"In times of stress, people revert to habit."

Whether you are a stress-eater or not, watch how your best intentions can change under stress. During stressful times, it oftens shows up in behaviors that are easily to spot if one is looking. Years ago, I had to watch not stressing others around me when I was stressed. You could see my stress if you just watched me for a few minutes. It took several years to change my habit so now it is rare to see me stressed. Draw closer to God and His word and learn not to be anxious for anything. God is in control and He is for you. Watch how you respond to stress during your next few stressful situations. Is there something you need to work on or watch out for?

While working for a previous company that was split into two separate companies after I left, I learned this:

People make purchasing decisions for these four reasons:

1. Save time

2. Save money

3. Reduce stress

4. Make their job easier

After thousands of meetings with new and existing customers, I found this to be true. Just listen to and watch commercials and review ads in any magazine or publication and you can see that many advertising copywriters and graphic artists know this too. How will you use this information to make your next sale?

If you have a 2-year-old like I do, or have been around a 2-year-old, then you most likely have heard them ask that one word- "Why?" What I have recently discovered is that if you explain the "why" behind what you need or are requesting is that by answering the "why" question in advance it makes more sense to those you are asking and they are more likely to comply with your request. Maybe it's a cross generational thing or something else, but in a time of so many things to do and options, some are choosing to push back or opt out unless they understand the why. So next time you ask someone to do something, explain the "why," you might be surprised at how they respond.

"Poor is he who works with lazy hands, but hard working hands get rich."

Proverbs10:4

"Eletelephony"

By Laura Richards

"Once there was an elephant,

Who tried to use the telephant-

No! No! I mean an elephone

Who tried to use the telephone-

(Dear me! I am not certain quite

That even now I've got it right.)

Howe'er it was, he got his trunk

Entangled in the telephunk;

The more he tried to set it free,

The louder buzzed the telephee-

(I fear I'd better drop the song

Of elephop and telephong!)"

Who new that I would one day work for BellSouth and then AT&T.

What was the last thing you can recall that you memorized? Sharpen your saw and memorize something this week.

Here's to the Wonderful Wallick, Caroline Wallick, my fifth grade English teacher at Sabal Pointe Elementary in Florida. She was one of the first impactful teachers that was passionate about fostering creativity in young minds and truly inspired each of us in her class to enjoy reading, writing, memorizing, and presenting poetry and stories. Besides learning and memorizing prayers with both of my parents, the first thing I can recall memorizing goes back to my fifth grade class with the Wonderful Wallick, as she called herself when she wore her pink "square dancing" type dress with an upside down Kleenex box placed on top of her head and tied under her chin with a bow. In her class I memorized the poem by Laura Richard: "Eletelephony" and can still recite it from memory today. Mrs. Wallick was very impactful in my life at an early age, so today's post goes out to thank the Wonderful Wallick in Longwood, Florida. Thanks Mrs. Wallick and all of the other teachers that have discovered their true calling, that teach with passion, and are following their heart's desire to inspire young (and older) minds.

Are the words "God doesn't give you more than you can handle," in the Bible? Well the short answer is no. This comment is most likely taken from 1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." This would be a great life verse to memorize so you can quote it correctly, it can help you when you are tempted, and it gives you a great opportunity to share God's Word to others in a time of need and brokenness.

Several years ago, my father-in-law shared some wisdom with me while working on a project around our house..."Measure twice, cut once."

I have seen this wisdom play out well when utilized, and issues arise when not followed. Whether the project is around your house or working with a big client at work, if you can follow this simple piece of advice it can lead to saving time, energy, and money. It really is worth it to do things right the first time. So on your next project, "Measure twice, cut once."

People don't like to be told or sold. What they do like and appreciate is sincerely asking questions about where they are and where they want to be. And then shown how the WIIFM (What's In It For Me) can be satisfied by the benefits of a solid recommendation that meets their needs and takes them from where they are to where they want to be.

When the Cat's Away...(finish the line.......) yep, The Mice will Play, but do you know where the idiom phrase comes from? Well, it's taken from the 1929 Mickey Mouse 7 minute short film, "When the Cat's Away." "While Tom Cat goes away hunting, Mickey, Minnie, and their mouse friends break into his house and perform music. They play various tunes on the piano while the other mice hit household objects in tune to the music. Mickey and Minnie dance on the piano to play music, while the other mice use whatever they can get their hands on - a saxophone, a violin, even a spittoon - to accompany him.". - (http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0020580/plotsummary)

The best thing you can do when your boss, spouse, girlfriend, etc. is out of town or away, is perform, post up and show your very best. It's these times when your true character shows. Rise up and accept responsibility, lead courageously, reject passivity, and expect the greater reward...God's reward.