iBloom: Inspiring Women

We've MOVED!

2011-01-25T09:05:00.000-05:00

Our iBloom blog has MOVED! Come visit us at http://ibloom.co/blog/!

2011-01-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

Putting Away Christmas

Well, it’s been almost a month since Christmas… have you put away all the evidence of the season? Have you packed and stored all the decorations, recipes, and wrapping paper? Have you also put away the feelings of love, hope, and peace that entered your heart this time of year?

I began pondering this idea after I sent one of my daily emails to my grown daughters. I wrote something like, “today I am going to put away Christmas.” As I took down the hand-knitted stockings so lovingly created by my Great-Aunt, I thought about those words I had used, “putting away Christmas”. I knew what I was trying to say, but somehow the words struck a deeper meaning.

While raising my daughters, there were times when circumstances caused us to celebrate their birthdays after the date or someone would send them a card or gift later. I always told them to stretch this celebration as long as they could! But, was I doing that with the birth of Christ? Was I daily opening my heart and mind to that long ago night filled with angels and shepherds and the miracle birth?

One thing I know for sure, I don’t want my relationship with the Prince of Peace to be a seasonal one! I want Jesus to fill every thought, word, and action of my life! That’s a big statement; how was I going to be intentional this year about making this happen? One thing I added is memorizing scripture. I am participating in Beth Moore’s blog group and memorizing 2 verses per month. God was getting tired of hearing me say, “it is hard for me to memorize scripture”, and so I decided to just do it! I know that by focusing and filling my mind with His word, I will be prepared to share His love and truths with others.

So, how do you spend time with God and grow your relationship with Him? How do you keep the meaning of Christmas a daily celebration? Share your ideas, Ladies!

Oh, I also decided to leave out my nativity scene this year. It is a reminder of the love, hope, and peace of Christ who fills my heart!

Joy in the Journey,

Lori Burrell

iBloom Associate

Counting Blessings

2011-01-17T13:39:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends,

I hope you enjoyed it.

Christmas, New Years, your family, the gifts, the food, the lights, the laughs, and the snow! I hope you drank it in like sweet hot chocolate on a cold, snowy day. I hope it warmed your soul and gave you the strength and stamina to survive January...Ha!

As we begin another year, the AMAZING GIFT of another year, I hope you'll set aside some time to give thanks for all of your blessings. I have a friend who has a stenciled message on the wall in the entryway of her home that reads, "Grant me patience to deal with my blessings".

I think of that when I begin to feel overwhelmed. I am so blessed. With blessing comes responsibility yes, but I don't want those responsibilities to overshadow the blessings. Ever.

So God, please grant each of us the patience to deal with our blessings in 2011, to recognize your hand in our lives, and to search for ways to bless others starting in our own home. Starting with our spouse, let us love as you love us and to exert patience when we are feeling the weight of responsibility. Help us to find our way back to recognizing our blessings.

I would love to hear from you! Share your excitement, your challenges, and let me know how I can be praying for you. You can leave a comment on the blog or email me directly at leighann@ibloom.us

Here's a peak at what I'll be chatting about on the Happy Marriage Blog: 11 Tips for a Happier Marriage in 2011. Check it out and share it with someone you love.

Blessings,

Leigh Ann Napier

The Happy Marriage Coach

http://leighannnapier.com

www.ibloom.us

Rain for the Soul

2011-01-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Is your soul dry? Parched? Need refreshing?

With the holidays behind us and facing a cold winter, we need to lift our heads and hearts to the refreshing of the Holy Spirit.

Find some refreshment here.

Praying you have a blessed day!

First Step for 2011 – Lead Yourself Effectively by Betsy Ringer

2011-01-08T11:18:00.010-05:00

Okay, so you have been making plans and thinking about hopes and dreams for this fabulous new year stretching out ahead of you. That’s great! That’s a wonderful thing to do! As your Life Coach, please allow me to encourage you to take the following steps to lead yourself before you jump into all the projects and plans you are eager to start. When you lead yourself effectively then your plans and hopes and ideas have a better chance of actually being implemented.

Leading yourself effectively doesn’t mean you have to be perfect (what is that anyway?) but it does mean you are authentic, make intentional choices, embrace life, know peace, love and respect yourself, enjoy loving relationships, and think through problems.

I’ll share a story that will help illustrate four points for you to consider. Last winter we had an ice storm that tormented our area for two days and nights. I was alone in my home. As the constant freezing rain built up on my power lines and many tall trees, I could hear the crackling branches clanking against each other in our woods and from time to time heard loud crashes of large limbs plummeting to the ground. Our lights flickered over and over and I was terrified I would lose power. I knew if I lost power, there was no way I could drive anywhere. I wouldn’t be able to get out of the driveway. I also knew my body does not generate heat and the cold would be shocking.

I set out into survival mode. Looking back on it, I employed some “lead yourself” techniques that are good for all of us whether facing adversity or everyday problems:

Pray—I centered myself in the Lord’s power. I surrendered my tendency toward panic and fear and trusted that He would guide me through.

Prepare—What could I do now to prepare IN CASE the power did go out? I gathered flashlights, batteries, candles. I put hot water in thermoses. I kept my cell phone charged. I brought in firewood to dry. I took inventory of quilts and blankets.

Picture—To gain perspective I pictured where I would sleep, how I could stay warm while doing productive things without power, and how I could exercise periodically. I tried to keep perspective that it would only be a few days that I would have to live like that and I could make it through.

Connect with others—I texted with my husband and kids and talked with them as well. They reassured me and even gave me ideas about how I could keep my cell phone charged and how to build a fire.

525,000 customers were without electricity for up to a week after the storm. They all have stories of survival. And we are grateful for all the workers who came from many states to restore power to us.

My point in sharing this story is to encourage you to make sure you are taking steps to lead yourself. Try implementing these steps into your everyday life as you step into 2011.

Pray—Center; surrender; trust. Ask for guidance for the year ahead.

Prepare—Think ahead so you can respond instead of reacting. How will your plans, hopes and ideas affect all areas of your life? What steps can you take now to prevent challenges from becoming overwhelming?

Picture—Envision where you are going and how you are going to get there. Think about handling problems with wisdom and living with joy.

Connect with others—Serve others and allow them to serve you. Relationships and contributing to the well-being of others brings deep meaning to our lives.

CREATE A THEME FOR YOUR LIFE by Betsy Ringer

2010-12-31T15:34:00.005-05:00

Instead of making a new year’s resolution, how about setting a THEME for 2011? Choose a theme that reflects your assignment for this particular time of your life. Your THEME can be applied to many areas of your life and will allow some freedom for failure and the excitement of surprise.

Your THEME is not random. It may be balancing out your previous year or it may be something you see God is leading you towards, or you might see a new direction emerging. For example, maybe 2010 was hectic and frazzled, so your THEME for 2011 might be Rest or Quiet. By focusing on Rest, you allow yourself to sit, to say “no” to a request, or go to bed earlier. Your health and spirit will be renewed and your life will be more fulfilling.

Maybe there is a need in your life for friends, better health or de-cluttering. Be positive and use words that will help you take action. For example, instead of having a theme of Making Friends, choose Be a Friend. That implies taking action that will most likely lead to connection with others.
Some THEME ideas to get you thinking - Simplify, Adventuring, Health, Move my Body, Write, Surrender, Laughter, Paint, Savor the Moments, or Discover my Passion.

Take the following steps to identify a THEME for 2011:
Step 1
• Picture your life being richer because of your attention to your theme
• At the end of 2011, what will make you smile as you look back over the year?
• What is your assignment for this particular time of your life?
• Is there a way 2011 needs to be balanced?
• Ask God to give you direction in selecting a theme.

Step 2
• Write out several themes that seem to emerge from within. Give some thought to how they might be carried out in your day to day living. Is it a theme that can be realized in your ordinary routine as well as jump start you to try something new?

Step 3
• Select your theme. Embrace it. Be excited about it. Write it on several cards and place them in strategic places to remind yourself about your 2011 THEME. For example, place THEME cards on your bathroom mirror, over your kitchen sink, on your computer, hanging from the rear view mirror in your car, and wherever else you look frequently.

Step 4
• Give yourself permission to evaluate your theme quarterly. Is it still a good path for you? If not, change it. Or, recast the vision - how will it make your life better having allowed this theme to be carried out in your life?
Yes, I have chosen my THEME. In 2009 it was Creativity. After having my creativity squished over the last couple of years, my soul was screaming for me to pay attention to this important area of my life. So I engaged in more photography, created photo books, developed new workshops, wrote articles and blogs, did some redecorating and tried lots of new recipes.

Two years ago my theme was Creativity. Last year Harvest. My theme for this year is Change a Life. My focus is others – whether it’s my kids, my coaching clients, a group I speak to, a person in Louisville struggling to get by or someone in another country I may never meet, I want this year to be about changing others’ lives for the better. What’s your theme?

Be sure to share your THEME in the comment section of this blog. I want to cheer you on! Happy New Year! Click to Comment

The Season of Hope by Lori Burrell

2010-12-16T08:00:00.005-05:00

We had our first big snow in my city, so you know what that means- a weekend of Hallmark movies! I conducted my own “marathon”; actually watched one movie twice! It was new this season and so sweet

As I snuggled in my comfy chair with my favorite throw, I watched characters end up in quaint little towns with names like “Mistletoe” and find the true meaning of Christmas. Now, don’t think I am making fun- I usually become part of their families by the end of the 2-hour movie!

After watching several movies, I began to see a theme emerging- the love and hope of Christmas. I thought back over my year and how at times hope was the only thing I had! I recently went through a divorce of a long-term marriage and I was pretty much dying in a pile for months! But, even in my darkest hours, God’s peace and love prevailed. I am grateful that God gave me the desire and the ability to believe in Him-He is hope. I remember reading early in the process that we either live in faith or fear- I chose faith!

Now, don’t think having hope made everything easy- there were nights I put my pjs on at 6 p.m. so that day could end and a new one could begin! But when you have hope, there are possibilities! You realize that you can and must put one foot in front of the other. You begin looking up and out and realize God still has a purpose and plans for you.

And, you allow others to serve and take care of you- the hands and feet of Christ. Love comes in many forms- mine was in family members who called and emailed daily to check on me! It came in friends who literally pulled me out of the house to go to a movie or dinner! It was from co-workers who picked up the slack when I could barely function! It came in the many, many prayers that were petitioned on my behalf when I was too grief stricken to pray!

So, this season whether you are in the midst of a devastating trial or in the sweet spot of life, give and receive the greatest gift of all… the gift of God’s love and hope. And show the world the “reason for the season”!

A 14-year Dream...

2010-12-14T13:16:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a BIG dream? Maybe it was a dream that was central to your life purpose. That without this dream coming to fruition, you felt like part of you was missing. You knew without a doubt you were born to do this!

But, now wasn't the time.

So you prayed, prepared, and waited for God's perfect timing. You've done your part, but now you must trust that God's timing is PERFECT- even when it makes absolutely no sense in the moment.

Well, that's my story...

God planted a dream in my heart to be a wife. Over the years that dream grew and grew. I knew that I wanted a marriage that was set apart- different than just the average relationship. A marriage that would be thriving and an example to others for a lifetime.

So, I knew that a marriage like that would be different. It would take lots of work. It would take longer. This would be a different man!

But I didn't quite anticipate 14 years of praying, preparing, and waiting!

The waiting didn't make sense to me at the time. There were MANY times that I cried out to God begging for Him to move. Why would he plant such a powerful dream in my heart and not bring it to fruition? At the time, it didn't make sense to my human mind. Had I heard God wrong? Had I just dreamed this dream for myself?

I had prayed and prepared. I even had a trunk where I've stored 14 years worth of prayer journals, marriage books, cards, and letters for my husband-to-be! And, then I waited and waited.

But, 866 days ago something changed. I crossed paths with a man that would change my life forever. We were connected on eharmony just days before and were meeting in person for the first time. We had arranged to have appetizers & drinks at a local restaurant. I was SO nervous walking toward the restaurant. But, once he hugged me it was like time stood still for a moment. His hug was perfect. I knew there was something very different about this man. We soon discovered that we actually went to the same exact church- even the same service time!

I got in my car that night just amazed! It really seemed a little too good to be true. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I decided to pray and wait. I knew that if he were the "one," then God would work it out! Well, I didn't have to wait very long because this very special man emailed me the next day asking for a second date. That really was just the beginning of the fairy tale romance between Jon and I.

I now see so clearly that God's timing is absolutely perfect! Jon couldn't have showed up in my life one moment sooner. He wouldn't have been ready. I wouldn't have been ready. We wouldn't have been ready for one another. I now understand that God always shows up in His perfect time- even when it makes absolutely no sense to us in the moment. We just have to trust HIM!

And in just 4 days, my dream of being a wife will become reality! I'll get to marry the man I prayed for 12 years before I even knew his name. I can't really put into words what joy, excitement, and anticipation I feel. I'm ready to begin my new role as a wife to Jon!

The dream is coming true, but the real work of building a thriving marriage that will last a lifetime continues on...

The Little Joys of the Season by Tara McClenahan, The Christian Mommy Mentor

2010-12-10T12:59:00.009-05:00

Hello there!

How are your holiday preparations coming along? I pray you aren't frazzled and overwhelmed. I've had to force myself to pay attention to the little joys of the season and invite you to do the same.

Here are just a few from our home to yours:

The joy of discovery and flood of memories as we unpacked the ornaments from their boxes to trim the tree
The awe on Little Man's face as he lay beneath the Christmas tree marveling at the lights and ornaments from that perspective
The hilarious "uh-oh" when Little Man found a present hidden in a closet
The feeling of shared delight as we sipped our first hot chocolate of the season and the giggles as we saw each others whipped cream mustaches
The excitement of leafing through a toy catalog yet tempering that with lessons of "need vs. want"
The understanding that dawned on my son's face when I shared that we would be helping out some families that don't have food, blankets and beds. He said sadly, "Mommy, I don't know how to help them." I replied, "Jesus will show us how and we will help them together!" He joyfully wrapped his arms around me and said, "Thank you, Mommy! We''ll help them togedder!"

Take five minutes by the Christmas tree and make your own list of little joys from the Christmas season thus far. Slow down, pay attention and soak them in!

Blessings to you and your family!

Tara & Little Man

Take a Peak Behind the Scenes.... by Betsy Ringer

2010-12-07T15:52:00.005-05:00

On December 6, 1986, we drove the truck with all our possessions in it into Louisville, KY. We moved from sunny California to Kentucky. Hmmm. I thought we might stay here five years but that would be about it. Twenty-four years later we are still here. After settling into our rental house, we asked where to get a Christmas tree. Our Realtor directed us to Huber’s Orchard in southern Indiana. This year was the 24th year we went to Huber’s to cut down our Christmas tree.

So the Saturday after Thanksgiving, our three now-grown kids plus our newest family member, Ally (Eric’s wife) piled in the car for our Christmas tree outing. As we crossed the great Ohio river into Indiana, with Dave Barnes’ singing Christmas tunes in the background, I watched a barge emerge from the locks. From the bridge, I looked down on the quiet river town; quite a contrast to the big shiny buildings we just left behind in Louisville. We soon left the highway taking twisting back roads, passing a small white church, creeks, pastures and an occasional farm house nestled into the hillside.

Excitement rose as we turned into the familiar, comfortable entrance with the twin ponds and farm buildings. We grabbed a saw and hopped on the trailer pulled by a tractor that would take us to the site where we would select the white pine that would bring us cheer throughout the holidays. We pondered the 20 foot trees and finally decided they simply would not fit. We chose a nice fat round tree. Brendan wielded the saw this year – many times it’s Eric – and we headed back to where the tractor would pick us up.

I remember the first year we went to the farm. Brendan was barely three. Rich cut the tree and carried it on his back. Brendan and I laughed and laughed because it looked like the tree was walking! All we could see was the tree and Rich’s legs. He zig-zagged with the tree and we laughed harder!

We have chosen a tree in snow, 60 degrees and rain, sunshine, and days like today with just enough chill in the air to feel Christmasy.

When we got back to the farm buildings and loaded the tree on top of the car, we went inside the farm store. The warmth felt good and the smell of the fresh bread in the bakery was enticing. It’s become a family tradition to take a family picture at Huber’s. Here is one from several years ago. You can see this year’s picture below.

Please use the comment section to share something fun you and your family have done this year. If you have a memory you’d like to share, we’d love to hear that too!

Sand Through the Hourglass by Tara McClenahan, iBloom Christian Mommy Mentor

2010-09-19T16:56:00.000-04:00

If you are a mom, one or more of these will probably sound eerily familiar (if you are honest with yourself anyway- don't worry, we won't tell):

Piles of laundry at your feet at 9 PM and your only thought is "I wish I could lay down on them and nap"
Bathtime will result in more of a mess to clean up than the current grimyness of your kids' bodies so you decide to skip it tonight
Tag-teaming with your hubby between ball practice and the dance recital makes you want to disguise yourself as a gypsy and head for the hills
You lay your head on your pillow at night and worry if you have truly touched your child's heart that day

We've all been there. We've all been exhausted, overwhelmed and ready to turn in our mom card. And at one point or another, we all worry that we are letting the chaos of everyday life distract us from truly reaching out to our children and touching their hearts. We look up and see that the time that we will have our children with us is running out like sand in the hourglass and we throw that worry on top of the big ol' pile we accumulate as moms. Then we feel guilty.

It's true - time really is ticking away. But we don't have to just watch it pass. We can actually do simple things to make sure that we touch, impact and shape our children's hearts in the ways of God and His Word. It is difficult to think that we can do that in the middle of our crazy-busy lives, isn't it? But it can be done when we choose to not allow the daily chaos to distract us from this vital role we have as parents.

So often we love to hear how other moms tackle common parenting struggles so I have put together a FANTASTIC Mommy Panel - a group of Christian moms who have already "been there, done that" and some that are still "there". These moms are just like you and me - normal, human, and prone to mistakes. I have purposely not allowed anyone who thinks they are Supermom to be on this panel! This panel simply has a heart to share with you and other moms the struggles they faced and how they got past all the chaos of everyday life to purposely shape their childrens' hearts toward God. Some of the topics that will be discussed include:

The #1 distraction of a mom
How to avoid the chaos trap
The key habit to develop to stay focused on what is really important

Join me for my FREE phone chat with the Mommy Panel where it is my prayer that you will walk away encouraged as a mom and with some practical and easy ideas to help you navigate the chaos of everyday life to truly shape your child's heart toward God!

The Overwhelmed Mom: Christian Parenting in the Chaos of Everyday Life

Monday, September 20th, 2010

8:30 PM EDT (7:30 PM CDT, 6:30 PM MDT, 5:30 PM PDT)

Don't let guilt paralyze you from doing the most important things! Join us to find out how to bust through the chaos and start having the impact on your children that you so desire to have. Your time of influence is so short!

Even if you can’t make the LIVE call, be sure to register because the audio download will be emailed to registered attendees.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/theoverwhelmedmom to find out more and to get registered.

40% of Your Happiness is Up to You by Betsy Ringer

2010-08-22T16:56:00.003-04:00

Researchers have found that:
• 50% of our happiness quotient is a result of our genetic makeup
• The other half of our happiness involves what happens after we are born.
• 10 % of that “environmental” happiness is the result of circumstances.
• That means 40% of our happiness comes from our own intentional activities – what we CHOOSE to be, do or have.

Let that sink in. Our feelings of overwhelm, hurriedness, perfectionism, insecurity, and indulgent living lead us to believe we are victim to our circumstances: my kids need scholarships so I must have them in fifty activities; OR if I can just get through this week/month things will slow down.

Okay, my house gets messy. Well my LIFE gets messy too. I clean up my house and I can clean up my life. Now this is HUGE: distractions cause messiness in my life. These distractions are disguised as:
• Physical unhealthiness
• Poor systems of doing things
• Dysfunctional surroundings
• Mental overload
• Time management issues
• Frail relationships

When our surroundings, work, and life are chaotic, so is our day-to-day living. We don’t want to live less than spectacular; we want our lives to BE spectacular. That doesn’t mean perfect. It means you have some tools and resources that help you know where you’re going, untangle some of your messes, and make a plan to live in a way that matters most to you. When you understand who you are, where you are headed, and how to manage strategic areas of your life, you will find happiness and joy in even the most mundane parts of your life. The BIG picture is crucial for the everyday picture to come into focus and clarity.

Choose your happiness today! “…there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” - Ecclesiastes 3:12

Join me for my upcoming FREE teleclass where you will get the BOOST you need to overcome the frustration of days, months and years slipping away. You will gain tools to start de-cluttering and recalibrating your life so you can experience passion, balance, purpose and fulfillment. I’ll share five secrets I’ve learned about turning good intentions into real results so you can shift from surviving to THRIVING!

Make the Shift from Surviving to THRIVING
Five Secrets that will help you live life with balance and purpose
Thursday, August 26
8 PM EST (7:00 PM CST, 6:00 PM MST, 5:00 PM PST)

During the teleclass on August 26, I'll share vital “secrets” that will help you leave your exhaustion and overwhelm behind! You will look at twelve important life areas then take first steps to bring vibrancy to these areas. Get the BOOST you need to overcome the frustration of days, months and years slipping away. Start de-cluttering and recalibrating your life so you can experience balance, purpose and fulfillment.

With the right tools, a plan and people we value, we can THRIVE!!

Even if you can’t make the LIVE call, be sure to register because the audio download and handout will be emailed to registered attendees.

CLICK HERE to find out more and register.

Shift from Surviving to Thriving

2010-08-17T21:49:00.012-04:00

FREE Teleclass!

Shift from Surviving to Thriving! Five secrets to help you live life with balance, purpose, passion, and fulfillment

Are you exhausted or overwhelmed?
Do the pieces of your life need some de-cluttering, sorting through, and recalibrating so you can experience joy through all circumstances?
Do you feel like the days, months, years are slipping away and you WANT to make your life count – REALLY COUNT – for something?

During her teleclass on August 26, iBloom Associate Betsy Ringer will share vital “secrets" to help you shift from rushing and cramming way to much into a day to actually THRIVING! You will look at twelve important life areas then take first steps to bring vibrancy to these areas. Gain insight that you can apply to your life immediately. Get the BOOST you need to overcome the frustration of days, months and years slipping away. Start de-cluttering and recalibrating your life so you can experience balance, purpose and fulfillment.

Date: Thursday, August 26th

Time: 8 PM EST (7 PM CST, 6 PM MST, 5 PM PST)

Even if you can’t attend LIVE, go ahead and register because the audio download will be available after the call! Plus, it’s completely FREE!!

Are you ready to ready to "Shift from Surviving to Thriving?" If so, enter your name and email below to get officially registered.

5 Things Happy People Do Every Day: Part 4 by Betsy Ringer

2010-06-19T11:07:00.005-04:00

This blog series is focusing on five things happy people do every day. You’ll be glad to know you can CHOOSE to do these things!! If you missed the first three segments, visit our iBloom blog to catch up:
1. Find something to be grateful about.
2. Find your funny bone.
3. Let love ooze out of you.
4. Allow yourself to be playful; i.e. don’t take yourself so seriously.
5. Find something meaningful to do.

Allow yourself to be playful; i.e. don’t take yourself so seriously.

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato

Remember when you were young and in love? You were probably very playful! If you have young kids or grandkids you are probably playful with them. Does your playfulness show other times? Are you still playful with your spouse or do you just talk about things that need to be done? When was the last time you sang gleefully while doing housework or stopped by a lemonade stand?

My husband has a wonderful sense of humor. The things he says tickles my funny bone. They are actually kind of corny and I guess I could choose to just groan and go on. But instead I choose to be playful and allow myself to laugh until I get tears in my eyes. This has made a great impact on our kids over the years. Our boys, now young men, have often commented, “I hope my wife laughs at my jokes like that.”

One time a friend and I went to our church women’s retreat. Our husbands got to have some quality time with the kids. On the way home we stopped at a mall in another city. We were admiring all the prom dresses. Before we knew it, we scooped up a bunch of them and went into the bridal dressing room with a platform and tried on prom dresses. Yes, I was in my forties and she was in her thirties!! We laughed and had a great time. Then we went to the hat department and tried on hats and giggled again. Our next stop was the jewelry store. A clerk asked how he could help us. With a twinkle in my eye I said, “I’d like to try on the biggest diamond ring you have.” He knew we had escaped our normal routine and were looking for a thrill so he had a great time showing us lovely rings that I can only afford in my dreams!!

Life zooms by so quickly. Happy people renew their spirits by engaging in play. They cast aside, for a time, their to-do list and drink in the freedom that comes with dancing in the rain, swooping down a slide or picking wildflowers.

Oops! Gotta run. A goofy friend is outside! It’s a warm summer day and she’s here with the top down on her convertible. Going for a ride!!!

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” Robert Fulghum

“Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn’t taste good.”
Lucia Capacchione

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

We invite you to sign up for our FREE iChoose2 journey. iChoose2 Love My Life is one avenue we use to equip you with the essential tools needed to really live a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to iChoose2 Love My Life and sign up (fill in your name & email in the box to the right of the page)
2. For the next 40 days, you’ll receive an email from iBloom with your daily iChoose2 challenge.
3. WARNING: At the end of this 40-day journey, if you’ve really participated in each challenge, then your life will be different! You’ll be on your way to really living a life that you love!

You're Invited to a PARTY!

2010-06-14T14:24:00.004-04:00

Twitter will be the place to be on Monday, June 28^th, especially if you want to choose2 have FUN and meet lots of fantastic women!

You’re Invited to an iBloom Party!

We invite you to join us for a fabulous iBloom Twitter Party. The fun starts at 9:00 P.M. EST on Monday, June 28^th. We will be using the hashtag #ichoose2.

Your hosts include:

@KellyThorne
@TaraMcClenahan
@LeighAnnNapier
@BetsyRinger

You Could Win GREAT prizes!

iBloom has partnered with several GREAT organizations to bring you the BEST twitter party prizes! We have 10 prizes that you won’t want to miss. Stay tune to @ibloom as we tweet clues about these fantastic prizes.

Don’t forget, it all happens on Monday, June 28^th from 9PM-10PM EST. The hashtag for the party is #ichoose2.

Are you new to Twitter Parties? Click here to get a FABULOUS resource "How to be a Cool & Hip Twitter Partier" by iBloom Associate, Tara McClenahan. She'll teach you what a Twitter party is and walk you through a step-by-step process for participating!

Will you be there?

Please RSVP with your twitter handles. We hope to see you there!

5 Things Happy People Do Every Day: Part 3

2010-06-06T20:36:00.004-04:00

This blog series is focusing on five things happy people do every day. You’ll be glad to know you can CHOOSE to do these things!! If you missed the first two segments, visit our iBloom blog to catch up. To review, here are the five things happy people do every day that we are focusing on:

1. Find something to be grateful about.
2. Find your funny bone.
3. Let love ooze out of you.
4. Allow yourself to be playful; i.e. don’t take yourself so seriously.
5. Find something meaningful to do.

Number 3: Let Love Ooze Out of You

Yeah, yeah. We all know we are supposed to love. We all know that even when someone gets us all riled up or when we strongly disagree with them or when they just plain irritate us we still love them, right? Really, way down deep inside we love them. But what good is all that way down deep inside kind of love? When I keep it stuffed inside and what is showing on the outside is disgust, offense, irritation, and disappointment, then the message I am conveying to the other person is, “You aren’t good enough. There’s something wrong with YOU. You’re a slimeball.”

If my love isn’t oozing out so people can see it, then I’m no different than the Pharisees Jesus said “Woe!” to. (Matthew 23, Luke 11)

Please don’t gag when what I’m about to say sounds syrupy sweet to you: HAPPY PEOPLE LET LOVE OOZE OUT OF THEM.

It’s very difficult to let our love show. We’ve gotten in the habit of critiquing others, engaging in “innocent” gossip, or fearing WE will be rejected or ridiculed.

So what’s the key? How can I let my love ooze out?
1. Happy people choose to know they are secure in God. WOW!! God sent His precious son so that we might have LIFE. He tells us over and over in His word how much He loves us… no matter what!
2. Also happy people choose to love others because GOD loves them. Just as God loves us when we make mistakes or behave in hurting ways, He chooses to love the people WE think behave badly.

Choose to know you are secure in God. Choose to love others because GOD loves them, not because they behave the way we want them to behave.

Okay so I just typed out 10 ways you can show love and I deleted them. TMI. Just focus on interacting with people in a warm loving way, even if you don’t “feel” warm and loving. Smile and tell people how they are valuable. You will feel good and they will feel even better. Let your love ooze out!

Jeremiah 31:3 (New International Version)
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

We invite you to sign up for our FREE iChoose2 journey. iChoose2 Love My Life is one avenue we use to equip you with the essential tools needed to really live a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to iChoose2 Love My Life and sign up (fill in your name & email in the box to the right of the page)
2. For the next 40 days, you’ll receive an email from iBloom with your daily iChoose2 challenge.
3. WARNING: At the end of this 40-day journey, if you’ve really participated in each challenge, then your life will be different! You’ll be on your way to really living a life that you love!

5 Things Happy People Do Every Day: Part 2 by Betsy Ringer

2010-05-29T11:37:00.004-04:00

This blog series is focusing on five things happy people do every day. You’ll be glad to know you can CHOOSE to do these things!! If you missed the first segment, visit the iBloom blog to catch up.

The second thing Happy People do Every Day is: Find your funny bone.

Everywhere I turn I hear admonishing words. “Be responsible. Don’t eat that. Watch what you spend. Get rid of clutter. Exercise more. Write your congressman. Lose weight. Dress stylishly. Scrub your floors, clean your toilets. Give money to _____. Lock your doors. Read a book. Cook healthy meals. Work harder. Raise perfect kids.”

Okay, you get the idea. You hear these words too!! And then there’s the news. Day in day out, many hours a day, the news tells us about all the horrible things people do and terrifying events going on throughout the world. It makes me walk around feeling like Thoreau’s quote, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

Now imagine with me the sound of Batman’s bat-mobile screeching to a halt and turning 180 degrees. I just can’t keep going in the direction of constant admonition. I know, I know. Everyone is well meaning with their words and I DO need to be responsible. I get it. But I don’t need to be perfect. It’s really okay. And the news is business. They make their money by making us think we can’t live without knowing what they have to tell us. Even the weather man, bless his heart, makes me nervous about the storm a week away and then when the time comes it fizzles out and he says we lucked out this time.

Okay, so I still watch the weather. It’s intriguing and I DO love thunderstorms and thrill at the sight of all that red on the radar. But I have stopped watching the news. Sure, maybe just enough to keep updated on the important things, but in general, my spirit just can’t handle all the doom and gloom.

So, have you seen “Funniest Home Videos” lately? Try watching it for a good belly laugh. Or look at real life in a different way. Watch kids do the funny things they do. Go to lunch with a friend who makes you laugh. Share stories about people bumping into things or falling down (uh, is it just ME who laughs at that?) Look for things to laugh about. When you have a day that you spill things, drop things, lose things, bump into things - start laughing about it! FIND your funny bone. Funny things are all around us, but we have to let go of trying to live up to all those admonishing words and redirect our thoughts to the silliness and joy all around us.

Proverbs 15:13 (The Message)
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face;
a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day

Proverbs 17:22 (The Message)
A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

We invite you to sign up for our FREE iChoose2 journey. iChoose2 Love My Life is one avenue we use to equip you with the essential tools needed to really live a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to iChoose2 Love My Life and sign up (fill in your name & email in the box to the right of the page)
2. For the next 40 days, you’ll receive an email from iBloom with your daily iChoose2 challenge.
3. WARNING: At the end of this 40-day journey, if you’ve really participated in each challenge, then your life will be different! You’ll be on your way to really living a life that you love!

5 Things Happy People Do Every Day By Betsy Ringer

2010-05-21T22:06:00.004-04:00

We all want to be happy. We want to live happy lives, breathe happy air, and interact with other happy people! We want to love our lives. So what are some things happy people do every day? This blog series explores five things happy people do every day. And you’ll be glad to know you can CHOOSE to do these things!! Join us as we explore these five behaviors:

1. Find something to be grateful about.
2. Find your funny bone.
3. Let love ooze out of you.
4. Allow yourself to be playful; i.e. don’t take yourself so seriously.
5. Find something meaningful to do.

If you miss one, visit our iBloom blog to catch up.

Find something to be grateful about.

My daughter was home from college on her spring break. She is such good company. Yes, she leaves her messes everywhere: laundry on the kitchen floor, purse and papers on the table, powdered sugar and drippings from the cake she baked, and shoes and clothing in the family room. But her messes indicate life and activity in our otherwise quiet house. I loved doing things with her throughout the week – a lunch out one day; a movie another; a shopping afternoon; laughter and heart to heart talks.

We had been together one afternoon then we departed ways as she went to a movie with a friend. Okay, so this sounds wimpy but an incredible feeling of loneliness came over me. As I drove home, a dark feeling just reached out and grabbed me. I tried to analyze it… she was going back to school in a couple days; maybe I was feeling my mortality inching by; or was it the mounds of responsibility that I had waiting for me at home. None of it really seemed big enough to warrant this immensely dark feeling.

I’m sure you have experienced that dark feeling; the one that seems to strangle your joy and cloud your thinking. Perhaps it’s accompanied by sobs or anger or despair. A part of you wants to give into it and just spiral on down. Another part wants to fight it, but you just don’t think you have the strength.

Thankfully, I CHOSE to think about what I had to be grateful for. I started praising God. I thanked Jesus for His life. I acknowledged the Holy Spirit at work in me. I thanked the Lord for my marriage, children, car to drive, air to breathe, fingers on my hands, daffodils ready to bloom… anything I could think of that was good and life-giving.

As I CHOSE to be grateful, the dark feeling vanished and I was aware of the presence of the Lord. The loneliness and burdens were replaced with joy and strength. When I arrived at home, I put on my “Life is Good” shirt, looked in the mirror and smiled with delight.

Happy people choose to be grateful – every day. YOU can do it!!
Philippians 4:8 (New Living Translation)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

We invite you to sign up for our FREE iChoose2 journey. iChoose2 Love My Life is one avenue we use to equip you with the essential tools needed to really live a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to iChoose2 Challenge and sign
up (fill in your name & email in the box to the right of the page)
2. For the next 40 days, you’ll receive an email from iBloom with your daily
iChoose2 challenge.
3. WARNING: At the end of this 40-day journey, if you’ve really participated in
each challenge, then your life will be different! You’ll be on your way to
really living a life that you love!

FREE giveaway from iBloom...

2010-05-17T16:36:00.003-04:00

Are you participating in the iChoose2 Love My Life journey? There are hundreds of women currently going through this Free life-changing experience. Don’t miss out. Go to www.ichoose2.us to get started today!

iBloom Founder & President, Kelly Thorne will be sharing the iChoose2 Love My Life talk at the Women of Passionate Purpose Online Conference! Her session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25^th at 5:30PM EST. However, the entire online conference is from Tuesday, May 25^th- Thursday, May 27^th. There are 13 speaker and this month’s theme is Renewal of Purpose! And, the tickets are only $15 for ALL 13 sessions! You don’t want to miss this event. Plus, it’s completely online, so you can participate in the comfort of your own home in your PJ’s! And, if for some reason, you’re not able to participate in the live sessions, then your free includes access to the downloadable mp3’s. So, you can download each of the talks and listen as you workout at the gym! Click here for more information and to get your tickets today!

But, guess what?! We have 5 FREE tickets to giveaway!! The contest ends at 9am on Thursday, May 20^th!

To enter the drawing for this amazing gift, please do the following:

1) Click here to leave a comment about your biggest ah-ha from the iChoose2 journey thus far. If you haven’t signed-up yet, go to www.ichoose2.us to get started now!

2) Go to www.ibloom.us/facebook to become a fan of iBloom.

3) Follow iBloom on Twitter- www.twitter.com/ibloom

4) If you Tweet, Tweet this: I just entered a giveaway from @iBloom to receive a FREE ticket to an online women’s conference! www.i-bloom.blogspot.com #iChoose2

5) Facebook this: I just entered a giveaway from www.ibloom.us/facebook to receive a FREE ticket to Kelly’s iChoose2 Love My Life Presentation at the Women of Passionate Purpose Online Conference. Contest ends at 9am on 05/20/10. www.i-bloom.blogspot.com

Best of luck!!

40% of Your Happiness is Up to You by Betsy Ringer

2010-04-24T09:32:00.008-04:00

Researchers have found that:
• 50% of our happiness quotient is a result of our genetic makeup
• 10 % of our happiness is the result of circumstances
• And 40% of our happiness comes from our own intentional activities – what we CHOOSE to be, do or have.

Let that sink in. Our feelings of overwhelm, hurriedness, perfectionism, insecurity, and indulgent living lead us to believe we are victim to our circumstances: my kids need scholarships so I must have them in fifty activities; or if I can just get through this week/month things will slow down.

Okay, my house gets messy. Well my LIFE gets messy too. I clean up my house and I can clean up my life. Distractions cause messiness in my life. These distractions are disguised as:
• Physical unhealthiness
• Poor systems of doing things
• Dysfunctional surroundings
• Mental overload
• Time management issues
• Frail relationships

When our surroundings, work, and life are chaotic, so is our day-to-day living. We don’t want to live less than spectacular; we want our lives to BE spectacular. That doesn’t mean perfect. It means you have some tools and resources that help you know where you’re going, untangle some of your messes, and make a plan to live in a way that matters most to you. When you understand who you are, where you are headed, and how to manage strategic areas of your life, you will find happiness and joy in even the most mundane parts of your life. The BIG picture is crucial for the everyday picture to come into focus and clarity.

Choose your happiness today! “…there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” - Ecclesiastes 3:12

You might be surprised, but small changes – with the right tools and resources – can make a big difference! I invite you to be a part of one of my upcoming iThrive groups. iThrive guides you step by step to:
• Clear the clutter in 12 vital life areas
• Free you from just getting by to experiencing life with confidence and fullness.
• Manage your distractions; experience mental clarity; cultivate sparkling relationships; develop strategic action plans
• BE spectacular.

iThrive coaches you to take action on and manage 12 areas of your life that have been filled with distractions, clutter and uncertainty so you can live with greater meaning, purpose and direction. Remember you choose 40% of your happiness through how you decide to live.

I love hearing stories like this from iBloom clients: "You know I'm loving iThrive - love the blog, the podcasts, all of it! You ladies have a Christ-centered approach without a bunch of psycho-babble, and unlike many other programs (and books) I've looked into, you have really reached where I am... right ...now, yet helped me move forward towards the future. Thank you."

I have a new iThrive group starting April 27. Receive materials monthly that break down the important life areas for success into manageable, bite-sized pieces. Then meet once a month with a fabulous group by phone for coaching and encouragement to make lasting change. Gain tools and resources to manage your one wonderful so you can focus on what really matters.

I really want to see you in my group. I’d love to see you finally make the breakthrough you’ve always dreamed of!

CLICK HERE to find out more and register.

Please leave a COMMENT if you would like to be part of my group but need another time slot. I’ll be starting another group soon.

Live Big! Book Excerpt

2010-04-23T13:37:00.007-04:00

Here's an excerpt from my friend Dr. Katie Brazelton's newest release...
LIVE BIG! 10 Life Coaching Tips for Living Large, Passionate Dreams by Katie Brazelton, PhD, MDiv

Imagine that you and I are being pampered in first class, relaxing comfortably on an
afternoon flight to your favorite world-class resort. As we gaze out the airplane window, it seems as though we're floating through an endless sea of marshmallow clouds, soaring together through the heavens. Up here, dreams somehow seem crystal clear. I think it's because we can pretend we've risen above the rough, mountainous terrain of life and can look down on our hills and valleys, seeing events from a fresh perspective.

From this bird's eye view, glance down at what is below: your daily routine, closest
relationships, untapped potential, and countless opportunities. Let this vantage point help you set your sights on a passionate mega dream and an inspiring hope for the future! I would not dare to author a book on such an important topic as Living Big without practicing what I preach. So, as I write this, I am on a flight to Hawaii (I wish it were first class) for an extended stay to consider living there indefinitely. I was raised in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands in a navy family, so the tropical breeze has always been alluring to me. Might this be where I will plant another Life Purpose Coaching Center...or find the time to launch my long-dreamed-of radio show...or finish this book? I don't know the answers to those questions, but I do know that I can't fail, because this is simply a experiment, with memories waiting to be made. I'm not going to rush the process or force a decision, only enjoy the journey to yea or nay. There is no right or wrong way to dream. Well, actually, I do believe there's one wrong way, and that is to let the dream stagnate without taking any action! I am embarking on this time of exploration because I am in a new season of my life, formally ending two decades of single parenting. My son recently accepted an out of state job promotion, taking his sweet wife and my two young grandsons with him. Shortly thereafter, my daughter announced her engagement, which means she, too, will be moving away from our home area. In the blink of an eye, without my permission, I have been thrust into a new chapter of my life. On one hand, I am sad and fearful. On the other hand, now I have no more excuses for not doing whatever I want, which is another way of saying "whatever I feel God is calling me to do next." I am operating in a spirit of super-sized living right now, and not just because I may soon be draped in large muumuus, walking barefoot to the local market to buy macadamia-nut chocolates, and blatantly enticing my family with extended holiday vacations in paradise. Dreaming in high definition and surround sound and then taking appropriate steps to live those dreams is what this book is all about. You may not have a burning desire to move to a distant land, but what do you want out of life? Are you a student anxiously finishing college? A young mom who's busy raising twins? An overseas missionary on a brand-new assignment? A career woman vying for an enviable position? A widow with only a few pressing obligations? Regardless of your role in life, you and I have a few things in common:

-We love to dream.
-God designed us to dream.
-And there's no day like today to start discovering God's best!

I need you to know that I'm not so far up in the clouds that I am unaware of your everyday realities. Life has prepared me well to be your Life Coach. I have a testimony of brokenness, and I'm honored to help you dream. Check out what I call "My 7 Big D's" events that shaped me for nearly twenty years.

My 7 Big D's
1982 Barely survived a serious, four-?month depression.
1986 Devastated by a totally unexpected divorce.
1988 Confused about having to rewrite my doctoral dissertation.
1990 Deeply saddened by the death of my ex-husband.
1991 Angered by a corporate downsizing, which left me laid off just days after buying a home.
1993 Terrified by a dating incident.
2001 Shocked by the death of my dream when my first book contract was canceled due to
budget cuts after 9/11.

What does this list tell you, other than that I must have built up a lot of stamina by now? It says that you can trust me to understand what you're going through and to tell it like it is when I coach you without skirting around the issues. I care deeply about making sure you don't get stuck in the quagmire of life, as I did too many times. These chapters will take you on a journey to find what you're really jazzed about what makes you smile, laugh, play, sing, and dance. It's time to daydream about the adventure God has in store for you!

Amos 4:13 tells us that God reveals His thoughts to us: "He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mortals, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth the Lord God Almighty is his name." We want to do whatever it takes to be ready for that revelation. As your Life Coach, I will come alongside you like a Barnabas (a name that Acts 4:13 tells us means "son of encouragement"). We will enjoy life changing chats about you, stealing precious moments within your hectic schedule. I know how hard it is for you to find time for a conversation about your legacy, your destiny, your divine urge. As you are able to sneak away from your daily routine, it will be my job and my joy to sit with you and draw out of you the distinct calling God laid on your heart eons ago, before you were ever born. And then, equally important, we will put baby steps in place to help you live out your exciting, God-designed purpose, which has long been the desire in your soul even if it has lain dormant.

This book is loaded with modern, true stories of everyday saints, Bible character parallels, inspirational quotes, some of my favorite Scripture verses, heartfelt prayers, ten coaching tips, forty action steps, reflection questions, and practical exercises with sample answers from my own life to trigger your thinking. (Don't miss the Web downloads, too, which are my special gift to you!) You will hear from real women, students, wives, mothers, a widow, career women, church staff members who all have tremendous testimonies to share. I urge you to break all of the normal book reading rules and jump into the chapters in any sequence you please. Did you know that doing the unexpected can change your perspective, which will then cause you to see your world through new eyes?

I've chosen these particular topics for us to explore in detail as we discover what it takes to Live Big!
1. Face Your Fears
2. Learn to Exhale
3. Honor Your Deepest Longings
4. Don't Ever Give Up
5. Use Your Past for Good
6. Expect Miracles
7. Forgive Someone
8. Eat Dessert First
9. Ask Jesus for Vision
10. Capture Your Live Big! Dream

I can't help but think: If only someone had told me that! or Why didn't I learn that in school? Frankly, I feel there ought to be a law mandating that schools teach us to be tenacious, forgiving, and courageous. We need classes at church that help us reach for our dreams, expect miracles, focus forward, and breathe calmly through adversity. But most important, we must learn how to play and to stop taking ourselves so seriously and to start cherishing God's incredibly specific plan for our lives. In this way, we address the habits that help us attract or sabotage God's boldest wishes for us. Each of the ten coaching tips will give you a broader, richer understanding of how to run and finish the race well.

You probably picked up this book because you want to travel boldly down the path to
purpose and fulfillment, yet perhaps you've lost sight of your dreams, hopes, and longings possibly because of regrets, exhaustion, stubbornness, fears, sins, and so on. We're all burdened with something. You want to bring glory to God with your life, but you may be carrying such a heavy weight of boredom, loneliness, doubt, pride, and/or hopelessness that you've forgotten how to unleash your creativity. The biblical perspective in this book will help you hear God's promptings more clearly and act on them with pure joy.

I encourage you to dream big dreams during this eye-opening, heart-pounding quest. Let me share with you forty proven, incremental steps that I personally have used for years and have coached my clients through action steps that will help you to live a significance filled life. God will be honored, and you will be blessed. You will find yourself empowered beyond your wildest imagination as you Live Big!
Will you take your first small step today?

Click here to order the book!

Some more valuable information about Katie Brazelton, Ph.D., M.Div., M.A., she is a life coach and bestselling author. She is the founder of Life Purpose Coaching Centers International which trains Christians worldwide to become Life Purpose Coach professionals and assist others to discover and fulfill God’s plan for their lives. Dr. Brazelton was formerly a licensed minister and director of women’s Bible studies at Saddleback Church and now is a professor at Rockbridge Seminary. She lives in Southern California and has two children and two grandchildren. She is the author of the bestselling series Pathway to Purpose for Women and Character Makeover: 40 Days with a Life Coach to Create the Best You.

iBloom’s very own Kelly Thorne and Betsy Ringer are trained Life Coach instructors. If you feel led to become a Life Purpose Coach please CLICK HERE to contact us for more information or email us at info@ibloom.us.

Be All There by Glen Schneiders

2010-04-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

Glen Schneiders is the Lead Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church

Are we fully anywhere anymore? As I walk into a meeting or church gathering, I note the number of cell phones in texting mode. I can’t help but wonder how many of us are fully engaged – in anything; that includes the meetings at work, the family dinner, or church services. With wireless on computers and emails arriving by phone day or night, there is no such thing as a vacation. (Unless you have had the misfortune of a company imposed furlough, then you could lose your job if you responded to email.)

I am not anti-technology. The conveniences of bringing the world to us cannot be ignored. But what if we want to be truly off for a day or a week? What about the biblical concept of Sabbath rest (one day in seven that is designed for rest, refreshment and reflection)? Do a number of stress related illnesses that affect more and more get propagated by our constant availability to people? Have you ever received an email on the weekend that you wished you had waited to read until Monday morning?

Allow me to make some suggestions for being all there:

Turn off your phones at dinner. Refuse to let something less important distract you from what is most important. If you are really brave, refuse to read email for at least one day of the weekend. If that goes well, you might be ready to try it for some portion of your next vacation.
In meetings, determine to be fully there. No texts, no emails. As an aside, I believe as leaders we owe it to people to not waste time. Get started on time, get to the point, and then get out. We are all busy.
In church, sit enraptured by the amazing words of wisdom by the preacher. Okay, at least give the guy a chance instead of tweeting about him. Remember God spoke through a donkey in the Old Testament. He might want to do it again! Come to think of it that analogy might apply to your boss as well.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (New American Standard Version) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” (Hard to do when diverted by multiple inputs.)

Jim Elliot observed, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

Determine to be all there this week … at work, at home, at church.

Five Secrets that Turn Good Intentions into Real Results by Betsy Ringer

2010-04-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

I pulled up to the red light and glanced at the van positioned next to me, slightly forward. The woman in the driver’s seat was on her cell phone. Her head was looking down like she was searching for something in her purse. Three kids were in the back seats with school papers and one was putting on soccer shoes. The mother flung her arm back with an object for one of the kids. It looked like she was talking frustratingly to someone on the phone or maybe she was on hold and reprimanding the kids. I don’t know. But as she snapped the phone shut and our eyes met, we recognized each other. Her frazzled face turned into a broad smile and she waved as the light turned green and she quickly zoomed away - probably a bit embarrassed.

This scene reminded me so much of myself when I was about that age. I had a full life with work, husband, kids, home, friends, and a to-do list that kept me in constant turmoil. I carried around a sense of discontent and felt guilty about it. I seemed to look at what wasn’t quite right rather than really realizing how great things were nor feeling equipped to make things better. I found a quote that popped me into awareness, “What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner!” (Collette, French novelist who wrote Gigi)

Since then I have learned many secrets about shifting from living to thriving. I have worked with thousands of women sharing tools, stories, insights, resources and perspective shifts. Gradually they move from feeling like life is slipping away to the ability to manage important life areas and then focus on what really matters. They learn how to turn good intentions into real results that brighten their lives.

Today, I’d like to share just five of those secrets:

1. Develop a compelling vision for how you want your life to go. Before you take a trip or drive to a new city you consult a map and decide which route you will take. Do the same for your life.

2. Find resources that help you be the strong person you know you are. We can’t know everything so find the “experts” and let them guide you.

3. Make friends with time. Craft today – truly the only day you have – so that it is well-lived. Guard against being in a hurry – it’s a sickness.

4. Give yourself permission to be happy. Get healthy, de-clutter, embrace your inner Pollyanna, and choose to manage your life a way you can thrive.

5. There are some things you must give up to get what you truly want. We have been brought up to be consumers and addicts - shopping, food, email, busyness, perfection, activity, etc. It’s so difficult to let go of what’s destroying us but when we do we make room for what God truly has for us!

This is just the beginning. You no longer have to ask, “But how do I start?” NOW is the time to invest in others by investing in yourself. You can begin this month to turn your good intentions into real results in 12 key areas of your life.

I have a new iThrive group starting April 27. Monthly, you will receive materials that break down the important life areas for success into manageable, bite-sized pieces. Then you meet once a month with a fabulous group by phone for coaching and encouragement to make lasting change. You can realize the wonderful life you live and gain tools and resources to manage it so you can focus on what really matters.

I really want to see you in my group. I’d love to see you finally make the breakthrough you’ve always dreamed of! It's not too late to begin.

CLICK HERE to find out more and register.

Please LEAVE A COMMENT if you would like to be part of my group but need another time slot. I’ll be starting another group soon.

FINALLY – SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS! by Betsy Ringer

2010-04-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

I have some GREAT news for you!! I mean REALLY great news!! This is particularly refreshing news after being weighed down by depressing TV news and circumstances and people around us. Ready? You can be POWERFUL through unfavorable circumstances!!! YES! You can THRIVE not merely survive!

Are you exhausted or overwhelmed?

Do the pieces of your life need some de-cluttering, sorting through, and recalibrating so you can experience joy through all circumstances?

Do you feel like the days, months, years are slipping away and you WANT to make your life count – REALLY COUNT – for something?

If you are ready to stop letting life slip by and live a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment, it’s time for you to THRIVE!!

iThrive is a 12-month holistic approach that empowers you to get healthy and thrive in all areas of your life. Each month you receive a packet of materials with information and exercises. You create an action plan for intentionally living the life you love in a variety of areas, including your unique purpose, physical health, finances, spiritual intimacy, family roles, support system, career, home environment, service, your life legacy and more.

Believe me, you are not alone! LOTS of women realize their lives aren’t what they want them to be, but don’t quite know what to do to move forward. Let me give you an analogy. When I was about 7 or 8 I went to a local amusement park with my family. I wanted to go into the FUN HOUSE – well, that’s what it was called, but it was more like a FRIGHT HOUSE to me! The rooms inside were slanted and contained lots of weird illusions and the hallways moved and air blew forcefully at you and things popped out when you least expected it.

It was really quite horrifying to me. Maybe I was presented with situations that were different and I just didn’t have the perspective to know how to handle them. I wanted sooo much to just find my way out. I remember coming to a very small room in an octagonal shape. It had lots of doors with mirrors and you had to find the right one to go through. If you opened a door that wasn’t the way out, something would pop out at you or there would be a loud sound or simply something weird would confront you. I remember being so frightened because I just didn’t know what to do.

Well, I have to say sometimes life is like that as an adult!! There are so many choices to make and we feel like if we make the wrong choice life will only be more complicated or we will have to deal with something even MORE frightening.

iThrive is meant to help you look at those “doors” in a strategic way and make sense of the obstacles that are keeping you from truly enjoying life. We don’t have to succumb to what’s going on around us. With the right tools, a plan, and people we value, we can be powerful.

iThrive is an opportunity to learn with a group of other women; to receive guidance, encouragement and a gentle push when we are having a tough time pressing through an issue. Don’t go it alone. You CAN be powerful even during this time when circumstances seem to sabotage our efforts or when there are so many choices that clutter our daily living.

iThrive can be a self-study process or a group coaching opportunity where you journey with a small group of women from around the world. If you are part of the coaching group, we will meet once a month for you to receive Life Coaching in the topic for the month. We will also correspond by email. You can work through the materials on your own, but I must say there is a GREAT advantage to being part of a coaching group.

I have a new group starting up on April 27. We will meet by phone the fourth Tuesday of the month during your lunch break or coffee break, 12-1 PM EST. I want to personally invite you to join my group. CLICK HERE to get more information and/or sign up for a group.

I know that as women, we don’t mind spending money on our families and other people. However, for some reason we feel guilty spending money on ourselves. But think of it as an investment in the lives of those around you. You want to be the healthiest that you can be in all areas of your life so you can give others your very BEST self!! For the cost of a small coffee or a soft drink per day, you can make a wise investment in your one wonderful life!

So take steps now to THRIVE not just survive!!! Be powerful and live the life you love!!

To share your story, question or encouragement CLICK HERE

iThrive Membership Giveaway

2010-03-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am SO excited to announce a special giveaway just for YOU! iBloom has recently launched a new coaching program that is receiving amazing reviews. iThrive is a proven, life-changing method where you’ll evaluate where you are today, where you hope to be, and then create an action plan to start living the life you were created for. We are helping women move beyond the mundane and live a life they love! YOU can live a life YOU love!

iThrive offers a self-study coaching program or a group coaching program where you can journey with other women from around the world. A new coaching group will begin on Tuesday, April 27th from Noon-1pm EST. Visit http://www.ibloom.us/ithrive.html to learn more about iThrive.

So, we have a special offer for one lucky (blessed) woman. We want to giveaway a FREE 1-year membership to iThrive. Yes, this giveaway even includes the group coaching. It's a package valued at $550 and we want to give it to YOU as our FREE gift. The winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, April 13th.

To enter the drawing for this amazing gift, please do the following:

1) Click here to leave a comment telling us why YOU want to win this free membership.

2) Click here to download a FREE gift that we'd like to offer all ladies who enter the giveaway- "10 Ways To Get Inspired in 2010."

3) Go to www.ibloom.us/facebook to become a fan of iBloom.

4) Follow iBloom on Twitter- www.twitter.com/ibloom

5) If you Tweet, Tweet this: I just entered a giveaway from @iBloom to receive a FREE membership to their new coaching program, iThrive! Contest ends at 9am on 04/13/10.

6) Facebook this: I just entered a giveaway from www.ibloom.us/facebook to receive a FREE membership to their new coaching program, iThrive. Contest ends at 9am on 04/13/10. www.i-bloom.blogspot.com

Best of luck!!

Who do you want to become?

2010-01-18T10:48:00.000-05:00

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week discussed the question, “Who do you want to become?” You can listen to our radio show online from Noon to 1 PM EST each Monday by going to CWA or you can listen to the recording after the show on our iBloom website.

Here is the recording from today’s show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ibloom/2010/01/18/who-do-you-want-to-become

Have you ever really pondered who you want to become?

Recommended Resource: The Next Generation Leader: 5 Essentials for Those Who Will Shape the Future by Andy Stanley.

I highly recommend this book! The final chapter of the book, “The Leader Worth Following” is dedicated to inspiring leaders to invest in the health of their soul. Andy says, “Have you determined what you want to become? Your doing will flow from who are you. The outer man (woman) will reflect the inner man (woman). The inner man (woman) determines the legacy of the outer man (woman).” I can remember reading and re-reading that statement (and the entire chapter) over and over.

As a leader, I knew the responsibility God had entrusted to me. I knew that people were watching me. I knew that I didn’t want to disappoint or betray anyone. I knew that I didn’t want to become like other leaders who fall, and fall hard. However, I had never really decided who I wanted to become.

I began journaling through questions like:

Who do you want to become?
What do you want to be remembered for?
How do you want the people who knew you best to describe your life?

I created my personal definition of success. I narrowed it down to 10 words that I wanted to describe me: Servant, Generous, Humble, Balanced, Authentic, Passionate, Relational, Loyal, Grateful, Compassionate

As Andy says, your personal definition of success “forms the moral perimeter around your behavior.” He goes on to say, “You must come to grips with the fact that, ultimately, success is defined in terms of who you are and how you treat the people around you.”

I would encourage you to create your own personal definition of success. In fact, we'd LOVE to see your personal definition. In the book, Andy says, “Once you have determined what you want to be, tell somebody. Go public with your intentions. Is it really anybody else’s business? You bet it is. Character is personal, but it is not private. Everybody who knows you has an opinion about the kind of person you are. You might as well let them know the kind of person you are striving to become.” Click here to share your definition or comments!

We were also grateful to have Jen from www.thankfulfor.com as our special guest this week. Jen shared about a new online gratitude journal where you can keep a private journal or share your public gratitude via Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to listen to the show to hear specifics on how and attitude of gratitude can change your perspective.

Jen, also shared a fabulous quote:

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you."

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach ~ Simple Abundance

Be sure to tune in next Monday (01/25) at Noon EST as we discuss our 2010 Themes! Check out Betsy's recent blog entry "Create Your 2010 Theme" We encourage you to create your own 2010 theme and then call-in LIVE to next week's radio show to share your 2010 theme. Go to http://blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio for our call-in phone number!

Have a blessed week!

Kelly Thorne
iBloom Founder & President

What's Stopping You From Living the Life You Love? by Betsy Ringer

2010-01-11T14:32:00.000-05:00

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week answered the question, “What’s stopping you from living a life you love?” You can listen to our radio show online from noon to 1 PM each Monday by going to CWA or you can listen to the recording after the show on our iBloom website.

Here is the recording from today’s show CLICK HERE

We had some great tools from today’s show that I’d like to share with you.
First of all, we talked about major life situations where we were completely stopped from living the life we loved. Then we listed some “daily stoppers” that hinder us from living life to the fullest. Some of the things on our list included:
1. Grumbling rather than being grateful
2. Reacting to your day rather than being proactive.
3. Taking on too much so we don’t have some margin in our lives.
4. Not planning.

We decided that some tangible things we can do to avoid the stoppers include:
1. Being mindful of the words we use – say, “I get to” rather than “I have to.”
2. Have a plan for my day, week, month and year!
3. Schedule time for fun, friends exercise, and enjoyable activities.
4. Catch yourself on the run; stop and breathe; savor the moments.

Kelly shared a wonderful quote from Chuck Swindoll that I remember having up on my bathroom mirror for years and years!

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” Chuck Swindoll

We all admit that it’s not necessarily EASY to have this attitude ALL the time, but when we are conscious of it we will make the effort to make a shift when we find ourselves slipping into a non productive attitude!

We invite you to consider these Five Ingredients to Living a Life You Love and then come up with your own list!
1. Have a vision. What do you really want your life to be about? Who do you want to be or become? What do you really want to accomplish? Who do you want to invest in?

2. Discover your uniqueness! God has created you with a unique blueprint. What are your strengths (weaknesses)? How is your personality unique? What are you passionate about? What drives you? What is your purpose? Why are you here? We have just the book for you coming out in February called iDiscover with lots of exercises for you to discover your design.

3. Cultivate an Intimate Relationship with Christ! Meditate on scripture, pray, and be still and listen!! He just might want to tell you that you are the apple of His eye and that He will provide for your every need!!

4. Invest in yourself. Take some time for YOU to do something you like to do, relax, plan, read, and dream. Ahhhh!!!

5. Invest in deep, meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with relationships that breathe life into you; people who love you for you and believe you can be anything you want! Schedule time with them!

I had several friends share with me their ingredients for living a life they love, how they know their lives reflect that as well as red flags. You will want to hear their stories and think about the answers to these questions for yourself. Having quality relationships, creating margin in our lives and taking time for ourselves are common themes. Red flags include:
• Being snippy with others
• Complaining
• Feeling like a victim in circumstances
• Experiencing stress and fatigue

We also had a great interview with Jennifer from List Planit. Be sure to check out her website where she helps you put mental chaos on paper to sort through it and make sense of it. There’s just something comforting about being able to put things down so we can relax and enjoy!!

To sum up our show, I have a list of inspirations for living a life you love:
1. Laugh – find humor in all situations
2. Do it afraid – don’t let fears rule you!
3. Live with a sparkle in your eyes
4. Be playful
5. Have one meal you cook that is delicious; one outfit that looks fabulous on you; and one funny story you tell really well.
6. Give compliments generously.
7. Know you are God’s Beloved – disregard the other voices
8. Teach someone how to do something
9. Be a Life-Long Learner
10. Get acquainted with the Inner YOU!
11. Take time to breathe.
12. Really enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
13. Engage in meaningful work.
14. When you complete a task, celebrate!
15. Guard the nourishment of your mind.

Visit us at iBloom or contact us. Life is waiting to be lived and loved!

iBloom Blog Talk Radio – Live a Life You Love! By Betsy Ringer

2010-01-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week was about stepping into 2010 and live the life you love. You can listen to our radio show online from noon to 1 PM each Monday by going to Christian Women Affiliate or you can listen to the recording after the show on our iBloom website.

Here is the recording from this week's show.

We had some great tools from today’s show that I’d like to share with you.

NOW is a great time to reflect on 2009 to celebrate and learn from the events of the year. This reflection helps prepare you for looking ahead to 2010. We encourage you to grab a notebook and answer these questions for yourself:
1. What has gone well?
2. What have I been most proud of from this past year?
3. What was the biggest challenge that I overcame?
4. What am I most grateful for from 2009?

Next, think about 2010 and write your answers to these questions:
1. What do I hope to change in the upcoming year?
2. What are my biggest aspirations/dreams for 2010?
3. What is it that I “really” want to accomplish? Do? Become?

Now, craft 3-8 personal and professional goals for 2010. Be specific so you’ll know whether or not they have been accomplished.

For fun you might want to try this great no fuss goals and wishes idea with your family.

iBloom wants to inspire you this year to live a life you love. That means we want you to know and live into how God has uniquely wired you. It means deciding what you want your life to look like and living into it! Just think about how much you would love your life if you took time for the things that matter most rather than being stuck going through the motions of life. And it means being INTENTIONAL about how we live!

Are you familiar with the concept of living intentionally?

• Living intentionally means having a vision and setting a course for your life.

• Living intentionally allows us to create a broader vision for our life…God’s vision

• It’s taking our priorities (those things we value most) and creating a plan that is flexible; it's like a road map showing us how to get from point A to Z.

• When we don't have a clear, pointed vision we tend to just drift through life - moving from one thing to another.

• Intentional Living is the map that we create for our life.

The big takeaways from today’s show:
1) STOP and reflect on 2009!
2) Seek God’s Face!
3) Decide what you want your year to look like & CHOOSE to live intentionally!

Can you do this on your own? Certainly! But if you want someone to walk you though the steps, help you actually take action and to celebrate you, the iBloom Life Coaches are experts at helping you live intentionally so you can live the life you love.

Visit us at iBloom or contact us by clicking here. Life is waiting to lived and loved!

OH!! And if you are interested in ordering the great devotional we used today, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, click here.

2010 is going to be YOUR YEAR!

Create Your THEME for 2010 by Betsy Ringer

2009-12-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

Instead of making a new year’s resolution, how about setting a THEME for 2010? Choose a theme that reflects your assignment for this particular time of your life. Your THEME can be applied to many areas of your life and will allow some freedom for failure and the excitement of surprise.

Your THEME is not random. It may be balancing out your previous year or it may be something you see God is leading you towards, or you might see a new direction emerging. For example, maybe 2009 was hectic and frazzled, so your THEME for 2010 might be Rest or Quiet. By focusing on Rest, you allow yourself to sit, to say “no” to a request, or go to bed earlier. Your health and spirit will be renewed and your life will be more fulfilling.

Maybe there is a need in your life for friends, better health or de-cluttering. Be positive and use words that will help you take action. For example, instead of having a theme of Making Friends, choose Be a Friend. That implies taking action that will most likely lead to connection with others.
Some THEME ideas to get you thinking - Simplify, Adventuring, Health, Move my Body, Write, Surrender, Laughter, Paint, Savor the Moments, or Discover my Passion.

Take the following steps to identify a THEME for 2010:
Step 1
• Picture your life being richer because of your attention to your theme
• At the end of 2010, what will make you smile as you look back over the year?
• What is your assignment for this particular time of your life?
• Is there a way 2010 needs to be balanced?
• Ask God to give you direction in selecting a theme.

Step 2
• Write out several themes that seem to emerge from within. Give some thought to how they might be carried out in your day to day living. Is it a theme that can be realized in your ordinary routine as well as jump start you to try something new?

Step 3
• Select your theme. Embrace it. Be excited about it. Write it on several cards and place them in strategic places to remind yourself about your 2010 THEME. For example, place THEME cards on your bathroom mirror, over your kitchen sink, on your computer, hanging from the rear view mirror in your car, and wherever else you look frequently.

Step 4
• Give yourself permission to evaluate your theme quarterly. Is it still a good path for you? If not, change it. Or, recast the vision - how will it make your life better having allowed this theme to be carried out in your life?
Yes, I have chosen my THEME. In 2009 it was Creativity. After having my creativity squished over the last couple of years, my soul was screaming for me to pay attention to this important area of my life. So I engaged in more photography, created photo books, developed new workshops, wrote articles and blogs, did some redecorating and tried lots of new recipes.

My THEME for 2010 is Harvest. God has been laying the groundwork with my training, skills and talents. I sense that this year God will provide a Harvest of products, speaking engagements, webinars, classes and books that will help bring a Harvest to women all over the world to live richer, fuller lives. I can’t wait to see how God unfolds this theme!

Be sure to share your THEME in the comment section of this blog. I want to cheer you on! Happy New Year! Click here to comment.

No Fuss Goals and Wishes by Betsy Ringer

2009-12-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

What FUN it would be to write down your goals and wishes for 2010, put them away, and get them out at the end of the year only to discover 8 out of ten of the goals on your list had actually happened!! Impossible? Not at all!

When my kids were younger, on New Year’s Day we would all make a list of our goals and wishes for the upcoming year. Each family member put their name on their list. Each of us shared our list with the other family members and we prayed over the lists. Then I collected them and taped them to the Christmas Tree ornament box. That’s right – I taped them to the Christmas decorations and didn’t look at them again until we pulled out the decorations the next Christmas.

It was always so much fun getting out those goals and wishes and seeing how many of them had been accomplished or had happened. Each year I was stunned at how many were realized in the last year! “I am going to redecorate the living room. I will call my friend in Ohio once a month. I will host a Bible study in my home. I will take a two mile walk outside three times a week on the average. I will save $3000 so we can travel to California. I will put on three events at work.” ALL happened without me constantly reviewing and keeping track of my goals!! Each year I did this I was so pleasantly surprised!

Now, there were always a few goals that just didn’t happen – like lose 50 pounds (25 maybe) or declutter my whole house (two rooms maybe) or learn how to make jewelry (I’m really not very crafty). But for the most part my goals and wishes actually happened! And the same was true for the rest of the family members.

I can’t help but think about what Habakkuk says,
Habakkuk 2:1-3 (Contemporary English Version)
The LORD Answers Habakkuk Again
1While standing guard
on the watchtower,
I waited for the LORD's answer,
before explaining the reason
for my complaint. 2Then the LORD told me:
"I will give you my message
in the form of a vision.
Write it clearly enough
to be read at a glance.
3At the time I have decided,
my words will come true.
You can trust what I say
about the future.
It may take a long time,
but keep on waiting--
it will happen!

Try these steps:
1. Pray, asking God to give you guidance and direction for the following year. Ask Him to impress on your heart the goals and wishes to write down.
2. Write down what comes to you. Don’t labor over it. They are probably things you have been thinking about for quite some time anyway.
3. If you want to, invite other family members to do the same.
4. Tape your “tablets” – your lists – to a Christmas decoration box.
5. Enjoy your year. Then next Christmas season, get out your lists and celebrate each one the Lord has helped you with!

Tomorrow, I will share an alternative to making New Year’s resolutions. 2010 is going to be a fabulous year!

Hmmmm, I need to go pray and write down my goals and wishes for 2010. After all, it’s about time to put away those Christmas decorations!

Fun, Meaningful Activities You can Use NOW! by Betsy Ringer

2009-12-19T07:18:00.000-05:00

Yes, kids DO appreciate meaningful activities during the holidays! My kids have often told me they value the ideas I’ve had to make our holidays special.

In fact, the other day I told a friend of mine how to make Reindeer sandwiches. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally; put two stick pretzels between the slices of bread along the long side of the triangle. Then use two green M&M’s for the eyes and a red on for the nose. She did that and sent the Reindeer sandwich with her HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR boy to school!!! After school he told her it was such a fun surprise! He said he even kept one half of it and showed it to everyone in the afternoon saying, “Look what my mom did!” Now what mom wouldn’t want that kind of recognition?!

I have put together a collection of fun and meaningful activities for the holidays. It includes:
• Conversation starters: great questions for the dinner table. Just print out the sheet, cut the strips of questions, fold and place in a basket. Each person draws out a question. One person answers then each person at the table answers that question. Then move to the next person.
• Fun and meaningful activities to do with kids AND teens!
• Recipes – easy and yummy.
• A Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day) family service.

Very simply you can DOWNLOAD 11 pages of ideas. It’s so easy and only costs $5! Just CLICK HERE

I have one other recommendation. Andrea Bocceli’s new Christmas CD is fantastic!! I cry just listening to him! He has several duets – one with Reba McEntire, one with Natalie Cole. My favorite is “What Child is This” that he does with Mary J. Blige. I got my copy at Starbuck’s but I have seen it at Target and Wal Mart. You can even just download it from iTunes. It’s called, “Andrea Bocelli My Christmas.” Enoy.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas from the iBloom team.

Strengthened by Hope by Betsy Ringer

2009-12-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hope is the thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it. We have the courage to reach for it because we know God. He is our Hope. He is our deliverer.

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week strengthened our HOPE and we’d like to share it with YOU.

You can listen to our radio show by Clicking Here.

You will hear an interview with author, Katherine Robinson who in late 2008 faced enough serious challenges to plunge the most starry-eyed optimist into a dark well of despair. Over the course of a month, she turned 50, lost her job and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Discover how Kathy persevered and, with the help of faith, family and friends, found a way to celebrate and live with hope.

Check out Katherine’s book called, Expect the Best

Katherine’s Website

“Got Hope?” Leigh Ann Napier’s article shares about three areas that act as hope builders for your life.

You’ll also learn about the group that iBloom will be investing in for 2010.The Refuge for Women is a twelve-month holistic journey for women who wish to leave the adult entertainment industry. Learn more!

"Savoring Holiday Moments with Your Family" by Betsy Ringer,gives you meaningful and fun ideas to use with friends and family during holidays! Right about NOW most of us are realizing that time is running short. Our creativity is over-run by our fatigue and concern about getting everything done in time, let alone planning some meaningful activities!! Download this great resource featuring 11 pages of activities. It is loaded with conversation starters for the dinner table, fun and meaningful things to do with kids and teens, crafts, recipes and even a family Christmas Eve Service. Buy now for only $5

The iBloom team wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

Here’s a Little JOY to Sweeten Your Cup of Warmth by Betsy Ringer

2009-12-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

OH my!! We KNOW you are enjoying the festivities of this beautiful Christmas season so I’m just going pass along these terrific resources to you!

Blog Talk Radio program on JOY! Experience a fabulous interview with Lori Snider our iBloom Associate who has been experiencing an extended season of disappointment and loss of dreams. WOW!! She shares with us great wisdom about allowing the undercurrent of JOY to sustain us as we walk through the valleys. You DEFINITELY want to be blessed by her gems! And then I tickle you funny bone and help you lighten up and experience this season – and every season of life – with laughter. Find out how it improves your health and leaves a trail of joy behind you. Click here to listen.

Find out what your car keys, matchless socks and JOY have in common. Read Leigh Ann Napier’s article entitled “In Search of Joy.”

Save LOTS of time and have meaningful holiday activities for your family and friends!!! For only $5 you can download this GREAT product called “Savoring Holiday Moments with the Family.” Enjoy 11 pages of activities for family and friends. It is loaded with conversation starters for the dinner table, fun and meaningful things to do with kids and teens, crafts, recipes and even a family Christmas Eve Service. Click here to purchase.

And we have one more fabulous, resource. In this free WEBINAR, besides finding out just how important laughter is for your everyday life – like it boosts your immune system, lowers damaging stress hormones and helps you breathe – you will also focus on three vital questions for daily living. These questions help you sort through the clutter of demands and choices: What matters right now? Who will remember? What does God want me to know? Come prepared to laugh and to leave refreshed and ready to share the best of yourself. Click here to watch.

OH! When you first get on the webinar, be patient for about two minutes while things get set up – and turn up your volume! Enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Intangible Gifts - Receive with Grace and Give Generously by Leigh Ann Napier

2009-11-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

We all have them. Those people in our lives who saw something in us when we couldn't see it, who encouraged us when we felt like giving up, or maybe even people who made positive deposits in our lives…and we haven't even met them.

A mother, grandmother, friend, sister, teacher, radio/TV host, author…

Hopefully, we all have them. Can you imagine what your life would be like now if they hadn't stepped up? If they hadn't slowed down and taken their eyes off of their own agenda long enough to see you, to encourage you, to inspire you, to believe in you? I don't want to know what my life would be like without these people (just for starters):

Mom, Rhonda Hall Kretzer-Amazing mother, entrepreneur, business owner, piano player, & beauty queen. Always made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to and continues to be my biggest cheerleader.
Nanny, Aileen Sellards Hall- Author, Postmaster, Sunday School teacher, Maker of the best fried chicken on earth. She shared with me her love for travel, writing, and hospitality. Also provided an amazing example of marriage to my grandfather for MANY years!
Maribeth Burton- My discipler in college through Campus Crusade for Christ. She took time to invest in me and to mentor me and I'm forever grateful.
Cristie Cerneglia- Wife, mother, radio host, Speaker, and my personal mentor. We started out as neighbors, she invited me to Bible Study Fellowship the day after we met, and has been encouraging me ever since.
Joyce Meyer-Even though I've never met her (yet) she has encouraged me and taught me through her TV/ Radio programs and books. An amazing teacher…I'm so thankful for her

I could go on and on about amazing people who have inspired and encouraged me. I am so thankful for each of them. God used them not forcefully but by invitation. They were obedient and willing to do what they saw as their contribution. They saw me and took the time and energy to help me believe something about myself that was yet to be seen. They had faith in me. Believing in what is unseen...that's faith! If everyone could see it, we wouldn't need faith!

As we enter this season of joy, I hope you will carve out some time to reflect on those people who have inspired and encouraged you. In the midst of the activity of the holiday season, don't miss the opportunity to feed someone's heart with your genuine gratitude or choosing to pay it forward by investing faith into someone you know.

Take time to consider the following:

Who are the top 5 people in your life who have encouraged you or invested in you. What can you do to show them your appreciation? A card, phone call, or a visit?
Is there someone in your family or circle of friends who could use some encouragement? Start today by doing one thing to let them know you believe in them.

A note is one of the best ways to send encouragement because they can refer to it over and over and over again. Let them know that they've made a difference to you. Make your recognition public by commenting on this blog and then sharing the iBloom blog link with them.
http://www.i-bloom.blogspot.com/

Think you’ve heard it all about GRATITUDE? Fresh Thoughts! by Betsy Ringer

2009-11-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

Before you think you’ve heard it all about gratitude and have a good handle on it, we have some fresh ideas for you to think about. We invite you to listen to this week’s Blog Talk Radio show.

Here’s a quick recap of the show:
Gratitude is a character trait that needs to be cultivated. It takes TRAINING! Yes you need to train yourself to see blessings rather than the disappointments. When you catch yourself focusing on the disappointments have a scripture on hand that will help you shift your thinking. For example, “God can do incredibly more than we can ask or imagine.” Say your scripture until your thinking shifts to what you DO have to be grateful for. It will turn your complaining into dancing.

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes life is HARD! We ALL get pricked by the brambles of life! Are you getting stuck by the circumstances of life right now? No matter how difficult, find one thing to be grateful for – maybe your breath, or heat in your home, or a soft bed to sleep in. Give what you DO have to God and place your HOPE in Him. Eventually you will see how He multiplies what you give Him and brings you through your sticky circumstances.

Be sure to read Lamentations 3:17-25

A MUST READ is Leigh Ann Napier’s Article called “In Search of Thanks.”

Coaching tip:
Who are the She-ros in your life? These are women who have had a positive influence in your life. They can be women you know; women you know OF but haven’t met; or characters in books or movies. What are the characteristics of these women that you admire? Write them down.
a. Thank God for these positive forces who have helped shape who you are today.
b. Now, review the characteristics you wrote down that describe these women. Chances are YOU have these same characteristics. Thank God for these positive characteristics you have that you can pass on to others!

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -- Albert Schweitzer

Resources:
Have some fun and watch The Gratitude Dance

Movie: “Why Did I Get Married” – Look for things that you are grateful for about your spouse and watch your perspective shift!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 The Message

Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

C'mon - share something you are grateful for with us! It will just take a minute and will bless others!! Click here.

Get Empowered! iBloom Blog Talk Radio Recap

2009-11-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week was about getting Empowered! We invite you to CLICK HERE to listen to the show.

Here’s a quick recap of some of the main points brought out in the show:

The definition of empower is authority, responsibility, power, permit, enable. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

We encourage you to get empowered today by remembering these tips:

1. Determine what you REALLY want; articulate what is stopping you; then CHOOSE to move forward.

2. Be hopeful about the future. Know that your choices make a difference in your life and those around you.

3. Choose intentionally. You are not a victim to your circumstances – your circumstances are victim to GOD!

4. Speak with empowering words. For example, instead of saying, “I’m SO busy,” say, “Life is full and exciting right now!” Or, instead of saying “I have the worst luck,” say, “I’m so grateful for ____________.”

5. Use “I Choose” statements like “I choose to celebrate each stage of life,” or “I choose to discover how God designed me.”

6. Remember, protect yourself, your time, and your energy by saying NO sometimes. Try these statements:
“I really appreciate your thinking of me, but no thank you.”
“Hmmmm, I need to pray about this. I’ll give you an answer by Friday.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” (no need to explain!)
“I can’t but I think I know someone who would really enjoy doing this.”

Resources:

“A Christian Woman’s Guide to Empowerment” by Leigh Ann Napier, iBloom Associate

Get your FREE copy of Empowered Magazine. Anna Quesada was a guest on our show today. She shared why she started this magazine where women can contribute their writing. You will be stunned by the quality of this magazine that can come right to your email box!

Empower your kids by identifying their personality and helping them live in their strengths. Betsy Ringer has a terrific resource loaded with teaching about The Personalities PLUS a bonus booklet of great tips of fun things to do with kids and teens! Zoo Clues: The Personalities of Children and Teens for Parents and Educators

Make your calendar empowering by using Planner Pads.

Have You Ever Wondered WHY Your Kids Act so Different from You? by Betsy Ringer

2009-11-13T20:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered why your kids act so different from you? Wouldn't it be great if you could understand your kids and know why they behave the way they do? You CAN! You CAN learn to speak to their strengths and help them grow into successful adults!

“You may have just saved our family! Thank you soooo much!” A couple shared this comment with me one evening after my Personalities class. This quiet, godly, couple had a look on their faces of both surprise and relief. They had just learned that both of them and their daughter had the same personality type. However, they had adopted a boy from another country and they thought there was something really wrong with him!! In my class, they learned he had a different personality style from theirs and he was just fine!! They simply needed to learn how to get along with his personality type!

We are all born hard-wired with a preferred personality style. This determines our basic responses: extravert, introvert, follower, leader. It also determines our desires, that is, what we want most in life: control, order, fun, peace and so on. If you have more than one child you probably agree that you were able to see that each of your children had different personalities VERY early!

I have three almost adult children and all three tell me repeatedly that learning about The Personalities has been the most valuable information I have taught them. They say it has helped them know themselves, understand their friends and get along better with their teachers and employers. My 19 year old daughter says, “I just can’t imagine NOT knowing this information.”

You CAN learn about your child’s personality and learn how to bring out their strengths and help all members in your family get along better.

Register today for the teleclass, “Zoo Clues – The Personalities of Children and Teens for Parents and Educators.”
Thursday, November 19, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT

Click here to register for the teleclass.
If you can’t make the class time register and we will send you all info plus the recording of the class so you can listen at your convenience.

Once you register we will send you a downloadable packet which includes GREAT ideas of things to do with your kids and teens to make daily living more fun and meaningful. We will also send you a phone number and access code to call at the time of the teleclass as well as a link to take a free online Personality profile prior to attending the class.

Educators – this is extremely valuable information for your classroom!

New iBloom Radio Show Recap - Inspired!

2009-11-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

WOW! We just got off our very first BLOG TALK RADIO show! I know some of you were on the show and I hope you enjoyed the time with us! For those of you who missed it or are wondering, “What is Blog Talk Radio?” Let me fill you in with the details.

Blog Talk Radio is, yes you guessed it, a RADIO show that comes on through your computer! The iBloom team is going to be on every Monday from noon to 1 PM Eastern Time with great info, interviews, resources and some fun surprises! I hope you will join us! Simply go to Christian Women Affiliate and sign up!
If you missed it and would like to listen, CLICK HERE

Here’s quick recap of what we talked about!

Inspire is a GREAT word – some synonyms include motivate, encourage, enthuse, move. So we talked today about some ideas that help us get inspired. For example, God’s creation inspires us, so does trying new things like a new recipe, and assisting others can be quite inspirational.

During our radio show this week, Kelly Thorne, founder of iBloom was interviewed. She shared how iBloom got started, her vision, the value of working as a team and some interesting personal information. Did you know when Kelly isn’t working diligently on the iBloom vision, she likes to play games and hang out with her friends?

Kelly then interviewed two members of the iBloom team. Each shared a little about her area of focus and why she is passionate about that area. Leigh Ann is passionate about helping women take steps to make their marriages strong and vibrant! Who doesn’t need that?!!

Betsy is passionate about helping women get a handle on work/life balance. She knows from experience the consequences of stretching too far and living in constant overwhelm and exhaustion. Whether you work full time at home or away at a paid job, we ALL need a “life.”

It seems that life is so much more joyful when we intentionally build some inspiration into our lives. We’ve listed some ideas below. Be sure to share some of your ideas with us! Click here to share!

Inspirational movies:
Last Holiday
The Ultimate Gift
Facing the Giants
100 Most Inspirational Films

Songs:
Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move"
Iz version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
“Time of My Life” by David Cook
“Lifesong” by Casting Crowns

Quotes:
"Every artist was first an amateur." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." Edmund Burke

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

Books:
Jesus Calling
God has a Dream for Your Life by Shelia Walsh
His Princess by Sheri Rose Shephard

Website:
Simple Truths – watch the short inspirational movies

Scripture:
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:1, 2

Here’s another way to put it: You’re to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Matthew 5:14 The Message

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

You will not have to fight this battle. Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Go out to face tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. 2 Chronicles 19:17

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 106:1

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph. 3:17

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:8

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23

Take time out every day for a little Inspiration!!!

Finish Strong – Start Powerfully by Betsy Ringer

2009-11-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the radio alarm came on and when I woke up, for a moment I really thought the dream I just had really happened. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes my days are kind of like that – they slip by and I think I lived them but can’t quite capture the memory of the moments of the day. And now an entire year is about to fade into time forever. In a couple of weeks we are all going to be fully absorbed in the joy, rush, overwhelm, exhilaration and chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And then, 2010 will present itself with a fresh call to action. Whoa!!! Not so fast! I still have today, this day, this moment and I want to LIVE it!

As your Life Coach, I give you permission to stop, assess, and prepare to finish 2009 STRONG and to start 2010 POWERFULLY. Psalm 34:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” God used this verse to help me get a firm grasp on how to live the “moments” of my day; how to treasure the gift of time and everyday living. It would be such a privilege to share it with you.

You can develop your own simple and straightforward Life Guide Statement. It’s different from a mission statement and purpose statement which identify things to “do.” Your Life Guide Statement is more focused on how you live day in and day out in a way that fills your soul, moves you from mediocre to meaningful daily living and brings out the life vitality you long for. My Life Guide Statement is “Exalt and encounter God, take a risk, savor the moments and live intentionally.” These components bridge my family, satisfying work, bold fun, and meaningful relationships.

I invite you to take action NOW to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. I am offering a teleclass – you sit in the comfort of your home and call in by phone – entitled “How to Write a Compelling Life Guide Statement.” During this teleclass, you will be led through a process to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. The cost of the teleclass includes:
• A handbook that will be used during the class
• A review of your Life Guide Statement in a follow up email
• A recording that guides you through the process if you would like to review it after the class

This process helps you identify specific ways your inner core yearns to experience life a vibrant way. By creating a personalized compass-like statement you will have a guide to help you begin living the life you truly want to live.

The teleclass is offered:
Thursday, November 12, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern time
(7 PM CT, 6 PM MT, 5 PM PT)

Click here to register now.
If you can’t attend the class, go ahead and register and we will send you the handout and recording of the class so you can walk through developing your own Life Guide Statement at a time convenient to you. You will also be able to send your Life Guide Statement to me for review and comments.

Take action now to finish 2009 well and be prepared to live 2010 the way you’ve always wanted to live. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is a precious gift. The Holy Spirit works within us to guide us and align us with God’s desire for our lives. Take time today to reflect and hear what the core of your being is saying.

Transformed by the Word: What is Your View of the Bible? by Tara Mclenahan

2009-10-30T12:13:00.000-04:00

As you will remember from my previous post, taking the time to be in the Bible with the right attitude is critical to our spiritual growth. But we also need to examine how you view the Word of God.

It's difficult to take the Bible lightly or consider it just another book when we truly realize what sets it apart from other books. There are several views of what the Bible is in today's postmodern society ~ everything from a God-inspired work to a book of suggestions to simply a book that we can take some and leave the rest as it suits us. I'm going to take a bold stand and say that if you truly believe the Bible is a God-inspired work, you must believe all of it. It is either all truth or all fiction. There really is no in-between.

The Bible itself says clearly in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

This single passage says that ALL Scripture is inspired by, so we can't take the parts we like and discard the rest. It can be tough to do so but I challenge you to evaluate your view of what the Bible is.

In my next post in this series, we will look at what reading the Word can actually do in and through us!

What is your honest view of the Bible? Does the way you live your life and the choices you make reflect that view?

For more information on this topic, please consider this resource.

Click here to share a comment.

Previous posts in this series:
Transformed by the Word

Transformed by the Word by Tara McClenahan

2009-10-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

Psalm 119:97~105

⁹⁷O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
⁹⁸Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.
⁹⁹I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
¹⁰⁰I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.
¹⁰¹I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
¹⁰²I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.
¹⁰³How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
¹⁰⁴From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Finding time for daily quiet time in God's Word can be a challenge in our hectic world. We have so many roles to fill ~ wife, mom, boss/employee, teacher, sister, daughter, taxi driver, etc. that sometimes the role of daughter of the King gets pushed off of our list. However, this week I dare to challenge you to carve out daily time in the Word. It's worth the effort. But it's not just about time. It's also about attitude.

Time vs. Attitude

Here's a self-assessment question for you to ponder:

When you do read/study the Word, what is your attitude?

I look forward to that time with GREAT anticipation!
UGH! I haven’t picked up my Bible in a week! I really should read a verse or two.
If I don’t read three chapters a day, I’m going to hell.
OK, I’ll read it but I probably won’t get anything from it.
Other: ___________________________

So many times we can put the emphasis on making time to spend in God's Word without examining the attitude in which we do it. Which of the above answers reflects your attitude when spending time in the Word? I know that we all would want attitude #1 all of the time but that is usually not the case.

Now let's imagine that you wanted to spend some time with your child or best friend. What if they came to spend time with you and their attitude was #2 (squeezing you in), #3 (duty, obligation or to avoid your anger) or #4 (apathy)?

How would you feel about the quality of that time spent with them? It's not a stretch to imagine that you, like our heavenly Father, would want the time spent to be out of love, anticipation and the desire to be there, no matter how long it may be.

So, here is your challenge for the day...

Examine your attitude about spending time in the Word. If you find it is not what you would like it to be, ask God to help you surrender to Him, allowing Him to change it. And while it may be difficult, realize that He, the Creator of the universe, wants to spend time with you. Do you, His creation, want to spend time with Him? Ponder that today and prepare your heart for my next post which will cover what we can expect when we spend time in God's Word with an attitude of anticipation and expectation.

If you are willing to, please share with me which number you chose above. No judgment ~ I promise! We are all a work in progress! Click here to share.

If you want to explore this topic further, please take a look at this resource.

The Inside Scoop to our Outward Behavior by Betsy Ringer

2009-10-23T10:35:00.000-04:00

What is the most valuable information you have applied in your life besides knowing and loving God? I have three young adult kids. Not long ago I was asked to speak on the most valuable ways I impacted my kids during their school years. So I asked them. All three of them told me that teaching them about The Personalities helped them in their relationships with friends, teachers and employers as well as understanding and accepting themselves.

Since then, my daughter has emphasized that over and over again. She says she doesn’t know how others get along in life without knowing how people are wired. She says knowing and understanding the various personalities helps her accept others more lovingly and communicate with them more effectively. She said it’s been so helpful to understand what holds her back as well as how she can contribute in a positive way.

After my last PERSONALITIES teleclass (a class by phone that you enjoy in the comfort of your home!) one of the participants said, “EVERYONE should be required to take this class.” Most people comment that they wish they had taken it many years ago – it would have helped their marriage and their relationships with their kids.

I am a Certified Personality Specialist and I have been teaching about The Personalities for almost 20 years. I invite you to my next teleclasses (class by phone in the comfort of your home). To participate in a teleclass, simply click on the link I’ve provided below. That page will give you more info about the class. Then click on your desired payment option. Complete the short registration form. Once you submit it we will send you the handout for the class and a link to take an online Personality assessment. You will also receive a phone number to call at the time of the class. When you call you will be prompted to put in an access code which we will also send to you. THEN you will be connected to the “classroom” and I will be waiting for you. Teleclasses are fun! My last class had women from six different states!

If you can’t make the class time, register and we will send you all info plus the recording of the class so you can listen at your convenience!

Hope to “meet” you at these terrific classes! Click on the links below for more info.

The Personalities – Learn to Know Yourself and Understand Others

Tuesday, October 27, 8 – 9:30PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT
Click here for more info and to register $10

Zoo Clues - The Personalities of Teens and Children for Parents and Educators

Tuesday, November 17, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT
Click here for more info and to register. $10

Betsy is an associate with iBloom. She speaks to many groups and conducts workshops and teleclasses. For a list of her topics click here.

Quit Trying To Be Wonder Woman by Leigh Ann Napier

2009-10-16T15:52:00.001-04:00

In my last blog, How To Escape Groundhog Day, I shared the first challenge Do not say YES to anything else without waiting 24 hours to think it over and pray about it. Did you take the challenge? Did you delay a response to someone who wanted you to commit to something new? Did you say "no" to something? If you actually said no, you deserve bonus points… Why is it they we are so afraid to say no? Often when you say "yes" to someone or something, you are in fact saying "no" to those closest to you or to those dreams you've had for so long! You're not saying it out loud, of course, but you are sending the message just the same. Make it a habit to weigh the pros and cons before adding things to your life. Better yet, adopt my grandmother's policy. "Don't bring anything else into your home (in this case, your life), without first taking something else out." She's a wise lady…

OK, on to today's topic:

Quit trying to be Wonder Woman.

"One of my best friends, Heather Wallen Hammond wearing her Wonder Woman attire. Also, definitely one of my personal heros..."

Do you remember Underoos? I was OBSESSED with them as a kid. Specifically Wonder Woman. I would wear them everywhere! Mom says I wouldn't ever take them off. I wanted them over my clothes but would occasionally give in and wear them under the outfit she wanted me to wear. Wearing them I felt powerful, daring, strong, beautiful, and like I could save the day! I was Wonder Woman! Well, I've lost my Underoos long ago (but if anyone knows where I can find some for my daughter, please tell me?), but the desire to feel all of the emotions I felt while wearing them, is still very much a part of me.

I think every woman struggles with Wonder Woman Syndrome (WWS) in some capacity. That's one of the many topics we'll explore in the iDiscover Community…Too many women are walking around feeling exhausted and defeated…we want to be able to do it all! For our family, friends, pets, job, church…the list goes on and on. WWS can leave you worn out, frustrated, angry, and feeling unappreciated. We can't carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Rely on God to give you strength each day. Ask him for wisdom (and continue to ask…) in knowing where he wants you to use the energy, time, and resources he's given you. When I rely on Him, I am confident that he will give me all I need to be somebody's hero…sans Underoos. He will do the same for you!

How to start treating WWS:

Write out your priorities. List them in order. Now, give the majority of your time/energy to those top things. You can't please everyone all of the time. Instead choose who you REFUSE to disappoint. Is that God, your husband, your children, a favorite charity? You will still disappoint everyone at some point or another but by living into your priorities, you can do it less often.)
Know when to ask for help. Repeat after me, "I am NOT Wonder Woman". Write down a list of all that needs to be done this week. Pray over that list. Ask God to show you what the top things are for the week, what you can delegate, and what you can just scratch from the list.

Psalm 22:19 "O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!"

Click here to leave a comment.

How To Escape Groundhog Day by Leigh Ann Napier

2009-10-09T12:47:00.001-04:00

Remember the movie Groundhog Day? That's kind of what life feels like sometimes. In the movie, each day when Bill Murray wakes up to the alarm, he is faced with the exact same day over and over again. Have you ever had one of those mornings? Or maybe a week straight of those mornings where you never seem to make traction and get beyond the mundane? Laundry, overdue library books, cleaning, needing to return that step ladder to the friend you borrowed it from over 2 months ago (sorry Margo), cleaning out the refrigerator, and then of course needing to go to the grocery to fill it up again. It is easy for women to feel defeated before the day has even begun!

So where do we start? What can we do today that will improve our outlook when we wake up tomorrow morning? How can we make a dent in our to do's so that tomorrow won't feel like we are stuck in the same rut we were in the day before? We desperately want to escape Groundhog Day. Be encouraged that you CAN get out of that rut! You can begin making a difference during this 24 hour package God has given you today. Soon you will wake up and wonder how you ever lived that way before.

The first challenge for today is:

Do not say YES to anything else without waiting 24 hours to think it over and pray about it.

Now I'm not referring to your toddler's plea for cheerios here. Please do feed your child within a reasonable amount of time from the request…

I'm referring to those phone calls, emails, parent-teacher-meeting-put-you-on-the-spot requests for another piece of you. You need to evaluate what is being asked of you and see where it fits within this season of your life. If you find yourself running late all of the time, feeling rushed, never quite seeming to get a chance to just rest, and sometimes feeling resentful towards others because of how busy you are, then please REALLY take this to heart.

Here are some questions to ask yourself BEFORE you answer anyone else:

Does this compliment or compete with my top priorities?
Am I managing my current obligations adequately? Do I have the time and energy to commit to something new?
Am I uniquely gifted to do what is being asked or could someone else do it well? You may even be able to think of someone who would be a better fit or who would enjoy being asked…
Would I be saying yes because I want to do this or am I saying yes in order to avoid confrontation and/or rejection?

If saying no is difficult for you then I encourage you to read Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. If you aren't sure what you are gifted for or the design God has for your life, check out the iDiscover Community! We need to ask for wisdom when it comes to gifting our time, energy, talents, and resources.

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Click here to leave a comment.

iBloom Special Annoucement

2009-10-05T14:44:00.000-04:00

iBloom Special Announcement:
God Has Uniquely Designed You! And we have the tool to help you discover more.

Are you exhausted from going through the motions?

Are you desperate to know your unique God-given design?

Are you all grown up, but have no idea what to do?

Do you feel like your life is just wasting away?

Great!

Wait, no, that sounds bad... Not great that you feel that way but great because we can help!

iBloom is launching a new community called iDiscover. This community has something for YOU! Something that:

You are going to want

that can change your life

that can get you excited about your life again

that can provide clarity and direction and...

wait, are you excited yet? Can you sense it?

That feeling in your gut that this is what you have been praying for, hoping for, and believing that God would send you? Us too! We have been praying for this community and for YOU for so long. At iBloom, we have a burden on our hearts to help every woman in the world discover who God created her to be. We know there are women out there who are unclear about their direction, their strengths, their purpose. We know because we WERE those women!

Now that we are on the other side, we can't wait to invite you in. Invite you into a way of life that is foreign from what you are experiencing now. Can you even imagine what it would be like to move beyond the mundane to a life where:

you know your unique God-given custom blueprint for YOUR life,

live into who God created you to be,

and ultimately live a life of fulfillment!

It is possible, it is within your reach, and it can start as soon as you take the next step and join women from around the world who are discovering their unique God-given design and living a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

For more information on the iDiscover Community,
visit www.idiscovercommunity.com.

There are a variety of paths (or memberships) available to accommodate your availability and resources. In fact, all paths include a 7-day FREE trial which includes a coaching session with an iBloom certified coach, so you can try it completely risk free.

New groups are beginning SOON and we want YOU to join women around the world on this life-changing journey!

2 NEW Path B Groups Beginning in October...

Friday, October 16th at Noon EST
(3rd Friday of each month)
iBloom Associate, Leigh Ann Napier

Thursday, October 23rd at 7:30pm EST
(3rd Thursday of each month)
iBloom Associate, Betsy Ringer

NEW Path C Group Beginning in November...

November 5th 6pm-7pm EST
(1st Thursday of each month)
iBloom Founder & President, Kelly Thorne

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in yourself and begin living the life you were created to live!

Visit www.idiscovercommunity.com for more information or to join women from around the world on this life changing journey.

You CAN Fly by Betsy Ringer

2009-09-28T14:33:00.000-04:00

There I was at dawn working with a team of people, pulling a huge hot air balloon out of a strong canvas bag. Once spread out on the blacktop we held out the ropes of the opening so the powerful fan could fill the balloon with air. We worked quickly getting the basket in place, the ropes secured, and then the flames spewing the hot air brought the giant balloon over the basket.

Fifty other balloons of brilliant colors surrounded us, going from flat, to full to teetering upward and lifting effortlessly off the ground. They dotted the sky like giant moving polka-dots. They carried passengers who for one reason or another had a desire to ride in a hot air balloon. They were fulfilling a dream or an experience that at one time seemed improbable. Their once hidden aspiration was climbing higher and higher toward realization.

My job on the crew was far from over. We would track the balloon, assist in the landing and pack it up. As I watched the balloons delivering dreams come true, I was reminded of my own dream come true many years ago. I remember sitting in the audience watching a magnificent community production – 150 men and 150 women performing show tunes throughout the decades. They were all non-professionals, but the costumes, singing, dancing and orchestral arrangements were as excellent as any seen on Broadway in New York City.

As I sat in the audience, all I could think of was that I wanted to be on that stage. The next year I went to the auditions without telling anyone what I was doing. I delivered my tryout next to a grand piano on a ballroom floor, knowing my talent paled next to 99% of the people there. Nonetheless, I actually MADE it! For the next six years I sang and danced to those fabulous show tunes in front of an appreciative audience six nights per season. I overcame my fear, went to the tryouts and have that memory to boost me toward trying other things that seem so far out of reach.

What lies inside of you that you would really like to do but fear, practicality, time or any other excuse keeps you from engaging in? I encourage you to step out now and make your way to the front and give it a try. Whatever is holding you back is invisible. It’s time to fly – or sing – or dance – or take a class – or change careers – or volunteer – or run a 10K – or discover your design – or write a book – or name yours here __________.

Maybe this video will give you little inspiration.

Please click here to share a dream or experience you would like to become a reality.

Betsy is an Associate with iBloom. Contact her to come speak to your group, be your Life Coach or attend one of her classes by phone.

Overwhelmed? Take charge!!! by Betsy Ringer

2009-09-19T10:23:00.000-04:00

I used to have two speeds: fast forward and stop. My energy level and ability to get an extraordinary amount of work done was just short of phenomenal. When my feet hit the floor in the morning I went nonstop, full speed ahead until I hit the bed at night. Yet no matter how fast I worked, there was always more to do. I seemed to work harder, faster, more furiously at my job and all evening at home. I was bright-spirited and loved working hard so I didn’t think too much about it. Then my body totally stopped. Shut down. Refused to function. I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning and when I finally forced myself, it was all I could do to drag to the shower and get dressed. I lasted about two hours, then my brain could no longer think or make a decision. Being around people proved to be stimulus overload for me and my body, mind and spirit shut off like a computer denied of power.

I discovered I had Adrenal Fatigue; a condition that results when the amount of strain placed on your body, mind and spirit overextends the capacity of your built in mechanism to compensate and recover from the stress. I had chosen to live an overextended lifestyle and my body revolted.

The short version is that it took a year and a half to get my body back on track. The pituitary, hypothalamus and endocrine system had to recalibrate during an extremely tedious process. I had to overhaul how I lived my life.

Years before this health episode, I had created a Life Guide Statement which identified the important and valuable components of my life that brought vitality and spanned age, stage, and career choices. My Life Guide Statement was designed to refresh my soul and help me make wise lifestyle choices. The problem was, I had ignored it, fooled myself into thinking I would pay attention to it “next month,” and given in to societal demands. Had I been true to my Life Guide Statement and made choices that would allow me to live life the way I KNEW I needed to, I would have bypassed this devastating blow to my body, mind and spirit.

Overwhelm, exhaustion, fatigue, unwise lifestyle choices, and giving in to societal expectations are an epidemic among women. You CAN take charge by creating your own LIFE GUIDE STATEMENT. I can help. Join me in my phone class where I will walk you through the process of developing your very own Life Guide Statement. In the comfort of your home or at your desk at work you can take this class by phone. Click here to register and I will send you your call in number, a link to a five minute movie to watch, and the book that will be your guide during our class. After the class, I will correspond with you by email to help you finish your Life Guide Statement.

If you can't make it at that time, register anyway and after the class we will send you the recording so you can follow along. You will be able email with me to complete your Life Guide Statement.

My desire is for women to make healthy choices to live the vital life they were designed to live. Begin your freedom from overwhelm today!

Betsy Ringer is an Associate with iBloom. Learn more about her and invite her to speak to your group.

PART 2 Five Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before 2009 Slips Away… for good! By Betsy Ringer

2009-09-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

Part 2

Yesterday we started thinking about how we can make sure we finish well in 2009 and go confidently into 2010. I asked you to consider the following questions:

1. If Year 2009 could whisper something to you, what would it say?

2. What is your soul yearning for?

3. If you could accomplish just ONE thing before 2010 what would it be?

I hope you took time to thoughtfully answer those questions. If you didn’t get a chance to yet, go back to yesterday’s blog and work through those questions.

Now, I have two more for you. Again, think through them and write down your answers.

4. What is ONE step you can take to simplify your life? Plain and simple: what can you declutter, what can you wipe off your calendar, what task can you streamline to make life less complicated?

5. How can you prepare NOW to make sure you finish 2009 and start 2010 the way you truly want to live? Years ago I created a Life Guide Statement which identified the important and valuable components of my life that brought vitality and spanned age, stage, and career choices. My Life Guide Statement was designed to refresh my soul and help me make wise lifestyle choices. Being an overachiever, often living my life in overwhelm, I have often neglected my Life Guide Statement. However, I have suffered the misery of that neglect enough times now, that it has become automatic to pay attention to that feeling that bubbles up in me and almost screams, “You’re doing it AGAIN!!” At that point, I review my Life Guide Statement to see what’s missing. When I review my Life Guide Statement and make the necessary adjustments, life swings back into fulfillment mode.

My Life Guide Statement is “Exalt and encounter God, take a risk, savor the moments and live intentionally.” These components bridge my family, satisfying work, bold fun, and meaningful relationships. You can develop your own simple and straightforward Life Guide Statement. It’s different from a mission statement and purpose statement which identify things to “do.” Your Life Guide Statement is more focused on how you live day in and day out in a way that fills your soul, moves you from mediocre to meaningful daily living and brings out the life vitality you long for.

I invite you to take action NOW to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. I am offering a teleclass – you sit in the comfort of your home and call in by phone! – entitled “How to Write a Compelling Life Guide Statement.” During this teleclass, you will be led through a process to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. The cost of the teleclass includes:

· A handbook that will be used during the class

· A review of your Life Guide Statement in a follow up email

· A recording that guides you through the process if you would like to review it after the class

This process helps you identify specific ways your inner core yearns to experience life a vibrant way. By creating a personalized compass-like statement you will have a guide to help you begin living the life you truly want to live.

The teleclass is offered:

Tuesday, September 22, 11AM – 12:30 PM Eastern time.

Go to http://www.ibloom.us/news-events.html to sign up. If you can’t attend the class, go ahead and register and we will send you the handout and recording of the class so you can walk through developing your own Life Guide Statement. You will also be able to send your Life Guide Statement to me for review and comments.

If you don’t want to wait until the class, purchase it now by going to http://www.ibloom.us/store.html. You will receive an audio download and a booklet, but not the class recording.

Take action now to finish 2009 well and be prepared to live 2010 the way you’ve always wanted to live. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is a precious gift. The Holy Spirit works within us to guide us and align us with God’s desire for our lives. Take time today to reflect and hear what the core of your being is saying.

Psalm 90:12 NIV “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Click here to share steps you are going to take to finish strong in 2009.

Five Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before 2009 Slips Away… for good! By Betsy Ringer

2009-09-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

Part 1

I distinctly remember staying up until midnight so I could kiss my husband and welcome in the New Year – 2009!! I LOVE a brand new year, don’t you? But wait! 2009 is rounding the corner and rushing to pass the baton to 2010!

Once the year is finished, you can’t take it back. With just five questions you can turn this year into a dynamic year while at the same time preparing for a vibrant 2010. I encourage you to print this out, find a comfy place, and answer the following questions. You deserve to finish this year well, so take a few minutes to reflect and make a plan. Here are a few questions Coach Betsy has for you:

1. If Year 2009 could whisper something to you, what would it say?

Would it say you took some time out for fun? Would it say you’ve spent your days rushing along and beg you to savor the moments? Would it thank you for making it memorable in a positive way? What message do you hear?

2. What is your soul yearning for? Let’s face it, most of us rush here and there, complete tasks, plan more stuff, and try to fit in all the mundane details that we think needed to be done yesterday. Meanwhile, our souls are hungering for adventure or travel or deep conversation or quiet or music or _____________ (you fill in the blank).

3. If you could accomplish just ONE thing before 2010, what would it be? Sometimes I put off doing something I really want to do simply because it’s easier to have the idea or dream than to actually carry it out. It’s easier for my husband and I to talk about having friends over than to actually plan it and follow-through with it. It’s easier thinking I’d like to go to visit friends and relatives in Arizona than find a date that works for everyone, make the plane reservation and go. If I think about doing volunteer work or cleaning out my closets or surprising my husband or doing something to improve my job skills, I can almost fool myself into thinking I’m making progress – but I’m NOT. I encourage you to overcome your fear or procrastination, get unstuck and move forward to complete just ONE thing you really want to accomplish before 2010. Big or small, just ONE thing.

Give these questions some thought and tomorrow I’ll have two more questions for you to consider. I want you to finish well, finish strong in 2009. No matter what has happened up to this point, you can move forward and embrace the life you love. Remember to finish the rest of the questions tomorrow!

Do you have a Life Guide Statement? This statement is created by you and articulates what is vital in the core of your being for experiencing life in a vibrant way. It describes the components of your life that span age, stage, and career. These are things that refresh your soul so you can use your strengths to live life in a meaningful way. Your Life Guide Statement gives you direction no matter your relationship, task or challenge! I’d like to invite you to let me guide you in developing your very own Life Guide Statement. Please attend my class by phone on September 22. If you can’t attend, register anyway and after the class we will send you a recording of the class for you to follow along, a Life Guide Statement booklet and an opportunity to correspond with me regarding your LGS! Register here: http://lifeguide.eventbrite.com/

Let's share our answers with each other! It will be interesting and we can encourage each other as well! Click here to share your answers.

Secrets to Speed Reading People by Betsy Ringer

2009-09-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

There are times when it is helpful to be able to “speed read” people so we know how to communicate with them better. If you are in a serving profession if you can “speed read” a person you can offer them better service. Or if you go to a professional meeting where there are lots of people you don’t know and you want to be able to connect with them fairly quickly – “speed reading” helps. Or maybe you are the one who needs a problem solved and you know connecting with the person who can help you will get things done more efficiently, “speed reading” helps.

“Speed reading” people is a wonderful tool to have in your “Good People Skills” toolkit. You see we all have a preference for a certain personality style and when someone communicates with us in our style, we respond much more readily. Sometimes, we get clues from people about their personality style from how they dress or carry themselves.

A Playful Sanguine often wears bright colors and their eyes sparkle. They are eager to engage in conversation and appreciate others interacting with them.

A Proper Melancholy usually wears tailored clothes or subdued colors. They look very “clean” and put together. As we “speed read” them we know to approach them in a quieter, polite manner and build trust.

A Powerful Choleric has an “air” of confidence around them. They move at a fast pace and want things done efficiently. As you identify them, you know to get to the point, skip the details and get out of their way.

A Peaceful Phlegmatic on the other hand, carries an “air” of calming presence. They are seeking harmony and usually prefer others to make decisions. They appreciate those who take time to get to know them, ask questions and suggest solutions.

This is just a sample of the valuable information you will learn in The Personalities phone class coming up next Tuesday, September 8. You will be able to take an assessment to discover your own Personality and you will learn about the various characteristics of each of the other personalities, their strengths and struggles and the inner needs of each.

Laugh a lot and learn valuable skills for getting along better with just about anyone!

Click here to register. After you register, you will be sent a phone number to call to gain access to the class. If you can’t make it at that time, you will be sent a link where you can access the recording and handouts for the class.

If you have questions, email me at betsy@ibloom.us .

Visit Betsy’s bio page. On that page click on MY BIO to see a list of her speaking topics and events

Share a Personality story here.

Hard-wired that Way by Betsy Ringer

2009-08-29T12:32:00.000-04:00

When Jim Carey was in elementary school, he was a challenge for his teachers – as you can imagine! He thrived on attention, talked a lot and constantly kept things stirred up in the classroom. He got in trouble often until one wise teacher helped bring out the strengths of his personality. She made an agreement with him: if he focused during the day on his learning then at the end of the day he could have ten minutes in front of the classroom to entertain the rest of the class. THIS WORKED!

Our behavior represents one or two of four different Personality styles which we come hard-wired with at birth. Hippocrates, a physician who lived over 2000 years ago, first identified these four styles. We continue to use the Greek names and I have added a descriptive word and “motto” that helps us remember a little about the description of each Personality:

Playful Sanguine – “Let’s do it the fun way!”

Proper Melancholy – “Let’s do it the right way.”

Powerful Choleric – “Let’s do it MY way.”

Peaceful Phlegmatic – “Let’s do it the easy way.”

Perhaps you can already identify yourself and some of the people you know!

We all have a certain “color” lens through which we see life. One is not right or wrong nor better than any other. Just different. Understanding important research on The Personalities helps us know ourselves and get along better with others.

One woman who attended my Personalities class told me, “I finally understand why my husband doesn’t respond the way I think he should – and we’ve been married 45 years!” She was a Peaceful Phlegmatic and was overwhelmed by her Powerful Choleric husband who couldn’t seem to take time to listen to her and was annoyed by her slower pace. She learned some ways to “speak his language” and also embraced her own positive qualities.

During a team building session I spoke with each person on the team. One woman told me this about another woman on her team, “She is no fun at all. She is so serious and every time I have an idea she tells me all the reasons it won’t work.” When I took this team through The Personalities they were able to see why they were having some conflicts and how to resolve them. The women in this scenario discovered that one was a Playful Sanguine who had lots of creative ideas, was energetic and eager to implement them. The other woman was a Proper Melancholy who was cautious and thoughtful and wanted to analyze the pros and cons before jumping into action. Once they understood this about each other, they were able to give one another the space to talk things through and plan the next steps to take.

Even though we come hard-wired at birth with a certain Personality style, we can learn to bring out our own strengths and adjust ourselves to get along better with just about anyone.

I invite you to The Personalities teleclass on September 8. You will be able to take an assessment to discover your own Personality. You will learn about the various characteristics of each personality, the strengths and struggles and the inner needs of each.

Laugh a lot and learn valuable skills for getting along better with just about anyone!

Click here to register. After you register, you will be sent a phone number to call to gain access to the class. If you can’t make it at that time, you will be sent a link where you can access the recording and handouts for the class.

Visit Betsy’s bio page. On that page click on MY BIO to see a list of her speaking topics and events.

Do you have a question or a "Personality" story to share? Please click here to share.

Move from, "She's driving me nuts!" to "She cracks me up!" by Betsy Ringer

2009-08-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

Do you have some people in your life who seem to talk way too much? Maybe you’re one of those people. Or does someone drive you nuts because they are meticulous and they expect YOU to be the same way? But then again, maybe YOU drive other people crazy because you have everything organized just so and you are critical of those who don’t. Or has someone accused you of moving way too fast and being, um, bossy? Or maybe you just wish everyone would learn to get along.

A friend once said to me, after looking despairingly at my messy office, “Wouldn’t it just make sense to put these papers in file folders in your drawer?” And I know some of you are nodding in agreement. But others of you will understand fully my response, “These are projects I’m working on. I’ll forget about them if I put them away. Out of sight, out of mind.”

Sometimes we have a difficult time understanding others because they have a different PERSONALITY and we simply have different ways of approaching relationships and life experiences. When we don’t understand the differences in The Personalities, we get frustrated with others and ourselves, which can lead to damaged relationships.

Research shows that there are four basic personality styles and we prefer to behave in one or two of those styles. Ephesians 4:29 states “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it might benefit those who listen.” When we understand about the different personalities, we learn to behave in our strengths and adjust ourselves to get along better with others.

Learning about the various personality styles, including their characteristics, strengths and struggles and inner needs will help you build healthier relationships where marriages prosper, children flourish, and teams become more successful.

Please join me on September 8 for The Personalities teleclass. After you register, you will be sent a phone number to call to gain access to the class. If you can’t make it at that time, you will be sent a link where you can access the recording and handouts for the class. Teleclasses are great because you can enjoy some great training without traveling!

Laugh a lot and learn valuable skills for getting along better with just about anyone! Pretty soon you'll find others are less annoying and you can laugh about your differences and even know how to get along great with them!

Click here to register. Go ahead and click even if you just want to check it out!

Visit Betsy’s bio page. On that page click on MY BIO to see a list of her speaking topics and events.

Have a question or want to share a story? Click here.

Teenagers + Devotions = HELP!! by Lori Snider

2009-08-19T14:26:00.000-04:00

As our two daughters grew, so did the list of their extracurricular activities - church, sports, academic teams, work, time with friends - Whew! As I struggled to hang onto the family dinner hour, I noticed it was also getting harder to gather everyone for family devotions and prayer.

That’s when I read a great idea in Beth Moore’s book, Feathers from My Nest. This book is a must read for Moms! She shared about having the same difficulties when her two daughters were in High School. Beth Moore solved the problem by purchasing a daily devotion book, along with a prayer journal. She kept these in the middle of the kitchen table and each family member participated at their convenience. The family members initialed the devotional after they read it.

This worked in our house because my husband was up first at 4:30 a.m. and would read the devotional of the day and write down his prayer concerns. Both girls would do so as they got up and had breakfast, or maybe later in the day. I could read and pray as my scheduled allowed. There were times we would do the devotion as a family at dinner, but in this season, Moms must learn to be creative and flexible!

An added bonus is being able to read back through the prayer journals and see how God answered our prayers! I still have these journals several years later! Don’t fight the teenage years…just find different ways to enjoy the journey! There are abundant blessings with teenagers!

Do you have a create idea to connect with teenagers? We would love to hear it! Share your idea HERE.

Lori is an Associate with iBloom and specializes in issues about parenting. She finds great joy in being a Mom and it is her desire that all women embrace and enjoy this amazing role.

What Do I Know About Holy? by Tara McClenahan

2009-08-11T12:41:00.000-04:00

Holiness seems like such a vague and unattainable goal sometimes. God's Word says:

I Peter 1:14-16 NASB
¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

¹⁵but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

¹⁶because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."

I read this and think, "God, You have Your work cut out for You!" But then I read passages like Colossians 1:21-23 NASB:

^"21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

²²yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--

²³if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister."

Passages like this one really make me realize even more how much Christ did on the cross! HE did the work to present me holy and blameless before the Father. Yes, we must surrender to Him but He even gives us the grace to do that! He gives us everything we need to do what He desires us to do! Doesn't that make you want to THANK HIM?

I heard this song titled "What Do I Know of Holy?" by Addison Road. Check out the video here and the lyrics here. I pray it stirs a reverential awe of God and His holiness and a profound acceptance of and gratefulness for what Jesus did on the cross out of His boundless love for us.

What area of your life or character are you willing to surrender to Him to mold into His holy image? Commit this to Him and then pray for the power of His grace to be your strength!

Share your thoughts with me!

Prescription for a Life Threatening Epidemic by Betsy Ringer: Transition Physician

2009-08-03T17:01:00.000-04:00

Overwhelm, exhaustion, fatigue, unwise lifestyle choices, and giving in to societal expectations are an epidemic among women. My prescription is to create your own Life Guide Statement to live by. CLICK HERE to order a workbook that will help you design your own. I will be happy to review it and give you feedback. My desire is for women to make healthy choices to live the vital life they were designed to live. Begin your freedom from overwhelm today!

Are you overwhelmed, exhausted, fatigued? Share your story.

Betsy Ringer is an Associate with iBloom. Learn more about her and invite her to speak to your group.

Family Encouragement by Lori B. Snider

2009-07-28T15:57:00.000-04:00

As summer winds down, you may need an extra dose of encouragement or perspective. Then, don’t forget to pass it on to your family.

Being a Mom has been one of my greatest JOYS in life! I can remember as the nurse placed the first pink bundle of joy in my arms, I thought, it doesn’t get any better than this!

As my girls got older and were in Elementary School, I would often comment on how much I loved being a Mom. I can remember on more than one occasion, someone saying, “Well, just wait until middle school!” or “You won’t be saying that when they turn 16!” Ladies, I’m here to tell you that I refused to claim those words! Each stage of childhood has presented it own challenges, but more than that, each stage presented new and amazing joys!

Please don’t let the comments of other parents cloud your mind with negative words and thoughts. Continue to look for the good in each season of your child’s development. Yes, there will be difficult times, but God will bring both of you through! And while you’re at it, say those positive words out loud for your child and other parents to hear.

Here are some tips for passing on encouraging words to your kids:
1. I left my daughters notes on their pillows, their place at the table, on the steering wheel of the car (once they were driving!!), etc. that told them how much I loved them and what an honor it was to be their Mom!
2. Use Post-its and write a short love note or encouragement or Bible verse and put it on the mirror in their bathroom, at their place at the table, on their bedroom door, or inside their special drinking cup.
3. Change things up with your notes to make them fun.
• Write backwards so they can decode in the mirror
• Use stickers, glitter, or funny pictures
• Have the note be from a family pet
4. Make a checklist like: “We’ve been so busy, looking forward to some fun with you. What do you want to do?"
___ Go for pizza
___ Go to a movie
___ Go for a bike ride
___ Your suggestion ___________

Our children hear enough negative remarks from the world, let your words be discipline when necessary, but praise and love whenever possible!

Please share an idea of how you encourage the members of your family.

Lori is an Assoicate with iBloom. Check out her bio page.

Name
Email