Little Bites {June}

Little Bites Tip of the Month: Utilize Social Media

Do you have a Facebook Timeline? Write consistently for a blog? Use Twitter to make otherwise impossible connections? Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date? Last week, I shared my story of how building an online presence led to a "wildest dreams" job offer. Social media guru, Becky Robinson, says that it doesn't take a lot of time to make a big impact. In fact, she has built a business based on the belief that spending just 12 Minutes a day creating a social media network can mean the difference between getting lost in the online crowd, and experiencing a breakthrough for your book, blog, or idea. Based on my own experience, I believe that it's never a waste of time to update an online resume, faithfully write blog posts even when you think no one is reading, respond to tweets from strangers, and build a network of online connections.
What will YOU do this month to build YOUR social media presence?

Little Bites {May} Update

1. Go up in the attic and see what's stored there - purge whatever can be purged

I did not make it into the attic last month, so I'm leaving this one on my long-term list

2. Make a final decision about the PH roof/project

Hooray! This one is crossed off because Peter & a friend patched the roof as a temporary (1+ year) fix

3. Make daily quiet time a priority over Internet and other distractions

Progress was made in this area, but it's an ongoing struggle for me

4. Spend some time learning about social media and promoting Mashed Potatoes

I have learned SO MUCH in the last month from Becky Robinson, and have been able to implement several ideas for promoting Mashed Potatoes (including offering FREE Kindle copies of the book to anyone who is willing to write a review on their blog, Amazon, or goodreads). Sadly, I don't feel like I'm making any headway in actually getting the book to SELL, but I'm not giving up yet!

5. Set a date for a family yard sale

DONE and DONE! The yard sale was last Saturday and the family has made a pact NEVER to have another one. It's too depressing. We're also tossing around the idea of forgoing gift exchanges in the future and taking a family beach vacation next summer instead, which seems like a win-win situation.

Little Bites Goals {June}

1. Spend 5 minutes a day filing paperwork in the office (use timer)

2. Finish cleaning up PH

3. List washer, dryer, stove, and old front door on Craigslist

4. Design an organization plan for storage in the PH

5. Spend 5 minutes a day cleaning something in the house (vacuum a floor, dust a table, clean a bathroom, etc.)

On a Personal Note...

In the last month, we've been reminded that this life is just a breath. Three family friends finished their races after years and months of battling diseases. Two young missionaries (friends of friends) lost their lives in a plane crash in Africa last weekend. All of them left behind children (the youngest were 3 & 1 - daughters of the missionary pilot and his wife), spouses, grand-kids, and friends, but each of them knew exactly where they were going to spend eternity. In light of the reminders of the temporary nature of this life, I want to keep in mind that while goals are good, it's only the eternal destiny of people that matters. 

Yes, I desire to be a good steward of my time, talents, and financial resources, but I want to be a better steward of the Gift that God has given me to share with those who are searching. I want to be excited about my personal and professional goals, but I want to be more excited about the Message of Hope that God has charged me to share with others. I want to be bold in my dreams and aspirations, but I want to be bolder with my testimony of the freedom that comes through Christ's forgiveness. 

These are my never-ending goals. 

What are YOURS?