Archive for ◊ 2010 ◊

• Friday, December 24th, 2010

This time of the year when we, as Christians, think about the birth of Christ I hope throughout the upcoming year we will take it one step further and think about whether we are ready for His return. Below is a revised version of “Twas The Night Before Christmas” .

‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came’
written by Unknown Author

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “it’s not here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

The song below sung by DC Talk is one that I have also loved and it does cause one to think.

I hope that you and your family have a beautiful Christmas. May it be one where we all look at others through the eyes of Christ and share his love, not just on Christmas, but throughout the year. We have so very much to be grateful for. Jesus was born into this world to be an example to us and to die for us. What a true gift He was. This should fill our hearts with much joy.

Blessings,

Judy

Category: Children, Christian, Christmas, family, Helpful Hints, holidays, Inspirational | Tags: Christmas, DC Talk, Twas the Night Before Jesus Came, Wish we'd all been ready | Leave a Comment

Where’s The Line To See Jesus?

Author: Judy Conway

• Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

I received the link for this awesome song in an email this morning and just had to share it. I am including below the story behind the creation of this song and I hope you enjoy it.

About the Song

“While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, “where’s the line to see Jesus”?

My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the song off to Nashville without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus.

My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios. It was at the studio where Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the 2nd verse and part of the chorus… with goose bumps and emotions high, we were all hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under 2 hours and sent off again to Nashville … still no response.

Then 2 weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins Greg and Robbie decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3000 hits and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over asking for the music, CD’s, iTunes, anything… we had nothin’.

After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring… this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs… the real deal….. and here we are today.

Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together…. remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. Hopefully Spencer’s observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone.”

I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and that 2011 will be a prosperous year filled with all your favorite things.

Judy

Category: Children, Christian, Christmas, family, holidays, home, Inspirational | Tags: Christian, Christmas, Jesus, true meaning of Christmas | Leave a Comment

Are You Sharing The True Meaning Of Christmas?

Author: Judy Conway

• Thursday, December 09th, 2010

This time of the year can be one of great excitement, joy or depression. It all depends on what is happening in your life. Are you sharing the true meaning of Christmas?

To people who do not have financial worries this time of the year is truly joyous. It is a wonderful feeling going to the stores and looking for gifts for your family and friends. It is a great feeling to pull out your list and checking it twice of all the notes for what people in your life have mentioned they would “love to have” throughout the year. Your smile widens at the thought of them opening your gift.

But, there are those people who are wondering if they are going to be able to make their next mortgage payment and how they are going to buy food to feed their children or themselves. This can really cause depression at this time of the year. I personally know how it feels not to be able to buy gifts for the people I love. You can come through the month of December feeling like a failure and very, very sad.

Maybe you have experienced dealing with a less than congenial sales person or cashier. Instead of rewarding their less than appropriate attitude with one of indifference I end up asking myself what could be going on in their life. Are they feeling badly watching all the money that is being spent and wishing they only had maybe twenty dollars that they could spend on a gift for their spouse or child? Cashiers in grocery stores may be wishing they could afford to buy the makings of a traditional Christmas dinner.

Even if you are in the position of not have enough money to splurge on Christmas with the gifts and all the decorations, I am sure you can find something to be thankful for. Healthy children, a spouse that loves you and is by your side, a job, or even a part-time job …. These are just a few blessings.

I can remember one year after I was divorced that I did not have money to buy my girls Christmas gifts. They “needed” new nightgowns and that was the only gift I could wrap and put under the tree. In addition to the wrapped nightgowns under the tree, I sat down and wrote each of my daughters a note telling them how much I loved them and how important they were to me. I told them that I was sorry I could not give them more but I was giving them the greatest gift I had … ALL of my love! And I hung the notes on the Christmas tree.

So as you are going through this hectic time I hope you will try to have compassion for the less fortunate people around you. And for people you don’t know an outstretched hand, hug or simple Merry Christmas could do a great deal to lift that feeling of depression.

Many years ago I wrote the following and every year around this time I like to share it. I hope you will take a few minutes from your busy schedule to read it.

The title is, “The Greatest Gift”.

As the last faint sounds of Christmas carols fade off in the distance, and the water begins to chill around your ankles as you soak your aching feet …. What will you really recall about Christmas? What was the greatest gift?

I honestly believe that if a poll was taken as to the true meaning of Christmas, “receiving/buying gifts” and “Santa Claus” would rank as the most often answered.

Will a smile of love and appreciation cross our faces in the midst of scurrying around to find a bigger and better present for sister Sally than what brother Joe will give her; hunting down the fullest and tallest tree, and decorating our dwellings. Will we remember the real purpose of this Holiday Season, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will we stop to ponder about that baby in the manger and how His life and death has brought meaning to our lives? His life was an example of the way we are to live. He loved us so very much that He was obedient to the end, even unto death on a cross.

We seem to get so caught up in the materialistic outlook of life we lose touch with the most important gift we have to give, not only at Christmas, but every day of our lives. That gift is the gift of love. Not love as the world knows it, but as Jesus Christ lived it. Instead of, or in addition to, decorating the outside of our dwellings, we should decorate the inside of our “temples”. We should take Christmas out of our pocketbooks and put it back in our hearts!

Reach out and help that one person others may look at as repulsive. Maybe before the economy took the dive it did that person was a corporate CEO. Take a minute and ask yourself, “Are you sharing the true meaning of Christmas?”

I wish your and your family a blessed Christmas,

Judy

Category: Christian, family, holidays, Inspirational | Tags: Christmas, family, gift of love, gifts, Jesus, true meaning of Christmas | Leave a Comment

Who Do the Chilean Miners Credit Their Rescue To?

Author: Judy Conway

• Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

I have wanted to write a post on the miraculous rescue of the Chilean Miners and have just received an email that makes me stop and submit this post before I do another thing. The story in this email shows who the Chilean Miners Credit their rescue to.

My family and I found it remarkable that the President of Chile and their First Lady stood diligently by as each of the 33 miners were brought to the earth. That truly spoke volumes to us about what kind of man governs the great country of Chile. I commend them both for demonstrating their love for their people.

When I was nine years old my dad worked in Chile for two years. It is a beautiful country with warm hearted people and a great culture. I would like to be able to go back and visit Chile again. That is on my “bucket list”!

I know that I joined with many people around the world in tears and giving thanks as each man emerged. Imagine being imprisoned underground for 69-70 days. What thoughts must have gone through their minds. What anguish they must have felt for their families and they for them.

Below is the video that was referenced in the email I received. I truly appreciate the time and effort that this person put into deciphering what the words on the miners’ shirts said. And yes, contrary to some post on YouTube under this video, God’s hand was definitely on this rescue!

Enjoy the video.

Blessings,
Judy Conway
Skype ID: judy.conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com

Category: Christian, family, Inspirational, Prayer | Tags: Chile, Chilean Miners, Chilean President, God | Leave a Comment

2 Quick Recipe Tips

Author: Judy Conway

• Monday, September 13th, 2010

[I really like this post from my friend Jon Benson. I think you will too!]

One of the most surprising benefits I’ve discovered for being engaged to a gal from the Middle East, other than the vast cultural exchange, is the cooking.

Oh, yes ladies… my gal COOKS!

Which is good since I am a lousy cook. : )

Hanna enjoys it… and she brings a Middle Eastern flair to some really boring fitness/bodybuilding foods that I want to share with you today.

Here’s just two quick tips from Hanna on making the ultimate in “boring” foods — egg whites and tuna (yuck) — taste incredible.

TIP 1:
Lively Egg White Omelette

Let’s face facts: Egg whites suck. At least that’s what I USED to think until Hanna decided to experiment with my morning omelette.

Now I eat this stuff like it was candy.

Here’s what she does:

1. She cooks the veggies separate from the egg whites. You’d think this would be common sense, but I never did it and I’ve seen a lot of people just toss it all in together.

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil to the veggies. This alone improved the taste tremendously.

3. Add 1/2 egg yolk to the veggies after cooking for 1 minute. This, again, is primarily for taste.

4. Garlic! If you love garlic, here’s your chance. Garlic ROCKS in egg white omelets.

5. Use Pam or another non-stick spray for the egg whites and cook them like you would a normal omelette. Then pour the almost-cooked veggies in the middle. Do the omelette dance.

6. Here’s the SECRET SAUCE… literally. This will sound nuts until you try it:

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

Okay… Hanna’s bright, but this was an accident. She thought it was salsa. But I’ve NEVER gone back to salsa after stumbling on this incredible treat! I have no idea why it tastes so good, but it makes the omelette.

Try these tips and see if your egg white omelette doesn’t become your favorite meal of the day.

TIP 2:
Canned Tuna Extraordinaire

Again, I have the lovely Hanna to thank for this.

Like egg whites, I used to HATE canned tuna. Now, again, I can eat this every night without complaint.

Here’s what she does:

She cooks the veggies the same way as in the omelette above and then pours the tuna from the can into a skillet. That’s IT.

I’ve never had “tuna ala skillet” before… and I have no clue why this tastes so smooth and delicious, but it does.

If you hate canned tuna for being dry or tasteless, try this. You’ll never go back.

If you want 40 pages of recipes like this… very yummy and VERY healthy… then be sure to pick up my EODD “Favorite Foods” Dieplan.

Here’s more about it:

Favorite Foods Diet + Recipes <-- click.here.for.more

Remember:
Don’t Quit. Get Fit!

P.S. Most of the recipes that come with my EODD book can be prepared in 15 minutes or less… so do not let the clock become your enemy when it comes to getting lean!

And remember: You can eat your favorite foods several days per week on my plan and still get rid of excess bodyweight.

Why give up living when you don’t have to, right? : )

Favorite Foods Diet + Recipes <-- click.here.for.more

Category: Helpful Hints | Tags: Every Other Day Diet, recipes | Leave a Comment

Did You Know the AARP Magazine Can Save You Money?

Author: Judy Conway

• Monday, August 23rd, 2010

For the longest time, I must sadly admit, I treated my AARP Magazine as junk mail. Because of what I have discovered I want to ask you a simple question – “Did you know that the AARP Magazine can save you money?” I realize, of course, that you may not be old enough to be involved with AARP, but when you reach the age of 49 (the age I joined) I would suggest that you join.

In the September/October 2010 issue there is a great section on 16 ways that AARP saves you money. I would like to list these here just in case you missed this article.

Many of us have been coupon clippers for many years. It surely is a great feeling to check out at the store and find you have saved, in some cases, more than you have spent. And this happened just because you took the time to clip coupons. With the economy the way it is today, you cannot afford not to clip coupons. The AARP Grocery Coupon center offers coupons for more than just groceries. You can check these out at http://grocerycouponcenter.com.
If you are like me, I am always looking for discounts at the national chain stores. These include Target, Sears, Kmart, and many others. The Everyday Savings Center is powered by Next Jump. You can find discounts on things from books, electronics, furniture and much more. For more information on this service check out http://everydaysavingscenter.com/deals.
Nowadays, it is a blessing when we can find tips on low-cost home improvements, including no-cost ways to improve our energy usage. How many times do we find ourselves postponing a home improvement project because it is too expensive? AARP Magazine suggests checking out http://aarp.org/homeupdates.
Often we forfeit going out to eat as it just does not fit in our budget. Denny’s offers a 20 percent savings off your check every day between the hours of 4 PM and 10 PM just by your showing your AARP card. (please note that this offer cannot be used with other promotional offers and this is valid only at participating Denny restaurants). You can also get coffee for yourself and your guests for $1.00. You can call your local Denny’s to check this out at 800-733-6697 or go to their website at http://dennys.com.
I am most definitely going to be checking this “way to save” out myself. I did not participate in driver’s education when I was in high school but now AARP is offering the first and largest driver refresher course in the classroom and online. This will be at a discounted rate for AARP members. I have a spotless driving record but this could save me money. Check out the regulations in your state. Taking this course could very well save you money on your insurance premiums. For further information you can call 888-227-7669 or go to http://aarp.org/drive.
Who does not like to travel? As our purse strings seem to be getting tighter it is more and more difficult to take those vacations we would like to. The AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia can help you with your domestic and international vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels and rental cars. You can be eligible for discounts from most AARP Travel hotel and car providers, as well as receiving extra onboard credits on select cruises. In addition you will not be charged air or cruise booking fees. Check out 800-675-4318 or http://expedia-aarp.com for more information.
And while you are on your way to the airport, perhaps you will need airport parking. You can save 10 percent at more than 130 off-site discount airport parking facilities operated by Park Ride Fly USA nationwide. They offer complimentary services that include curb-to-curb shuttle service to and from the airport, valet and/or self-parking and luggage assistance (this is an enormous help for sure). Call 877-503-7275 or log onto http://parkrideflyusa.com/aarp for more information.
I do not know about you, but car and home insurance payments can take a big chunk out of your budget. If you insure your home and auto with the AARP Auto and Homeowners Insurance Program you can receive up to a ten percent discount on your homeowners-insurance rates and an additional fifteen percent on your auto insurance. Go to http://aarp.the.hartford.com/msb, or call 800-689-9089, code 440160 for specific information.
If you are looking for ways to save on your cell phone plan, you can receive a free phone from Consumer Cellular when you sign up for a new service. With this program you will receive 5 percent off your monthly service and 30 percent off selected accessories. You will not have to sign up for a long term contract. Call 888-437-9226 or go to http://consumercellular.com/aarp.
Who is not trying to become more physically fit? Visit AARP’s online fitness center for exercise news and motivational tips. You can join an online group, Fat2Fit, and be part of a group that has helped almost 4,000 people lose weight over the past year. If you would like more information on this program check out http://aarp.org/fit.
Most people at this age are looking for ways to save money on eyewear. AARP has a program that can help you save on bifocals, trifocals, lens options and frames. You can realize these savings at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, JC Penney Optical and also at many private practitioners. These savings are offered through EyeMed Vision Care and for more information you can go to http://aarphealthcare.com or call 888-352-3924. These savings cannot be combined without other discounts.
Health insurance is very expense and there are many people who cannot afford a health plan. This means that screening tests are not being performed. You can receive six free health tests for such things as bone density and cholesterol, through the AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour. This program is visiting cities nationwide and in Puerto Rico through February 2011. Call 866-484-8687 or go http://aarpwalghreens.com/tour. By logging onto the website you can see where the tour will be going.
Medications are another expense that many people are having difficulty affording. Check out AARP’s Doughnut Hole Calculator to find less expensive generic drugs. Those who have fallen to Medicare Part D’s “Doughnuthole” will receive a $250.00 rebate check from Medicare automatically this year. Check out http://aarp.org/doughnuthole for further information.
(Also remember that if you are having difficulty affording your medications you can contact your drug’s manufacturer and check on their assistance program. Many pharmaceutical companies, depending on your income, will supply your medications free of charge. You will have to request the required forms and get your doctor’s approval and prescription request. This was not in the AARP Magazine, but I speak from previous experience!)
Just because we have retired it does not mean that we still do not want to be active in the work force. We still have a lot of value to offer to the corporate world. If you are seeking no-cost job-search assistance or career counseling so you can maintain a marketable profile, AARP offers free advice and resources including career fairs and access to employers that are seeking workers 50 and older. If you require this type of service, check out http://aarp.org/work.
If you have retired AARP offers free webinars with tips on how to better stretch your money and helps you with information on ways you can make ends meet. If you have not retired but are thinking about it, AARP can help you figure out how much you should be saving for retirement. Go to http://aarp.org/moneywebinars.
Last, but definitely not least, AARP is always looking out for your interests in the halls of Congress and in all 50 statehouses.

AARP has fought to provide $250 in relief to Social Security recipients whose benefits were frozen this year.

AARP strives to protect and strengthen Social Security not only for you, but for generations to come.

Did you know that AARP saves consumers billions of dollars in home-energy costs by defending us against unfair rate hikes utility companies?

This is only a very small portion of the plethora of information that is included in the AARP Magazine. There is so much value in this magazine, including health, money, motivational articles, etc. this was just the tip of the iceberg. This is by no means “junk mail”, and do not throw it away before reading it from cover to cover.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please share this information with others so they will know that the AARP Magazine can save them money and how the AARP Organization is working to help us. This is so very important, especially during the economical conditions of our country.

Happy Savings!

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

In compliance with the FTC Compensation Disclosure Guidelines I am required to inform you if you click on my links and join a program or purchase a product I may make a commission. I hope you have found useful information on this site and will stop back again soon.

The Power of Prayer!

Author: Judy Conway

• Monday, August 16th, 2010

Do you realize that there is immense power in prayer? Just thought I’d share this and encourage everyone to pray for our country and military. We CAN make a huge difference, calling on God.

Most recently, (this morning) my son-in-law saw the power of prayer at work first-hand. He believes but it was an awesome experience nonetheless!

They own a 1993 Toyota Corolla. It is a dear old car. A few weeks ago the engine light came on. It is not a car that they want to have to sink a lot of money into. This is the time of year when they needed to get their emissions test done. (They also own a fairly new Toyota Forerunner. The Corolla is just a spare car.) It was greatly feared that with the engine light on this car would not pass the required emissions test to renew the registration necessitating a large repair bill.

This morning my son-in-law noticed that as he drove past the garage where he was going to have the emissions done that there was no one in line. He looked down, and yes you guessed it …. The engine light was off! He went in, had the test done and the car passed. We had been praying for a miracle and our prayers were answered.

Another experience I would like to share is … I have a very dear friend who lives in Florida that suffers from severe migraines to the point where she throws up. Many years ago she called me around 1 AM to drive her to the ER to get a shot. We were sitting there and she was in tears holding her head saying, “I do not think they will see me as I owe the hospital money.” So we just sat there and prayed that they would take care of her and get rid of the pain. She was called up to the desk, and as she stepped up to give the woman her information, the computer system went down and she was unable to look up my friend’s records. Our prayers were answered she got a shot. I took her home where she could rest as her migraine subsided. We were truly grateful for this answered prayer.

Having been a single mom raising two daughters I can tell you that I went through many financially distraught times and God was always being summoned. Sort of like, “I am sorry Lord, it is me again, I need your help.” He never let me down. I have seen God’s hand in my life many, many times. God does not care how big or how small your problem is. He just cares that you have a problem!

With our country in the shape that it is in, it is a good time for us to remember 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Now is the time to put our faith in God wherein “all things are possible.”

Thanks for calling on the Power of Prayer!

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

Category: Children, Christian, family, health, home, Inspirational | Tags: Christianity, Florida, Religion and Spirituality, Toyota, Toyota Corolla | Leave a Comment

Do You Know How To Do Continuous Chest Compression CPR?

Author: Judy Conway

• Friday, August 13th, 2010

My daughter shared this eye-opening video on Continuous Chest Compress CPR,with me today. I instantly felt led to get this information out to as many people as I can, and for that reason I am posting it on my blog. I hope that you will take the time to not only read this blog, but also watch the video above. By your knowing this information, you might just have the opportunity to save someone’s life.

I was amazed to learn that more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest in three days than died in the 9-1-1 attacks. I hope that you will feel compelled to learn the Continuous Chest Compression CPR procedure. By using this method you can double a person’s change of surviving cardiac arrest.

If you have not been comfortable with the thought of mouth-to-mouth contact you will want to learn Continuous Chest Compression CPR. This is a hands-only method. This was developed at the University of Arizona College of Medicine by research pioneers, including Gordon A. Ewy, MD, in hopes of making the odds greater that a bystander will step up to the plate and help someone suffering from cardiac arrest.

Sarver Heart Center’s video (shown above) was developed to give people easy-to-learn instructions for performing Continuous Chest Compression CPR. If you forget the name of my blog site, please just direct people to YouTube when it is also posted.

Truly, this six-minute video can mean the difference of life or death to a person in cardiac arrest. For every one minute that goes by without a person receiving help there is a 10% less chance of survival.

Below are written directions for performing Continuous Chest Compression CPR.

If you see someone collapse who isn’t responsive and has trouble breathing:

Tell someone to call 911 or make the call yourself.
Position the person with the back on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples) and the heel of the other hand on top of the first. Lock your elbows, position your shoulders over your hands and use your upper-body weight to “fall” downward. Lift your hands slightly each time to allow the chest wall to recoil. Try to compress at 100 beats per minute and about 2 inches deep until emergency help arrives.

Note: Mouth-to-mouth CPR still is recommended for drowning and very small children.

Here is the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcbgpiKyUbs.

Please take the time to pass this information about Continuous Chest Compress CPR along to your friends and family. Unlike some of the funny emails we all receive (and enjoy) this can save a person’s life!

Thanks for caring and sharing!

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

Category: Children, family, health, Helpful Hints, home, Hurricane Preparedness, internet marketing tools, Medicine, Uncategorized | Tags: cardiac arrest, Continous Chest Compression CPR, Gordon A. Ewy, instructions for Continuous Chest Compression CPR, MD, saving lives, University of Arizona College of Medicine, YouTube | Leave a Comment

College Education Financial Assistance

Author: Judy Conway

• Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The cost of a college education continues to rise. According to Salliemae/Gallup the cost of $15,931 in 2009 has increased to $18,659 in 2010. Below I will share information to assist you with college education financial assistance. Please check out the video above. This information was aired on the Today Show on August 9, 2010.

Scholarship Searches:

Although your searches should normally be done after the first of January, there are still some funds available for college students this year.

Never pay for scholarship searches. Go to http://www.Salliemae.com or http://www.fastweb.com to get scholarship information.

Free Application for Student Assistance:

Most individuals are thinking about attending college, but research shows that only one out of four families have applied for this form. This form is found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. When you log onto this site you will see three boxes:

#1 Before Beginning a FAFSA
#2 Filling out a FAFSA
#3 FASA follow-up.

These are all self-explanatory.

It is recommended that if you require financial assistance that you always search out Federal funds first as their interest rages are better and they have better payment programs.

529 Savings Plan:

Parents should check out the 529 Savings Plan early on. Lately, there has been a lot of discussion regarding this program.
In making allocations to this program, as your child is in their teens nearing their college years you will want to allocate 15%, or less, in stocks. Put your contributions into money markets or CD’s only. You can put all of your allocation into these areas if you want.

For information on this program go to http://www.savingforcollege.com. Check out the various items in the “Quick Menu” area on the left-hand side of the page. Start with the “College Savings 101” for a complete understanding of this program.

Other family members can contribute to this program. This plan allows you tax advantages and there is no income limitations. Many people neglect to include this $2,500 tax credit on their income tax forms. This credit is allowed for tuition, books, fees and supplies.

Save Money on Textbooks:

You can save hundreds of dollars on textbooks by renting books or buying used, or older editions of textbooks. You can buy or rent online at:

Also, be sure to check out Amazon’s Textbook Buyback program. Log onto Amazon.com, open an account and check out their textbook buyback department. Enter the name of your textbook to find out how much Amazon will pay you. They will put this money on your account.

Sign up for Amazon’s Student program. This will allow you to unlimited two-day free shipping on textbooks and other items. There is no minimum size order required. With the Student Program you will receive Amazon Prime (a $79 value) free for one year. This program is for students only.

You will save hundreds of dollar buying older editions of textbooks. Be sure to check with your professors first to be certain that these older editions are acceptable.

I hope that the information on College Education Financial Assistance I have included here will be helpful to you.

I wish you much success!

Judy Conway
Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

Do You Think You Need A Lawn Service?

Author: Judy Conway

• Monday, August 02nd, 2010

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“Do you think you need a lawn service” might very well be a question you have asked yourself many times. Two weeks ago this very same question crossed my mind.

As is my routine, I put on my heavy duty sneakers, wrapped my bad knee with an Ace bandage and began one of my least favorite chores … mowing my lawn. I only have a third of an acre so it is no big deal. I am a very independent 64-year old grandmother who enjoys doing things herself. I really do not like to burden others with my responsibilities. Keeping my yard looking cared for is one of those responsibilities.

I put gas in the mower, gave a yank on the cord and I was off. The front yard and one side is a breeze to do. However the other side yard has a challenging slope. I have discovered that the best way to cut this side is going front to back, and back and forth. However, this time I was at the top and noticed that I had missed a spot. Not thinking I turned the mower down the slope and went after the uncut spot. It was a matter of seconds when I realized the mower was picking up speed and had a mind of its own heading down the slope. I tightened my grip and hung on.

I am not quite sure what happened at the bottom but it was not long and I discovered I had fallen and the lawnmower had flipped over. I had visions of being chopped up and my sole goal was to hang onto the handle on the mower to keep it pushed away from my body.

I lay there for a few seconds and had the crazy thought, “I hope no one saw me do this.” I managed to get back up on my feet and turn the mower back over. By this time the oil in the mower was dripping on the motor and I was engulfed in thick white billowing smoke. So thick in fact that it filled the space between my neighbor’s house and mine and I could not even see the street in front of my house. I was dreading the arrival of the fire department! After the mower was right side up, the smoke situation cleared up and I took my wounded pride and body back up the hill and finished the flat part at the top.

After all was said and done, I realized that I had sprained my shoulder when I fell on the ground and possibly bruised my ribs. It was a full week before I could take a deep breath and even get out of bed without being in excruciating pain. I am extremely thankful that it was not worse.

I would like to pass along a tip that I practice myself. When you are outside doing yard work, cleaning your gutters, etc. be sure you have your cell phone in your pocket. You never know when you might need to call for help!

Just like the statement you have to get back on the horse when you fall off, I am still going to be mowing my lawn. The experience did find me asking myself the question, “Do you think you need a lawn service!” So as you are out there doing your yard work….be careful!

Judy Conway

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Category: gardening, health, home, Inspirational, internet marketing tools, Uncategorized | Tags: cell phone, cutting grass, Garden, lawn service, lawnmower, tip to remember, yard work | 2 Comments