Are YOU the One?

Today I posted on my facebook page, "Life is about relationships."  I went on to say how "relationships are life-giving," or at least they should be.

In the past year, I have developed some relationships that have enriched my life in ways I never would have expected.  I have met people I never would have chosen as friends or even had the opportunity to make that decision really, if not for It Works.  But now, a little over a year with the company, I am blessed with so many new friends.  Friends who are helping me become the woman I was created and designed to be.

I can't help but want to make more friends, to meet more people, to build new relationships.  All those relationships come with potential. Potential to change me.  Potential to change others' lives.  Potential to change the world!

And so I'm looking for 3 new people to train and mentor in this business of relationships.

These individuals might be moms who want to stay home with their babies.
They might be personal trainers who want to help their clients get maximum results.
They might be stylists who are gifted at helping people look their absolute best.
They might be bankers or accountants or nurses or office assistants or college students or photographers or anything else you can imagine.
They can be anyone.
Anyone who wants to grow and learn and help others.
Anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Anyone who is ready for a change (big or small).
Anyone who is ready to live life to the fullest.

Is that YOU?

I'm ready to help these individuals start their business and run it successfully from the very beginning.

I'm ready to train these individuals so they understand our products and how they can help people of all ages and backgrounds look younger, feel younger, and live longer.

I'm ready to show these individuals how to follow the simple steps the company gives us.  I'm ready to walk with them and hold their hands until they're ready to run on their own.

I'm ready to share my heart with them.  I'm ready to begin a relationship with them that could change my life, that could change their life.

I'm ready.
Are YOU?

Are you one of the three people I am looking for?
Are YOU interested in meeting new friends and developing some of the strongest relationships ever?
Are YOU interested in helping others?
Are YOU ready to take control of your finances and live debt free?
Are YOU ready to dream big and see those dreams become a reality?
Are YOU ready to see if It Works can bless you and your family like it has mine and countless others?
Are YOU ready to BE a blessing?

If you are, then YOU (yes, you) are one of the three people I'm looking for.

Please message me or call me so we can talk and make for sure we'd be a good fit in this business of changing lives.  660.281.8266

From One Mom to Another

In the past year I have met so many amazing women (and men, too).  Most of these women are moms, like me. Most of these moms stay at home, like me.  We want to be with our kiddos.  That's what we dreamed of as little girls -- being a mommy someday.  BUT we need to contribute to our family income, and so we work.  Many moms have to work.  It's not a bad thing.  BUT when you would rather be home with your kids more than anything else, you start to hate your job.  You don't like going to work.  You dread Mondays.  You get stressed at home because you still have all the laundry and cooking and cleaning to do on top of your full-time out-of-the-house job.  You're tired.  You're cranky.  You're simply not living the dream life you imagined when you were a little girl.  But what can you do?

What if I told you that you can do something!!!  That you can stay home with your kiddos (if that's what  you want to do) AND still contribute to your family's income, in a big way.  You can have the best of both worlds!

My company's motto is FRIENDSHIPS, FUN, AND FREEDOM!!!  We enjoy what we do so much that it's not really a job.  It's not work when you love what you do, when you have so much satisfaction in helping others, in providing for your family, in creating a legacy for your children.

I love how we're all just normal, everyday people.  Nothing super special about us.  Just moms who decided that if we wanted to stay home with our kiddos, we were going to do whatever it took to make that happen. I think women are really good at that.  We get our hearts set on something and we don't stop until our goal is met or our dream is fulfilled.

I thought you might like to meet some of these amazing women and hear their stories, from one mom to another.  Maybe their journey can inspire you to start your own It Works story. Maybe if you see them doing it, you will believe that you can too!

First up is Shauntel Lyons.

  When Shauntel began It Works, she was working full time AND going to school to get her Master's in education so she could become a teacher.  She wanted to spend more time with her kiddos and thought being a teacher would let her do that.  BUT, she was overwhelmed and tired and not getting the time she wanted with her family.  One day she sat at her desk and sighed, "There has to be more to life than this."  She knew that "more" was being with her kids, being the mom she had dreamed of being but couldn't be because of her job.  She just didn't know how to make that "more" happen.  And then she was introduced to It Works and everything began to change.

Here's what Shauntel has to say about her experience:
For whatever reason, when I began my journey with It Works!, life felt different.
Endless possibilities for LIFE seemed to open up for me. I felt like I had full control of my future for once in my life. It wasn't in the hands of someone else. It was all in MY control. My way of thinking and my thought process changed. I couldn't sleep at night due to PURE EXCITEMENT of what this business could do IF I worked it right. I didn't have any extra time to do it but I sure did have the vision...and that vision made me get to work, throw excuses out the window, throw caution to the wind and MAKE the time for it. I sacrificed a lot but I did it for my family. My husband stood behind me and took on more around our house so that I could get the job done. He believed in me. More importantly, I believed in me. It was tough juggling a full time job, grad school and growing a new business. But I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I envisioned my life without a boss, without an alarm clock, without ANY LIMITS. I knew I could make that my reality. And guess what?!?! I DID IT! Yes, it was TOUGH. Oh, I cried a lot of tears. I was so tired. I was scared. But it did become my reality!!! I dreamed of a life with no limits and no boundaries and now I have it! And YOU can too. Anything you want out of life, go after it. Don't ponder it or wait for it to fall into you lap. GO FOR IT. Chase those dreams. Do it. Because I know you can. I believe in you. Believe in yourself.

Shauntel finished school, but she didn't become a teacher.  And she doesn't work 40+ hours a week at her old job either.  Nope, now she is staying home with her kiddos.  Like she always dreamed.  AND she's making over $30,000 a month doing it.  Shauntel and her husband Herman earned around $175,000 in bonuses in the past 2 years.  They have paid off debt, paid off family member's debt, and are living a life they never even imagined.  Before It Works none of that was possible, but now it's their reality.  And it can be yours too!

Maybe you're thinking Shauntel is unique or a special case.  Well, I'd like to introduce you to Liz Barton.

Liz USED to work at the school where my husband teaches 3rd grade. She WAS the Instructional Coach.  She enjoyed her job, BUT she wanted to be home with her boys more than anything else.  And so she too joined It Works.  Guess what?  This school year she's going on her son's field trips, not as a teacher, but as a MOM.  Liz has done so well with this crazy wrap business that she was able to "retire" her husband Gabe, and now they BOTH get to be home with their boys all the time!  How amazing is that?!

Here's what Liz has to say about her experience:
Six months ago I was a teacher. In a classroom. Working 40+ hours a week away from my home. Now....now I have total#freedom of my time, more time to travel, more money to pay off debt, more time with those I LOVE! It's WORTH it!!!

I could tell you about Lori Conway, another mom who started this business when her youngest (of 4 children) was just a baby. She knew that once her baby girl grew up and started kindergarten, her husband would want her to go back to work.  She didn't want to do that though.  She wanted to keep staying home.  And so she became an It Works distributor after attending a wrap party.  Almost 3 years later, she's still at home and so is her husband Quintin.  Yep, he's "retired" too.  He gave up his job in the banking industry and the six-figure income that went with it because it was costing him to go to work.  Now, Lori and Quintin get to stay home together, work together, and enjoy their kids together.  In fact, over Christmas break, they just woke up one morning and decided, "Let's go on vacation!"  So they did!  For a week!  How fun would that be?  Talk about FREEDOM of time!!!  If Lori and Quintin can do it, so can YOU!

I can't forget about Ashleigh though!!!  She used to do in-home daycare (like I do) but it was stressful for her.  AND she didn't really like living paycheck to paycheck.  They wanted to send their oldest daughter to a private school, but couldn't afford it.  She wanted that same"more" out of life that Shauntel did.  Guess what?  Ashleigh also joined It Works and was #93 in the company this past year.  Her daughter attends the private school.  They just took a family vacation to Disney World.  They're paying off debt and working towards "retiring" her husband Justin.  

I almost forgot about Brandi Estes!!!  I can't imagine doing that though.  Her story inspires me so much!!!  She was a stylist and worked up until the day her baby boy was born.  And as soon as she was out of the hospital, she was back to work because they couldn't afford for her to take any time off or to pay for anyone to watch the baby - so he went to work with her!!!  That was then.  NOW, both Brandi and her husband are full-time parents and get to be home with all of their kiddos, together!!!

And I just have to tell you about my dear friend Melissa too.  She is, after all, the reason why I finally took that leap of faith and joined It Works too.  After doing a year of her own research, Melissa and her husband Mitch went for it and become distributors.  Their dream of owing a nutrition store wasn't turning out quite like they had envisioned.  They were going into debt another $500 each month.  They were on food stamps.  Melissa was picking up every hour she could at the hospital where she worked as a RN.  Not exactly the life they wanted.  And so they borrowed the $99 to start their It Works business, and now just a year later are making over $16,000 A MONTH!!!  They're not on food stamps anymore.  They're paying off debt instead of going into it.  And Melissa, she quit her job as a RN and stays at home full time as a mommy, just like she has always dreamed of doing!

Those are just 6 of 100s of 1000s of moms I could introduce you to who are part of this crazy wrap business.  Most of these moms started out with a goal of making $500 to $1000 a month so they could either stay home with their kiddos or go get their nails done without feeling guilty.  In less than 3 years, all of these women have not only been able to stay at home but have their husbands home too (or will shortly).  How crazy is that?  Well, not very crazy I guess since it's happening to mom after mom after mom after mom that I meet through It Works.

I didn't even tell you about Stephanie Doss or Lydia Diaz or Jen Keller or Madra Jones or Kami Dempsey.

And as for me, I too am staying home.  I still have my in-home daycare (for now), but thank goodness for It Works!!!  This past year two of my daycare kiddos stopped coming, very suddenly and unexpectedly.  So there was half my income gone.  If not for It Works, we would have been back on WIC like we were 3 years ago (when I was pregnant with our 2nd little girl - we have 3 now).  Or just this past week, we had 4 snow days.  I don't charge when my daycare kiddos aren't here (as I think that is only fair not to pay for something if you're not using it).  So that's over $400 gone from our budget that we had counted on.  Granted, we will make up those days come May, and I'll get paid then.  BUT groceries and bills don't really wait until May now do they?  Once again, we are ever so thankful for It Works!  Who would have imagined that God would provide for us by means of a crazy wrap business?!  Not me!

I just celebrated my one-year anniversary with It Works.  This past year totally changed my life in so many ways!  Totally aside from earning a $10,000 bonus, I simply cannot say how amazing this business is (LOVE the heart of our leadership and  how we support wonderful organizations like Selah Freedom and Children's Cup)!  I simply cannot stress enough how YOU too can be a part of the FRIENDSHIPS, FUN, AND FREEDOM It Works has to offer!

From one mom to another, I would LOVE to have you join the team and become part of this family.  That's what we are -- FAMILY!  

I know you're busy changing diapers and wiping snotty noses and making meals and picking up toys and driving kids to and from sports practice or music lessons or dance rehearsal and helping with homework and so much more.  I know you don't think you have time for this.  BUT, you do.  You really do.

Because if you're like me (and you may not be, and that is okay), you want to be home with your kiddos.  If you're like me, you dreamed of being a mommy someday.  If you're like me, you want "more" out of life.  

So, once more, from one mom to another, I would LOVE to talk with you, to answer your questions (I had a ton of them before I finally decided to join last year), to help you see if It Works will be a good fit for you.  Give me a call.  Let's chat, from one mom to another!!!  Goodness knows, we can always use some adult interaction and talk about something besides going potty or what color the triangle is or what happened to Wyatt and the Super Readers.  

Let's just talk, one mom to another.

660.281.8266

Don't Take My Word for It

I can tell you how much I love It Works all natural health products until I am blue in the face.  I can share with you how this crazy wrap business is changing people's lives all around the world -- be it in the area of health or finances or personal growth or anything else you can possibly imagine.  I can talk from sun up to sun down, but I'm not going to.

You see, I don't want you to just take MY word for it.
Instead, I want you to hear what other people are saying.  All kinds of people.
Husbands and wives.
Single moms.
Stay-at-home moms.
Working moms.
Attorneys.
Bankers.
Stylists.
Massage Therapists.
Personal trainers.
Nutrition store owners.
Teachers.
And even college drop outs.
You name the profession, someone with that occupation (or former occupation) is probably an It Works Distributor someone in the world (yes, we are global and open for business in 18 countries).

But again, please don't take MY word for it.

Listen to my friends Mitch and Melissa Schellinger.  Maybe you can relate to their story better than you can mine.  Click HERE to listen to a team conference call they were on recently.

If you're not small business owners on food stamps and going $500 into debt each month, maybe the Schellinger's story doesn't speak to you.  *Note: they aren't in that situation anymore, thanks to a year with It Works.  Like we say:

But, again, maybe you don't connect with the Schellingers.  Perhaps, you can relate better to one of the couples or individuals on this call.  Carla Burns -- a fitness coach.  Lori and Quintin Conway -- a stay-at-home mom of 4 and a former banker.  Jodi Hussey -- used to have an in-home daycare.  Kirsten Johnson -- a former teacher.  Click HERE to listen to that conference call.

No matter where everyone on that call started, they are all part of the Millionaire Club today.

If you're like me, maybe you need to SEE these people in person to believe they're real.  Maybe if you SEE their faces, not just hear their voices, then you will be able to make that connection. I get that.  I'm a face to face person too.  So, here you go!!!  Click on HERE to see a video Allison and Donny Chastain made to share how they went from a military life to an It Works life of friendships, fun, and freedom.

Need more convincing. Joel and Stefani Dunn have an amazing story!!!  The video isn't the greatest quality, BUT the story is real and raw and I don't know how you can't be moved by it.  Click HERE and see for yourselves what I mean.  They went from standing in line at the food bank, declaring bankruptcy to #4 sellers in the business.

Just one more.  Maybe because I connect personally the most to Kami and her husband Nathan.  They both used to be teachers and coaches.  I used to teach and coach, until my husband and I had our first little girl.  Then, I started staying home and doing an in-home daycare.  My husband still teaches 3rd grade. He used to coach gymnastics, but due to time (we now have 3 little girls), he doesn't do that anymore.  I love, love, LOVE Kami's energy and joy and enthusiasm.  It's contagious.  Her passion and zeal for life are evident in all she does.  I want to be like her when I grow up :)  Click HERE to understand what I'm talking about and why I respect Kami so much.

Well, there you have it.  You've listened to stories.  You've watched people share their hearts.  Hopefully, you connected to at least one person.  Hopefully, you can relate to at least one of these stories.

If so, I would LOVE to chat with you, answer whatever questions you may have, and then team up to work WITH you.  You have a story too, and I bet someone out there can connect with YOU. I bet someone out there can relate to YOU.  I bet YOU could change people's lives.  I bet YOU can make a difference in ways you didn't even think possible.

So, give me a call and let's talk!  Let's start your very own It Works story TODAY!!!  660.281.8266

Resolute to Be Uncommon

January is almost over.  At the beginning of the year many, many people make resolutions.  They set goals and dream about the future.  They go to the gym.  They make a budget. They check a book out from the library.  They buy fresh fruits and veggies.  They sign up for an art class.  Whatever their goals may be, they start working to reach them.

And for a few days or weeks, they are serious about those goals.

Then life gets in the way.
They get busy.
They're tired.
They get the bills from all those Christmas gifts they bought.
The weather isn't favorable.
Their kids are grouchy.

Lots of reasons why they don't keep working on those goals.
Lots of things to get in the way to prevent them from making their dreams a reality.

It happens.

BUT, it doesn't have to be that way.
At least not if you don't want it to.

I am so proud to be part of a company whose leaders are constantly supporting and encouraging us to keep on going, to never give up, to work hard so that we see the fruits of our labor.

Granted, they don't force us to do anything.  They always leave the ball in our court.  BUT they do give us the tools to succeed.

We may be famous for a crazy wrap thing or green powder that gives you 8 servings of fruits and veggies, but this company is WAY more than an amazing product or two!

We're in the business of CHANGING LIVES.

And not just because we can help you tighten, tone, and firm in 45 minutes.

We're helping people invest in their health and get their lives back.
We're helping people get out of debt and get their lives back.
We're helping people help others - in big and small ways - so that families, men, women, children all over the world are given a chance to live in the first place.  (Check out two of the organizations we support - Selah Freedom and Children's Cup!)

So, what about ME?
What am I resolute to do, to be?

I am resolved to make a difference.
I am resolved to love God and share His love with others.
I am resolved to be a wife who honors her husband.
I am resolved to be a mother who treasures her children and teaches them to dream big, to put others first, to believe in themselves and the God who created them with unique talents and abilities, to use those gifts for God's glory.
I am resolved to be a friend who is a source of encouragement and support and inspiration.
I am resolved to be who God made me to be, to do all He created me to do.

This morning I read from Holley Grath's book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream and was instantly invigorated in my resolution to dare to dream and in doing so change people's lives.

She writes:
"The size of the dream isn't what matters. I believe everyone has God-sized dreams. It's not about how big or small they are, because He creates each one ot perfectly fit the size of YOUR heart. 

Your dream migt be to move across teh word and start a non-profit organization that cares for orphans -- what looks like a grand adventure in the world's eyes.

Or your dream might be to stay right in your small town and reaise your kids so that they grow into strong men and women -- what looks like something fairly ordinary in the world's eyes.

Both matter equally.
And both are God-sized dreams.

It's not about what do you as much as HOW you do it. It's about pursuing life with passion and purpose and going with God wherever He leads.

It's about not settling. It's about tenaciously believing YOU'RE MADE FOR MORE. 
Not as in "bigger house, fancier car, more luxurious lifestyle."
No, my friend, I mean "more of Jesus, more of what He's created you to be, more of what He's called you to do." LESS of you actually, and more of all He is and all He has for you -- which is beyond what you can even imagine.

You have hops that feel silly, dreams that seem like dares, the quiet longings of your heart that get especially loud sometimes.

Don't let that go. Don't hide it away. That's real. And, yes, you really can see it come into being in your life. You have what it takes to see those dreams come true because you have a limitless God living in you. He has given you all you need and made you all you need to be.

I believe in the God who lives within you.
YOU REALLY ARE MADE FOR MORE.
And this is your time.
Right here, right now." 

So, what about YOU?
Do you have a dream?

I wold love to come along side you and help you stay resolute in accomplishing your goals, in making your dreams a reality.  I would love to celebrate with you as we make the impossible possible and the uncommon common.  I would love to change lives with you.  Like we say at It Works, "We're better together!"

What do you say?  I'm here when you're ready....

Debt Free

Could you cut up all your credit cards TODAY?

Tiffany did!

Granted, she worked hard to make that happen, but as of today she has called all the credit card companies and made her final payments!  She is DEBT FREE!

And she is EXCITED!  As she should be...

What would it take to help YOU become debt free THIS year?
Are you able to pay extra each month or are you stuck making the minimum payment?
How much extra do you need each month to put towards your debt so that you can call all your credit card companies on December 31, 2014 and make your final payment?

I would love to show you how Tiffany did it.
I would love to share with you how my husband and I are staying out of debt.

You see, my parents are extremely generous.  I graduated from college without any student loans. I worked in college to pay my way, but whenever I didn't have enough, I didn't call the bank.  I called Mom and Dad.  They always paid the remaining balance for me.

Some might say I am spoiled.  That I am the typical only child.

I like to think I am blessed.  I am fortunate to say the least.  Not only do I have parents who were financially able to help me, but willing too.

My mom learned from her dad, who was generous with her and left her an inheritance making it possible for her to be debt free.  She took that blessing and passed it along to me.

And now I want to pass it along to my girls.  I don't ever want them to be in debt.  That's why we have college funds for them already and will be setting aside money for their education each month for the next 18 years (my girls are 10 weeks, 2 years, and 4 years).  I don't want them to have to pay for college.  I want that to be taken care of already, even if they decide to go to medical school or pursue a career in law or anything else that typically lands a person in hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.

I'm not going to spoil my girls or let them off easy.  They will grow up learning how to work hard and save money and use our resources wisely.  They won't squander or spend lavishly.  They will know what it means to be financially responsible, for those who are given much, of them much is required.  Above all, they will know what it means to give and bless others and share the love of Jesus with all those around us and those far away as well.  They will know what it means to be a sieve, letting God's good gifts flow right on through them to anyone and everyone with whom they come into contact.

That's what my mom taught me.

That's what her dad taught her.

I don't call that spoiling a child at all.  That's what I call teaching a child to take their blessings and use them to bless others.

Thanks to my generous and gracious parents, my husband and I are debt free at age 30.  We are working on paying off our house, as that is our only debt so to speak.  Each month we pay extra on the mortgage, and our goal is to be 100% debt free (house included) in the next 5 years!  Imagine what we will be able to do with that extra $1,000 every month that typically goes towards a house payment!!!  Imagine how much we will be able to save for our 3 girls so that they can live debt free their whole lives and always have the financial freedom to give generously to those around them.

Just today a friend of mine humbly asked for help.  Her husband has been injured and out of work since December.  They have had no income.  On top of the financial burden, everyone in their house has been struck with Influenza A and severe sickness they just can't seem to get over no matter what they do.  And so she reached out for help.

I am in a place where we can help her.  All because someone else helped us.

Two and half years ago, we were on WIC.  Our bank account was overdrawn $800!!!  We had no idea how to pay the bank back, let alone buy groceries, put gas in our cars, pay our bills, AND welcome a new baby to our family (and all the medical expenses that would come with her).  God always came through for us.  We would get a $500 check in the mail.  We would get $1,000 cash from anonymous donors at church.  People would treat us to a meal.  Friends bought us groceries.  I'm not sure how, but we made it.

Here we are now, TWO little girls later (for a total of 3 sweet girls).  We've moved to a bigger home (and yet pay LESS on our mortgage each month -- thank You, Jesus, for that miracle).  We have food in our fridge and pantry.  We have gas in our cars.  We can pay our bills.  We pay extra on the mortgage.  We have money in 2 savings accounts.  We have college funds and retirement funds established.  We don't live in luxury, but we certainly aren't lacking anything we need.  We may not have the fanciest clothes or eat at posh restaurants, but we are clothed and fed and happy.  We are blessed.

And so we are in a position to bless others.  In deed, we have the responsibility to take what God has given to us and pass it on.  We are blessed to be a blessing.

That's where you come in.  I'm not going to pay off your debt for you.  BUT, I would love to come along side you and help you become debt free. I will show you how to work hard (and have fun doing it) and change your life.  Your children's lives.  Your grandchildren's lives.

It Works is WAY more than a crazy wrap.  It's WAY more than a container of greens that give you 8 servings of fruits and veggies.  It's WAY more than skin care products that make your skin soft and smooth. It IS about health, yes.  It IS also about freedom -- financial freedom.  And let me tell you, financial freedom has a huge impact on your health.  Imagine not having a credit card payment, no student loans, no mortgage!  That's a lot less stress in your life.  That's a lot more time and energy you can put towards enjoying your family and friends.  That's a lot more living you can do.  Like I said It Works is WAY more than a crazy wrap!

Please give me a call (660.281.8266) and we can talk about how It Works can help YOU become debt free THIS year.  I can show you how we can work together to help you make an extra $500 every month (or more if you need).  I can show you how to earn a $10,000 bonus by APRIL.   I can help you get to the point where you can call your credit card companies on December 31 and make your final payment.  I can help you get out those scissors and cut up your credit cards.

Would You Rather...

The other day we were running errands as a family, and my husband and 4-year-old daughter were playing the "Would You Rather" Game.  They came up with some pretty crazy scenarios...

Would you rather eat a stop sign or a building?  (that would be my 4-year-old)
Would you rather climb a tree or climb a skyscraper?
Would you rather be a princess or a frog?
Would you rather listen to a baby crying all day or shave your eyebrows?  (that would be my husband)

Needless to say, most of my answers were, "Neither."

As I was thinking about the game, I realized we face "Would You Rather" situations in life and sometimes we want to answer "Neither."  Usually that isn't an option, though.

Would you rather fold laundry or clean the play room?  (True story in our house, and my husband had to think about his answer because I was serious and there was no way he was getting out of helping me!)

Would you rather change the baby's diaper or clean up the toddler who peed her pants?

Would you rather give the kiddos a bath or clean up after supper - clearing the table, loading the dishwasher, putting leftovers away, wiping down the table, etc.?

Sometimes we don't want to answer, "Neither," but rather, "BOTH!"

Would you rather fill the car up with gas or get groceries?

Would you rather pay the electric bill or the water bill?

Would you rather go on vacation or go out to eat once a week?

Would you rather get your nails done or go shopping? (I'm not personally a nail/shopping girl, but I know there are ladies out there who are.)

What if you could answer, "Both!" to life's difficult questions. And fun ones too for that matter.  What if money wasn't a factor.  Now, hear me out.  I'm NOT saying money buys happiness or fixes all life's problems.  It can help alleviate quite a bit of stress that comes with finances and budgeting, however.  When you don't know where the money is going to come from to pay your bills and feed your kids and put gas in the car, you tend to stress out a bit.  When you can't afford diapers for your baby.  When you don't know what you are going to feed your family for supper.  When you worry that the next phone call will be the bank telling you they are on their way to possess your car or your house.

All of those situations are true stories I heard some top earners share on stage at the It Works conference this weekend.  Couples who went from food stamps to having 6 figures in savings.  Couples who went from struggling to pay bills to paying off $145,000 in debt last year alone.  Couples who went from living paycheck to paycheck to buying a RV (in cash) and going on family vacation - for a month!

The most inspiring part about these stories is how these couples turned around and used their money to bless others.  They didn't hold it tightly in clenched fists, but rather held their hands open so the money could flow through them to make a difference in the lives of countless others.  They live by the motto, "Blessed to be a blessing."  And again, money doesn't buy their happiness or fix all their life problems, BUT it does allow them to be debt-free, have less stress, and best of all BLESS others in amazing ways!

At conference we were also asked to think about our 37 Days.  What is that you ask?

One of our top earners was able to sit with his dad on his death bed for 37 days, without fear or worry that his job wouldn't be there when he got back.  You see, Rusty had "retired" and owned his time.  As a distributor with It Works, he was able to be with his dad and not stress about finances and money.  He was still getting paid.  Good money too.  As in over $20,000 a month!

What about you?  What if you had to take 37 days off work for whatever reason.  Would your job be there for you when you got back?  During that 37 days would you have to worry about paying bills?  Or would you be able to focus on your family during that time, making the most of those 37 days, whatever you may be doing?

Would you rather worry about money or know you are financially secure?

And then another question -- man, this is like 20 Questions -- to ask yourself...

If you didn't have to stress about your budget, what would that free you up to do?

I talked with a team mate today who wants to open a soup kitchen.  She also shared how she and her husband want to walk into a PayDay Loan type place and just pay off 3 people's loans, then take those 3 people and go through a Dave Ramsey class with them.  She asked her mom, "If you didn't have to work 9-5 every day, what could you do for Jesus in all that time?"  That conversation with my team mate inspired me.

You see, I do want to do well in this business.  In fact, I am working to earn a $15,000 AND $25,000 bonus by April.  I have no idea what I would do with $40,000!!!

Well, yes I do.

We have 3 girls who are going to need to go to college, and I want them to go debt free!
We also have 3 weddings to pay for someday, and as of right now in 2014 the average wedding costs $26,000!  So we have some saving to do for that as well.

Then, there's paying off our house so we can use our monthly mortgage payment to bless others instead of paying the bank.

My mom would like to go on a family vacation with us, and we would like to pay for her and my dad.  And we don't just want to go to Branson.  More like an Alaskan cruise.

We would love to write a big, huge check to our friends adopting a little girl from China.  Cover the rest of the expenses for that so they don't have to worry about fundraising and can focus on getting all their paperwork and such done.

This past year a friend shared with me how someone paid for them to go to Disney World.  How cool would it be to do that for someone?!

It's like I'm asking myself "Would you rather bless someone this way or that way?"  And the answer is, "BOTH!"  My entire goal in this business is to make a difference in people's lives, to help them maintain good health AND enjoy life to the fullest, however that may be!  I feel if God is going to bless me, I had better turn around and bless others.

So, I would like you to think about it.

Ask yourself some "Would You Rather" questions.
Ask yourself what your 37 days would be.
Ask yourself what if money wasn't an issue, what would that free you up to do?
Ask yourself how you could turn around and bless others.

That's what I'm doing.  And I would love for you to join me.  We'd be better together.

The Sixth Love Language

Have you ever heard of the 5 Love Languages?  Gary Chapman introduced us to this idea with his book about the 5 ways people primarily give and receive love.  He described how people tend to show and accept love through words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, or physical touch.  After his initial book, he wrote others targeting the love languages of marriage, the love languages of your children, and more.  Relationships have been revolutionized as a result of this concept of giving and receiving love in specific ways.  As we learn to communicate and express love to our spouse, our children, our parents, our friends in the unique ways they feel loved most, we are able to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with them.

I use to think my love language was words of affirmation.  I "need" people to tell me in some form or another, "Good job," or "Way to go," or "Thank you," or "I really appreciate you."  That's how I best RECEIVE love.

However, I GIVE or SHOW love primarily through acts of service and/or gifts.  I enjoy helping people.  I like to take note of what they say, how they might be feeling, what they might need.  Then, I write a little note or drop off a cup of coffee or offer to watch their kiddos or something that would encourage them.

Since being married, I have come to appreciate quality time and physical touch, both of which are my husband's love languages.  Since he best receives love in these ways, I have come to SHOW him love by spending time with him.  Usually we are enjoying time outside (something we both thoroughly like) or relaxing  on the couch and watching a TV show after our children are in bed.

Now that I am a mom, I have also learned to show each of my 3 girls love in unique ways, the ways they best receive it.  My oldest daughter is 4 years old and seems to feel most loved when you spend time with her.  Physical touch also seems to be important to her. She will snuggle right up next to you, lock her arm in yours, and listen to you read books for hours on end.  We also enjoy baking and making crafts together.  My middle daughter is 2 years old and also seems to receive love primarily through quality time.  She does not, however, like to sit still.  So, when I spend time with her, I am up and moving non-stop as we may build a tower then read a book then dance a silly dance and then color a picture (all the in span of 5 minutes).  My youngest daughter is just 7 weeks old, and my husband and I joke that her love language is milk since she is nursing every 2-3 hours throughout the day! :)

I think it's imperative to try to understand those you love and then show them you love them in the way(s) they best receive that love.  As I get older, I am not only learning more about others, but about myself as well.

Hence, I have recently realized I have a new love language, one Gary Chapman didn't write about in any of his books.  You see, I believe that I receive love through HEALTH.  Yep, it's the 6th love language.  At least in my opinion!

I value my own health, of course, and do everything I can personally do to help my body function to its full capacity.  I eat right and exercise.  I don't smoke or chew tobacco.  I don't drink very often.  I try to use natural cleaning products and personal care products too.  If it's healthy, I try to do it.

I also extremely intentional about doing everything I can to ensure my family's health.  I cook our meals from scratch.  We eat primarily fruits and veggies and lean meats.  I try to teach my children how to make good choices when it comes to snacks and drinks throughout the day.  I also play with my children and make "exercise" fun for them.  I want them to know how important being active is to our health and teach them from a young age how enjoyable that can be!  Bottom line is I want to do everything in my power to keep my family healthy and strong.  I know that we aren't invincible, that we will still get sick, that bad things can still happen to us.  BUT, I can still invest in our health on a daily basis.  It's actually one way I am telling my family I love them.  I value them and want them to be around for a long time.  I want to enjoy spending time with them and make memories with them, for years and years to come.  I know that good health is a key factor in making that happen.  And so I show them love by taking care of myself and helping them do the same.

So, I GIVE love through health.

I absolutely RECEIVE love through health as well.  When my husband works out, he doesn't say, "Babe, because I love you I am going to go to the gym and run and lift weights."  He doesn't have to open his mouth; his actions speak volumes.  When he makes a smoothie for lunch or chooses to have a salad or takes his vitamin, he doesn't stop between bites to say, "Honey, I love you."  Again, he doesn't have to.  Just by investing in his health, I KNOW he loves me.  When we play volleyball together or go on a family bike ride or walk or play at the park with the girls, I am receiving his love.  He's showing me that he wants to be around for a long time, that he wants to get the most out of life, with me by his side.  He speaks my love language.

The opposite is true as well.  When someone I love and care about doesn't invest in their health, without meaning to do so, it's as if they are telling me they don't love me.  By choosing to overeat or by eating unhealthy foods that aren't good for them (on a regular basis - everyone can have a special treat occasionally), it's as if they are telling me potato chips or a second helping of spaghetti or a bowl of ice cream is more important to them than I am.  I fully realize this is not their intention, but it is how I interpret their actions.  When someone I love doesn't find or make the time to exercise (even just a little bit, in whatever way they like), it's as if they are showing me they don't have time for me.  If someone I love has a health condition, that worries and upsets me.  I fear they won't be around to watch my children grow up, that they won't be able to enjoy special times with them and make memories with the girls.  I also hate that poor health prevents them from being able to do certain activities or participating in various things we as a family enjoy (like hiking or canoeing or riding horses or ziplining).  And so I want those I love to choose to invest in their health.  This is hard for me, though, because ultimately it's their choice, not mine.  I can't force them to eat right, to exercise, to be healthy.  They have to decide for themselves to do those things.  And when they do, it's as if they are shouting at the top of their lungs, "I love you!"  When they don't, well....

Yesterday was a good day.  My heart was full as two of the people I love most spoke my love language invested in their health and made it a priority.  

I don't know if health is a legitimate love language or not, but the idea was on my heart so I thought I would share why I am so passionate about health -- mine and others alike.  As I work to be healthy myself, I am really showing my family and friends that they are important to me, that I love them and want to spend as much time with them as possible.  I hope they receive it that way!!!  When I do my "job" and help others invest in their health, I see it as helping them show their family and friends how much they love and value them.

Now, I would love to hear from you.  What's YOUR love language?  Do you speak health like me, or do you have another unique way of showing and receiving love?  I would truly love to hear what you have to say about this topic of communicating love to others in non-traditional ways.