"Simply" Sue An international motivational and inspirational speaker and published author. I love touching lives and changing hearts. http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new <![CDATA[Are You "Soaring" or "Sitting"?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=30388 Welcome to the ending of a month and a new beginning for all. Happy September: Labor day holiday is almost here, football season is starting, hurricane storms are raging, our yards and plants are looking different, and the world seems to be looking for lots of answers-everywhere!

With all this going on around us, can we still live the American dream and have a bright and prosperous life?  Yes, we can, but don't you think we need to learn more about how to "soar" and not "sit?"

When I think of the word soar, I automatically think of eagles!  They are a special bred of bird aren't they?  The Bald Eagle (funny it is called that only because it has a white head and has nothing to do with being bald) is the national bird of the U.S. and appears on most official seals, including that of the President, and some coins. It was chosen in 1782 by our founders as a symbol of our new republic. Interesting concept, don't you agree?

Here in North Carolina we can see eagles as they tend to build their nests in places near water. They have always been a source of amazement to me. Eagles are powerfully strong and build larger nests than any other bird in America. Those nests are built to last as they reuse them year after year!

What comes to mind when you think of an eagle? Do you see it using it's 66-96 inch wingspan flying and diving at speeds from 40-90 miles an hour to get what it needs to live? 

Did you know eagles love storms?  They fly their best when the wind is pushing them to fly longer and higher than they normally could if it was calm.

That picture is vivid, isn't it? Even the words of Isaiah recorded around 681 B.C. shares with us that: "those who hope and wait upon God for fresh new strength will spread their wings and soar like eagles, will run and not grow tired, will walk and not lag behind."  

In our busy, fast-paced, and every changing world are you like the eagle: loving the storms that come your way and soaring through and above them? Or do you let them destroy your life instead of shaping it?

It is easier to complain, blame, sit back and want things to change isn't it?  Sorry, that is not how this country was founded, nor does it work now either!  

It is rough when you lose your job, your family falls apart, death steps in unexpected, friends reject you, and your dream business isn't going as well as you had hoped or needed, isn't it? 

What is the next plan of action when those times come? We know they will come- are there things you need to be doing in advance so that you can weather through them?  That is what the majority of our ancestors did. They planned for the "rainy" days.

Looking at our world today, one place to start is finances. We can give advice to our government about how the country's' should be managed; but how are we handling our personal finances that we can control?

I wasn't wise at this for many years; but now so thankful and grateful to my husband for working through the storms together so now we can weather financial issues that come with the hope and strength from the Lord to "soar".

Another storm that lurks at us all the time is our relationships: with God, our families, and each other.  Being consistent with our time and willing to give up our right to always be right and have our way is a start in this area, isn't it? Does pleasure come before work? Sorry, only in the dictionary!

The question that stares at us in our lives now is: are we willing to seek the answers from God and then go and do what He says? Do we really want to "soar" or are we content to just "sit and see". 

Isaiah in sharing his message of hope many centuries ago didn't convince the people of Judah of their need to change either. They were angry and upset and didn't want to face the "hard stuff" to make the changes that were needed to be able to "soar." Sound familiar? 

In looking at our country do you see that 90% of our people are working, interest rates are the lowest they have ever been, and 90% of homeowners are paying their mortgage. We do have people who care about each other, their families and friends. We have organizations that are helping people to get through their storms. 

We don't have to let our problems keep us from beginning again to be renewed with strength from above, walking, running, and soaring just like the eagle through the storms, do we? 

Will you join me today and begin to see that hope is possible?  I believe in and am passionate about "you",  the people of America! I love to share, help and encourage you to become the best you can be. I see strength and unity is possible. I still see God at work in the lives of His people, who acknowledge Him. I see the miracles of life all around me, do you? 

Want to hear more of the "how-to's" to "Soar not Sit"? I am available to do workshops and seminars on this and other related topics. Check out your groups and organizations that this would benefit! Ready to work with and for you! Contact information is posted on this site under my profile and events!

Can't wait to hear from those who are "soaring" even in times like this! You can be one of them! What does it take, and how are you helping others do it too? There are "Hope Builders" that I love to recognize and encourage. Soon you will see more of them featured here!


Upcoming blogs: Interviews with Linda C. Apple, speaker and author of "Inspire!" -Writing from the Soul- Instructional guide to inspirational writing and "Connect"- A Simply Guide to Public Speaking for Writers. Linda is from Arkansas and the mother of 5.

Tricia Goyer- Award winning author of 20 Christian Fiction and Non Fiction Books, and speaker at conferences all over the country. Tricia newly adopted a baby girl and moved to Arkansas. 

Both these ladies I am honored to call friends and you won't want to miss their stories of hope and encouragement.

Have a great week and a fabulous Labor Day Week-end!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue









 







]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:07:46 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=30388 <![CDATA[Is It Time to Re-Stage and Re-Frame Your Life?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=30150 The process is continuing to re-stage our home and included is a re-framing of our lifework and business as well.

We all collect lots of "stuff" throughout the years, don't we? What about when it begins to take over and becomes unmanageable? What are the options to overcome this?

As my friend and professional organizer, Dorothy Merchant, of Greensboro, shares, "you can work through it, clean it up, and then put a process in place for it to be managed in the future." She will be glad to show you how, and has been a great help in this journey! 

We have been so involved with our careers, raising children, and doing church work, that we didn't do much with our home and the "stuff' that we collected.  Not that it was ever that bad when you visited for a short time, but if you really had to live with it, it was only getting more and more piled up with less places to conceal it!

We are both pretty organized overall, but it still can get out of hand, can't it? As I have been doing some speaking lately on keeping things simple and having processes in place to help your businesses run more efficiently and economically, I realized I had let things get out of hand at my home and office!

Some would ask us why are you wanting to do this now? My husband and I both came to the same conclusion that we want to grow our speaking and writing business which can mean travel and other adventures, so we knew to keep us growing there were things we needed to do to make it fun and easy for us!

Also people are our passion and my dream and vision has always been to have a home where I can invite people to come and have some fun and freedom to write, re-frame their lives, and bring hope and encouragement into their world. We would also like when we are traveling for it to be used as well with someone in charge. I truly want a Lighthouse of Hope where others can enjoy it as much as we do!

Our dream is out! I am sharing it with you! We have set off on a mission! We are doing it debt free and taking our time; however, we are coming along.  It is a labor of love, along with keeping schedules and making sure we keep a balance in our lives. 

I see that change at any age or stage is not a bad thing. We have some old treasures that we are either gifting, re-purposing, or offering at reasonable cost for others to have as new treasures.  We are viewing our "stuff' with different "eyes" and mindsets.

How are we able to let go and do this? Our theory is: if we haven't used or looked at it in a year or more, it is time to decide what to do with it. Under my bed is now vacant, after letting go of cassettes, videos, and yes, 8 track tapes!  So much easier to clean and I am able to rearrange that room now that I don't have to move so much.

We also know that should something happen to us, most of what we have would not be valuable to our family, so why not get things in order, so they will have less stress to deal with? I am sure they will be thrilled!

As we are going through our rooms, we are also labeling items with names of who we would love to see have this item once we are no longer
here. Sounds morbid? Not at all! We feel we are giving a gift to our families by having this all done!

As we travel through our rooms, I am reminded of a recent novel I read called "Rooms" by James Rubart, where his character was forced to go through the different rooms in his new home, which represented different areas of his life. I won't tell you more, you must read it, but we are facing some of the same things.

We agreed we want the theme throughout our entire home to be of the beach and lighthouses, or favorites place in the world. That means lots of light and refreshing colors for us. This made us see our lives needed some of the same changes. 

As we journey through our days we are learning to do things as I have taught and shared to live simpler and easier. With less stuff, and a refreshing change with more light and colors, we see things in our life that need re-framing. 

We are spending less time with the TV and more with others and each other. I am revamping our business to take it into the community and get in place the things I have had on my list for months.

I am able to write more, and plan more events with others and reach out in areas that I didn't have the confidence in pursuing.  All because we saw and knew we needed to make some changes in our lives, which will hopefully result in helping others make changes in theirs too! 

I was recently asked, "what will people say about you once you are no longer here"? I know it is a 100% guarantee that will happen, and we have no control over when that will be. But I had never thought much about it or had a clear answer, how about you?

In our re-staging and re-framing we kept this question in mind, because we want people to know when we leave here what we were all about and the help we offered to others through our lives and our "stuff"!

So I ask you, is it time to re-stage and re-frame areas of your home and life? Have you been putting it off too long? Are you living your dream with a plan and a purpose? Now is the time! Don't wait, because you may be missing the blessings that God has for you while taking care of all that "stuff"! 

Have a great week, and I can't wait to hear from you and the changes that are coming in your lives!

Hugs and Blessings,

"Simply" Sue




 



]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:19:29 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=30150 <![CDATA[I Believe in Miracles, Do You?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29968 Yesterday began as any Friday does, (regardless of the fact it was my birthday), going to the PWN Networking group. It is an early meeting and located across town from me, so I headed out around 7 am.

I took my normal route where there is a stop sign before being able to merge onto a busy thoroughfare. That stop sign used to be a yield sign, and I remember thinking as I stopped yesterday, I am glad it was changed.

I work hard at being a defensive driver and as I stopped I noticed there were no cars behind me and I looked to my left to see an opening in the traffic so I could be on my way!

The next thing I heard was a large sounding crash and my car being moved out into the traffic. My first thought was: "No, God this can't be happening, it's my birthday!"  Real intelligent statement to make, don't you think? 

All I could think about was checking to see if I felt hurt, which I didn't. That was good news for me. My next move was to grab my camera and look to see where I was in the traffic so I could get out and access the damage. I found I had been moved into a lane that was traffic free, and it was safe to open the door.

In my mind I was thinking, "This can't be, I went through this 2 months ago and I have only had my repaired car back a few weeks."  I looked up and saw a lady running toward me shouting over and over again, "I am so sorry, please forgive me". I had not yet looked at my car or hers, and I went to her and asked, "Are you all right? Are you hurt?" She replied she was not, and then we turned to look at the damage we both knew would be extensive.

We had both heard and felt the impact of the accident, it was not just a bump, this lady had been going at a good speed expecting to be able to yield not have to stop!

The next moment was one that I will never forget. After all, I had been through this recently and knew what my car had looked like then. Sure her car was smaller than the previous one that had hit me, but we both knew there was going to be something to have to handle with our insurance companies.

We were not prepared for what we faced next. There sat my shiny, (a little dirty after the events of our week) light lime green 2006 Toyota Avalon just as I had taken it out of my driveway a few minutes earlier! There was no scratch, dent, or any indication that it had been hit and moved!

Then we ran to her car, and could see nothing that would tell us this was actually happening. We both looked at each other, and I shared: "We have just received a miracle from our great God, and I am so thankful and grateful". She shared the same feelings, and we decided to move our cars to a church parking lot located to our right and exchange numbers and information, and check it out once more.

As I got into my car I could not comprehend the miracle of the moment. It was beyond words and I felt so loved and blessed that I did not have to call and wake my husband up and tell him once again I had been hit!

As we parked and shared our information just in case something did come up, we again looked at our cars over and over, touching and bending to make sure there was no damage underneath. We could find nothing.

I wished Claire a wonderful day and not to let this ruin it for her, and I also told her it was my birthday, (I am now the same age as the year I graduated from High School- 1964) and I was certainly going to remember the miracle that God had allowed me to see and live on this day. It is a birthday I will never forget.

I got back into my car, pulled out carefully into the oncoming traffic, and went onto my meeting. I even made it on time. I shared with many the miracle of my day, and then headed home to share with my husband.

I was not sure how to approach this special moment. I decided to ask him to come take a look at my car and see if he saw anything unusual with it. Being the logical man that he is; he immediately asked, "what happened?"

After looking at the car with him I shared the story. He too viewed it as a miracle from the God who loves us, and gave thanks that no one was hurt, and that we did not have to deal with a problem car at this time. 

Do you believe in miracles? I know we see many and do not celebrate them as what they are. I know there is a plan and purpose for everything we go through in life, and today I ask you: do you believe in miracles and are you thankful and grateful to God for them? Do you expect them in your everyday life?

I would love to hear some of your "miracle" stories. Have a great week-end and let's celebrate the 'miracle" of life itself!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:15:50 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29968 <![CDATA[Time to Do Our 5-3-2 Business Plan!]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29807 I am headed out of town to speak in Spartanburg, SC but wanted to make sure we all keep on track in our businesses, even when out of town!

This is a plan I have followed for years and thought we could use a reminder of how it works!

Daily-
Make 5 new contacts- either by phone or in person. Always be prepared no matter where you are to meet people who need to hear about what you do.

Do 3 Thank-You's and follow-ups- I recommend these be in personal writing with a pen versus e-mail! This is key to growing our businesses.

Add 2 contacts to your data base. don't have a data base? This is how you get one. Either for your website, newsletter, FB Fan Page, Twitter. This is how you build your following.

Wishing you a wonderful business week! I love what I do and hope you do too! Remember people will either Love You or Hate You, but they won't be ignoring you!

Q-TIP- Remember Quit Taking It Personal, and begin again by learning from what you have been through!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:02:50 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29807 <![CDATA[5 Tips for a Great Week!]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29723 Happy Monday! In our busy weeks we can forget some important things, 
can't we?

Just wanted to remind myself and you too what to put on our list for this new week! It is my birthday week, so it is a great time to begin again to live-God's Way!


Let me know how your great week ended up! Love to share with all!

                                      5 Tips for a Great Week!
                               1.     Laugh more- learn to really laugh at yourself

                               2.     Encourage and enrich one life a day

                               3.     Do something unplanned

                               4.     Complete one "Home" project

                               5.     Complete one "Business" project

Off now to re-plan my week! Looks like it will be different for me! How about you?  Enjoy to the fullest! 

Hugs and Blessings,

"Simply" Sue

 
]]> Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:23:22 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29723 <![CDATA[Going Back in Time So We Can Enjoy the Now and Move Forward!]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29569 We made it home after seeing beautiful country in 6 states, speaking to over 70 ladies in Tupelo, Mississippi and going back in time.  It was hot (106 degrees at times) but no storms or traffic tickets!

Tupelo is a combination of preserving the history of the past and also moving into the future. The priority values of God, family, country, and life work are seen at every intersection of the city.

Visiting Elvis Presley's birthplace, and seeing the actual house where he was born, and all the other landmarks of his career, took me back to my childhood days when I followed his music. Seeing he would now be 75 years old, that made me aware I had gone back quite a way in time!  (This is my birthday month, at my age we celebrate the whole month, and I will be the same age as the year I graduated from high school! I am blessed to be healthy and living my dream as a speaker who writes).

Reading the local daily newspaper recalled another era in time. Stated right there on the front page of every issue in bold print is: "A LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MANKIND." How long has it been since we saw that in print? Did we think it was against the law to do so?

Tupelo is on the move into it's new future. The entire downtown is being renovated, Reeds famous 105 year old department store and bookstore is being redesigned, and even Elvis's park and buildings will have a new look with added features from history.

Then Tupelo has shopping that is every bit as good as anywhere we have been.  It is in the new style of getting away from large malls, and having it laid out all over with parking for each store location. Every store you can think of is there and located right next to where the new Toyota plant will soon be in operation.

Business is booming and the housing market is growing and thriving in this 140 year old cotton town. You don't see much cotton here, it is now soy and corn fields.

We were hosted in Tupelo by Mrs. Loraine Wesson. She is an 86 year story teller and historian of Shannon and Tupelo. She opened her home to us and has the most beautiful sun room on the planet! Antiques were everywhere and each has it own special story; that Mrs. Loraine will be glad to share.
(In this picture she is 2nd from the right on the front row.)

I spoke to a crowd of over 70 at the local County Club, where on the agenda was also the singing talent of the current Mrs. Mississippi, Keri McMillin       and the honorable U.S. Senator, Roger Wicker. Senator Wicker had time to take a picture with me which I shared on my Facebook fan page, and said he was sorry he could not stay for my presentation, but would do his best to be a "great opening act" for me!

As I had never met a U.S. Senator face to face, I was in awe what to reply except to say I am sure he would.  And he did! He shared his concerns for our country and how he stood on the issues, and asked the audience for questions which he answered without hesitation.

He even invited them to stop by the same house he has lived in for years, anytime to ask any further questions.  He ended by sharing that even though it seems there is not much to be joyful about these days he still loves the last stanza of the Star Spangled Banner, which asks a question:  O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

When Francis Scott Key wrote those lyrics it was a question, but Senator Wicker assured us he is still confident that our flag waves over the best land of the free and the brave, without a question mark, and that gives him hope and joy over our current circumstances.

Senator Wicker was a powerful speaker and after he left one of the ladies rose and asked permission to pray for this Senator and what he and our country face, and we did. Then I was given time to share how "Duct Tape is not the Best Way to Fix Your Life" with these ladies.

We also were treated to a special treat while staying with Mrs. Loraine before we returned home. She took us to a famous eating place located in Shannon, which is about 20 miles from Tupelo. Before eating she showed us her family farm where she was raised, and now belongs to her son and daughter. She has two other homes in Shannon that she is restoring.

We then made our way through the country roads and past the church where Mrs. Loraine still attends.  Next on our tour was to eat the famous catfish at Griggs. Just looking at this place you might not think it was anything but a local country gas station with a little convenience store inside. (Sorry my pictures didn't turn out for this famous place)!

When you enter you head to the back where there are tables and chairs set up, the cook shares the paper menu and asks you what you want and how much! It was the best catfish, hush puppies, and onion rings I have ever tasted. Yes, I had saved up for this feast, but I took some home so Mrs. Loraine could have a treat the next day. They told us on the week-ends it is a long wait as they also serve steak.

This trip will live in our memories as visiting a part of the country we had never seen before, and meeting some memorable people that we will not soon forget. It is a good thing to look at the past so we can move onto a future filled with hope and expectation.

I am grateful and thankful for a husband who shares my dream of being a speaker and is willing to handle the day to day running operation of our book sales that enable us to speak wherever we are asked. We do not know what the future will bring, but we are loving every moment of the now we share together.

Have a great week, and remember the past so we can move and enjoy now and the future.

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue



]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:36:49 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29569 <![CDATA[What Does Suffering and Sacrifice Have to Do With Joyful Living?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29275 Greetings from Summer in the South, and hope you are having a great one!

The topic of this blog is not one that we would normally hear a motivational and inspirational speaker and writer address, is it? 

Typically they are asked to bring hope, joy, and peace, not meddle in all the everyday realities of life. However, is that the best approach for most people? How can we choose hope, joy, and begin again, if we can't understand or accept why life isn't going as we expected it in the first place?

A starting point is a fact we must face. Life is not fair; but God is. There will be pain, people will hurt and disappoint us, we will face hard situations, we may lose our job, our families will not be perfect, and not everything is always the way we would like it to be! 

Doesn't sound like a very good arrangement, does it?  The truth is, it is an awesome arrangement because no matter what we face right now, we can be assured we will get through it. How we do so is the learning experience of the choices of our lives.

Recently I heard a statement from a well known author, speaker, and head of a great non-profit, Joni and Friends, Joni Eareckson Tada.  When diagnosed with cancer, on top of having been paralyzed for the last 43 years, she responded: "hum, God must be up to something big." Would that be your first thought? Would we even think God might be involved?

Realizing the suffering and sacrifice Joni has already made, why would this be happening to her?  Joni has come to face the fact that even though she has been through a lot more than most of us, there is still a God who cares,
is in control, and has a plan for her life. That is a big amount of trust and faith isn't it? Can you imagine what her doctors must think as they treat her from that perspective?

I have a dear friend who is now 91 and is in back pain daily. She does not like the fact that it is limiting what she can do; however, she accepts the fact it is, still lives on her own, and thinks of others first and not herself. Most doctors marvel at how she can still do what she does, but for her it is the only way to live.

How can these two face their circumstances with the joy,hope, and expectation and go on? It goes back to facing that in this life there will be suffering and sacrifice, and for the most-part we have no control over what comes our way. We will face disease, aging, death, physical pain, emotional baggage, and the rejection and objection of people in our lives. Not everyone will love, respect, and treat us as we would like.

Our businesses will not always be on top, and our relationships may not be all we expect.

But does that mean that we have the right to take on a negative attitude and give up, and live as a victim of our circumstances? That is what many do, however, there are choices that we can make that will bring about a different respond and outcome as we pass through it!

Recently through reading a copy of a best selling book, "Strengths Finder 2.0" by Tom Rath, I discovered a new thought process. Its' principle states for many years we have focused on improving our weaknesses instead of  strengthening our strengths. There is a message in that thought when facing suffering and sacrifice in our lives, isn't there?

When we know what our strengths are and where they come from, doesn't it make sense that we can draw from them and face our circumstances in a different way than from a standpoint of our weaknesses? 

I know Joni and my friend know what their strengths are and where they come from and then naturally, without a lot of thought or effort, use them to go on day after day. We see through their lives the hope, joy, and peace we all can have. 

Are you facing suffering and sacrifice in your life today?  Do you know God is in control, and that you will get through them? Or are you avoiding them,  staying in that worrisome and anxiety ridden stage, and not seeing His message for you.

Now is the time we can help and give comfort to others, because of what we have or are going through, that we can live in God's strength, and then we will be living a life God approves; which is the goal of all of us, isn't it?

Hope you have a wonderful week no matter what will come your way. Life is good and to be lived in joy, regardless of what happens. Chose to laugh, love, and live knowing you will get through!

Working on redesigning this website as best we can until we get our new one up and running!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue








]]> Wed, 4 Aug 2010 09:06:21 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29275 <![CDATA[Is There More Than Just Success?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28841 We just returned from our 2 week trip, refreshed, renewed, and ready to begin again! 

Carmen and I were having a "ketchup" day when I opened a blog post from Chip MacGregor, well known Literary Agent. Normally I might have saved it for later reading, but the title looked interesting, "What is Success"? You can read the entire post at http://chipmacgregor.com and also subscribe to his messages.

As I read this aloud to Carmen we both realized the impact of Chip's message. He shared the meaning for success is " the feeling you get when you reach your goals." I agreed with that and probably at some point of time I have taught and trained on this to many!

Is this all we work and live for? A feeling? Haven't we always heard that our feelings can deceive us?  What about the fact that I can see over 5000 of you open this site every month, (which is awesome), but how many of you do I know really read this post, ever hear from or get to meet?

Am I a failure, (even though the numbers give me a feeling of success), because I don't really know if I am making a difference in your life in some small way?  Then how do I 'feel' when the numbers are not like the they once were?  

Why then would I want to keep writing without knowing or being able to truly measure the success of this site? I do it because I have found just as Chip has, that significance matters more to me than success.

It has taken me a long time to finally get the message that significance is "making a difference in the lives of people over time" and that is certainly more valuable than my own success. However, I wasn't always this way!

I have a background of being a results driven person, and a "microwave gal" that needs to get them now! That was how I got rewarded when I did good, or punished if I didn't measure up!

I was and still am a great Zig Ziglar fan and my favorite quote has always been: "You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want first".

However, underneath it was also a struggle of keeping that message first in my focus, until I actually hit the "rock bottom" of my life in 1997. That was when my life began to change, and as Carmen shares with everyone, "God changed Sue from the inside out."

I began to see life wasn't about me but about how I can help others be the best without having to get anything back in return. Am I perfect at this? NO, but I certainly realize when I miss the mark, and seek forgiveness and know I can begin again.

Thanks, Chip for bringing this topic out for all to see, and for reminding me once more that in my business of being 'Simply" Sue- A Speaker Who Writes", that I don't want to base my business model on how many people tell me that they loved my blog, or come up to me when I speak and tell me I am the best they have heard, or even increased income from the sale of my book,CD, and DVD and speaking events. 

I want my model to focus on the "why" I do what I do, and let God show me "how" to work to accomplish and handle the details of that "why". I do have to earn an income that "puts gas in the car" so I can go where I am sent, and also so I can "give back" to those that need my help. That requires excellent service and hard work.

But most of all when my life is said and done, I want to have made a difference in the lives of many others and then God will be able to say: "well done, my faithful servant". Isn't that what we all want? That is the true measure of the significance and success of a life!

What does your business model look like? Is it all about you or all about making a difference in the lives of others? Do you need to make a change as we start the 3rd Quarter of our business cycle?

Have a great week!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue
]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:33:38 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28841 <![CDATA[Are You Dancing with Those Who Hear the Music?]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28547 Greetings from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma! I am in the land where I spent the first 18 years of my life; and visiting my Aunt Eletha, with whom I was blessed to spend every Summer as I was growing up! She is still active and a cherished part of the lives of her 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren and me!

It is great to be here and see the familiar places where I worked at my first job, and visit with friends and relatives that I have not seen in a while. It is 102 degrees in the shade and I can remember it even higher some years!

I love the heat even though I am allergic to the sun. So to be out in it I have to cover up! That is the reason part of my brand is....my hats!

We had a great time in Fort Worth seeing all our Premier friends and being with the owners, Andy and Joan Horner. We also heard and saw many great leaders of the business world and receive messages of encouragement and motivation! 

Dennis Swanberg, known as the "Minister of Encouragement"  was there to make us laugh at ourselves and each other! Dr. Charles Lowery, CEO of Lowery Institute for Excellence Inc,  shared motivational truths through laughter as well. They both have excellent books and DVD's out, I highly recommend them!

Rick Green, who is a Fox contributor, shared his message of hope for our country, by sharing the truth of the Constitution and our founders. He is now associated with David Barton and together they are encouraging all of us to read and know what we believe so we can pass it on to the next generation.

Scheduled to be there was Joni Eareckson Tada, CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center. However, just being diagnosed with cancer, having surgery, and now in chemo therapy, she was unable to make the trip.

Knowing this was all going on in her life, she still managed to record a video of hope and encouragement for the 9500 people there to see and hear. Her staff was there to share that the first words she replied after hearing she has cancer, and after being disabled for the last 43 years, was "Um, God must be up to something big." Those powerful words made us all rethink our attitude and perspective on life!

Also on the agenda was a message from one of Premier's leaders, Beverly Terrell. Beverly is now 78 years young, still actively doing her business and singing; even though she has severe osteoporsis and in severe pain. She shared we all need to, "Dance with Those Who Hear the Music." Her message was loud and clear that whatever God calls you to be and do, you need to surround yourself with those who have heard and succeeded in the lifework that you are in.

Haven't we heard that message many times we need to be with those who are visionaries and are successful in what they do? Why? So we continue on being encouraged and then we can become good influencers in other's lives.
I have been blessed in my life to be associated with those that are good influencers and guided me in the right direction so that I can be doing what I love doing today!

Do you have those in your life and in your business who believe in you and encourage you to keep going? What happens when we don't? I believe in helping others live their dreams and become the best they can be, but not everyone lives in that perspective do they?

I could have listened to others that believed an illegitimate gal from Oklahoma with no role models or resources could never be successful and live a wonderful life. Even today there are those that believe I should just stay home, and do what I want to do, without any thought of others.

They would say at my age and stage how can I still be valuable and useful and want to speak and write so that others can be encouraged? Why would I think I have the energy and abilities so that others would want to pay to hear and read my words?

I am blessed that when I wake up every morning I know why I am here and what order my priorities need to be in so that I can journey through the days helping others become the best they can be.  I can see the vision of speaking and writing wherever I am called, and doing it with excellence, integrity, and with fun!

I am not in the business of being and working as "Simply" Sue for the money, fame, or to feed my ego; but because I have a heart and love for people, and want to see them succeed and be able to live their dreams, as I am living mine. It is possible and I want to be out there as long as I live sharing that hope, joy, peace, and contentment with you.

I ask you today do you know that the same can be real for you too? Are you surrounding yourself with those that can help and encourage you to become all you were created to be and do? Are you "Dancing with Those Who Hear the Music"?  

Looking forward to hearing your comments of what that looks like for you!  Others need to hear from you! Just send me your comment by clicking at the bottom of this blog, and I will gladly post it for everyone to read.

You are so special, and I am so blessed that you continue to read my blogs, encourage me daily in person, or on FB and Twitter, and e-mail and write to me. You are a gift from God and I pray for you a great day and week! Have fun and remember to "keep it simple"!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue



]]> Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:29:48 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28547 <![CDATA[Hi to All My Premier Designs Friends and Everyone!]]> http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28309 We made it fine to Fort Worth today. Weather was great and we just went to eat at our favorite place downtown, Riscky's! Catfish was awesome!

Seen lots of Premier "Jewelry Ladies" already! Everyone join me on facebook at www.facebook.com/"Simply"SueSpeaks  for fan page and www.facebook.com/suefalcone for personal page.

On way to Little Rock yesterday we made it to Carmen's favorite eating place in Forrest City, Arkansas- www.olesawmill.com . Country cookin' at it's best!

Look forward to seeing more of Fort Worth tomorrow and shopping downtown before our Rally starts tomorrow evening.  Also will be working on monthly e-newsletter, and 2 proposals! Pray for me as I get this done. Then I also have 2 books going as well as an article due for August. So will work and have fun at the same time!

Mark Your Calendars! Confirmed today I will be speaking at Trinity Church in Greensboro, NC on Dec 4th at annual Christmas Tea. Details to come later, hope lots of you can come.

Off to work and keep you updated during the week!

Hugs and Blessings,
"Simply" Sue]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:35:37 PST http://www.suefalcone.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=28309