Short Video

This is really a neat video. I hope you will watch it. Let me know what you think by posting a comment.

Cultured Moms Favorite Things-Terro

Image Source

This is a SERIOUS favorite of mine! If you have ever had a problem with ants it will become a favorite of yours as well. A couple of years ago a dear friend of mine (Thanks Christy!) told me about these. I was a bit skeptical that they could work as well as she said but decided to give it a try. Wow! I was so surprised. I sat these traps out and it wasn't long before there were lots of ants coming to take a drink at the 'pool of death'. Well, of course, they didn't know that. They came and then more came and then more came. The temptation is to kill them right then but that is not what you do. No, no, you just watch and wait as my friend told me to do. All those little pesky ants that were trying to get into my honey jar, cracker box, and other goodies were going to the ant trap instead. My friend was right! After about 2-3 days all the ants were gone. They come get their drink and then take it back to all the other ants. They all have some and then it kills them all! (Insert wicked laugh here.) Check out the photo below that shows how this works.

So, this is a wonderful product that really works. If you have not tried it and you have an ant problem get some. If you do not have an ant problem but do sometimes I suggest that you go stock up now. I believe I have seen them and/or purchased them at Walmart and Reasors (our closest grocery store).

(Click here to get more information.) I need to go add this to my grocery list for today. :-)

Hey, do any of you have a favorite product? I am sure you do. I like all the help I can get when it comes to finding out what really works. Leave me a comment about something that works for you.

(Click the 'Image Source' below for someone else that is talking about these.)

Image Source

FREE Jamba

A free Jamba smoothie.

I have never had one but am going to try one now. According to the information I have the new "Orange Refresher" says realfruit and no sugar added. Hopefully, it is good AND good for you. :-)

You just enter a little bit of information and then you can print out the coupon. I have printed out my coupon.

Click here.

Think of who you can take with you.

With this 3 digit Oklahoma heat, this sure looks refreshing.

Hurry, offer expires tomorrow, the 30th. To visit their website click here.

What Do You Know About ANWR?

Image Source

Do you understand what the term ANWR means? I got an excellent lesson on EXACTLY what it is and where it is. Every American, for or against drilling there should read this blog post. There are some very good photographs to really put things into perspective. You decide.

Also, I have not heard about this. Have you?

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

(This was sent to me by my wonderful friend, Sherry. Thanks Sherry for your contribution. I thought it was funny and had to pass it on.)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
"Larry King announced that he's going to write an autobiography titled, 'What Am I Doing Here?' Larry says that if the book sells, he's got plans for several sequels including, 'What Day is This?' and 'Where Are My Pants?'" -- Conan O'Brien

Obama-Believe Him

Image Source

Check out this short but to the point video. Come back and leave a comment. What do YOU think? Is this someone that America should have as a President???

Leadership And YOU!

I am subscribed to Pass The Baton. (You should go check it out.) I saw the man over this at a homeschool convention. I really enjoyed hearing him speak. If you or someone you know need a speaker you have found one.

Their Mission: By 2015, we will mobilize one million adults to pass the baton of culture-shaping leadership to the next generation.

How great is that?

I think his message is very important. Every adult should give this some thought and then ask what we are doing to "pass the baton"?

Anything in bold, I added. Enjoy! Let me know what you think. Come back and leave a comment when you are done reading..........

Dr. J. Robert Clinton, professor of leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, believes that more than 70 percent of leaders do not finish well.

Most leaders grow weary of the vision they were given by God. They begin to withhold their hearts from others and turn away from the influence they could have. Norm Willis pinpointed the problem in his book The Ancient Path:

The curse of our day is withheld hearts. Some will give their money, give their time, even give to the point of sacrifice and yet all the time withhold the giving of their hearts. The focus of the fourth chapter of Malachi and the first chapter of Luke is on the heart. God is after our hearts, both the giving of our hearts and the receiving of another's heart. The only way the discipleship process can work is if the hearts of the disciple and the "discipler" are given to each other (Kirkland, WA: Christ Church, 1998, pp. 21-22).

Has your heart grown cold to the influence you could have on others? I invite you to read this issue of GRTL to see 5 warning signs about not finishing well, and 10 things we can learn from Jesus about how to finish strong.

**Remember, you can't ever have a new beginning, but you can start today to make a new ending.

Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol and Ken McElrath reported the following in their book The Ascent of a Leader (1999, Jossey-Bass p. 14):

"After having conducted extensive research, Dr. J. Robert Clinton, professor of leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, believes that more than 70 percent of leaders do not finish well.

"He bases this startling statistic on six criteria, gleaned from common traits among leaders who did not finish well according to their self-analysis, the analysis of their peers and followers, or the teachings of their professed religion.

First, leaders who do not finish well lose their learning posture. They stop listening and growing.
Second, the attractiveness of their character wanes.
Third, they stop living by their convictions.
Fourth, they fail to leave behind ultimate contributions.
Fifth, they stop walking in an awareness of their influence and destiny.
Finally, leaders who finish poorly lose their once vibrant relationship with God."

"It is finished"--10 things we can learn from Jesus about finishing well

Many people intend to finish their work, their ministry, without effectively passing the baton to those who come next. In the church, commerce, politics, education--indeed, every area of life--we could learn from what Jesus did.

After all, in three years of earthly ministry Jesus took 12 ordinary men, equipped them to change the world, and they did it.

Gunther Krallman in his book Mentoring for Mission describes Jesus' discipleship technique (Waynesboro, GA: Gabriel, 2002, p. 124):

his approach was relational

his approach was informal

his approach was oral

his approach was mobile

he modelled

he taught

he enabled practical application

he encouraged

he corrected

he stressed the indispensability of divine empowering

In short, Jesus walked with his disciples so much that his cry on the cross, "It is finished," was not only a proclamation of his conquering of death and sin--it was also a statement of his finished work in training disciples who would take the message of his redemption to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Start with today's youth. Look around. Our youth may only be 15% of the population, but they are 100% of the future.

Don't worry about being formal. Just relate with others and talk about what is important. Model the truth. Ask God to give you daily ways to apply what you know.

Above all, rely on God--not your own knowledge and confidence--for success in preparing those who will succeed you.

Pass The Baton

Show Me That You Love Me

Image Source

I was listening to the radio today and heard a profound thing. I just had to share it with you. The comment was we often say IF God would do this or IF God would do that then I would know that HE loves me. The fact that Jesus died for you is all you need to KNOW that HE truly loves you. Such a simple thing but so true. Could God give us any more than HIS own son? Is there anything HE could do to prove that HE really loves YOU? HE already did. God is wonderful and HIS grace TRULY is amazing!

How To Be On Time Every Time

Image Source
This is an article I certainly enjoyed reading. I hope if you struggle like me this article will be helpful for you as well. Yikes, I need to go......


Are you constantly late for important meetings, family get-togethers and other appointments? Well here’s something to consider: being late is not only stressful on yourself, it’s stressful for the people who have to wait for you.

And if you’re rarely on time, you can easily send the message that the people you’re meeting with are not that important to you -- clearly a message that can damage both personal and professional relationships.

Changing your ways and being on time requires a bit of an attitude adjustment. Either don’t schedule events that aren’t important to you, or figure out a way to make those events feel important.

This Lifehack article has 10 more great tips that all of us can take advantage of to become more punctual:

1. Don’t check your email or voicemail right before you leave. That “last quick check” will almost always take more time than you think.

2. Plan for trouble. Always add 25 percent to your time estimate to get anywhere or do any task.

3. Set up the night before. Lay out your clothes, put your wallet in your pants pockets or purse, load up your bag with whatever material you’ll need, put your lunch together, and so on.

4. Set your clocks ahead a few minutes -- by different amounts. You might have a look at the Procrastinator’s Clock, which is some random amount of time ahead, up to 15 minutes.

5. Learn to better estimate how much time things take. Use a time tracker app like RescueTime to learn how long typical tasks take you to complete.

6. Schedule events 10 minutes early. Put your 1:00 appointment into your schedule at 12:50.

7. Set reminders. Use your calendar program’s built-in reminder function, or use a service like Sandy to send you text reminders at set intervals before each appointment

8. Schedule events for “off-peak” times. Learn the times that traffic or other factors might make you late, and avoid scheduling during those times.

9. Fill your gas tank when it reaches 1/4 tank. Don’t let an empty gas tank make you late for anything.

10. Use a countdown timer. Grab a cheap digital timer, and use it to create a sense of urgency.


One other thing to consider if you have trouble being on time … your schedule. If you try to fit too much into a day, you’ll not only risk being late, you’ll risk burning out physically and emotionally....

The above article was found at Mercola.com

Just For Fun

I told you about Spark people right? Well, I have been spending a LOT of time over there so not much time left over for attending to my blog. Hopefully, I will be spending a bit less time over there and can get back over here more often. If you are wondering what I am doing over there let me tell you. I am reading stories and pages about people. I am getting encouragement and support. I am staying motivated. And best of all, I have lost almost 6 lbs. now. If you haven't gone to visit hurry on over.

If you are wanting to lose some weight you certainly won't regret it.

On to todays post....

Since there is so much "serious stuff" to deal with in our world, today I thought we should have a little fun. I found a really fun place.

Check it out here.

You can buy some dinosaur fossil ice cubes, a welcome mat that is your very own "finish line", magnets that look like gum that has already been chewed, or this fun creamer that has to be my favorite!

What About It?

Image Source

There is an excellent blog post on my friend, Kahri's blog. When you are done with that post you can follow it up with this one.

Warning: There is one small line with ADULT language.

After reading it, come back and share your thoughts.

Spark!

I have been trying to use Wed. as the day I post about something that I have tried and really like. I couldn't wait until next Wed. to share this one with you.
You HAVE to go check it out.

I have found the best website. If you want to lose weight, are currently losing weight, or are just trying to get healthier I have the place for you. It is called SparkPeople.com, the world's largest online health community. Over 1 million people from around the world have joined SparkPeople.com to help them get healthier or lose weight. The folks at SparkPeople.com have been working hard to provide you with premium tools and community features to help you live a healthier life.
(Did I mention that it's 100 percent free?)
http://www.sparkpeople.com/.


Personalized SparkPages: Add pictures, blog posts, friends, site favorites and other information to document your healthy life. Share it with anyone or keep it private, you decide.


Support Teams: Meet other people with similar interests and goals who will offer support & motivation when you need it the most; or create a SparkTeam for your friends and family to join. (You would be amazed at all the pages they have. If you can think of it they probably have it. You can join a team that is in your state or your area. You can join a team that is in your age group or in the amount of weight you want to lose.

Some others I have seen are:

Fat Wives Club

Slightly Skewed and a Little Warped

Crockpot Recipes

Swimming For Cardio

Dave Ramsey Fans

Gastric Bypass

Christian Homeschooler's Healthy Living

The Big Mans Club

Office Workers Unite

Clutter Free Living

Moving Forward Through Grief & Loss

Caregiver Children

Emotional Eaters

A Truckers Wife

Christian (or other religions)
Political

Thyroid Community

Parents With Special Children (special needs)

Military Wives

Scrapbookers

Knitting

Home Remodeling

Bird Watchers

Dog Lovers

Cat Lovers

Rats Rule

Bookworms

Christian Bookworms

Artists

Lampworkers

Photography

Motorcycles & Bikers

5 ft. 3 and Under

Calling All Short People

Tall Ladies

Eating Disorder Group

Fat Fly Chix

Wow! I Need To Lose A Whole Person!

Food Network Fans (this one concerns me a bit wink, wink)

Biggest Loser (tv show)

House Addicts (tv show)

The Office (tv show)

So You Think You Can Dance (tv show)

Moving Forward Through Grief and Loss

Fighting Fibromyalgia

Car Enthusiasts

Growing Up In The 70's, Memory Lane

Lord of the Rings

Weight Watchers

Animal Lovers

Shutterbugs

High Blood Pressure

Cholesterol Support

People With Disabilities

Duran Duran Music Lovers

Richard Simmons Fan club

There are MANY more. As you can see, if you can think of it they probably have it.

Calorie Counter & Meal Plans: Get a personalized meal plan to fit your needs and goals, and track your calories and nutrition intake.

Personalized Exercise Program: We'll design a plan to suit your needs, and provide online exercise demonstrations and workout videos that are easy to follow.

Healthy Recipes : Find thousands of healthy, easy to make recipes. Enter your own recipes to calculate their nutrition information.

Are you ready to lose weight and live a healthier life? Just visit http://www.sparkpeople.com/ to create your free account and get started today.

I started working on losing weight about 2 weeks ago. I found Spark People.com a little over a week ago. I compare it to a weight watchers meeting only better. You can get the motivation, the accountability, ask questions, get opinions, track your food, track your exercise, and do it all every day for free. You can even report your weight and there is a little tracker too. I have seen places like this before but they weren't free. I don't think I have found everything yet. I keep finding more things as I go a long. You don't have to use all the nifty little features like the nutrition tracker, fitness tracker, or other things. (There is also a way to track your water for the day or how many fruits/veggies you are eating.) If you want you can just use it for encouragement and motivation. I have ready many success stories of people that have lost an amazing amount of weight. Their stories are inspiring. When you have a rough day you can talk to another real person dealing with the same things as you are. There are people at every place on their weight loss journey. Some are just starting and haven't lost anything yet. Some have lost a little. Some have lost a LOT! Some have lost it all and are maintaining or are struggling to maintain. We all get frustrated or tired and it helps to have someone else there that can give you that little boost.

Homeschooling and Co-ops

Image Source

We have been a part (to varying degrees) of a homeschool co-op for several years now. Last year, and this upcoming year will be the most we have participated so far. I am very thankful for our homeschool co-op (in our homeschool support group) and thought this might be a great blog post for some of you to read. This is a great one for homeschooling families.

We have been in 2 co-ops over the years. One when the girls were much younger. It looks to me like co-ops can be very different. However, I do believe most can be a benefit. I will say that I have heard from one Mom that using a co-op during her first year of homeschooling (with little ones) was a bit overwhelming. I did not use a co-op until I had been homeschooling for several years and I think that works out just fine. I really think the MOST important time to use a co-op starts in middle school but especially in high school.

Let me know what you think.

To read it just click here.

Cultured Moms Favorite Things-Sleep MD

For some time I have been having trouble sleeping. I am not the sort of person that can go without sleep and still be lovely. ;-) I really NEED sleep. Not an option for me. So while at the store one day looking at some "this will help you sleep" products anther woman was also looking in that area. Well, truthfully I was looking at products to help "others" not be such loud snorers. This woman said to me, you have someone that snores too huh? I sure do. She said here is something for YOU. She pointed out the product above. I went home with 3 products to help me and to help "others". (Trying not to hurt any ones feelings here.) I put them on the counter and said I AM GOING TO GET SOME SLEEP TONIGHT! I was pretty excited and yet kind of skeptical too.

Let me tell you what happened. I popped one of those baby blue pills in my mouth. It was not long that I was feeling REALLY drowsy. Downright tired! (I often have a hard time going to sleep because I don't feel sleepy at night. Of course, the next morning I DO feel sleepy!) I wondered if this would last. It certainly did! I love this product. It is convenient to buy since I can by it at Wal-mart. It was only around $15 and you get 30 night of sleep. It actually works....and that is a big plus. I have taken it many, many times since then with no problems at all. I do not wake up extra drowsy in the morning and I dare say, maybe even a bit more well rested? My handsome hubby has also taken this product. Not long ago he had to to out of town for a week. When he sleeps in a hotel he usually has a hard time sleeping. He was gone for 4 nights and had NO trouble sleeping at all. This is pretty close to a miracle. So, I give Sleep MD a 2 thumbs up. If this is something you could use go get some and give it a try. If you do, please, come back here and leave a comment with your thoughts. I would love to hear what you think of it.

For more information, click here. You can also see what others have to say, their FAQ's here, or the supplement facts. You can find out some places to purchase it by clicking here.

July 4th Energy Independence Day

Image Source

My sister told me today they are predicting gas prices will go up to $7 a gallon this summer? You have got to be kidding me. Then I got this in my email. If you haven't signed I encourage you to do so.

Congress has heard the message loud and clear, but many Members of Congress are still not listening to the will of the American people. This is why we need your help to declare this July 4th Energy Independence Day!

This week, Congress is on recess for the Fourth of July and will return to Washington, DC on July 7. During their 10-day recess, Members of Congress will be holding townhall meetings, attending parades, and talking with their constituents in their districts.

We encourage you to attend any one of these meetings to ask your Member of Congress if they support the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition. If possible, bring a video camera along to capture their answer. If you're unable to attend these meetings, be sure to either call or write your Congressman's office instead.

Here are a few more steps you can take to make this July 4th Energy Independence Day:

Tell 5 friends about the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition

Call your local talk radio show about your Representative's position on the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition

Write a letter to the editor about your Representative's position on the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition

Download and print this handout to distribute at your townhall meeting or parade

You can find a new YouTube video, sample talking points, letter to the editor, and other action-oriented materials to guide you at www.AmericanSolutions.com/EnergyDay.

This list is by no means exhaustive. In addition to getting your Representative on record, we encourage you to create your own activities surrounding Energy Independence Day. Your Fourth of July parties, BBQ's, and neighborhood gatherings would be great opportunities to talk to your friends and family about the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition and ask them to sign it at www.AmericanSolutions.com/DrillNow.

Finally, after Energy Independence Day, email us your stories, photos, or videos to drillnow@americansolutions.com so we can highlight all of your hard work.

With your help, this Independence Day we will declare our energy independence. And we give our elected officials this choice:

Either take action to drill here and drill now for American oil or the American people will take action this fall.

Thanks again for joining the more than 1.2 million Americans of the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" movement.

Sincerely,

Dave Ryan
Executive Director
American Solutions

P.S. During this Fourth of July recess, remember to ask your Member of Congress if they support exploring for more American energy -- and take your video camera if you have one.