Two Months In..Losin' Weight..Feelin' Great..Money in my Pocket

My Prayers were answered. For years, I prayed for guidance and direction for a lucrative income as child support would end. The Lord would orchestrate for me a business to operate that would generate income for our family that would exceed mediocrity. I continued to pray for 15 years and watched as the month of July 2010 rolled around and the last direct deposit emptied into my checking account.
I had searched eagerly  the last eight months as my journey took me to another continent.  I was shown as I traveled to China the details and expense  of manufacturing and the competition among  the Chinese as they copied  the craftsmanship of artists and designers that spend hours and hours on their creative works.

I read Bruce Wilkinson's book, The Dream Giver, delivering God back my dream of the import home decor business; realizing that something bigger and more than I could imagine was on the way. But WHAT? "Be Still and Know that I am God." - Psalms 46:10. The verse rang in my ears for three months after returning. I continued to work on jewelry, paint, jewelry and paint. The first of August, I traveled across three states to the "World's Longest Yard Sale" still searching for more treasure and ideas. What fun it was..Blog is below.
On August 16th, I went to a new church. The Wiregrass church in Dothan, AL. A life changing experience for me as I sat and listened and knew that I had found a wonderful place to worship. Following the service a friend had asked me to lunch with she and another friend that she had met at Wiregrass. We ate and talked and then she began sharing about her new job as an independent distributor of a new weight loss/health nutritional product. I listened and being the person I am, wanted to try it for myself to lose the unwanted 10 pounds that was still creeping around. Two weeks later, the weight had literally melted away. I signed as a distributor because I had a story to tell. My personal story of what Visalus, (www.visalus.com) had done in my life. I began to realize that the product that I was drinking, the weight that I was losing and the $2000 in commissions the first month of being in the "relational marketing business" was an answer to a 15 year prayer. The rewards are great as I help people uncover and shed the unwanted weight and get healthier. The products are safe as well as effective and doctors across the country are jumping on board to distribute. The feeling of knowing that you know that you know was true for me as I continue to "help others" build the business of their dreams. My relationships with people are rewarding and the trust and support we offer one another is gratifying. God has answered my request; not like I had expected, shedding a different light on a growing epidemic in this world..obesity. An opportunity to share what has been freely given to me. The message of Hope, Transformation, Life, Prosperity and most of all developing strong relationships and building new ones along the way.
Blessings!
Lori

Lovin' What you Do..

Sunday in church, I received a message that has been ringing in my ears ever since. It's one of those things, like a tune, you can't get it out of your head. The preacher from Buckhead Church in Atlanta began a series of messages on "WORK". What comes to your mind when that word is mentioned? Thankfully and gratefully, I have been in a position for many years to be able to "do what I love and love what I do."  I had a successful career in sales in Pennsylvania right out of college for three years in the Northeast. This was B.C. (before children) We traveled, were wined and dined in some of the nicest restaurants and even visited Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas and places that entice the corporate world to bring "the cream of the crop" to reward their achievements, accomplishments and top achievers. You get the picture. Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah! Then, the most awarding career began as a new Mother of two daughters, under the age of 1,almost (12 months and 2 days apart). Now this has definitely been the most challenging, especially during the harrowing "teenage experience." It seems to ripen with age as the ebb and flow of motherhood always keeps me on my toes and on my knees. Back to the Buckhead message, The verse is Colossians 3:22.  Whatever your task, work for the Lord and not for men. (paraphrased by Lori). Wow! What a spin that can give an"overachiever", type a personality,  borderline workaholic (at times) with tunnel vision for the outcome, type of girl.  But then  I realized that God created who I am. He gave me distinct qualities, characteristics, dreams, vision, and the knowledge to recognize that he doesn't care what I do as I long as it glorifies HIM. Someone once told me when I was whining about not having purpose, not being in a position of "God", wanting to make more of a impact on people, that God is not concerned with the WHAT in "What do you do"? Case in Point: The second most asked question after an introduction is made.{."Hi my name is Lori". "Hi Lori, my name is John, what do you do, Lori"  }This is when I start to scramble...I "do" so many things, I just want to say..I do what God tells me to do for the day. Then, I watch John's mouth drop open and say "Okay, well nice to meet you" and then John disappears like a scalded cat.  

Does anyone ever feel like this in their so-called "WORK"? 

If we can all "do" what we are really created to do which is to serve our God... diligently, lovingly, whole heartedly, and with enthusiasm, think what our world would be like today; even on a Monday mornings after a long event filled weekend.
 The minister challenged us to take the verse into the workplace for the week and put it to use and realize the blessings that will show up as we practice. This is our purpose whether it be in a bank,  a retail store, a  doctor's office, in the sales field, teaching, mentoring, whatever "our little label" is.

Have a great rest of the week!  The Blessings are on the way!

Lori