Announcement for Atlanta-area Friends

If you're in the North Georgia area, please keep reading...

Have you always wanted to speak better or represent your organization better? If so, I can help. For the first time, I’m teaching classes open to the public. Please take a look at the courses and see if any are a good fit for you or friends you know. If you have questions about the class content, ask me. They will be held at The Etiquette School in Cumming. Space is limited, so please register as soon as you can. To see costs and enroll, click here.

Here are thumbnail descriptions:

1. Speak to Success—Basic Presentation Skills—This is hands-on, interactive and fun. I guarantee you will leave a better, more confident speaker. Each participant will leave with a DVD of his or her speeches and feedback. The class runs every Tuesday night from 6-8 pm.

2. Basic Video Production—My award-winning, film-making husband is helping teach this one. Never again be disappointed in your home movies. You will learn behind-the-scenes secrets for making your videos and YouTube posts look more professional. Offered Saturday, January 9 from 1-4 pm.

3. Screen Etiquette—Do you ever wonder why people don't respond to your emails or texts? Maybe it's because you're rude! Learn email, texting and social media manners. Offered from 6-8 pm Monday, January 11.

4. Be a Spokesperson—Do you represent your church, HOA, business or non-profit organization to the media or in public presentations? Learn how to sound smart and look your best on TV. We will also talk about how to get media coverage. This class will run from 6-7 pm on Thursdays, January 21 and 28.

5. Conversation Etiquette—Are you gracious and encouraging? Does your speech reflect who you really are, or do you come off sounding like a jerk? Are you ever at a loss for words? Do you wish you had a phrase for the person who ticks you off? If you are nodding your head, this class is for you! It will be held from 7-8 pm Thursdays, January 21 and 28.

6. Marketing on a Shoestring—This one-evening session features no-cost and low-cost ways to make big bucks without spending dramatic dollars. It’s ideal for small business owners, non-profit leaders and anyone who needs to get the word out about a good cause. Attend January 25 from 6-8 pm.

Thank you for enrolling and thanks for passing the news along to others who may benefit from these practical classes! If you're still reading and don't live in the Atlanta area, contact me to bring these courses to your neck of the woods!

Happy New Year!

2010 is going to be great!

Shirley from Kansas sent me this photo and said I could share it with you! I can't tell if Sunshine enjoys the costume, but she sure is cute in it, isn't she?

A couple of people have inspired me to do things differently this year so that I can expect different results. Linda Swindling asked what would I be disappointed about at the end of the year if I didn't get it done... that question really focuses me to my top priority.

And Sam Horn suggested that if you do something for the first 32 days of the year, it sets the tone for the whole year! What a great habit to get into. What can you start today that will change your year? Bible reading, journaling, acts of compassion? Notes of encouragement? Will you be healthier, smarter, kinder by the end of 2010?

Maybe you will be like Shirley, making others smile with photos of your pet come December!

The Spudnut Story

Do you have a special story about how you met your soulmate? Listen and watch my parents' story.

Are YOU an Eeyore?

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom was born on Thanksgiving, and it's so appropriate. She is a joyous, optimistic, thankful person. She always sees the silver lining and notices the beauty in people.

She's been in the hospital the past week, and while she's in a great deal of pain, she appreciates the calls and visits she's received. Yesterday, I asked her if she'd had any visitors. "The nurses have come by," she replied innocently. I had to smile. Only my mom would think of the healthcare professionals as visitors.

Mom went into the hospital for a routine knee replacement. But she had a complication and a second surgery. I may need two knee replacements after all the praying! But she walked around the bed yesterday and may go home in a few days.

Recently, I met a woman at church here in Atlanta, and we discovered we attended the same church in Kansas when I was a little girl. Mrs. Hooten brought me the directory page that had a photo of my mom and me. Wasn't that sweet of her? It was fun seeing my mom and me 40 years ago. My mom looked great--she's always been photogenic. In fact, it was the black and white photo above that appeared in the local newspaper that caught my dad's eye--love at first sight.

I love this photo taken on Thanksgiving two years ago. I ran the Turkey Trot in Fort Worth and Mom was there, cheering me on. Mom has always been a great encourager, so today on her birthday, I want to cheer her on. Mom, you can do this walking thing! How about running the Turkey Trot with me one year from today?

I love you. I am thankful for you. Happy Birthday!

Chase Me!

Our puppy loves to play chase. She even sort of gets, "Tag! You're it!" When I tell her that and run the opposite direction, she catches me and nose bumps me. It seems I always tire out before she does.

We have a special child in our lives--Ben--the son of our dear friends Brooke and Laura. When Ben was about two, we had the treat of living in the same town. We would go over to their house, and for hours, Ben wanted us to chase him around the den, living room and kitchen in a big circle. "Chase me, Unca Mark, chase me!" he would squeal. It seems Mark and I would always tire out before Ben did.

I'm not sure why some of us like being chased, but maybe it's because we become the center of attention, the focus of the chaser.

The good news is that Jesus is chasing you! You are the center of His attention. He wants to catch you and shower you with blessings and love. In this case, the chaser will never tire out before the chasee. But don't run from Him; run to Him. It will be the best game of your life.

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed

Dear God:

I come to you overwhelmed with obligations.

Take my time today and bless it so that it stretches and seems longer than 24 hours. Please give me the energy to do all the things I think I need to do. And give me the courage to let go of those action items that I don't really need to accomplish.

Forgive me for overcommitting once again. Help me to get my priorities straight and put you at the the top of the to-do list. On a day you have given us to rest, help me to see that recharging is more important than doing.

Lord, help me to get as much satisfaction in being with you as I do in checking off something on the list. Help me to live by your Word more than my list.

Thank you for giving me one more day to live for you.

In Jesus' name, amen.