We have all been through a lot this year, and we all have a lot for which to be thankful.

Many people have suffered losses . . .

• The loss of a loved one.
• The loss of a job.
• The loss of a sense of security.

When this happens, it is easy — even natural — to feel angry.

Several years ago, my husband almost died. He continues to have serious health problems to this day.

In spite of my relationship with God, I spent a couple of years feeling angry and hurt that God allowed this to happen in my life. I felt singled out, and wondered why God didn't love me enough to provide me with a "normal" life.

It took a friend's loss of her 18-year old son to make me realize just how wrong I had been. I wasn't being "singled out," and there is no such thing as a "normal" life.

God gives us all challenges. For some, it is the loss of a loved one. For others, it is a health problem or financial difficulties.

I came to the realization that it is not the challenges we face, but how we live IN SPITE OF the challenges that are thrown in our path, that defines who we are.

Once I understood this, I was able to let go of my anger and treasure each day God gives me with my husband.

My prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones this year. And, I send my heart-felt thanks to the brave men and women who are risking their lives to protect me and my family.

I pray that God gives you that "peace that surpasses all understanding," and that you know He is with you and loves you.

People always ask me "Is it really helpful to my business to attend live events?"

My answer is always a resounding "YES!"

Here's a copy of a very funny message Lisa Preston (the creator of "Instant Niche Emails") sent to her readers about how she and I met…and the profitable relationship that blossomed from that chance encounter. I thought you might enjoy it…

Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
I think this is one of those times.

A huge value of marketing-seminars is found in the
connections and relationships you create there.
You never know when you're going to meet someone
with whom you'll work in the future!

That's been 100% the case for me. This past
April, at the Big Seminar in Atlanta, I met an
ally in the most unusual place and under the
most unusual circumstances.

During a break I visited the ladies room.
I just barely touched the big giant toilet paper
roll holder on the wall, and it broke apart and
fell to the floor with a crash that seemed to
resonate throughout the hotel. I scared every
lady in there half to death.

How embarrassing!

Well, after trying to fix the thing, I exited.
And the next gal who went into the restroom hit
the holder, and BOOM! The same thing happened.

"Oh, dear!" I hear.

"Don't worry - the same exact thing just happened
to me," I laughed.

Well, guess who was standing there? Marketing Genius
Holly Cotter! We laughed about the whole thing and
made some small talk about it.

Weeks later I needed to contact Holly about a Joint-Venture.
Trying to make a connection, I wrote in the subject line -
Holly, It's Lisa, the Toilet Paper Lady…"

She later told me she had to open it up to see what on earth
I was talking about. Then as she read, she remembered the
incident at the Seminar!

We have laughed over that a lot since. We've also decided
to work together on a project!

Now, I surely believe in the value of conferences.
I've met four business partners this past year - and
we're working together and having a blast!

If you can swing the cost, try visiting a couple seminars
this next year. You could find yourself making some great
friendships and creating joint-ventures.

In the most unusual of places!

Find out how YOU can Receive 7 Days of Coaching with Holly Cotter and Enjoy a Luxury Cruise at the Same Time!

I'm back from my cruise…rested, relaxed, and focused.

First of all, I want to say…we had a FABULOUS time. However, that doesn't make a very interesting story. So, here's the inside scoop…

Our cruise was jinxed!

One of the 4 engines stopped working.

While the ship still operated just fine, it was only able to maintain 3/4 of the regular speed…meaning it couldn't travel as far in the same amount of time.

At first, the engine was supposed to be fixed during our day in St. Lucia. However, as they soon discovered, an essential part needed to be shipped from Germany.

So…

Instead of visiting these 4 islands as originally planned:

• St. Maarten
• St. Lucia
• Barbados
• Antigua

We were re-routed to:

• St. Maarten
• St. Lucia
• Antigua
• St. Thomas

Apparently, the captain felt Barbados was too far a distance to get there and back in the allotted time (which was really a shame since I've always wanted to see Barbados, and have already been to St. Thomas several times).

However, we still had a great time…and now we can look forward to visiting Barbados on some future vacation.

Now, before announcing the contest winner, I want to first thank everyone who submitted a guess…it was fun to read all the suggested itineraries, and you gave me and Steve several ideas for other islands we'd like to see.

And the winner is…

Congratulations to Chris Fuchs…who guessed all 4 of the islands we actually visited!

Also…

Congratulations to Don Boyll…who came in 2nd by guessing all 4 of the islands we were originally scheduled to visit.

If, for some reason, Chris doesnt supply me with his offering within the next week, then Don will receive the prize. Either way…expect a very exciting announcement about one of these guys' products within the next couple of weeks.
:-)