God sent the following to me today through a wonderful friend. His timing is always perfect.
The Choice
by Max Lucado
IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1999) Max Lucado
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Time to Re-Joyce
Jim Joyce is a good umpire. Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland's word on that is good enough for me. Now we know that he is human, and that he is also a stand up guy. His quote that he was certain of his call until he saw the replay tells you all you need to know. Put yourself in his situation. A perfect game through 26 batters, and then a close play and it all hinges on your call. He called it (though wrongly) the way he saw it. He didn't let the perfect game or any thing else bias his call. And then, when it was all said and done, he owned up to his bad call, and apologized personally to Armando Galaraga. I tip my cap to Jim Joyce.
I tip my cap to Galaraga. After the call, and after the game, he didn't gripe and complain. He took it like a man. Today, with Jim Joyce moved to the plate umpire position, it was Armando Galaraga who brought out the line up card. Such character is rare in today's game. He is a CLASS ACT. Although it doesn't show up in the record, he now has the most memorable perfect game in baseball history. It will always be remembered - thanks to Jim Joyce.
I tip my cap to Jim Leyland who came out and fought valiantly for his pitcher, and then, when it was all over had the grace to talk positively about Jim Joyce, his career and the bright future of his pitcher. The Detroit Tiger's baseball organization has also behaved with much restraint and CLASS.
Lastly, it is ashamed that the official scorer was bound by baseball rules. Instead of all this talk about instant replay (in baseball the integrity of the umpire is never in question and bad calls are a part of the game) why not institute a new rule that allows for a change in scoring. Official scoring last night? E - 10. No player is charged with an error, and the batter is not charged with an AB (like a walk). The no hitter remains intact, and the perfect game is gone. After all, his call was errant, and the "game" was not perfect.
I was proud of the participants in last night's fiasco. In my opinion, one of baseball's potentially worst moments was transformed into one of it's greatest moments.
I tip my cap to Galaraga. After the call, and after the game, he didn't gripe and complain. He took it like a man. Today, with Jim Joyce moved to the plate umpire position, it was Armando Galaraga who brought out the line up card. Such character is rare in today's game. He is a CLASS ACT. Although it doesn't show up in the record, he now has the most memorable perfect game in baseball history. It will always be remembered - thanks to Jim Joyce.
I tip my cap to Jim Leyland who came out and fought valiantly for his pitcher, and then, when it was all over had the grace to talk positively about Jim Joyce, his career and the bright future of his pitcher. The Detroit Tiger's baseball organization has also behaved with much restraint and CLASS.
Lastly, it is ashamed that the official scorer was bound by baseball rules. Instead of all this talk about instant replay (in baseball the integrity of the umpire is never in question and bad calls are a part of the game) why not institute a new rule that allows for a change in scoring. Official scoring last night? E - 10. No player is charged with an error, and the batter is not charged with an AB (like a walk). The no hitter remains intact, and the perfect game is gone. After all, his call was errant, and the "game" was not perfect.
I was proud of the participants in last night's fiasco. In my opinion, one of baseball's potentially worst moments was transformed into one of it's greatest moments.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
So, What is a "Melaleuca", Anyway?
That's a great question. The best way to begin is to explain what it is not. It is not Amway, NuSkin, Rexall, Arbon, Mana Tech, MonoVie, Tahitian Noni or any of the juice companies.
In short, it is NOT multilevel marketing, and I can prove it.
Why would I want to prove it? Have any of you ever been in a multilevel marketing company? Has anyone ever approached you? Did you lose money?
I know this blog will be controversial. Allow me to approach this in a positive way, and not go negative on anyone's business or opportunity. Rather, if you are presently involved in a Multilevel deal, or if you have been, OR if you think one day you would like to, PLEASE give this a fair reading.
The multilevel marketing industry companies all have one thing in common and that is this: More people (MANY MORE) lose money than make money. And the of the people that make money - most of them are the owners of the company, and not the distributors. VERY FEW distributors (associates, IBO's, etc. even the ones in early) ever show a net profit. There are many reasons for this, but discussing them is not relevant. The statement stands on its own as TRUE.
Now, go back and READ THAT PARAGRAPH AGAIN.
If anyone ever asks you to evaluate a business opportunity, here are 12 points to consider as you are evaluating:
1. Track Record. If someone says to you "get in early." RUN! What that means is that in five years the company either won't be there, or you will have a business that you can no longer honestly look someone in the eye and invite. Now, all companies have to start somewhere. So evaluate the model based on the next 11 if the company doesn't have a track record. 95% of all new start ups are gone after one year. Of the ones that remain, 90% of those will be gone in five years. Odds are not so good, are they?
2. Financially Sound. Who is financing the company, and do they have the financial strength to meet their obligations in production, AND paying a distributor base. What is the percentage of revenue that goes to production? What is the percentage of revenue that is returned to the distributor? Are they privately held, or publicly traded? Can the owners sell the company? This is HUGE? Many companies start up, and the owners sell to get their money out. The company then disappears.
3. Strong Management. Who is running the business? Is it a MLM guy? Is it a doctor? The operations of the company should be run by BUSINESS people who know how to run corporations. MANY companies start up and the owners have NO CLUE how to run a business. If there is rapid growth, this can get out of hand in a hurry, so BEWARE. Make sure the opportunity is being run by conservative BUSINESS minded persons.
4. Unique Consumable Products. Now here is one that just about everyone claims. However, how unique is the product, really? An example here would be the "juice" companies. They all claim to have a unique product that offers high "antioxidant" content. A recent independent study measuring FRAP values for antioxidants in 6 juice companies showed that Welches Grape Juice had a higher FRAP value than 5 of the 6. You might say, "Great, sign me up for the company that won!" That company sells its product to consumers for $35 a bottle. It would be easier for you to just drink an additional glass of Welches.
Anyway, the point is that the product(s) needs to be unique in the marketplace and usable by EVERYONE.
5. Competitively Priced. ALL multilevel companies' products are expensive in comparison to the marketplace. I have yet to see the company that competes on price. So, why do it? Who is going to buy it? Are you going to feel good selling it? With the Walmarts and Targets of the world out there, how are you going to compete? Really?
6. High Reorder Rate. Ask the person recruiting you what percentage of customers reorder month to month. This is an important statistic, as it leads to retention. Since most customers get involved with dreams of making money, when that doesn't happen for them in month one or month two, they suddenly find themselves stuck with products they have ordered and an expensive monthly auto-ship order of more on the way. They cancel, and they are gone. Sound familiar? MLM is a POOR MODEL!
7. Monthly Personal Requirement. How much money does the company require you to spend on a monthly basis in product in order to qualify for a check? $100? $150? More? The personal monthly requirement should be low, and the products required for purchase should be those that you personally consume.
8. Low Entry Fee. Most companies will have an entry fee of $50 or less. However, someone wanting to be a "player" or a business builder is often required to purchase or buy in at a much higher level. One company I saw would get you for $1,500 to $5,000 to "set you up" for success. This is dangerous. Make sure that whatever amount of money you enter with is 100% refundable for a reasonable period of time. This is really unheard of, as most companies have "restocking fees" or penalties of 15% or more. Again, with MLM, people are MORE likely than not to lose money.
9. Low Attrition. Similar to #7, your recruiter should be able to tell you how many stay, and how many leave.
10. Timing. Most companies try to stress the timing of getting in early. There are not very many "old" companies in the MLM industry. Those that are have very interesting and "sorted" histories. Look for a company where the playing field is level for EVERYONE. Look for a company that will be just as viable five years from now, as the present. Look for a business that will last for a lifetime, not just a lunch time.
11. Fair Compensation Plans. MANY companies break down here. They offer complicated compensation plans that "break away", or "Binary plans" that do not fairly reward you for powerful players you may bring to the table. A "break away" happens when I recruit Joe into the business. Joe does extremely well, in fact so well that at one point in the process, I lose all of the business that Joe created. But I brought Joe in! That isn't fair. Binaries are similar. If I place Joe on one side of the Binary, and that leg takes off, the company compensates me only on the lower producing side. That is not fair. But most all of the MLMs have this type of compensation.
12. NO RISK! Period. If you are looking at a business, and you can't get EVERY DIME of your money back in 30 or 60 days, RUN AWAY!!!! FAST!!! Because there is a 99% probability that you will lose money.
Now, how can I prove to you that Melaleuca is not an MLM company? Simply by comparing the 12 factors above.
1. Company Track Record - 25 years in business with growth in each year. Inc. 500 hall of fame, Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the US Chamber of Commerce, Blue Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau.
2. Financially Sound - Debt free, the company did right at a Billion dollars in business last year. In this struggling economy, growth was close to 40 million, and the company invested $110 million in facilities and operations improvements this year, paying cash. Company is privately held and can never be sold (by charter).
3. Strong Management - Melaleuca is run by corporate executives with experience with Proctor and Gamble, AT&T, IBM, Kimberly Clark, Franklin Covey, Coca Cola, Gillette, etc. These are corporate people who know how to run businesses. They are not MLMers.
4. Unique Consumable Products - Melaleuca offers over 350 world class products in 5 different lines of products. Many are patented, all are proprietary. The emphasis is on getting a customer to "switch stores" for life. Products appeal across a broad spectrum of the population. EVERYONE can benefit from being a customer. Melaleuca products are scientifically based and safe for the home and environment.
5. Competitively Priced. Melaleuca products are more often than not LESS expensive to use than grocery store brands. (Even at Walmart pricing).
6. High Reorder Rate. Melaleuca boasts a 95% month to month reorder rate from its customers. (Read that again.) For a business builder, this represents TRUE residual income.
7. Low Personal Production Requirement. Melaleuca "preferred" customers are only required to purchase around $50 per month in product (switching stores so NO new budget money is required). This expenditure enables the customer to be paid commissions on other customers placed beneath them.
8. Low Entry Fee. $29 US (one time) opens a preferred customer account. Renewal is $12 annually. There is a $199 Value Pack option, and a $299 Career Pack option available for business builders. Again, these are products for personal use, and not for resale. Melaleuca does not have "distributors." They do not stock or sale products. These packs are for the purpose of exposing a business builder to a broad line of Melaleuca products in a short period of time. Purchase of these packs is NOT required. However, Melaleuca rewards purchasers with over $6,000 in potential first year bonuses. The maximum entry cost for a Melaleuca business builder is under $500.
9. Low Attrition. Company is focused on customer retention. First quarter attrition is 5%.
10. Timing. Melaleuca still has only a 4% exposure to the public. Basically, if you were to start at one end of a mall, and work you way to the other end, asking 100 people if they have heard of Melaleuca, only 4 out of 100 will say yes. With the present economic situation, Melaleuca is a wonderful opportunity for persons wanting to make a little extra money, and for those wanting to earn substantial income.
11. Fair (and lucrative) Compensation: NO Breakaways, NO Binary! Melaleuca returns 51% of its revenue back to its customers, every month.
12. NO RISK! EVERY DIME, EVERY PENNY is refundable. All products - empty packages returned for 60 days for a FULL REFUND. Every box shipped has a return label included for your convenience. Your $29 initial membership fee is refundable for 120 days. There is NO WAY to lose any money at Melaleuca.
Do you still think Melaleuca is MLM? Here's the "skinny" on that. While the Melaleuca compensation plan is based on a 5 x 7 pay matrix, 65% of Melaleuca customers are - just customers who have switched stores, and are shopping monthly. The business model is different enough to have been awarded a patent of its own. It is called Consumer Direct Marketing. And only Melaleuca has it. NO distributors, NO stocking, NO selling of products, just customers sharing what they know and referring other customers. The company rewards the referring customer by sharing revenue. It is a simple concept. If you would like to know more, I would love to share more with you.
All I can do to help you Make Life Good!
In short, it is NOT multilevel marketing, and I can prove it.
Why would I want to prove it? Have any of you ever been in a multilevel marketing company? Has anyone ever approached you? Did you lose money?
I know this blog will be controversial. Allow me to approach this in a positive way, and not go negative on anyone's business or opportunity. Rather, if you are presently involved in a Multilevel deal, or if you have been, OR if you think one day you would like to, PLEASE give this a fair reading.
The multilevel marketing industry companies all have one thing in common and that is this: More people (MANY MORE) lose money than make money. And the of the people that make money - most of them are the owners of the company, and not the distributors. VERY FEW distributors (associates, IBO's, etc. even the ones in early) ever show a net profit. There are many reasons for this, but discussing them is not relevant. The statement stands on its own as TRUE.
Now, go back and READ THAT PARAGRAPH AGAIN.
If anyone ever asks you to evaluate a business opportunity, here are 12 points to consider as you are evaluating:
1. Track Record. If someone says to you "get in early." RUN! What that means is that in five years the company either won't be there, or you will have a business that you can no longer honestly look someone in the eye and invite. Now, all companies have to start somewhere. So evaluate the model based on the next 11 if the company doesn't have a track record. 95% of all new start ups are gone after one year. Of the ones that remain, 90% of those will be gone in five years. Odds are not so good, are they?
2. Financially Sound. Who is financing the company, and do they have the financial strength to meet their obligations in production, AND paying a distributor base. What is the percentage of revenue that goes to production? What is the percentage of revenue that is returned to the distributor? Are they privately held, or publicly traded? Can the owners sell the company? This is HUGE? Many companies start up, and the owners sell to get their money out. The company then disappears.
3. Strong Management. Who is running the business? Is it a MLM guy? Is it a doctor? The operations of the company should be run by BUSINESS people who know how to run corporations. MANY companies start up and the owners have NO CLUE how to run a business. If there is rapid growth, this can get out of hand in a hurry, so BEWARE. Make sure the opportunity is being run by conservative BUSINESS minded persons.
4. Unique Consumable Products. Now here is one that just about everyone claims. However, how unique is the product, really? An example here would be the "juice" companies. They all claim to have a unique product that offers high "antioxidant" content. A recent independent study measuring FRAP values for antioxidants in 6 juice companies showed that Welches Grape Juice had a higher FRAP value than 5 of the 6. You might say, "Great, sign me up for the company that won!" That company sells its product to consumers for $35 a bottle. It would be easier for you to just drink an additional glass of Welches.
Anyway, the point is that the product(s) needs to be unique in the marketplace and usable by EVERYONE.
5. Competitively Priced. ALL multilevel companies' products are expensive in comparison to the marketplace. I have yet to see the company that competes on price. So, why do it? Who is going to buy it? Are you going to feel good selling it? With the Walmarts and Targets of the world out there, how are you going to compete? Really?
6. High Reorder Rate. Ask the person recruiting you what percentage of customers reorder month to month. This is an important statistic, as it leads to retention. Since most customers get involved with dreams of making money, when that doesn't happen for them in month one or month two, they suddenly find themselves stuck with products they have ordered and an expensive monthly auto-ship order of more on the way. They cancel, and they are gone. Sound familiar? MLM is a POOR MODEL!
7. Monthly Personal Requirement. How much money does the company require you to spend on a monthly basis in product in order to qualify for a check? $100? $150? More? The personal monthly requirement should be low, and the products required for purchase should be those that you personally consume.
8. Low Entry Fee. Most companies will have an entry fee of $50 or less. However, someone wanting to be a "player" or a business builder is often required to purchase or buy in at a much higher level. One company I saw would get you for $1,500 to $5,000 to "set you up" for success. This is dangerous. Make sure that whatever amount of money you enter with is 100% refundable for a reasonable period of time. This is really unheard of, as most companies have "restocking fees" or penalties of 15% or more. Again, with MLM, people are MORE likely than not to lose money.
9. Low Attrition. Similar to #7, your recruiter should be able to tell you how many stay, and how many leave.
10. Timing. Most companies try to stress the timing of getting in early. There are not very many "old" companies in the MLM industry. Those that are have very interesting and "sorted" histories. Look for a company where the playing field is level for EVERYONE. Look for a company that will be just as viable five years from now, as the present. Look for a business that will last for a lifetime, not just a lunch time.
11. Fair Compensation Plans. MANY companies break down here. They offer complicated compensation plans that "break away", or "Binary plans" that do not fairly reward you for powerful players you may bring to the table. A "break away" happens when I recruit Joe into the business. Joe does extremely well, in fact so well that at one point in the process, I lose all of the business that Joe created. But I brought Joe in! That isn't fair. Binaries are similar. If I place Joe on one side of the Binary, and that leg takes off, the company compensates me only on the lower producing side. That is not fair. But most all of the MLMs have this type of compensation.
12. NO RISK! Period. If you are looking at a business, and you can't get EVERY DIME of your money back in 30 or 60 days, RUN AWAY!!!! FAST!!! Because there is a 99% probability that you will lose money.
Now, how can I prove to you that Melaleuca is not an MLM company? Simply by comparing the 12 factors above.
1. Company Track Record - 25 years in business with growth in each year. Inc. 500 hall of fame, Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the US Chamber of Commerce, Blue Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau.
2. Financially Sound - Debt free, the company did right at a Billion dollars in business last year. In this struggling economy, growth was close to 40 million, and the company invested $110 million in facilities and operations improvements this year, paying cash. Company is privately held and can never be sold (by charter).
3. Strong Management - Melaleuca is run by corporate executives with experience with Proctor and Gamble, AT&T, IBM, Kimberly Clark, Franklin Covey, Coca Cola, Gillette, etc. These are corporate people who know how to run businesses. They are not MLMers.
4. Unique Consumable Products - Melaleuca offers over 350 world class products in 5 different lines of products. Many are patented, all are proprietary. The emphasis is on getting a customer to "switch stores" for life. Products appeal across a broad spectrum of the population. EVERYONE can benefit from being a customer. Melaleuca products are scientifically based and safe for the home and environment.
5. Competitively Priced. Melaleuca products are more often than not LESS expensive to use than grocery store brands. (Even at Walmart pricing).
6. High Reorder Rate. Melaleuca boasts a 95% month to month reorder rate from its customers. (Read that again.) For a business builder, this represents TRUE residual income.
7. Low Personal Production Requirement. Melaleuca "preferred" customers are only required to purchase around $50 per month in product (switching stores so NO new budget money is required). This expenditure enables the customer to be paid commissions on other customers placed beneath them.
8. Low Entry Fee. $29 US (one time) opens a preferred customer account. Renewal is $12 annually. There is a $199 Value Pack option, and a $299 Career Pack option available for business builders. Again, these are products for personal use, and not for resale. Melaleuca does not have "distributors." They do not stock or sale products. These packs are for the purpose of exposing a business builder to a broad line of Melaleuca products in a short period of time. Purchase of these packs is NOT required. However, Melaleuca rewards purchasers with over $6,000 in potential first year bonuses. The maximum entry cost for a Melaleuca business builder is under $500.
9. Low Attrition. Company is focused on customer retention. First quarter attrition is 5%.
10. Timing. Melaleuca still has only a 4% exposure to the public. Basically, if you were to start at one end of a mall, and work you way to the other end, asking 100 people if they have heard of Melaleuca, only 4 out of 100 will say yes. With the present economic situation, Melaleuca is a wonderful opportunity for persons wanting to make a little extra money, and for those wanting to earn substantial income.
11. Fair (and lucrative) Compensation: NO Breakaways, NO Binary! Melaleuca returns 51% of its revenue back to its customers, every month.
12. NO RISK! EVERY DIME, EVERY PENNY is refundable. All products - empty packages returned for 60 days for a FULL REFUND. Every box shipped has a return label included for your convenience. Your $29 initial membership fee is refundable for 120 days. There is NO WAY to lose any money at Melaleuca.
Do you still think Melaleuca is MLM? Here's the "skinny" on that. While the Melaleuca compensation plan is based on a 5 x 7 pay matrix, 65% of Melaleuca customers are - just customers who have switched stores, and are shopping monthly. The business model is different enough to have been awarded a patent of its own. It is called Consumer Direct Marketing. And only Melaleuca has it. NO distributors, NO stocking, NO selling of products, just customers sharing what they know and referring other customers. The company rewards the referring customer by sharing revenue. It is a simple concept. If you would like to know more, I would love to share more with you.
All I can do to help you Make Life Good!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
About Moms
Mother's day 2010 brings an exciting new perspective on this wonderful traditional holiday.
Just about everyone can celebrate Mom! We certainly wouldn't be here without them. I certainly would not be the person I am today without my mother's steady on love and upbringing. I love you Mom! You're the very best a son could ever ask for in a mother!
This year's new perspective on this day comes from the fact that my daughter is now a mother for the first time in her life. It has been such a joy over the past few months to watch our daughter in law (who is also a mommy for the first time this year) and our daughter so naturally take on the impossible task of becoming mommy.
It is an impossible task, you know. How do they do it? Where do they get the strength, the patience, the immeasurable love that it takes?
Only God can give that kind of love. It comes from above, of that there is no doubt. For no where else on earth can you see the genuine nature of the unconditional love of God displayed than when you watch a mother's love for her child.
We are having a huge celebration on Sunday. Church, then lunch at our house with all the moms present: my mother, my wife, my daughter, my daughter in law; my brother and dear wife will be here too. All three children will be present to honor their mother and grandmother. Oh, and did I mention that princes Joshua Henry and Maverick James will be there? Queeny has already proclaimed that the princes will rule on Sunday! Wonderful day approaching! It really doesn't get any better.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. Thank you for all you do to help MAKE LIFE GOOD!
Just about everyone can celebrate Mom! We certainly wouldn't be here without them. I certainly would not be the person I am today without my mother's steady on love and upbringing. I love you Mom! You're the very best a son could ever ask for in a mother!
This year's new perspective on this day comes from the fact that my daughter is now a mother for the first time in her life. It has been such a joy over the past few months to watch our daughter in law (who is also a mommy for the first time this year) and our daughter so naturally take on the impossible task of becoming mommy.
It is an impossible task, you know. How do they do it? Where do they get the strength, the patience, the immeasurable love that it takes?
Only God can give that kind of love. It comes from above, of that there is no doubt. For no where else on earth can you see the genuine nature of the unconditional love of God displayed than when you watch a mother's love for her child.
We are having a huge celebration on Sunday. Church, then lunch at our house with all the moms present: my mother, my wife, my daughter, my daughter in law; my brother and dear wife will be here too. All three children will be present to honor their mother and grandmother. Oh, and did I mention that princes Joshua Henry and Maverick James will be there? Queeny has already proclaimed that the princes will rule on Sunday! Wonderful day approaching! It really doesn't get any better.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. Thank you for all you do to help MAKE LIFE GOOD!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Just Another Week ....
I sure am glad that baseball season has graced us with its presence.
Already, this season I have obtained more wonderful lifetime memories than I received from all of last year. O, did I mention how HUGE baseball memories are to me?
I attended the very first official major league game played at Atlanta Stadium in April of 1966. I was 7 years old. Baseball was already an important part of my life. I still remember that game. I got to see the Atlanta Braves (Hank Aaron, Joe Torre, Eddie Matthews and the like) play the Pittsburg Pirates (Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente and the like).
WOW! did you know that Joe Torre hit two home runs for the Braves in that game, and that Tony Cloninger threw 13 strong innings for the Braves. The Bravos lost that night in 13 innings 3 - 2 (Stagell hit a home run in the 13th driving in Clemente in front of him.) Even though it was a school night, we stayed for all 13 innings (WAY past my bedtime).
MLB network was replaying the 1992 National League Championship Series game 7 the other day (again, it was the Braves vs. Pirates, and again it was Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.) Shirley came walking into the living room about 5 seconds after Sid slid giving the Braves an unlikely come from behind victory. I was sitting on the sofa with a few tears rolling down my cheek as I once again reveled in that most wonderful of baseball memories. "Are you crying," she asked? "There's no crying in baseball!"
The memories of watching that play live; waking up my then 10 year old son Tony who had fallen asleep in the 7th inning just in time for him to see it with me, and the elation that we shared just became an emotional memory for me. I was overwhelmed by the memory of the joy.
Anyway, back to this season's memories - ALREADY! The Brave's Jason Heyward has provided a season's worth already, hasn't he? His first major league at bat home run was one for the ages. I will always remember that I was in Ashley's delivery room, and the doctor was there talking to her about Maverick's impending arrival. Once again overcome with emotion, I interrupted the conversation shouting! "Yes! Yes!" The doc looked at me as if to say, "Sir, will you please be quiet, we are trying to have a baby here."
Jason's walk off game winning single on Sunday was dramatic enough, but then to hit an unlikely game tying back to back tater following Troy Glaus on Tuesday was about more than I could stand.
There have been 261 no hit pitched games in all of major league baseball history going into this season. A wonderful memory that I will always carry is being present with my other son, Cory for no hit game #262. And even though it came at Turner Field against my beloved Braves, how often does one get to witness a no hit game in person, and especially get to share the experience with his son?
There is so much more I could write about. I have personally seen Hank Aaron blast many home runs. I watched Sandy Koufax pitch in person. I had wonderful experiences coaching and umpiring my son's little league games (those are the best memories of all).
So, welcome back, baseball! You have come on like gangbusters this season! I can't wait to see what else you have in store to help Make Life Good!
Already, this season I have obtained more wonderful lifetime memories than I received from all of last year. O, did I mention how HUGE baseball memories are to me?
I attended the very first official major league game played at Atlanta Stadium in April of 1966. I was 7 years old. Baseball was already an important part of my life. I still remember that game. I got to see the Atlanta Braves (Hank Aaron, Joe Torre, Eddie Matthews and the like) play the Pittsburg Pirates (Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente and the like).
WOW! did you know that Joe Torre hit two home runs for the Braves in that game, and that Tony Cloninger threw 13 strong innings for the Braves. The Bravos lost that night in 13 innings 3 - 2 (Stagell hit a home run in the 13th driving in Clemente in front of him.) Even though it was a school night, we stayed for all 13 innings (WAY past my bedtime).
MLB network was replaying the 1992 National League Championship Series game 7 the other day (again, it was the Braves vs. Pirates, and again it was Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.) Shirley came walking into the living room about 5 seconds after Sid slid giving the Braves an unlikely come from behind victory. I was sitting on the sofa with a few tears rolling down my cheek as I once again reveled in that most wonderful of baseball memories. "Are you crying," she asked? "There's no crying in baseball!"
The memories of watching that play live; waking up my then 10 year old son Tony who had fallen asleep in the 7th inning just in time for him to see it with me, and the elation that we shared just became an emotional memory for me. I was overwhelmed by the memory of the joy.
Anyway, back to this season's memories - ALREADY! The Brave's Jason Heyward has provided a season's worth already, hasn't he? His first major league at bat home run was one for the ages. I will always remember that I was in Ashley's delivery room, and the doctor was there talking to her about Maverick's impending arrival. Once again overcome with emotion, I interrupted the conversation shouting! "Yes! Yes!" The doc looked at me as if to say, "Sir, will you please be quiet, we are trying to have a baby here."
Jason's walk off game winning single on Sunday was dramatic enough, but then to hit an unlikely game tying back to back tater following Troy Glaus on Tuesday was about more than I could stand.
There have been 261 no hit pitched games in all of major league baseball history going into this season. A wonderful memory that I will always carry is being present with my other son, Cory for no hit game #262. And even though it came at Turner Field against my beloved Braves, how often does one get to witness a no hit game in person, and especially get to share the experience with his son?
There is so much more I could write about. I have personally seen Hank Aaron blast many home runs. I watched Sandy Koufax pitch in person. I had wonderful experiences coaching and umpiring my son's little league games (those are the best memories of all).
So, welcome back, baseball! You have come on like gangbusters this season! I can't wait to see what else you have in store to help Make Life Good!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
It's TAX Day, 2010
While many are spending the 15th of April struggling to meet the midnight deadline for a postmark, thankfully this year, I am spending the day playing golf, and then attending a Tea Party rally.
Since my 15th is busy, I am writing my promised TAX DAY blog on the 14th.
I was speaking the other day with a friend, Grady Palmer. Grady is a former executive with Kodak. For the past 8 years he has been building a Melaleuca business and has achieved "Executive Director 9" status. This means his next advancement will be to Corporate Director. The average earnings for a Corporate Director with Melaleuca exceeds $1,000,000 per year.
Knowing Grady through the years, I have learned to listen when he speaks. Our discussion the other day was about this day, TAX DAY. Right now, despite the markets being up, and the economy pointing to recovery, the amount of taxes needed to drive the legislation (Bail outs, health care and the like) are going to put a major crimp on governments beginning next year. The BUSH tax cuts expire in January. This is one of the major reasons that corporations are showing higher profits now. Better for them to show them this year with lower tax liabilities. Corporate profits for 2011 will show much lower.
Individuals need protection against the coming tax onslaught. Having and owning your own business is one of the last remaining things a person can do to protect themselves against the tax man!
Here is a link that describes this advantage in detail: Why Starting Your Own Business Makes Sense
A Melaleuca business is by far the most logical business to start. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the money to start a business ($29) is so low, and the monthly expenditures to maintain it (around $50 - $60 per month) is old money that a person is already spending anyway. No new household budget monies are required. In fact Melaleuca products are actually less expensive to use and actually save money in the long run.
Owning a Melaleuca business requires NO stocking, selling or delivery of products, NO complicated monthly paperwork. There are NO distributors. It simply requires that you switch stores for a portion of your monthly household shopping, and if you wish and are so inclined, refer the company other people. It really is that simple. Best of all, there is NO risk, and NO way that you or anyone else can lose any money. Their membership ($29) is 100% refundable for 120 days, and all of their products carry a 60 day "return the empty package" guarantee.
Study the tax advantages, the advantages of using safer non toxic products, not to mention the wellness implications of decreasing your risks of cancer and heart disease through scientifically researched and clinically proven wellness products, then tell me why it wouldn't make TOTAL sense for you to become a Melaleuca preferred customer.
I would be happy to give you a PERSONAL TOUR! Complete the forms at any of these websites, or email or call! You should be intrigued. Let's get in touch!
Happy Tax Day!
Barry
Since my 15th is busy, I am writing my promised TAX DAY blog on the 14th.
I was speaking the other day with a friend, Grady Palmer. Grady is a former executive with Kodak. For the past 8 years he has been building a Melaleuca business and has achieved "Executive Director 9" status. This means his next advancement will be to Corporate Director. The average earnings for a Corporate Director with Melaleuca exceeds $1,000,000 per year.
Knowing Grady through the years, I have learned to listen when he speaks. Our discussion the other day was about this day, TAX DAY. Right now, despite the markets being up, and the economy pointing to recovery, the amount of taxes needed to drive the legislation (Bail outs, health care and the like) are going to put a major crimp on governments beginning next year. The BUSH tax cuts expire in January. This is one of the major reasons that corporations are showing higher profits now. Better for them to show them this year with lower tax liabilities. Corporate profits for 2011 will show much lower.
Individuals need protection against the coming tax onslaught. Having and owning your own business is one of the last remaining things a person can do to protect themselves against the tax man!
Here is a link that describes this advantage in detail: Why Starting Your Own Business Makes Sense
A Melaleuca business is by far the most logical business to start. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the money to start a business ($29) is so low, and the monthly expenditures to maintain it (around $50 - $60 per month) is old money that a person is already spending anyway. No new household budget monies are required. In fact Melaleuca products are actually less expensive to use and actually save money in the long run.
Owning a Melaleuca business requires NO stocking, selling or delivery of products, NO complicated monthly paperwork. There are NO distributors. It simply requires that you switch stores for a portion of your monthly household shopping, and if you wish and are so inclined, refer the company other people. It really is that simple. Best of all, there is NO risk, and NO way that you or anyone else can lose any money. Their membership ($29) is 100% refundable for 120 days, and all of their products carry a 60 day "return the empty package" guarantee.
Study the tax advantages, the advantages of using safer non toxic products, not to mention the wellness implications of decreasing your risks of cancer and heart disease through scientifically researched and clinically proven wellness products, then tell me why it wouldn't make TOTAL sense for you to become a Melaleuca preferred customer.
I would be happy to give you a PERSONAL TOUR! Complete the forms at any of these websites, or email or call! You should be intrigued. Let's get in touch!
Happy Tax Day!
Barry
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Life and Death
Hello Friends! Just a short update today.
On Sunday, our pastor brought a sermon about the seasons of life. It was a very timely message to hear. The Bible teaches that to everything there is a season. I have experienced the full spectrum of this truth just this week.
April 6th saw the birth of our second grandchild. Maverick James Sanchez entered the world at 1:30 AM on Tuesday. What a joyful and joyous season of life. I am thrilled to report that mother and baby (and dad) are all doing very well.
Yesterday, I learned of the death of a high school friend. Although her passing took me completely by surprise, I was reminded in my spirit that just as there is a time to be born, there is also a time to die. The joyous season in my life is a very tragic and sorrowful season in the lives of the family of my friend.
It reminded me once again that we are given a certain number of days on this earth. Each of those days is a gift. Each of those days should be devoted to God, to family, to friends and (in my case) service to others.
I was also reminded (once again) how important it is to take personal control of our own health care. Allow me to ask you a question: knowing that each day is a gift, are you doing EVERYTHING you can do to take care of your body and to give yourself what your body needs to optimize the number and quality of the days that you have upon this earth? I implore you, do not settle for the status quo. Learn!
There are simple things, simple daily habits you can create in your life that will absolutely add numerically days to your life, and add quantitatively quality to your days. We exist to help you learn and MAKE LIFE GOOD. Contact me and let me help you!
Check back on Thursday for a special TAX DAY blog!
On Sunday, our pastor brought a sermon about the seasons of life. It was a very timely message to hear. The Bible teaches that to everything there is a season. I have experienced the full spectrum of this truth just this week.
April 6th saw the birth of our second grandchild. Maverick James Sanchez entered the world at 1:30 AM on Tuesday. What a joyful and joyous season of life. I am thrilled to report that mother and baby (and dad) are all doing very well.
Yesterday, I learned of the death of a high school friend. Although her passing took me completely by surprise, I was reminded in my spirit that just as there is a time to be born, there is also a time to die. The joyous season in my life is a very tragic and sorrowful season in the lives of the family of my friend.
It reminded me once again that we are given a certain number of days on this earth. Each of those days is a gift. Each of those days should be devoted to God, to family, to friends and (in my case) service to others.
I was also reminded (once again) how important it is to take personal control of our own health care. Allow me to ask you a question: knowing that each day is a gift, are you doing EVERYTHING you can do to take care of your body and to give yourself what your body needs to optimize the number and quality of the days that you have upon this earth? I implore you, do not settle for the status quo. Learn!
There are simple things, simple daily habits you can create in your life that will absolutely add numerically days to your life, and add quantitatively quality to your days. We exist to help you learn and MAKE LIFE GOOD. Contact me and let me help you!
Check back on Thursday for a special TAX DAY blog!
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