Integrity

Do the businesses that you patronize walk in integrity?  I value good customer service which is one of the reasons that I prefer online shopping over in-store shopping (I realize that some online businesses are rip-offs.  You must do your homework.)  As a whole, online shopping allows the consumer the opportunity to avoid the pitiful customer service that is often associated with some businesses.  Three brick and mortar businesses that consistently provide excellent customer service are Chik-Fil-A, Publix and Starbucks.  (I am talking about my own personal experiences with these businesses.)

Tips to Consider Prior to Making a Purchase

1. Before purchasing goods and services, check out the company’s exchange/return policies.  Unfortunately, I have purchased items that I was unhappy with (for one reason or another) that I could not return.  If I had carefully read the exchange/return policy, this could have been avoided.  
2. Read reviews.  (Have an open-mind when reading reviews.  Read the pros and the cons.  Then choose wisely!)
3. Check out the customer service.  Do they respond to calls, emails, texts?  Do they do their best to please the customer? OR, Do they refuse to acknowledge calls, emails, texts once they’ve gotten your money? (Reviewers often point out bad customer service.)

How To Avoid Doing Business with a Company that does NOT walk in Integrity

1. Try not to buy on impulse.
2. Try not to be pressured into making a purchase.  This is especially important when passing by a kiosk in the mall during the holidays.  Remember that the sales rep at the kiosk has been well-trained to make a sale.  And, there is usually something at the kiosk that grabs your attention.  Before making the purchase, ask questions:

• How long will you be here?
• Will you be here tomorrow?
• How long does this deal last? (The sales rep will more than likely try to convince you that it's now or never.)
• What if I'm unhappy with the product/service?
• Can I purchase online?  If the sales representative is unsure or you are still hesitant about the purchase after asking questions, keep your money in your pocket!

    Finally, integrity goes a long way.  Certain brands are known for their integrity.  They stand behind their product or service.  We often make repeat purchases because of a brand’s quality.  On the other hand, if you’ve been burned by a brand, it is very difficult for anyone to convince you to repurchase that good or that service ever again.

Food for Thought

Every cheap deal is not a bad deal and every expensive deal is not a good deal!

Meatless Monday

     It's been quite a while since I posted a Meatless Monday Meal.  So, today, I'm posting a yummy black bean/pinto bean burger and fresh strawberries.  I cooked these beans a couple of days ago.  After deciding that I had eaten enough of the beans, I decided to transform the beans into a breakfast burger.

Recipe

1. I mashed the beans in a bowl until they were a mushy consistency.  NOTE: Some like a firmer  
   consistency.
2. Then, I added smoked paprika, onion powder, poultry seasoning and celery salt.
3. So that they would stick together, I added about a tablespoon full of cooked rice and a tablespoon full of bread crumbs.
4. Afterwards, I formed them into patties and pan fried them in garlic spread.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

This is a new day that God has given us - one that we've never seen before and

 one that we will never see again. Find something to rejoice about!

8 Covid-19 Myths

Wisdom is the principal

thing; Therefore get

wisdom. And in all your

getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

Covenant Grace Ministries

To read details concerning

The following myths, please 

go to Covid 19 Myths.

Myth #1 Covid-19 is no worse  than the seasonal flu.

Myth #2 Seniors and the elderly  are the only ones that  should take extra  precautions.

Myth #3 You’re contagious only  if you have symptoms.

Myth #4 The virus will disappear  when it gets warmer.

Myth #5 Staying at home is  necessary only if  you’re sick.

Myth #6 Everyone’s symptoms  of Covid-19 are similar.

Myth #7 Covid-19 only lives  in the air minutes  after a sneeze or cough.

Myth #8 Once you’ve had Covid-19, you are safe and will  not get it again.

GOD wants us WELL!

Beloved, I wish above all

things that thou mayest

prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 2

Check this video out by Dr. Bill Winston. Be blessed!

Happy New Year - 2020!!

So, I learned a new nugget 

that I will add to my life lessons. 

 I want to share it with you.

Everything is “figure outable.”

There are solutions.  

Whatever it is - it CAN be figured out!

Enjoy your day!

Re-formulate

Re-formulate 

     Now that you have reevaluated the past year, it is time to reformulate a plan of action. Reformulate, according to google, means to formulate again or differently. Simply put, you must, in some way, change your old way of doing things. You cannot expect change in 2020 while doing everything the exact same way you did it in 2019. Therefore, take your past plans and modify, revise, and tweak them until they are in line with your expected outcome. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to rip them apart and start anew.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

1. Set realistic goals. 

Realistic

By February 2020, I’m going to lose 5 pounds by briskly walking for 30 minutes 3 times per week .

Unrealistic 

Starting New Year’s Day, I’m never going to miss a day of working out.

2. Set measurable goals. 

Measurable

I will reduce my caffeine consumption so that (by March 1st) I’m only drinking one caffeinated beverage daily.

Unmeasurable

I’m never going to drink caffeinated beverages again.

3. Prepare ahead for dealing with setbacks. 

     Anytime, you’re striving for success, understand that every day will not go according to your plan. You may stumble. You may fall. But, whatever you do, don’t give up. Instead of giving up and throwing in the towel - get up, brush yourself off and start again! 

Until next time, 

Shalom