ISHIRLEYl

Clever Christmas Gift Ideas for 2011

2011-12-04T17:11:00.005-06:00

Wow, how the time flies when you're having FUN! I can't believe the whole month of November passed by without an entry here. While internet marketing will always be a love of mine... I seemed to have found a mistress (wait is that only a term used for a male... if you know the equivalent and it is something different for a female please comment with the correction). My new love is direct sales with the ONLY company that offers organization products, Clever Container. I've started a new blog and it would be great if you could take a gander and subscribe if you like it. My latest post is more timely and relevant to some clever gift ideas as it 'tis the season. So, here's the link: http://clevercontainerstore.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/christmas-gift-ideas-2011/.

If you like it or know someone that would, pass the love on. Merry Christmas!

Reminder: Have FUN!

2011-10-18T14:09:00.013-05:00

After many test my neurologist has informed me that my brain is pristine, arteries are clear, and my heart is in great condition. So, if it wasn't a TIA, then what was it? She thinks it is migraine related. I have had migraines with a visual aura since my teenage years but I didn't know that migraines could have stroke-like physical or sensory aura until she informed me. I came home and searched further on the internet and after watching this mayoclinic.com video it made even more sense.

For any one that cares, I am relieved to have no residual physical damage from what happened, and even though the effects from that migraine lasted a month... right now I am feeling great. I appreciate the notes on my wall, the messages, emails, and your prayers. The experience has been a life changer for the better. I realized that I was putting fun off for after my work was done, more money was made, etc. Now that it is back in my life it reminds me how much I've missed it. Have you had some fun today?

Today In Appreciation

2011-08-25T18:11:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, I was excited to be attending a luncheon with professional women that were launching a new chapter. About thirty minutes after I arrived I wasn't feeling so well. I thought maybe my blood sugar was low so I ordered a glass of apple juice and sipped about a cup of it, but no relief. My lunch came and looked delicious but with each bite I felt nauseated. My right hand didn't feel right, I didn't feel right, I was sweating but even the speaker at the meeting had removed her jacket from the heat. As much as I had looked forward to networking with the other attendees there as soon as the meeting concluded... I had to leave. As I walked to the car I realized that something was wrong with my right arm too. The feeling in my hand traveled up to my bicep that felt like it was being squeezed. It seemed to take everything I had to get in that car seat and I hoped if I blasted the a/c it would cool me down and I would be better. It didn't help. I set the navigation system to guide me home. I just wanted to get home. I called my husband to let him know that I didn't feel well and I actually told him that when I got home I really needed a hug and to go to bed (it was only quarter to one!). I was so focused on getting home and it seemed as though the drive was taking forever and each red light was prolonging my agony instead of bringing me closer. I called my husband again to say that I needed him to stay on the phone with me until I got home. I was in tears, I was confused, I felt like I was having trouble getting words out. It was now clear that something was really wrong with me. Something I had not experienced before. I need help and I can't make it home. I told my husband to have my sister and the girls get in the car with him and come to me and I parked and waited. It felt like forever and I told myself that if I got worse I would call 911. I looked to my left and finally... there they were here. I felt like a clock was ticking, like I had to get the ER NOW! I had no time to kiss my babies I need to get in the passenger seat for my husband to drive. After standing and walking a few steps I realized my right leg was now affected and my calf felt tight like my bicep in my arm. It killed me to look at my babies and hope it wasn't the last time. I love them, I want to hug them, I want to live the clock is ticking I can't stop to comfort them we have to GO. The ride to the ER... I was uncomfortable, too exhausted to even keep my eyes open. I tried so hard to stay as relaxed and calm as I could but what I was feeling was strange to me and that was causing me to be full of anxiety. I tried to stay calm just breathe... I prayed to God to please know that I want to live. I want to live and I love my babies and I love life so much. My husband parked at the ER entrance and got a wheelchair. After blood test, ECG, CT Scan, chest x-ray all I know is that my pulse was elevated, my blood sugar was fine, my heart looks good, my blood pressure was a little high for me but not too bad for them, my carbon dioxide was high, and the CT Scan of my brain was fine. Because I was having a hard time with waves of crying and felt anxiety about not knowing what is wrong with me... they gave me some medicine for anxiety and told me to follow up with my primary care physician for an MRI and other blood test. I went home and I hugged my babies, even my first born 16 year old baby and let them know how happy I was to see them and how much I love them. I thanked God.

Today I was able to get in to see my primary health physician. My leg feels good, but my hand and arm don't and I am still feeling way more tired than I should. It is like my arm got a shot of Novocaine or something... it feels kinda heavy and I have to think to make my hand work right. It is like to my brain I am squeezing as hard with my right and left hand but if your hands were the ones I was squeezing you would think I was just holding your hand with my right and squeezing your hand with my left. After examining me the doctor wants me to start taking aspirin and schedule an appointment with a neurologist because he thinks that I had a T.I.A. which stands for Transient Ischemic Attack. I have lived my life differently today. I have hugged my children and told them I love them. I have eaten well, gotten some sun, and soon I will take a little stroll although until I get a MRI and they figure out what is going on the doc says to wait to do anything more strenuous. It is today that I realize I can't put myself off any longer. It is today that I slowed down the pace. It is today that things are put into perspective. In thanks to God I love life and cherish it with time and in the company of my family and friends. T.I.A. for me stands for today in appreciation.

With so much Love & Desire to Live,
Shirley

ThinkBIGSites GOLD RUSH SPECIAL on SEO

2011-07-07T01:21:00.004-05:00

Because of my affiliate membership with ThinkBIGSites I'm able to offer you this GOLD RUSH SPECIAL to help increase your website organic ranking. It's a limited time offer though so timing is everything and since time is money... How much longer can you afford not to be on page 1 of Google and the other search engines for what you offer?

Email me your contact info and request for a get started link today because there is no better time than the present.

JESUS Lives in You and Me As Children of God

2011-06-10T17:06:00.008-05:00

I got into my car earlier today and the radio station was not coming in very clearly, almost as though two stations were crossing over into the signal competing to be heard. This was a perfect example of how I have been feeling for quite some time full of questions, praying for clarity, searching for the answer as to how much longer will the lesson take to learn that God is trying to teach me. But with all of the static and clatter that come with each day distracting me from the comfort of a knowledgeable answer that would provide some stability and security the cycle continues. However, as I drove further down the road the competing radio station clatter stopped to allow me to hear this song by Third Day - "Cry Out to Jesus" that reminds us we are not alone. I've included this video of the song if you'd like to watch and listen and need to be reminded too.

There seems to be a lot of people hurting, crying out to Jesus, and thinking when will the cycle change. I've seen people on television with education and experience that had management positions that were terminated from their jobs and unable to find another one in the same field. These people have become entrepreneurs, have learned new skills, are taking jobs they are over qualified for at much less pay to at least have some income. Losing everything to become financially and emotionally bankrupt. Never thinking this could happen to them. I look in the mirror and can relate all too well. In the past things always turned around so much sooner. Times between jobs were a weekend or at most a few months, but that is not now. People are making really tough choices and asking questions.

What is the lesson and how does it relate to my calling?
Should we connect with REAL people more often instead of in fantasy role playing games?
Should we value our friends and families more than material possessions?
How much longer will it all last before things are stable and headed in a positive direction?
What is the value of our relationships?
Should we all grow gardens or farm to ensure we can all eat?
Should we question if we really want to use money versus barter, trade, and build with our neighbors locally?

These questions seem to reflect something of a past time before the convenience and global resources of today. I have always thought of myself as a progressive person but money has seemed to complicate things. I understand economics and the benefit of a global market for cost savings, but just because we can do something should we? I remember when I first got a mobile phone and drove myself crazy answering it and trying to have meaningful conversations at the worst times and places. I finally realized that just because I had a mobile phone didn't mean I always had to answer it! I appreciate my voicemail. And speaking of appreciation, I have always been a very appreciative person. I value my family and friends. I have even questioned how much more could I during the past few years... what am I missing?

I believe in God. I believe things happen for a reason. These beliefs are very easy to hold close during the good times, but with any relationship during the bad times is when the relationship, even our relationship with God seems to be tested. More and more each day I realize how not alone I am in this thinking. I read others blog post, status updates, and even share experiences with friends in person. I am thankful to all of you for being able to share. I wish for you all to not feel alone.

Some people believe that there will be a second coming of Jesus as if it is in the future or maybe even just recently past. Since Jesus is God's son in the human form and we are all children of God, then there is a relation from God that connects all of us. God's love is all around us. Really doesn't Jesus live in you and me? Even though some people are a contradiction by being stuck and at the same time rushing through life not really living to grow God's love. These people are lost and yet lash out to those within arms reach. We would all be better off to love one another, look out for each other, and most of all be kind to each other.

Love,
Shirley

P.S. Here's a video of Mark Schultz with "Love Has Come" from me to you...

Clever Container Tips to Get Organized

2011-05-24T22:43:00.010-05:00

As a mom to a teenager and twin toddlers, I appreciate all the organization tips that I can get. I just heard about the Clever Container Company a couple weeks ago and when I saw their 2011 Catalog, I fell in love with the products and the affordability of them. With a partially loaded dishwasher of dirty dishes, I knew there had to be a better way then to grab the nearest washable crayon to write DIRTY on a piece of paper and stuff it in the top of the dishwasher door. So, imagine my delight when I discovered a much better looking and easier solution in the Clever Container Catalog with a magnet that turns to display when the dishes are CLEAN or DIRTY! I admit, it is the simple things in life that bring me huge pleasure. Anyway, when ever I love something, I share it. I'm hosting a Clever Container Catalog party and would love for you to share this post with your friends, family, and coworkers to spread the solutions that Clever Container has to make our lives easier and look a little (or in my case a lot) better as we get organized.

Here are a couple Clever ladies showing off Tips to Get Organized with other good looking, easy to use, and functional Clever Container products:

If you see something you would like to order, or if you are interested in hosting a Clever Container Workshop at your home, or become a Clever Container representative, I would love to hear from you. Call me (800)725-1867 or Email me with your contact information and I look forward to talking with you soon!

Shirley Lassiter
Clever Container Hostess soon to be Consultant because Organizing Just Got FUN!

Vacant Land For Sale in Colorado for less than $1k per Acre

2011-04-04T22:05:00.001-05:00

If you're looking for land in Colorado, you've just found a great deal right in the heart of it all. This link is to a listing in Hartsel, Colorado's South Park Ranches subdivision for a 5 Acre lot listed well below the fair market value, priced to sell now at $4,999!

6375 CLEAR CREEK Rd 44 Hartsel, CO 80449 - Real Estate | CENTURY 21

Content for Search Engines and Human Consumption

2011-02-18T19:32:00.006-06:00

I've posted before about what search engines crave in terms of keyword rich, relevant, and current content. By feeding the search engines what they crave in combination with a strategic link campaign and optimizing your website to reduce penalties you should be rewarded with a higher organic ranking in search results for your keyword phrases. The challenge is really keeping this content interesting enough for humans to crave. Or is it? With the rise of interest in social media platforms why not also write content specifically for not just human consumption but human conversation. Social media is the perfect opportunity to engage people in learning more about your brand/product/service through things like contest, special incentives or codes for fans/followers, etc. Reward them with getting information first through status updates. So really to cut down on the chance of duplicate, repetitive content which search engines could actually penalize you for and reduce your website ranking... instead keep in mind that feeding the search engines what they crave is still a good idea in your website content. But an even better idea is to utilize social media to engage people in a conversation, create a buzz, and most importantly aid human consumption with tasty tidbits to keep them coming back for more of something they can't get anywhere else through a social media campaign.

Contact me by phone (800)725-1867 or email me for a FREE consultation on social media management services and more.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in Romeoville, IL

2010-12-19T17:54:00.004-06:00

If you live in or near Romeoville, Illinois or you are visiting friends or family for Christmas and are looking for a candlelight worship service, then you are welcome to join us at:
United Presbyterian Church
2 Belmont Drive (click here for driving directions)
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 886-4874

If you are out of town for Christmas, but looking for a Presbyterian (PCUSA) church to worship at then click here and like UPC on facebook to be informed of special events and see regularly scheduled worship hours.

From our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

In loving memory of Carroll W. Huff

2010-11-23T09:20:00.012-06:00

Carroll W. Huff

1916 - 2010

Earlier this morning, I came across an obituary online for my Granddad. I called and spoke with the woman at the funeral home that wrote it whom stated that it wasn't in the package that was ordered, but she felt there should be something online for him. The reason I called was actually to correct a miss-spelled name and add a couple great-grandchildren. And then as I was making breakfast, I realized that there needed to be more than the names of his family members on the internet as some kind of documentation of his life. Realize that what I am about to write and you are about to read about him is from a granddaughter's perspective and much of this information is what I have retained from childhood memories. Please comment below this post if you have any additions, corrections, or comments to add about him. I would really appreciate that.

In my eyes, he was a wonderful man that married my Grandma (Claire) and worked for IBM to provide for his family a son (John, my Dad) and daughter (Janet, my Aunt). They spent much of their life in Maryland before he retired and moved with my Grandma to Lehigh Acres, Florida. In my Grandma's letters she wrote how much they were enjoying their retirement time together. I remember while visiting my Granddad and Grandma dancing in their living room to show us the steps they had learned in their dance classes. There was nothing more romantic to me as a young teenage girl then to see them so happy, taking on new challenges, smiling there and enjoying the dance in front of me. That was one thing about my Granddad, his smile! He was always smiling to see us, to listen when we spoke, and when he laughed... he laughed loud.

My Granddad was quite the tech whiz in my eyes too. It almost seemed as he would light up while conversing about his experiences as an FCC licensed hand radio operator, one of the "Lehigh Hams" in Southwest, Florida. And before I even set my fingers on a computer, Granddad already had internet handles, participated in chats, and eventually even set up websites. He was a stroke and colon cancer survivor for 20 years! I hadn't heard about the later strokes and cancers that ultimately would claim his life until just weeks before his death. And speaking of death... he lived 94 years! I am fortunate to have the memories I've shared here and so many more from visits and vacations with him. And, oh my gosh, I have to mention how he loved his citrus fruit trees that he grew and how there was nothing sweeter than the fruit my Granddad picked for me. My love for him overflows from my heart into happy tears as I imagine he is now reunited with Grandma, dancing with her in Heaven, smiling, and laughing out loud!

SEO & SMM: Use It OR Lose It Solution for Marketing Department Budget Excess

2010-11-19T15:51:00.010-06:00

While many Marketing Directors have experienced cut-backs and can only dream of having an excess at this time of the calendar year, some of you may also be looking for a solution to use it before you lose it next year. Here are two solutions to get you the biggest bang for your buck!

The first solution is to start getting social with your prospects and existing customers now utilizing social media. Social media is a great interactive way to connect with people that are thinking about trying your product / service / brand or to build loyalty with those that already buy from you. Social media networking can take time. Each network platform has a type of niche or community of people that use it. Some people use many, while others may have a favorite or two. The point is to think about your strategy and keep people interested by offering special promotions to build your base, to keep people updated and interested. Social media management takes time and if you choose to outsource this time consuming task you'll want to make sure that you work with professionals that care about getting to know about your business so that they can also share your vision for what you want to accomplish.

The second solution worth investing in would be to use the budgeted dollars for search engine optimization (seo) to increase your organic ranking and avoid paying higher prices on your PPC campaigns due to poor optimization, duplicate content, and other deficiencies that can produce penalties that will increase your spend and decrease your ROI. A good SEO company will listen and learn about your business and provide you with a keyword effectiveness index report / analysis so that you can select the terms that will provide the path of least resistance to achieving higher sales conversions. Another very important thing to consider is strategic in-bound links to your website to help the search engines recognize that people like what you have to offer and want to share it with others. In-bound links from good websites are viewed by the search engines as votes of endorsements. Be careful here though: if too many links come from what search engines view as unnatural or from sites that have high penalties and are not properly optimized then it can have the opposite effect on your site. You really want to make sure that the company that handles your strategic linking campaign knows what they are doing and the links are diverse and as natural as possible. Search engines currently crave fresh, relevant, keyword rich content, that is fast to load and it makes sense to give them what they want. In return they give you what you want, a high organic ranking and the biggest bang for your buck towards raising your sales conversion rate and increasing your return on investment.

These solutions offer a great way to use the excess of your marketing budget before the end of this year in preparation for a more prosperous new year!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and please share with those that you feel it would be helpful. If you or someone you know is in the position of having more money at the end of the year and needs to use it or lose it, please pass along this post and feel free to contact me by phone (800)725-1867 or email at slassiter@thinkbigsites.com. Thanks again!

Think BIG Sites BIG DEAL on SEO Optimization for Targeted Website Traffic

2010-11-04T15:17:00.009-05:00

UPDATE: As of today (11/17/2010) only 10 BIG DEAL specials remain. NOW is the BEST time to get started with a ThinkBIGsites SEO monthly package since you get the same quality of service, but with a 40% on-going discount! If you have any questions holding you back that are not addressed here, contact me now so that I can answer them for you and you can make an informed decision. I don't want you to miss out on the BIG DEAL that could very well double, if not triple an increase in the sales of your products and/or services!

If you have a website and are searching for how to utilize SEO optimization for targeted website traffic, then there is no better time than the present to take advantage of Think BIG Sites BIG DEAL. Think BIG Sites, is a website optimization firm, that specializes in targeted web traffic through a 3-part proven process that gets SEO results. Think BIG Sites has achieved a page 1 ranking on Google for 92% of their clients in 90 days or less.

With this BIG DEAL you will receive the same quality service as a client paying full price! The BIG DEAL is only available for the first 50 clients and as of today, 10 new clients have already come aboard leaving only 40 more BIG DEALS available.

Here are the details for the BIG DEAL:

Up to 4 keyword phrases chosen after running a keyword effectiveness index report with keywords that you suggest as well as some you may like that we suggest, but ultimately the 4 keywords we use are the four you approve.
Advanced on-page SEO to fully optimize your website in preparation to receive targeted website traffic. (Added Value: $700)
Install Google Analytics, if you haven't already done so. (Added Value: $300)
An Average of 55 diverse, strategically placed in-bound links each month to your website to act as votes of endorsements to search engines.
Weekly reporting on your progress as our proven methodology is executed to achieve the highest return on your investment with us.

Combine all of the above with a minimum agreement of 3 months, and then month to month thereafter, plus a 40% discount from our most popular comparable package (priced at $1,750) and the monthly price of the BIG DEAL is just $999! And that price will remain in place each month for as long as you are a client.

To take advantage of this BIG DEAL, please remember to add my name Shirley Lassiter as your rep on the link located here: (Link removed due to promotion has ended)

As always my business grows by referrals, please share this with any one you know that could use a BIG DEAL on SEO Optimization for targeted website traffic. I also welcome you and your contacts to contact me now with a request for FREE resources (SEO analysis, Newsletter subscription, White Paper, and more). Interested in PPC bid management too, email me at slassiter@thinkbigsites.com with your contact information, current level of spend, and two dates and times you are available for a FREE PPC webinar to see how our flat-fee PPC bid management services are increasing ROI, without increasing spend.

SEO Results

2010-10-26T13:07:00.009-05:00

No matter if you are utilizing your own time or paying someone else for their time to do search engine optimization (SEO) of your website, at the end of the day you are looking for results.

The most important results are where you are ranked for your keyword phrases to increase sales conversions. If you are paying someone to do this for you, then the first thing you want to verify is that they can rank themselves for their keyword phrases. If you could do this for yourself you would probably not be reading this or you have decided to start outsourcing and you are looking for a company to get the best SEO results possible for you, and here you are. For example, Think BIG Sites is a one-stop internet marketing shop that is ranked for over 150 keywords (source: semrush) including highly competitive keywords such as: SEO Results, More Website Traffic, Website Optimization Firm. Don't take my word for it though... go ahead and Google those keywords to see the proof on your own screen! Just remember if you would like to move forward with ThinkBIG to call 800.725.1867 or email me directly, because your success is mine too and who doesn't want to be successful, but I digress. Let's get back on track here, for ThinkBIG SEO clients the first step is to establish the targeted keyword phrases based on a keyword effectiveness index to offer them the path of least resistance to set the course for achieving the highest return on investment.

If you wonder how fast you can achieve a page 1 ranking on Google and you've been told it could take months or years so you need to sign an annual agreement... 92% of ThinkBIG SEO clients have achieved a page 1 ranking on Google within 90 days or less. Because of this ThinkBIG does not require anything more than a 3 month agreement and then 30 days notice to part ways; however, ThinkBIG is still servicing their first client and has a client retention rate over 80%. Do not confuse this information for a guarantee, because when it comes to a guarantee Google itself says, there is none. Click here to see for yourself.

And, if your page 1 ranking for your keyword phrases isn't enough to give you fellow analytical types paralysis by analysis... ThinkBIG offers reports for you and the frequency depends on which SEO package you choose.

So, remember if you are looking for SEO results or you know someone that is... I'm here to help. You don't have to be big to rank big, you just have to THINKBIG!

CROP Walk 2010 to STOP World Hunger - Please Donate Now

2010-09-30T09:09:00.003-05:00

I'm walking in the CROP Hunger Walk on October 16, 2010. Please support me in the fight against hunger to feed the people here and around the world by making a donation now at http://churchworldservice.org/goto/shirleylassiter

Together we can feed the world and stop world hunger.

Relight Marketing Channel on Youtube

2010-08-27T12:28:00.005-05:00

Here is a one minute video overview of services that I provide. Please click here to visit the Relight Marketing Channel on Youtube and hit the "Subscribe" button to receive updates of additional videos in the future.

Virtual Marketing Services

2010-08-21T15:06:00.007-05:00

After much thought and evaluation I am switching gears for Relight Marketing towards virtual marketing services. I'm not sure why I didn't just start with this direction in the first place really. Now that I have made up my mind I am ecstatic! My services will utilize my education, experience, knowledge, and skills that I have acquired for over twenty years!

I am psyched to get my creative juices flowing, to catch myself while loving what I am doing so much that I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I love to think strategically, be of service to people, to come up with creative solutions, to contribute towards making a positive change.

Some of Relight Marketing's service offerings are:

Administrative Communications
Ad and Campaign Creation
Media Buying
Content Writing & Editing
Multiple Channel Marketing
Consultation
Strategic Planning
ThinkBIGsites Organic SEO
and MORE!

If you are interested in getting a FREE quote on interim or on-going project management, email me now.

Think BIG sites Affiliate Program Opportunity

2010-07-29T14:05:00.004-05:00

I have been an affiliate with ThinkBIGsites for almost three years and would like to share the opportunity with others to be part of a successful team. While you can not turn on the news without hearing about the high unemployment rates and fear of a double-dip recession... ThinkBIGsites is breaking records and has a huge opportunity for continued growth which has proven to make it a recession proof business.

Some of the many benefits that come with the ThinkBIGsites Affiliate Program:

Be your own boss and set your own hours
Build your business with top-notch "one-stop shop" services
Work from your home office and never worry about a traffic jam or escalating gas prices
Learn from other affiliates and the managing partners during DAILY sales huddles to support your success

If you have an Internet connection and a phone then you have the equipment necessary.

It helps to have experience or at the very least an understanding of the sales process. If you speak to others with strength, passion, enthusiasm, confidence, and sincerity then this opportunity is ideal for you. A strong work ethic with the ability to dedicate six hours a day for the first six months, good self/time management and communication skills will give you an advantage.
For more information, you are welcome to speak with me by phone 1-800-725-1867 or email me at slassiter@thinkbigsites.com

I look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Strictly Business or Make it Personal

2010-07-08T14:07:00.018-05:00

I have profiles on many social networks. In my opinion when someone diggs an article, shares a link on facebook, or adds a micro blog post on twitter it is more interesting for me when they are not all geared towards selling me something. But sometimes I wonder... is it too much personal information? I think that exact thought is what holds me back from posting more. Does anyone really even read this blog? My brother has mentioned he stops by occasionally, "Hi, Andy!" So, the question is should I keep posting strictly business related entries or do you like the occasional personal tid-bit? Seriously, before you add spam to my comments at the very least consider answering the question truthfully. Then again, maybe to ask the question is backwards, because really whatever I post about will be crawled and then added to a relevant search result. What are your thoughts? Do you really want to hear about... my sock eating lab, life with a teenage son who probably wouldn't ever leave his room if I added a toilet and a refrigerator, getting bit by one twin daughter while being distracted with a kiss from the other, loving a man who sustained a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury long before I met him, or what it is like to handle all of the above while trying to work from a home office and never knowing when the next hot flash will leave me soaking wet in sweat? Or would you prefer I stick to strictly business? I'm looking forward to your comments.

Think BIG Sites Thrifty 50 is Back - UPDATED 11/12/2010

2010-06-01T11:39:00.007-05:00

UPDATE: If you are looking for a BIG DEAL on ThinkBIGsites SEO the below Thrifty 50 deal has expired, but don't miss The BIG DEAL happening NOW, just click here to read more!

Just in case you missed it six months ago... Thrifty 50 is back! ThinkBIG's Thrifty 50 gives advertisers an opportunity to come on board for a monthly National Organic SEO package with a DEEPLY discounted price for as long as they remain a client.

The Thrifty 50 II monthly package includes the following:

4 Keywords (determined by a keyword analysis utilizing a keyword effectiveness index)
Advanced On-Page SEO
Reporting twice a month
Average of 55 strategic inbound links per month

Essentially, the same package as the National Silver Plan for $1,750, with the exception of one less keyword. By offering 4 keywords to focus on at a discounted price of $999 per month going forward for as long as you remain a client... opportunity is knocking!

There are only 50 discounted packages available and once they are gone the offer will be too. So, here is a link (link removed due to promotion has ended) to get started now before they are all gone. Remember to add my name, Shirley Lassiter, as your ThinkBIGsites sales representative. For all that seize the day and come aboard we are looking forward to speaking with you soon and introducing you to our team that will work smart at achieving results for you.

For more information and client testimonials email me your request for the ThinkBIGsites white paper.

Website Content That Search Engines CRAVE

2010-01-21T16:14:00.007-06:00

Five things to keep in mind to achieve the best organic ranking on a major search engine (i.e. Google) when it comes to creating content for your website, or to it. Keep the content:

Current and fresh
Relevant
Accurate landing pages to decrease your bounce rate and increase conversions
Visually easy to navigate with fast loading pages
Endorsements gained from diversified inbound links*

*Inbound links to your site (from relevant blogs, social network site profiles, text, emails) that result from content created with all of the above in mind combined with the great product or service that you provide to serve as an endorsement or digital "word of mouth" marketing creating a buzz.

To create the type of content that search engines crave can be time consuming. If you want this type of content, but don't have the time to create it, contact me by calling 800-725-1867 or email slassiter@thinkbigsites.com. My team of professionals have made a habit of keeping the pulse on Google to feed it what it craves for clients just like you, and for others that are nothing like you at all.

Please Register and Vote for Ali & Elli

2009-11-18T22:28:00.001-06:00

Vote for me in this contest!

Contest details

Where SEO meets PPC

2009-11-05T20:27:00.008-06:00

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has never been more important to your Pay Per Click (PPC) return on investment (ROI), than now. According to Hal Varian, Google's Chief Economist, if your landing pages are not properly optimized then you will be penalized and pay more per click. Don't take my word for it, watch this 9 minute video and see for yourself...

Now that you've watched the video (or you trust me and what I have written), and you understand the importance of optimizing your website's landing pages, are you feeling a little overwhelmed? I can help. Contact me by email or give me a call 800-725-1867 and let me know a couple of dates and times that are good for you to attend a FREE thirty minute, one-on-one PPC webinar that explains how our flat fee bid management services are increasing ROI, without increasing spend and in many cases lowering it to free up money to improve your organic ranking. Imagine being on Google's page 1 for your PPC and organically... talk about being an authority in your industry to the eyes of searchers looking to buy what you provide.

Technology News Excerpt from Inside Business with Fred Thompson

2009-10-07T23:02:00.006-05:00

5 minute "Inside Business" excerpt of what ThinkBIGsites does the best, which is of course why I really like working for them. The full episode is airing on CNBC. Remember to refer me to anyone you know that would like to be on page 1 of search engine results to sell more products.

Blogger versus Wordpress or Both

2009-08-29T07:44:00.002-05:00

I have been contemplating moving my blog to Wordpress with the thought that my post would be more searchable. Which seems confusing because Google is the most used search engine so why wouldn't Blogger have the the leg up on this?

Let me know your thoughts on this... should I continue bloggining on blogger, switch to wordpress, or post to both? Although I don't think search engines like duplicate content from multiple websites so that would mean I would have to have different content on both. So, if I did that maybe instead of my eclectic thoughts on one I could split my blogging on one site to personal and the other to strictly professional.

I'm all over the place on this and looking forward to your comments.

Summer 2009

2009-08-21T22:44:00.004-05:00

Its cool out tonight and I have the windows barely cracked enough to still hear the crickets chirping. It wasn't a very hot summer and luckily the temperatures were low enough to make it through without cranking up the electric bill with the central air. We saved on water this summer too as it seems to have rained on a pretty consistent basis to water the grass and flowers planted in a couple containers.

School will start the middle of next week as summers end is near. The daylight hours are starting to lessen and I've already noticed a couple leaves have turned on the parkway tree. So many baseball games, birthday celebrations, and walks with the twins in the stroller around the block.

Last summer I was so uncomfortable physically while pregnant with the twins. This summer I found out I have some neck, lower back, and hip issues which were probably exacerbated by the pregnancy and I am going to physical therapy for. It is helping. But even though my body is feeling better there is a sadness that has come over me as the summer ends.

My son has become a young man. He's taller than me this summer. For the first time he picked out his back to school clothes instead of me shopping for him. And now I realize that he has a style that looks good, but is not exactly in line with what I would have gotten for him. I'm appreciating the space that he needs to show his Independence and at the same time realizing that no matter how much space comes between us, my pride and love for him is infinite.

Ali and Elli have had a summer of first word, tooth, sit, crawl, food, and more. Elli is a real go getter and Ali has a way of charming you into doing things for her. I still pinch myself that I have daughters after I spent over a decade pretty sure I would never again marry, let alone have more children. And, I am so glad that I did!

Speaking of marriage... my husband and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary this summer and this coming labor day weekend will mark the anniversary of our first date four years ago. We have spent more time together this summer than we had planned. It has been good in some ways and not so good in other ways. We are looking ahead to the fall to turn over a few new leaves towards a more positive direction.

How to Increase Your Website Sales Conversions

2009-06-16T22:53:00.004-05:00

Face it, the ultimate goal of any e-commerce website is to convert visitors to consumers or customers of your product or service. Just having a website online isn't enough. It can take a tremendous amount of time and energy to learn what to do and then do it. If you are overwhelmed, too busy, or not interested in learning a whole new skill set to increase your website sales conversion, then I suggest outsourcing your website marketing to a company with a proven track record of results. ThinkBIGsites offers many services to business owners that are capable of boosting your return on investment (ROI) delivering a page 1 ranking on Google to 95% of our clients within 90 days organically, and increasing ROI typically 10-30% for PPC clients with a fixed rate (versus percentage) bid management program. We are the experts so that you don't have to be. What may be frustrating to you is what we love to do. Give me a call (630) 844-1823 or (800)725-1867 and it could very well be the first step to doubling your sales.

Get A FREE Optimized Press Release

2009-05-26T22:25:00.002-05:00

Purchase a ThinkBIGsites webdesign, PPC, or SEO services package (as low as $500 one-time) from me and you will also get a FREE optimized press release ($800 value) sent to hundreds of global news outlets, picked up by the major search engines, and often increase sales overnight from their release. Email me for more info, but hurry this limited time offer ends this Friday, May 29, 8pm EST.

Social Media Marketing Considerations

2009-05-15T11:56:00.005-05:00

I may be dating myself, but remember the shampoo product commercial that claimed their product was so good that each person that used it would tell two friends, and then they would tell two friends, and so on, and so on? This commercial was a good example of how word of mouth travels. With social media marketing, basically a company can utilize word of mouth digitally, but here are some things to consider:

Human Capital - Who will create, update, promote, participate in the conversation to gain followers, friends, fans and keep things relevant for them to return?
Time - The conversation never stops.
Complexity - A company can build profiles on each social network to represent their brand, but if no one is coming in (or venturing out) to participate then it isn't doing much good.
Your Target - Internal (employees), external (prospective and current consumers), or both. If the intent of the social networking profile is to be a place the for exchange, distribution, conversation, feedback about a promotion with internal staff then it is limited to just that. On the other hand, if a profile only has coworkers visiting and exchanging promotional messages to each other, those messages aren't reaching the eyes of the prospective or current consumers. This reminds me of the saying, preaching to the choir.
Building a BUZZ - is what participants do when they include links (aka "link juice") back to your site in a digg, tweet, blog entry, pulse stream and status update. Good "link juice" can help your organic ranking, like an endorsement.
ME, ME, ME - if the conversation is one sided, frequent, and not interesting then it will not be as successful as an interactive, interesting, and relevant one.

Successful Social Media Marketing can be a lot of work, but inbound linking is the digital "word of mouth" way for one person that finds something good to share with two friends, who tell two more friends, and so on and so on...

All ThinkBIGsites SEO Packages include a strategic inbound linking campaign utilizing professionally written industry blogs with a page rank of 3 or higher and social networking site profiles to build a buzz about your business which contributes to our success in achieving page 1 rankings for 95% of our clients in 90 days. Contact me now to get your "link juice" flowing!

FREE Skin Cancer Screening at www.skincancer.org

2009-05-11T17:39:00.003-05:00

Who knew that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? I didn't until I searched for information on my biopsy results and ended up on www.skincancer.org. You can search by state to find out when and where to go for a FREE skin cancer screening.

Since I didn't know what "Dysplastic Nevi" meant when the nurse called with my results I had to look it up. Basically, I had an atypical mole on my back and the mole removed from my arm came back normal. Nothing to worry about really since they already removed the questionable mole, but with my history I need to be diligent about being safe in the sun and I'll go back in three months for another skin check.

When was the last time you had your skin checked?

The Cost of Complacency

2009-05-06T21:31:00.004-05:00

I understand and respect the process of due diligence when outsourcing projects, such as internet marketing; however, once the process is complete and the decision is made complacency with that decision is nothing short of costly neglect. It is in the best interest of a company to review the performance of the company that they have outsourced to. Not just a measurement of performance to the previous year internally, but a measurement to an external standard of peers and/or industry average. Show me a company that tolerates complacency and I'll show you a company that isn't getting the biggest bang for their buck.

If I seem a little fired up, I am. Here is why... today while cold calling a business with a website not highly ranked in search engine results and basically off the radar. I asked to speak with the person in charge of internet marketing. The receptionist informed me of the marketing company that handles their internet marketing. When I asked to speak with the person who made the decision to outsource the work to the company, she hung up on me. Instead of moving on to the next company, it put a fire in my belly that this company was obviously not performing well in search results and what a difference my services could make for them. So, I did a little research to find out that their website was grading out as an F, as in "Failure" to be optimized for the search engines in order to rank them highly. I called a direct line to the company, but when I insisted on speaking to the person internally was told that I could only leave a message, and not a voicemail either. My gut tells me that even the phone is answered by a company outsourced to do so. So basically, this company is paying another company to FAIL at delivering them a high organic ranking and on top of this, is paying another company to answer the phone and hang up on anyone that tries to get in contact with anyone internally to let them know. I doubt this company has money to burn. I have this image in my head of someone in a fire safe office with the entire building around them burning to the ground and they don't even know it. Or at least I thought that was a better image than a person with their head up their own... well, you know. And isn't that really what complacency is? Comfortable while being oblivious to one's surroundings. At what point does the cost of complacency appear if no one is looking? Well, I'm looking because I'm not comfortable being complacent and I actually care about my clients success. AND, it is in my nature to be of service and to help people succeed. Here I am standing with the hose pointed at the building burning down to save it, but the switch to turn the water on for the hose is located in the same fireproof office as the one person is that I can't reach.

Is the Recession hurting your PPC ROI?

2009-05-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Many online business owners may chalk up their poor PPC campaign performance on the recession, but have you made the changes necessary to coincide with the hundreds of changes Google has made effecting your PPC? My company, ThinkBIGsites is a Google Adwords Qualified Company and meets with Google weekly to keep a pulse on the ever-changing industry. This information is then critical to executing a PPC bid management service for our clients that is able to provide an increase on average of 20% to their PPC ROI without increasing spend, even in a recession. During a 30 minute FREE one-on-one webinar we explain our process and show you how we can service your PPC on a granular level to make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck! Your success, is my success. Click here to register now and remember to fill in my name, Shirley Lassiter, as your ThinkBIG Rep. I look forward to welcoming you aboard soon!

Stitches, Saggy Skin, Gray Hair, & Wrinkles

2009-05-01T14:11:00.009-05:00

It's been a little over a year since I had my basal cell carcinoma removed and I went for my annual skin check up this last Monday to have two more moles cut out of my flesh and sent away for biopsy. The results are pending and I'll try to remember to follow up and let you know how everything turned out. You being who or is it whom? Anywho... YOU, if you even exist and are reading this. Ok, I know your time is valuable and so is mine so I'll get to the point. I have one stitch on my left forearm which isn't so bad, but the two on my upper left back in my shoulder blade area are giving me quite the itch sensation. Isn't that ironic that the word itch is in stITCH. I called this morning and moved my removal date up a few days so it will be a few days less of itching.

My twin girls are now 6 months old and we are so blessed with such good babies. They are quite the contrast to look at compared to my saggy, stretched skin. I remember half my life ago and before my body conceived a child how small my waist was. With my first pregnancy my stomach area stretched and I never imagined or had ever seen on anyone else the amount of stretch marks I got and I grieved back then for the waist I never seemed to get back. Some of the marks actually seemed like I was clawed by a wild beast on my sides and I didn't mind them so much. They instead were some kind of tribal looking tattoo in my mind to remind me of what my body went through to bare my child. The twins really didn't add many stretch marks to my stomach area, but in others which I won't subject you to reading. With the twins it was more like my body spread wider and they filled in places that still haven't reverted back even though they have now been 6 months out. I mean don't get me wrong I've gained a lot of weight that I didn't have during the first half of my life but now in addition to the stretch marks I have things hanging off me in areas that are like new appendages. I haven't quite come up with something for that like I did with the tattoo for the stretch marks. And while I am comfortable with my size, I'm not comfortable in my skin. I think it is that and wanting to stay healthy to live long with my girls that has contributed to my greater need lately to move around more and get some oxygen into my blood stream in the hopes it will help to lessen this saggy skin.

Do you remember the movie Poltergeist? Remember how the Mom character towards the end had a streak of gray hair? That is what is happening. It is not really all over my head but more sprouting from my right temple. I'm not sure if I should enhance the stripe or strip of gray hair or I should run out and cover it up in an attempt to match the rest... I'm still thinking that over.

For so long people would look at me and think I was so much younger and to be honest in my 30s I still felt like I was in my 20s. But now there are days I see the lines on my forehead, around my mouth, and eyes (more on one side than the other thanks to the tightening of my skin to make up where they removed my old bcc growing birthmark) and I think there is no way someone would mistake me for my 20s now. Some days I even look at my hands and they remind me of my Grandma's hands the way the skin is so dry and lines are too many to count. I hold my babies hands in mine with their soft skin that seems so pure without any lines to be seen with the human eye and I think of all the things they will do with those hands. I'm thankful for all the things I am able to do with mine.

So when I add this all up: Stitches, Saggy Skin, Gray Hair, & Wrinkles along with the impending arrival of my 42nd birthday... I realize that this is the time that some people are having a mid-life crisis, but for me there is a certain calmness that doesn't resemble a crisis. I am so happy to be here and experience life with my family and friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to watch my son play baseball, take the babies for a walk with my husband, to type these letters into words to express myself. This seems like such a personal post in some ways yet in other ways there is so much more to say. Sometimes I think I should have written more down and I read other people's blogs wishing I had the courage to share what they have. So many bloggers have helped me through my own experiences, especially during my twin pregnancy. I don't really know the point of my post exactly... I'm not complaining as much as I'm observing and I'm not unhappy as much as I'm soooo very happy, but maybe that is because I've lived my first half of my life in a way that has given me... Stitches, Saggy Skin, Gray Hair, & Wrinkles.

Flat Fee Pay Per Click (PPC) Bid Management

2009-03-29T12:01:00.006-05:00

Percentage based pricing for PPC may be business as usual for other internet marketing companies, but not for ThinkBIGsites (TBS). With TBS's flat fee pricing structure we have received the ranking of #9 Best PPC Management in March (up from #10 in February) by http://www.topseos.com/. We are consistently increasing Return On Investment 20% on average while lowering spend, find out what sets us apart from the crowd by participating in a one on one FREE webinar. Email me with your full name, website, phone number and two dates and times with time zone when you are available. I look forward to talking with you soon.

Widget Micro Blog Post

2009-03-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

Where did my Facebook Widget go?

Have You Used iList?

2009-02-14T02:59:00.004-06:00

I placed my first posting on Craig'slist and shortly thereafter got an invitation to post on iList. It seems that iList can link your posting to Craig'slist, and social networks like facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. I was curious to see what happens with the widget for post so I have inserted mine here in this post to find out. Let me know what your experience has been with iList by commenting. Did you link it to your profiles on the social networks? What are the pros and cons?

ABC's of 2009

2009-01-21T18:13:00.009-06:00

In 2009:

A is for my new TBS affiliate website where you can get information on flat fee (vs typical percentage) pricing for pay per click bid management services, organic search engine result rankings, SEO optimization, and much more. Clients are typically on Google page 1 within 90 days for their keyword phrases. Many clients save so much money on the PPC side that they are able to use the money to pay for the organic ranking packages enabling them to experience higher conversions that result in a return on investment that is higher then they have ever received before. Helping people to obtain amazing results that no other SEO firm has produced for them is hugely satisfying for me. If you want to increase your sales, then email your contact information today.

B is for my twin baby girls that have brought more love, laugh, tears of joy, and a renewed will to be the best woman and mother that I can be. They are a true blessing.

C is for change that I hope, as well as so many others hope as well, President Obama will bring this great country. Change to improve our lives with the safe return of our troops while keeping our nation safe as well, the health care we need to keep us well, the stimulus we need to boost our economy out of the slump it has been in, and so much more. President Obama has a challenge ahead of him to live up to all of the hopes the American people have for him. With each successful change he will keep hope alive. And with each change I believe all of us that have been adversely effected will be able to stand a little taller, sleep a little sounder, and smile a lot wider. I know I sure will.

HAPPY NEW YEAR... WELCOME 2009!

God Works In Mysterious Ways

2008-08-28T14:21:00.002-05:00

It's been some time since my last post and so I will do my best to summarize the last few months. I wasn't sure if I was going to or really how to write about this, but here it goes... Earlier this year on a Saturday in February I pulled back my hair to put it up in a pony tail and discovered an ugly black spot on a birthmark that I have had all my life in my hairline at my right temple. Within a week I was at the dermatogist office to have a biopsy and then a week later I had surgery to remove the entire birthmark and some surrounding tissue due to the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. With the side of my head shaved and 13 stitches, my video blogging on the MoreWebsiteTraffic channel went on hiatus. Focused on my recovery and finishing my Spring semester of graduate classes I had no idea that I had a new beginning ahead of me that would be life changing. In mid-March I found out that my husband and I were expecting, by May the doctor revealed on ultrasound that we were expecting TWINS! We now know that the twins are identical twin girls. God truely works in mysterious ways. Today on the 28th of August I am 28 weeks pregnant and very much looking forward to our family growing in late October or early November with the new additions. God bless.

File Taxes Electronically & Cut Your Risk Of An Audit

2008-03-04T10:20:00.008-06:00

Earlier today on ABC, Channel 7 in Chicago a tax man gave some tips for tax help to the 40% of people that have yet to file their income taxes. When asked how to cut your chances of being audited he gave two replies, "Be honest and File Electronically."

So, no more excuses. Its time to take one more thing off your list and here are the links to get it done:

H&R Block (Benefit: price discount of 15% as of 3/4/2008)
TurboTax (Benefit: e-file federal 1040EZ for Free)

Ok, we all know we should use our refund to pay off debt and save. What are you going to do with your refund?

Celebrate Life With Those You Love

2008-02-19T17:36:00.005-06:00

The darkness of winter and the heavy clothes to stay warm from the bitter cold seem to add to a feeling of a sort of human hibernation for me. I could easily get lost in deep thought questioning why people do the things they do, making a choice of their own that takes away a choice for so many others. And just as I descend deeper in thought, a reporter's voice breaks through to inform me and all others listening that Dan Parmenter told his friend that when he dies to celebrate his life. Those words reminded me that living life and creating memories for those that love us and to give them something to celebrate at a time that otherwise could be so cold, dark and isolated, is a gift. To live life with love, laughs, tears, and other emotion is to be alive and able to make memories. While I am a NIU graduate student, I didn't know personally Dan Parmenter, Ryanne Mace, Gayle Dubowski, Catalina Garcia, or Julianna Gehant to be able to celebrate their life with a memory; however, what better way to honor them then to know they inspire us to live in a way that will create memories for our loved ones to celebrate our own life when the time comes.

Unique Ways To Get More Website Traffic

2008-01-19T16:10:00.000-06:00

If you have a sponsored link and your ROI is going down, but your cost is going up... you may feel like your upside down in the wrong direction. What if you were able to get 84% of the eyeballs searching for your keyword phrase 24/7 and five times the click-thru rate of your sponsored link? A high organic ranking can do just that! While I own Relight Marketing to help manufacturers sell more products that may not already have an e-commerce web site to do so, I am also an independent contractor for a unique website optimization firm that helps clients to achieve a page 1 ranking organically on the major search engines typically within 6 months and for a fraction of the cost of a sponsored link. Shoot me an email with your contact information and I will prepare a custom proposal for you that will absolutely knock your socks off!

Get Ready, Get Set, Don't Go Anywhere When You Can File Online

2008-01-12T22:34:00.001-06:00

Soon your human resources or payroll department will be furnishing you with your W-2 forms enabling you to file your taxes. You've worked hard last year to pay Uncle Sam and now is the time to determine if he owes you a refund or you owe him. To make things a little easier for my faithful blog readers, I've provided links for federal online tax preperation services:

H&R Block (Benefit: price discount of 15% as of 1/12/2008)
TurboTax (Benefit: e-file 1040EZ Free)

Here's to making it easy to file your taxes and may you all receive refunds!

Happy New Year 2008

2007-12-31T18:26:00.000-06:00

What a year 2007 has been. It has been a year of great change as a result of courageous choices and life changing events. It is a year that I refused to settle in one aspect and where I have made compromises in another. This new year's eve I feel a great sense of achievement on one hand and an overwhelming feeling of the work ahead of me in the other. Somewhere in between my stomach is occasionally uneasy because I have traveled out of my comfort zone into new territory. As I step into 2008 to continue on the path already started, I am wide eyed and hopeful. I am giving this new year the best I have to offer. Goodbye to 2007 and Happy New Year 2008!

Thank You CBS for "In God's Name"

2007-12-23T23:42:00.001-06:00

Earlier tonight as I was flipping through the channels on TV, I was captivated by an amazing documentary style show on CBS "In God's Name." Unfortunately I missed the first hour and I am anxious to find out if CBS will air this special again either on-air or on-line. This is a must see global conversation between 12 different religious leaders on current issues that are relevant to us all. While watching, I was eager to receive each word that seemed to validate my own belief. It was apparent that all of the leaders represented a diverse group of religions, yet agreed on so many things, and that the members of these religions combined total over 4 billion people. I was really awestruck at the wisdom and commonality shared in their messages relating to the issues addressed. It is my belief that the person who scheduled this program at CBS did so purposely at this time of year, when so many of us are exchanging gifts. Thank you CBS for the gift of "In God's Name."

Coal or Toys for Christmas, A 2007 Debate

2007-12-17T11:20:00.000-06:00

"Have you finished your homework?" I asked my twelve year old son.

He lifted his head above his laptop and replied, "Mom, you've already asked me that three times already. Didn't you listen to me before?"

I remember thinking at that moment that I briefly saw him with his book and papers out from his backpack, but I was so busy myself that I must have lost track of time because I didn't remember asking or his answer. His grades have been improving and so all must be good. Later it was time for bed and I asked him to pick up a bit before going upstairs and to get his backpack ready for school.

My son exclaimed, "You didn't wash my gym clothes!"

By this time, I was already upstairs and my husband and son had some exchange of words as to whose responsibility it was to make sure his gym clothes got put in the dirty clothes to be washed so this wasn't happening again on Sunday night, before bedtime again. After it seemed that peace had been restored, I went to my son's room for the evening ritual of kissing his forehead, setting his sleep timer on his tv, and telling him goodnight. But there was something different. He was facing the wall, instead of the tv, and as I got closer wondering if he could have already fallen asleep, he was reading a book for school and his folder with his school papers was beside him. "I thought you already did your homework," I said.

My son nonchalantly informed me, "I read better in bed."

I asked, "Well, how much homework do you have left?"

He replied, "I have to finish this chapter and then answer the questions on the worksheet."

I said, "Well, from now on if you are going to read in bed and finish homework too, you will need to get into bed earlier. I hope you aren't up too late tonight. I love you, goodnight."

Then I got into bed with my husband and received a report on everything my son didn't do that I had asked him to do.

Does this sound familiar? Do you have a twelve year old? Did you ever get/give coal for Christmas? Have you ever wondered after being called "stupid" or backtalked to, if this Christmas, instead of toys you should give your child coal to teach them a lesson? I even thought maybe coal and then with every act of kindness I would unveil a gift he should have received on Christmas as positive reinforcement until he earned all his gifts. I caught myself praying for guidance last night and then I believe I woke up with the answer. While Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, and God's gift to us... I couldn't help but think of the gift Jesus gave us upon his death on the cross. In the spirit of forgiveness my son wont be opening up a box of coal this Christmas, but instead in honor of Jesus, he will be given gifts once again. If you have a son and are still looking for inspiration on what to buy, here is a link to some gift ideas. Cheers to a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas morning for all of us sinners to reflect on the best gift ever from God. Thank God for Jesus! Merry Christmas!

Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum... In My Tum!

2007-12-13T11:25:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite things to do with my son and my nephews is to bake cookies on Christmas Eve in between dinner and church service. I remember when my 12 year old son was younger and he would tolerate wearing a santa hat while we baked. Usually by the end of the recipe preperation experience, and after flour fell to the floor like snow, my son would have a whip cream beard and mustache. OK, so I put that whip cream on him and somewhere there is a picture of how cute and jolly he looked, but just the memory puts a twinkle in my eye. For Christmas here is a link to my favorite site for recipes and I wish you a jolly time making tasty treats that leave you and your family singing... yum, yum, yum, yum, yum... in my tum!

It's A Winter Wonderland

2007-12-08T22:33:00.000-06:00

It's beautiful outside with the blanket of white snow and beautiful inside as I type this post in the light from the Christmas tree. There are only seventeen more days until Christmas. Tonight I am in a somber mood as I reflect on the past year. So many things have happened in a year full of changes. I am blessed and thankful. As the days of 2007 count down to the New Year I will do my best to post relevant content to you, the reader. Then again, who are you? What would you like to read? Until the next time, I challenge you at the day's end, to reflect on the day and find one blessing in it that you are thankful for and write it down before you go to sleep. I had what I thought was a really bad day recently and that night I took pen to paper determined to find something that day that I was grateful for. The more I reflected, the more things I wrote. I started with the small things and before I knew it I had a list of blessings. That night, at the end of what I thought was a rough day, I felt convinced that it wasn't such a bad day after all and I fell asleep in peace. I wish the same for you.