Evening Rainers!

Just wanted to drop a little infomation on you about the new MHA program.

My husband has helped  many families w/a second chance & helped keep their homes from going into foreclosure, so I wanted to share this with you as well!

I've had people ask me what servicers are participating in the program, so here's the link.

MHA participating SERVICERS.

Click HERE if you want to find out if you eligible.

And on the site there are also OTHER useful RESOURCES

Once you get there, you will see much more than what I've posted here, but I didn' want this to turn into a lengthy blog...short & to the point on this one!!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment & if I don't know, I'll find out!

AGAPE!!

Or, maybe you weren't wondering at all. 

I haven't really been able to blog much lately because of the new ...dare I even say it?....JOB I started about a month ago.  No, I'm not ashamed, I'm just joking!  I found a job doing the very thing I started to get into...REO PROPERTIES.  I do REO coordination and it's a sure blessing because I'm getting caught up paying my bills.  I spend alot of time on the computer, but I don't have a lot of leisure time to do what I like to do...WRITE! (OR TYPE).  I will come in time to time and check up on yall!

Please keep in touch everyone, I haven't left the game...I just had to take a time out!!

Keep me n your prayers & I will do the same! 

I'm working on this REO Listing and the family has not moved out yet. 

They are supposed to recieve a check upon leaving the property clean & broom swept, but I cannot give it to them until they actually leave.

I know it's not "my problem" that they lost their home and all, but I couldn't help but to feel compassion for them because as of yesterday, they still didn't have a home for their family.  It kinda hurt when I had to explain to their 15 year old son that they gotta move out and why. ( The husband and wife don't speak English, so the son had to translate for me).  As I stood there, the 2 year old daughter smiled and looked at me with her big beautiful eyes, with not a care or concern in the world, while the 4 year old looked up at me in wonder.  I couldn't help but thinking to myself, this is a real family, that are really looking at being displaced within the next few days.  The mother wanted to know how much more time they could have, and they had honestly exhausted all of the extensions I could give. She looked tired, sad and depressessed and as a mother of two children myself, my heart went out to here and her family. 

 I know business is business and all, but at the same time, PEOPLE are PEOPLE. And here would BE no business to conduct if there were no people at the opposite ends of every transaction!

I was so moved with compassion, that I called a hispanic agent who I know is quite successful and explained the situation to him.  He said he had two properties that they might be able to get into and he called them right away.  After speaking with them he discovered that the husband had finally found someone that would rent to them, and that they would give me the keys by Saturday.  I was so happy for them.  I just really appreciate the fact that my colleauge was willing to immediately step in and make a help out in a situation that would turn out to be as profitable as his other ventures.

To me, and for me, this business is about HELPING people...real lives, real families to obtain real estate.  Everyone deserves a home and place to rest their head for their family whether they can afford a mortgage or not.  I believe when we have the right motives, we will reap the rewards as we grow as better people in this business.

You truly can have compassion and make a commission (AND a conscious!) when your heart is in the right place. 

God is truly the GREATEST!! 

Seekers of God
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman 

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. - Psalm 53:2

Are you a man or woman who is a seeker of God? The Lord delights in seeing those children of His who truly understand the meaning of life and why there is only one thing worth seeking God Himself.

I can always tell when I have not been seeking God. The cares of this life, the urgent over the important, and the petty irritations-these are the symptoms of a life that has not been in the presence of God. Do we understand, really understand? That is the question God raises to each of us today. If we understand, then why do we spend day after day toiling and fretting over what doesn't matter? Can we set proper boundaries in our lives that don't allow our time with Him to be continually stolen away? It is a challenge in a world that screams "activity, activity!"

Do you have a consistent time of seeking Him in your life? Are you committed to developing that intimacy with your Lord that He so desires? If not, ask Him today to help you. This is the longing of His heart. Ask Him to make it the longing of your heart. Then you will demonstrate to Him that you understand, and you will be a seeker of God.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is the most important reason for Christ dying for our lives...to be reconciled to God through a relationship through Him.  

It's incredible that I just did a post on Does it Really Matter and the Lord showed me that my relationship with him was more important than my friends & family.  It's what He's done for me that has made the greatest impact on my life! The relationship we have with Christ is the one that enriches all others, amen?

June 30, 2007

Today is my birthday and no one I know has even rememberd to wish me Happy Birthday

or anything!

But I'm a "big girl," so I've grown out of getting gifts/cards over the years, but 2 simple words shouldn't matter that much should they?

Then why am I almost in TEARS as I write this??  Not even my husband said anything to me this morning when I woke up for work! We are not at odds or anything like that! We just celebrated our 1yr anniversary this past Sunday and had a WONDERFUL & delightful evening, and were pondering what a celebratory this week was gonna be: anniversary AND my birthday all in the same week!  He even knows because we've been talking about getting the new iPhone and how cool it is that it was being released ON MY BIRTHDAY! We've been seeing the commercials on tv reminding that hey, JUNE 29, the iPhone is out!! That's FRIDAY, my birthday--the big day!!

When he came to pick up my check on my lunch break to deposit in the bank....not a word.  My children were with him and I was just telling them the other day that FRIDAY is the big day (they are 13 & 9).  They greeted me, but no "Happy Birthday Mommie" from them either!

I don't really expect much from other folks on stuff like this, but my own family who I care for an a DAILY basis?? And yet they expect ME to remember EVERYTHING that concerns them and would just FALL APART if I EVER forgot their birthday, Christmas or whatever significant thing in their world!

Now, the rational, "mature," thick-skinned adult in me says, "Hey, let it roll off! No big deal! The greatest gift you could ever recieve is LIFE!  Your Father & Lord remembered you today! You are in good health, and you are blessed by leaps & bounds, regardless of what you may not have or who didn't say what!  BE THANKFUL for the TRUE riches you have in life...the things that REALLY matter!

Love & respect... of your friends & family...hey, just cuz they don't remember your birthday doesn't mean they don't love you, right?! 

Peace of mind & spirit.....you don't have to live in fear or worry about your life; watching your back, wondering if someone is going to attack you for some wrong you've done!

Wisdom/Knowledge.....look at all you've learned over the years ~ the lessons, and obstacles you have overcome!! When you were lost & without guideance, remember how the Lord was Lamp unto your feet & a LIGHT unto your path leading you to exactly where you needed to be!!   How the Lord has kept you in tact & on track!! ---and has revealed so much wisdom to you to be the leader you are to even be ABLE to speak into the lives of others and make life-changing impact on the lives of those around you!

Protection..... from the wicked one & your enimies (motivated by the same).....the potholes and traps that were set that did not entrap me ~ think of all the weapons that formed, but never prosperd! 

Provision....the abundance of resources that the Lord blessed you with in all the times of apparent lack! During your financial famines, the Lord STILL provided you a feast!

 Joy..... in times of sadness & distress; when you should have been broken and depressed ~ you were filled with joy in the very face of it all!!

             These are the TRUE gifts of life that have been given to you CONTINUALLY---not just for a day!

How the Lord celebrates your existance everyday since the day you woke up into conciousness; how you have been His desire and delight to watch grow up in Him!

As I've written this, my tears have dried, because in the writing this, the Spirit has already answered my question of what REALLY matters....

                                      My relationship/life with HIM

!

You know, I usually shy away from these "female" stereotypes, but I saw myself in a few of them and couldn't help but laugh!! 

Men, if you haven't learned this by now, I don't know what to tell you!!!  ENJOY!!

• Fine:   This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use "fine" to describe how a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.

• Five minutes:   This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so I feel that it's an even trade.

• Go Ahead (with raised eyebrows):   This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine".

• Go Ahead (normal eyebrows):   This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care". You will get a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

• Loud Sigh:   This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

• Nothing:  This means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine".

• Oh:  This word followed by any statement is trouble. Example; "Oh, let me get that". Or, "Oh, I talked to him about what you were doing last night". If she says "Oh" before a statement, run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. She will tell you that she is "Fine" when she is done tossing your clothes out the window, but do not expect her to talk to you for at least 2 days. "Oh" as the lead to a sentence usually signifies that you are caught in a lie. Do not try to lie more to get out of it, or you will get raised eyebrows "Go ahead" followed by acts so unspeakable that I can't bring myself to write about them.

• Please Do:  This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay".

• Soft Sigh: Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

• Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint, just say you're welcome.

• Thanks A Lot: This is much different than "Thanks". A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh". Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh", as she will only tell you "Nothing."

• That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you retributions for what ever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead". At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

I wanted to share this with anyone who is interested in making a real change for the better with your eating habits. I think this is a great way to make sure we get AT LEAST the minimum so our bodies can fuction better for us!

You know what I do? I blend 5 of my favorite fruits together to make a smoothie!!  I make a pitcher for the whole family and put mine in a large cup and drink it throughout the day!  Great for me, because I'm on the go all day. 

Whatever works best for you...but get those 5 in!!

For Better Health: Five Easy Pieces

by Lori P Marcotte, RD, CNSD

Although "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," and "eat your veggies" may sound like folklore, it turns out that these maxims may have scientific backing. The only catch is that just one apple or one vegetable serving a day isn't enough. In fact, to maximize your health, you need a combination of at least five a day.

Why Five?

The underlying causes of deaths from heart disease and cancer include behaviors that, unlike genetic factors, can be prevented or changed. For example, better dietary and exercise patterns can contribute significantly to a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, and could prevent 300,000 deaths annually.

A recent scientific literature review ascertained that approximately 35% of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to poor dietary habits. Research also points to high intakes of fruits and vegetables as the most consistent factor associated with decreased cancer risk.

For years, epidemiologic studies have shown lower rates of chronic diseases in countries that have high per capita intakes of fruits and vegetables. Although this may sound compelling, the information is too isolated to prove a cause and effect relationship in and of itself.

However, recent studies have strengthened the argument for fruit and vegetable consumption. In these studies, people who ate large amounts of fruits and vegetables had lower rates of cancer compared to people who ate one or fewer servings a day. Five servings a day is the minimum number demonstrated to reap health benefits.

Despite such strong evidence, many Americans still don't realize the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet. According to baseline data used to set the Healthy People 2000 National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives, average fruit and vegetable intake was approximately four servings per day. In fact, only 32% of US adults met the recommended five a day.

A 1991 survey revealed that only 8% of American adults knew how many fruits and vegetables to eat. In response to this lack of knowledge, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in cooperation with the Produce for Better Health Foundation launched the 5 A Day-for Better Health program.

What Is The 5 A Day Program?

The 5 A Day program seeks to increase the number of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. The program's goal is to inform Americans that fruits and vegetables can easily become a part of the daily diet, improve health, and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Peter Greenwald, M.D., Dr.P.H., Director of NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, summed up the situation by saying, "In the last several years, consumers have been bombarded with food and nutrition messages-many of which have been confusing and sometimes frightening. The 5 A Day message is simple and positive: Eat more of something that tastes great and improves your overall health."

Fruits and vegetables readily fit the bill; they provide fiber, beneficial vitamins such as A and C, minerals, and other compounds that may help to fight cancer. While single-dose nutrients receive much press, it appears that the combination of nutrients in fruits and vegetables probably holds the key to disease prevention. A bonus for the weight conscious is that most fruits and vegetables (except avocados and olives) are naturally low in fat and calories, have no cholesterol, and taste delicious.

This simple, straightforward message-eat five a day-has successfully increased public awareness of the dietary guidelines. The actual number of people meeting the goal is unknown at this time, but awareness is a good predictor of consumption.

Where Do You And Your Family Fit In?

Children mimic the dietary habits of adults. Only 20% of American children consume the recommended five a day. Though children are not concerned with developing diseases such as cancer, they need healthful diets to promote growth and development. And dietary habits formed in childhood usually last a lifetime.Conversely, older Americans who have developed healthful eating patterns consume the most fruits and vegetables, while women manage to eat more fruits and vegetables than do men.

What Can Be Done?

To help motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables, the NCI urges Americans to take the "5 A Day Challenge." The challenge encourages people to engage in a healthy competition that will prove easier than the Olympic games, and allows more people to feel like winners. Ultimately, fruits and vegetables can become part of a health routine that can make everyone feel good. (You can get more information on their website: http://www.5aday.gov/.)

Start Your Own 5 A Day Challenge

To start your own 5 A Day Challenge, begin at home by striving to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables today. Continue your success each day, each week, and soon you will have a more healthful diet.

Take your challenge into the streets by organizing a friendly competition among neighbors. End the week with a potluck and ask everyone to bring his/her favorite fruit or vegetable dish.

Need some help getting started? For recipe ideas, try the recipes from the National Cancer Institute's 5 A Day web site.

Take the opportunity to beat the boss and suggest a 5 A Day Challenge at work. Teams can offer the best support as you share ideas in the lunch room. If your workplace has a cafeteria, invite the food service manager to help the challenge by offering daily specials on fruits and vegetable dishes.

Eating five a day is easier than most people think. A serving is:

• a medium piece of fruit
• 1/2 cup cooked or raw fruit or vegetable
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) juice
• 1 cup leafy greens
• 1/4 cup dried fruit
• 1/2 cup cooked beans or peas (such as lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans)

How To...

Eat five a day

• At breakfast, enjoy a six ounce glass of 100% fruit juice and a medium piece of fruit. Two servings already!
• At lunch, bring along some carrot or celery sticks; five sticks is a vegetable serving.
• For dinner, try a salad with dark, leafy greens and tomato, and a medium baked potato with your meal for two more vegetable servings.

Voila! Not counting any fruit or vegetable snacks, you've already made your 5 A Day goal.

Buy five a day

• In the grocery store, buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Locally grown produce is usually less expensive than produce that has been shipped, and it is fresher.
• Softer fruits and vegetables, such as peaches and berries, or tomatoes and mushrooms, don't last as long as harder fruits and vegetables, such as apples and oranges, or carrots and potatoes.
• Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are good to have on hand so that you never run out.

Find five a day on the road

• Most fast food chains serve 100% fruit juice, and convenience stores stock both juice and fresh fruit.
• Enjoy a breakfast waffle or pancake with strawberries instead of syrup, or have an omelet stuffed with tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
• Bring along dried fruit or raisin packs for a transportable snack.
• At the deli, take advantage of vegetable sandwich toppings and try a bowl of vegetable soup on the side.
• For your evening meal, include the vegetable side choices, or try a vegetarian-based meal such as chili. Don't forget that a tomato pizza also counts towards your vegetable intake!

Don't stop at five a day!

While we would see real health benefits if all Americans increased their intake of fruits and vegetables to five a day, this target is only a first or baseline level. More recent recommendations suggest that women should aim for seven servings, and men for nine. Five is great, but more is better!

RESOURCES:

My Pyramid
http://www.mypyramid.gov/

The National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/