I FINALLY downloaded the program so I can improve and update my website! I’ve been really excited to make some changes and include more things that will beneficial to readers.

The lady who was doing the updating charged $40/hour. I know that’s not unreasonable, and she did a GREAT job, but I want to be able to do it whenever I want to. The program was “only” $170 so it’ll pay for  itself very quickly.

Some of the additions/improvements I plan to make include posting some of the articles I’ve had published in various magazines, a question  and answer section for new writers, more information about the speaking I do, reviews of books I’ve enjoyed, and more links to my favorite websites.

My prayer is that the website will inform, encourage, and inspire, YOU, my readers–moms, women, authors, readers . . . so if there is something you’d like to see on the website, please, e-mail me with your suggestions!

Happy Leap Year Day! It’s kind of neat that we get a “bonus” day every four years.

I didn’t do anything special today, but it was a productive day. I started with a long to-do list, and crossed off quite a few things that were on it, including cleaning up the house, writing a short article for the Nebraska Family Times newsletter, updating my calendars for March, laundry, and e-mailing a friend several times throughout the day.

Sometimes the most productive days are the ones on which my to-do list is the longest! I just picked one thing to start with (the article, since it needed to be in early), and then went to the next thing . . . every time I completed a task I chose another one to work on (not necessarily the next one on the list) and just kept going all day long.

The best part was when a friend stopped by to pick something up . . . we had a really nice talk. It’s always a treat to catch up with a friend!

I’m still going to get the Shelmar Publications newsletter out tonight, so I better get going! I hope everyone else had a productive day, too!

This Friday is Leap Year Day–Feb. 29th.

I think we should make our “bonus” day this year, special! What will you do to make it so? I don’t know what I’m going to do . . . something I enjoy, something to relax . . .

E-mail me with your ideas of enjoying the bonus day.

Several years ago, writing in a “Gratitude Journal” became popular thing to do. Studies found that looking at the positive things in life could improve a person’s mood and even decrease symptoms of depression.

So here’s what I’m thankful for today:

1. I got to talk to both of my sisters today. I couldn’t tell you all the things we talked about, but I was smiling when I hung up the phone, both times!

2. Morgan isn’t feeling well . . . but her symptoms did NOT get worse during the day.

3. Morgan had her best cattle showing weekend ever, winning Supreme Grand Champion with her heifer. She also was 5th overall in the Junior Show, and won Intermediate Showmanship. I’m not trying to brag, but I am proud of her and all the hard work she puts into the cattle. It’s a great reward to see her confidence increase as she does show.

4. My day got off to an EXTREMELY slow start . . . but I got almost everything on my “to-do” list done! (posting on this blog was one of the last things, and here I am doing it)

5. My whole family is together right now, watching the Democratic candidate debate . . . the best part is just being together and talking about the issues.

What are YOU thankful for today?

Do you ever have a day (or week?) in which you feel you haven’t accomplished anything? Maybe you’ve worked busily all day on a to-do list, or putting out fires (hopefully figuratively, not literally!) or caring for a sick child.

I felt that way all week. I felt like I was on the run all week, but questioned if I accomplished anything. I think I made three or four “to-do” lists (I tend to write them on small sticky notes, then lose the sticky note . . . ) but just could not get everything crossed off any of them. Last night, after the kids had left for the cattle show, the living room and kitchen were still a mess. The bills weren’t paid. I didn’t do a blog post all week. Didn’t get more books ordered. I think my “things I didn’t get done” list was longer than my accomplishements!

Today I had a bit of breathing room. I found some of my “to-do” lists and saw that not a lot was crossed off . . . but I thought of the things I had done, but hadn’t written down.

I worked at my nursing job several days, took Morgan to an appointment and Confirmation, made a meal or two that everyone liked, rubbed Tim’s sore back and legs one evening, started a new Bible study, took a walk yesterday (now that the temperature is above -30 with the wind chill), e-mailed friends, talked to my Grandpa on the phone, talked to both sisters on the phone, cuddled with Morgan, spent time with Cody talking about “serious” issues.

I didn’t think I’d gotten much writing work done, until I was looking at e-mails today. I found that I’d submitted several articles to different blogs and websites, answered book-related e-mails, jotted down ideas for promotion and publicity, made goals for March, and today ordered a shipment of books.  

All week I tried to make every moment count, and be productive in whatever I did! Last night when the kitchen, dining room, AND living room were all a mess, I set the oven timer for 15 minutes and concentrated on cleaning those areas. I had to set the timer two more times before everything was picked up, but what a feeling of accomplishment to go to bed knowing I’d gotten that done . . . and it sure was nice to get up to a relatively clean house.

When you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything, look back and really think about what you HAVE done. Did you encourage someone? Comfort someone who was sad? Spend time with your family? Do something for yourself? Spend time with God? Read His Word? Those intangible things you do count as much as, or more than, crossing something off of your “to do” list.

Now, I’m going to enjoy this sunny, warm (well, 30 degrees–warm for NE in Feb!) day and when I get back, I’m going to call my mom and dad.

Enjoy your day!

You’ve probably heard reports that influenza is widespread throughout many states right now. Unfortunately the flu virus (which changes every year) is different than the viruses the vaccination was designed to protect against, so it’s only been about 40% effective. And while the flu virus usually mostly affects the elderly and very young, this year young adults are being hit hard.

The flu hits fast and hard, with symptoms like headache, high fever (my 5 year-old niece has a fever of 102.8), body aches, headache and sometimes a bad cough. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor; an antiviral medication, which can shorten the duration of the symptoms, can be effective if given within 48 hours of the start of the symptoms.

The most effective thing you can do to prevent the spread of the flu is to wash your hands often.  Remember that anything you touch–grocery cart handles, door knobs, the telephone, fast food trays–may be contaminated by the germs of all the people who touched it that day (or depending on the germ, the days before)! When you shake hands, you are exposed to the germs on that person’s hands–germs from his cough, germs from the door handle she just touched, and so on. So wash your hands!

When you do wash your hands, be sure to turn off the faucet with a paper towel, not with your hands . . . remember, those faucets are contaminated with the germs of all the people who touched it!

With illness abounding, prepare for sick days. Stock up on soup, jello, pop sicles, tissues, and any medication you anticipate you might need. My sister lives in a tiny town with no pharmacy or convenience or grocery store. She was glad to have tylenol on hand, as well as jello and tapioca pudding (my niece’s favorite!), so she could come straight home from the doctor’s office yesterday and know she had everything she needed on hand.  

My family and I also highly recommend AirBorne (store brands include WalBorne and Equate brand AirHealth), an immune boosting supplement. It’s a big tablet you drop in water; it fizzes and you drink it. It’s not bad tasting! We take it at the first sign of illness, or when other people around us are sick, and it helps ward off illness.

Keep the germs away and stay healthy!

I posted the following article in the Shelly Burke Shelmar Publications newsletter that was e-mailed last Friday. My prayer is always that I will be lead to write something that will help, or encourage, or inspire my readers. I received several comments about this article, so decided to reprint it here. I hope it encourages YOU!

P.S. To sign up for the Shelmar Publications newsletter, go to www.shellyburke.net.

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WISE WORDS: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zech. 4:10

I have grand ideas and big goals for my business-writing more books (I have several in mind!), having more people sign up for the newsletter, continuing to speak for different groups, reaching many through the blog . . . one of my dreams is to see a display of my book in the window of a bookstore!

I become discouraged and frustrated when I have to deal with the “small beginnings” of my business-organizing notes, paying bills, and just cleaning my office . . .

I try to remember that these “small beginnings” are a part of EVERY business, every goal, every plan.

My ultimate “dream job” of being a wife and mother and managing our home involves plenty of “small beginnings”-planning meals, clearing out the dishwasher, folding
towels (there’s an overflowing basket just staring at me from the couch right now!).

But I know that these small things, whether for my business or my family, are a necessary part of the whole, of the dream, of the goal.

When I read that ” . . . the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,” it is easier for me to make these small beginnings.

May God bless and lead you as you make your small beginnings on the way to your ultimate goal!

My husband and kids were out of town in Denver, at the stock show, in January. I was sick of dodging falling bottles and cans and boxes and pillow cases every time I opened a closet, cupboard, or cabinet door, and I was tired of looking for whatever I needed for an inordinate amount of time every time I needed something. 

It took two days, but I completely cleaned, sorted, and organized the closets and cupboards and cabinets in the laundry room, kitchen, and our bathroom, as well as the pantry and linen closet. After almost getting frostbite while searching for something for supper, I also cleaned the freezer. As I filled 9 garbage bags with stuff to throw away, I realized that messy closets and cupboards had more consequences than just frustration and  potential injuries from falling items.

The Cost of  Disorganization

• Too many “extras”! I found several packages of batteries (in the laundry room closet), 3 loaves of holiday cocktail bread for fancy appetizers (in the freezer), and many bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the bathroom cabinets. The extras were all bought because I couldn’t find the ones I’d originally purchased.  Although I will use these items someday, I spent money that at the time could have been spent on other things, and the cocktail bread was freezer-burned beyond use.
• Space. In almost every cupboard and closet I cleaned I found partially full bottles or boxes of food, shampoo, parmesan cheese, etc. Obviously, four or five partly full containers take up a lot more space than one full container! I combined the like products, and the empty containers accounted for several garbage bags full of waste.
• Potential safety issues. I found several packages of expired medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Expired meds most likely won’t give the desired affect, but can also cause undesired affects. Old makeup can hold infection-causing bacteria; old lotion can separate and be unusable. I also found boxes of very old and long-expired food, which might have been “just” stale, but I didn’t want to risk it being full of bugs or spoiled to the point of being a health hazard. These items accounted for a few more garbage bags full of . . . garbage.

After two days of cleaning closets and cupboards, I felt a GREAT sense of accomplishment. Every time I walked by a cupboard or closet I opened it, just to gaze at what I’d done. When my family got home, I made them look too—they were impressed! 

Benefits of Organized Closets and Cupboards

• With a place for everything and everything in its place, I can clearly see how much soap, tomato sauce, laundry detergent, and first aid cream I have. When I make my shopping list, I can see what I need and know I won’t be purchasing anything unnecessarily. It’s also much easier to plan meals when all food items are organized and I can clearly see how much of everything we have. Obviously, this saves money.
• I also save time by not having to push things aside, or take them out, or try to fit them back in after they fall out, every time I open a door. I didn’t realize how much time I wasted until now, when everything is easy to see and easy to reach.
• No more waste! I can easily rotate food so it doesn’t get old (putting new purchases in back of products that are already in the cupboard) and check expiration dates on medications. This is another money saver.
• I “found” some items and ingredients I’d forgotten I had! It was a thrill (I’m easy to thrill!) to find “new” lotion and makeup that had gotten pushed to the back of the cabinet. I also found unusual ingredients I’d purchased for recipes I wanted to try, and now can (when I find the recipe . . . my next organizing project is the pile of recipes!).
• All in all, I have an increased sense control over my home, my time, and my finances. The benefits are well worth the time and effort it took to clean and organize those closets, cupboards, and cabinets!

 If you’re reading this, you can organize YOUR cupboards, cabinets, and closets! If you don’t have an extended period of time to do several or all of them at once, start small—with a small closet, or even a single shelf. You will reap the benefits of every bit of work you do, and as you experience the benefits or organization, you’ll be motivated to do more!

(Tim is hoping that next time they leave, I’ll sort, organize, and clean his office . . . they’ll have to be gone a lot longer than 10 days for that to happen! )

I seem to have a thing with flat tires. It started when we moved out to the country, which will be three years ago March 10th.

At that time, we thought my “luck” with flats was because my parking spot (in our enclosed garage, which I’m sooooo thankful for during this cold weather!!) is closest to the house, therefore closest to where the carpenters were working with nails as they finished the house, deck, garage, etc.

But for goodness sake, it’s been ALMOST THREE YEARS and I’m STILL getting flat tires!! The most recent streak started Nov. 18th, at the cattle sale. Got down to the ranch that day and someone said it was flat. Got that one fixed, then THREE DAYS LATER blew out a tire on our ill-fated Thanksgiving trip. No, it wasn’t the same tire that had just been fixed!

Right after Christmas I was ready to go to work, and had another flat . . . and just last week had to keep filling a tire that got low. It’s fixed now!

I’m starting to think God is trying to teach me a lesson . . .  I just don’t know what it is!

I wonder if maybe He puts us in situations which we fear, to teach us to depend on Him and decrease our fear.

I have always had a fear of vehicle trouble when I’m on the road . . . but every time I’ve had a flat it’s been where it’s easy to get help–either AAA insurance, Cody (my handy teenager), Tim (my handy husband), or the man at the gas station. I’ve also watched the above people CHANGE a tire enough that I’m quite sure I could do it if I needed to!

Or perhaps the message is that I cannot be in control of every aspect of my life, and God is reminding me of that . . .

Whatever the lesson is, I’m trying to learn, God! Please, make it clear to me!

Had God taught you a lesson through repeated events in your life?

Do you have any ideas about what God might be trying to teach ME through flat tires?

I look forward to your experiences and thoughts!

Shelmar Publications has several new products, created based on comments and suggestions from customers and people I’ve talked with after presentations and talks. These products will help you make 2008 the best year yet!

These products aren’t on the website yet, but you can order them by sending payment through PayPal to: shelly@shellyburke.net. Be sure to specify what you’re ordering; you can order any books by going thru this Paypal site, also.

I’m getting the program so I can update my website. That’s been in the works for several months–I had to get more memory installed on my computer before I could download the program, and it took a few weeks for that extra memory to be ordered and come in. But it’s in now–all I need is to download the program! I’ll be working several extra days this week because the other nurse for my private duty patient is sick, but I hope to get it downloaded over the weekend. Of course, then I have to learn how to use it . . .

Anyway, on to the new products!

• Be Good to Yourself! 366 Ways to Take Care of Yourself in 2008! This unique calendar lists a way to take care of yourself for every day of every month. When you take care of yourself, you can better care for everyone else! The calendar is undated so you can pick what you want to do, every day, and then check it off.  $10 each or 3 for $20
• Home is Where the Mom Is Study Guide for Individuals or Groups. Questions relevant to each chapter will give you insight and encourage discussion. Readers are provided with space to list a Bible verse that is relevant, and make a goal related to the information in that chapter. $5 or FREE with any other purchase! 
• Make it Happen! Your Guide to Setting and Reaching Goals that will Change Your Life! This workbook will take you through the characteristics of a good goal, along with steps for setting a goal you can work towards and accomplish. Types of goals are described (short term, medium and long term, goals requiring consistent actions, etc.), and worksheets are provided–fill them in, following the directions, and you’ll be on your way to accomplishing your goals! There is a special section encouraging women to take time for themselves, and appropriate goal sheets for doing so. 38 pages.  $15 or 2 for $25.

If you have purchased one of these new goodies, please send me your comments! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net.