, roomy and extravagant look. In fact, a properly done bathroom remodeling job could leave you open-mouthed! But you needn't call in the experts or pay through your nose for expensive designers before you get the bathroom of your dreams. Just follow the tips below and you could well be showing off your bathroom to your friends and family.

  1. If your bathroom is cramped and starved for space, get rid of the tub. Go for a compact shower unit that has gleaming faucets and controls. On the other hand, if you have a large bathroom, make use of geometric designs instead of the conventional tub, and demarcate this area from the rest of your bath space.
  2. Ax bare cabinets and vanities. Instead, make use of cabinets that are concealed nicely behind large mirrors. Mirrors increase the illusion of space and give a nice touch to your bathroom.
  3. With the wide array of sinks and washing bowls available, it is not too difficult to get sleek designs that are compact as well as stylish. Glass fittings are popular these days.
  4. Go for compact fittings. This will increase the illusion of space.
  5. Make clever use of lighting to give the bathroom a bigger look. Allow light to pour in through frosted windowpanes. Use cool colors. Vertical stripes add to the feeling of space and height.
  6. Get rid of dark fabric that makes the bathroom look dowdy and depressing. Instead, use light fabric in cool colors. Glass block windows should never be covered up, as they are great style statements.
  7. Place lights above mirrors. Use stylish light fixtures so that bald tubes do not give off glaring light that hurts the eye. Place lighting fixtures in a way that they are nicely reflected around the bathroom.
  8. Lastly, avoid clutter. If the space is small, keep unnecessary things out of it. Functionality should nicely be amalgamated with style so that you get maximum mileage from what you use in the small space.

Bathroom remodeling is not the tough job that it is made out to be. In fact, since you have to think sleek and slim, it is by far the easiest room to remodel and convert.

Bathroom Remodeling - First Choice Stone, specializing in granite countertops, and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms is dedicated to providing old world quality and craftsmanship with innovative technology.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Creative Approaches to Family Gatherings

Do you find yourself dreading family gatherings? Is the family situation trying and very draining on your emotional state?

Staying centered when others around us are spinning in excitement, anticipation or agitation is never easy. It is challenging to hold our own position at times. The energy encountered in your family can be overwhelming. When you have to be at a family gathering, remember to take a few simple steps before getting out of your car:

1. Take three deep breaths.

2. Pull in your energetic field closer to your body (this contains your energy so it is not so porous and expanded- keeping you from picking up others energies). You can also do this by crossing your arms over your heart, hugging yourself tightly and feeling very contained.

3. Focus your energy on your feet- feeling how rooted you are to the earth.

4. Clear your mind and focus on the task at hand, knowing you are centered within yourself and nothing can truly harm you or hurt you.

These few simple methods will help you have a better experience. They seem like very simple concepts, but each has a specific purpose and work together to bring you into a state of conscious awareness. This awareness is the most powerful tool we possess. If you have conscious awareness you are remaining empowered in your personal space. This can assist you in holding your own energy rather than being drained by the swirling energy around you.

Its easy to get caught up in family tension, experiencing undue demands on yourself and the guilt that comes with living according to old feelings of expectation and duty. Simply because something has been unchanged for years, does it mean it is the only way it can be done? Think about the ramifications of some of these expectations that have been passed down through the family for generations.

Do the family expectations make you uncomfortable? Do you visit members of the family out of duty rather than out of excitement and joy? Are you weighed down by the expectations placed upon you? Is there a sense of loyalty that is defining your every move? What would happen if you created a new way of responding? Would it be more fulfilling to you personally? Would you feel guilt? Would it bring you joy? Would it be exciting? Would it be too uncomfortable?

Only you would know inside yourself what your response would be.

Is it worth finding out? Step out on your own and do things differently the next time you are at a family gathering. Why not take the risk to change? Change is the healthiest thing we can ever do for ourselves. Being caught in a routine is stifling and can cause our energies to stagnate.

Samsara is a Sanskrit word that means to me, the only thing that never changes, is the fact that everything changes. Samsara is about flow. Energy in flowing motion is free and openly being expressed. Energy held in expectation and tradition can be stagnant and unmoving.

Which do you prefer? Which do you choose? Take the leap and make a change! And most of all, remember its about your wellbeing. Do what brings you joy. Allow that to be the guiding force within you.

2005 Jaelin K. Reece

Jaelin K. Reece, is a whole life coach, intuitive and guide. Jaelin uses her complementary skills as a gifted intuitive to facilitate people in realizing their true potential in their personal lives, relationships, career, and prosperity. She assists people in transforming their lives and creating the life they love to live.
Jaelin serves as a mentor, consultant and success partner for her clients. She is also the featured columnist Ask a Life Coach for About.com Holistic Healing. If you are interested in partnering with Jaelin as your mentor and life coach you may arrange a session with her through her website: Jaelin K. Reece, Life Coach or by visiting her blog Intuitive Innovations.

What to Avoid When Remodeling Your Home - Poway Home Tips

When remodeling or improving your home, you should stop and look at the future before you make any decisions. Some day, your investment will have to be sold. And you will want to get as much out of it as you have put in it.

There are things that just hurt a home when you are trying to sell it. These are items that really seem important to you, but the majority of buyers don't want.

The number one example is a swimming pool. I would love to have an in-ground swimming pool at my house. But I know that it would not be a good investment.

It is expensive to clean, maintain and buyers aren't looking for swimming pools. Buyers don't want the troubles or the energy bills that come with swimming pools. Lenders don't include pools in the mortgage appraisal, so it really has no value to your home.

Another thing that can hurt you is overexpanding your home. Yes, buyers are looking for space, but you can have too much space. If you add on a family room, you are likely to see a 83% return on your investment. It costs you when you don't get back 100%. Adding a master suite to a home will grant you a recovery of only 80% of the cost of the addition.

It gets even worse if your additions make your home much larger than those in your area. This hurts your appraisal value, as there are no other homes of your size to compare to.

You shouldn't go too crazy with your changes either. Yes, there are a lot of people that would find a basement that looks like an old-time western saloon quite charming. But would they want to buy it? What if the basement was extra storage and a family room instead?

You would think that a home office would be a good addition. So many people work from home. Yet, it probably isn't wise to totally outfit a room to be an office by installing a workstation and office storage. You will recoup an average of 73% of your investment, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Another thing to avoid is doing too much by yourself. Shoddy or handmade workmanship will not benefit you. I know a couple that painted their brand new home themselves. The job was not great, as you can see paint on the ceiling throughout the home. Plus, the colors are quite unusual. To sell their home, they may find that it would have been better to have a professional paint in a neutral color scheme.

Try to keep your decor in your personal belongings, not the home itself. Faux finishes are lovely, but if they are too unusual, they may be a sticking point. You may love unusual colors, but remember, hot pink walls are not for everyone.

When you know you will be selling your home, it helps to spend your time only on renovations that will pay you back. Do the most important projects first.

The projects that show the greatest return at resale are improvements to siding, windows, kitchens and bathrooms.

A midrange bathroom renovation can give you a 102% return on the investment. An upscale bathroom renovation can recoup 93% of the cost. A midrange kitchen improvement will recoup approximately 91% of the cost. Minor jobs return 99%.

Keep in mind that the most important improvements aren't those that add to your home, they are those that maintain the home. Make sure the paint is in good condition, the gutters are clean and the lawn is kept up. Keep track of annual checkups, such as the heating and air servicing, and make sure you include the info when you are trying to sell your home. A well-maintained home is always a good seller.

Martin Lukac represents RateTake Refinance Rate marketplace. RateTake matches consumers with multiple lenders offering low rates. Got too much credit debt? Get Debt Help and you'd be surprised what we can do together.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Small Bath Tubs For Small Bathrooms

Most home owners are faced with the dilemma of how to install bath tubs in a small bathroom. You have two options to solve this dilemma. Either you do away with bath tub installation or you can use small bath tubs that will fit in your bathroom.

Small bath tubs can offer numerous benefits for you. That is why you have to make sure that a bath tub can be installed in your bathroom. Here are the advantages you can get from them and some tips on bath tub installation.

Health Benefits

Bath tubs have dual functions. You can use them to take a bath but they can also provide many healthy benefits. By soaking in a warm bath, you can effectively solve muscle pain problems and muscle soreness.

Muscle pains are common problems of most working people like you. It is not always advisable to take pain relievers because you can develop dependence on these medicines.

A warm bath every night is an effective alternative for taking pain relievers. And you can only achieve full body muscle relaxation if you have a bath tub at home. This way, you will feel reinvigorated and your pains can go away.

Warm bath is also very helpful for those with arthritis, rheumatism, and other types of joint pain problems. Soaking in a warm bath therefore can improve the quality of your life.

Use Small Bath Tubs to Save Bathroom Space

Using small bath tubs is a practical alternative to big and bulky tubs. You can save a lot of bathroom space if you use them. In fact you can install an overhead shower above the bath tub so you can take a bath immediately after soaking in the tub.

Most small tubs are short so you can easily install them in the corner area of your bathroom. This way, your tub will not hamper your movements in the bathroom.

How to Choose the Perfect Small Bath Tub

When buying one, always choose a deep soaking tub. A deep soaking bath tub will allow you to fully soak your body in it. Remember, these are shorter so if they are not the deep soaking types, they would be very difficult to use.

You must also find a small bath tub that has a built-in seat. This seat will allow you to comfortably recline inside the tub for a full body soaking. Without a built-in seat, it would be very uncomfortable to lie down inside the tub.

It is also best if you can find a walk-in small bath tub. A walk-in tub has a specially designed swing-in water tight door. This swing-in door will allow you to easily enter and get out of the tub.

A walk-in tub will be very useful for the elderly who have difficulty climbing in and out of the tub.

When you have a small bathroom, then there is no reason why you cannot install a tub. Just utilize small bath tubs that can fit perfectly into a corner. Because of its many benefits and advantages, you will not regret your decision to install one in your bathroom.

George Edmondson is an accomplished writer who specializes on small bath tubs help and advice. If you want to learn more about small batch tubs, simply visit http://www.bathtubsguide.com.

Is Only 24 Hours in a Day - Time Management Tips

We only have 24 hours in each day, if we're working 12 hours each day, six days a week, planning the time required to create a habit will be a little more difficult, than someone who works four hours a day three days each week.

If you're one of those overachievers and can't seem to rest or sit down for even five minutes a day. This tells me, we need to change this habit first. Most people that tell you, they just don't have any time during the day, for anything. These people usually have a lot more time than others.

Their time is normally unstructured and they often find themselves running around like a chicken with its head cut off. They are not organized or very efficient at most things that they do. Keep in mind that there are some extremely successful people that only work four hours each day and some of these people take vacations every other month.

Structuring your time will allow you the extra time you need during the day.

If you have a daytime organizer, use this to figure out, if there is any wasted time during the day. Pay strict attention to any wasted time and make a list you can evaluate at the end of the day. Do this for one week and at the end of the week evaluate your weekly activities.

If you don't have a daytime organizer, carrying around a scrap piece of paper to keep track of your daily activities. If you don't have a daytime organizer or if this is too much work for you, simply pay attention to any time you might feel, has been wasted during the day.

If we can create better time management habits, it won't be long before we have more time than we ever imagined.

Have you ever thought about Getting up Earlier.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Properly Exercising Faith - People Who Represent Christianity

It's your responsibility as a Christian to properly exercise your faith and to express your opinions as such. If you don't know something for a fact, you are obligated to seek and gather more information about these so-called facts.

With this said, if you hear a Bible verse quoted to you by someone and you don't necessarily understand 100% of what they are saying or you think that they might be twisting around the Scripture, it's your obligation to find out, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Let me give you an example of how to properly exercise your faith. An atheist walks up to you and asks you why you believe in God, you reply," Because it says so in the Bible." Wrong.., wrong answer. Because it says so in the Bible, isn't what I would consider a good answer. It's what I would consider to be a controlled Christian answer, simple but untrue.

The minute that you start referring to things in the Bible and you don't really understand what it is that you're talking about, you're not doing Christianity any favors. The minute that you listen to another person quote out of the Bible and start repeating, what it is that they were saying, without clearly understanding the truth, you're simply spreading rumors.

Think about this, the next time that you tell someone something that you heard, just because you hear something three times, doesn't make it a fact. I would like to tell you a little secret, so pay attention, simply because someone within your religious community, who others look up to, say something that sounds believable, don't start spreading rumors, find out for yourself, if it's actually true.

Christian Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Understanding the Bible

Tell Me Why You Truly Believe in God

Is God the person that you pray to and every once in awhile, he sends someone down to earth, to answer your prayers, like a good parent. God is always taking care of you, whether you're driving down the freeway at 75 miles an hour, or walking through a park.

Do you really know why, you believe in God? I bet you, that you're starting to think about the question now. As children, we are taught to believe, that God is the ultimate protector of the world and is always looking out for us. This seems to bring us comfort, as we go through our daily lives.

Do you think that Hindu's, Muslim's or Christians, have similar beliefs in their god or gods? I have seen Hindus and Muslims that live pretty good life's. Why wouldn't these people be punished by the other gods or God? If I was the god of Jehovah and got mad at everyone who made false idols or worshiped other gods, why wouldn't I go out of my way to make their lives miserable?

It just doesn't make any sense, if you really spend the time, to think about it. If God is that powerful, why wouldn't he wiped out the opposition? Why wouldn't he be story their possessions?

Doesn't it say something like this in the Bible? God will make people's lives miserable if they don't follow him, yet I know plenty of people that are miserable and follow him. Are you really going to spend your life believing in your personal God, and never questioning his existence or even the origins of your religion.

Ask yourself one question, is God real and if so, how do you know that your right? Have you ever thought that someone else could be right and you could be wrong?

What Did God Really Say

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site: Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Find out a little bit more about Your Religious Freedom

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Financial Burdens From Church Leaders

I really can't believe how many people that don't have enough money and could be living below poverty levels, often he as much as they can to their religious organizations. It saddens me to see those who don't have enough to eat, giving money to their church, even though they needed more than God does.

I realize that the Bible tells its followers to give at least 10% of their earnings to their church or temple. The problem is, that the Bible doesn't provide any information for people that constantly give money to the church, even though they can't afford to. They need this money for food and to educate their children.

I guess it's okay, to form a dependency on your church, even though you could provide for yourself, if you didn't give away all of your money. There are plenty of churches that will provide their patrons with close, food and some of them will even provide shelter for the poor or homeless.

The financial burdens that are produced by some church leaders, make me sick. They make those who can't afford to give, feel guilty and this guilt eats away at them like a cancerous disease, working its way through your vital and important body parts.

I'm going to suggest something to the church leaders. Quit making people feel guilty, simply because you need more money to accomplish the things that you are planning to do. It doesn't really matter, if the stuff that you are doing is great for wonderful, if you're doing it at the expense of others.

I would also like to give some advice to those people who can't afford to give away their money. Quit giving it away. Save your money, feed your family, by your own clothes, and save up for your children's education.

Some of, the money that you are giving to your religious organization, might be squandered away on your church leaders programs. These programs might have nothing to do with God's desire for a better world.

Click Here For A Fascinating Journey Into Christianity - Great Book About The Bible

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If your interested in a different point of view READ THESE ARTICLES - Great Articles For Christians

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

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Is Overpopulation a Religious Problem?

Overpopulation really isn't that hard to understand. People love each other, want to reproduce and have offspring. Their parents took care of them, and they will take care of their children. People love to have families and these families love to have more families. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Now is overpopulation a religious problem? If you listen to religious text and understand a few simple sentences, you will see that there are plenty of religions all over the world that encourage the multiplication of mankind.

In the Bible, God tells man to be fruitful and multiply. If you read this a little differently, you might take it that God wants men to eat as much fruit as he wants to and plant more trees so that he can have more fruit and be fruitful.

That's not exactly how most Christians read this Bible verse. Christians need to have more children, and their children need to have more children. This is how they interpret the words, to be fruitful and multiply.

I do believe that religions all over the world play an important part in our worlds population problem today. It's not the people who are educated, that are constantly reproducing, in today's world.

Most religions support population expansion, but what are they going to do, once the world becomes so overpopulated, that we can't even take care of ourselves. This should give you another point of view to look at, especially if you one part of the problem and not the solution.

What About The End of The World

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.
His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with superior biblical knowledge , answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

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Are Your Prayers Being Answered by God - Christianity

I spent a large portion of my life praying for things that never seem to come about, like most of us. I would pray for a better life, help with solving certain problems, good health, a new car, to attract abundance into my life, wealth and happiness. I can tell you that I am in good health and have a better life than I used to but I never got the new car and seemed to have a hard time solving certain problems that I was praying for.

Now here's the catch in Christianity. If I pray for something and I get it, great God has blessed you and you must have done something good to receive what you had prayed for. If you don't receive what you prayed for within the next couple of days, maybe it isn't the right time to receive what you were asking for. If I receive what I have prayed for after that, God has answered my prayers and has given me what I needed at the right time. God knows best and I will continue to pray.

When I ask someone who prays often, how do you really know that God has answered your prayers. In Christianity, I'm talking about God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I'm not talking about Zeus, Krishna, or any other unspecified creator of the universe. How do you really know that your God has given you what you ask for.

Now think about this for a second, I know that as a Christian you believe in your God but what if, the Hindu god Indra has actually answered my prayer and blessed you. How do I know that Jesus is not one of the Hindu gods, hiding under another name. Could I actually be manifesting my desires from the universe somehow and I am actually God. Think about it, if this doesn't make sense to you, have you ever thought about why yours does.

The minute that I accept something as a fact, I have closed my mind to other possibilities. The world was flat at one time and now it is round. I do not accept the earth has being round, simply because someone has told me this. I can look at pictures, read books, watch movies and come to my own conclusion that there is a very good chance that the earth is round, but I can't seem to forget at one time people thought the earth was flat.

Most of us never even question what we are taught. If you were taught that Jesus, Krishna, Satan or any other god answers your prayers, that's what you probably still believe. Whether your prayers are being answered or not, does not guarantee the existence or deny the existence of God. What you're thinking caps on, Seek and You Will Find.

Eliminate Bible Propaganda

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click here if you're Interested in Christianity.

Could You Be a Married Adulterer? - For Christians Only

Adultery has been going on for centuries and obviously was a problem 2500 years ago or it wouldn't have been mentioned in the Bible so many times. Could you actually be married to someone and be considered an adulterer? It's time for you to learn all the rules in the New Testament about adultery.

Here's a Bible verse that could get a lot of Christians in trouble. Mark 10:11-12 (New King James Version)" 11 So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

It looks a little more complicated than most of us could have ever thought. Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, has committed adultery. That means that there are millions of Christians all over the world who have committed adultery.

I've got some more bad news for Christians who might have looked at a woman lustfully. Matthew 5:28 (New International Version Bible) "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This isn't looking good, for men or women is it?

If you've never been married, but while you were at church, notice an attractive woman or man and had lustful thoughts, about them, you're an adulterer. I know, it sounds a little harsh, but I'm not making anything up here, it's right out of the Bible.

I know things aren't looking good but I would like to leave you with a comforting thought. If you were divorced from your spouse because of an adulterous relationship, things might be starting to look a little different with this next Bible verse.

Matthew 19:9 (New International Version Bible) I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."

These are typical contradictions and they are located throughout the Bible. Mark 10:11-12 states that all divorced people who have remarried, commit adultery. Matthew 19:9 states something completely different, if your divorced and your ex spouse has been unfaithful during your marriage and you remarry, everything is okay.

Are you even more confused than when I started? There's a good chance that you are. I'm even confused and I wrote the article. The real question is, can we remarry or can't we.

This would be a good topic during Bible study. You can start by asking, how many people are adulterers?

Read This Today

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click here if you're interested in the Bible truth.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Embrace the Idea About Learning - Shouldn't You Be Studying the Bible Regularly?

Most Christians own at least one Bible, but the idea of studying it on a regular basis, is normally considered a difficult task for those to perform. If you really want to call yourself a Christian, shouldn't you at least understand, a few things in the Bible?

Maybe something about Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, or what about that guy, what's his name, I think he died for our sins and wasn't he the son of God, what was his name... You might think I'm kidding, but very few Christians, know very little about the Bible.

How do we get Christians to embrace the idea that studying the Bible could benefit them or change their views entirely about their religion? I've always had problems with those who consider themselves practicing Christians, while trying to convert others to Christianity with a limited knowledge about the religion itself.

If you go to church every Sunday, there's a good chance that you will have to touch the holy book of scriptures, at least once. You might even pick it up and turn some of the pages while listening to the sermon. Is this the only time during the week that you will pick up the Bible? And does this bother you?

What about those who read the Bible regularly and don't take the time to interpret it literally. Read the Bible, word for word in order to get a simple understanding of each Bible verse. Don't try to read anything into it or look for hidden messages.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to answer simple questions or understand what your church leaders are talking about? When they mention Paul or Isaiah, are you thinking about your cousin and his friend? Spend a little more time learning about your religion and you will reap the rewards that education has to offer.

There Are Plenty of Problems with the Bible and If You Need More Help, Click on This Link Understanding the Bible

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click Here If You're a Positive Christian Person.

Tithing Education - Giving From Guilt

If you're part of any organized religion and donate money on a regular basis, do you know where your money is going? Have you ever asked what they are spending the money on? Are you one of those people who feels that your pastor and church leaders know best and never even ask them, because you might feel inferior to them? Have you asked in the past and were told not to worry about it but still would like to know.

Before you give your hard earned money away, whether you're doing it out of guilt or pleasure, make sure you're supporting the right organization. You should never feel the need to donate money if you don't have it to give.

I went to a church that had funds for everything, building funds, starvation funds, church funds and even funds to fund of funds if they ran out of money. Okay I just threw that last part in their but all kidding aside, there's plenty of stuff to be done in our country, to help the starving, the poor and the needy. Why do we need to go to other countries?

I want to make a suggestion to people who can't afford to give their money away but feel guilty if they don't. In the Bible it tells you to give away 10% of your earnings to the church. The part that it doesn't tell you is what to do if you can't afford to give 10% to the church. I personally have known quite a few people who give money out of guilt and fear but will tell you that this is a requirement of their religion and its okay. God will take care of us and he always does.

I don't really believe God, the all powerful all-knowing and loving creator, wants us to suffer, if we just don't make enough money to survive. If you're planning on sending your child to a Christian private school and could only afford to send them to that school, using the money that you were going to tithe to the church, what will you do? Tithe the money to the church so that they can use it to feed hungry people in other countries or build a new church somewhere or help with your child's education.

Some of these decisions are made difficult by religious doctrine and these are the parts of organized religion that I have problems with. When do we use common sense, combined with a little education to seek the truth. Does your religion ask you to seek the truth but not to gather your information beyond their religious boundaries?

Only give what you can afford to give and feel good about it. If you don't feel good about giving your money away, don't do it. Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of others, if you choose to. Living a life of fear and guilt doesn't make sense.

Question Your Religion

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a religious help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Living the Ultimate Lie - Religious Fundamentalism

I've been doing research on Christianity and other religions throughout the world for quite some time and find it hard to believe that most of these religious followers, won't even listen to facts that I and others have found regarding their religion.

I find most of these people to be living the ultimate lie and when it comes to Christian fundamentalism or someone who I would consider to be a super Christian, these people adamantly hold both hands over their ears, while stomping their feet, trying to scare me into submission.

No matter how you slice it, no matter how you want it delivered to you, the truth is always going to be the truth. If you won't listen to the truth, you will live trapped living in a world of lies. It doesn't matter whether you're a Christian who believes in Jesus or an Islamic follower of believes in Allah, the truth, for most people, can only be found outside of your religion.

Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about. How many religions talk about how the world was created, most of their followers, choose to believe their religious leaders and their religious text, without ever questioning, but often doubting what they were taught.

Science teaches us one way, religion teaches us another, however, neither one of them have any scientific evidence to back up their theories.

The minute that you state either one of these beliefs as a truth, you're living in a world of lies. If a scientist or religious leader, can convince you that their way is right, they have simply took a belief, without any evidence and made it into a fact. This illusion, is simply a belief that you have personally made into a truth and as long as you continue to believe this, without doing any of your own research, you will continue to spread lies and rumors throughout the world.

Problems With Noah's Ark Story

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a religous article library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

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Embrace the Idea About Learning - Shouldn't You Be Studying the Bible Regularly?

Most Christians own at least one Bible, but the idea of studying it on a regular basis, is normally considered a difficult task for those to perform. If you really want to call yourself a Christian, shouldn't you at least understand, a few things in the Bible?

Maybe something about Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, or what about that guy, what's his name, I think he died for our sins and wasn't he the son of God, what was his name... You might think I'm kidding, but very few Christians, know very little about the Bible.

How do we get Christians to embrace the idea that studying the Bible could benefit them or change their views entirely about their religion? I've always had problems with those who consider themselves practicing Christians, while trying to convert others to Christianity with a limited knowledge about the religion itself.

If you go to church every Sunday, there's a good chance that you will have to touch the holy book of scriptures, at least once. You might even pick it up and turn some of the pages while listening to the sermon. Is this the only time during the week that you will pick up the Bible? And does this bother you?

What about those who read the Bible regularly and don't take the time to interpret it literally. Read the Bible, word for word in order to get a simple understanding of each Bible verse. Don't try to read anything into it or look for hidden messages.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to answer simple questions or understand what your church leaders are talking about? When they mention Paul or Isaiah, are you thinking about your cousin and his friend? Spend a little more time learning about your religion and you will reap the rewards that education has to offer.

There Are Plenty of Problems with the Bible and If You Need More Help, Click on This Link Understanding the Bible

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click Here If You're a Positive Christian Person.

How Long Does God Really Want Me to Try?

The Holy Spirit has been working through me for many years and I really want to know how long, God really want me to try? How long does he want me to try to get Christians to think and understand Christianity? I'm doing the best that I can and as long as God is working through me, I will try to do better.

God put me here for a reason and my reason is to teach other Christians about Christianity. As long as the Holy Spirit will keep me alive, I will continue to do the best that I can and teach other Christians, how to study the Bible and where their religion actually came from.

If you're reading this article, your probably interested in Christianity and the Bible, if you do read the Bible, do you actually understand what it's saying. If you study the Bible, are you exposing yourself to others who also study the Bible, or are you only studying the Bible with people you know and are familiar with.

How long are you going to try, before you actually quit? Have you quit before and started again and maybe you've done this a few times, but you haven't quite yet. I know where you're coming from, I've been there myself and continue to motor ahead.

I would like to give you a word of advice, don't ever quit and don't ever give up. Keep searching and you will find the answers, keep knocking and doors will be opened. I have been knocking and will continue to keep knocking.

I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey towards the ultimate answers that we're all hoping to find.

Do Christians Believe Everything

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a Christian self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Home Redecorating of The Family Room

The family room or big room is where we spend most of our leisure time when we are at home. It should at once accommodate plenty of seating so our friends and family will be comfortable hanging out with us there, and it should reflect our habits and hobbies. When considering the family room for home redecorating we should take into account how we want the room to reflect our lifestyle and help us create harmony in our lives and the lives of our family members.

Family Room Functionality
Before you decorate the family room, think about what you want to do in your family room and the best arrangement for you furniture. Is it your home theater? Do you prefer to position the large screen T.V. in the middle of the room as a central focus, with all seats facing towards it? Or do you prefer to move the T.V. off in a corner to allow plenty of room for the kids to spread out their toys and run around during the day. Perhaps you wish to create a quiet corner for the T.V. that represents a retreat for you after you pick up the toys and put the kids to bed.

If you keep a computer in the family room, you might want to create a computer nook, or a video game nook. This allows someone to be at the computer, or playing a video game while someone else in the family chooses to watch television. You could make use of a set of headphones too so that the noise in each corner is contained under a headset.

Family Room Lighting
Lighting is important for the interior decorating of a room and the atmosphere it creates. If your family room serves as a home theater or video game room most of the time, you might like more muted lighting and heavy drapes that can close out the glaring sun. Your home redecorating choices can include darker colors and heavier textures. If your family room is more of a playroom, or a social room for friends to gather, then you might like to adjust your family room dcor to accommodate plenty of light and use sheer, airy curtains that let in the sun, with Venetian or wooden blinds that can be let down at night to create privacy.

Family Room Atmosphere
Decorate your family room in a style that works for your lifestyle. The atmosphere you create will be a product of the home redecorating theme you use in your family room. You can scatter it with toy building blocks or scented candles, and you have one big, sectional sofa that dominates the room or several conversational areas made up of individual recliners, and small chairs. Create a formal look with wall-to-wall carpeting, or a polished wooden floor with a luxurious, wool area rug. Create a more casual family room decor with tiled or vinyl floor strewn with braided throw rugs. Of course the age of your family members will play a large part in the flooring decision. Let your lifestyle influence ideas for interior decorating your family room. Let the decor reflect the ages of your family members, and your combined hobbies and interests. When every member of the family can find their own space in the room, it will truly live up to its name, and bring the family together.

See our blog at 2 LEFT THUMBS for hints and tips on home improvement, remodeling, decorating and maintenance. We also have articles on home decorating, home remodeling, home maintenance and home improvement at 2 LEFT THUMBS DECORATING.

Stay at Home Moms - 3 Tips to Help You Earn Money Writing Articles

Are you a stay-at-home mom? Are you a good writer? Do you like writing articles or newsletters? If you've answered yes to all the questions above, then I have a suggestion for you, stop wasting time and start making money by writing articles online and make money for just doing that. Wait a minute let me explain to you who a writer is! A writer is a person who writes books, stories or articles professionally for pay purposes.

With a lot of information being required by people on the net there is a lot to be written for the audience to read and get what they want from the written context posted on the web.

To be a good writer one should possess the following qualities

1. Good command of language/grammar

A good writer must be good in the language he is to use when writing articles and should possess good grammar skills. One must also be innovative and should love reading other peoples' articles to build his/her vocabulary that will help her advance his writing skills.

2. Groupings

When designing an article, the writer needs to arrange her work in small sections differentiated by different sub topics that are catching and appealing to the readers' eyes. Come up with a catching main title for your article. Write a title that can do magic to anybody that will pass eyes across it. Another important aspect when making topics and sub topics is that you should be carefully not to use a title that is irrelevant to the text you are writing.

3. Introduction

After the title comes the first paragraph. From the first paragraph the reader should be able to know exactly what that articles is all about. He/she should be able to picture in his/her mind of what you are talking about and be able to understand it from the beginning.

The next of the paragraphs should elaborate on the topic and give the reader full understanding of what you are writing about.

When writing, a good writer should come up with short sentences that are easy to understand. You should also have sub topics since this will encourage the reader to go on and read and he won't get bored or tired on the way as he reads.

One can choose to run her own article writing company or can be writing articles and selling them on the web to interested people or organization and this can earn you lots and lots of money. Try it and you won't regret it!

If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too.

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Fireplace Drywall Ceiling Damage

Glass Knobs - Home Tips

Complete your kitchen or set of drawers with the glittery elegance of glass knobs and reflect times past. Whether your home is Victorian or not you can easily inject a bit of nostalgia by changing a few small details like your kitchen cabinet hardware.

Believe it or not there was once a time when multi-faceted glass knobs were standard in new homes. Today people use sleek metal handles to reflect their modern style, but some savvy decorators look for authentic glass hardware to give a home a truly unique look.

Originally gaining popularity when World War 1 forced the mass production of glass things due to the fact that metal such as brass, bronze and iron was needed for planes and ammunition, these handles were soon made to suit different house styles, budgets and tastes.

You could choose from clear ones with six, eight or 12 facets, colored ones in various shades from cobalt blues and emeralds to violet, amber and even milk. You could also choose from various shapes from ovals and globes to squares and octagons. Another popular style had tiny bubbles inside which works well with contemporary spaces today. Any of these were once readily available, but now it can be tough to find a set that will sparkle with the elegance of the past and the promise of the future.

Start simply. You may not find a huge variety of glass knobs at your local hardware or home store today, but it is a good place to begin. I f you don't find the ones you have your heart set on keep looking. Try garage sales and flea markets. Ask to see what a local salvage yard has on hand. You never know the treasures that you may find.

But while you are looking you have to keep in mind the right size you need and how many you need. If you want authentic antique glass knobs it may be difficult to obtain a full set. Once you know how many, what size and what style you are looking for you can begin your search.

It is these small details that truly define the look of a room. Whether you choose a specific color or style the hardware you choose reflects your personal style. Create a vintage look with shabby chic milk glass or give your space a modern vibe with sleek crystal pulls. Try blue ones, or yellow ones and more to create a space that is truly you.

You will surely love the beauty the right hardware can bring. No matter if you replace it in the kitchen, in the bath or on a set of drawers these small details can have a big impact. From an eye catching sparkle to a glittery shimmer it is glass knobs that fill your space with light and vintage style. Who would have thought that this simple symbol of elegance still holds true today? Finish your home with distinctive details and you will always love returning to it every day.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is cabinet hardware for your bathroom or handles for your kitchen there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Click today http://www.ekitchenhardware.com and indulge your senses.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Vision Means Passion - What's Yours?

Interestingly, the word vision can be interchangeable with the word passion.

But small business owners often forget to promote the true reason for being in business. Theyve lost touch with their passionate vision.

Passion is defined as an intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction. Vision means unusual discernment or foresight - a person of vision.

Our vision (passion) is that intense driving conviction of unusual foresight that involves people in our story.

It is an authentic story because it comes from our heart. Its the reason we do what we do. And authentic stories are how we persuade people to use our service or product (ideas) over many other choices.

But for a majority of people in small business, vision is lost somewhere between starting the business and dealing with the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that arise.

Ask Yourself This Question

Why did you go into business in the first place?

Like many people, you probably got started with a vision you felt passionate about. Somewhere along the line you fell victim to day-to-day, reactive thinking and never returned to your original business vision. It became diluted and never rose from the ashes again.

What Can I Do to Rediscover My Vision?

Remembering the reason you started your business is the first step. Follow the action steps below to rediscover it.

Next, tell people the story of how you got started and why you love what you do. That story should be on your marketing collateral, web site, sales presentations and phone messages.

Passion is that single, illusive thing that attracts clients. Passion helps you stand out from other businesses who are selling rather than telling a passionate, authentic story about a unique business vision.

Action Steps to Develop Your Vision

1. Create an Authentic Vision Story. Start by considering the reason you started your business in the first place. Think back, when you first started out, what were you excited about?

2. Write down one sentence that tells the value you provide to others. This is the true reason anyone is in business.

3. Next, write down your competitive advantage. How are you different than the competition?

4. List single sentence statements that tell people your identity. Remember, image is dead. Clients and prospects need a strong authentic identity to understand exactly who you are and what you stand for.

5. Add your niche to this list. What single group of people do you best serve?

6. List the type of client you most enjoy working with. Include both professional and personal qualities. Understand who your ideal client is.

7. Weave the 6 points above into a compelling story.

8. Memorize that story. Focus on your ideal client only. Tell every ideal prospect you talk to this week your Authentic Vision Story.

9. The results will surprise you. Your prospects will seem more receptive. Your clients will be more willing to help you spread the word.

Follow these steps and you are guaranteed to find more enjoyment in your business.

Copyright 2005, Bill Gluth, Develop Your Vision, All Rights Reserved.

Bill Gluth is the motivator of focused change. He is the first to specialize in teaching small business owners how to be extraordinary in a commodity driven world.

Since starting Develop Your Vision in 2001, Bill has helped business owners achieve balance, satisfaction and profit with freedom by understanding the unique vision that sets one business apart from their competition.

Bill teaches strategies that turn dreams and goals into accomplishments by successfully reaching tightly defined niche markets using inexpensive, creative, Human Touch ideas and methods.

To find out more about Bill Gluth, Develop Your Vision, visit his website at http://www.developyourvision.com or his Blog at http://www.billgluth.com.

Article Writing - 3 Simple Methods to Improve Your Writing

Advertising costs for your website can be very expensive. However, Article Writing not only is a great way to get traffic but it is also free! By writing quality articles that are filled with good, informative content you will advance as an expert in your field. Article Writing will therefore increase your traffic to your Squeeze Page or Website with readers who are interested in your topic and are not just tire kickers.

Here are some ways you can advance with Article Writing:

1. Offer original content. Make sure that you present your thoughts and ideas in your own words. It is unlawful to copy another person's work and claim it as your own. Your articles must be unique and only offer fresh content that your readers cannot find elsewhere. This way you will show your readers that you really know your subject and can help them with answers to their problems.

2. Stick with the facts. Your readers are usually looking for information to solve a problem so make sure that your article does just that. If you answer their questions they will begin to trust you as an expert and not only listen to you but also follow your recommendations. That is why you should absolutely make sure that all your content information has been verified and is true and correct. Again, you are working to build your reader list - people will sign up with someone that they trust.

3. Deliver quality articles. People are reading your articles because they have a need or problem to be answered. Do not mislead your readers - if you aren't sure of your facts, don't put the information in your article. Also, think about your reader and present your information in a logical sequence. People want your article to read smoothly - they don't want to see how great you write, they just want their problem solved. One other thing - make sure that the information in your article is relevant to your title.

If you would like more information on what you need to know about Article Marketing or other related areas of online business marketing, I have just created a new ebook.

Download it free here: http://www.newwebsiteteacher.com/index2.html

Sharon Zolna and Larry Zolna are authors of numerous articles as well as instructors of website creation for an online business and other related fields. Please visit our website at: http://www.newwebsiteteacher.com and sign up for frequent tips on creating your own online business website.

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Why Buyers Should Attend House Inspections

While many buyers are enamored with the idea purchasing a house, they often fail to fully investigate the house in question. House inspectors can do this for you, but you should also attend the inspection.

While you are out looking a perspective houses, you probably noticed a few things. Unless the seller is foolish, most houses are going to be in excellent shape. The landscaping will be nice and up-to-date, the painful look excellent, the house will be very clean and so on. You will find this on most houses for one primary reason. The seller wants to sell the house! The question, of course, is whether the house is truly in good shape, or just looks nice.

As a buyer, because without saying that you should always demand a house inspection by a qualified professional. The purpose of the house inspection is to take a closer look at the quality of the house. A house inspector is going to check for things like internal water damage, termites, rot and other things that appear to be problematic. Obviously, you want to know if there are any serious problems underlying the pristine exterior of your potential house.

While most buyers know that they need a house inspection, they often don't understand the importance of attending the house inspection themselves. In fact, you should try to get the seller to attend the house inspection is well if you can pull it off. The reason for this has everything to do with reasonableness. When you and the seller both attend a house inspection, you get a first-hand account of what is right and what is wrong with the house. This will almost always cut out any riffraff from the seller about whether there is a serious problem or not. This makes negotiating a financial solution to any potential problems much easier and much more straightforward.

Even if there are no problems with the house of any significance, you should still attend house inspection. Why? Well, there is a practical answer. If you attend the house inspection, you're going to get an introduction to the practical things related to the house. You're going to find out where things such as the gas valve, water valve, electrical box and other key little things are located. You may think this is something you can do easily on your own, but you'd be surprised how hard it is to find certain things on a house.

For house buyers, house inspections are an important step in making sure you're getting a quality piece of property. That being said, it is a mistake to just rely on a report from a house inspector. You are committing to a large amount of debt, so make sure that you get out there and understand what you're buying.

Raynor James is with FSBO America - FSBO homes for sale by owner.

Kabbalah and Lucky Eyes For a Better Life

You want to be successful in life? Itching to have a balanced lifestyle and want lady luck to be at your side all the time? Then if you want to have all these under your belt, then you might want consider delving into the truth about Kabbalah and equip yourself with Lucky Eyes while you're busy with your daily lifestyle.

Understanding Kabbalah

If you think that Kabbalah is some occultic belief, then think again. Kabbalah is one of the oldest religions in the planet and many have enjoyed the benefits of its teachings to lead a successful life under the law of God.

Kabbalah originated with the Jews. It is believed that there is only one God that all things under heaven and earth stem. God is not defined as a spirit, a soul, or a living being. Simply, God is God and governs all.

The teachings of Kabbalah that God created man with infinite possibilities. They have the potential to reach the peak of their success by following the positive virtues taught by the religion. If one closely follows its teachings, then they are on their way to success quick and easy.

But with every religion, there are also factors that can bring down a person's sojourn to success. The Evil Eye, as with any other religion, is a source of misfortune and chaos. The penetrating gaze filled with malice and hate can disturb the harmony of a man's mind, body, and soul -- shaping his or destiny down the path of failure. The only way to counter this is to wear lucky Eyes.

What Is Lucky Eyes?

Lucky Eyes is the total opposite of the Evil Eye. If the latter gives off negative energy to harm a person's destiny, then Lucky Eyes absorbs these evil emanations to protect the person wearing them.

These lucky charms are symbolized with an eye in the middle. They can be worn as a earring, necklace, bracelet, or a ring. Whatever their shape may be, or material used for its make, Lucky Eyes will absorb any negative energies going your way and make sure that only positive forces exists around you to keep you rooted on your path to success.

Wearing Lucky Eyes

We can never determine who is giving off the Evil Eye. It can be your boss, your work mates, or even your friend. This gives the Evil Eye the advantage over the unsuspecting victim -- polluting them with negative energies to bring body and spirit to an all time low.

Wearing Lucky Eyes wherever you go renders this advantage of the Evil Eye useless. You can stay protected during work or play when you're out of the safety of your own home. You can even see Hollywood superstars and millionaires wear them for protection.

http://www.luckyeyesinc.com/lucky_eyes.php -- Lucky Eyes - Kabbalah

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

So Many Benefits in Building a Green House

Energy and cost efficiency are two perks of building using green architecture and design. At first the cost of building green may seem steep compared to a standard home, but the savings on utility bills can compensate handsomely. In green house design, electricity is used more efficiently.

Alternative energy sources can be used to actually save money. Using wind turbines can be one way to create electricity in green homes. Solar panels are an additional way to power electricity in a green house. With the cost of gas and coal powered utilities soaring, an investment in green technologies is likely to offset or even eliminate dependency on these limited resources for those building a green house. Installation and materials are the only aspects of solar and wind power that cost the builder anything. Both abundant and constantly renewable, the resources of sunlight and wind are free! Building green houses with wind turbines and solar panels can be both environmentally friend and economical as sources of power.

Another design concept that can be used is the gray water system. Gray water systems are more efficient because they use water from one area of household and recycle it elsewhere in the dwelling. For instance, using a gray water system could allow green home residents to collect water used while showering for watering a garden or flushing toilets! Unnecessary water waste is decreased in recycling water throughout the home from day to day. Reducing the carbon footprint of a home and saving money on water utilities are two benefits afforded by using state of the art gray water system technologies.

Building materials used and design of the dwelling are also key factors to consider when building a green house. Recycled or salvaged materials are an option in building a green house. From insulation to roofing and even flooring, it is possible to use recycled or salvaged materials for nearly every surface in green house designs! Recycled and salvaged materials have the double benefit of being both more cost effective and in many cases, more durable than other kinds of building materials. Using locally salvaged building materials can reduce the carbon footprint of a home even more if they are locally obtained. Since it does not require as much energy to manufacture and transport locally salvaged building materials, less pollution is created building a green house.

Different kinds of architecture can be used in building a green house in order to regulate indoor temperatures. Design which increases exposure to sunlight and heat retention is possible with green architecture and would benefit those building in cold climates. In warmer climates, a comparable principle of design can be used in building a green house. In warm places, residents can minimize sun exposure and harness naturally cooler biomasses beneath the surface of the Earth. The ways to reduce carbon footprints while saving money are truly endless when building a green house!

See more about building a green house at http://greenhomeguide.org

How to Write an Affiliate Article For the Net

Did you know that you can make a living online with nothing but your words and a few good products or services all by learning how to write an affiliate article for the net?

I suppose that you have been looking for information on how to write an article for the net, if so you are in the right place, if not, read it anyway. If you have an online business or aspire to one this article will be a useful resource.

Writing an article for an online audience may seem easy, just write it, but there is a little more to it than that if you want to get the most from your article marketing ventures. Articles for online use have a purpose and a format which I will be writing about in this article so pay attention, this may come in handy some day.

Here is a brief outline of what this article will cover:

1. The purpose

2. The format

3. The topic of your article

4. Research for your article

5. The A.I.D.A. and C.T.P.M. method (What you say, how you say it, and the response you are looking for)

6. Inserting personality in your article

7. Viralizing your article

THE PURPOSE

The obvious purposes for your article are to sell something. The not so obvious reasons are to become a trusted authority on a subject. To link to your site, service or product, to get links and/or backlinks and to boost your site popularity and grow you list.

THE FORMAT

The proven format for article writing for the purpose of marketing is A.I.D.A. This stands for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. Along with that you want to keep in mind C.T.P.M. which stands for Content, Traffic, Presell and Monetization as well as how to reach your reader. Articles for online purposes should be about 500 to 750 words long because statistics show that online readers like to surf and have short attention spans.

Also for this reason you should try to keep your paragraphs short, about three or four sentences. I usually go for 750 to 100 words and I don't always follow the format that I am outlining for your but only because I am really comfortable with my writing. This wasn't always the case and your style will change too, just use this article as a starting point for now.

THE TOPIC

The topic of your article should be related to whatever you know or are promoting. Your goal should be to provide as much information as you have. Don't hold anything back because by giving your best you inspire others to do the same and that makes for a better business environment.

The topic of your article should also be tightly themed and niched. This just means, don't stray too much, stay on track. If you stray, so will your readers and you will be defeating your purpose.

THE RESEARCH

Your article research should provide you with valuable targeted keywords for your article and foundational information that you may not have before you begin writing. The keywords for this article are as follows:

keywords= [how to write and article for the net,how to, write, article, net, how to write, write article, affiliate, affiliate article]

Your keywords should be in the title, the first paragraph and the closing paragraph. You can also add them throughout your article for better keyword density.

THE A.I.D.A. METHOD

Your title should grab the attention of your target reader. Your first paragraph should get them interested and the body of your article should attempt to put a desire in your readers hearts and minds to know and do what you are writing about. The last part is the action you want from your reader but that comes later.

THE C.T.P.M. METHOD

In order to get people to your product, service or site, you need content. Content is what people search for when they use search engines and search engines will bring the majority of your traffic to where you want it to go. Without content there will be no traffic or chances to presell your visitors and your monetization methods will become useless.

WHAT YOU SAY AND HOW YOU SAY IT

How you write for your target audience is crucial to the results you will get versus the results you are looking for. When writing to your audience, try to include them and speak to them an not at them as much as possible. Give them a feel for who you are. This garners a semblance of trust and assures them that you are a real person. How your refer your readers is also vitally important.

I would suggest putting a link to your product or service somewhere near the bottom of your article and try not to send them to sites that are suspect. You won't be able to completely check each and every site out down to the last minute detail but do your best. Nothing will loose you a reader and potential customer quicker than sending them to a bad site, product or service.

THE RESPONSE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

Before you have even begun to write your article you have a solid sense of what you want you M.W.R. (most wanted response) to be. Do you want people to visit your site, service, product or do you just want to become an authority on a subject, build a list or all of the above. The best answer is whatever you are looking for but as far as online business is concerned the better answer would be all of the above.

INSERTING PERSONALITY

People like to feel as if they know or have a relationship with the person whose writing they are reading. Whenever the opportunity arises, try to insert some of your personality into your writing to show that you are a real person.

As you can probably tell from my writing, I don't have much personality to spare. My wife always says that I should have married a computer instead of her since I spend so much time with one. See what I mean about injecting your personality?

You want to form a relationship with your readers because without a relationship they will not trust your and they will definitely not buy on your recommendation.

VIRALIZING YOUR ARTICLE

When your article is all said and done, you may want to choose the option to viralize it. All this means is that you ad a resource box with a link to a free ebook with links to your other products or services or an online tutorial or autoresponder course. Your main purpose with this step is to get your readers name and email address so that you can keep in touch. Why do you want to keep in touch.

Well, statistics (here we go again) show that even with a relationship, most people who are online will not purchase anything from someone they do not know at least until they have been exposed to the person, product or service seven times.

Getting your readers information will allow you to develop your new found relationship and have the chance to present them with more useful targeted information as well as continuing to expose them to your product, service or site. An example of a resource box is at the end of this article.

In Summary, your overall article should have the following format

Title (keywords)

Content

Attention

Pesonalization

Traffic

Interest

Pesonalization

Presell

Desire

Pesonalization

Monetization

Action

Pesonalization

Summary (keywords)

Contact

I hope you have found this article on how to write an affiliate article for the net useful.

Andrew Witherspoon - The Industrious Marketer is an expert infopreneur and internet marketer who believes that success is measured by the obstacles you overcome while trying to succeed. Visit With Your Success In Mind for more business related information.

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