I’m back! I know its been awhile since I have blogged, but I am making a commitment to blog at least 2x a week from here forward.   I think like many people who blog, I often wonder what I could possibly have to say that others want to read, but I have been encouraged to write about what I am living and learning, so here it is.

God has revealed so much to me, (its not all fun to hear, but of course all things I need to hear, and the outcome is of course). I know we learn from each other, so I can’t wait to share as He leads. 

So, its summer time, the time of freedom (from schoolwork at least); a time for family , friends and food!  So far this summer has brought a lot of freedom, fun, friends and food (clean eating my friends, but that’s another blog).  We are spending as much time as possible at the lake, the beach and in our pool. From what we have been told, next summer will not bring near as much freedom.  Our youngest will be a rising 9^th grader (EEEK!) and with that brings summer 9^th grade baseball and summer school classes (baseball coach requires this).  So we are enjoying this summer and yes, even excited about next summer and the new adventure.  :)

And though next summer sometimes slips from the back of my mind and into my thoughts, I am learning to live in the moment and trust God where he has us now.

As I looked up from my computer screen just now, I saw John 3:30…”He must increase but I must decrease”. 

That verse is posted on my desk and I see it everyday. It is a continual reminder to trust the Lord, be still and listen to Him and surrender myself and my desire to His will.  Every time I turn around I see those words, I am pretty sure He makes sure I see them, (this girl needs lots of reminding, and He knows it). He also knows my heart, which is to follow Him, so he is teaching me what that looks like, to surrender, be still and to trust.

The blessing I have experienced in the past four months of really living that out have been amazing. Makes me kinda sad for what I have been missing out on I am sure, but makes me excited too about what His glorious plans are ahead.

From my side of the fence, following His ways brings peace, joy and freedom…. And I am loving it!

Xoxo-Cathy

Hooray for Summer!

Summer is almost here, and I'm kinda excited, well, not kinda, I am excited! Humor me here as I go thru my list.

*It's warm and sunny today, FINALLY! :) (I'm not complaining, just stating facts)

*All my men both big and one almost big are under the same roof. Yes, our college boy, D,  is home from an awesome 3rd year of both Academics and basketball!

*School is over in our house! Our first go at home schooling was a HUGE success. We were able to finish all 6th grade academics almost 3 weeks before the local public school, and why you ask? Well, because we get to work at our own pace; which for "A"is full steam ahead and very driven! We love home schooling!! I even heard my husband say we are for sure doing it through Middle School! :) yea!

      *This month was one of my favorite (seriously) sales   
      Thirty One does all year... Thermal sale, half price 
      thermal sale to be exact! And with our new catalog, we 
      have added new thermal styles and new prints! Check it 
      out here!  

      *Fresh veggies from our garden! Yes, we have a garden, 
      and I love getting the fresh produce that we planted and 
      God grows!

That about sums up what's making me excited today!

Keep checking back next month, for the great Thirty-One specials! I will be doing another give away soon!

-Cathy

The Grass is Greener on My Side of the Fence

When I think of the blessings in my life, I have a long list... a very long, amazing list.

My husband, our sons, my parents, my brothers, sister-in-laws and all the nieces and nephews, my precious friends, a warm home, a car that runs, my health, and the list

goes on!  Yep, I'm pretty blessed! 

And if all of that isn't enough, I have something else in my life that has turned out to be an incredible blessing. It started out as something for "me," something I could call my own.  I don't mean for that to sound selfish, I was just in a place where I kinda needed to find myself again.  I can't really explain it (well I could, but it's way too long to share in a blog!), but at the end of the day what happened is that the Lord opened some doors and showed me Thirty One Gifts.

Initially, I sort of "dabbled" at being a Consultant.  And then I realized, "Hey, I'm really good at this!"  It used all of my strengths:

• I love people.  
• I love the product.  
• I love organization. 
• I love being successful, and
• I love helping other people be successful!  

Within just a few months of really deciding that I was going to turn Thirty One Gifts into my own personal income generating business THIS happened to me! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



Over the past 2 years, I have been working, successfully building a business on my own terms, in the time that I want to give to it each month.  I have been honored to make new friends, all over the country. These ladies are women just like me.  They have gifts, talents, strengths, and a desire to either support their family income or they are the primary income for their families.  They have all been such an encouragement to my soul! I love getting to see them at National Conference, it's something we all look forward to every year. (I guess they are a part of my blessings as well!)

But that's not where this story ends. Thirty One Gifts started 10 years ago, this year, and it's grown by leaps and bounds! I know the Lord has blessed this company because our founder and owner, Cindy Monroe, seeks God, loves God, and puts Him first. She lives what she teaches, and The Lord has blessed her, and by blessing her, everyone around her has been blessed.

Let me also add this . . . which is what made me start thinking about writing this blog today, the Top 100 List of Best Direct Sales Companies for 2012 came out this week and Thirty One is #18, with $718,000,000 in sales!

NUMBER EIGHTEEN!!!!!!  718 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!
Now that's some exciting news!!

I am a Thirty One Gifts Independent Director because it allows me to be a successful small business owner.  It allows me to support my husband and family, and it allows me to help other people do the same! 

I would love to help you achieve those things as well!  Give me a call, and I will give you all the secret info, like how many hours I actually work and how much money I actually make! I'm talking full disclosure here people!  Want more info on being part of this amazing journey?  Give me a call or shoot me an email!

I'd love to hear your blessing list too!  Leave me a comment and tell me how God is blessing you today!

From my side of the fence, I'm thinking the grass is looking pretty green right where I'm standing. 

Cathy Henry

Ind. Director, Thirty One

770-316-6356

www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry

Let 'Em Eat Cake!

UPDATE: Amy, you have won this amazing new Thirty One  tote...go to www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry and pick which print you wld like and I will order it for you! Congrats!!

I have a friend of mine who is madly in love with this cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.  Every time she talks about it I think to myself, "Oh my gosh, I want to eat that cheesecake!"

The cheesecake she loves is the White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake.  I asked her to describe it to me (as only she can) and this is what she wrote.

"This is hands-down the best cheesecake I have ever had in my mouth.  It's the kind of cheesecake that is so good that when you slice a bite and put it in your mouth, you want to close your eyes and savor the moment.  And the only thing that can top "that moment" is knowing that you're going to get to take another bite and another bite and another bite.  

The crust of this cheesecake has a ribbon of caramel threaded through it.  And then right above the crust is a layer of thick, rich, buttery caramel.  And it that's not enough, then there is the actual cheesecake, made with white chocolate, cream cheese,  and crushed macadamia nuts.  I don't even like macadamia nuts, so don't be put off by that if you don't like them, they just add this incredible richness to the flavor of the cheesecake.  

Oh my gosh.  All I can say is if you ever go there, skip dinner and get the cheesecake.  It will change your life."

Can you tell she loves this cheesecake?  She does.  And she has told that story so many times to so many people that complete strangers who have overheard her telling the story have asked her to write down the name of the cheesecake.

THAT is what being a fan of something is about.  You love it so much you want everyone to have it!

I was thinking about her and her cheesecake today when I was thinking about why I love Thirty-One Gifts.  It's not just a great product at a great price.  That's like saying my friend's cheesecake is a nice dessert.  It just doesn't do it justice.

Selling Thirty-One Gifts has given me a confidence in myself that I had lost.  It's helped me see that I can believe in myself and achieve the things God has for me. (I became a Director 5 months into being an active consultant. ) Of course it helps that it IS a great product, but it's so much more than that.  I really do want everyone to know about it, own it, sell it, because it is just that great.

When I first started this blog, I did it for two reasons.  I wanted to share a bit about myself with my readers, my friends, my customers; and I wanted to build my 31 business.  I've been pretty good about sharing about myself, but not so great about sharing about Thirty One.  And honestly, it wasn't until this morning that I realized, I LOVE 31 and I want EVERYONE to know it!  And maybe that sounds a little bit dorky to you, but you just wait.

Soon, you'll share my love for 31 like I share my friend's love for her cheesecake.  You just won't be able to help yourself. (I already have 34 consultants that work on my team! So I know what I'm talking about!)

In honor of my "I LOVE 31 Epiphany Day," I'm going to tell you two things.

1.  You can become a consultant for 31 right now without risking a penny.  It's normally $99 to get started (which is still a great price for over $300 worth of products) but right now there is a special going that will let you start selling Thirty One and get your starter kit for free! Email me at this link to get more information and get started today!

2.  I'm going to give away Keep it Caddy, in a pattern of your choice.  Just because I love you.  If you want to win, you have to comment and tell me why you want to win.  I'm going to pick the best answer (no random drawing) so do your best work!

From my side of the fence, I can see that I am about to change your life!  And once you sign up, we should go have cheesecake.  I'm kind of craving it now!

Cathy
(I might have gone a little crazy with the links, but I just wanted to be sure you didn't miss it!  Don't judge me!)

Live Life Sassy Giveaway

UPDATE, AND THE WINNER IS......Elizabeth! (contact me Elizabeth to get your prize!) Thanks to random number generator for picking the winner!

So, I have not written in a few weeks, been trying to get back into the swing of things with our new adventure of homeschooling our youngest, who is 12. 

I am happy to announce, he loves it, and I love it! He has begged us to homeschool him for awhile, so we took the plunge, and its great! I love the extra time we get to spend together and the freedom we have to travel and watch our oldest, D, play in his college basketball games (he had an amazing game on Monday and rocked it with his college career high in points!) Most of all, I love the joy that I see in A's life because he is enjoying life, school, and being a boy! He is devouring the new curriculum, which is Christian-based.  

Now, back to business.  A couple of weeks ago, 2 to be exact, I promised you a give away. I also said this first give away would not be Thirty One (though there WILL be a Thirty One giveaway because, hey, who doesn't love Thirty One Gifts, and even better, who doesn't love FREE Thirty One!)

But, like I said, this isn't about Thirty One.  

Back to the giveaway.

I have a friend who has the most incredible Etsy Shop,  Live, Life, Sassy.  She sells super cute, monogrammed items. And my giveaway this week is from her shop.

We (I say "we" because I get to help pick out the incredible fabrics and color combos that she uses) have many colors of knit infinity scarves that can be personalized with your monogram in 1 of 10 different colors and 1 of 3 different fonts. We also have white pillow cases that can be personalized with a monogram, name, or initial. I know you are going to love all of her stuff as much as I do!

So, that brings me to YOU! With all this cold weather, everyone is grabbing their coats and gloves, and no doubt, a warm scarf!  I am giving away an infinity scarf in a gray and white chevron print, monogrammed!  I will contact the winner and discuss font style and color, so no worries there!

So, how can you win this super cute item you ask? Do ALL of these things.

1.  Follow my blog.  (Yes, it's a shameless approach to upping my readers. I'm okay with it.)

2.  Pin this post.

3.  Comment below and be sure to leave your email address (if you want) so I can get in touch with you if you win!

4.  Check back on Monday and see if you won!

From my side of the fence, you are going to LOVE your awesome, warm, beautiful, free scarf.  You're welcome.

Cathy

2013 - The Year of Shaping Up

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Who makes them and who keeps them?

I mean REALLY keeps them, as in who keeps them in June, July, and later? 

I must admit that I do not usually keep them much past the end of February (and that's a good year)! BUT this year is different, because I have made my New Year's resolutions without realizing it, and I made them EARLY, as in NOVEMBER early. So, they are already a habit! :) 

Remember I talked about getting healthy? Well, I started! And as you read this, I have been totally gluten free for over 30 days, and I feel great! 

Next is to start running again. Did I mention I signed my husband and myself up for a 5k on Jan 13? Did I mention I have not run in oh, maybe 8 months or more? But hey, who's counting!

So, I am committed to my New Year's resolution of being healthy (and not just physically healthy, though that's a big part of it!)  So that I will be publicly accountable, here are my resolutions in a list form: 

• I will be physically healthy. 
• I will make healthy choices with my food.
• I will exercise, in some capacity 5 days a week.
• I will have a healthy marriage.
• I will put my husband first, including with  my time. 
• I will be emotionally healthy.
• I will nourish the rich friendships I have, spending time with those I love.
• I will seek forgiveness from those whom I have hurt, and forgive those that have hurt me.
• I will be professionally healthy.
• I will run my business in a way that pleases God.
• I will give it my all, committing myself to make it successful.
• I will make sure I keep a proper balance between work and family and faith.
• I will be spiritually healthy.  
• I am committing to my time with the Lord, every day, period. I have a devotional, Jesus Calling, and I will read it and the scriptures listed with it, every day. I know that keeping my body healthy matters for this earth, but keeping my focus on the Lord; that's what really matters. 

From my side of the fence, 2013 is "shaping up" to be a great year.  (Sorry, I just couldn't resist!)

Cathy

Lilly Love

So, I don't know if you know this or not, but the word "fan" is actually an abbreviation of the word FANATIC.

I said that because I am a fan . . . okay I'm a FANATIC of Lilly Pulitzer.  Such a fan, in fact, that I even know that her birthday was just a few weeks ago on November 10th!

Who is Lilly Pulitzer, you ask? 

Well first of all, shame on you for not knowing, especially if you call yourself a southern girl or a girly girl!

"It all started in a juice stand" in 1959!  Lilly is a designer I LOVE (yes, we're on a first name basis . . . at least from my end we are!)  I've mentioned Lilly before.  She is a designer that I love!

She has been called the "Queen of Prep."   Her bright, cheerful, clothes are popular and have been worn by actresses, First Ladies, and me. :)  (I keep such good company!)  And also by my cousin, Jen, who I just HAVE to mention because she introduced me to my obsession love of Lilly years ago. 

Check them out, I bet you will be hooked too! www.lillypulitzer.com

Oh, and by the way, now in addition to ladies' clothes, the Lilly line carries children's and men's clothes, shoes, jewelry, bedding and more!  Man, I sound like a commercial for Lilly.  But I can't help myself!  I love her!

Lilly lovers know that there is no comparison, and just wearing Lilly has been known to make your day better!

From my side of the fence, every day (even cold days!)  should be a Lilly Day!

Cathy

It's Not a Diet

I don't know if you have seen the movie Kindergarten Cop before, but it's so funny.  Arnold Schwarzenegger is a cop who impersonates a Kindergarten Teacher in order to catch a crook.  In the movie, there is this one kid who is a total fatalist and constantly says, "Maybe it's a tumor!"  Finally, in a moment of madness, Arnold's character yells "It's not a tumor!"  Only in Arnold's voice it sounds like, "It's not a tuma."

That story has nothing to do with this blog other than when I think of the title, "It's Not a Diet," I think of Arnold's voice saying it like his character in Kindergarten Cop saying "It's not a tuma!" 

Truthfully, I kind of feel the same frustration he must have felt in that moment, because I keep telling myself I need to go on a diet, but my other self says, "It's not a diet!"

In an effort to be open and transparent ( like some friends I so greatly respect) I am going to share with you, my blogger friends, about a struggle I have called weight. I have struggled with my weight since our youngest son was born, 12 years ago. Before then, I never struggled with my weight.  I ate what I wanted, when I wanted.  But not now. No way. Just looking at a piece of cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory makes me gain 5lbs!

My goal is to loose weight and be the healthiest mom I can be.  So today, I started a journey, (ok, i started it again, for the 100th time!)  My journey to good physical health.

In the past, I have consulted nutritionist, trainers, you name it!  I have gone to them for the quick fix on loosing weight. News flash, there is no quick fix. The thing is, I KNOW how to lose weight and get healthy!  I know that 80% of a weight issue is what we put in out mouths,  and 20% is from some sort of work out that gets your blood flowing. I know the right and wrong way, I know the foods, to eat, I know how to do interval training, and the list goes on.  

I just struggle to do it.  

I am asking each of you to pray for me as I start this journey for the FINAL time. Yes, I said final. I am taking all of the knowledge I have gleaned over the years and the encouragement of friends, and I have set goals to loose weight and get healthy. I am not using a trainer (been there done that).   I am not using a prepared meal plan (done that too). I am going to be eating clean, small portions, 5-7 times a day, no and I mean NO processed foods, and I am starting to train again for a little race in January. 

Feel free to message and ask me how this journey is going. I welcome the accountability. I will keep you all posted. 

From my side of the fence, I'm pretty darn excited to think about myself at this time next year.  I'm gonna be one smokin' hot mama!  (HA!  My friend Carol told me I had to say that!)

Cathy

Some are Called to Go; Some are Called to Give

I want to tell you guys about an incredible woman today.  Her name is Sammie Smimmo, and on January 1, 2013, she will leave Houston, Texas, and begin a journey that will take her through 65 cities, with stops at 52 Homeless Shelters in 52 Weeks.  A documentary of her journey will be filmed and book will be written that will share this amazing look at the homeless in our nation.

Her purpose?  To take the message of Hope to people who seemingly have no hope.  And to raise awareness for the homeless situation in this country.  (Did you know that more than 50% of the homeless in our nation are women and children?  I am ashamed to say that I used to think that homeless people were all drunks or drug addicts. Not true, I have learned).

Sammie's story is pretty amazing.  She went from being a millionaire to being homeless, all in just a few short months.  Her husband, a drug addict and philander left her after 16+ years of marriage.  Depression, of course, took over, and one night she took herself to the hospital, thinking she was having a heart attack.  In reality, it was just a panic attack, but while there, they discovered a lump in her breast.  A lump that turned out to be cancer.

Sammie lost it all.  Her marriage, her business, her health, and her home.  She went from living in a palatial home to living in a tool shed with no running water (no bathroom, no shower, all while struggling through brutal chemotherapy!)

During that time of incredible personal loss, Sammie discovered a deep love for Jesus.  And He called her to work with the homeless.  Since that day, she has worked 7 days a week (even during chemo and the 17 cancer related surgeries she had to have afterward!) feeding and loving the Homeless.

When asked why she is going on this journey across the country, she said simply, "People on the street need to know that they matter.  They need to know that someone knows they exist; that God knows they exist.  And they need to know that there is hope for them.  I'm going because God told me to go."

I want to help Sammie on this incredible journey.  There are many ways each of us can help.  Some can give money.  Some can host Sammie when she is in your city.  And I've thought of another incredible way you can help!  Sammie will be living out of her car and providing food and Bibles out of her car for the THOUSANDS of people she will meet on this journey.  And to do that, she needs a way to be organized and to carry all of her stuff.  (ah hem . . . throat clear noise . . .)  I just HAPPEN to be a 31 Gifts Consultant and we just HAPPEN to sell a product that will both help Sammie get organized and to carry all her stuff.

This is where you come in!  I have a list on my website of all the totes that Sammie needs.  But we have to do this fast because as I said, she's leaving on January 1, 2013!  If you want to help, go to  www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry, click on events and then Sammie. There you can purchase one of the organizing utility totes or the large utility totes.  And, just to be sure you guys don't think I'm doing this to promote my own business, I'm giving 100%, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of my profit to Sammie's trip!

From my side of the fence, I see a big chance to make a big difference in the life of someone else.  Some of us are called to go, some are called to give.  I'm glad Sammie's going.  And I want to join her by giving!  Will you join me?

Cathy

I, Cathy Henry, Am a Duck Fan

Our family is hooked on a new show called Duck Dynasty. I know what you are thinking, someone who loves Lilly Pulitzer, pink and green, tiaras and monograms, and is KNOWN for being a girlie girl! . . . a show called Duck Dynasty?! 

If I have to pass blame, it's to our oldest, "D", who started us on the show. He kept telling us we had to watch it because it was soooooo funny! 

And he was right!  Omgosh!

Yep, we love it. 

Maybe it is because it takes me back to my roots of the south, where guns and camo and old fashioned values all matter. Maybe it's because I grew up with all brothers and now have sons. 

But whatever the reason, it's great!  The show is about a family from Louisiana who has made millions $ making duck calls.  The "founding father", Phil Robertson is the neatest man. He loves life and is always positive. He loves God, his family, and his country, and he is not afraid to tell anyone about it!  

He stands on principle and the truth. He stands on the Word of God, and that's rare to see now days. At the end of the show they always close with the family around the table, heads bowed, praying.  What a great way to end a show and a day.  

There is no profanity, no ugliness, only laughter,  and lots and lots of pranks.  It's about knowledge and love being passed from one generation to the next. That's it!  Now this is family TV. I laugh till I cry almost every time.  (On a recent episode, they were all in the forest picking Muscadine berries.  Their Uncle Si bent over and picked up a berry off the ground and ate it, then said, "That tastes like crap!" (okay, maybe there's a little bit of language!) His nephew looks down and says, "Did you eat berries out of that pile right there?"  And Uncle Si said, "Yes."  Everyone died laughing and the nephew said, "Uncle Si, that's a pile of coon turds!  When was the last time you had your eyes checked?"  I laughed until I cried.  Yes, "I" watch this show! 

My favorite saying is from Phil Robertson. He says "Happy, Happy, Happy" I love that! 

From my side of the fence, I think TV needs a lot more "reality" shows like this one.  Love, values, and just plain old fashioned fun!  If you haven't seen it, it comes on A&E on cable.

Cathy

Decorating Makes My Heart Happy

I am not a cold weather girl, 

(my parents have said I have salt water in my veins, and I think I do. 

I like it hot and the sun shining!)

The only exception to this is for the holiday season.  I love the holiday season!
I love everything about it.  (Even the cold!)

I so enjoy listening to Christmas carols and decorating our home.

And decorating for Christmas, bringing out all the special ornaments and things the boys have made over the years...this makes me as happy as a warm summer day! :)

I have added a few new decorations this year, of course ideas I got from Pinterest!!

From my side of the fence, I think every season should be as awesome as Christmas.  Then I'd never miss the beach.  (Who am I kidding, that's totally not true!)

Cathy

...off to finish up the decorating!

Traditions

So, as I was having a conversation about holiday traditions with a friend of mine the other day, she asked me if I was going to blog about what we do for Thanksgiving, and I thought, “Well, I guess I should.”

I mean, that’s kind of the point of a blog isn’t it?  Giving you all the cruicial details of my life and family and life habits and traditions and dinner menus and such. 

So as I sat down and thought through our family holiday traditions, I was really overwhelmed by how much I love my family.  I know this isn’t a surprise to any of you, and it’s certainly not a surprise to me, but sometimes I am just overcome with how blessed I am to have the family I have.

Really, it’s what I love so much about this time of year.  And of course we have traditions we cherish.  For starters, no Thanksgiving Day is complete without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I love the music and dancing.  It makes me stop and think about ALL I really have to be thankful for, and I realize once again how much the Lord has blessed me.

Then we almost always go to my oldest brother's home. My brother smokes a turkey and ham.  The girls, (my mom, sister in laws, and myself) make all the sides.  (of course we all have our certain ones that we ALWAYS make.) The men, silly boys, always ask for the same thing EVERY year...strawberry "salad" (which consists of jello, whipped topping, pretzels, and strawberries), deviled eggs, dressing, (yummy) spinach casserole, squash casserole, and sweet potato souffle.  These are the things we MUST have!  (Don' t even think of  subtracting something from the menu or the men will revolt!)

It seems our large family likes tradition, even when it’s with the food!

Another tradition we have is that we always draw names for Christmas, on Thanksgiving.   Once our family got so big, it was just easier to draw names, and it makes it more personal we have found over the years.

Of course there is the tradition of the lighting of the great Christmas tree in Atlanta. We don’t ever miss it! 

From my side of the fence, I have to say that I just love tradition, and I love the holidays! 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours~

Cathy

 Shhh. I am adding something
 (don't worry, I am not removing one 
thing from the menu!) hor d'oeuvres, 
something I found on pinterest, http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/jalapeno-bacon-and-cream-cheese-bites/ 

I am so excited about this!  I will let you know what kind of reviews my family gives!

Top Ten Ways to Grow Your Direct Sales Business

I know I've mentioned this before (okay probably many times) but I am a Thirty-One Director.  I am a part of a great company that produces an amazing product that everyone can use.  I love this picture because it's the day I was recognized as a "Director."  There's nothing like having your name in GIANT PRINT to motivate you to succeed!

Direct sales work is a home-based business.  I am my own boss.  I get to decide if I succeed or if I fail.  I am basically self-employed.

And let me tell you, it's not easy to be self-employed.  You have to be motivated every day to be "out there" selling your product, yourself, and your business. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to grow my business.  I want it to be all it can be, all it should be, and so I think about, read about, talk about how to grow a direct sales business all the time.

So between all this talking, reading and thinking, I came up with my "TOP TEN WAYS TO GROW YOUR DIRECT SALES BUSINESS."  I hope this helps you get you re-focused on your business and all the potential it has! It sure helped me to sit down and write these things down and start doing them!

MY TOP TEN

1. Make 7 phone calls a week related to new business.  In the case of Thirty-One Gifts, the company I work with, this means asking for new bookings. Remember, you will probably get about 1 yes for every 4-5 no's, so don't give up!  Because you won't get ANY yeses if you aren't asking!
2. Write down your weekly and monthly goals and put them somewhere you will see them EVERY DAY!  I create a "note" on my iphone, then screenshot it and save it as my wallpaper.  So literally every time I get on my phone, I see my goals.
3. Share the opportunity about your business with at least 4 people a month (this is for those of us that are trying to recruit people).
4. Showcase your products...purses and totes? CARRY THEM.  Jewelry? WEAR IT.  Make up? USE IT. Whatever you have, use it daily so people see and want it too!
5. Do a drawing via facebook or email once a month for a giveaway to all your hostesses and customers...it doesn't have to be something big. No matter what it is, people love to win something, anything!
6. Hand out 5 of your business cards EVERYDAY! Dry cleaner, restaurant, your child's school, doctor's office, you name it! You never know where that business card or even a business catalog may end up! :)
7. Offer to do a fundraiser for a local organization and giving back a portion of your profits! People always like to support their favorite cause and getting something in return is extra fun!
8. Don't allow other people to run your business...book parties on days that are convenient for you.  After all, you are your own boss for a reason, right?
9. Always, always, always send a handwritten thank you note the day after an event or party. Thank the hostess or customer for using you and supporting your business! People will always remember the business owner that had the "attitude of gratitude" and they will come back!
10. Have fun! Enjoy what you do! People are drawn to positive energy and positive people!

From my side of the fence, I love getting to do what I do.  I can't believe everyone doesn't own at least one Thirty-One tote because they really are that good.  I hope you feel that strongly about your product or business! Oh, and feel free to check out my business here: www.mythirtyone.com/catherinehenry

Let me know how these things work for your business, I would love to hear back from you!

Cathy

Thankful

I'm just thankful.

Thankful for God's grace and mercy in my life.

Thankful for second chances, and 3rd, and 4th.

Thankful for a husband who loves me the skinny me, the not-so-skinny me, the moody me and the almost always happy me.

Thankful my parents picked me, or rather that the Lord picked my parents for me. :)

Thankful God blessed me with children, sons, (whom I love to the moon and back and with all my heart).

Thankful for my brothers AND the amazing women they married (so now I have sisters)!

Thankful for my mother-in-law.  I really love her.

Thankful for cousins (one who is like a sister to me) aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Thankful for my friends.... God has blessed me with friends that "stick closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

if you are looking for a great book about grace, joy and a thankful heart, check this one out....
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp

Today, I am overwhelmed with a thankful heart.

What are you thankful for? Post below and share with me.

Cathy

SURPRISE!

Other than the joy my husband brings me (just by being himself!) the joy of being a parent is the greatest thing. (Okay, there are lots of things that bring me great joy in my life, but seriously, being a parent ranks WAY up there in the top two!)

I enjoy so much about my sons, but watching them play the sports they love is incredible.  Right now it's basketball season, and that is our oldest son, D's, sport! He transferred this year to a new college, and with that comes some uncertainty about new coaches, new team mates, and playing time of course. I spend a lot of time praying for him, (not all related to sports, of course), but I have prayed and prayed for the Lord to keep him healthy and allow him to shine with the talents I know the Lord has given him! He has such passion for basketball!

Well, now that I have properly set up this story, I have a D. story for you. :)

On Friday of last week, we loaded up and headed 3 hours south to watch him on the road for his team's first game of the season. We were really excited as we traveled down the road, mostly from the anticipation of seeing D., but also knowing we were going to surprise him by being there for his first game! (His little brother even had on his new CCG t-shirt to show his support!) 

We got there right on time, and when D. turned around and saw us, he smiled from ear to ear! Surprise Success!

The joy of his surprise would have totally been enough for me, but he played amazingly well! He was the high scorer of the game with 13 points! (Humor me, it was a proud mom moment ok?!) 

And I may or may not have stood up after his third 3-pointer and yelled "That's my boy!" HA!

We were not able to make it to game #2, which was the next day, but we got the update as soon as it was over . . . 13 points and 7 rebounds!

I hope you enjoyed your surprise, D.  We LOVED surprising you!

"Lord, thank you for blessing this very un-athletic momma with two boys that take after their daddy and love athletics. Thank you for giving them the bodies and desires to pursue their dreams. Lord, please keep them safe from injury (and heal the injuries we already have...son #2 is almost out of a cast from a baseball injury, broken arm)."

From my side of the fence, I am blessed. I love watching my sons play sports and have fun! But mostly, I love being a mom. 

Cathy

He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures

Being a stay at home wife and mother is hard work for many reasons.  That doesn't mean that working outside the home isn't hard, or maybe harder because you (moms, and maybe some dads) are working outside the home and also have to do all the things many stay at home moms do.  But it doesn't mean my job isn't hard.

I  am typically on the go doing something for someone every day.  I'm taxiing people, running errands for my husband or my kids or my family or my neighbors or my friends.  There is a common misconception among people that we stay at home moms have tons of time on our hands, so they are always asking us to do stuff  PLUS, I'm a doer and a server (and an enormous people pleasure), and I find it difficult to say no at times.

Plus, when you are a stay at home wife and mom, there are expectations about the cleanliness of your home and the quality of the meals you cook.  I mean, you're at home all day.  You should have a super clean house, no dirty clothes and a hot gourmet meal on the table, right?

Stay at home moms are supposed to either be homeschooling their kids or volunteering often at their kid's schools, providing snacks at all sporting events, running the booster club, and anything else that might come up related to their kids' interests.

We should be thin from all the time we have to workout.  We should be rested and ready (wink) for our husbands because of all the free time we have on our hands each day.

And we should have figured out how to have a 6 figure income (okay, well at least a 5 figure income) by some incredible stay at home job as well.

Right?

But just for the record, these are my expectations of myself.  I'm sure there are SOME people out there who might also have these expectations of we stay at home moms, but for the most part, I have the greatest expectations of myself.

I think it is because with a personality type like mine, I want to be sure I'm contributing, that I'm pulling my weight.  Honestly, it's why I started selling Thirty One.  And though I love the product (I DO!) and love what I'm doing for myself and for other families, I started doing it because I wanted to feel like I was contributing to my family.

But man, Satan can sure use all of that against me at times.  It's not that I want to be super mom.  I don't.  Or super wife (just ask Ray, HA!)  But I want to know that I am helping my family in every way I can. It's finding the balance that is difficult.

So I'm spending some time at the feet of Jesus asking Him to help me find balance, to give me direction, to show me my worth through His eyes.

From my side of the fence, maybe I'll sit here in the tall grass of His green pasture for a while.

Forgiveness

Sometimes, people you love and that love you, hurt you.  That's a reality of life.  Yet, it is our human nature to protect ourselves from ever being hurt again by holding a grudge against the person who hurt us.  It's not that we want to be bitter, angry people.  It's that we don't want to be hurt.  And by being vulnerable, trusting, . . . forgiving . . . we open ourselves up to further hurt. 

Why am I saying all of that?  It's because I have recently learned a very valuable lesson about bitterness and about forgivenss.

Recently, my family was hurt by someone, a hurt so deep that the bitterness from it consumed me.  Not only that, my bitterness affected my youngest son who had also been hurt.  It's as though my bitterness gave him permission to be bitter as well.

One day, a sweet, precious friend told me that I needed to be on my knees and to ask the Lord to set me free because the bitterenss was consuming me. That afternoon, I got down and begged the Lord to set me free and deliver me from my anger, bitterness, and resentment. The Lord saw my heart and knew I was crying out for His help.  I could not do this without Him.

Then I went downstairs to find my youngest son (who was home from school that day) so we could talk about what God was teaching me.  We talked about my bitterness and also about his bitterness.  We both asked the Lord to forgive us and to set us free from these feelings that were controlling our lives.

As I stand (ok sit) here today, I can tell you that the Lord lifted a weight from both of us that day. We are free from the weight of unforgiveness, and it feels amazing! There is a weight, a heaviness in your spirit that comes from holding a grudge, from being bitter.  I heard it said once that bitterness is like swallowing a poison and waiting for the other person to die.  So true.

I realized that by holding onto my resentment and bitterness towards the person who had hurt my family, my youngest son was following exactly what he saw me doing.  I was bitter and unforgiving, therefore he was bitter and unforgiving. (Great mom award, right? NOT!) The bitterness that was eating me alive was also eating him alive.

So, I am here to tell you, from personal experience, you will be wronged in your lifetime.  Someone is going to hurt you.  And when it happens, and it will happen, you have two choices; forgive or hold onto the hurt and anger.   

But I have learned this; when we hold onto the hurt and anger, it eats us alive, inside and out. It physically hurts our bodies.  And, if that's not enough, it also ages us on the outside too, YIKES!  And with all we, I do to try to stay looking younger,  (ok, I am vain, I admit) why would we age ourselves and live in bitterness and anger?  We lose!

It's good to be free, and forgiven.  And it's a great anti-aging RX!

From my side of the fence, I must constantly realize that Jesus offers me forgiveness every single day, many times a day. How can I do any less?

David

I knew when I started this blog, that I would someday write about my brother, David.  Losing a sibling is the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life, and has shaped me in such significant ways, that I knew I would have to share his story.

David was my little brother, and I use the word "little" only because he was younger than me.  In size, he was a 6'3" 250lb, overgrown teddy bear with a heart of gold; certainly not "little" by any stretch of the imagination!


David and I in High School

 

Of four siblings, David and I were the closest in age, so we grew up together playing outside, riding four wheelers, dirt bikes, and go-carts, doing chores, fighting as only brothers and sisters can, and sharing our lives.   He and I were best friends growing up, even going on double dates together when we were older.

David loved life to the fullest, and he loved people.  He would share anything he had with anyone, and I do mean anyone!  If you did not know David, and he did not know you, and you approached him and told him you needed something, anything; if he had it, he would give it to you.  He was just that kind of guy!

 



 Uncle David with D and A

On January 9, 2007, David came home from work early. (He was the General Manager of Southern Flooring and Interiors that my older brother owns.) He came in, kissed his wife, and said he was going out for a ride on his four wheeler with his buddies. His wife asked him to be home in 2 hours for dinner, but less than an hour later, a friend came to the house and told Erin she needed to come quickly.  An ambulance had been called and was on its way. 

David had wrecked his four wheeler.
 

 

 

 

The rest of my family was 45 minutes away, at a basketball game for our oldest son, D, when David's wife called us to say there had been an accident.  We found out on the way to the hospital that David had already passed....it was the hardest thing I have ever heard over the phone. I can remember hearing those words even today.  I know right where my car was and on which road, when my sister-in-law told me. 

 

 

David actually passed away the instant he wrecked; flipping his four wheeler and breaking his sternum, puncturing his aorta when he went over the front.

David left behind a wife of 10 years, a little boy who had just turned 3 and a little girl who was not even 2. In my opinion, and I have told God this many times, David left way too soon.  I wish I had been given even one more day to tell David how much I really loved and appreciated him, and how I love the memories of us growing up together.

I have cried and watched my parents and brothers cry until we have no tears left to cry. The pain of this has been the most intense I have ever experienced.

But five years later, I want you to know that although I do not always like what God allows to happen, I know He will use it all for HIS good.  (He promises this in Romans 8:28) We had the plan of salvation shared at David's funeral...and do you know 5 people were saved, and their lives were changed forever, for eternity! 

Remember I said David would do anything for anyone?  I think David would have said, "I will go through that again, for others to find Jesus."  He was that kind of man.

David is missed daily, and will always be missed. There is a hole in our family and a void at all family gatherings.  But the one thing that makes it better is knowing my little brother is perfect now; he does not struggle with life, with the economy, with the influences of this world.

He is perfect and rejoicing with HIS Savior whom he loves so much. David knew Jesus personally, and because of that, we will see him again someday.  He is waiting with my grandparents, in heaven. I love that picture.

From my side of the fence, I just want to say,
"I miss you, David.  And I love you."