The cover of Fortune's July 2005 issue said it all: "Retire RICH, Take Control of Your Future".

And the entire magazine brainstormed about the different ways that people can ensure a wealthy retirement. But one article in particular challenged the traditional view of retirement, and stated that it simply doesn't exist anymore.

---

Before I go on, I just want to remind you of the opening of DigBizBooks.com on Monday, and invite you to join us. There will be bonuses galore with any purchase from the site, as our affiliates and authors are offering great freebies to everyone who takes part in the Grand Opening.

Of course, these bonuses are on top of the everyday bonuses that each author offers with every business publication! So if you would like an opportunity to add your bonus to the list and take part in the email blast to thousands of small businesses, let me know. You can become an affiliate by signing up at the Affiliate link at Encouraging Audiobooks. Now, on to the brainstorm!

---

With the advent of the Baby Boomers moving into retirement age as of January 1, this segment of the population will tip the scales economically and socially.

People are living longer, making money for longer periods of time, and continuing to work (mostly part time) beyond their normal retirement age - and not necessarily for money.

Some senior citizens are starting over - going back to school, trying new careers - simply because they can.

Unlike in the 1800s when living to 65 was almost unheard of, and there was therefore no reason to consider retirement planning. Today's 50+ group has every reason to make sure their twilight years are enjoyable.

So brain storm along with us today as we review how our entire society may be transformed with the largest wave of retirement age people ever.

And learn about the opportunities for you to provide valuable products and services to cater to this market segment, that actually holds three quarters of all of the wealth of the country!

Dave Boufford IS Mr. Positive, and he will be sharing with us positive news from around the world!

Learn about the 13-week Firm Foundation devotional study guide. You can download the free sample of Firm Foundation via the link on this blog or as a podcast at WordsForTheWeek.com.

Firm Foundation Daily Workbook and Teacher's Guide Sample with embedded audio file.

If you would like to order the book, a single copy of the Study Guide and Teacher's Guide is only $9.95. And, if you would like be able to make and distribute unlimited copies of Firm Foundation, we can license the course to you for only $99.95. For more information, and to order the entire course, go to Encouraging Audiobooks, under Devotions, and order Firm Foundation. Thank you for helping to support Words For the Week and Encouraging Audiobooks.

THE BIBLE WAY.

If the Bible had not been given us, we should not always know the way that Jesus walked.

But he has given us his Word. The way of the Bible is the way of Christ, and is therefore the true path of life.

O pilgrim to the heavenly kingdom, the Word of God will be a lamp unto thy feet and a light unto thy way.

It will lighten you home. There will never be a day so dark but the beams of light from the blessed Bible will pierce through the darkness and fall with a bright radiance upon your pathway.

If sometimes you can not see just where Jesus stepped, take the precious Book of God, and it will be a lamp to show you the way he trod.

One wintry morning a father went a long distance through the deep snow to feed his sheep. A few hours later a little boy was sent to call his father home. The child was carefully stepping in the footprints before him, but soon a dark cloud arose and the blinding snow-storm so dimmed his eye that he frequently stepped aside.

In the beautiful, clear light of the Bible we can see all the way that Jesus trod.

If we will walk according to the Bible, we shall walk as Jesus walked and not show a double track. Make the blessed Word of God your guide if you would walk aright the path of life and be happy.

"And often for your comfort you will read the Guide
and Chart,

[Read More!]

Enjoy this Penguin who must have been slipped something...you'll see what I mean in this video!

Visit Encouraging Audiobooks for more fun and humor!

Today we will use Cirque Du Soleil as our brainstorming example.

In the July 2005 issue of Fast Company, there is a feature on the very unique Cirque Du Soleil, combined with a brief introduction to a book that explains the "Blue Ocean Strategy" for business, and avoiding the competition altogether.

This circus/theatrical production is a smoothly running money-producer.

Their procedures for hiring and training is very well thought out, and their focus on innovation rather than competition makes a powerful point. Replacing injured or retiring performers is easy, as they have recruits waiting in the wings all over the world.

They focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity by utilizing their corp of multi-nationals

This keeps them ahead of their competition (which up until now has not even existed). This is a part of the idea of Blue Ocean Strategy - focusing on being the first to create and produce new products and services. Innovation and re-inventing the company and the products is the key.

I know of an entrepreneur who is CONSTANTLY re-inventing her products and services,

focusing solely on what her clients (and potential clients) might want. Dee Kreidel, of Legacy Journals, explains the personalization emphasis of her business: [Read More!]

You must come to see the daffodils

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."

"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her. "I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car." "How far will we have to drive?" "Oh...just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "But I'll drive I'm used to this." After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!" "We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils"

"Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience." After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, "Daffodil Garden."

[Read More!]

HOW TO LIVE THE CHRIST-LIFE.

Man can not naturally live the Christ-life. But Christ has promised to come into our hearts and live in us. In order that we may have Christ dwell in our hearts and that we may live his life, there must be a giving up of our self-life. There must be annihilation of self that Christ may live. It is truly wonderful and as glorious as it is wonderful that man can live the life of Christ in this world. But here is the secret, it is man ceasing to live the self-life and Christ living in him.

[Read More!]

Meet a comic book author and artist who lost the use of his arms and hands!

Jaime Buckley is an unusual hero in his own right - at least that's what I think. But I'll let you decide for yourself. After a car accident (and many, MANY more physical setbacks, including the LOSS OF THE USE OF HIS ARMS AND HANDS!), the story of what he's been through and how he's been guided and provided for step by step is nothing less than miraculous.

Download the first issue of Wanted: Hero for free here!

You can also view the fantastic video commercial. The best part is that you can get subsequent digital download issues for only $1 each!!!!!.

So please spread the word about Wanted: Hero - a great source of clean comedy!

And for more clean comedy, help yourself to it at Encouraging Audiobooks.

If you are an entrepreneur or small business person...

[Read More!]

and

Today we unveil the 2 simultaneous Brain Storm! / DigBizBooks.com competitions!

But first, today's topic...the cover of the July 2005 issue of Fast Company was fantastic - I feel like they've been following me around and documenting the psychopathic people and situations in my life!

Learn the 8 traits of psychopaths, how to deal with them, and why they are actually corporate superstars. Why does today's economy promote such deeply disturbed people? And do you have such people on your team??? But on to the competitions!

The Most Psychopathic Boss Contest

You must change the names to protect the psychopathic, and even change the company, but we want to hear your psychopathic boss stories! Winner receives $25 via paypal after everyone votes for the biggest psycho!

The Best Boss Contest

There are still some fantastic bosses out there, and I've been blessed to know several of them - people who care for their employees, their department, their clients, and are just really decent people of integrity. Winner of this one receives not only the $25 via paypal, but ALSO a 60 second professionally produced commercial from a professional voice talent and narrator, worth $450!!!!! I won it in a drawing, and since that's what I do for a living, thought it would be better put to use for one of my podcast listeners. So let us know why your boss (present or past) should be the Best Boss.

QMTP me, leave a comment below, or call in your responses (phone number is at the top of the Brainstorm-Podcast.com site).

And remember that we're still ramping up for DigBizBooks.com's opening, and looking for entrepreneurs who want to sell their knowledge and publications to other entrepreneurs. We've got the tools and the market - we just need you and your expertise! :) [Read More!]

I was greatly impressed by the movie "Diary of a Mad Black Woman".

It's Christian basis and the chastity of the heroine and hero were so refreshing. And the church scene where God provides miracles is just amazing - I could watch that over and over again.

But the most incredible thing is how she works through her anger and unforgiveness to move to a place where she is healed and doesn't require blood as payment for her pain. And today's podcast shares a true life story of how one man who was doubly betrayed and lost everything important to him, and yet, through experiencing the forgiveness and grace of God, did the unthinkable and was released.

How To Live a Holy Life, by C.E. Orr
The model life. Part 2.

We are told by the voice of Scripture to be "followers of God as dear children." When children are dear to the heart of the parent, he loves to have them obey him. God's children are dear to him, and he would have them follow him. To follow God is to imitate him, or be like him. This is the true way of life.
[Read More!]

Encouraging Audiobooks and Family Friendly Podcasts want to share a new comedy podcast with you guys...hope you enjoy it!

You can subscribe at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/FlashItUpBlog