The 10 Biggest Networking Mistakes

February 21, 2023 Category :Generals Off

Ever wish you had a time machine so you could travel back to a networking event to take back those horrible things you said? Have you ever engaged in a stimulating conversation with someone before you really know who you’re talking to, only to find out that you’ve been saying the wrong things to the wrong person? Maybe you’re simply challenged by trying to eat, hold your drink, shake hands and pass out business cards all at the same time.

Well, you’re not alone. We’ve all made mistakes at networking events, because – by their very nature – there are a lot of things that can go wrong….IF you’re not prepared! I have found that being prepared can help even the most socially inept, insecure or nervous person to come across like the talented professional they really are. As the author of “The Art of the Business Lunch ~ Building Relationships Between 12 and 2” (Career Press), I personally hosted more than 3,000 client lunches and attended more than 1000 networking events. I saw my sales increase by more than 2000%!

I am a professional keynote speaker and enjoy sharing “The Art of Successful Networking” with my audiences. I’ve found that most people have the same questions and fears, and that MOST of us are nervous or uncomfortable when put into a room full of strangers.

So, what are the biggest mistakes anyone can make at a networking event? I’m glad you asked! Here are my “Top 10 Biggest Networking Mistakes.” If you’re like most of us, you’ll identify with at least a few of these points. Once you know what to avoid, I’ll bet you will actually look forward to the tremendous opportunities that await you at your next event.

“Surely one little drink won’t hurt!” Think again. Getting drunk or even a little sloppy in front of new acquaintances can ruin your chances of ever winning them over. Bad ideas start to sound good when you’re tipsy and you may even become inclined to share off-color jokes or reveal confidences that could sink your career. Drinking clouds your judgment, so take it easy! A great technique for cocktail mixers is to order something light and alternate with water or plain soda.
Make sure you eat something first! You want to be able to focus on the conversation and meeting new people. You can’t do that with your mouth full of chicken or meatballs. If you’re off to a networking luncheon, remember that you can always stop and grab a bite on your way back to your office or your next sales call. And if you’re attending a cocktail mixer, grab a bite to eat as soon as you get there. I assure you it is IMPOSSIBLE to juggle a plate of food, a napkin, a cocktail, business cards (giving and receiving) AND shake hands. Remember that lunch was hours ago and any alcohol will be hitting an empty stomach! You’re likely to get drunk quickly. If possible, eat something on your way there. Worst case scenario? The food at the mixer is fabulous and you’re not hungry enough to pig out on all of it. When you arrive, head for the food, eat what you want, and then head over to the bar for your drink. You will be better able to network once you’ve had a bite to eat, plus you’ll have a free hand for card exchanges and handshakes.
NEVER talk with food in your mouth! When I was writing my book, “The Art of the Business Lunch,’ absolutely everyone told me to include this advice. Apparently there are many business professionals who don’t know not to talk with their mouths full! Also, it’s good to take small bites so that if you are called upon to speak, you can quickly chew and swallow your food before speaking.
Always be kind and courteous to everyone, no matter what! Servers are people, too. Being rude to someone, even if they’ve just spilled a drink on you, only makes you look bad. Remember that any networking event is an opportunity for people to get to know you. Do you want them to come away thinking you’re nasty or over-stressed? Accidents happen. How we react to them reveals our character. This is easier to remember when things are going well. Having a great reaction when things are bad is an opportunity to impress those around you.
NEVER bad-mouth your competition. People aren’t stupid; they will figure out that if you are saying bad things about your competition, you may say bad things about them, too, when they aren’t looking. You can build better business relationships by out-servicing and out-performing your competition.
AVOID awkward silence by being prepared for casual conversation. Whenever I suggest being prepared for casual conversation, my audiences are surprised that they never thought to do this! Over the course of 3,000 client lunches, I learned that I had better be well informed on a LOT of different topics. Try to watch 20 minutes of a national morning news show, read a variety of magazines including industry-specific publications, and be up on the latest in pop culture. Also, be up-to-date on industry news. This should give you a wide platform of knowledge so that you can participate in nearly any conversation. And avoid any controversial subjects – especially in a political year!
Always tip generously! Whether the networking event you’re attending has a cash bar or a hosted bar, always tip your bartender or server generously. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s important to take care of the people who are taking care of you. If a new associate perceives you as cheap, they may be put off.
Don’t sit with your friends. One of the hardest things for most of us to do is to mingle with strangers. We naturally gravitate toward our personal comfort zone, which means seeking out those people we already know and hanging out with them. While a networking event offers the opportunity to see old friends and associates, the main purpose is to meet new people so you can expand your circle. If you cling to the people you already know, how can you meet anyone new? There are several things you can do to overcome your reluctance to visit with strangers, including acting as though it was your party. Playing host or hostess is a great trick; bring a plate of appetizers or desserts over to your table or offer to get drinks for everyone. This makes a strong, incredibly positive impression.
Don’t criticize ANYTHING! We’ve all been served terrible fare at networking events. Politicians joke about the endless “rubber chicken” dinners they attend while on the campaign trail. Making a big deal about a lousy buffet or fishy-smelling sushi appetizers won’t just leave a bad taste in your mouth! Those around you who may not have such a cultivated palate will be turned off, too. Everything – from the room to the turnout to the food should be referred to as “exceptional” or “outstanding.” People prefer to be around positive people, so always try to be positive about everything.
Take your business cards or stay home! I have been handed many a phone number scribbled on a cocktail napkin. I promptly throw them away. A networking event is for business and cards are essential for so many reasons. They offer your name, your position or title, your company name, and various ways to contact you, including e-mail, direct phone line and even a cell phone number. A company website on your card eliminates any guesswork for someone who wants to know more about you or your company. Keep a stash of cards in your car so that if you run out or forget, you will have some handy.

The Protection Of Foreign Investments In Mozambique As Strategy For Development – Part Two

January 20, 2023 Category :Automobiles & Motorcycles| Electronics and Electrical Off

The regional context:

Mozambique’s development program has hardly been affected by the slowdown in global growth and world trade over the past two years because its growth has been driven by strong internal investment in new export-oriented projects. Over the next few years, it has many opportunities to develop its metals industries for export and its ports and rail facilities to provide services for the regional market in southern Africa. In that respect, a resolution to the current problems in neighboring Zimbabwe would help Mozambique to develop those regional transportation facilities that could support the Zimbabwe economy.

Like any African country, Mozambique’s challenges go deeper than absolute poverty, low income, falling trade shares, low savings and slow growth! They also include high inequality, uneven access to resources, social exclusion, and insecurity.

The environment for investment protection in Mozambique

The policy strategy currently pursued by Mozambique is explicitly intended to improve conditions for foreign direct investment (FDI). However, the environment for foreign investments protection in Mozambique is still inadequate to attract high quality and efficiency-seeking investments and the incentive framework continues to suffer from a number of deficiencies.

An investor in Mozambique is of course faced with many of the bureaucratic and infrastructural hurdles usually encountered in developing countries. One major bottleneck for many investors, especially the smaller ones, is the country’s limited administrative capacity. Administrative handling of queries and requests often reveals the deep roots socialism has put down in public-sector culture. With external donor assistance, the Government has now undertaken various red-tape analyses to identify unnecessary administrative difficulties and the ways in which they might be solved.

The increasing importance of FDI in Mozambique

Mozambique is a good example of a least developed country in which the basic constraints on development are being gradually removed by a decisive and reform-minded Government which commands popular support. The sustainability of these efforts depends to a large extent on the tangible results they produce in the main areas of the economy. The Government is aware of this and in general committed to continuing on its current path. It is also aware that private-sector participation and, in particular, foreign direct investment with its unique combination of tangible and intangible assets, is indispensable to economic growth. In sum, Mozambique is developing as a major investment location in Africa, as shown in the following paragraph.

The importance of FDI in the SADC region and Mozambique is confirmed by the following facts:

– Global flows of foreign direct investment reached a record US$ 1.3 trillion in 2004

– Mergers and acquisitions accounted for 85% of this amount

– Developing countries in total received about US$ 240 billion

– Africa received US$ 13 billion, of which about US$ 5 billion flowed into the 14 SADC countries

– Of the US$ 5.5 billion, Mozambique received US$ 1.5 billion, SA – US$ 760 million, Angola – US$ 735 million

– South Africa is the largest source of FDI in the SADC, accounting for up to 43% of Africa’s US$1.3 billion outflows, and accounting for up to 85% of total FDI in all other SADC countries in 2000.

– Large South African companies, long denied the opportunity to invest substantially offshore due to exchange controls, have increasingly sought out opportunities for expansion in SADC, Africa and beyond.

Experience of investment protection in Mozambique

The legal and regulatory framework experience

In 1999, a legislation providing for the establishment and operation of industrial free zones (Export Processing Zones EPZs). New legislations were introduced to take into account the special status of agricultural, hotel, tourism, regional rapid Development Zones, mining and petroleum investments, including their fiscal benefits. Additional investment incentives were adopted by law in 2003, allowing qualifying firms in particular sectors, including garments, chemicals, engineering, food and printing, to import duty free.

Mozambique has established itself in recent years as one of the leading FDI recipient countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. In 1997, FDI amounted to US $ 64 millions, and FDI inflows were catapulted to US $ 213 millions in 1998, and to US $382 million in 1999, with the two mega projects of Mozal Aluminum smelter and the Maputo – Witbank toll-road. After a decline in 2000, FDI rebounded again in 2001 to $255 million and to $ 380 in 2002. In 2004, it is reported an increase up to US $ 1,8 billions dollars.

In 2004, Foreign Investments in Mozambique were estimated at US $ 1,800 millions and positioned the country as the first recipient in the Southern African region. Half of the investments came from South Africa alone. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mozambique – on approval basis – reached a cumulative total of $ 1.6 billion between 1985 and 2000. The main sources of FDI were the Republic of South Africa with 28 per cent of the total volume. The United Kingdom with 22 per cent and Portugal with 19 per cent. Other leading investor countries are Japan, Mauritius and the United States. It is worth noting that investors from non traditional source economies like Japan, France, Hong Kong (China), United States, Malaysia and Mauritius have participated in key areas like banking, textiles, steel and sugar over the past five years.

South African investments in Mozambique are fairly diversified with the greater influx being directed to partnerships in major projects, but there are also investments in small and medium-scale projects, especially in industry and tourism. The United Kingdom has now moved to the second position as a source of FDI on account of Billion’s participation in MOZAL Project (an Aluminum melting mega project).

All these considerable investments were made despite major impediments, which still limit access to business development in Mozambique. This suggests that FDI could even be more dynamic if some key issues with the investment climate were resolves. These include land ownership issues, the competitive policies and laws for foreigners. According to a recent USAID report that despite significant improvements.

Investment opportunities are still widely untapped

With a mostly poor population of 19 million, the Mozambican market is small in itself. However, its integration into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) offers investors easier access to the main market in southern Africa: South Africa and the other 12 member countries.

Agriculture (cashews, cotton, tobacco, sugar and other cash crops) and fishing and aqua-culture (prawns and shrimp) are the backbone of the Mozambican economy. Investment opportunities are also available in the related agro-processing industries, especially in the southern region. The liberal economic reforms pursued by the Government, the almost complete privatization of formerly state-owned enterprises, and a variety of generous incentive schemes have laid the ground for profitable investment in a number of areas: cash crops, manufacturing, financial services, export-processing (cashews, aluminium), etc.

The traditional Mozambican role of providing its eastern and southern hinterland with access to seaports has given transport (rail, road, ports) and related services a central role in the economy, as illustrated by the Maputo, Beira and Nacala corridors. Their further development now depends heavily on private – and especially foreign – investment. The country’s location, its abundant endowment of renewable energy (e.g. the Cahora Bassa project), its still unexploited mineral wealth and, last but not least, its market-oriented policies have attracted a number of large-scale manufacturing and mineral-exploration projects to Mozambique in recent years.

The most prominent of these is the Mozambique Aluminium smelter project (MOZAL), which has made an initial investment of $1.3 billion. More such “mega-projects” are about to materialize and most of them are expected to offer substantial opportunities to a variety of suppliers. An example is furnished by the activities based in the Beluluane industrial park (an export-processing zone), located close to the MOZAL complex, south of Maputo.

Tourism, currently dominated by South African tour operators, is another sector with very considerable potential. Even with the existing infrastructure constraints (which investment could help remove), there are opportunities in such areas as game, adventure and coastal resorts.

Current constraints to the promotion and protection of FDI

Despite considerable efforts to modernize the investment legal, regulatory and institutional framework, Mozambique still has some legal and administrative barriers which hamper investment development. Article 109 of the Constitution states that land ownership is completely vested in the state, and that it cannot be sold or mortgaged. The land legislation (Law no 19/97 of 1 October and Decree no. 66/98 of 8 December 1998) both enhance the land ownership entrenched in the constitution.

The legislation on labour and employment of foreigners (Decree No. 57/2003 of 24 December 2003 on Employment of foreigners) is among issues cited as a serious barrier to foreign investments. Other problems most commonly referred to are red tape and corruption, lack of adequate competition laws, the existing legal limitations impose on foreign ownership of company shares, stocks in the financial markets and the labour requirements for nationals which do not allow the dismissal of employees even in case of gross misconduct or theft. A new labour law was adopted by the Parliament, and published, its provisions will become applicable in 2007. A tribunal in charge of labour disputes settlement has been established.

Identified specific constraints to the promotion of FDI in Mozambique include the following aspects

o Small size of the regional market, and this is compounded by relatively high transport costs of getting products to lucrative markets in the US and Western Europe

o Incentive and competition measures,

o Weak judicial institutions

o Labour laws and lack of equitable dispute settlement compulsory measures

o Red tape, crime and Corruption

o Infrastructure Weaknesses

o Corporate Governance Issues

o Inadequate market-friendly reforms (pace of privatization, reform of foreign ownership rules and rules governing the repatriation of profits)

o Climate, natural disasters – drought, floods, famine, etc

o HIV/Aids pandemic : one out of seven people is HIV positive (according to Health Ministry and WHO sources)

Urgent reforms are needed to facilitate fast tracking of industrial development

– Legal and regulatory reform to remove all remaining bottlenecks faced by foreign investors.

– Relaxation of investment restrictions.

– Reform of the financial institutions, markets and services with reference to international standards. Liberalization of exchanges and financial transactions, with increased controls and supervisory technology.

– Establishment of effective and well-capacitated institutions e.g. one-stop shops for investors

– Infrastructure upgrade and maintenance – public investment will ‘crowd-in’ private investment.

– Rural development – incentives to businesses to locate in rural ‘growth’ areas – spreading development, and curbing the rural urban migration patterns.

– Guided investment’ – state targeted interventions in specific industries, offering generous loans, tax and operating concessions, and tariff protection in the early stages.

– Massive investment by the state in research and development (R&D).

– Investment strategy to develop rural industries.

Additional measures to promote the flow of foreign direct investment should include: through government public works programs, increasing profit incentives for rural factories establishing rural-urban-global supply chains, reverse engineering tactics, investment in Research &Development, relaxation of foreign ownership and repatriation laws.

Concluding remarks

Mozambique has, over the last decade, demonstrated considerable efforts to create adequate legal and regulatory frameworks for the protection of foreign direct investments. However there remain serious impediments which still affect negatively the flow of foreign investments. Inconsistent policies and inadequate host country operational measures (HCOMs) are some of the challenges which call for more reforms.

There is need for increased awareness within the Government of Mozambique and public institutions on key issues related to the promotion and protection of foreign investments. The point is: foreign investors want to gain market access, have their investments protected and be free to operate in a manner of their choosing. Host countries want to develop services and infrastructure, meet local needs, produce exportable goods and improve locally available technology. The interest of foreign investors and host governments can be harmonized if the investment meets both sets of agendas. This can be done if investors decide on the viability of specific projects and the host governments decide on the priority sectors and conditions of FDI consistent with their economic and development objectives.

As in the case of Mauritius, this should be a credible development program backed by credible policy framework conducive to long-term economic and social stability. With such policies, the country is more likely to have the capacity over time to service the repatriation of profits, provide a skilled and healthy labour force, and develop suitable infrastructure. Financial institutions, markets and services should be reformed with reference to international standards.

Giving Up Everything Gives You the One Thing You Can Never Buy – Peace

January 14, 2023 Category :Business Services| Technology Off

Oftentimes the only way to get what you really need is to give up what you already have.

It doesn’t seem to make sense but it’s true. This is a particularly difficult concept to pull off in such a materialistic world because our society uses money and material wealth as a measure of our value as people.

More people are up to their eyeballs in debt than at any time in our history. We are bombarded by advertising messages telling us that we need the latest new toy, gadget, shoes or designer jeans. We literally cannot escape the buy, buy, buy message. Everywhere we turn someone is trying to sell us something, trying to convince us that we aren’t good enough if we don’t buy whatever he or she is selling. And when the advertisers aren’t hammering home the you-are-nothing-without-the-latest-product message, the people around us make us feel inadequate if we aren’t wearing the right clothes, driving the right car, living in the right neighborhood, sending our kids to right school, even owning the right breed of dog.

This mentality has driven people who can ill afford to have the latest products into debt to get them. Some people have even turned to stealing to get them, all so others will accept them. Even very young children will cry and beg for material goods. Children innately trust their parents to take care of them and have no drive to collect material possessions, yet we see younger and younger children demanding (and sadly, getting) designer toys, clothes and the latest electronics.

Children are naturally satisfied with three simple things: nourishment (food & water), shelter (a place that’s warm and dry) and attention (love and attachment to parents and family). Amazingly, children from poor families, who are getting those three needs met, are happier and better adjusted socially than children who have every material thing they could want. We have created an artificial drive for material things in our children by exposing them to television and advertising messages too early, and by allowing our own lust for material goods to color their view of the world. When we place too much importance on outward appearances, we shift our children’s values off of developing themselves to possessing things. Being kind or funny isn’t enough anymore unless you are wearing all the latest fashions.

Parents believe that they are just giving their children what they never had, but the real question is do they need it?

Studies have shown that the more toys and games a child has the less likely they are to engage in play with any of the toys. They are less satisfied than children with fewer toys are, and most alarming, they are actually only interested in the acquisition of more toys, not the actual toy. This early exposure to extreme materialism sets up a hunger for more and more that can never be satisfied by anything, including love, caring, affection or even relationships. Materialism actually harms children and fractures family structures because the emphasis goes from people to things. Children with lots of toys are also three times more likely to break or destroy other children’s property because nothing has a value for them.

Unfortunately, we don’t reach adulthood and suddenly realize we are too materialistic; we continue to escalate in our need to acquire and to scorekeep using material possessions. Somehow we never have enough, and by extension, we are never enough without the right possessions. Relationships are measured by what others can give us, not what we can bring of ourselves to a relationship. In all the materialism we lose our essence and our spiritual compass.

When we become disconnected from our natural selves, we are unhappy. This unhappiness starts as a tiny inkling that something isn’t quite right but we can usually distract ourselves enough to ignore it. But as time goes by, we begin to feel very uneasy and more unsettled even when we supposedly have everything we want. Eventually, this unhappiness manifests itself as a deep loneliness, intense discomfort, bubbling anger or a self-destructive urge to do something, anything to feel like we are alive. This is the moment you realize you’ve lost your connection to yourself. You don’t know how to stop the pain you are experiencing because no matter what you buy, where you go, what you do or who you are with, it just doesn’t make you feel any better. It’s time to turn to the one thing you can’t buy. God.

We all come into this world with absolutely nothing and we all leave with absolutely nothing. What happens in between is just a manifestation of what God allows. A dead rich man is just the same as any other dead man or woman. The Bible even says that it’s harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a poor man. What that really means is a rich man who lives for material wealth and not to help others is not getting into heaven. Some very rich people will have no trouble getting into heaven because of their generous charitable giving during their lifetime. You really can’t take it with you, but you can take the generous spirit with you, and that will open the gates of heaven. Even the poorest man has something to give to others – himself.

When your life becomes so painful you realize your money and your stuff can’t take away the pain, this is the exact moment God asks you to be willing to give up everything for him. And in return God will take away your pain and give you peace. Notice I said “willing to give up,” not “give up.” Your willingness to trade every material thing you have for a relationship with God is all God wants from you.

Some people aren’t willing to give up their material life but want the peace only God can give. Usually God helps these people by taking everything from them to humble them. Isn’t it better to give God your stuff (which is really his anyway since he owns everything) than to keep living in pain. God always gives back to those who love him so it’s a win-win proposition. God’s love is a peace that can never be taken from you and you won’t miss the stuff because you won’t need it to feel accepted ever again. Now that’s a priceless gift.

Apostle’s Letter To His Home Church, Disabled Seeking Help, Abused, Happy Multiple Sclerosis Victims

December 3, 2022 Category :Mental Health| Telemarketing Off

Hey there – my worthy wife of many good years – Vivacious Vicki – “The Sandpaper Saint”!!!

Thank you for finding the time to pen your great – as you called it – “Little Epistle” about all three of my good – “God Sent Gifts” – my precious girls. I also want to thank you for updating me about our Home Church and the passing of some.

Our son, Douglas, was a “God Sent Gift” too – although not always recognized as such – except by the women whom he has shared the joys of absentee parenthood with. Yes, Douglas has contributed to God’s Great Plan for the gene pool on Planet Earth. Doug is the only viral man – that I’ve ever known – that has never made a pass at an attractive woman. Rather, woman are “Drawn To” my son ~ like flies are to honey. I should learn from him !!!

While I was very familiar with 90% of what you said, in your letter, I do appreciate you taking of your valuable time to write it all out long hand. As I have always appreciated, your penmanship is a real work of art. The only thing missing, from your 9-page letter, is your delightful leaf doodles around its edges.

If there is a recurrent theme to my typed reply, it is that of ecclesiastics. To Paraphrase “Everything is proceeding Exactly as it should…”

I’m “Glad” that “MY” Girls Came to AZ to see their biological father, Mario – ” Laid To Rest.” My Heike needed “Closure,” so did My Princess Heather, as likely you did too, my “Worthy Wife” for twice as long as you were his faithful wife. Mario only held you down for 10 years. I Never did. I never cheated on you – but rather – only loved you.

I doubt that Heike hit Mario in the nose – as she said that she would – the next time that she saw him. I am sure that by the time my Heike saw her biological father – in his burial box – she had already forgiven him for his actions toward her..

And I doubt that our abused Heather told Mario’s 2nd wife, Janice, what she really thought of her – or her mean daughter – that his obituary said was Mario’s surviving daughter. Heather, too, has a good forgiver.

In the final analysis, the only thing that matters is what Our Lord, Jesus, decides. He knows our heats. He knows if we have repented and truly changed.

How were you all received at his funeral???

Perhaps, it is small of me to say this, but I knew the moment that I shook your cheating x-husband’s hand, that I was destined to outlive him on this planet. That Mario’s imprudent losses would be my great gains, in that I would have both his gorgeous, faithful wife, and his “Real” loving daughters that would be adopted as my own.

As I stated then, Vicki, my girls are forever Miles’s. “Grafted” into “The Olive Tree” as were we gentiles “Grafted” into the original Olive Tree Of Abraham” – complete with all of God’s predominate promises and bountiful blessings.

Do you remember when I ordered a gross of pens with their names on them? Our girls were having problems at school, remembering to sign their papers with their new “Miles” name.

The pens said on their sides, “Property of Heather or Heike Miles”. I wonder if there are any of the pens still around.

Heike won her dad’s heart when she was but 4-years-old. Long before the adoption. We had just had her 4th birthday at your 1st condo that you moved to in Vancouver, WA, after being thrown out of Mario’s house in Sierra Vista.

I was shaving off my beard at the bathroom sink. Heike was sitting atop the closed toilet seat – watching me – when I looked over to see my little darling in tears.

“What’s the matter, Honey?” I asked her.

“I’m scared, Daddy,” she cried.

“What are you scared of, Baby?” I had to know.

“I’m scared That I won’t recognize you!!!” Heike blurted out.

I swept her up into my arms, cradled her in my left arm, like a football, and she helped me finish shaving.

I promised Heike right then and there, that “I will always be your Daddy.”

And – “I Am!!!”

Was I blessed or what??? Yes, I was most certainly blessed!!! This was also what my “Generous Lord” intended…

As I’ve formerly shared with you, my x-wife – by your volition – I have always maintained that I would fully recover from the debilitating effects of this “Dread Disease.” And – “I Am!!!”

Rome wasn’t built in a single day. Neither did my health become compromised overnight, either.

Rather, “A Most Gracious God allowed me to neglect my health for years – allowing me to learn some necessary lessons that I might – as “God’s Playfully Mischievous Apostle Rascal”- instruct others of “His Elect and Chosen Children” to have “The God Kind Of Faith” – recover their compromised health – and “Survive The Soon Coming Great Tribulation.”

You asked if my health is continuing to deteriorate.

The answer is, “Not at All!!!” Rather, I Am, “Continuing to improve – every day !!!” Yes, and my MS (Multiple Sclerosis) disabled body, too. LOL (Laugh Out Loud).

I Really did go through some “Very Rough Times” after my arrival here in AZ. The enemy tried hard to “Sift” me, rattle my faith, and convinced my loving siblings, that I was going to “Health Hell”, in a hand basket. It certainly “Looked” like it.

By “God’s Amazing Grace”, my faith never wavered. Neither did my “Confession” of complete health and healing – as per “The Word Of Almighty God” – The Holy Bible.

My “Great Brother, Robert,” really believed that I was “Delusional”, and, on several occasions, told me so.

At least 3 times each day, Rita would say through tears, “I am so sorry that you are so sick… Is there anything that I can do to make you more comfortable? Anything that I can get for you?”

I attempted to explain to Robert, that I Am “Confusional”. That it is he and “My Super Sister, Rita,” that are – in fact – “Confused”.

That God’s Word is always “True” – no matter how impossible it might appear – in the light of ones circumstances!!!

As the scripture says, “God Is not a man that He should lie.”

“By His Grace, I Am but His faithful servant, chosen before the beginning, to be “An Apostle,” during these “End Times.”

“Very simply, An Apostle is ‘A Sent One’ – sent to minister to the needs of those to whom God directs His servant massinger.”

Now, for some of the wonderful turns of events here:

My Health and Physical Mobility are dramatically improving!!! The day before yesterday, I was evaluated for physical therapy. Starting Monday, I will be receiving PT twice a week, transportation provided complements of AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Services) – this state’s program that parallels WA State’s Health Program for supplemental insurance – that pays the 20% co-pay that Medicare doesn’t.

They had turned me down before, but I have now been “Approved,” thanks to my two MD’s 2nd letters and again submitting the health evaluation completed by Earth Angel, Terry (Savage) Eaton – up there – in January. This was only last week. “Praise The Lord”!!!

The day before that, I put the raised toilet booster seat – that I’d purchased here in AZ – into the storage shed – as I no longer need it – with my health and mobility improving so fast.

Much of this is the result of a supplement that I have begun taking once more, Ambrotrose.

You may remember back when I was still a workaholic? We had moved from our 2400 sq ft home in Washougal into the handicapped assessable condo that we purchased on the hill overlooking Vancouver.

Only 3 blocks from our River City Brokers Real Estate Office – I could ride my newly acquired used handicapped scooter in to work on those days that I didn’t have any appointments to list or sell homes – which required me to drive the “Caddi”.

Anyway, My Earth Angel friend, David Bushard had insisted that I begin taking a supplement that had been reported to help suffers of MS (Multiple Sclerosis). God had told David that he should introduce me to the product – which David – whom listens to “The Holy Spirit – did do.

Reluctantly, I began taking the tasteless, expensive health supplement – for a couple of months – before deciding that I didn’t need it. I maintained that God would “Miraculously Heal Me” – without any help of conventional methods.

Big Mistake !!! Much later, The Lord did heal me “Miraculously” heal me of “Total Incontinence” – using 20-30 disposable briefs each day – but I needed to learn that Almighty God Often uses others of His Infinite health and healing methods – that are “Less Romantic” – yet none the less – “Miraculous.”

So, when Rita and I went to a presentation, here in Show Low, about a product that was said to reverse symptoms of MS, I was surprised and delighted that the product was the same one that I’d taken – used in conjunction with other of that company’s vitamins.

We met a local lady, Mary, whom – after only 6 months of use – was totally free of all symptoms of disabling Multiple Sclerosis. She had been as crippled up and health compromised as I still was. Mary was bouncing around – without crutches – like a ping-pong ball.

I spent the $130.00 for my 1st – 5 oz – jar of the supplement. I am finishing up taking my 2nd jar – in 1 month. To the delight and astonishment of my siblings, I Am Getting Well!!! “God Is Good – ALL Of The Time”!!!

I do not yet “Sell or Offer” the products on my new websites ~ that I’ve yet to set up ~ but I will when I can muster the $1,300.00 or so that a Full Affiliates Dealership costs.

This Is Now Monday Night …

PT was great today!!! My Physical Therapist said that he will order me a new leg brace, for my “Foot Drop” problem, to use until my complete recovery.

I said, “We’ll see. I no longer have any edema. Being wheelchair confined, thanks to my placating Joy – my girlfriend/caregiver – and not “Wallwalking” after we moved into that nice 2-bedroom Vancouver apartment, caused me massive edema in my legs.

I find it amazing how foolish that we males become – after we “Decide” to Love a Lady. Many women want to emasculate their males. Then when the “Meathead Men” allow it, the women are no longer interested. Such was the story of my nearly 3 year adventure with Joy.

Tomorrow, I get my new teeth, thanks to Karin Grandon of of “Independent Living Program”.

As you, Vicki, and others of my EzineArticles readers will want to know, this federally funded program is administered by the states. It is awesome!!!

In AZ, Karin is my “Rehabilitation Counselor.” She may be e-mail reached at: KGrandon@azdes.gov.

Or by Phone: (928) 779-4147.

You, my x-wife, have always been interested in helping 0thers. Now, by finding the WA state program, you will be able to assist many with disabilities.

The focus of the program is to help physically impaired persons to “Get Out There” and to “Enjoy A Better Quality Of Life…”

Once Again, I Am Blessed!!!

Upon arriving in AZ, on my handicapped scooter, via Amtrak – my health did rapidly decline for about 5 months. Sleeping out in the cold back porch/office did not do me any good. With my MS, an electric blanket caused my mylin to melt and further disabled me.

“What? Am I Nuts?” I asked myself.

“No. Just a little slow to catch on, my Rascal,” The Holy Ghost answered.

I began sleeping beneath a heavy quilt, breathing on my hands to keep them a little warmer.

As my Revo scooter, made by Pride, purchased by Medicare was too big to use inside Rita and Robert’s mobile home – it having already chewed the moldings off the narrow door casings – I had to leave it out in the uninsulated, unheated back office where I continued to sleep because the couch was to low for me to get off of in the night. Inside, I managed,poorly, to use my 4-wheeled walker.

Karin’s program paid for a new “Buz Around Lite” handicapped scooter. It was too small and inexpensive to qualify for Medicare payment when I selected my Revo – the smallest and most transportable scooter that qualified.

Robert had been very depressed, despite his success with his “Fastwalkers” movie. Mostly, my brother laid in the bathtub and read novels.

After my telling him that “My Lord would provide me with a venue by which obtain everything that I need for health, comfort, and prosperity” – that, “My Lord shall provide all of my needs, as according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” – and upon seeing my new scooter arrive – via an unheard of before program, Robert “Arose From The Death Of Depression,” to begin work on converting the outside office to an also nice bedroom for me.

Where he had become ultra conservative for several years, my Big Brother became “Bigger Than Life” once more!!! Robert was back to being my Big Bro’. He began charging the materials to build and remodel my room on his credit card. “Depression Died!” God won again!!!

Karin’s program paid my brother over $2,700.00 to reimburse Robert for the materials that he had purchased – for the improvements to make me more comfortable – and to build a safe handicapped porch with good ramp for my new scooter.

It is now 1:07 A.M. and I have just returned from outside on my new porch where I “Praised The Lord.” It had rained, earlier. God reminded me that even when we cannot see the the stars, when they are obscured by dark clouds, that the Lord’s Super Stars are still there.

Yes, they await those who by “Faith” believe in the clouds moving away for a “Bright Tomorrow,” continuing to “Hope” for it. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not yet seen.”

You said in your 9 page, hand written letter, Vicki, “That this might turn into, a short, fat epistle from me just to cover the basics of what Cassie has been up to – also some about the girls & myself (H & H I mean).” Well, I have it on good authority, that this – my typed snail-mail reply to you – is destined to appear together with my fellow “End Times Apostle’s, Paul Of Tarsus, gospel in the Millennium era Bible. The Holy Spirit told me this.

Like Paul’s 1st Corinthians, the length and diversity of subjects covered, this and some others of my ezine articles, may be divided by the translators into “Chapters,” and God only knows how many languages will be in use during that next 1,000 years.

Whatever, we will be with Our Lord, Jesus, “Ruling” and “Reigning” – teaching God’s next generation of “Children” – born on His New Planet Earth.

Now, back to my other blessings. I Am seated before my new computer, in my “Spic & Span” office/bedroom.

My new 2-hours a week – government paid for – “Housekeeper”, was here for her 1st time – on Monday – also. It’s a far cry from the 154 hours per month “Caregiver” hours allotted to Joy – for my personal care and maintenance – and then to Heather – by the state of WA when I lived up there. But AZ is not so generous with “Man Hours.”

None the less, I do appreciate this blessing, my clean vacuumed carpet floor, sweet smelling laundered clothing, spotlessly cleaned bathroom, and fresh changed sheeted bed.

Soon, God willing, there will appear “Some Special Someone” to share – my now empty bed – with me. It’s been a long time. The longest time, since my grade school, that I have ever slept by myself – 7 months – without a loving, wonderful female – to keep my feet warm. “This too shall pass…”

It has “Passed” for my brother. When I arrived here in AZ, Robert was still somewhat involved with the “Reiki” woman that I had introduced him to – in Phoenix – 6 years ago.

She had used her “Powers” to hold my Bro’ in “Emotional Bondage” until I expressed my understanding to him and prayed The Lord release Robert. I didn’t tell my good brother about my payer. Yet, within a very few days, Robert had broken free of her bondage, and has not seen her since.

Rather, the Lord has sent his “Soulmate,’ Earth Angel, Judy, to love him and to “Enhance Robert’s Hopes”- while meeting his every emotional and physical need. Judy is a “Redheaded Doll.” Having met on an Internet dating site, Robert and Judy were “Meant To Be Together,” just as we were, for a long time.

I truly believe that an all knowing God chooses whom we will become involved with and committed to for “His Purposes” and our personal growth.

They are in Central America – for 3 weeks – to find and to secure a place for “Some Of God’s Children,” like me.

About Brother Robert, he Skyped me from Nicaragua to say the he and Judy are engaged. We talk nearly every day when my little used computer is not broken down. With free long distance and webcams, we’re able to stay in touch, while they find a place for themselves and Rita and I also.

Robert an Judy say that “This Is Paradise!!!” It is the least expensive country on Planet Earth to live. The towns and islands are much like the ones that we visited when we took our Caribbean Cruise.

I am wrapping up the details of selling their mobile home “By Owner” for Robert and Rita. So we should all be moved to the Western Caribbean by sometime in October. Cassie can come visit her Rascal Daddy there, next year.

I am very proud of our Cas’ for finding a way to graduate this year. She might want to consider some of the respected Universities in Central America to finish her education?

You said in your letter, Vicki, that I don’t need to worry about you bugging me… Contact with you has always been a pleasure for me. Without your help, I’d have been in deep-do-do many times more often than I’ve been. Please know that I do love and respect you.

I admire your ability to make and stand by your decisions. I may not always agree with you but, none the less, your heart s good and you’ve never intentionally hurt me, or anyone else, that I can remember.

You have helped many!!!

I apologize for this snail-mail reply taking so long to arrive. I have had infinite problems keeping the small, cheap computer that I acquired after my good computer could not work here in AZ upon arrival.

This letter was 2/3 complete 3 days after I received yours. As of only yesterday, I am operational. Oh, yes, the “Rehabilitation Program” that I shared with you, paid for a printer, is ordering me new hearing aids & more, so that I may be fully operational.

I can’t understand why do do not have yourself online. We could keep in closer communication, if you wanted too, and the world would be yours also. More importantly, you have so much to offer others in the way of sound advice.

Your Love for Our Lord, Jesus, is evidenced by your commitments to helping others, as I hope that, to some degree, I too am able to do thanks to God’s linking His Earth Angels and Ministries up via cyberspace and computers. I learned , long ago, not to tell you what to do. But you need to “Roll-over” on this one, for yourself, and the good of God’s People on this Planet. You should be writing and publishing your wise understandings as ezine articles, from which others may glean insight and/or understanding, I believe, Vicki.