When my kids were little Psalty the Singing Songbook was popular in the American Christian realm. One of his story tapes (my kids are that old!) included the song, "Make Me a Servant".
My then 4 year-old daughter sang it thusly:
"Give me a servant, humble and true..."
And I would think, "He did! And I'm it!"
Admit it. If you have children, you've felt that way. Or surely you've said,
"Isn't there someone else we could call, 'Mom', for just a few hours?"
Finally, the answer is, YES!!!!!
Admittedly, you will need a rather large kitchen to accommodate her,
but Robo-Maid has arrived.
Check her out here http://snurl.com/4ufgl
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Suicide Up Among Middle Aged Women
There’s a story news story out today saying there is a big rise in the suicide rate among middle-aged white women. No one knows why this is so.
One of the things I think I know is that people do desperate things – like end a marriage, or end a life – when they have lost hope. They’ve tried everything they can think of to make it better, so they figure there are no options left to them.
When they think, “This will never get better,” they look for a way out.
One thing I'm pretty darn sure I know is: There Are Always Options!
Just because you can’t see them at the moment, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. If you are desperate, or nearly so, please wait.
Wait for a change. Change is the only constant. This terrible time will pass.
Wait for an answer. Of course, to get an answer you have to (1) ask a question and (2) listen. I recommend you ask God your burning question and expect Him to answer. One of the things I know I know is that He cares for you.* Another one is that He is found by those who look for Him. **
Wait for a friend, someone who will hang in there with you. This may take a while. It may not be the person you think it is. It may not be the person you want it to be. Again, ask God to give you one, then wait and keep your eyes open.
If you don’t believe any of this, please talk to someone who will listen to you. If you don’t have a friend, call a counselor. If you can’t afford a counselor, call a Pastor. If you don’t trust pastors, call a suicide hotline. They will believe you, and they will help you find someone you can talk to.
One of the things I think I know is that people do desperate things – like end a marriage, or end a life – when they have lost hope. They’ve tried everything they can think of to make it better, so they figure there are no options left to them.
When they think, “This will never get better,” they look for a way out.
One thing I'm pretty darn sure I know is: There Are Always Options!
Just because you can’t see them at the moment, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. If you are desperate, or nearly so, please wait.
Wait for a change. Change is the only constant. This terrible time will pass.
Wait for an answer. Of course, to get an answer you have to (1) ask a question and (2) listen. I recommend you ask God your burning question and expect Him to answer. One of the things I know I know is that He cares for you.* Another one is that He is found by those who look for Him. **
Wait for a friend, someone who will hang in there with you. This may take a while. It may not be the person you think it is. It may not be the person you want it to be. Again, ask God to give you one, then wait and keep your eyes open.
If you don’t believe any of this, please talk to someone who will listen to you. If you don’t have a friend, call a counselor. If you can’t afford a counselor, call a Pastor. If you don’t trust pastors, call a suicide hotline. They will believe you, and they will help you find someone you can talk to.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Update on Miz Woody's Doin's
My new website is online and my “Official Site Launch”
is Tuesday, October 14th at 9:00 EST
My mentor and joint venture partner, Rhea Perry, will host a teleconference
during which she will interview Yours Truly.
I’d love for you to hear what I’ve been up to and get the nitty gritty on my
membership web site. The call is free, except long distance charges (if you still have those.)
The number to call is 270-696-1500
The passcode is 21414#
Hope you can join us!
Be sure to visit my site www.CreatingGreatHomes.com
and click on all the buttons!
I’m pretty pleased with it so far, and it’s growing all the time.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
P.S. Oh! I almost forgot. My son, Brent Woodard, designed the beautiful banner, logo and buttons. (He’s getting his degree in Graphic Design in December of THIS YEAR!!! http://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencewoodard )
P.P.S. You can get a one-month trial membership for ONE Dollar! You can’t even buy a cup of coffee for that!
is Tuesday, October 14th at 9:00 EST
My mentor and joint venture partner, Rhea Perry, will host a teleconference
during which she will interview Yours Truly.
I’d love for you to hear what I’ve been up to and get the nitty gritty on my
membership web site. The call is free, except long distance charges (if you still have those.)
The number to call is 270-696-1500
The passcode is 21414#
Hope you can join us!
Be sure to visit my site www.CreatingGreatHomes.com
and click on all the buttons!
I’m pretty pleased with it so far, and it’s growing all the time.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
P.S. Oh! I almost forgot. My son, Brent Woodard, designed the beautiful banner, logo and buttons. (He’s getting his degree in Graphic Design in December of THIS YEAR!!! http://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencewoodard )
P.P.S. You can get a one-month trial membership for ONE Dollar! You can’t even buy a cup of coffee for that!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I Don't Want to Die Today
I had a little health scare last week and, since I have more imagination than I need, I ran through a few scenarios, all of which ended in sudden death. It's interesting that my scenarios never include more realistic things like illness and hospital bills - nothing but catastrophic death is dramatic enough for my imagination!
So, as I'm thinking about dying I have a very peaceful feeling. I'm convinced that Jesus' death on the cross was enough to get me into heaven and frankly - in a purely self-centered way - I’m looking forward to it.
But, this morning, as I was thinking about the things I am doing, and plan on doing in the near future, for my husband and kids I realized; I don't wanna' go! It's not that they can't get along without me; they could. It's that I really believe what I do for them makes a difference in their lives.
What do I do? I try to keep them fed (no small task for two college students.) Since their time at home is so limited, I help out with their laundry and errands. I am the communications hub and social secretary. I nag them to make their doctor appointments. And I listen. I rub their backs and say “Mm-hmm” while they discuss the latest frustration, joy or newsy tidbits. I smile when they come in the room.
Suddenly, I feel so important!
It’s kind of nice.
I hope you are feeling important today.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
So, as I'm thinking about dying I have a very peaceful feeling. I'm convinced that Jesus' death on the cross was enough to get me into heaven and frankly - in a purely self-centered way - I’m looking forward to it.
But, this morning, as I was thinking about the things I am doing, and plan on doing in the near future, for my husband and kids I realized; I don't wanna' go! It's not that they can't get along without me; they could. It's that I really believe what I do for them makes a difference in their lives.
What do I do? I try to keep them fed (no small task for two college students.) Since their time at home is so limited, I help out with their laundry and errands. I am the communications hub and social secretary. I nag them to make their doctor appointments. And I listen. I rub their backs and say “Mm-hmm” while they discuss the latest frustration, joy or newsy tidbits. I smile when they come in the room.
Suddenly, I feel so important!
It’s kind of nice.
I hope you are feeling important today.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
It's Complicated: Lives of American Teens
I caught a TV news segment on Robin Bowman's new book, It's Complicated. Bowman, a photojournalist, spent four years photographing teenagers across America and learning their stories. As the title suggests, the teen years are not necessarily a bed of roses.
Most of the segment was spent discussing Bowman's reasons for writing the book. These included her own not-so-great teen years and her sense that teenagers today have a tougher time than she did. Appropriately, all of the photos shown on air were black and white with not a smile to be seen. So, this was not a hugely uplifting bit of television.
At the end of the segment, they turned to a "teen expert", a psychologist (whose name I have forgotten - I did try to find it, sorry Dr. Teen Expert!) This man brought sanity and real hope in about 15 seconds. (Man, I wish I knew his name!) Guess what he said?
Teens need parents to care for them! They need parents who make the effort to eat meals with their kids, who take time to connect and find out who their friends are, what's on their minds, how they are feeling, what they need.
Well, thank God for Dr. Teen Expert. He didn't let all his education get in the way of common sense. So often I hear "experts" on TV telling us teens need more education, more government programs, more sex, less sex, more therapy, healthier food in the school cafeteria, and the list goes on. This guy had the guts to say, "Mom and Dad, you gotta' take care of your kids!"
I'm not saying raising teens is easy, or that having dinner together will keep your kids out of trouble and improve their grades. Of course, it's more complicated than that. But here's what I know. Every human being needs a place where they are accepted for who they are, where people listen to them with empathy, where they are told - over and over again, in words and deeds - you matter to me. If they don't get that at home, they will look for it elsewhere. Sadly, if they don't get it at home they may - and often do - settle for something far less...which is when it get's really complicated.
Blessings on you, Dr. Teen Expert!
Marilyn
Most of the segment was spent discussing Bowman's reasons for writing the book. These included her own not-so-great teen years and her sense that teenagers today have a tougher time than she did. Appropriately, all of the photos shown on air were black and white with not a smile to be seen. So, this was not a hugely uplifting bit of television.
At the end of the segment, they turned to a "teen expert", a psychologist (whose name I have forgotten - I did try to find it, sorry Dr. Teen Expert!) This man brought sanity and real hope in about 15 seconds. (Man, I wish I knew his name!) Guess what he said?
Teens need parents to care for them! They need parents who make the effort to eat meals with their kids, who take time to connect and find out who their friends are, what's on their minds, how they are feeling, what they need.
Well, thank God for Dr. Teen Expert. He didn't let all his education get in the way of common sense. So often I hear "experts" on TV telling us teens need more education, more government programs, more sex, less sex, more therapy, healthier food in the school cafeteria, and the list goes on. This guy had the guts to say, "Mom and Dad, you gotta' take care of your kids!"
I'm not saying raising teens is easy, or that having dinner together will keep your kids out of trouble and improve their grades. Of course, it's more complicated than that. But here's what I know. Every human being needs a place where they are accepted for who they are, where people listen to them with empathy, where they are told - over and over again, in words and deeds - you matter to me. If they don't get that at home, they will look for it elsewhere. Sadly, if they don't get it at home they may - and often do - settle for something far less...which is when it get's really complicated.
Blessings on you, Dr. Teen Expert!
Marilyn
Friday, August 22, 2008
Resumes, the Internet and Everything
Say you need a resume. Do you update an old one (if you can remember where you put it) or start over and go through the misery of finding all those names, addresses, etc? Either way it's a hassle, right?
Oh no, my friend. That is sooooo yesterday!
Just as the Internet has changed shopping, keeping in touch, publishing, you name it - we are now in the age of the Internet Resume. I was introduced to this concept at Entrepreneur Days, an Internet business conference I recently attended in Atlanta, GA.
Jennifer Navarrete, a Social Media Expert, turned me on to LinkedIn.com
This is an online Resume and Networking site. You fill out a simple form with all your background information and it's there for anyone looking for your expertise to view, download as a pdf, or print.
You also have the opportunity to ask questions of the community. Say you're considering incorporating and you don't know what kind of corporation you need. Ask a question. You'll get answers from professionals who've been there, done that.
Arguably the most powerful aspect of this site is the connections aspect. Right now I have a mere five direct connections, i.e., people I know that are on LinkedIn. Through them I have 12 connections (friends of friends.) And through them I have 400 connections. Remember the old Six Degrees of Separation concept: you are six people away from any person on earth. LinkedIn is like that, only you're probably more like three people away from any person on LinkedIn.
The next time you need to send someone a Resume, just print off your LinkedIn page. Or, better yet, email them the web address of your public profile. Here, for example, is mine:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/a1b/5
Have a great day and...
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Oh no, my friend. That is sooooo yesterday!
Just as the Internet has changed shopping, keeping in touch, publishing, you name it - we are now in the age of the Internet Resume. I was introduced to this concept at Entrepreneur Days, an Internet business conference I recently attended in Atlanta, GA.
Jennifer Navarrete, a Social Media Expert, turned me on to LinkedIn.com
This is an online Resume and Networking site. You fill out a simple form with all your background information and it's there for anyone looking for your expertise to view, download as a pdf, or print.
You also have the opportunity to ask questions of the community. Say you're considering incorporating and you don't know what kind of corporation you need. Ask a question. You'll get answers from professionals who've been there, done that.
Arguably the most powerful aspect of this site is the connections aspect. Right now I have a mere five direct connections, i.e., people I know that are on LinkedIn. Through them I have 12 connections (friends of friends.) And through them I have 400 connections. Remember the old Six Degrees of Separation concept: you are six people away from any person on earth. LinkedIn is like that, only you're probably more like three people away from any person on LinkedIn.
The next time you need to send someone a Resume, just print off your LinkedIn page. Or, better yet, email them the web address of your public profile. Here, for example, is mine:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/a1b/5
Have a great day and...
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Learning Internet Business
I just returned from Entrepreneur Days in Atlanta, Georgia (that's U.S., not the current war zone.)
Heard excellent speakers, learned some things, realized some things and met people that are going to help my business (Creating Great Homes.com - click on the link down there on the right.)
But wait! That's not all!
While it's hard to separate out a single best part, here's one that has to be in contention for best part: meeting like-minded people.
Have you ever been among hundreds of people and found that you could really connect with every other person you met? Pretty amazing.
Add to that the fact that you are learning good things from almost everyone. It's heady stuff, let me tell you!
And laugh! I laughed all weekend.
You gotta' go next year.
Click on the Entrepreneur Days link on the lower right,
when you get to the Entrepreneur Days site, sign up for the information. That way, when it comes around next August, you'll hear about it in time to make plans.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Heard excellent speakers, learned some things, realized some things and met people that are going to help my business (Creating Great Homes.com - click on the link down there on the right.)
But wait! That's not all!
While it's hard to separate out a single best part, here's one that has to be in contention for best part: meeting like-minded people.
Have you ever been among hundreds of people and found that you could really connect with every other person you met? Pretty amazing.
Add to that the fact that you are learning good things from almost everyone. It's heady stuff, let me tell you!
And laugh! I laughed all weekend.
You gotta' go next year.
Click on the Entrepreneur Days link on the lower right,
when you get to the Entrepreneur Days site, sign up for the information. That way, when it comes around next August, you'll hear about it in time to make plans.
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
