Do you remember when you were very young and dreams for your future filled your heart with excitement? Do your remember lying on a quilt in the evening and letting your gaze rise to the dark sky overhead and noticing a hint of starlight here and there. But, as you continued to look, little by little, and to your great delight, the stars filled the sky!

I want to assure you that no matter what your age or life experiences, your dreams are like those stars in the sky. They are lying softly and quietly hidden in the inner depths of your heart until you release them, one by one, to fill the sky of your life with their beautiful light.

Dreams and talents are as unique as the men and  women who possess them and when nurtured and developed, they not only change your life, but will shine brightly and create a place of beauty in the world around you.

My mission is to inspire, encourage, and empower you to live lives of beauty, honor, and freedom by creatively expressing you unique gifts and talents at home, in relationships, and in business.

It’s my hope that today you will find the courage to join me on this journey of making dreams come true. We’ll start with your dreams, and then as others come…and they will come…together we’ll let our lights shine so that they too may see the path clearly.

Other Incoming Search Terms

• Childhood Dreams
• Dreams
• Living Your Dreams
• Sharing Your Dreams
• Dream Lifestyle

Dreams Of Your Childhood

Dreams Of Your Childhood

Dreams Of Your Childhood

Dreams Of Your Childhood… is a post from: Women Working From Home

Send Out Cards? In the mail? Snail mail?

Yes, I know. Email video is great! And I wouldn’t be without it.

But, there’s just something about receiving a heart felt card in the mail that will never be out of date. Even in a high tech world!

I love to send and receive cards. A few days ago, I pulled out a Valentine’s Day Card that my husband gave me 30 years ago and it still brought a smile to my face. My teens thought it was great! It showed them a side of their dad that they thought was pretty cool.

There’s just something about holding a card in your hand and reading the words that were written just for you that makes your heart sing.

Why Send Out Cards?

Well, maybe I’m just an old fashioned girl but I don’t think that’s really it a all. My 16 years old daughter loves to send out cards. And so do my 17 and 19 year old sons. They love to find the perfect card for the occasion and then they love to watch the response of the person who receives the card. One of the boys has a friend in NC who loves to fish. So, he created a unique card for his friend and it was a big hit.

I wanted to send out cards to my husband and have them mailed to his office. I added a Starbucks gift card to one card and an American Express gift card to another.  It was a huge success! My daughter made a special card for her dad as well, and it too arrived at his office unexpectedly. I think that’s one thing that makes it so unique. Who doesn’t love an unexpected surprise? Don’t you love knowing that someone was thinking of you and that they cared enough to go beyond “thinking” to doing something to remind you that you are loved.

From Hallmark, To Home, To Send Out Cards…

Hallmark has beautiful cards to select from for those of us to want to send out cards. I love the atmosphere of the Hallmark shops and could spend loads of time there. But, I don’t have the time. So, I use an online service to send out cards. It’s quicker, less expensive, and it’s fun because I can create my cards from scratch using pictures from my computer. I can browse images on Google and find the perfect picture that expresses what I want to say.

My kids have an Xbox friend with whom they’ve made a great connection. I’ve gotten to know Josh a little through the kids and wanted to let him know that he’s my favorite of the Xbox friends. So, I went to my online card catalog and found the perfect card. He’s a fisherman so on the front of the card that I selected for him is a picture of a large mouth bass wearing a hat. I selected a gift of brownies to go along with it and clicked send. The card was on it’s way, along with the gift, and I never left my house. It’s just the coolest thing to be able to send out cards so quickly and easily!

To Send Out Cards Can Be A Family Affair!

My grandmother also loved to send out cards so I’m sure that’s where my passion for sending cards was born. It’s also an outlet for sharing my love of words. One of my core values is beauty, so when I find a beautiful card it touches something in my heart. Don’t you agree that this is true for many people.  Receiving a card gives us a moment to embrace the gift of stillness.

I invite you to join me in keeping this tradition alive. I would love for you to experience the joy of sending a card today! So, just click on this link to send a free card TODAY to someone you love. Enjoy the experience!

Other Incoming Search Terms:

• How To Send A Card Online
• Send Out Cards Today
• Send Out Cards Online
• Easy Send Out Cards
• Send Out Cards Daily
• Sendoutcards
• Send Out Cards

Send Out Cards To Brighten Someone’s Day

Send Out Cards To Brighten Someone’s Day

Send Out Cards To Brighten Someone’s Day

Send Out Cards To Brighten Someone’s Day… is a post from: Women Working From Home

My grandmother grew up on a farm outside a small town in North Texas. Life brought its mountain tops and heartaches across her path and her response to those experiences made her into a strong, compassionate, and loving woman who in her early 40′s became “Mama” to my two sisters and myself.

Mama’s friends didn’t support her decision, but life had taught her to think differently than most people.

She Could Have Said No…

She could have said, “NO!” but compassion moved in her heart!

She could have refused but love compelled her!

She could have said, “Find someone else!” but in her mind she knew that no one else would rise to the occasion.

So She Took Us As Her Own And That Has Made All The Difference…

…because she loved me unconditionally.

…because her belief in me helped me to believe in myself.

…because she listened to the questions and yet let me find my own answers.

…and when my answers differed from her own she didn’t walk away!

…because my personal development as a little girl, teenager, young woman, wife, and mother was a journey that she respected as “my own.”

It’s true for each of us isn’t it that the journey through life is “our own?” But, “Thank God” for those in our lives who have seen us through eyes of love and acceptance and in so doing have given us the courage and confidence to blaze our paths as only we can do.

When doubts and trials come our way and  we are bombarded with negative thoughts which attempt to hinder us, we must refuse to let them find a resting place in our minds. Rather, we can return in our minds to those moments of encouragement and replay the words that meant so much to us.”

“I had no one like your Mama in my life” you may say.  And my response to you is, “Fear Not!” for if you believe you can indeed invite such people in your life.

You can have those who will join you along the way and if you look closely and carefully, you may be surprised to find them all around you.

You’ll find them in the coffee shop, in the clothes shop, or in your favorite restaurant. You’ll find them on the pages of the books that line the library shelves. You’ll find them in the lyrics of the songs, in the words of  movies, and even in the laughter of children.

When You Open Your Mind And Heart, You’ll Find That Your Vision Expands!

It really is true that you can seek and find, you can knock and the door will open, and as you give it will be given unto you so that you find that for which your heart longs.

Don’t wait! Begin now to reach out and touch the lives of those around you. Find out what makes their heart sing and be the one who believes in them. As you do you’ll find your own life growing richer with each day.

I Remember Mama is a post from: Women Working From Home

Home Based Business…

Home based business owner? Who’s the boss? You are! This is your home based business, and you’re going to build it according to your own set of values. That’s exactly how it should be and you must guard against anyone who would try to run the show for you.

Find a few successful people who you trust that have blazed the trail before you in their own home based business and learn from them. But remember, they are there to support you, not to pour you into a mold of their own making.

Find Those Who Have Gone Before You And Built A Successful Home Based Business …

True leaders will be happy to guide you along the path to success while encouraging you to use your own talents in the development of  your home based business. Search until you find one of those leaders and then stick to them like glue!  I’ve been fortunate to find such mentors and it’s made all the difference in the world. They are my MENTORS, but not my bosses!

You Are The CEO Of Your Home Based Business…

Your schedule is yours! Work around your life instead of living your life around your work schedule. A disciplined woman knows how and when she needs to work, and she also knows that there’s more to life than work.

Being your own boss means that you can sleep in when you need to; it means you can take your kids to the park on Tuesday, and if you want to stay out late on Sunday evening, go ahead, because you’re the boss! And because you’re the boss, you’re 100% committed to becoming a leader that others will follow. You’ll align yourself with other  home based business leaders who share your values, and you’ll build your business with honor and integrity.

You won’t try to be a “guru” but will set your eyes on the goal and invite others to share the journey. You’ll recognize and utilize the gifts of team members but you’ll never encourage them to become co-dependent for that would simply destroy what you are building. Rather, you’ll encourage others to become the true CEO’s of their own home based business. You’ll accomplish this not only with your words but even more importantly, by the example of leadership that you set before them on a daily basis.

The home based business industry is an exciting venture. It’s one that can change lives beginning with your own. So, be the best boss of your own home based business that you can be and watch the magic!

You’ll climb the mountains with those who won’t turn back and in so doing you will build a lifestyle of freedom..at home, in relationships, and in business!

Other Incoming Search Terms:

• Home Based Business
• Network Marketing
• Home Based Business Leadership
• Work At Home Mom’s
• Home Based Business Opportunity
• Work At Home Business Opportunity

Who’s The Boss Of Your Home Based Business

Who’s The Boss Of Your Home Based Business

Who’s The Boss Of Your Home Based Business

Who’s The Boss Of Your Home Based Business? is a post from: Women Working From Home

Now, I’ll have to admit that I’m “preaching to the choir” here because this is something that I really need to work on. If I’m working on a project, I become so laser focused that I could spend hours in front of my computer or typing away on my laptop.

And when I do, my family begins to complain, and I really don’t accomplish as much as I could if I would pace myself and work in two hour increments with breaks in between. But I digress.

We need to lighten up a little and add more down time just to “be” and enjoy our lives. My husband once told me that I didn’t know what fun was anymore. “OUCH!” But he was right, and I knew that I was the only one who could change that.

So, I began to take small steps (I’m really big on small steps!) to perk up my life a little bit.

I’m not a “party girl” so throwing a big bash wasn’t going to work for me. I began to get out more; going for walks, out to lunch, or to a movie. I started shooting hoops with my boys and trying to learn how to actually catch the football that they threw my way.

I’m going to start quilting again, and I’m planning a trip to the beach with my kids.

We’ve booked a cabin in the hills of Tennessee so we’ll be hitting the road in June and our sons, their wives, and their kids will be joining us.

A trip to Gettysburg this summer would be fun because all of my boys spent years studying the Civil War.

Katherine and I like to go to the Ceramics Shop and paint whatever objects catch our fancy. It seems that the more time I spend doing little things that are fun, the more inspired I am to do more.

What about you? How often does fun makes its appearance around your house and what form does it take?

We’re all different and fun comes in many different forms for each of us, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to write a comment and share what fun things you love to do. Your words may very well inspire other readers to try something new this week.

So, be sure and leave your comments below.

Jack And Jill… is a post from: Women Working From Home

Incoming search terms:

• jack play with jill
• jack and jill shop gettysburg
• jackandjill

Family visits are indeed wonderful but saying “Goodbye” is difficult when you know it will be a long time before you will look into the faces of your loved ones again.

It had been two years since we had seen my son, Christopher and his wife, Tasha when they came for a visit in August.

It’s December now and their precious baby girl was born in October.

I refuse to miss seeing this little girl grow up! I plan to know her intimately and to see her holding her grandpa’s hand as they go for walks together.

I want my daughter Katherine to have the joy of babysitting her little niece and for my boys to know the gentleness that a little baby girl can bring into their lives.

So, I have a dream!

And I take steps every day towards living that dream! My dream is about creating financial freedom, and leaving a legacy for my kids.

It’s about enjoying time freedom so that our days are planned according to what we feel called to do without limitations imposed upon us by rigid work schedules.

It’s about experiencing ultimate health so that we can live life to the fullest.

I believe that many families want to be, and should be free to live life on their own terms and that’s why I work with people to help them create financial independence, enjoy time freedom, and experience ultimate health.

What about you? What do you believe and what are your dreams? What’s your vision for TODAY?

Reflecting upon where our hearts want to take us is a good thing yet action must follow reflection. Without action we’ll live inside of “daydreams” and leave behind us “unlived lives.”

So, let me ask you again, “What is your vision for the rest of your life, and how will you make that vision a reality?”

How Are Your Dreams Unfolding? is a post from: Women Working From Home

True Beauty is a post from: Women Working From Home

If you’re sitting in your office as your read this post, please take a look around. How’s the environment in your office? Is it chaotic? Is it cluttered? Do you walk in every morning greeted by a desk that’s ready for you to sit down and go to work, or do you have to move stacks of paper, and take yesterday’s coffee cup to the kitchen?

Until we take control and create a peaceful atmosphere in our offices we will accomplish very little.  An orderly and well organized office allows us to be more focused, more creative, and more productive. So, clear off your desk and keep it cleared. You should be able to walk into your home office, sit down at your desk, and go right to work. If you have to put away piles of papers, supplies, and move trinkets and books out of your way, your creativity will be drained before you even start your work day.

Some people work well with music playing in the background. Just pick your music wisely so that you don’t find yourself focusing on the music rather than your work.

Establish the habit of closing shop everyday with a clear desk and see what a difference it makes and take note of how much more you accomplish each day. You’ll be surprised!

Your Home Office Environment is a post from: Women Working From Home

Incoming search terms:

• home office blog
• office environment

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled…

And that has made all the difference…

If you’re an Entrepreneur you’ve already taken the road less traveled and leadership is calling your name.  Don’t be afraid to step up to the plate and answer that call!  Face the fear and do it anyway! It’s as simple as taking others by the hand and teaching them something new, serving them, and leading by example.

The first thing to understand is that there are people looking for YOU and your unique gifts and talents.  And until you move past the fears that hold you back from connecting with and leading those people, you will never move forward in your personal or business endeavors. You’ll simply sit on the fence watching as success passes you by. And you deserve better than that!

You deserve to fully embrace entrepreneurship with every fiber of your being and step into leadership not only for yourself, but even more importantly for those who need and desire what you can give to them. Many people are searching online for someone they can connect with; someone they can get to know, and like, and trust.  They’re searching for someone who will be honest with them and point them in the right direction. And unless you put aside your fears and share your life, your value, and your knowledge with them, the connection they are seeking will elude them.

It goes without saying that a brand new entrepreneur doesn’t know everything that a seasoned entrepreneur knows, but don’t forget that the seasoned entrepreneur had his beginning days as well.  The truth is, knowing everything isn’t necessary. What is necessary is the willingness to lead by example.

Leading by example means learning something new, implementing it, and teaching what you’ve learned to your team. It means being willing to attend events, seminars, and trainings to connect with your industry leaders so that you can learn from them and build relationships with them. It means being committed to master your craft over time and guide others along the same path.

Commit to doing the few simple things daily that lead you in the direction you want to go. Continue to grow personally so that you can share with others what you learn about personal development. Develop a mindset for success and guard against anything that would undermine that mindset.

Be authentic and share your journey so people can see that you’re like them, and if you can succeed so can they.

If you develop the mindset of a leader and follow the steps of true leaders consistently, you’ll be amazed at the transformation of leadership that develops in your life.

Is it scary? Of course! But so what! You didn’t become an entrepreneur to sit inside your comfort zone did you? Let nervousness be the adrenaline that moves you forward and drives you across the finish line. Then do it over and over and over again!

Be the real YOU and let your light shine!  Live authentically in your life and in your business and people will follow.  And when they do, it will be an incredible and fulfilling journey.  And it will be so much fun!

The Path To Leadership is a post from: Women Working From Home

Incoming search terms:

• steps on the path to leadership

Art, in every form involves originality and creativity.  Art is an expression of what lies within the heart and mind of the artist.  Step outside just before dawn and watch as the sun paints the sky with its warmth and lights morning with its brilliance.  Watch the moon in the evening and see its color and size change as it rises in the sky. Think of the thunder and the flash of lightening as it plays a symphony that thrills the observer.  Creation is indeed a beautiful expression of art that fills our lives day in and day out.

So it is with life at home.  We take what we have at hand and create something beautiful.  Because of our artistic creativity, an empty and bare house becomes a work of art that touches the heart of those who enter its doors. Such a home becomes a haven of rest for the weary, a shelter from the storms, a place for good conversation, and a place of safety.

Like the artist, we begin with a vision, or an idea of what it means to us to feel “at home” and we allow that vision to inspire and move us to action so that little by little, our homes become all that we envisioned them to be; not only do we find comfort there, but so will everyone who comes through our doors.

The “Gentle Art of Homemaking” isn’t necessarily recreating the glossy pictures we admire in our favorite interior design magazine. It’s much more than “design.” It’s about creating a place of peace, rest, and shelter from the storm.  It’s about creating an atmosphere where gifts and talents can blossom, dreams are born and new ideas for life and business are free to flow.

Creating this atmosphere in our homes is a journey that is ever changing just like the changing seasons of our lives.  If we stay the course, in our homes and in our businesses, we’ll find inspiration along the way that will spark dreams we’ve yet to imagine, and courage to bring those dreams to fulfillment.

Creating Our Home’s Atmosphere is a post from: Women Working From Home