In the fall of 1996, Hurricane Fran tore furiously through North Carolina...leaving a trail of devastation from the coast all the way to Orange County. On September 6, those of us who lived in Central North Carolina, awoke to discover a scene of destruction that few could ever have imagined...and none will forget.

The first thing I noticed, as I looked out my neighbors' second floor window, was the dramatic change in the tree line. Grandfather Oaks that had stood proudly for hundreds of years were scattered across the ground like giant pick-up sticks. Just the day before...while watching weather updates with predictions of Fran's likely path...I spoke the words, "I'm not worried. These Oaks (that completely surrounded my restored farmhouse) have been here for 100 years. They will still be here tomorrow." They were gone, and so was my home.

By the time Hurricane Fran blew through Central North Carolina, she had lost steam...dropping to tropical storm strength. With diminished power, she was able to do more damage than previous, more formidable storms...leaving meteorologists, and the rest of us, asking "Why?" Why had so many thousands of our mighty trees bowed to her...seemingly without even putting up a fight?

The questions seemed complicated, but the answers were utterly simple.

Just months prior to Hurricane Fran, Hurricane Bertha blasted North Carolina...dumping massive amounts of rain across the state and striking a silent but destructive first blow to North Carolina tree roots. Following Hurricane Bertha, North Carolina received record-breaking rainfall...leaving the ground saturated and vulnerable. That terrible aftermath was not proof of Hurricane Fran's might...but rather evidence of a dormant weakness that existed within the tree roots. Hurricane Fran merely exposed the weakness.

 "Adversity does not build character...it reveals it."

James Lane Allen

Losing my home to Hurricane Fran was one of the most difficult experiences of my life; however, it forced me to reach inside myself to find a strength I did not know existed. It also taught me the difference between the material value of ‘stuff' and the eternal value of people. I lost my possessions, but I had my family intact. It was a lesson in perspective that I have never forgotten.

Nine months ago, another storm crashed into my life...a storm that threatened to destroy that which can never be replaced. This storm has raged violently over my family...shaking me to the core of my being and exposing the cracks in my foundation...my deepest fears.

You see...all of my life...I have been ‘the strong one'. It seemed to me that everyone around me relied on me to hold the pieces together. Whenever a crisis presented, I jumped into action...just as I had always done. I am a fighter...a survivor. Secretly, however, I harbored a fear that one day I would fail...that I would let down the ones who needed me the most.

When I first learned of my daughter's illness, I was devastated...but I knew that it was my duty to be strong for her. I wanted to take her suffering from her, but I was powerless. At times, I was certain that I would break under the pressure...but my God is so faithful. Throughout this assail, He has proven to me over and over again that His strength begins where my strength ends.

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

"His Strength Is Perfect", by Steven Curtis Chapman, is an anointed song that has brought me comfort and reminded me daily that the only strength I have comes from Him. Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I can do nothing. I am strong only when my roots are firmly planted in Him...in His word...in His truth...in His everlasting, unconditional love.

His Strength Is Perfect
   ---Steven Curtis Chapman---

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength,
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me;
No great success to show, No glory on my own,
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know . . .

CHORUS
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone;
He'll carry us when we can't carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes;
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end.
He hears our humble cry and proves again . . .

***Photos courtesy of Freefoto.com***

In this same manner, one person who is infected with negativity will quickly spread his ‘spores’ to every healthy person with whom he comes in contact. Negative people are rarely content to keep their ‘disease’ to themselves. On the contrary, they usually seek to make others as miserable as they are because “misery loves company!”

“Smile and the world smiles with you” is another well-known quote…suggesting that a smile (which is the outward evidence of inward joy and happiness) is also contagious. I once took part in an unofficial ‘smile study’ in which the participants were asked to genuinely smile at strangers, neighbors, co-workers, clients, cashiers, waiters/waitresses, the person in the car beside you, joggers you pass on the trail and everyone you meet for one full week. The goal of the study was to determine the impact of a simple, genuine smile on those around you.

Within a few hours of beginning my assignment, I had a new appreciation for the power of a smile. With the exception of a few weird guys who must have thought I wanted them to ask me out, the results were amazing. I watched as one person after another lit up with the biggest and brightest smile in reaction to my smile. In some cases, I would see them smile at someone else…causing that person to smile, as well.

According to the APP (American Academy of Periodontology), 50% of people claim that the smile is the first thing they notice about a person. The APP did not ask my opinion, but I completely agree with their results. A genuine smile lights up the whole face and draws people closer. It emanates self-assurance, warmth and authenticity. It inspires trust and confidence.

In these uncertain, economic times, it is difficult to shield yourself from the epidemic of negativity that seems to come from everywhere. There is no vaccine to protect you from this disease; however, you can choose to remain optimistic and positive…even when those around you are not. Your smile is the most powerful anti-venom against the poison of negativity.

Give a smile to someone today who has lost theirs.

It costs you nothing, but its value is immeasurable.

~Elizabeth Nieves~

Job 29:24

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

(Now...I challenge you to go read the full story of Job. IF ever a man had a reason to be bitter and angry, Job is THAT MAN. He was surrounded by 'bad apples', but he remained optimistic and faithful. I want to be like Job.)

***Photo courtesy of Freefoto.com***

If you hang around ActiveRain long enough, you will inevitably receive an email from Mr. Neal Bloom...asking if you would like to take a turn doing the Week in Review. Actually...Neal has a way of finding me when I've been away from the Rain too long and bringing me home. Thanks, Neal!!

If you have ever had the honor of doing a Week in Review, you know that it is incredibly difficult to decide which posts to include...as there are so many brilliant bloggers from which to choose. After many hours of reading hundreds of posts from this past week, I have chosen to share the posts that truly speak to me. I invite you to sit down with a good cup of coffee or hot tea and take your time to enjoy the best of the best of this past week on ActiveRain.

 *********************************************************************

One of the first posts I read this week was Do real men wear make-up? by Mike Frazier. From his title, I was expecting a good laugh, but he tricked me. This story about his daughter, Lauren, will touch you deeply and make your heart smile.

Now that you are smiling, it is the perfect time to read Giving Back to Your Community as a School Volunteer by Russell Lewis. In this post, Russell exposes his.... (I'm NOT going to spoil the surprise!!)

Speaking of giving back...my good friend, Nick Bastian, is always the first one in line for an opportunity to give. Please take a moment to read Nick Bastian and RailLife.com want you to help us fight Cancer! and support Nick in his efforts.

"Courage is not defined by those who fought and did not fall, but by those who fought, fell, and rose again." I do not know who first said those words, but I remember the first time I heard them. For me, they were life-changing.

My heroes have always been people who face life's greatest challenges with a determination to persevere and overcome. They emerge from the wreckage with a greater passion for life...and they inevitably choose to make a difference in the world. Jammin' for Julian - An Update Date on a 5 Year Old in Need by Christine Donovan tells of one such family. This post is a wonderful reminder that each one of us has a responsibility to make the world a better place.

In a little over a year here at ActiveRain, I have become friends with some of the most amazing humans on the planet. One of my New Years resolutions is to meet many of those wonderful people this year face-to-face. So...I was a little jealous when I came across these next few posts: Meeting Active Rain Members Kristin and Sheila Moran in Greune (San Antonio) -Texas! by Liz Moras and  ActiveRain International Dinner in Austin, Texas! (Okay, so maybe that sounds a bit dramatic). by Jason Crouch. Okay, Liz, how about a trip to North Carolina sometime soon, girlfriend???

ActiveRain is the best place on the internet to build lasting friendships. Need proof? Read Carole Provenzale's touching story My BEST ActiveRain SUCCESS Story: He Had me at Hello : ) 

Need MORE PROOF? I Just Gave out A Referral to An Active Rain Agent...and I Liked IT!!!!!!! by the one and only Larry Bettag will give you the motivation you need to keep those brilliant posts coming!

Okay...at the core, ActiveRain is about real estate. So naturally, some of my picks of the week are actually about real estate. (Imagine that!!)

In When is a Gift Not a Gift but a Bribe?, Elizabeth Weintraub shares a pretty unbelievable experience with clients who had unrealistic expectations. Has this ever happened to you?

This is a story about Guns and Unwelcome Guests..........BEWARE! by Ann Allen reminds all of us in this profession to be careful. This is a must read!

Mirela Monte must have been reading my mind when she wrote This is no Longer a Career; It's a Disease! I bet you feel this way sometimes, also.

In Progress Report - I Can Do ALL Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me, Loreena Yeo shares how she handles the stress and pressures of this business. She is one amazing woman! If you have not had the pleasure of reading her blog, you will be hooked from the first post.

Dream It, Believe It and Do It by Kathy Clulow is packed with truth and motivation for anyone who needs a gentle 'push' toward greatness.

I can always count on Jesse Clifton to deliver great advice and wisdom with just the right balance of humor. The best agent to use just might be the one who tells you the truth... lives up to all my expectations of him.

Gary Woltal is the undisputed king of positivity who continually inspires us all. His recent post Getting Better Means Growing Through It is especially meaningful to me right now.

This past week was filled with moments few of us will ever forget. My final, featured posts were written to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King...a man whose life work paved the way for the events we have just witnessed.

Honoring Martin Luther King This Day... by Broker Bryant Tutas is a bit of a walk down memory lane for BB. In this raw and honest post, he shares his insights and experiences from a perspective that many of us have never seen.

A Thank You to Dr. Martin Luther King - May Your Vision of Peace and Unity Be Realized by my dear friend, Carol Smith, reminds us that it is our responsibility to continue to fight for Dr. King's dream of a country without racism.

100 Quotes: The Legacy of a Man - a dream realized. by Alan May will infuse you with passion and purpose. I cannot think of a better way to end a celebration of another wonderful week at ActiveRain.

Neal Bloom has kept the Week In Review alive and well and if you would like to take a stab at doing the next one please contact him!

**There will be no recreations of any type regarding the titles or content of this group or Review without the permission and expressed written consent of the Groups founder-Copyright 2008"

Today, I had to tell a seller that I did not wish to list his home. More accurately, I CHOSE to tell a seller that I did not wish to list his home...but it was NOT an easy decision.

Since beginning my real estate career in 2003, I have sold more than my fair share of 'challenging' listings. In fact, my 'trophy case' is quite full of successful sales that I call my 'repeat offender' and 'fat-chance' listings.

'Repeat offenders' are those properties that have been listed by at least one other agent previously, without success.

'Fat-chance' listings are properties that are either so unique that the buyer pool is reduced to one in 47,243 buyers -OR- so ordinary that they do not stand out from the plethora of available, cookie-cutter homes.

Early in my career, I realized that there was a magnetic force field surrounding me that attracted these types of listings. Being the hungry, new agent in the office...I viewed EVERY listing as an opportunity to gain valuable market exposure and establish myself as the best REALTOR® in my area. With each closed sale, I acquired more self-confidence and more respect from others.

Even more importantly, I learned that there IS a buyer for EVERY home...

IF THE HOME IS PRICED RIGHT!

In other words, there is a 'magic formula' that looks something like this:

SIZE + CONDITION x LOCATION - WEIRD -or- PLAIN JANE FACTOR = JUST RIGHT PRICE

As a professional, experienced REALTOR®...I know and understand the current market conditions. By combining my knowledge with the 'magic formula', I am able to determine the 'right price'...the highest price that the market will bear. YES...you heard me correctly...the HIGHEST PRICE the market will bear.

Today, when I recommended that we list his home for the 'right price'...the seller suggested that we 'try' a much higher price...even though he desperately needs to sell his home quickly. After explaining (again) how I had arrived at the 'right price', he insisted that he wanted to 'try' a higher price. Without hesitation, I thanked him for the opportunity to meet with him and sincerely wished him the best of luck with his sale.

You see...IF I had agreed to list his home for the 'wrong price', in a market with eleven months of available inventory...I would have done both the seller and myself an injustice. I may have even placed him at risk of losing his home to foreclosure. As difficult as it was to tell him that I did not wish to list his home today, it was far easier than knowing that I was setting him up for failure in the future. 

Thinking about selling your home?

Want to know the 'RIGHT PRICE'?

Call or email me today for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis.

(919)749-3749

Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com

***Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net***

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale

SINCE today is Saturday...and SINCE Saturday comes at the end of the week...and SINCE I want a good excuse to tell this story...I'm going to USE today being Saturday as my EXCUSE! 

::LOOKING AROUND TO SEE IF THAT FLEW...AND MOVING ON::

(Just a few short years ago...) When I was sixteen years old, I had a summer job at Wendy's. (It was a horrible job, but that has nothing to do with this post.) One afternoon...listening to music and daydreaming about what I would do with the rest of my day...I was driving happily along after finishing my shift. I had a white Mazda RX3...standard...that would backfire every now and then when I changed gears quickly. (Keep this in mind, as I continue the story.)

As I was driving along, just about to turn onto the highway, I noticed something (out of the corner of my eye) that didn't seem quite right. I looked closely and saw a young guy standing behind an old man. The old man was mowing his lawn, and the young guy had come up from behind him and was strangling him with a tshirt. It seemed as though the young guy was trying to take the old man's wallet, but he could not get it free from his pocket. In his adrenaline-driven panic, he was choking the old man...close to death.

Without thinking about what I was doing, I whipped the car around and started heading directly for the old man and young thief. The young guy released the old man and bolted down the street...with me hot on his trail. We were inside the city limits...with a stopsign at each corner. Therefore, I had to stop and go a lot...but I kept the punk in my sights. 

We had traveled six or seven blocks when I heard many frantic voices screaming..."They done shot Bobby...OH MY LORD...They done shot Bobby!" Just then, I saw the young thief take a dive through the air from the street to a house below street level. As he landed, I saw that the source of the screaming voices was ten or so hysterical people on the porch of the house he dove onto.

Satisfied that I knew where he lived, I turned back around to go check on the old man and call the police. As I drove back up the street, I saw people lined up along the sides of the road...straining to get a better look. They were looking at ME! Then, I saw five police cars in front of the old man's house. "GOOD"...I thought..."NOW they can go get the bad guy!"

Still pumped up from the chase, I parked and jumped out of my car...heading toward the police and yelling, "Let's go get him. I know where he lives." They were standing in the old man's front yard...in a circle...and they were NOT moving. They were also staring at me. "Come on...I KNOW where he lives!!!"...I screamed. ::WHY AREN'T THEY DOING ANYTHING?:: Two officers began to walk in my direction. They looked at me...then looked at my car...then looked back at me. By this point, I was really frustrated that they were not reacting..."Sir...PLEASE...come with me. I can show you where he lives."

At that moment...I had that same (icky) feeling that you get when you are called to the principal's office but you don't know what you did wrong. ::HEY GUYS! DON'T YOU KNOW THAT I'M THE HERO HERE?:: One officer spoke up, "Maam...is that your car?" ::DUH...DIDN'T I JUST DRIVE UP IN IT?:: "Yes, sir, that is my car." Then he said, "We have received many reports from the neighbors...of a white lady in a white Toyota...chasing a barefooted black man down the street...shooting at him. What can you tell us about that?" ::OOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGOSSSHHHHH...THEY THINK I'M THE BAD GUY!::

Trying NOT to laugh...cuz no one else was laughing...I said, "Sir...as you can see, I don't have a Toyota. It is a Mazda. AND...I was NOT shooting at anyone! My car backfires when I change gears too quickly. That is probably what people heard. NOW...can we please go get the BAD GUY???"

Still a bit puzzled by what had occurred, the two officers escorted me to their car and asked me to show them where the perpetrator (I really wanted to use that word!) lived. When we arrived at the home, the officers lined up ALL of the young men who were in the house...ALL eight of them...and asked me to pick out the guy I had seen strangling the old man. Of course, he was not there. In the time it had taken for the officers to realize that I was NOT the bad guy, the real bad guy had gotten away. As far as I know, they never found him.

Through the years, I've thought about this particular day many times and tried to imagine what the scene must have looked like through the eyes of EVERYONE ELSE. From my perspective, it was sooooooooooooo utterly clear...it was absolutely cut and dry. There was a victim and a predator...a good guy and a bad guy. (AND ME...the HERO!) And...YET...from their (the police officers' and witnesses') perspective...from where they were standing...it was not so clear. In fact, they got the facts turned completely upside down and inside out.

Ever wondered how other bloggers put those COOL photo slideshows in their posts?

I bet you thought that it must be
WAY TOO COMPLICATED for YOU to do?


Well...I promise you that it is much easier than you think. It does take a little time, but the end result is so worth the effort.

Yesterday, I posted:  A New Year Video Greeting for ALL OF MY FRIENDS!!  In  my post, I included a photo slideshow (with custom music) that  has over 200 photos. Take a quick peek at it now...and then come right back so I can show you...step-by-step...how I did it.



Step 1:  Go to SLIDE.COM and create your FREE account.

(Click anywhere on the photo to go to SLIDE.COM.)

Step 2:  From the menu bar, click on 'CREATE a SLIDESHOW' to get started.

I then prefer to upload all of my photos before I select my custom slideshow features. You can upload up to 50 images at one time. Once you have uploaded all of your desired images, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3:  Give your slideshow a distinct 'flavor' by either by using one of the preset designs or the available customization tools.

Either way, you will be able to 'try on' different looks until you find the one that suits you just right.

Step 4:  SAVE and SHARE your slideshow!

When you click on the green 'SAVE' button...you will see a screen that allows you to name your slideshow and 'tag' friends (if you wish to do so). After you fill in the blanks, you will click on the green 'SAVE Slideshow' button again. When you do, you will see the following screen.

(One important trick I learned from 'playing' around is that it is best to choose the very last option 'Can't find what you're looking for? Try here.' The other codes do not translate well to ActiveRain.)

Now...go to Step 5 and complete before returning to this screen for the code.

Step 5:  Create your blog post and insert your COOL PHOTO SLIDESHOW!

This is the best step because you can now show off your creation. Go to your blog and create your new blog post. Once you have your post complete...text and photos...you will be ready to insert your slideshow. Save your post to 'DRAFT'.

This next part may be a little tricky for those of you who have never done it before. Just follow me, and you'll be amazed at how easy it truly is.

Click on the 'EDIT' button and then click on the 'HTML' tab to switch to the 'HTML' view. When you click the 'HTML' tab, a box will pop up asking if you really want to perform that task. Click 'OK'.

Once you have switched to the 'HTML' view, you will see a lot of code. Before you can proceed, you need to go back to Step 4 and retrieve your html code from the last screen. Now...you can copy the code into your post...in any location you choose. Be sure to save the post to 'DRAFT' again so that you can check your work.

If you like what you see, post it. If you don't...try again until you find the best position for your slideshow. As long as you remember where your slideshow code begins and ends, you can move it around without any problems or changes to your original post.

Step 6:  SHOW ME YOUR STUFF!!

I want to see your cool slideshows. Let me know when you post your first slideshow so that I can come admire it.

See...I told you it was easy!!
Here are a few other posts that may help you make your blog rock.

IF I ONLY Knew Then What I Know Now…Three ActiveRain ‘TRICKS’ to Make YOUR Blog Rock! 

This (ADMITTEDLY, NON-TECHIE) girl just learned (COMPLETELY BY ACCIDENT) a new (AMAZINGLY COOL & SUPER EASY) trick to make really colorful blog posts. (AKA: PRETTY BLOGGING FOR DUMMIES!)