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Ladies Book Club!

Ladies, we are launching an exciting online bookclub Feb 1, 2009. We pray that you will join and also make some suggestions for our books of the month. We will have some specials to include featuring our ladies in christ authors, welcome gifts, contests and drawings. We will love to have you join on us on this journey to reading some awesome books that will uplift, motivate, empower, and bless us. Blessings karenJoin Today!http://groups.google.com/group/ladies-of-christ-book-club
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Submit Your Poems on Black History Month!

From A Writers POV recognizes Black History Month through weekly features. We are looking for 4 writers to post a poem about Black history month. Your poem will remain on our magazine for one full week. All February Weekly Feature Submissions must be about Black History Month. If you would like to submit a poem for a weekly feature that's not about Black History Month, your poem will not be posted on March or later. Sign up here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/advertisemywritings.htmWe look forward to hearing from you!Thanks, Dominique
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Putting myself back on the list!

I watch Oprah a few weeks ago and one thing I remember her saying she was “putting her self back on her to do list”. I got so caught up in building a business, developing a new marriage, that I put myself on the bottom of the list. I quit exercise, stop preparing healthier meals and started eating fast food! Because I stop taking care of me I gain over 30 pound (WOW) just to say that is painful but I am not ashamed! Before the New Year had begun I started getting back in the grove of exercising and taking steps to eating better.I am putting myself first on my two do list. I get up in the morning and I go to God before I do anything. Through prayer, reading the bible, listen to great biblical teaching on God word, it has help me for two weeks to maintain my exercising routine and today I started running! WOW I thank God for the will and the strength to get my health were it should be both spiritually and naturally. My personal scripture for the yearZechariah 4:6:6Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, `Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ saith the LORD of hosts.Make 2009 your year!Sheyawww.naturallynurturingbeauty.com/blog
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Have a Plan for Promoting Your Business

In a tough economy like this it's critical for small business owners like us to have a "promotional plan." The only way your business will stand out from the competition is if you purposefully work at raising the profile of your company. The only way you will do that consistently is with a plan.Here are some quick "affordable" tips:1. First, make sure you have a marketing plan that indicates who your target market is, what you unique selling point is (the advantages of your firm over the competition) and the kinds of tactics you want to employ to raise your profile (those tactics might include some or all of the following points). Also include a timeline in your plan and measurements that you'll employ to determine if what you're doing is actually working!2. Launch a media relations campaign since that's the best free exposure that you can get. Generate a list of media that your target market reads/follows; include in that list the names of the reporters/editors/producers who cover your particular issue at various media outlets - from newspapers, to radio and TV programs, to magazines.3. Do some research and identify the top 5 business/web 2.0 networks where your clients are likely to be found...then JOIN and participate in discussion in those networks. Make sure you offer helpful, useful information and not just promotions about your service or product. If you hate it when you get bombarded with someone's promo for their business, trust me others (like me) will hate it too. So don't do it. Be giving, supportive and savvy with your business and your time.There are many more tips that I can offer, but those are a few to start off a discussion on this topic for now.Have a great day ladies!Sharon
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Do you have a Media List?

Greetings Ladies!Just about everyone knows that media is one of the best ways to get free exposure for your business - right? Did you also know that you could launch your own media relations campaign easily by just putting a few minutes of your time each day towards building and nurturing your media list? I've got some tips for starting your list over at the new group on here called Marketing Tips for your Business - http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/group/marketingtipsforyourbusiness.Your vehicle for communicating with the media - the press release - is the easy part of the process as there are all kinds of templates, guides,etc. on how to write a 2-4 paragraph news release about your service or product - plus I'll also be sharing with the group tips on how to write your own effective release.I look forward to meeting you...talk to you soon!Sharon
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A RENEWED MIND.,.

A Renewed Mind"Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man whichwas created according to God" Ephesians 4:23-24a.If anything has become evident this past year, it is that we cannot continue todo what we've always done and expect things to change for the better in ourlives. The jobs, people and systems that we've come to place our trust in haveproven themselves insufficient, and as a result, many of us have come to acrossroads in our lives.We've come to a place in our journey where we cannot afford to take another stepbackwards due to a bad decision, nor waste any more time on that which isunproductive in our lives.I know it may not seem like it, but in the midst of all of this bad news, Godhas really positioned us, if we make the necessary adjustments in our lives, tonever have to circle this mountain again. Do I have your attention? I hope so,because I believe that God is using this trouble to change or transform ourminds. Let me explain.God has shaken everything that has proudly exalted itself as being sufficient ora "source", exposing it as being only an illusion. Governments, institutions andpeople that once proclaimed themselves as being trustworthy have foundthemselves in need of help.To make it in this season of history, we are going to have to think differentlyand on a higher level to overcome the gravitational pull of our fallen economyand society. Romans 12:2 warns us, "do not be conformed to this world, but betransformed by the renewing of your mind" and Ephesians 4:23 states, "be renewedin the spirit of your mind". To "be conformed", means to be "patterned after" orto "think like". To avoid the fate that this world's system is suffering, wecannot continue to think and operate like the world. Our minds must be renewed.The word "re" indicates that there was a former "state of mind" or "being" thatis to be pursued. In Genesis 1:26, the bible declares that we were created inthe image and "likeness" of God. The root word for "likeness" in the Hebrew istranslated, "to think like". We were given the ability to think creatively likeGod and to cause our thoughts to become things. The only limitation of acreative mind is its imagination. Creators never run out of substance or sufferlack because they do not depend upon anything external for them to beproductive.I believe the shaking that we are experiencing today is designed to awakenbelievers, who have become sedated by the world's system, to cause them toconsider who and what they've placed their trust in. God gave us the ability toknow His mind and thoughts (1 Cor. 2:10-16) so that we would not be confined orlimited by what the world says we can have or do. Because we've beenindoctrinated through education to embrace conformity and not our creativity,many believers are unnecessarily suffering lack that are pregnant with ideaswaiting to be birthed, that could provide for their generations.What creative ideas, innovations, inventions and projects has God placed withinyou that are waiting to be manifested? These creative "thoughts" are the"things" God has given you to overcome what is overcoming the rest of theworld. However, this will require you to renew your mind and know that God isyour Source and everything else is a resource!
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Make It Better

Whatever way this day is going, you can make it better. You have the power, the ability and the opportunity to do so.If you find yourself in a good and useful situation, you can make it even better. When you encounter a difficult and troubling situation, you can make that better as well.Accept the reality of what is. Then get busy making your own unique positive contribution using whatever you have to work with.Look at the events and circumstances of life not as things to fight against or to attempt to grab. See them as opportunities to build and grow.Be truly thankful for whatever comes your way. For within all of it, there is room for you to add as much real, meaningful value as you wish.See the possibilities in every moment, and find ways to give your best to life. Always, you can make it better, and by continuing to do so, you make it great.
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Leeke and Eng Family represent our ancestors and family members at theInauguration on the National Mall - My sister Syl Eng (very cool black and red hat)and Lu Eng Leeke (standing in back), me, and my brother Mark (with his Dallas Cowboys hat)Photo Credit: A Fellow American

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on jumbotranPhoto Credit: Mark Leeke

First Lady Michelle Obama and formerFirst Lady Laura Bush on the jumbotranPhoto Credit: Mark Leeke

Americans standing in community with hope on the National MallPhoto Credit: Mark Leeke

Me and my brother Mark smiling and taking in thehistoric day that Barack Hussein Obama became our President.Photo Credit: Syl Eng, my sister

Finally at the Mall - Me and my sister Syl standing at the front of the crowdnear a jumbotran located about 50 feet from the Washington Monument ... we were sograteful to stand in the front of the crowd and witness the event.Photo Credit: My iPhone genius brother Mark Leeke

People walking to the Mall on 18th Street, NW in DCPhoto Credit: Mark Leeke

Walking to the Mall from 16th and U Street, NW on the morning ofInauguration Day - Me and my sisters Lu and Syl... Lu is helpingme hook up my scarf on 14th Street.Photo credit: Mark LeekeBlessings All,Below are poetical and photo reflections of my Inauguration Day experience with my family and fellow Americans. Stay tuned for more reflections this week. Enjoy!Peace, Love, Creativity, Service, and a New America,AnandaA New Day by Ananda LeekeCopyright 2009 by Madelyn C. Leeke.Excerpt from That Which Awakens Me (Spring 2009 - iUniverse, Inc.)On the morning of January 20th, my alarm clock rang at 6:00 a.m.I turned it off and moved into a series of breathing, yoga, and Reiki healing touch exercises to create space in my body and to open my heart, stretch out my back and core, and lengthen my spine.Shortly thereafter I walked into my kitchen and made some herbal tea.As I waited for the water to warm up, I stared at my altar in my kitchen window and said a prayer of gratitude for being able to see a new beginning for America under the leadership of President Barack Hussein Obama.After the prayer, my spirit, heart, mind, and body vibrated with the energy of love, peace, excitement, hope, and dreams for a better America ... the kind American poet Langston Hughes wrote about in his poem "Let America Be America Again":"Let America be the dream the dreamers dream. Let it be that strong land of love."My head bowed to my heart as I whispered Amen into the silence of a new day.
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26 Sales & 1 Website in 2 Weeks

People make resolutions for the new year. I never do. Instead I just try to do a little better each day. I had in mind what I wanted to do and I just started doing it. I wanted to build my own website and I have. I wanted this month to be better than last month and it already is.How do I do it? I continue to work towards my dreams each day, everyday.Never give up and give it your all!
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Michelle Obama Inauguration Makeup

Wow! Get Excited! I had to post Michelle Obama Inauguration makeup created by Ingrid Grimes-Myles...
"Mrs. Obama's look is not not an avant-garde look. It's not a fashionista or Vogue -spread type of thing. 'It's a professional woman look," said the stylelist. "We want her to be read very natural and polished," said Ingrid Grimes-Myles, Michelle Obama's friend and makeup artist who created her Inauguration day look with black liner, natural makeup and nude lips. Though Michelle does not endorse any beauty brands, Grimes-Myles let it slip in a Chicago Tribune interview that Michelle's oft-admired lip color is a variety of M.A.C. lip pencils-one darker, one light-plus lipstick and gloss, which Grimes-Myles custom-mixes. She goes easy on the blush for Obama and all women of color, preferring to contour and shade the face. "For women of color, they don't really blush," Grimes-Myles said. "You should [add] blush where you naturally blush." For the brows, she employs Tweezerman tweezers and a combination of brow powders and pencils. Until next time...feel free to leave a comment.
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Divas in the City proudly presents the "Paint the Town Pink" Launch Party Friday March 20th in New York City.The “Paint the Town Pink” launch party is being held to celebrate the new Divas in the City super community website as well as benefit and raise awareness for Dress for Success -an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help disadvantaged women find jobs and remain employed. This Pink Carpet charity event will allow women and men to enjoy an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, and delicious hors d’oeuvres all while helping Dress for Success (www.DressforSuccess.com). The “Paint the Town Pink” launch party will be held on March 20, 2009 from 6 – 10pm and hosted by media personality Déjà vu of Power 105.1 FM in New York City.We are offering business owners the opportunity to promote theirbusiness for free to our attendees by offering items in our GoodyBags. Corporations looking to reach our captive audience ofprofessional women can take advantage of the opportunity to do sothrough the “Paint the Town Pink” Launch Party by adding a coupon/sample/productto our participant's Goody Bags. This can be your opportunity to getyour product or information directly into the hands of each womanthat is there.We are looking for swag bag items that would be of interest to our target market - young, affluent, professional women... the Diva, such as:Beauty items (lipstick, sample lotions, shampoo, perfume,etc)Fashion items (earrings, hair clips,etc)MagazinesHealth care itemsI would like to speak with you about establishing a relationship andstrategic alliance between our two organizations. Please take a fewmoments at your convenience to review the event information and freemarketing opportunity below. If you have any questions in themeantime, feel free to e-mail me at: Gabrielle@DivasintheCity.comABOUT DIVAS IN THE CITYDivas in the City (DITC), is an all-woman social and professional networking organization that is quickly becoming the ultimate resource for today's do-it-all woman. It's about more than just making new contacts, but creating a powerful network and information exchange among women. In everything that we do, DITC’s goal is to provide entertainment, education and the empowerment of women from diverse cultures.EVENT DEMOGRAPHICSThis event is an excellent opportunity for your company to showcase its products and services, as well as show your support for Dress for Success to your target market. Attendees will consist of successful professionals (ages 25-45), with disposable income for high-end goods.Number of expected attendees: 100 -150Age range: 25 – 45 years oldGender: Female and male (80/20)Income range: $40K-100K+Geographic Reach: NYC residents/Washington DC residents----------------------------------------------------------------------Benefits Of Goody Bag Marketing With Divas in the City:Main Benefits of Goody Bag MarketingIt's Free!One of the biggest benefits of Goody Bag marketing is that this eventwill allow you to donate items to the bag for free. Because we viewthe Goody Bag as a benefit to the event participants, we will gladlyaccept your choice of an item you want to donate. That makes theGoody Bag a great free way to impact a target audience.Extremely TargetedThe ability to specifically target your audience is another hugebenefit of Goody Bag marketing. This event will give you access toyour target audience: women. They are decision makers for 80% oftheir household purchases.The key to making this Goody Bag free marketing opportunity aseffective as possible is to think in terms of how the item you donatecan generate phone calls, drive people to your website, your retaillocation or other wise secure actionable data that you can follow upon later.If you are a local retailer your goal may be to drive traffic to yourstore. If you are a B2B supplier or a non-profit, your goal may be todrive traffic to your website. Whatever your goal, it usually takesmore than simply slapping your logo and contact information on apencil, pen or note pad. It takes thought and planning, and we canhelp you with that for free.Deadline for promotional material is March 3rd.
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Without Courage, WISDOM bears no fruit

Life is too long to live in fear of the past repeating itself, in this fortnights newsletter I wanted to share a personal experience with you."Without courage, wisdom bears no fruit." Baltasar GracianLast week, I spoke at an open mic for the first time.. Even though I'm a public speaker, and I've spoken in front of hundreds this wasn't something I thought I would do. I wanted to share and release the painful buried memories that no one had yet heard, things I would have rather forgotten.As a speaker, your past mess is your powerful message so courage is essential.When you open your life up, you allow people to judge you based on your past but without opening up, it is difficult to find the message. As I stood up there, I was shaking with nervousness but the freedom I felt at the end of my talk was one of the most elevating emotions I have ever felt. My story touched people, let them see their lessons and gave me the courage to continue sharing.Like many people, I moved through life, repeating the same painful cycles but never becoming any wiser. We become wise as a result of our past experience only when we are courageous. We can all be an inspiration to others by being not just what we do, but who we really are."Wisdom is what happens when we let go of the pain and retain the lesson." (Sophia Bailey)If you have truly learnt something, don't let pain stop you from being an inspiration. When we begin to release the pain, the lesson becomes clear and the more courageously you can do this, the freer you will become.What did you experience that made you wiser?I am currently working on a compilation of wisdom quotes with my children as they are full of wise words and often cause me to stop and think. This one from my daughter Cleopatra (aged twelve) reminds us to make a start, however small"It is the small steps that lead you to victory. Just because they are small doesn't mean they are insignificant, it just means you are too big to see them." Cleopatra BaileyReady to make a start?Check out some of the articles below, I chose them as they cover some of the issues we all faceSending Love as AlwaysSophia Xxp.s Here is some feedback from the open mic session"Hi Sophia, I saw you last week at blessed souls. I just wanted to big you up for that poem, it really touched my soul. I myself haven't been in your situation, but I have been that low where I felt like I didn't have anybody around me who cared. Your poem reminded me of the many times that my REAL friends have come to my rescue and also the amount of times that God Himself has sent me signs to let me l know that he's there and looking out for me. Anyway I just wanted to thank you for sharing your poem and I hope you share some more of your work soon."Take care, God blessCherelle xxThere is Nothing Wrong with Being Wealthy from Entrepreneurial ActivitiesBy Lance WinslowSometimes people complain about wealthy folks and entrepreneurs and demand that they re-distribute their wealth. But, before you attack them, I'd like you to consider something. You see, I put together a little video to make people think. No one should ever feel guilty for being a successful business person or entrepreneur:Click link for more - http://theppsn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/there-is-nothing-wrong-with"Inspired by Peter Rose" "The art of emotional transformations"by Jay BudzinskiThanks for taking the time to check this blog, I was reading another blog By Peter Rose having had to deal with a lot of negative energy in my life, I created a "very power" process a number of years ago, to give me more choice and flexibility in being able to deal with emotional energy is a healthy and mindful way and I am happy to share it hear with you.Click link for more - http://theppsn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/inspired-by-peter-rose-the-artYOU CAN TELL BY THE COMPANY PEOPLE CHOOSE WHAT SORT OF CHARACTER THEY HAVEBy Peter RoseAs the saying goes, "Birds of a feather flock together." We usually choose friends and business associates who like the same things we do, people who share the same values. If you choose happy, positive, productive companions, the odds are that you are or will soon become happy, positive, and productive yourself. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. Unhappy, negative, destructive people are sure to drag you down with them.Click link for more - http://theppsn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/you-can-tell-by-the-companyTo Have what you in life is easy, Just BehaveBy Roger MillarBehave means BE HAVEIn order to have what we want when we want it , we need to be who we need to be tomanifest it.When a mother tells their son to "behave" in essence she is sayingIn order to have what you want in your life, you need to be that which willenable me to give you what you want, it's automatic. The universe andGod works the same way, "As above, so below"Click link for more - http://theppsn.ning.com/profiles/blogs/to-have-what-you-in-life-is
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Live a life of Self-care

What is a Self Caring Lifestyle?Self Care is exactly what it sounds like. It is the caring for self. It's not being selfish. It's being aware of the fact that you can't give what you don't have. If you have no sense of self and how to love on self than how do you expect to give it to others. I had to learn this. I put all my time and effort into my children and my family that I took no time to just work on me. This made me stressed out, irritable and just not the joyful person that God wants and expects me to be. It carries over into every aspect of your life. It's a journey not to go back, but well worth it. When you are being your best then you can give your best. You're a better mother, a better mate, friend, sister; you are just a better person.Self care is about more than tending to the physical, which can be getting your hair or nails done.It's about more than grooming. Self care emcompases the Mind, Body, and Spirit. When you choose to take part in activities that nurture, renew and fortify all three of these elements of self, than you are not only practicing but living a Self Caring Lifestyle. Self Care takes care of the inside as well as the outside, it's a lifestyle not a hobby.We'll take a further look at what needs to be present and the steps we can take to begin our journey to a Self Care Lifestyle.Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)Imagine Life...Be Empowered...Live on Purpose!DaphneYour Self-care Sistah / Lifestyle Entrepreneurwww.eshe.weebly.comwww.eshe.soulpurpose.netwww.divawithsoul.blogspot.com
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Book your Summer vacation now.

We understand that times are hard so we have made our vacations economically beneficial to you. Do not wait until the last minute book your land or sea vacation now.For families, we have Disney Cruises.For couples, we have all exclusive resorts.For girlfriend getaways, we have the Caribbean resorts and spas.Whatever you are looking for Takefyve Travels can assist you.Relax, Recharge, Renew and Takefyve on us........To book your travel go to:http://ytbtravel.com/takefyvetravels
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A DREAM FULFILLED...

A Dream FulfilledOn yesterday, America made history.History that at one time was only a dream.So like millions around the world, with a renewed mind and spirit that whatothers had once said was impossible, or perhaps always needing to be deferred,has now become a reality......I woke up today pondering this question:What happens to a dream...fulfilled?Does it rise uplike a rye or wheat stalk?Or dangle low like a slothAnd then walk?Does it smell like a garden rose?Or freeze in timejust to strike a pose?Does it compare what is nowto what was then?Or maybe it is just free now to dream yet again?
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Hollywood Screening THIS SUNDAY

REEL Screening SeriesPresents "The Souls of Black Girls"THIS Sunday, January 25, 2009jpegREEL Ladies in association with JNL Media presents the talked about documentary "Souls of Black Girls", a Film Noire Production.

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The Souls of Black Girls is a provocative news documentary that takes a critical look at media images-- how they are instituted, established and controlled. The documentary also examines the relationship between the historical and existing media images of women of color and raises the question of whether they may be suffering from a self-image disorder as a result of trying to attain the standards of beauty that are celebrated in media images.The documentary features candid interviews with young women discussing their self-image and social commentary from Actresses Regina King and Jada Pinkett Smith, PBS Washington Week Moderator Gwen Ifill, among others. The Souls of Black Girls is a piece that attempts to provoke honest dialogue and critical thinking among women of color about media images and our present condition—internally and externally.MEET THE FILMMAKER: Daphne ValeriusDaphne Valerius, one to watch as the era of women of color redefining the landscape of media images – in front and behind the camera - begins to unfold.For Valerius the production of The Souls of Black Girls, which she also wrote, edited and produced, marks the beginning for “my sisters, my aunts, my nieces, my cousins and my daughters who stand beside me to have a better understanding of why and how media images affect our self-image and self-esteem.”Talented, passionate and committed Valerius aspires to influence, inspire and uplift women of color through positive, educational and healing television and film projects—in front and behind the camera. “I will always remember Halle Berry’s acceptance speech for her Academy Award, ‘it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance.’ that was my inspiration.”Join us for the screening and the round table discussion immediately following with our prestigious panel of speakers. Let's talk about the issues and how we can affect CHANGE, this is an event you don't want to miss!REEL PANELISTS:Neema BarnetteEmmy Award Winning Director, Neema Barnette, was the FIRST African American Woman to Direct a Sitcom! Neema's works includes The Cosby Show, 7th Heaven, Civil Brand, Gilmore Girls and MORE!Keesha SharpNAACP Image Award Nominated Actress, Keesha's projects include Girlfriends, Everybody Hates Chris, Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married and MORE! Keesha has worked with many well respected directors in Television, Film, Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre.Tanya KerseyOne of Hollywood's most respected and well-regarded entertainment journalist and commentator. Tanya Kersey is the Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival, Creator of Black Talent News and MORE!Terri VaughnActress & Producer, Terri's projects include Three Can Play That Game, All of Us, The Steve Harvey Show, Angels Can't Help But to Laugh and MORE! Terri is also the founder of Take Wings Foundation which provides scholarships and mentoring to women living in public housing.Juanita JenningsActress, Juanita Jennings, has been a series regular in The Bold & the Beautiful, Lincoln Heights and MORE. She has been seen in films such as Baby Boy, Runaway Jury and Daddy's Little Girls.MODERATORREEL Ladies Founder, Actress, Writer & Producer Nikki LovejpegTOPICSBlack Women in MediaBeauty & Self ImageBlack Women & Self ImageYouth & Self ImageFilm/EntertainmentHow to affect changeWe will be REALLY diving into this issue and various viewpoints on it. We will NOT be tiptoeing around this subject. This is a Round Table discussion with honest feedback and opinions from Guests as well as the Featured Panelists! *Men are Invited and Encouraged to attend*Our Goal:TO INCREASE SOCIAL AWARENESS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOT ONLY IN HOLLYWOOD BUT IN WOMEN!THIS IS A CAN'T MISS INDUSTRY EVENT!Night Includes:Film Screening, Filmmaker Q&A, Round Table Discussion, Complimentary Appetizers, Hollywood Networking and MORE!FREE Parking, Cash Bar--------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOIN THE HOLLYWOOD DISCUSSION!jpegWHEN: Sunday, Jan 25, 20097pm - 11pmWHERE: Busby's (Upper Level)5364 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA.COST: $20 Members$25 Non-Members in Advance$30 at the doorPURCHASE TICKETS HEREand Save $$$Members Email Us for your Member DiscountFor additional inquiries please email REELLadies@yahoo.comWant your film screened? Email us for details!
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Having trouble blogging?

Let's face it, if you're trying to do business online and offline, you need a blog. The trouble is, many start a blog and have no idea what to write, how to write, or to whom to write.Take a free eCourse in blogging! Stop by Womenpreneurs and sign up for our mailing list. By doing so, you will receive an ECourse - "8 days to Blogging Success" delivered directly to your email box.Stop by today and sign up: Womenpreneurs,info.
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Connection is a BIG word!

When you think of Connection what comes to mind? Some people may think of Love Connection and others may think of the TV Connection. Some say Connections are Power or Connections run the World.What does the word “Connection” mean to you?Webster defines it as:1: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: as a: causal or logical relation or sequence connection between two ideas> b (1): contextual relation or association connection the word has a different meaning> (2): relationship in fact connection with a robbery> c: a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) d: coherencecontinuity2 a: something that connects : link connection in the wiring> b: a means of communication or transport connection>3: a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest connections>4: a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship: as a: positionjob b: an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another connections> c: a source of contraband (as illegal drugs)5: a set of persons associated together: as a: denomination b: clanAs you can see here, Connection has a lot of different meanings and touches us in every aspect of our lives. I would say it might be one of the most important words we have. Even bold enough to say… Connection is everything!Did you know that you will go crazy without human Connection? Tom Hanks showed a good depiction of this in the movie “Cast Away”. He was stranded on an island for an extended period of time because of a plane crash. He eventually drew a human face on a volleyball and named it “Wilson” to have a friend to talk to. As the movie went on he demonstrated how much Connection is needed.Have you heard of the Six Degrees of Separation? The theory goes; everyone is only 6 people away from each other. They usually talk about how many degrees people are from “Kevin Bacon:. Like he is Mr. Connection or something? Did you know that they have done studies that show that Kevin Bacon is not as connected as many other less popular actors? Well, this is because the other actors did much more diverse rolls which gave them much more Connections than Kevin Bacon.There was also a different study done on the Six Degrees of Separation in the book,”The Tipping Point”, which showed all Connections are not equal and that most people go through certain “Connected” people to get Connections.Think about how important Connections are in your life. Well, you have Family Connections, Friend Connections, Business Connections, Sports Connections, and on and on…. Most Connections are built around some type of relationship. Actually, a simple smile can provide a Connection.For this article let’s focus on what it takes to build strong human Connections. There is a lot of Psychology that goes into this. Although I am not a Psychologist, I have done quite a bit of research on this because I needed to find ways to build stronger Connections. Well, I found out that Connections have to do with every part of you. It has everything to do with your past, present and future and how that relates to other people. Every experience you have had in your past can lead to build Connections. Some people that have a checkered past may want to hide it, but actually it could lead to stronger Connections for the future. Here is an example: Let’s say John has been through a bad divorce in the past and a new business Connection has expressed that he is going through one right now. John could use this bad past experience for a good purpose and build a Connection with the new business client by sharing his past experience. It could lead to a very strong Connection and potentially a great business relationship.Connections do not stop here. Think about every aspect of your life. Actually the more diverse life you have the more experiences you have to build Connections with others. These include: Where you were raised, where you have worked, your interests, religion, where you have traveled, what your parents did for a living; basically anything you have been exposed to.The problem is, that most of the time, we do not have enough time to find out all the possible Connection areas with someone. If only there was a way to find out this information, we could build much better Connections with each other.Well, The Connection Center is a company built on the concept of Connections and providing the “Best Practices and Products” to facilitate Connections. It is important to remember that every experience you have had in your life can lead to building strong Connections.Have A Great Day Connecting!TheConnectionCenter.com
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Networking is about listening. Make sure you’re giving others the opportunity to speak. Ask follow-up questions that show you’re interested. Shake hands, make eye contact, engage, and interact. Don’t turn the encounter into a sales pitch.Sheila, publisher of Diversity Woman Magazine.www.diversitywoman.com
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"Limiters"

I use to wonder why God would take people like Moses, or Abraham away from their familiar environments after he called them. He would uproot people from their family and friends to use them for a great work. But the more EX Ministries grows, the better I am understanding why God does this. There are so many limits put on us by family and people that know us well. Especially people that watched us grow up and fail so many times before. Many times, their perception of us distorts our vision and causes us to doubt ourselves and God. But what we must always remember is that whenever someone says you can't do it, you know they are not speaking God's words, because God says you can do all things through him!People will speak according to what they were able to accomplish. They will judge you based on what they could or couldn't do and it's hard for them to see your vision because if they could, then it wouldn't be a vision, but it would be a picture! A vision is only seen by the bearer of it and because you were selected to bear it, it is invisible to others. God chose you to carry it out, so everyone is not going to understand what you are doing. Family and friends many times will get in the way because of what they feel your purpose is and their perception of you. They will label you based on your current status and because they can't see inside of you, they will sometimes judge you based on the outside. But God knows your potential and he will give you vision based on your ability to carry it out. So don't feel bad when you don't have a lot of close friends or family around. Don't feel bad when people abandon you and walk away. Count it all joy because those that God want in your life will never leave and those that are from him will never lead you astray. Friends and family are good to have, but many times God removes them. Don't fight it or pull people into your life, just allow God to add and remove as he sees fit. There is so much more to you than can be seen by the natural eye and you must surround yourself with people that can see past the appearance of things.Suggested Reading: Gen. 37:23, Phil 4:3, Ex. 2:21, Psa. 1:1, Acts 7:3Be Blessed,Terri
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