Smart LifeStyles

Understanding is a Fountain of Life

    My title is from the October 7, 2009 Daily Bread.  The scripture is from Proverbs 16:16-22, the verse that I am focused on is verse 22.

I understand what the Lord has for me to do with my life here in this earthly body.  He has gifted me with spiritual gifts and earthly gifts. I enjoy using them all.  I've taught the intricacies of Spiritual Gifts and how when we use them our lives are blessed.  My strongest gifts are to serve and teach.  Serving is easy because most people readily accept assistance.  Teaching is a struggle for me, because not everyone is open to change.  I've learned that having an open mind, willing to listen to new possibilities has helped me grow quickly in the Lord and my life has been blessed more than I could have ever imagined.

My Purpose in Life

    I have been connected to Christ and his teachings and my life has been enriched and full. I have connected with my congregation both within the four walls of Green Grove Baptist in West Berlin, New Jersey where I attend, and outside through my networking with various ministries.  I have also connected with my community in the work the I do in West Philadelphia in the after-school program; my work I do with my authors, and my work in the health and wellness industry.

My Teaching Moment

Word for Today: Wealth

"The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts." 1 Samuel 2:7 

^"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Deuteronomy 8:18

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:22

We have discovered the secret to legally and ethically build a business that will bless generations to come. I understand that being self-employed is not for everyone. Honestly, I only am looking for two more people to work with closely. 

Smart NuMath

3+3+3 does not equal 9.  3+3+3 = 27 Through understanding this equation, you will be given a fountain overflowing with an abundant lifestyle.

Email me at OneSmartLady50@gmail.com.

Start Where You Are: Lessons 1-10

How many times have you heard that before? If you want to be successful...Start where you are.  If you want to become a Christian...Start where you are.  No matter what your goals and aspirations...Start where you are.

It has been a long, hot, and tiring summer.  Philadelphia Freedom School is over and I am out of a weekly income, for now.  I am not panicking.  I know that I have in my hands everything that I need to build an income producing lifestyle.  It may begin as a trickle, but I envision a river of opportunities flowing my way.

I am currently reading, "Start Where You Are" by Chris Gardner, author of "In the Pursuit of Happyness".   I decided to use this book as a mentoring tool to get myself beyond the level of a "trickle" and up to the level where my bills are covered each week, not each month, but each week. I plan to sustain a savings that will yield a six-month cushion in the event of a catastrophe. 

I have three weeks before I am committed to return to work in the After-School Program in Philadelphia. Follow me as I design and implement my action plan to build a more stable business that will generate a solid and consistent income.  I ask that you accept my transparency as a tool that may help you move beyond the trickle that you may be receiving as an income.  Why is working more than one job the only option our people have to climbing out of debt?

 

The Tree of Life
"I am ready to bear Good Fruit"

Overview: Start with resources you already have.

Lesson One: Pursuit
Use Chris' C-5 Complex ingredients to a healthy plan.

• Be Clear
• Be Concise
• Be Compelling
• Be Committed
• Be Consistent

"Do not operate only by dreams and inspiration."

My personal question: What do I hope to accomplish before September 8, 2009?

1.    CLEAR AND CONCISE GOAL AND ACTION STEPS.

Design and implement a plan to pursue the following:

• Become a bestselling author
• Broaden my publishing network of services

What are my immediate goals?

Goal One: Get Back to Basic Self-Training

Action Steps:

1. Listen to my tapes "Power Publishing" by Lori Prokop & Janet Switzer.
2. Listen to my tapes "by Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield.
3. Re-read my books and articles on marketing and publishing.

Lesson Two: Empowerment

The Power of Choice

Focus on completing my own book because I have the track record as a traditional publisher, co-op publisher and contract publisher.  Empower myself, as well as others, to produce written work.

Definition of a publisher: "A company or person engaged in producing and issuing the work of an author."

Books I have published by other authors:

1. No, Nonsense Nathan! Written and Illustrated by Paula Nolte (1999)
2. Before the Smoke Screen by Dave Goerlitz and Gary LaForest (1999)
3. Matthew Mouse by Iris Calaci Illustrated by David Gonzalez (2001)
4. Animal Talk by Donald Morse (Pre-Publication Phase)
5. *Aunt Debra and My Favorite Things Poster by Debra A. Pedrow Illustrated by Sarah Reynolds (2002)
6. Alphabet Soup a Poetry Jam Edited by Deborah Karper...Collection of Poems written by the first graduation class of Creative Arts High School, Camden, New Jersey.
7. *Aunt Debra and the Snack'n String by Debra A. Pedrow - Illustrated by Sarah Reynolds (2004)
8. Eyes of the Dragonfly ---Poetry by Alonzo McCoy
9. CEO of Your Life by Theresa Dozier-Daniel (New Release - 2009)

*I am happy to share with you Debra Pedrow's personal blog. 

"Don't confuse desire to please people with desire to empower them."

Lesson #3: Attitude

"Maintain hope at all times"

Have a Can Do, Take Charge and Self-Reliant attitude.

Inventory

Where am I personally, professionally, emotionally, and physically?

1. Personally - doing fine with the help of the Holy Spirit who guides my every step; and forgives my mis-steps.
2. Professionally - not quite working at the level that brings in financial stability.  Nevertheless, I enjoy what I do.
3. Emotionally - balanced and stabilized by my Father who blesses me everyday.
4. Physically - I need to get back to my Tahitian Noni regiment and daily exercise.

"You have dominion over your mind, your beliefs, and your attitudes."

"The most important weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed."
Steve Bilko, South African Freedom Fighter

"The Habits of thinking often take longer to change than behavior."
Chris Gardner

Lesson #4: Ingenuity

"What's in your hand?" God asked Moses.

"The story of Moses illustrates that we should not place limitations on ourselves because of perceived lack of skills or resources, or we feel we are not at a high station to dare to do great things." Page 38

For years I lacked confidence because of my limited college education. For ten years off and on, I took courses in the evening while working full-time to get my associates degree in Business Management.  I knew I wanted to have my own business and only focused on business and marketing courses.  I didn't see the relevance in the liberal arts courses, plus I didn't have the funds to continue my college education. I had been laid off in 1985 and could only afford the two remaining classes in 1986 to graduate from St. Joseph's University in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia.  In spite of the fact I had been self-employed, worked with Fortune 500 and top corporations throughout the Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC areas and published nine (9) books; it wasn't until 2005 that I finally accepted my abilities and skills. 

Now, I have gotten into the habit of seeing what resources I have available before I move forward with an idea. It's amazing the gifts and skills you accumulate over the years.  Remember, your brain is a storage facility.  Tap into it.

Lesson #5:  Purpose

"Baby Steps Count Too."

"You may not see the entire staircase, but it is important to take that first step."
Dr. Martin Luther King

Stick-to-it! Remember the greatness of your purpose.  Page 45

My sense of purpose came to fruition after completing the six-day Philadelphia Freedom School Training Course in Maryland Eastern Shores University outside Baltimore and my role as Servant Leader Intern, teaching the six week PFS Program at Lea Community School in West Philly. 

Lesson #6: Instigation

1. Stop Hesitating
2. Take Action Now

"I have what I need to move forward.  I will write and follow a concise and clear plan of action."

Lesson #7: Inspiration

1. Who inspires me to move forward?

            a. Father, Son and Holy Spirit
            b. My husband-Willie
            c. My Pastor - George Holland
            d. My passion to serve

    2.    What inspires me to move forward?

            a. The Bible - 2 Timothy 3:16
            b. Biographies
            c. Well-written movies and books

Lesson #8: Perspective

"Peace be Still" Mark 4:39 (KJV) Page 56

"Take time to calm yourself and rediscover your strength, passions, and establish new goals.  Pray and wait for the clutches of anxiety to peal away."

Excerpt from Page 59:

To overcome despair, maintain perspective and make your way to solid ground.

Tips:

• Remove yourself from the crisis.
• Take a brisk walk or drive.
• Pray and meditate in a quiet spot.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings.

Lesson #9: Research and Development

Action Step:

Traditional Publishing Resources

1. Bowker
2. PMA
3. Library of Congress
4. Baker and Taylor and other distribution resources
5. Local bookstores
6. National bookstore online programs

Self-Publishing Resources

1. Onine Services
2. Distribution Services
3. Marketing Services

Lesson #10: Passion

When you find your passion, accept it fully and completely.  Be confident in your pursuit.  Never stop researching and developing new projects.

Goal: Fuel my passion for writing daily.

Action Step:

1. Talk to at least one writer a day.  Their enthusiasm for their projects will keep me fired up and focused.
2. Write one article each morning.
3. Work on my manuscript in the morning.
4. Work on client projects in the afternoon or early evening.

Post note:

I began reading "Start Where You Are" yesterday afternoon around 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon.  I knew immediately that it was the tool that would help me get back on track.  I love writing and I love working with people who write.  Experiencing a birth of a book or website is an awesome experience.

I began this post at 9:00 this morning and it is now 2:30.  Even though I am ending today's post, as soon as it's published, I'll take a short break.  I will then begin reading Chapter Two which covers Lessons 11-19. 

So until next time, identify your passion and start where you are.  Start today.

Your comments are welcomed. Please let me know if this post was of value to you.

Countdown to Forever

Yesterday was my birthday. I've completed another year, and I especially look forward to June 24, 2010.  Genesis 6:3 - Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is moral, his days will be a hundred and twenty."  The Lord says we all have one hundred and twenty years of life in us.  Next year I will reach the half-way point.  I see no reason to doubt his words.  

That is one of the reasons I am working very hard in changing my current lifestyle of not eating foods that will do more harm than good; and not carrying more weight than I should.  This is why I use the Tahitian Noni International's Tepoema Skincare Products and drink the original Tahitian Noni juices. I am a Trim Plan 40 advocate of daily nutritional supplements for women. These supplements help balance hormonal changes as I age.

I'm also supplementing my income. Tahitian Noni is not just a business, it's way of life.  I am actually paying myself to stay healthy.

Our mission statement is "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni and Tell the Story of lives transformed."  

The Lord has transformed my spiritual life. I know that as long as I am continually fed by scripture and live out my life here in this realm with honor and truth; the life that he has prepared for me in the hereafter will go on forever.  One Hundred and twenty years plus Forever...why not live the best life that you can during your time on earth.  Why not live it in good health and good spirits.

Join me in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.  Visit my website: Tahitian Noni International.  

Servant Leader Intern! Humbly I Serve...Boldly I Lead

This morning I am looking forward to a major event in my life.  This is the third challenge that I have undertaken in less than a year.  The first was, of course, my marriage to Willie last August. The second, taking a part-time job, after 23 years of independent consulting,  as an After-School Instructor.  Tomorrow I will begin my six day Servant Leader Intern training.  As part of my application process I had to write an essay on how I will contribute to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. Here is my essay.

"I have been blessed with many opportunities during my lifetime.  Because of my eclectic experience, I bring several talents and gifts to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. My first gift is the desire to serve.  Without that gift, I know I would not be adding anything of value to the movement. My second gift is my capacity to understand the needs of the individual scholars; not in an intellectual capacity, but in an empathetic awareness of their day-to-day need for recognition.  Each scholar carries a burden to survive whatever their home life had given them the night before, or that morning as they left for school.  Although the burdens are different from what I faced as a child, I clearly remember the need to be accepted and valued.   My desire to listen to the scholar is also an asset.  I take time to find out what their challenges are and try to address them appropriately.  I am committed to the growth of our community, as well as, the individual scholar.  I am especially committed to my own growth which allows me not to be rigid in my inter-action with the scholars.  Overall, the gift that I bring to the movement is my desire to teach relationship building.  Building relationships, through writing and communicating through the arts, builds a lasting foundation in a scholar’s life. A scholar who can write and communicate will lead a more successful and rewarding life."

Even now, as I re-read my essay, I have to remember to "die to self" and let the Holy Spirit guide me through this rigorous and rewarding process that I challenge myself to complete.  Today I am 21 days shy of 59 years old.  I'm overweight, but by faith and commitment I will complete the six day training and come out a much better prepared Servant Leader.  A servant to my Lord and his people and a leader to guide them through their personal challenges.

No, I don't have a problem!! Really...Maybe

Well, on Thursday I will begin a journey into the unknown.  I've talked about lifestyle changes in the past, and I've asked you to search your souls regarding your current lifestyle, and if it's where you want it to be. 

Financially I can say, "definitely not." I'm underemployed. 

I've been on Facebook a lot this week. There are a number of my friends who have recently lost their jobs.  Although in my secular abilities, there is nothing or very little that I can do for them. Nevertheless, as a child of God, I know that He hears prayers, and miracles are performed everyday.  Therefore, I place each and everyone of them in my prayers.  But...what about me?  Well, I also know that the Lord wants us to come to Him directly with our requests and petitions. I read scripture and have conversation with the Holy Spirit who shares my soul.

I took a part-time job to help bring in extra money as an After-School Instructor.  I am working to build the Tahitian Noni business with my husband. Finally, I work with writers to get their books in print.  I am not a vanity publisher or traditional publisher.  I am a Publishing Consultant. I do the technical layout and preparation for the printer. The current project has been a little harder to finalize. I am using Lulu Publishing for the first time, and a number of adjustments had to be made. It should be turned over to Lulu before the end of Wednesday this week.

Physically I can say, "definitely not happy with my weight." 

I'm overweight and feeling sluggish each day I stuff my face with chocolate bars and cookies.  Intellectually I know what I'm doing is not good for me, but emotionally I need to feed on "Hershey bars with almonds and almond laced cookies."  Now I rationalize that the candy bar only has 190 calories per serving size.  That's 5 blocks and there are 15 blocks total.  Not bad.  Not bad if I could stop at 5.   The almond cookies are sugar free.  I don't have the package around because, "I ATE THEM ALL."

I just finished my three day Trim Plan 40 cleanse.  I did okay on it, but I cheated two out of the three evenings.  I ate cookies Sunday and Monday evening at around 9:00.  It's seems this is my witching hour. I'm off the computer and I'm bored with TV.  We are both tired from our long day, but not ready to go to bed.

So looking back what have I learned?  I have a problem.  I need discipline.

Well on Thursday, June 4th I will be facing the hardest series of challenges in my life.  At 58 (59 on the 24th), I will be working side-by-side with youth 30 and 40 years my junior.  Teambuilding and preparing for my summer vocation in the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. I will be training to be a Servant Leader Intern. 

I will write a daily account of my experience, no matter how difficult or embarrassing.  I believe that it is never too late to change an unfulfilling lifestyle.  My lifestyle journey has been successful, with minor trips along the way.  I recently found this quote, "A trip is not a fall, it's a forward motion." So, as long as I moving forward, I'm advancing to a life that I believe the Lord has in store for me. A lifestyle that is abundant, and financially stable, with good relationships abound. 

If you need help or assistance, why not follow my blog and be a witness to my journey. 

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Books by Debra A. Pedrow are still available. 

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A Balancing Act---Tilt!!!

Tilt...game over!  It's 30 minutes before the end of April and I haven't completed my article for this month. April, not May.  It has really been a busy month. I try to wait until a big event occurs before writing my entry for the month. April has been an unbelievable ride.

Body, Mind and Spirit

    Exercise...Exercise...Exercise...Exercise.  If I say it enough, maybe I'll begin.  I had hoped to get back to my walking routine.  But, my late hours keep me in bed past 8:00 am. Not sleeping, but watching "Morning Joe."  I have really gotten interested in politics and I like the balance that his team and guests bring to the table. I do not always agree with the direction of their opinions, but I always have an opportunity to learn more than I knew the night before.

    Balancing my writing, twittering, publishing, and "after-school instructor" jobbing has been less of a challenge than you might think. Yes, I am tired when I come in after my 3 1/2 hour job. Working in an old brick and concrete elementary school in West Philly is physically challenging for my aging limbs. But, on the other-hand, my mind and spirit remain young and exuberant.  I especially enjoy working with the 9 and 10 year old girls.  I made the observation in a previous blog that I believe most of us, especially me, are emotionally stuck in 3rd or 4th grade mentalities.  We act and respond based on our emotions, instead of wisely acting and responding based on our thoughts and intuition.

    Balancing my time between projects; Theresa Daniel's "CEO of Your Life" and mine, "Joy Comes Through the Mourning" and "The SPA Hour" has been a bit one-sided.  I had planned in April to schedule my hours for each project. I believed I could complete all three and ready them for publication. After all, when I worked in corporate, I worked on multiple projects.  For the 20 years as an independent consultant, I traveled between clients, installing software and training clients.  For the past, six years...oh that's right; for the past six years I have been struggling to find my voice again.

    In 2004, I captured my first year as a widow in "Joy Comes Through The Mourning."  I never felt the ending was right.  In 2005, I put together "Pearl." A collection of adventures of a young girl living in a foster home; based on my childhood experience spending the summer with my godmother.  In 2008, I began an inspirational book for women entitled, "SPA Hour-Seeking Peace in Abundance."  It is a book and tool for women of all ages to set time aside for themselves.  "SPA Hour" guides them through a process of balancing their body, mind and spirit; once or twice a day.  Preferably twice a day.

    On May 1st, I send Theresa Daniel's book to be published.  On May 2nd, I begin the process to publish my three books.

    It's 12:05, May 1st.  Tilt!!! The balancing act did not work in April.  I burned the candle at both ends.  I over committed my time. I found twitter. I'll do better in May.

    Although my mind is full of great ideas and my body is tired, my spirit soars.  I truly have found peace this month through all of the challenges that have come my family's way.  I've laughed. I've cried. But, most importantly I've prayed.  God is so good to me.  He gives me the peace that I need to get through the rough times. Tilt!!!

    Life is not always smooth. It is just life.  It goes on and on and on; even if you do not. Be good to yourself.  Take care of yourself. If you should hit "Tilt!!!" may it tilt toward your hearts desire. 

Happy Spring!

 

I've Got What You Need...There I Said It!

It has been a long time coming that I finally get mad at friends and family who ignore the signs of deterioration.  They are overweight (obese), short-winded, their bodies wracked with aches and pains and they are depended up a number of prescription medications to sustain their quality of life. 

On Saturday, March 28th, my family and I were fortunate to participate in a health and wellness conference sponsored by Living Faith Christian Center in Pennsauken, New Jersey.  The conference title, "War on Sickness and Disease." LFCC has declared an all out war, and just like the French in the Revolutionary War who join in with the Colonist, my family who are not members of FFCC have joined their cause.  We have been fighting skirmishes within our home church with little success.  So we are estatic to be a part of a local church movement that is committed to bringing healthy lifestyles to their congregation.

Saturday's event was skillfully and masterfully executed.  The congregants and their family and friends came out with open minds about how their ills could be addressed wholistically with natural products and services.  Dr. Don Colbert was the keynote speaker and was on hand to sign his books which are available in the Kingdom Bookstore and Cafe.  We had an opportunity to follow through on our mission statement handed us by Tahitian Noni founders, "To bless the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni as we tell the story of lives transformed."  Our lives and lives of many of our friends and family members have been transformed by the noni fruit, seeds and leaves. 

We know that we have what you need to feel better each day.  We have what you need to help you lose and maintain a healthier weight by balancing hormone levels.  We have what you need to ease the pain of arthritis; fibromyoligia; and other joint and muscular pain. We have what you need to increase your immune system so you don't catch as many colds and other illnesses brought on by a weakened immune system.

It's okay to say no to wanting these products...but it is not okay to say no to the fact that you need our products.  It's not okay to continue to make excuses because the prices are too high.  The prices for anything is relative to how much you want something.  It is a fact that there are flat screen television sets in poor neighborhoods, as well as, in the middle-class.  I felt the same way about our prices, but as time went on, I took a hard look at how and where I was spending money.  Even before our price cuts in February, I had begun switching the products that I purchase from the supermarkets, super stores and pharmacies with TNI products. 

If you are serious about living a healthier lifestyle, call or write to me, We've got what you need.  To be able to be a blessing in the life of our family and friends, for us, is fulfilling God's charge for us. To show what a Godly family can do together...we are working this business together. And why not, we worship together, we pray together, and we go through together.

If you are local to Clementon, New Jersey...come and join us on Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM for the War on Sickness and Illness.  Come learn how you can live a healthier lifestyle, and find out how you can get paid doing it with our Member Rewards program.

Make a List and Check it Twice

Get on the right path to success.  What do you need to obtain all that you want in life?

Do you know exactly what these things are?

Stop and take 5-10 minutes to write down a list of up to 100 things that you would like to accomplish.

Breakdown your list in the following categories:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Finances
4. Ministry
5. Occupation
6. Entertainment
7. Travel

For each category, write down your experiences from the past 5-10 years that made you very proud.

From these experiences, ask yourself, "Is there anytime that I said, boy I would really like to do this for a living?"  If yes, take out a separate piece of paper and write that experience at the top of the page.  Begin writing about the experience as you remember it.  What did you do? Who was with you?  How did you feel?  How did they receive it?  Write down what you need to implement this experience part-time or full-time.

• How much money do you need to invest?
• What type of equipment or material do you need?
• Can you operate out of your home?
• Are there any additional skills that you may nee to learn?
• Do you need an advanced degree or certification?
• Do you need self-development to give you self-credibility, self-esteem or self-control?

Take 5 -10 minutes to write down all of your talents, abilities and gifts.  Take a careful inventory of yourself.

Don't focus on what you have been told, but focus and identify what you know about yourself.  Focus on your dreams and desires.  Once you've completed this segment; move on to the next step.

Make a list of people you would like to take to lunch or dinner, or just sit down and pick their brain.

Make a list of skills you would like to learn or strengthen.

Make a list of authors who have influenced your growth in the past.  Whose books are you reading? Whose audio tapes/cds are you listening to?

In order to obtain your goals and dreams, you have to be prepared with a game plan and support of friends, family and associates.