Blog Posts

Money Steps that helps you to improve from 'Broke to Better'

11/29/2014

Single Adult -- get a job and mentor, create a vision board of goals/dreams, new car, start life and disability insurance, start IRA or business, establish credit rating, complete education in area of interests, start emergency savings fund, hobby, social activities ....and create a sample budget

Get a Job, Create a Budget and Start Savings

Investment idea (20s): invest in growth stocks or S&P500/DJIA index funds 90%, 10% cash

Home monthly payment -- 35% take-home pay   Car monthly payment -- 15% take-home pay
Tip:
Before making major purchases check your credit score, if low, try to raise it by 50 - 100 points

Young Married – create a vision board of goals/dreams, get a marriage/career mentor, small house, condo, adequate flood, life and health insurance, start IRA, bigger car, emergency savings fund ....and      create a sample budget

Start Savings and Purchase Disability and Life Insurance

Investment idea (30s): cash 10%, small business or rental property 20%, 70% growth stocks or index funds

Parenthood – education fund for kids, larger home, vision board of family dreams/goals, emergency fund, day care, vacations, IRA or small business ownership
Plan for Kids College and Your Retirement

Investment idea (40s): cash 10%, small business or rental property 30%, 60% growth stocks or index funds

Parent Older Kids – make plans for retirement, disburse education funds, may take care of parents, kids activities, a major illness (disability) ....and create a sample budget
Financially Squeezed - Juggling parents aging, kids, bad health and career

Investment idea (50s): cash 10%, small business or rental property 40%, 50% growth stocks or index funds

Empty Nest - smaller house(paid off), kids gone, pursue dreams, roll IRA into Fixed Annuity
Pay for kids college, stuck in dead end jobs

Investment idea (60s +): cash 15%, small business or property 50%, 35% growth stocks or index funds

Retirement - Fixed Annuity (Secure Income & no debt), travel, volunteer in organizations that you would like to leave a legacy of service and funding.....and create a sample budget
Retirement Benefits

Investment idea:(70s+): cash 15%, fixed income from selling small business or rental property 70%, 15% growth stocks or index funds

Emergencies -- Unexpected financial or medical tragedy or disaster Local Social Services
Tip: 3 to 6 months of savings in cash, helps to pay for unexpected expenses (repairs, etc)
Why? To avoid the high interest rate pay day and title loans when in a 'crisis'.

A. Save $5 - 20 a week to build a 3 to 6 months reserve...in a savings account, you 'spend and replace' funds in this account as needed for 'unexpected expenses'(keeping between $1,000 - $5,000 in emergency funds is a good idea). Build a emergency fund first, then move to investments, etc.

     1. Purchasing home warranties for major appliances may reduce cost of repairs
     2. Purchasing warranties on major car parts may reduce cost of repairs

Disability Benefits - Life happens to everyone, short term or long term illness that prevent you from working for a period of time. How to apply for Disability

Burial - Life Insurance cover expenses left behind, try to leave more than just your last name behind
Things to do when loved one dies

Final financial wisdom: Create a will to distribute your possessions to the causes and people you would love to help

Inheriting money after a loved one dies.
Widows Benefit

Take about 70% of the money to pay down outstanding debts (credit cards, mortgage) and add money to your 'rainy day' savings account, if you have no debt place money into safe investments that grow your money
Plan to 'blow' about 20% of the money on self and family(clothes,vacations,upgrades, etc)
Split the other 10% between an investment that is making money that you don't have to worry about and donating to a charity that honors the loved ones life...if it was not included in the will

Tip:
Use coupons to 'stretch your money farther' in the month. coupons
Always look for deep discounts ......there's always a 'sale' somewhere for what you want.

Use only 30% of total credit card balances when making purchases, keep 2 cards.

File and Store Household record keeping about purchases, taxes and documents

Make it a goal to be free of debt by the time you expect to retire. Choose a home loan, vehicle loans that you payoff during your working years. If you are worried about bills, you can’t enjoy retirement, by doing what you and only you want to ....whatever that is!
Eliminating Household Debts

Starting a Business.....Wonder and Ponder the question, What is an idea, that i can financially live on for a lifetime? Small Business Resources

Putting money in 401K at work.....Warren Buffet states, 'Put the money in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund and forget moving it around' ...the return is greater and the fees are less over time (you make more money)

Put $10 - $35 weekly into a 401K, invested into S&P index fund (10% interest), from age 20 - 65, may allow you to have $1 million dollars in retirement. If you change jobs, a rollover IRA will allow you to do the samething. Of course, if your company matches your money, take advantage of that increase in deposits, as well.

Broke-to-Better blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Daily Spiritual connection helps us to Conquer the Trials and Test

3/9/2014

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Numbers 23:19, GOD does not lie.....in any situation.
Proverbs 3:5-7 In all thy ways acknowledge GOD and I will show you the best path to take.
Luke 5:4-9, God will tell you exactly what to do, you must obey to get the right results

Below is the steps you can do to find guidance to living your best life.

1- Read a daily devotional and have quiet time in the morning before going to work or before the kids get up. It helps you to place positive and peaceful thoughts in the mind. This allows you to attract other pleasant events throughout the day. Even when hateful things happen, you don't 'go off' as fast.

A. When your mind is at peace....sensible answers come to solve your problems.

2- Pray about your circumstances, then stop worrying, wandering and doubting. Have faith that things will workout, maybe not how you planned, but just how it was meant to be.
A. God plan is always better than yours.......

Make a list of what is bothering you, Then Ask God for wisdom and pray,
In my current circumstances, GOD show me the 'truth', what is the wise thing for me to do!
and Give me the strength to do it! Guide me to the right people and resources to help me do it.

3- If you have problems paying your bills, be proactive about talking to creditors. Call them and
and talk to them before they start calling and chasing you. Dishonesty leads to trouble. They will work with you at an affordable repayment plan. They want money, something is better than nothing.

4- You must visualize where you want to be, stop focusing on current circumstances and blame! It will keep you stuck. Because you continue to ask 'why', and 'how come'?
A. Write down what you want to buy when you have money and who you want to give 'gifts' to and then write down how it would make you feel and how they would feel. Then pray over the list, release it from your mind, do something else and watch over time as it begins to show up in your life at your level, as if it was magic.

5- Don't be ashamed to ask for help! Most people have not because they ask not!
A. You google for information not wisdom. For wisdom ask GOD to direct you to who to ask for help.
'Godly directions not intentions get you to your desired destination, perfectly'.

6-   Before you go to bed take 5 minutes and write down what happen during the day that made you laugh, something new you may have learned that day or what happened that you were grateful about.
A. You will be amazed at how helpful people become around you. Life opens up when U do.

7-  Before you go to sleep, ask GOD to help forgive you and your enemies, those that have done hateful things to you during the day (even, if you don't mean it). It helps you to calm down before you face them 'fools' again. Also, when done at night it will help you to sleep and not wake up tired, due to fighting in your mind while trying to sleep.
A. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling.

8- Stop talking to negative people, stop repeating negative events in your head or gossiping after 8 pm. You will be amazed how well your sleep improves and your outlook changes. Listen to positive thinking music, people, watch a good tv show or movie. This will keep you out of a lot of unnecessary 'drama' situations in your life.

9- Eating the right amount of fruit and vegetables or drinking a cup of 100% vegetable juice twice a day keeps you calm in the storm during the day and improves sleep at night.

10- Exercise whether walking, running or jumping......if done for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week, help you to think better thoughts, more energy to do fun things, helps 'sex hormones' to work better, lowers your rate to be quickly irritated by sounds and people.
A. Affirmation ....I give myself permission to love and respect myself, more

Ways to Manage Stress

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Managers: Social Media and Your Brand

3/5/2014

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One must increase profits by reducing expenses and errors, reorganizing workforces and improve quality.

In today’s economy, one may only work for a company 1 to 3 years, instead of 20 as in the prior years, as a manager.

If you do nothing else, on a monthly basis update your resume on job boards, it keeps your name in circulation for future jobs. Yes, you must perform and promote yourself, shamelessly at the same time to remain competitively.

Here’s a tip on using ‘keywords’ in your resume and social media to get human resource recruiters, attention. Note, not using keywords in your resume will not allow there computer to detect that you are in the system.

I have found the following ‘keywords’ are used in general management resumes, business networking sites and job boards.

I recommend that you use them in your summaries, job description/accomplishments to describe yourself as an ‘effective’ manager to solve a company problem.

Setting clear expectations
Establish performance indicators
Increasing Profits
Meeting and Exceeding Deadlines
Quality Improvement
Reorganizing Workforces
Training and developing employees

Finally, don’t forget to post the same professional picture and about me tag line on all available career networking sites and job boards, consistency keeps your personal brand memorable to others.

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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From broken-hearted to better..... Finding a Mate

2/14/2014

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Have you ever been divorced, abused, rejected by someone you believed loved you?
Lesson Learned: Everything you are attracted to, you may not be compatible with (just because it look good, doesn't mean you can live good with it)

Take a minute, a deep breath, a vacation and say to yourself 'I love U and I approve of myself '......because in relationships you have to love you, first. Always know, No matter where you are, somebody is always attracted to you irregardless, of your look, money, size, color or disability.

To use the lyrics from Berry Gordy and Jackie Wilson song, 'To be loved'

Someone to care,
Someone to share,
Lonely hours,
And please don't make decisions in moments of despair

13 Things that will not make you feel loved in a relationship

A person who is controlling (Bossy Bully), negative, know it all, cheater, disrespectful, jealous, selfish, abusive, dishonest (liar), destructive, hot-headed, foolish, loud mouth, taker who is not nice to you or others. The person has completely different values and priorities than you, yes, being equally yoked (compatible) does matter.

Now pray, GOD, I want to see something new.

Someone to kiss,
Someone to miss,
When you're away
To hear from each day.

13 Things that will make you feel loved in a relationship

A person who genuinely cares about and believes in you
A person that understands your challenges and is not using them as reasons to walk away
A person who makes you feel safe, they don’t point out every flaw and criticize every mistake
A person who makes you feel good about being who you are
A person who makes you feel loved and cared for
A person who makes you feel wanted
A person who listens to your gripes and needs, then bring healing to your heart
A person who is dependable and reliable to fight life battles along side of you
A person who appreciates you spending time and doing things with and for them
A person who encourages you towards becoming your best
A person who supports you toward achieving your dreams
A person who finds you interesting, accepts you as you are and respects your opinions
But most of all there honest, you can always trust what they say.

The key to finding a mate is finding someone that is a lifetime companion and friend, that celebrates U not tolerate you.

Wait for the person who pursues you and accept your past, support your present, and encourages you to achieve your dreams in the future.

Make sure you both want the same things, Before you get your heart involved

And most of all, wait for the person who will make you a priority, because that's where you belong and how you deserve to be treated.....

As months past and things begin to chill, keep it real by making sure, it's GOD's will
and not written in the sand, to be washed away, before it hardens like clay

Then everyday play and pray, to enjoy the day

But to be truly, truly, truly loved
Is more than all of these things!

At the end of the day, both partners want the same blissful feelin

To be loved, to be loved
Oh, what a feeling,
To be loved

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Addiction....you can move from 'broken to better'

1/5/2013

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12 step resources

If you gulp down the first (meal, drink, or puff) to get the soothing effect of the alcohol, food or drugs.

If you don't want to 'hear it' about your alcohol, food or drugs consumption with family or friends...or leave the room or get mad if its mentioned, then stay mad for weeks.

If you have to consume more for the same effect, everytime, you might be an addict.

If you get pissed off, frustrated, bored or scared and you need a drink, drugs, food or sex to calm you down.

If you have blackouts and sneaking drinks or food ('get high to calm your nerves, 'get drunk to deal with the situation' or 'eating to deal with them people' before a party and then acting 'calm, cool and collected' during the party).

If you get paid on Friday and have no money on Monday.

If you have a drink, a pill, a joint, sex or some food, to feel comfortable in social situations. To take the edge off a little.

If there is a clutter of little papers of (food, drugs, or alcohol) in your car or in your bedroom.

If your family is clinching there purses to there sides, men have moved wallets to the front pockets, women have hung there furs on the back of the chair there sitting in, and they clear a path for you to walk past them during thanksgiving and christmas holidays.

If you tell yourself that no one gives a damn about you, others just don't get you, or you don't fit into the world around you to justify your behavior. The (alcohol, drug, food) protects yourself from more pain and disappointment, so you indulge more to get to the (I feel better, now) feeling.

If you grew up in a alcoholic or super religious home and/or were abused in some way as a child

If you are paying attention, your mind tells you what you need to know whether we want to hear it or not. If it is haunting you with questions such as "What am I doing," "Why do I keep doing it," and "Why can't I stop," take note. Your problem may have crossed that line into addiction.

If you get upset in your chest when others bring up the subject and then instantly defend yourself with statements like: "It's not a problem for me, "If other people don't understand, it's their problem," "I can stop doing it anytime I want to," or "I'm not hurting anyone but myself?" But, in your heart, you know these things aren't true?

If you blame your behavior on others or a situation, just know, its a 'sorry' excuse for addicts that keeps them from taking responsibility for their choices. When others are out of the picture, and the situation is resolved and the behavior continues, it's a clear sign that the problem -- is yours.

If you have tried to curb your habits with self-help books, DVDs, and CDs, none of them improved your problem.

OK, It doesn't matter whether it's alcohol or shopping, drugs or clutter, eating or not eating, gambling or gotta have it sex -- if it's causing problems, and you can't quit even though you want to, then it is an addiction. The good news is that there is help ranging from treatment centers and anonymous meetings to individual therapy. Very few addicts find successful, long-term recovery without a support system.

Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

To be honest, everyone knows your an addict, you just don't know. I am a 'foodie', food addict, I thought for years nobody knew I had a problem with food. Going to events, eating salad, while the fast food smell was on my breath and clothes. I would stop off and eat fast food before going to family and social functions. Then eat light in front of everybody. Nobody ever said anything until, I started getting clean.(lol)

The ultimate goal in recovery is to be happy and free -- free to live life boldly and unafraid, to embrace others and the world around you without the burden of addiction. There is a whole world out there waiting for you to shine your light on it and, through brutal honesty and seeking help, it's possible to get there. Living life on life terms and having fun, being peaceful towards others.

Mentally, we are hungry for nourishing experiences. When you are emotionally nourished or at peace, the cravings stop. You cannot heal what you are not aware of that is 'driving you to drink'.

Following your counselor, sponsors direction or attending recovery meetings, helps to make your healing possible.

You know what, whenever you are tempted, pray "God, will not let me slip up today." and believe with all your heart and find peace. The cravings of addiction ceases, one moment, one day at a time.

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Marriage from 'broken to better'... Building the Nest without Thorns

7/23/2012

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A successful marriage is one where you are supported, working together as a team, safe to express yourself, respected for who you are and most of all treated as priority. A place  where you have reasons to smile most days. The best part of your day is going home to your like-minded partner, who is your companion to grow with as a friend and lover, in a playful and peaceful environment.

She Wants
To be loved and listened to

1- She wants to wake up and know we both are on the same team and want what's best for the other one no matter what, dependable and reliable.  Yet, have the ability to laugh at life, when we get it wrong. It shows you care about her feeling loved, cherished and honored.

2- She wants to trust him and be accepted for who she is(let her be who she is). She wants loyalty, honesty and openness from him. She wants to always know she is the 'apple' of his eye, that she looks good and matter to him.

3- She wants him to talk to her, respecting her opinion and understand her needs. She wants him to get in the habit of checking in with her and schedule time alone for undisturbed heart-to-heart talks. She truly values friendship and companionship with her partner(the ability to give meaningful feedback to her questions).

4-  She wants stability and security of enough money to live on comfortably.

5- She wants him to be a good father. Committed to spending time with her and the kids, doing fun activities.

6- She wants him to be a leader. The ability to discuss and agree upon goals for the family with her. She wants him to take the initiative to find solutions to family problems and achieve goals.

7- She wants him to look his best and be physically fit, she values his ability to make sensitive, passionate, sensual love to her on a spontaneous basis and be handy and helpful around the house. She desires to have fantasy discussions about fun things to do with her mate.

8- She wants him strong. Courage to deal with difficulty, pain or danger without backing away. Set limits on the bad treatment he accepts from others. Yet, she does not accept 'abuse' of any kind.

9- She wants him to talk over his thoughts before he make decisions that benefit the family aspirations, celebrate achievements.

10- She wants him to take responsibility for his actions. Don't blame others when you did wrong. She does not want a soft guy who is timid, because she expects you to get the job done from the boardroom to the bedroom. Yet, be nice and kind to her and others.

He Needs
To be admired and supported

1- He needs a builder that genuinely cares about him, trustworthy team partner and a good looking wife. Loyalty, cooperation and respect is what he values most.

2- He needs friendship that entails honest loving conversations to know she is supportive, loyal and understands him. Women, the person you chose to marry deserves your respect, and the respect of others, so don't gossip, ridicule or complain about your partner at parties or family gatherings. Support in public and correct in private.

3- He needs her to be his playmate, someone he enjoys hanging out with. Engage in recreational activities that both can enjoy together.

4- He needs sexual fulfillment with his partner. Keep yourself in shape, welcome spontaneity. Be open to new ideas and enjoyable exploration.

5- He needs peace and quiet to think over and discuss what's best for the family. Men will not tolerate a game-playing ‘bossy drama queen’ or 'drop and plop' nastiness for very long. She respects his thoughts and do not fight or tear him down on everything she disagrees with.

6- He needs a confident, smart and secure, women that have there own friends and interests.

7- He needs a genuine person that can laugh at herself and who is uplifting, kind, supportive and loving. She supports his endeavors and don't put obstacles in his way. He needs a prayer partner to help him stay connected with GOD for strength and guidance to make the best decisions for the family prayer list requests.

8- He needs her to believe in him, acknowledge his attempts and achievements and tell him how proud she is of him win or lose, don’t make him feel inadequate. A classmate in learning of GOD's word and career/community insights that will help him navigate toward success.

9- He needs to be accepted and trusted for who he is and for what he is driving to accomplish. Being 'equally yoked' ..ability to see eye to eye on important issues and priorities, helps him feel confident that everyone on the team is rowing in the same direction.

10- He needs most of all encouragement and nurturing, from a loving spouse when times are tough. She needs to believe in her spouse, and show it.

Couples

Do not go to bed angry.....really it does work
When you wake up in the morning ....take a few minutes and tell yourself;
I love and respect myself, Life is good to me, What I need and want is coming to me

.......you have to love U before you can give it away to another, daily

Before leaving the house, either wink, wave, hold hands, kiss or look each other in the eye, then say, 'My desire is to be love, support, and encouragement for you, today.'
Eat meals at the kitchen table without discussing 'family conflicts/negative issues'.
The more you walk and talk together, the more sex happens naturally
Awesome families are playful......Should be fun, not all work, no play.

Broke-to-Better blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Getting Healthy moves U from broken dreams to better energy to do fun things

3/14/2012

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Manage Stress Daily
Do something everyday that brings you pleasure, take a few moments to relax and de-stress,
Listen to Positive music or messages daily to interrupt the negative stories in your mind and to create a positive self image towards your dreams.
Dealin with Stress

Reorganize your Kitchen Cabinets:
Store 'quick' healthy snacks and breakfast items in convenient areas
Place high-calorie sugar and flour items on high shelves, so you have to work for them
Use Brown sugar or honey in food for seasoning instead of white sugar
Cook with Olive Oil or Canola Oil

How you can Get Started
If you can track calories 2,000 daily calories/ 30 minute walk 5 days a week

Do not drink coffee or tea with meals

Drink water: 8 - 10 cups of water per day. Drink a glass of water before each meal and before
each snack to suppress your appetite by making you feel fuller.

Eat or drink only low-fat or non-fat dairy products
Whole grains choices

Eat Breakfast, fruits or grains each day, little protein - milk, fish, turkey, chicken, 100% vegetable juice
Fruits that help you

Eat or drink protein snacks, fruit between meals (size of your fist) or 100% vegetable juice
Healthy Snacks

Lunch and Dinner eat Salads or Vegetables first ( 2 to 3 cups per meal) then handful meat(protein) and large spoonful potatoes(any starch or fruit)
Vegetables that help you

Brisk walk or exercise 3-5 times a week 30 – 60 min.
If hungry afterwards, have fruit pieces or vegetable juice.
Foods that give you energy

Eliminate cookies, cakes, candy, corn, cola's(soda)
Honey benefits

Get 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night

Avoid Overeating by planning your meals for the week, Eat breakfast, Eat smaller portions
Choices on my plate

Having strong 'craving pains' for certain foods, ask GOD to direct you to healthy choices,
He will guide you to a alternative that is safe and satisfying for you or 'ease' your craving to bearable.

Before eating ask GOD to let you know when you are 'satisfied' with eating the food on your plate.
You will get a 'inner knowing' about when to stop eating.
When the feeling comes, stop eating, drink water. It's OK to leave food on the plate.

Join support groups that support your personal goals (overcome addictions)
12 step resources

_________________________________________

Weight Gain Strategies
Eat unlimited Breads, Corn, Pasta, Potatoes, and sugar in dinner plates, and drink more soda, etc.

Until you lose the 'weight' you will never know, what 'fun' you've missed having in your life.
Weight Loss Stories

Weight Loss Strategies
Eat unlimited fruits (before 6 pm) and vegetables, whole-grains in a small bowl, and drink more water (8 large glasses)
Do drink coffee, drink green or sage tea (burns fat faster)
Take a brisk Walk or Exercise 30 - 45 minutes/5 times a week
FDA, prescription drugs are not recommended for long term weight loss

Apple-Shaped - avoid sugar and flour foods
Pear-Shaped - avoid fatty foods and very little dairy

Broke-to-Better blogs, nomopofolks association, dallas, texas

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Growing Old ….. have fun movin from 'broke to better' as You Age

3/14/2012

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Aging Success Stories

Rumor has it, that it is stated in the bible we are to live to the ripe old age of 175 full of energy, having an enjoyable sex life and full of faith like Abraham. Most people believe that it is 70. This article is not written for a theological nor historical debate. It is written to let you know what you maybe missing out on in life if you are not taking care of yourself by eating right, exercising, enjoying some form of positive interaction with others, and listening to something positive everyday. In other words,

Aging and Good Sex

Ask any cougar when dating a younger man, she will say ‘age is just a number’ or you are as healthy as you live. There is a whole lot of truth, in the cougars remark. Life does not stop because your hair is turning gray and the body hurts a little before it rains or turns cold.

First and foremost, you have to eat right, this is the fuel your body needs to run well. Unfortunately, you have to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and very little red meat, with a lot of water during the day. Exercise 3 to 4 times a week for 30 minutes…I know, the same thing the Doctor said. If you can get yourself in a routine to do this, it might eliminate the need for ‘blue pill’ at night. Yes, if your internal system is clean of toxins and your energy is up you can enjoy sex until you die.

Eating Right

Believing trumps aging. What you believe about yourself trumps what age you are. You are as old as you think and feel. Our focus will determine our level of satisfaction in life. Those who stay young in spirit regularly look for evidence of the GOD in their lives—ways He is work providing, loving, and guiding. Without this perspective, the pain and problems of life can take center stage, which can easily lead to bitterness, discouragement and never-ending grumbling. You must have a positive attitude and outlook about life to get through it. Look for things to love through out your day.

We can also age ourselves by carrying burdens that believers are not meant to bear. Jesus Christ invites the weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and find peace. He wants us to get under His yoke and allow Him to carry our load of cares and concerns. Our Savior has a solution for every burden and wants to help us transfer them to Him. …Let the stress go and let GOD handle the problems.

What are you carrying that is aging your body, soul, and spirit? (bad children, bills, employees, neighbors, church members, ex-spouses, bosses who harassed and fired you). Try Jesus’ solutions: For bitterness, resentments, and a unforgiving spirit, forgive them and you; for guilt, confess the wrong and do a good deed; for regret over past sin, let it go and believe Christ has already forgiven you; and for anxiety, cast it on God, because He cares for you. His dream is better than your plans.

Did you know exercising releases the stress from your body….without you knowing it…taking a daily walk for 30 minutes can release the ‘bad nerves’ from your body and you feel better.

Physical Activities

Next, identify all programs and services that can help you stay healthy and interact with people in positive environments, you don’t have to rock away alone at home.

Positive Programs and Services

Getting around town and seeing the sights, keep your license, current. The freedom to move around without others is very liberating as you age. Those youngun’s don’t need to be in old folks business.

Driving Safety

Looking to save a little money on purchases, now that you are age 55 and older

Senior Discounts

If you are an elderly person and need help with your lifestyle needs, reach out for help.

Elderly Resources

If you are a caregiver to your aging parents, who may not feel they need help, if you are overwhelmed feel free to reach out for help.

Caregiver Resources

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Are your friendships? Broken or will they make you a better person

3/12/2012

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'A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words' -- Unknown

Have you ever just listened to words of songs like, 'A friend' by the Winans, ' Friends are Friends Forever' by Michael W. Smith, You've Got a Friend in Me - Randy Newman (Toy Story) and the classic Bill Withers 'Lean on Me' that remind us of the 'good feeling' in having a true friendship.

A friend is someone who is committed and willing to help you reach your destiny.

How to choose good friends?
Friends that can be around

1- Faithful, you always know that you can contact them and that they will listen
2- A friend will be happy for you when you get promotions, celebrate birthdays, etc.
3- Accept us for who we are....always (unconditionally)
4- Energize you to tackle tough assignments and will help you work toward your goals
5- A friend will know…what to say, what to do and what to be ….even when you do not
6- Understanding, someone who give support, even if they don’t understand your actions
7- Motivate us to make good choices, for our best good
8- Defend us when others are speaking badly about us or attack us, to protect us
9- Serve us when we need help (and seeks nothing in return)
10- Encourage us to achieve our dreams and to be our best, make wise choices
11- Comfort us in life challenges, you can always contact them and they get back to you
12- Forgive us when we make mistakes in life
13- Confront us when we're headed in the wrong direction
14- They respectfully correct you when you are wrong with wisdom and love

A good relationship SHOULD make you feel: happy, loved, confident, inspired, peaceful, safe, open to communicating, free to be your best you.

Signs of Negative Peer Pressure (Avoid Abusive and Destructive People -- Haters/Takers)

Pressure you to participate in unsafe, unlawful, harmful activities can be intense and fun.
It is your responsibility to make decisions that will protect your dreams, health and safety.

'Red flags' of bad people
Friends that will let you down

1- You, Have to call them to stay in touch, stop having one-sided relationships (when you need them they have an excuse)
2- Know it all, even Einstein didn’t know it all
3- Take things that is not there’s (robbers and thieves)
4- Try to get over on you, (if I can’t use you then I don’t need you)
5- Put down their family members and friends badly, they put you down the same way
6- Gossip too much about you and other people, maliciously
7- Unpredictable temper, that force you to walk on eggshells around them
8- They love to bully or belittle people, make you and others feel small
9- Blame other people for their problems, just a matter time before they blame you
10- Possessive or extremely jealous, don’t want you to socialize with your family and friends
11- Tend to have a dishonest bossy/ bully personality and treat you like nothing you do matters
12- Bail out on you when you need them, if they cannot get something out of it for them
13- They are friend/enemies, full of excuses not to support you, will always downplay your success(don't try to be 'good friends' with people you just don't fit with)
14- They are destructive to you and your destiny, by constantly fighting you and what you are trying to do(tear you down)....by questioning your every decision, constantly trying to prove or tell you that you are wrong...with a condescending and critical attitude(berate and demean you)

A bad relationship makes you feel: insecure, unsafe, discouraged, drained, frustrated, and/or afraid to speak up.

Some people don't love you,
they don't even care about you
They just want to stay connected to you.
They love the benefits or potential benefit, so they do the minimal....
a little phone call here and there, just checkin' in thinkin about you, etc.
What they are really doing is, maintaining a connection, so when they need you,
they still have a way in.....(the 'no love for you' game)

False Friends are like our shadow,
Keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine,
But Leaving us the instant we cross into the shade
Christian N. Bovee

Broke-to-Better Blogs, Nomopofolks Association, Dallas, Texas

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Prayer moves U from 'broken hope to best solutions'

1/3/2012

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GOD, help me to renew my mind to do the wisest thing to resolve the problem, I thank you for handling the situation I am facing and guiding me to the best solution for all concerned parties, and giving me the strength to do it. Amen.......