Faith and Business 101: 5 Tips For Making Your Life and Business Run a Little Smoother

This week I just wanted to write out some simple things that help me greatly in my business and in my faith. I’m hoping these tips will do the same for you!

1. Make a to-do list before going to bed each night. Write out everything you need to do for your business on one side of the paper and everything you need to do for your family on the other.
2. Take 10 minutes and write out your menu for the next week. Believe me when I tell you how much time & money this will save you! I love looking at my menu posted on the refrigerator each day and knowing exactly what we’re having for lunch/dinner and that all the ingredients are bought and ready to go. This saves me time that I can spend on my business and/or with my family.
3. Before you start checking off your to-do tasks the next morning, commit your work to the Lord and ask Him to bless your efforts.
4. Visit Heartlight.org and have a scripture e-mailed to you each morning. I love to see this special little Word from God show up in my e-mail each morning. It stays in my inbox all day and I can meditate on this verse throughout the day.
5. Create a “Power Hour” each day where you completely limit distractions. If you have young children, do this during nap time (or “rest time” as we call it at my house). Turn your phones off and set the timer for 60 minutes. Now see how many tasks you can complete in that 60 minute time frame. You’ll be amazed at how this turns into a “race against the clock!” It provides just enough momentum for me to work hard, work fast, and work well!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Until Next Time…

MariLee
Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Welcome Spring Cleaning with These Easy Tips

I am welcoming spring with open arms! After a long winter my body is craving sunshine and spring breezes. Spring is a season for renewal and rejuvenation both for your body and home. Spring cleaning is both therapeutic and rewarding. Cleaning out the clutter and sweeping out the old while ushering in the new is good for the whole family, it is unbelievably cleansing.

Spring cleaning can be simple, below are some tips to keep in mind as you begin.

Have a Goal
Think about what you want to accomplish. Maybe it isn’t cleaning the entire house from top to bottom. You may want to focus on the one area in your house that has been a thorn in your side for the past three years. Focusing on a goal for your home helps you target exactly what you want to attain and keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

Create a List
Never underestimate the power of a list. Lists are a great way to stay organized, while keeping your goals and to do list on task. If you plan on cleaning all the rooms in your house make a list for each room. Write down what you want to accomplish in each room, be specific, and keep track of your progress. If your kids are spring cleaning their room, give them a list this will eliminate misunderstanding and they’ll know exactly what you expect of them and you can track their progress.

Have the Supplies Ready
Before you sweep up those cobwebs make sure you have all the cleaning supplies, storage boxes, and any other resources you need. Nothing throws you off your cleaning groove more than running out of window cleaner or paper towels. Create a separate list of all the supplies you need and purchase them in advance. Save money by going to the dollar store for sponges or paper towels.

Create Reasonable Expectations
Life is busy! Moms are running in a million different directions so don’t place too much pressure on yourself. If you expect to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom in two days and you have three children, a dog, and other obligations most likely it isn’t going to happen. Think about your daily responsibilities and fit it in where it fits. Set your expectations to meet your lifestyle. Don’t neglect to set expectations because then nothing will get done, but be realistic.

Think Outside the Box
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exclusive to cleaning. It can include rearranging the furniture, changing the color of a room, or adding new pieces to a once dreary nook in the house. Spring conjures up a sense of renewal so while a thorough cleaning is a great detox for your home so is switching it up and adding something new! Also with all the tragedies occurring around the world donating home goods or clothes is a wonderful way to help out those in need. Check with local and international charities to find out donation procedures.

Don’t Do it Alone
The beauty of a family is that you aren’t alone. Too often moms take on the role of superwoman which only makes them frustrated, overworked, and exhausted. Involve your family from the youngest to the oldest and make it a family project. Kids want to be included and should be. You are part of a unit so make sure you work together as a team. Assign each family member a chore and hold them to it!

Don’t Give Up
It is easy to become overwhelmed, but don’t give up. Keep going and stick to your original goal. If you procrastinate the task only becomes bigger the next year and the stuff keeps on accumulating making the next time you decide to return to it worse. Once you finish you’ll feel relieved, uncluttered, and you’ll love the results.

Open the windows, put a fresh vase of flowers on the table, plant some seedlings and enjoy the spring time! Make spring cleaning satisfying and manageable. Take time to smell the roses while clearing out the old to make room for a new season!

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Faith and Business 101: Choose Your Clients Wisely

I had a phone meeting this morning with a new client whose business is to organize other people’s lives! How great is that? However…I was a little nervous about taking this call because I had to preface the phone conversation with a warning and a disclaimer!

Here’s what happened:

I have a “mommy’s helper” that comes over for a few hours twice a week to play with my son while I work (she’s 11 and my son just loves her to death!). I try to schedule all of my important calls, writing projects, etc., during the hours that she is here and my son is happily occupied. However, my young friend’s family was ill this week so she didn’t come over this morning to entertain my son during this important phone meeting. On top of that, we are potty training so I really had to bare all to this new client that I have never talked to…all the while, praying that she would be understanding!

Thankfully, this woman had been through it all! She was positively understanding and didn’t mind one bit if I needed to hang up quickly to help my little guy jump up on his sesame street potty chair! We had a great conversation and I’m happy to say that we will start working together next week.

The reason I am telling you all of this is because I believe it is so important to choose your clients wisely! How different the outcome of this meeting could have been had I not been talking with another Christian mom!

You may not market primarily to the Christian community, but even so…I urge you to make sure that the people you work with are people of integrity!

Here’s what the Bible says:

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

The people you work closest with should be positive, honest, hard-working people! Does this mean you should shut out everyone else? Certainly not! You want to love everyone that God puts in your path without discrimination or judgment. But the ones that are in your “inner circle,” the people who influence you, the ones you work with on a daily basis….choose those people wisely!

Your Faith & Business Assignment for this week: Pray for Godly colleagues, clients & customers! It’s amazing who God will put in your life at exactly the right time. Even when you’re potty training!

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Easy Lunchboxes Review

Conceived by Kelly Lester, Easy Lunchboxes, will transform not only how you “do” lunch but how you think about lunch.  It is my honor to introduce you to this creative mom with a lovely spirit and a concept that not only is earth friendly but family friendly.   Please take the time to read all about Kelly in her bio!

What is Easy Lunchboxes? Easy Lunchboxes is a system that allows you to pack lunches quickly, easily with less packaging all while saving money and promoting healthy eating.  Seriously, it does all that!  The only thing this systems does not do is pack the lunch.  Sorry mom, that’s still your job.  However, with these cute containers, I’m sure your kids will love to help out.  Each single lid container has three compartments to house a lunch with plenty of space for a sandwich and two sides.  You can consult Easy Lunchboxes for some fun lunch ideas to keep your kids and you from getting lunch burnout.   Since the Easy Lunchboxes provide room for sides, you no longer have to buy prepackaged foods!

Easy Lunchboxes are affordable.  A set of four containers costs $13.95 and  a carrying case (which comes in a variety of colors) costs $7.95.  So for $21.90 you are done for the year…wait…you are just plain done with lunch.  The construction on the containers and the carrying case will last you for years to come.  How much are you spending now on plastic baggies and prepackaged foods?

Let’s talk carrying case.  The carrying case is the perfect size, and I don’t say that lightly.  My husband brings his lunch to work almost daily.  I try to stuff as much as I can in his little cooler.  Often his thermos or water bottle is left out because there is no room after filling his cooler up with his lunch.  The insulated, vinyl-free, carrying case from Easy Lunchboxes, is small enough to carry easily but big enough to house your entire lunch including thermos and ice packs.  In fact, I can fit two Easy Lunchboxes containers, a bottle of water and an ice pack!  Really.  Now, it might bit stuffed but it can be done.  To distinguish your lunch carrying case you can add a clip on or key ring decoration which you can easily change as often as you like.

I am giving this item highest marks on quality, efficiency, ease of use, usefulness, economical and earth friendly.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Faith and Business 101: Stepping Out in Faith

“Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.” Proverbs 8:32-33

Is your year getting off to a great start? Are you pursuing the dreams that we wrote down not long ago? I know from experience that it takes a great amount of courage and faith to step out of the box you’ve been living in and pursue your God-given dreams!

Maybe you know exactly what you need to do, you’re just still afraid to do it? Maybe you’re afraid of what your friends and family might say. Maybe your dream means a big risk financially?

Whatever is holding you up in pursuing your dream, take it to the Lord and seek His face on the subject. Many times our instincts kick in on purpose to give us a gut-feeling of caution. Are you feeling that way? Ask God for clear guidance and direction. Then step out in faith and act on what God is tell you to do (or not do!).

A prayer I bring to the Lord often is… “Lord, would you open wide the doors that I’m supposed to walk through, and firmly close the others?”

He has answered that prayer for me countless times.

This prayer applies to any and all situations: starting out in business, current business, future business, daily life, family situations, ministry…you name it!

Again: … “Lord, would you open wide the doors that I’m supposed to walk through, and firmly close the others?”

Then, trust the answers that come! Some may be disappointing and some may be exciting! Some might cause anxiety and some might cause the good kind of “butterflies in the stomach.”

Whatever the answer and outcome, know this: When you step out in faith, God has you firmly in the palm of His hand. If a door that you’d hope to walk through has been shut, trust that God has a better plan for you. If a door has been opened that you are unsure of, trust that God will guide you along the way.

As a wise mentor used to tell me often “Where God guides, God provides!”

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Faith and Business 101: God is Our Promoter

I receive a daily devotion each morning from Chuck Swindoll. This past week there was a reading that really hit home with me and reminded me that no matter how much time and energy I put into something…God is the promoter, not man!

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 5-7

As a mom in business, there are millions of ways to go out and promote what we’re doing. In fact, it’s a great idea to go out and do all the promoting! We put PR in our budgets and we count on that every month to help bring in sales. However, do you believe—and put into practice—the fact that PRAYER is more important than PR?

Chuck Swindoll says this: “Throw yourself on the mercy and care of God. This does not mean there is no place for planning or goal-setting or diligence; it just means we refuse to make success our private shrine.”

There is nothing wrong with setting goals and advertising, but when we put all of that before God, we are just wasting time. When you are feeling overworked and underpaid, stop and pray. Ask God to bless your efforts. Ask Him to be the Lord of your time, talent and treasure.

My goal each morning is to commit my entire day to the Lord before I start anything else. I’ll be honest and tell you that as a mother of a toddler, this doesn’t always happen. But even as I go throughout my day, I ask the Lord to be the center of what I’m doing. That my purpose and plans would be what He wants them to be—not my own agenda.

God is our promoter. No amount of promoting on our part is going to get us where we want to be without God’s approval! That makes a HUGE difference in the way I run my business.

The day I received this devotion, It was a direct message from God to my heart. I was stressed and had way too much on my plate. I needed to stop what I was doing and refocus my heart and my business on the Lord. I needed a break. I asked God to bless what I had already accomplished for the day…and then I took a much needed rest.

The devotion ended with this:

“Instead of spending all those hours pushing and promoting, we’ll wind up with more time for friends and family—and ourselves. Seems almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? It isn’t.

Submission + Humility – Worry = God-Honoring Success with Satisfaction”

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

ReUsies Review: An alternative to plastic sandwich/snack bags

ReUsies just made lunch and snacking a little greener. What does this mean for you? Well, I’ll be completely honest, I am not a greenie. I am not anti-green but I do not seek environmentally safe products, especially if it will cost more. I’m more of a light green kind of girl. So, the idea of getting rid of my convenient plastic baggies was not so tempting. Oh please, pick your jaw up off the floor, I am not the only one to succumb to the disposable and convenient.

One day I happened to find the ReUsies website. Curious to see what new green product had hit the market that I would surely never buy, I clicked on the site. I saw the product and agreed that it was very cute. I loved all the different designs and immediately could think of a hundred uses. Then I clicked on the “Learn More” button. Thinking I would learn more about the product, I was surprised to learn more about the effect plastic has on the environment. I did not know that plastic takes 1000 years to breakdown and in doing so forms into a more toxic substance. So, just maybe ReUsies had a point, right?

In a bold move, I contacted ReUsies to review their product. I figured if I can think of 100 ways to use this product then I must be using more plastic bags then I care to think about it. Besides, appealing to my less green side, that’s a lot of money to throw away!

I have to comment that ReUsies customer service is fantastic! They are helpful, friendly, and genuinely care about their customers.

My ReUsies arrived just in time to test it with goldfish for my daughter’s diaper bag. The snack size is 6′w by 5′h. This is the perfect size for crackers and little snacks for the kids or yourself. The bag is made of 100% cotton and lined with water-resistant 100% nylon. No worries this product is BPA, Lead and Phthalate free. They use Velcro closures to ensure your snacks stay put. The sandwich size bag has all the same features except it is 7.5′w/6′h. Plenty big for sandwiches or other lunch items. The bags are machine or dishwasher washable or wiped clean with soapy water. So how did it hold up?

For good measure, I used both bags to carry different items. The snack bag for my daughter’s Goldfish and the sandwich bag for my other daughter’s PB&J. The food stayed put in each bag. The bags being made of cotton hold up much better than plastic baggies. There were no broken Goldfish or a smashed sandwich and I didn’t take too much care when throwing them in the diaper bag. Later that evening, I simply put the ReUsies on the counter with the dishes to be washed. Since I am without a dishwasher (if you care to donate to that fund see me later) it takes no time at all to wipe down these bags. And if truth be told, my number one concern was how much of a pain it would be to wash them. No pain! It was so easy that even if I had a dishwasher, I’d just wash them by hand.

So, environmentally safe, kid safe, food safe, dishwasher safe, and saves you money. What more could a product do for you.

When reviewing a product I ask myself several questions:

Would you buy this item?

Yes.

Would you recommend this item to a friend?

Yes.

What is the downside?

Well, the only downside, in my opinion, is that the bag does not zip. Now, the food stays in place. However, when I used it for cheese puffs (organic low-fat, aren’t you proud?) the puffs were not so fresh by the end of the day. The bag is not airtight nor does it claim to be.

Does the downside cause me to give pause before buying?

No, not really. ReUsies served it’s purpose for lunch or a long car ride, trip to the doctor’s…even for toy or make up storage to be honest. ReUsies have many uses that will benefit you and the in turn the earth.

There’s the skinny on ReUsies from this light green mean mama. So, even if you like me and not always in the market for green products, still consider ReUsies for your sandwich and snack needs. This green product will save you green in the end.

Product for review was provided by ReUsies in exchange for an honest and fair

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Create A Home Office That Suits Your Needs

Home offices are becoming as common as family rooms. Many moms are opting to work at home instead of in the office. Although I travel into the office daily, I have the capability of working remotely. As a single mom whose parents live four hours away when my daughter is sick it is a blessing to have the accessibility to work at home while still being able to take care of my daughter. Telecommunicating is a way of life for many moms and dads. This week my daughter was struck with the flu and unfortunately the flu bug bit me too. At my previous job I would’ve been completely stressed about having to report off, although I would have regardless! My policy is daughter first. My new boss completely understood and encouraged me to stay home, get well, and take care of my daughter. Since I haven’t acquired a ton of sick time I worked from the comfort of my home while nursing myself and daughter back to health.

Home offices are essential for those of us who need to escape to a private space to work. Even if you aren’t employed creating a home office can be a sanctuary for you to write, spend some private time with God, or work on personal projects. If you have a little space it doesn’t take much to create a comfortable home office.

Cheap and easy tips to make a home office that suits your needs

Furniture

A great desk is the centerpiece for any home office. The desk should be sturdy and have enough drawers to store paper, folders, office supplies, etc. Check out garage sales for antiques desks at cheap prices. If you spend much of the time in your office glued to your desk a comfortable chair that supports your posture and back is essential, so don’t skimp on the chair.

File Cabinets or book cases are great for storage. Look at Target or discount office stores for reasonably priced book cases or file cabinets. Overflowing book cases add character and coziness to any room.

A chaise adds a classy touch, but more than that sometimes you just need to relax on something other than a chair!

Organizing Tools

File folders, binders, and accordion folders are great for keeping those papers in order. Use them for your job and for your financial papers.

Use pretty pots or pottery as pencil and pen holders.

Busy moms need a calendar or planner to keep it all going. Get a calendar that either hangs on the wall or fits comfortably on your desk.

Decorative Touches

Work doesn’t have to be so serious! Liven up your office with a fun vibrant paint color for the walls.

Pillows, curtains, plants, and decorative throws are great touches that bring coziness into your work space.

Give the office character with pictures of your family and artwork. Gather all those pictures your kids draw for you, put them in frames, and let them see how proud you are of their masterpieces.

A home office can be as formal or as informal as you want it to be. Most importantly it should reflect your personality and your working style. Your office space should be welcoming and inspiring. I always find I work better when I have spiritual literature or quotes around that encourage me throughout the day. Incorporate small touches that bring a smile to your face or warmth to your heart. With more opportunities to work remotely a home office is a good investment whether you are a writer, a lawyer, or a stay at home mom that needs her privacy.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Faith and Business 101: Who’s Advising You?

As you all know, I love John Maxwell! His books about leadership are filled with truths from years of experience. I’m currently reading his daily devotional called “Leadership Promises for Every Day.” One of my favorite excerpts is entitled “Your Advisers Will Make or Break You.” He quotes Proverbs 11: 14 “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” NKJV

The reading is all about how every leader should make sure that his or her closest friends add value to their life and organization. Why? Because the close company you keep will either “make or break you.”

Who are you keeping close company with? Does this person (or people) influence you in positive ways? Is this person encouraging? Do you leave this person feeling better about yourself, your life and your business? Does this person speak the truth in love? (All friends speak… some friends speak the truth…but it is rare to find a friend that actually speaks the truth in love! Seek out this kind of person. Be this kind of friend!)

I urge you to pray about your friends and your accountability partners. Allow God to bring people into your life who build you up and walk alongside you as you strive to become all that God wants for you to be as a woman, a wife, a mom and a business woman.

When deciding whom to bring alongside you in your business ventures, John Maxwell suggests that you choose the following types of people:

Creative People
Loyal People
People who share your vision
Wise and intelligent people
People with complementary gifts
People with influence
People of faith
People of integrity

Take some time and think about the people who are surrounding you. Who is God leading you to spend less time with? Who is God leading you to get to know better? Who can you invite into your business endeavors?

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Faith and Business 101: Facebook Fan Pages for Business

I hope you and your family enjoyed your family council meeting! We did, and every year I learn something new about my husband as our goals and dreams change.

This week I’d like to talk about Facebook Fan pages and how important they are for your business.

First of all, if you do not have a Facebook account you need to get one. I have been tracking Facebook for some time now, and more of my clients and sales come from Facebook than anywhere else. Twitter is a close second, but Facebook has been most successful for me.

We’ve talked about Facebook in the past, but very little about fan pages. Is a fan page better for business than a group? Yes. Groups should be for interactive discussions, and getting to know other people with common interests. Fan pages are where you should be promoting your business. Also: fan pages show up in Google searches! Groups do not!

A fan page can be your one stop shop for promoting your business! You can easily link your fan page to your twitter account so that you can post something on your fan page and it will automatically post to your twitter account! No need to do double duty. Here’s the link to do that: http://www.facebook.com/twitter/

Make sure your website links are visible on your fan page and try to make at least one fan page post a day. “But how do I get fans?” you ask. You have to promote your fan page. First, use the buttons on the top left hand side of you fan page to “suggest to friends.”

Then you’ll want to blog about your fan page and host giveways on your blog.

Here is an example: http://wahmblog.info/2010/01/05/new-years-celebration/

Facebook recently changed the rules about fan pages. You are not allowed to host giveaways on your fan page anymore. If you violate this, you run the risk of having your account disabled without warning. However, you can host a giveaway on your blog or website and link to it from your fan page.

More Facebook Info:

I have received many questions asking about privacy and becoming friends with people you really don’t know.

Here’s what I’ve done:

My husband and I share a Facebook account where all of our family and out-of-town friends can see photos and videos of us and our son. We keep that account solely for personal use and the privacy settings are set on all of our pictures and videos so that only our family can see them. Then I have another account that is in my name only that I use for business and connecting with colleague friends. I don’t post too many photos or a lot of personal info about my family for safety reasons. I get many friend requests and even though I usually only friend other women and moms, I have a young family and I’m home alone most of the day…it’s just better safe than sorry. Having said all that, I think it’s much better and safer just to create a fan page!

Keep the fan page for business and your profile for personal use.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6

Until next time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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