Workin’ IT!
3 Tips to Improve Your Focus
By CC Holland
Provided by: BET.com
June 5th, 2008 @ 10:18
Andre Kibbe recently suggested a simple strategy for keeping your mind on the tasks or goals at hand — or, as he puts it, returning your attention to your intention.
The trick? Creating visual cues that let you literally keep your eyes on the prize. Three great tips that’ll improve your focus
Review your calendar first thing in the morning. This visual cue creates a focus for the day, says Kibbe, before your mind has a chance to wander.
Create reminders to reinforce new habits.
Set alarms on your computer, watch or cellphone to remind you to tackle your action. A key hint: Set reminders for just before you think you’ll forget, not earlier, for maximum reinforcement effect.
Make sure the actions on your task list can be visualized.
Avoid abstractions like “learn” and “remind.” Instead, use words like “read” or “call.”
This visual cue creates a focus for the day, says Kibbe, before your mind has a chance to wander.
(Image by sergis blog via Flickr, CC 2.0)
At BNET™ (www.bnet.com) managers find practical, trusted resources for the business challenges they face every day, and effective techniques for moving their companies and their careers forward. BNET is for people who believe in the meaning of work, are committed to nurturing their own excellence, and know that contributing to the success of their company is the best way to make their personal ambitions come to life.
|
How to Pray the 'Write' Way
Written by: Becky Tirabassi
Provided by: www.crosswalk.com
Have you ever fallen asleep while praying? Have you ever hit the "snooze" button on your alarm clock rather than getting up to spend time with God? Have you ever spent your prayer time just talking To God but not listening to Him for answers?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions--you're not alone! I think everyone struggles with the spiritual discipline of prayer!
It was Andrew Murray, author of Christ in the School of Prayer, whose words radically changed my lazy, haphazard view of prayer! He said that "the devil's greatest tool is to keep the believer from praying." When my eyes were opened to the importance, strategy and power available in prayer, I could understand why the enemy of my soul fought so hard to get me to avoid, ignore, or minimize it. And I rallied.
In my own struggle to overcome prayerlessness, I first had to get rid of my misconceptions about prayer. I had to admit that I was too busy, too lazy or too tired to pray. I had to acknowledge that prayer was the VERY method of communication that Jesus used to talk to God! And if Jesus needed to pray, wanted to pray, was compelled to pray...what made me think I could ever live without it?
My first step in attaining a powerful, consistent daily prayer time started with a humbling, surrender of myself and my sin of prayerlessness. Yes, I admitted to God in front of another person that I was being arrogant and even stubborn by avoiding time alone with Him! And if anyone needed to be pruned and corrected and nurtured by God, it was me (at that time), an overweight, screaming mother of a toddler who worked in ministry and coached fifty students weekly.
Second, I made a decision to pray every day for the rest of my life. Rather than considering it a legalistic gesture, I actually equated daily prayer to my unwavering commitment to sobriety. Being a recovering alcoholic, I never think that daily sobriety is a mental hardship; it is a life-saver. I finally understood that prayer in the life of a minister, parent, and community leader is an essential discipline not only to stay "clean" and above reproach in all areas of my life, but to stay in love with and "on fire" for God!
Third, I had to find a way to overcome my A.D.D. personality of flitting-and-floating through each day. Prior to praying every day, I struggled with disciplining my time, curbing my appetite or my anger, and finishing a project. Because of my poor track record, I knew that adding "prayer time" to my life was close to impossible. But God gave me a key inspiration and challenge: Every staff meeting, aerobic class, luncheon, or favorite TV show was usually one hour in length. If I could enthusiastically give one hour of my day to one or more of those activities, then there was no excuse for giving less than one hour a day to God! Period. On February 18, 2004, I made a decision to spend one hour a day with God--both talking and listening to Him--for the rest of my life.
Finally I needed a design for prayer that kept me focused! So every single day for over 24 years, I have had an appointment with God--in writing! By using My Partner Prayer Notebook, a 3-ringed, refillable notebook as a tool that includes 10 sections for written conversations with God, I have developed a passion for prayer--and never missed my hour of power.
I've found that it doesn't take spirituality to pray one hour a day--it just takes time. Daily I talk to God through prayers of Praise, Admission, Requests, and Thanks. Then I listen to Him, by recording His words in sections titled Listening, Messages, New Testament, Old Testament, Proverbs, all the while recording any "marching orders" I receive during the hour in a final To Do section of my notebook.
When I made a decision to pray the "write" way, I stopped falling asleep or day-dreaming. I also found that written prayer proves that God answers prayer! This has been the significant and necessary motivation to keep me coming back day after day!
I am living proof that if you discover for prayer for what it really is--a conversation with the One who loves you most--and decide to pray using a design for prayer that keeps you coming back, you will be a passionate, powerful and effective pray-er!
Frankly, if I (someone who can barely sit still or be quiet for 10 minutes) can do it...you can do it, too! It starts with your time.
Becky Tirabassi has motivated hundreds of thousands of men, women and students over the last 20 years to change their lives through best-selling books, extensive media appearances, and sold-out speaking events. She currently speaks to adults on prayer and balanced living, and has returned to college ministry and speaking to students across America on topics such as self-image, sex, addictions, and healthy relationships. Her best-selling books on prayer include: Let Prayer Change Your Life, My Partner Prayer Notebook, and Sacred Obsession. She has been a guest on numerous television and radio shows including the CBS Early Show and Focus on the Family, Enjoying Everyday Living with Joyce Meyer and James Robison's Life Today. Her upcoming book, Emails to My Daughter is her first fiction book, and will be released in June 2008. Becky is the founder of Becky Tirabassi Change Your Life® Inc., a multi-media corporation and Burning Hearts, Inc., a non-profit student organization. Visit her at: www.changeyourlifedaily.com.
Our aim is to offer the freshest and most compelling biblically-based content to Christians who take seriously their relationship with Christ. Crosswalk.com is built around four primary content areas – Faith, Family, Fun and Community. Each category is further subdivided into areas of significance to many Christians, including Bible Study, Devotionals, Marriage, Parenting, Music, etc. Crosswalk.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including:
|
|
From Dream to Destiny
1. How did you get started writing plays?
I have always loved entertaining people. Back home in Mississippi it was always a comedy show if I were around. My oldest daughter's God mother would cook for us and just as me to come over because she needed to laugh. My sister-in-law said she just loves to hear me tell a story because I play everybody's part. In the toughest times, you have to be able to laugh and there have been some tough times where laughter kept families from crying. So, I decided to just start putting stories on paper and my first "story" is about the life our children are living in today's schools.
2. What are some of the battles you have had to overcome as a writer and producer?
Financial struggles were the hardest part as a beginning writer, director, and producer. I had just bought a house at the time of my deciding to produce my stage play so money was really tight. So, I had to ask people who I felt believed in me and would support my efforts in bringing some sunshine to the situations we were seeing happen almost daily in the schools that our children were attending. Attorney Jeanette Peace of Peace & Associates has the same love for children that I have and was one of my biggest supporters. Also, my Pastor and founder of the White Oak Foundation, Reverend Charles Tyner Sr. who is on the Board of Education in his hometown shares my same passion for the educating and advancement of ALL children has been a tremendous support system as well. My family back home and several friends here all came together and said, "Let's Do It"! People just wrote checks and said do whatever it takes because one day these same children are going to have to take care of us, so let's invest in them. I gave thanks to God as I always do and began to move forward with my production.
3. Give me a profile of your vision for your plays, i.e. movies, television etc.
All the plays I write or will write will always be "real". There are so many hidden stories that people don't tell or won't tell but you know when something is not right. Sometimes theater, films, and television shows are directly related to people's everyday life. They don't know what to do to get out of their situations or who to turn to for help so these avenues of "entertainment" give that information. I look at it as a way to minister to people and give encouragement for circumstances they feel are bigger than they are. God blesses everyone with special talents and you can use these talents to help others. That's what I plan to do with my future as a writer, director, and producer. I pray that people don't get so caught up in themselves or "things" that they forget the people around them.
4. How has your family and friends supported you through this journey?
I relocated here in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I am the middle child of three, with an older brother and younger sister. My mother was a single parent until I became a senior in high school. My mother worked extremely hard for us. School was a must, failing was not an option, and extra curricular activities were a privilege. My mother worked and went to school and made sure we were in the church. We stuck together through a lot of hard times; the life of most single parent families. Because of her hard work and dedication to our family my brother is Dr. Tori Holloway and my sister works in a very prestigious medical facility in Mississippi. Her prayers kept our family bound together. God sent a man to step in and help my mother raise us, my daddy...Bruce Johnson, thank you Lord! He's been supportive as long as I can remember. Now that I am so far away from home he worries and calls daily to check on me and the girls. He and my mother always express to me the importance of having God first in my life and I thank God daily for my parents. There have been so many times I have wanted to pack up and move back home but when I would pray and ask God to send me home, he never would. To visit, yes he's kept me safe on the highway but has always brought me back to where he put me, here in North Carolina. My sister (Taka) and I speak daily. I miss her and her children so much. She has all boys (5) and each of them add something to my life. My niece and nephew of my brother they can't wait to jump in my car when I go home...family is so important. Pray for your families, even when things aren't right within, pray! My little-big cousin (Mrs. Jenkins), Ria, Pat, Chris, Kilah, John, Conelle, KB, Richard, Ms. Diane, Hattie, Don, I could call names all day of people who have said an encouraging word and prayed with and for me I love you all. Before I close this friends and family support system question; two VERY important people who have been here with me...my daughters Bria and Chanel. My girls are my air; they are why I press on during the most difficult times in my life. God could have not blessed me with children more caring, understanding, obedient, and loving children. They are up when I am up, they respect and love me for the decisions that I have made and they love them some me! Thank you for my babies Lord!
5. Looking back, what would you do different?
Not one thing! I would not change or trade anything now. My steps have been ordered by God, why mess with his perfection. He puts us in places to bring us out of places. He creates situations to see where I faith lies and just when we think He has forgotten about us, He'll reach down and pull us out! What a mighty God! I smile more, I laugh more, and I have more...all because of faith. I stepped out on it and removed my children from all they knew back home and came here. All on faith, and He has not failed me yet! I WENT THROUGH my storm, to GET TO where God wanted me to be.
|
6. If you had a teenager who wanted to write plays or musicals, what advice would you give?
Write it down. Whatever you want to do, write it down and set goals for yourself. Pray over what you have written down because God promises to give us the desires of our hearts. Start off with short term goals. Once you have those well underway, go back and put at least one of your ultimate goals for what you want to do on your list. As you accomplish each goal, mark it off and keep your proof so you can look back on what you started and where you are on your list. Don't be afraid to think big, it'll make you smile once you have gotten past some of your smaller goals. Keep God in the midst, pray continually and keep adding to your list and watch Him work it into your life.
7. What is next for you?
I have my back to school show of "Before the Bell Rings" hitting the stage on August 16th at Progress Energy Center (on my list of goals when I first made the list, Pat!) Then we start filming it as an independent film at the end of August. I have another independent film I am going to cast and direct immediately following "Before the Bell Rings" filming and also, I'll be casting for my new stage play "Not in This House" at the beginning of the year. I am always writing! I work closely with the youth at my church in Apex (W.O.B.C) and I listen to the young people talk and then they confide in me and I take their stories and bring them to life with the answers they need. I ask God to give it to me so their parents can see what may or may not be going on in their children's lives. It opens a door of communication for them and my prayer is step in and talks to their children because it's important that they feel they can count on momma, daddy, grandma, someone in their family. I love all of you! Continue to pray for those around you. When people bring negative things to you...RUN in the other direction, don't give the devil room to come in. My back to school show is dedicated to my loved ones I have lost since my move here, Lisa Glee and Shayla Glee, Anya Myers and Chris Johnson and to Lisa and Anya's surviving daughters (Shayna and Ania) I love you girls.
I want to give a special thank you to Kimberly McGhee and His Name Media for this interview. When I met Kim her spirit just took over and her presence had me gazing at her. Sounds crazy but I just wanted to hug her neck because she was so genuine. Bria and Chanel momma loves you both more than you'll ever know, Pastor Charles Tyner, thank you! You know your place in my heart and I will always remember what you have done for me and the girls. JP, I know you love me more! Pastor Silver, thank you, God bless you and I look forward to working with you. Momma, I can't say it enough, THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU! Daddy, you know I love you too! Taka, Tori, we have got to do better and I love you both!
To the cast and crew of “Before the Bell Rings” we started this together a little over a year ago some original cast and some new but you all so special to me! I love each of you for what you bring to my life. Look out Raleigh, we are on the way!
If I missed anybody...I do apologize but you know I love each of you! Family is important, make it right! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Schelle Holloway
AHWF Productions, Inc.
|
 |
| Buy Now |
|
|
How to Find an Auto Technician
Provided by: roadandtravel.com
Moving into a new area, who’s the most important professional you seek out? Your family doctor, of course, a dentist, your pharmacist and, somewhere down the road… your auto mechanic.
The decision on your car care professional, while not a critical as selecting health care professionals, nevertheless is important. It’s a decision that should be made when you’re in control of the situation, not when the car breaks down and can’t be driven.
This way, you can avoid a scenerio like this:
Tow Truck Driver: “Where do you want me to tow your car?”
You: “Gosh, I don’t know?!”
Whether you’re a college student headed to a strange town or a senior citizen moving to a retirement community, finding the right service shop warrants research. Making that selection sooner rather than later helps.
Most car owners, being concerned about repair costs, want to deal with facilities in which they have faith. The problem arises when “blind” faith gets in the way of good judgment. The answer, of course, is to know your car and its needs — a message that long has been espoused by NASCAR and strongly supported by the Be Car Care Aware program.
“You don’t have to know HOW to fix your car,” says a Goodyear Gemini automotive technician and member of the NASCAR Performance Network. “You just should know something about things like brake pads and air filters and other parts that need periodic attention. If your mechanic says you’re overdue for an air filter, it’s good to know what he’s talking about.”
So how should you go about finding this “good” mechanic, the honest guy who will help you through the maze of car care?
There are many ways to begin the search, but NASCAR offers a shortcut: Log on to NASCAR Auto Service. Here, the NASCAR Performance Network lists of over 8,000 repair shops that can be helpful to any motorist seeking maintenance and repairs. Enter your zip code to find a quality repair shop in your neighborhood.
Beyond that, your neighborhood welcoming organization, such as Welcome Wagon, may offer a list of local business contacts which usually includes automotive service facilities. Because most of us tend to procrastinate on auto repairs, much less the search for someone to do them, you may find yourself rushed into this discomfort zone. It’s a case for researching early. Even long-time residents of a community may benefit by learning what’s new in the car care business in their area.
When the time does arise, how do you know who’s the best shop to call? Your phone directory may help, especially if it lists the shop’s certifications and affiliations. Word of mouth at community get-togethers usually provides excellent feedback as well.
Another excellent source is via listings on the internet. Among sources are ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and Automotive Service Association. Additionally, the Car Care Council provides a listing of over 60,000 auto parts retailers, repair facilities, body shops and engine installers.
Sometimes the local parts store can lead you in the right direction. As always, bias can enter a recommendation, so it’s wise to patronize a service facility as early as possible after having made your selection. If for some reason the relationship doesn’t work out you can continue your research.
A few questions to ask yourself as you seek you your tech:
How was the phone rapport?
Did I find the shop clean?
Was I treated courteously?
Was my car’s problem explained to me in layman’s language?
Did the shop walls display certificates of achievement?
Was this shop recommended or did you find it via research?
Then, after the repairs:
Was the invoice explained?
Did it compare favorably with the estimate?
Was warranty or guarantee of satisfaction discussed?
Would you recommend this shop to a friend?
When you find repair experts that meet your standards, stick with them. They can make your life easier, possibly saving you time and money. If you need car maintenance, they can be your best friend.
Visit NASCAR.COM and click on the NASCAR Perfomance logo to find a listing of NASCAR Performance Network shops near you.
Source: NASCAR Performance
Road and Travel: As the largest and most comprehensive online magazine to specialize in auto and travel-related content for consumers, with a slant towards women, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine is recognized as a leading authority in its field.
|
How to have a Millionaire mindset
Provided by: ehow.com
By John Wirchnianski
The saying goes "You are what you eat" then the same is true with what you Think and who you hang around with. Having a Millionaire mentality will have to deal with your own thought patterns, thinking, money habits and who your friends are.
Things You’ll Need:
New like thinking friends
discipline in creating new healthy money habits
persistence
Never Give up attitude
Positive mental attitude
Step 1. You are who you hang around with - If you friends are all on welfare then your ability to have a millionaire mindset will be limited to a welfare mentality. Sadly, we will need to cut ourselves off from individuals who are negative thinkers and Emotional Vampires (see my other article) We will need to find and create new friends who have already succeeded and have the millionaire mentality.
Step 2. Create a budget and attend positive motivational seminars. This is also a great way to find like minded individuals. Also, no matter how boring it may get continue to listen to Success Audio tapes and CD's or on your MP3 player. STOP listening to negative news media. Catch yourself in what you say do and think! Are they actions of a Millionaire mindset? If not then STOP and replace with a more positive thought and action.
Step 3. Fake it until you make it! The only way to achieve that millionaire mentality is to tell yourself daily morning noon and night that you Are Successful, you have achieved success and will achieve success. The sub-conscious does not know the difference. Soon your thoughts will open up to new possibilities. Be creative.
Step 4. Every one has to start somewhere and it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with race, age, location, parents, schooling, religion, winning the lottery, being born with a golden spoon in mouth etc. I, for example, am a Highly Motivated Greatest Motivational Speaker in the World and am available for speaking engagements. I attract only positive thinking people who are happy to pay me $10,000 for a speaking engagement. Next week I'll be charging $35,000 to $100,000 for my speaking engagements. Period! Done! If others are able to do it then so can I. Thank you Oh Great Universe!
Step 5. Have fun with the process and refuse to let others (even successful individuals) to tell you what to think! Use your own God given intuition and be great. At the same time we need to be open minded and admit to our own mistakes and learn from them.
What would you like to do? Tie a tie? Kiss on a date? Lose weight? Negotiate a raise? Win Every Time in Monopoly? The eHow™ database of over 100,000 articles can help you. It's the world's most popular place to find clear instructions on how to do just about everything.
|
Funning Bone
So a Minister was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age.
The group had surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked "What are you doing with that dog?"
One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog."
Of course, the reverend was taken aback. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with, "Why, when I was your age, I never told a lie."
There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog."
|
|
