Stephen Edgecombe's Posts (53)

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Are You a "Pay it Forward" Person?

 

Browsing through the  videos of 60 Minutes on CBS tonight, I came across a breath-taking video which I felt compeled to share it with you.  In one way it has nothing to do with marketing health products, promoting a business opportunity or advancing a Christian worldview.  On the other hand  it has everything to do with all of the things I do and may be you do. You see, every day we have an opportunity to reach out and make a difference in another person’s life.  In the moment of connection you have a choice.  You can pour your heart into that relationship or you can keep the walls up.  You can be a “Pay it Forward” type of person or you can just think about yourself.

 

All of us have challenges in our lives.  And while you can’t control all of the things that happen to you, you can certainly control the meaning you give to those things.  In the end, that meaning will determine the direction of your life.

 

Jesus said, "...And a little child shall lead them.." So learn from a kid and become a "Pay it Forward" person and make a difference in your in family, your business, and your community.

 

Join a team with a "Pay it Forward" Heart. Check out www.steledge1.myunicity.net

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Their CHOICE....Your CHOICE!

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The health you once had, the health you dream of having, is now within your reach! Unicity products are formulated to work with your body to restore energy, balance and health through leading edge yet natural effective ingredients.

There is no better evidence of the effectiveness of Unicity products than the fact that hundreds of doctors, surgeons and other healthcare professionals recommend Unicity products to patients and become Unicity Franchise Partners themselves.

These highly respected and qualified medical professional, from a broad range of disciplines, have seen firsthand the positive impact that Unicity products have on their patient, their colleagues and themselves.

Unicity products are subjected to meticulous research and development, and are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference. This reference is considered the most trusted source of pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement information in the USA. It is consulted by more than half a million US doctors and pharmacists. Ninety percent of healthcare professionals consider this population the most important source of reliable information when advising their patience which products to use.

The company has collaborated with major medical institutions such as The Cleveland Clinic, Stanford University, UCLA, University of Utah, University of Minnesota, University of Sydney and Columbia University to conduct clinical studies on its products.

Unicity has even presented study results at scientific meetings of the American Heart Association and the American diabetes Association.

You can trust Unicity products! They are effective, innovative and safe. They are the choice of healthcare professionals and should be your choice for PRIME HEALTH. Want to also realize your PRIME LIFESTYLE?

Visit www.pgdsystem.com and www.steledge1.myunicity.net and get exceptional, effective products!

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Are You Driving With Brakes On?

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Well, I just opened my email this morning and read this thought-provoking question in the subject line: Are You Driving With the Brakes On?

You see it was just Saturday morning that I attempted to pull out of my driveway, felt the sluggishness and resistance of the car and realized that I was trying to drive with the brakes on. First, I thought something was wrong with the car, but it was I who had the problem. There is a deeper application to this question which I wish to share:

Want to have more success, in all areas of your life?
Read the message below and apply! 



 "Just finished four days of meetings in Europe. I am feeling very positive about this region of the world. Now on my way to Asia to see old friends and make new ones. What about you?  

Are you making progress toward your goals and dreams? Are you sacrificing the negative attitudes and unproductive habits that are holding you back? I find that the speed of my progress is usually affected more by what I stop doing than what I start doing. What will you give up to get what you really want? If you think carefully you will find a few things that are slowing you down with out any benefit. It is like driving your car with the brakes on. It is slow and takes a lot more fuel, and it is really hard on the car. So release the brakes and notice how much easier everything feels. You have so many wonderful places to go--don't drive with the brakes on."
Stewart Hughes, CEO Unicity International
Achieve your prime health, freedom and lifestyle! Start today. For more information visit: http://www.steledge1.myunicity.net
 Release to Brakes!!
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Right Place! Right Time? Action?

3818723653?profile=originalShould you get involve with network marketing? Here is a clue:Warren BuffettRobert KiyosakiDonald Trump and Bill Gates  have all endorse network marketing as the business vehicle of choice. The question is no longer what kind of business, but rather which network marketing company should you choose?
Stewart Hughes, CEO of Unicity International, asking a most important question in this short video:

Are you at the right place at the right time? What are you doing about it?

Aaron Webber, Triple Diamond and Chairman's Club Member Unicity International gives you a response to the question 'Why Unicity'?

Unicity: A wonderful Opportunity to " Make Life Better". Live your dream or whatever you want.

             A wonderful Opportunity to…. get Better Health.  Click HERE

 

Is there any anything else you would like to know? I'll promise to get back to you quickly.

 

 

 

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3818723580?profile=originalUnicity has the science behind its products listed in the PDR.  For a nutrition company, Unicity has the highest number of products listed - 13.
Here they are:

Bio-C
Bios Life ...Cardio
Bios Life ProBionic - Newly Listed
Bios Life Vision Essentials
BoneMate Plus
Cardio-Basics
Cardio-Essentials
CM Plex Softgel and CM Plex Cream
Immunizen
OmegaLife-3
UNICITY Balance also known as Bios Life SLIM or Bios Life S.

You can take Unicity products with confidence. They are all natural and proven. They work! If you are using statin drugs or considering replacing your medicines or reversing your ill health with food supplements, it's time to consider Unicity products!

Unicity is a 110 year old company who is committed to Make your Life Better for you and your family.

Let’s help you live your Prime Health, Your Prime Freedom, Your Prime Time and Your Prime Lifestyle.

Visit www.steledge1.myunicity.net and get started today!

You may call me at 242-357-5851 or email me at steledge1@gmail.com

Check out my blog at http://www.steledgemarketing.com

P.S.

Want to get married in the Bahamas? Visit http://www.bahamasunshineweddings.com for details.

 

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Remember Best, Forget Rest

  • Well, to day I completed my 365th day of my Rick Warren Devotional Reading Plan! What an exciting journey it has been exploring, learning, and applying God's truth. 

    Praise God for giving me the discipline to daily feed at His table! 


    Indeed , "The entrance (unfolding) of your Word gives light and understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130


    Be encouraged and feast on His Word , not only in corporate gatherings, but daily. As Brother Mark Bethel use to sing, "it'll do your soul some good!"



    I thought I would share this inspiring, final devotional with you my readers. I hope it inspires you to be a better person today both in your personal life and in your relationship with others - family and business associates

  • "What do you remember about people? The good experiences or the bad experiences? Paul said, "I like to remember the good things about people, focus on the good times we've had, remember the positive experiences." 



    When Paul said this he had not had an easy time in Philippi. Acts 16 tells us that when he went to Philippi he was illegally arrested, whipped, humiliated, and thrown into prison -- before finally being asked to leave town. Yet he says, "I thank God every time I remember you." 



    Paul could have dwelt on the negative. He could have remembered the painful memories. He chose not to remember the painful; instead, he focused on the things he could be grateful for. 



    Maybe you have been hurt in the past by a parent or a partner and you're still holding on to that hurt. As a result you can't enjoy being around them today. You're still focusing on the bad and the negative. Be grateful for the good in people. Pleasant memories are a choice. I can choose what I'm going to remember about the past.



    If you want to enjoy others, you've got to focus on their strengths and not their weaknesses. With some people it takes a lot of creativity. But you can find something good in everybody.



    I'm not saying that you deny the hurts you've had or that you excuse the weaknesses in other people. That is psychologically unhealthy. But focus on the good and choose to emphasize the strengths."
  • Now go and choose to Remember the Best and Forget the Rest!

        Visit http://www.steledge1.myunicity.net and get healthy also!

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Why Don't You Fill Your Tank?

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                                                                                                                        This morning my wife and I were relaxing and planning for our Valentine Date Night tomorrow .    As  we talked, laughed and planned, it occurred to me that we are learning to appreciate, respect and love each other more deeply. We are learning to recognize and speak what Dr. Gary  Chapman, a Christian counselor and author of The Five Love Language, identified as "the love language " of each other.

Dr. Chapman notes that when we discover and communicate with our spouse in his/her love language, we fill up their emotional tank. This leads to mutual respect and a meaningful love relationship. Dr. Chapman has identified five emotional love languages. Here is a sampling:

1. Words of Affirmation - This is when we compliment our spouse on his/her looks, activity or achievement .  These words edifying our mate and build self-image, worth and confidence.

2. Quality Time  - Some spouses may not need words of affirmation; but see love displayed by spending time together and doing things together with undivided attention. (Secret: This is my wife's  main language)

3. Gifts - Gary notes that gift giving is a universal in all human cultures and need not be expensive or elaborate  to send a powerful message of love ,For some spouses gifts is their chief love language. When we forget and miss important gift giving opportunities such as birthday, anniversary, or graduation, such a spouse feel neglected, unappreciated and unloved. 

Find out the other two here. 

It is essential that each of us determine our own love language as well as our spouse. Of course, speaking another person's language is not always easy. Dr Chapman notes, "We're not talking comfort. We are talking love. Love is something we do for someone else. So often couples love one another but they aren 't connecting. They are sincere, but sincerity isn't enough." It requires commitment, sacrifice and hard work.

When spouses fail to connect and speak each others love language, the love tank gets empty. Hence, Dr. Chapman suggests that every couple have a "love tank check " three times each week, asking  one another, "How is your love tank tonight?" If the tank is low find out how you can fill it and  fill it!! Speak the appropriate love language. It could save your home, family and business!

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It's difficult to fill your love tank if you are always tired, run down and fatigued.  Check here to get on the road to your Prime Health, Prime Freedom and Prime Lifestyle.

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The #1 Killer ... Are You At Risk?

Recently, I visited my doctor in Miami for a routine checkup. Everything seems to be going well and I was excited about my continued good health until... Yep, you guessed it! It was all great until the doctor noted that my blood pressure was elevated above normal and my cholesterol was out of balance. She gave me a prescription and placed me on a low cholesterol diet. She gave me a huge list of Foods to Use and Foods to Avoid.

My doctor warned:  "Your blood cholesterol level has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.  High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. A risk factor increases your chance of getting the disease." In fact, according to my doctor, the higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke. Millions die annually in the United States alone from heart disease. View this video NOW!


When there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the arteries. Over time this build up causes "hardening of the arteries" so the arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is restricted. The blood carries oxygen to the heart, and if the blood supply to the heart is cut off, the result is a heart attack.


The problem is high blood cholesterol does not cause any symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.

 

It is the silent killer! It can happen to anyone...including you!  Lowering your bad cholesterol level, therefore, is important for everyone - children, young adults, middle age, and older adults; men and women with or without heart disease.


Do you know your LDL (bad cholesterol) and your HDL (good cholesterol) numbers? Do you know how to lower LDL?  Get the help you need here NOW! Don't wait for the "Silent Killer!"
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Labor Day - 16 Interesting Office Facts!

Today we celebrate Labor Day and honor all the hard-working men and women of the United States. Americans deserve  this special holiday when one considers that Americans works harder than any in the industrialized world. According to Dean Schabner, we work more than the English, the French, the Germans, the Norwegians or even the Japanese. Further, Americans take less vacation, work longer days and retire later.  The pressure on us  to work more and more continues.

  

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Finally,  I encourage you today in the words of Jesus:
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." - New American Standard Version (1995)

 

Why not build a business which will allow you to earn a residual income and enjoy the world which has been given to you. SFI is a fantastic business to develop. Check it out here!    

 

 

 

 

   

  
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The Next Killer App?

Are you wondering what the next killer app will be? Do you want to know how you can maintain and add to your value during these rapidly changing times? Are you wondering how the word love can even be used in the context of business?These are the questions answered by Tim Saunders is his paperback book: Love Is the Killer App . Tim Sanders, director of Yahoo's in-house think tank, believes love is the crucial element in the search for personal and professional success. He warns against the “kill- or- be-killed mentality” as a means of success. I invite you to read this book and find out how to become a lovecat—a nice, smart person who succeeds in business and in life.According to Saunders you become a lovecat by sharing your intangibles:Your knowledge: everything that comes from all the books that you devour and all the skills you acquired. He encourages readers to religiously carve out time to read and become proficient in their field. In other words, become a walking encyclopedia that can provide insights at a moment’s notice to those in need.Your network: the collection of friends and contacts you now have, which enable you to grow and nurture. Indeed, true networking is more about finding ways to give rather than to receive. ( Umm, did I read that concept somewhere in an ancient text? And one of the best things you can give to another person might be an introduction to someone they might especially benefit from meeting.Your compassion: that human warmth you already possess that you can show freely at the office. While we need to be professional, we need to remember that business is human interaction. We should, therefore, be human, showing concern, care, warmth and love to those we interact with.Results:* You become a rich source of information to all around you.* You are seen as a person with valuable insight.* You are perceived as generous to a fault, producing surprise and delight.* You double your business intelligence in one year.* You triple your network of personal relationships in two years.* You quadruple the number of colleagues in your life who love you like family.Saunders concludes, “In short, you become one of those amazing, outstanding people to whom everyone turns, who leads rather than follows, who never runs out of ideas, contacts, or friendship.Here’s the real scoop: Nice guys don’t finish last. They rule!” Proverbs 11:25 puts it succinctly, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”Share your knowledge, build your network and show compassion! Join my home business team with that foundation and leave a legacy for your family.
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"All In" What?

12 Characteristics of  “All In” Leaders

3818715617?profile=originalLast week I wrote a post entitled, “Do You Fit the Bill?” It described five essential qualities of a great leader. During my research this week I found an outstanding post by Brad Lomenick. He notes, “I want leaders on my team who are “all in” and identified 12 characteristics of  such leaders. I couldn’t have said it better. 
<1. You don’t look at the clock, and you’re not punching a time card. Your role is not defined by 9 – 5.
<2. You get it done no matter how long it takes. You are “managerless,” meaning no one else has to worry about whether you are getting it done.
<3. You realize you are part of something bigger than yourself, and humbly accomplish the goals because of a larger motivation than just you.
<4. Giving just the “minimum” amount of effort required to get by without “getting in trouble” doesn’t even cross your mind.
<5. Your hard work and excellence is done with pure motives. You are not worried about climbing the ladder or impressing anyone
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6. We is much more important than me. If I win, the team wins. If the team wins, I win.


7. You are willing and motivated to improve daily. Getting better at what you do is not a choice, it’s a requirement. Read the rest here!


I guess the question for each of us who lead our teams of affiliates, marketeers, associates or employees is: Are we “all in” leaders? Are we working with diligence, commitment and pure motives?


SFI is a company with extraordinary leaders and a high performance team. We are building a legacy for the future and changing lives across the globe. Click here and see how you can get in on the action today!

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The Essence of a Great Leader

 Do You Fit The Bill?

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There is a lot of talk in the news these days about the lack of leadership in our country. Some say that President Obama is failing in reviving our stagnant economy for lack of leadership on issues that matter to the American people. The persistent, growing array of scandals which plague the administration – from Fast and Furious to Benghazi to the IRS targeting conservatives and the unwillingness of government leaders to address them forthrightly only add to the confusion.  Others say the president is lacking in leadership in the international arena ---“leading from behind” in world affairs.
 
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Then there is the indictment of the Congress which suffers from persistent stalemate, so most meaningful legislation is stalled dead in its tracks either in the House or in the Senate.
 
 
 
Then there is the race issue, which raised its ugly head in the Trayvon Martin tragedy. This has been exploited by the Civil Rights leaders and the mainstream media to advance personal agendas; while the pressing issues of unemployment, unwed mothers, teen pregnancies, violence, “gangster” music and murder in the inner cities are ignored. Yes, there is a cry in the cities across the land for capable, effective, leadership.  But what does that look like?
 
 
What are the qualities that distinguishes a great leader whether, politician, business executive, principal, teacher or parent? Here are five essentials as I see it.
1. Unquestionable Honesty – When I worked as a Manager for a popular national retail chain, we has a written set of core values which set the foundation for operation. Honest was a chief component. Whatever ethical plane you hold yourself to, when you are responsible for a team of people, it’s important to raise the bar even higher. Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a key value, your team will follow suit. The same is true of our civic leaders. They must be held to a high standard of integrity. Honesty must be the watchword.
 The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office."
In our communities, schools and homes we need to insist on standards, without which there is chaos.
My mother always reminded me when growing up that, “Honest is the best policy…right is right if no one is doing it and wrong is wrong if everyone is doing it.” Oprah Winfrey puts it thus: “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” If parents set and model high ethical standards for their children, they will most likely follow.
 
 
 
What would our inner cities look like if our leaders exhibited honesty and integrity in their words and conduct; and transmitted the same to the younger generation? What about our businesses, schools and colleges, sports teams and civic organizations? Would we have an Anthony Weiner with numerous outlandish sex scandals running for Mayor of New York City?
 
 
 
It was Albert Einstein who said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”
2. Delegation Skill – You cannot do every task in your organization. Starting at home, parents must learn to delegate the responsibilities for varies chores so their children learn to share the work, assume responsibility and work as a team. In our businesses we need to have an organized, well-tuned vision for success, but at the heart we must learn to trust our teams with that vision. Delegating tasks and responsibilities is key to success as a leader; otherwise you get overwhelmed with duties, and you get worn thin and burn out. The results are the quality of work declines along with productivity. A good leader must develop the ability to delegate.
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Make the Sun Rise

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I looked through the blinds of my window to watch the rising sun. It was just peeping through the dark clouds on the horizon. Its beautiful rays streaked across the sky with confidence, as if to say, "I am here at your service!"  I was reminded that this is a new day with new opportunities and challenges. it will only be here for a few hours and then gone like the wind. The success or lack thereof will be determined by my attitude and action. So how can you make the sun rise on your business?


1. Get Organized - To be successful in business you need to be organized. The organization will help you complete tasks and stay on top of things to be done. Do you plan your day? Do you set priorities?


2. Keep Detailed Records - By keeping detailed records, you'll know where the business stands financially and what potential challenges you could be facing.


3. Analyze Your Competition - To be successful, you can't be afraid to study and learn from your competitors. Every successful  team studies the competition - basketball, hockey, or football.  After all, they may be doing something right that you can implement in your business to make more money.  No need to reinvent the wheel!


4. Understand the Risks and Rewards - The key to being successful is taking calculated risks to help your business grow. No risks, no reward. Sow to reap!


5. Be Creative - Always be looking for ways to improve your business and to make it stand out from the competition. Recognize that you don't know everything and be open to new ideas and new approaches to your business. Don’t be afraid to change and adapt to new realities.


6. Stay Focused - The old saying that "Rome was not built in a day" applies here. Just because you start a business doesn't mean that you're going to immediately begin making money. The farmer works a long time before he realizes a harvest. Focused, consistent effort pays off in the end.

 

7. Prepare to Make Sacrifices - The lead-up to starting a business is hard work, but after you open your doors, your work has just begun.


8. Provide Great Service - There are many successful businesses that forget that providing great customer service is important. Communicate with your customers and operate with integrity. People love it when they know you are trustworthy. Customers buy you before they buy your product or service. So ‘WOW’ your customers by going above and beyond?


9. Be Consistent - Consistency is key component to making money in business, especially internet business.


Building a successful business can be rewarding and challenging. It requires focus, discipline and perseverance. Utilize these tips and you too can be successful!

 

Come join a successful team here. Want to sell your junk? Check out http://www.steledgemarketing.com/2013/07/junk-or-jewels.html

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Dog Wheels - Boy Makes A Difference

Boy Raises Money for Dog's Wheelchair

For centuries a dog has been known as “man’s best friend,” but for Ryder McConathy, his dog is like a brother. So when his pooch developed a disability, this compassionate 8-year-old boy jumped into action. He knew he had to do something to help.
 
 
“He fell down the whole set of stairs and the next day his feet were sort of dragging and we realized [what] had happened to him,” said owner.
 
 
Ryder’s 9-year-old dog, Cacious, was diagnosed with degenerative mylopathy last fall which caused him to lose function of his hind leg. The solution was an expensive set of wheels. It was then that Ryder jumped into action; stepped up to the plate and started selling colorful magnets and key-chains to raise enough money to get the set of wheels.
 
 
According to WLEX, Ryder raised $315 in a matter of days. More than enough to buy “ Cash” his first set of wheels and give him more freedom and mobility. The “leftover money” will be donated to the Humane Society.
 
 
Mom, Lyssa McConathy,  notes that  Cacious  is now  pain-free, playful as ever and follows his “brother” around the yard. Further, this 8-year-old grade school student, Ryder, has already learned the valuable lessons of acceptance, compassion and making a difference.
 
 
What lessons for us all to master! Who do you know that needs compassion and acceptance and to whom you can make a difference – a disabled veteran,  a sick neighbor, a starving child, a homeless person, an abandoned baby, a hopeless teenager, an abused wife, an abandoned pet?
 
 

Sometimes it’s a small act of selflessness that can radically change the direction of a life - A donation (time, talent, treasure) to a Homeless Shelter, AIDS Initiative or Disaster Relief.  Sometimes it could be sponsoring a child, adopting a kid, mentoring a youth or simply providing exceptional service to a client.  Like Ryder, let’s all make a positive difference!

 

"For even the  Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve... (Mark 10:45)

 

Want to make a difference in the lives of your family and friends? Explore this great opportunity and make a wise choice now. You will get a mentor who will train, help, support and guide you. Be in business for yourself, but not by your self. Take action now.

 

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3818714297?profile=originalAs I leisurely stroll through the can meat aisle in my local grocery store, I noticed an item called SPAM and decided to purchase it. When I got home my sister promptly asked, "Where are you going with that?" I was surprised at the reaction and asked, "Why." She told me that we never buy that product because "no one knows what's in it... Don't you know it made of mystery meats.?"
Nevertheless , I decided to use it but didn't like the unpleasant aftertaste and indigestion. (Now if you like it, enjoy!)



According to Wikipedia, Spam is a canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation. It was first introduced in 1937 and is made in several varieties . The classic product labelled ingredients are chopped pork shoulder meat, with ham meat added, salt, water, modified potato starch as a binder, and sodium nitrite as a preservative. Its gelatinous glaze, or aspic, forms from the cooling of meat stock.


But there is another kind of SPAM which can leave an unpleasant aftertaste and cause serious damage if not properly managed. If you use any type of technology you have been exposed to electronic spam Not only is it annoying but can contain malicious and dangerous links and viruses. It is no longer limited to computers . Our mobile gadgets are now vulnerable to getting email and text messaging spam


Kim Kimmando, an electronic guru, notes that excellent filters are needed to fight spam and has suggested the four best apps currently available to defend our smartphones and other mobile devices :

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SpamDrain - This app deletes spam before it even reaches your inbox. It's a cloud-based affair, so you can use it with multiple devices. You can also set it up to monitor multiple accounts.


Privacy Star - This app will let you block an unlimited amount of calls and texts. It also provides a handy caller ID feature

 

Get the rest of the apps here.

Make Easy Money While Advertising - 100% Paid to YOU!  Click here.

Want a business with a strict spam policy?  Click here now.

 

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Last week, I went to the local library in North Miami Beach to relax and read.  The quiet atmosphere of the library just seems so conducive to reflection, meditation and reading.  I was surprised by the number of young people, middle-aged as well as aged who were there.(Of course, I am neither) Then it dawned on me that the library is a great place to pursue your dreams. And that is what many of the visitors were doing - reading, writing, watching videos and researching.

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When I left the library, I had checked out four books to read at home. The most challenging, inspiring and intriguing was The Other Wes Moore written by Road Scholar and a combat veteran of Afghanistan, Wes Moore. The subtitle of the book is "One Name, Two Fates."  It is a tense and compelling narrative of two young men from Baltimore, Maryland with the same name, similar history and environment. One grew up to be a Rhode Scholar, decorated veteran, White House Fellow and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison for murder.

 

 

The book chronicles the events which shaped the lives both young men - both grew up in similar neighborhoods and had very difficult childhoods. Both were fatherless, had hung out on street corners with the unsavory of society and had their share of troubles with the police.  At similar crucial junctions in their lives, they both had difficult choices to make. Their decisions let them to very different destinies.

 

 

As I read this captivating book, I couldn't help but reflect on the famous poem by Robert Frost:

 

The Road Not Taken

 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood                                  

And sorry I could not travel both                               

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

 

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

 

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!                                                          

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

 

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

 

Yes, the two roads "diverged in a wood" and both young men made their choices. Those choices "made all the difference." 

 

One Wes came to realize that life's impermanence is “what makes every day so precious. It's what shapes our time here. It's what makes it so important that not a single moment is wasted." Although influenced by his negative environment, he learned the power of a dream, the impact of family, the influence of mentors, the challenges of discipline and the value of responsibilities.


Wes Moore came to " see the boundless possibilities of the wider world and the unexplored possibilities within myself. people who taught me that no accident of birth - not being black or relatively poor, being from Baltimore or the Bronx or fatherless - would ever define or limit me." He took the high road, the one "less travelled by." '


For the rest of this blog and how you can get a copy of this  intriguing book visit here.


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Oh No! Charlie Brown.

 

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When I was growing up in Long Island, Bahamas as a teenager, we didn't have all the technology and means of communication common place today. No social media, computers, tablets, smartphones or HD television with 24-hour news coverage. We had a simple old-fashioned, tube, shortwave radio. It was a huge monster! Weekly, we got copies of the newspaper from the capital city. The most interesting and exciting part was always the "Funnies". For those to young to remember, the "Funnies" were the comic strips. Who could forget Charlie Brown and Lucy in "Peanuts"?


“I love mankind - it’s people I can’t stand.” says Charlie Brown, in Charles Schulz’ timeless comic strip.
Charlie Brown had a important point: relationships with other human beings are beautiful – in theory. In reality, they can be difficult and messy. Conflict is a normal part of any healthy relationship. After all, two people can’t be expected to agree on everything, all the time.  But nothing determines our success in our personal lives and in business as much as our ability to interact and work with other people.
 
 
 
3818713813?profile=originalOn the other hand, nothing is messier in relationships than dealing with conflict. Simply put, a conflict is a situation in which one or both parties perceive a threat real or imagine.  Learning how to deal with conflict – rather than avoiding it – is crucial.  If you’re anything like me, you would rather avoid conflict, but it is part of life on planet earth. However, I believe there are both constructive and destructive ways to approach it.
 
Let’s focus on six positive ways to handle conflict:
1. Focus on what you have in common. John Maxwell calls it “The 101 Principle. “Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of your effort.”  We often talk too much the argument and too little about the areas of agreement.  Finding areas of agreement is one of the best ways to move conflict toward resolution.  Our priority should be resolution of the conflict rather than winning or “being right.”
 
2. Elevate people above opinions. We all know those people who would fight to the death in defending their opinions.  We can love our opinions so deeply that we destroy our friends and those we love dearly. How many family relationships have been shattered because one party loved his opinion above his/her partner? Maintaining and strengthening the relationship, rather than “winning” the argument, should always be our primary focus. Be respectful of the other person and his or her viewpoint.  Anthony Weston says it best, “It isn’t a mistake to have strong views. The mistake is to have nothing else.”
 
3.  Pick Your Battles.   Everything is not worth the expenditure of time and energy.
Maybe you don't want to surrender a parking space if you’ve been circling for 15 minutes, but if there are dozens of empty spots, arguing over a single space isn’t worth it. Thomas Jefferson famously said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” Ask yourself two important questions: “Does this really make a difference?” and “Will I care about this tomorrow?” If you answer “no,” then perhaps you can compromise on your position.
 
 
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For the full blog post and a great resource for marital
 
conflict visit here.
 
 
 
Secure your financial future and reduce conflict here
 
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The Verdict is IN ...."NO WINNER"!

In the words of Dr. Ben Carson, former neurosurgeon at John Hopkins University, and many other commentators,  “In this tragedy, there were no winners.”  There is no doubt that this case is tragic. Trayvon Martin another young black man is dead. Another man's life, George Zimmerman, is ruined. A city and country struggling with an undercurrent of racial tension for decades has another gaping wound.

 

We ask “why.” We search for answers and all we seem to find are  lots of questions …  a whole lot of pain... a lot of anger… a lot of frustration. There is nothing pretty about this case.  It's a horrific and tragic event that has left a young man dead, two families devastated and wounded and a nation fractured.


After all who likes to hear of a 17-year old being shot and killed? Unfortunately, it happens way too often and we develop callousness to the news. People paused for a moment and then go on with their lives. In this case, until the news came of no arrest. Then people started getting angry, very angry.

 

Battle lines began to form: white vs. black, pro-gun vs. anti-gun, pro Sanford PD and against. As massive marches and demonstrations took place, outsiders looking for a way into the conversation flooded the city. Many in news media went wild fanning racial fires even before the facts were known. Entire streets were shut down, businesses were closed, and many feared for their safety. Conversations on Facebook and Twitter escalated the tension. Rumors of impending riots began permeating the city. Everyone had opinions but no one seemed to have the facts.

As I watched the trial, it seemed to me that both individuals involved operated from a sense of fear and mistrust. Trayvon feared he was being followed and George feared another home invasion in his neighborhood. Did it all happen the way the trial painted it? We will never know.

But the jury, chosen by both prosecution and defense, heard and weighed the evidence and made a determination. The six women found George Zimmerman, the killer of Trayvon Martin, was not guilty of second-degree murder nor manslaughter. After more than 16 hours of deliberation, the verdict was unanimous.

However, the verdict has sparked wide-spread protest and dissatisfaction across the country. There has been a firestorm of criticism from social media, mainstream and cable networks as well as politicians, civil rights leaders and celebrities. Even one prosecutor has redefined her role a lawyer to one of “social engineering.”   Should we really castigate and vilify those who willingly sacrifice their time to listen, analyze and make a judgment in keeping with the evidence and the law because we didn’t get the verdict we wanted?  One thing is certain, there are no winners!

This world is a pretty messed up place! Margot Starbuck in Christianity today sets the stage: America is living with a deep racial wound. Many, today, are limping. They're hurting. Not a day goes by that racism relinquishes its visceral sting on our broken world. Yet, it's possible for many of us to ignore issues of race in America, to not see the pain around us.”  We seek answers, but they evade us!

 

Are there any real answers to our dilemma? Read the rest of the story here.

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Dare to Take Charge

Judge Hatchett is an accomplished woman: in addition to her successful syndicated show, she has been a corporate litigator and manager of international media relations, as well as a chief presiding judge of Fulton County, Ga.'s juvenile court.

On her nationally syndicated television show, juvenile court judge Hatchett  hears a fair share of trouble and woe. In this book, she shares some of the  troubles of her own life as well and offers strategies for overcoming the  challenges in life. She grew up in segregated Georgia and faced restrictions of  racism and sexism as she dared to imagine herself in a career in the law.  Hatchett drew on encouragement offered by parents and teachers and shares much  of their advice.

Sharing her own story and the experiences of those who have appeared in her courtroom, Hatchett challenges readers to take charge of their lives, to define their dreams and dare to achieve them, to try new things, and to start every day with a clear idea of what they can accomplish to move toward their goal. 

 
For nearly 10 years, Judge Glenda Hatchett has delighted TV audiences with a brand of justice that turns the everyday into something eminently watchable. Her message can be distilled into the following two words: Dare Yourself. Whatever obstacles or fears one faces,
 
Judge Hatchett's prescription implores readers to write their own story in this life. With care and conviction, Judge Hatchett uses real life stories from the courtroom and her personal life to counsel readers. She shows them how to find their true purpose and gifts, to be real about their reality and its potential outside of challenging circumstances, and to always be true to themselves.
 
Interactive as well as inspirational, Dare to Take Charge challenges the reader to ask self-reflective questions that lead to moments of self-discovery and a defined pathway to healing. Daring her audience to study the positive with the same interest and intensity that they study the negative, Judge Hatchett uncovers the potential for grace and success in lives that are now punctuated with despair and unfaithfulness.
 
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Leaving A Legacy


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Just a few days ago we celebrated the Fourth of July, marking our country’s independence from England. We can celebrate because of the enduring legacy left by our visionary founders two hundred years ago.  The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights – these documents describe the system of government they labored so diligently to establish. Our founders not only produced great documents which described freedom and honor, but they demonstrated the essence of these enduring concepts. That’s what makes their legacy so compelling and powerful.  George Washington’s integrity, Thomas Jefferson’s idealism, and Benjamin Franklin’s diplomacy set the stage for this country to become what it is today – the most powerful and prosperous democracy in the world, a beacon of success! Our founders left indelible footprints for us to follow.

 

Indeed, the true essence of success is a successor.  The concepts and principles learned and taught must be transferred to others who will carry the torch forward after our demise.

John Maxwell in an article, “Establishing a Legitimate Legacy” delineates four essential standards for building the foundation of a legitimate leadership legacy:

1. Character – Being and becoming a moral example. This is achieved through honesty and integrity.  People of good character are guided by ethical principles even when it’s physically dangerous or detrimental to their careers, social standing, or economic well-being. They do the right thing even when it costs more than they want to pay. Henry and Richard Blackaby say in their book Spiritual Leadership, “Integrity means being consistent in one’s behavior under every circumstance, including those unguarded moments.”

 

 2. Choices 3818712777?profile=originalThinking clearly and making wise decisions. According to Theodore Hesbrugh, “You don’t make decisions because they are easy; you don’t make decisions because they are cheap; you don’t make decisions because they’re popular; you make them because they’re right.”  As reflected in the book, “The Other Wes Moore,” choices can make the difference between heart-wrenching losses or moments of surprising redemption; from “White House Fellow and business leader” to “serving a life sentence in prison.” It all depends on which road you take when you come to the “fork in the road.” ( Every young man should read this fascinating story)

 

Read the rest of this blog here

 

Take action here today - toward establishing a lasting legacy of financial freedom, and character.


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