When you start diving into affiliate marketing you usually will come across products that just happen to fit into your your current site. For example, you have been blogging about your trials and tribulations homeschooling your kids. It makes sense to then mention (and hopefully sell!) homeschooling related products on your site.

But if you really want to make a living from affiliate marketing, you may find that you need several blogs or sites in order to diversify your streams of income. But how do you decide what sites or blogs to start?

You may find what you feel is an awesome product (or two) and build a site around that product. But many products have a “shelf life” and it may not be in your best interest to build a site based on a single (or even a small handful) of affiliate products.

Instead, you may want to find a niche first…and then find the affiliate products that fit that niche.

It’s a balancing act for sure! In fact, it will take a good amount of research up front. The trick is to find a niche that:

1) you can relate to, at least on some level (if it’s outside of your comfort zone, or you know nothing about it, you may find it hard to really build that site to any point that it becomes profitable)

2) doesn’t have a lot of competition

3) gets enough keyword searches to make it worth your while

Sure, you may come up with a really nifty niche that has little to no competition. But what if it also gets little to no keyword searches? Then you’re likely to get very little traffic which will result in very few sales.

Once you find the niche that rests in the sweet spot of little competition but enough searches, then you can look for affiliate products out there that will be the perfect match with your niche. Whether you look at ClickBank, or Commission Junction, E-Junkie, Amazon…or some other site with affiliate products, you are bound to come up with items that will be the right fit.

When your teenager starts driving there are obviously some concerns like: will they be able to handle certain situations, will they be nice to my car and treat it with respect, what if they get into a car accident and so on. On the other hand there are some advantages to having a teen driver at home. For instance, they can run to the store and get toilet paper that you forgot last time you went grocery shopping; they can go get their own personal items when they need them instead of you dropping everything and running out and doing it; they can drive themselves to school and back; they can drive themselves to their friend’s house or give their friend a ride when needed, etc.

My baby, who is 16, has had her license since June and I love it. We even picked up a 3^rd little car so she could drive herself back and forth to school when I was working out of the home. It has proven to be a nice little luxury with another driver in the house.  I am freed up to do things like write more, now that I’m working from home full time, clean the house and fun stuff like that…LOL.  But seriously, if my daughter wants to rent a movie or go get a snack from the corner market, she can drive herself and I’m not taking time out from writing to do it. Plus, she can tote her brother around who doesn’t have a license due to some trouble he’s been in.

Having an extra driver in the house can really free up your time. But, how do you feel when they are out on the road? Are you nervous and scared or worried all the time that they will get into an accident? Or are you certain that they are being safe, alert and cautious?

Here are some things you can do to ensure they are driving respectfully and ease your mind:

1.       Be sure they take a driver’s education course. I know they can be costly if not offered through your school, but they are worth it! I’ve had 2 young girls live in my home that did not take driver’s training for various reasons and neither of them have their license yet; one is 21 and the other is 19. If you want to teach your teen to drive instead of using formal training, that will work as well, just be sure they receive the proper training to be confident, safe and cautious on the road.

2.       If they have road rage nip it in the bud early. Teach them that their anger isn’t going to control the other driver in any way, but it is allowing the other driver to control them! Teach them to be patient and take it easy. The best way to teach patience is to be patient, which is hard, I know. But, if we want our teens to exude certain characteristics, we need to be the example.

3.       Take driving privileges away. Nothing hurts a teen more than not being able to do what they want to do. So, if they are not getting good grades, not respecting you or not getting their homework or chores done, don’t allow them to drive. You will see how quickly their behavior perks up and how much more they realize driving is a privilege. When a teen realizes driving is a privilege, they will not be so quick to take advantage of it and then they will respect it.

4.       If your teen gets a ticket, revoke their driving privileges for at least a week or two, if not longer. They will quickly see what a responsibility driving is. Also, make them pay for their own ticket. Do not pay it for them. They need to understand that being wreck less or careless is costly.

5.       If necessary, don’t give your teen full driving privileges until they can prove to you they are going to be responsible and careful. Don’t allow them to drive farther than a certain distance or don’t allow them to drive alone until they are ready.

Remember, it’s our responsibility as parents to teach our kids to be responsible drivers.

How do you feel about your teen driving? What steps have you taken to ensure your teenage is being safe, cautious and courteous on the road? 

Becoming a mom - it’s the most life-changing event we go through. Our
children become the center of our lives, and we must make adjustments
to in our schedules and priorities make sure they’re cared for.
Instead of hiring nannies or using day care services, more and more
moms are choosing to start their own online businesses so they can be
there for their kids and still contribute to the family income.

This is especially true right now during the tough economic times
we’re living in. Even if you’re comfortably existing on one income,
you may find yourself on no income soon enough if your husband gets
laid off, downsized, rightsized, outsourced or whatever they’re
calling it these days. Do you have the recommended 6 months’ living
expenses tucked away in savings in preparation for this event?

Statistics show many of us do not. This is all the more reason for mom
to look for ways to make money online before the disaster strikes.

Starting an online business has a number of advantages for moms.
These include:

* Start-up costs can be kept low. So even if you are not currently
working outside the home, starting an online business is usually
within reach with small adjustments to the budget. Setting up a
website means acquiring a domain name and hosting space - and with
tools like Wordpress available at no cost, you can literally be up and
running for around $20. You will also want to invest in some
education. Learning the basics of how to market your website online
are not difficult, but be careful where you get your information.

The Natural Mom Business Guide is one solid source of info. It
includes an ebook with detailed information about researching
your target market, the various ways to make money with a website,
and how to get the traffic you need to earn income. It even has
video and audio tutorials as well as printable “cheat sheets” you
can keep by your computer to remind you of the essential steps
you need to take in your business to build traffic and make more
income.

* Doing business online doesn’t require one to keep regular hours.
You can work early in the morning before the kids get up, during the
baby’s nap, or late at night when everyone is in bed. And with the
automation that the Internet has to offer, orders can be processed and
virtual products delivered while you are sleeping or taking care of
the kids.

* You can get some work done with the kids right by your side.
Older children may even be able to help you with simple tasks. Did you
know that the IRS allows you to deduct wages (up to a certain amount) paid
to a child who is age seven or older to work in your home business
from your taxes? I have even trained my oldest son to add articles to
my websites. He earns a nice wage for doing so, far more than an
allowance, and is providing a valuable service to me.

There are all sorts of online businesses that are great for moms. You
could sell your crafts or start a recipe website, or you could start a
podcast. You might offer services such as writing, transcription, web
design or virtual assistance to customers around the world. Or you
could create and sell information products. Even blogging offers
impressive money-making potential. The possibilities are many, and
there’s sure to be something out there that’s just right for any mom.

Moms make up a large portion of the people who are making money
online. This allows them to take a hands-on approach to raising their
children while still making money to support the household. They
don’t have to count on a sitter to take care of their children’s
needs, and they don’t have to make a commute part of their daily
routine. It’s no wonder that the number of moms starting online
businesses is growing in leaps and bounds.

If you need some assistance choosing a niche, get some coaching
from an experienced online marketer.

Take the leap - you’ll be glad you did!

************

Carrie Lauth is an internet marketing mom who loves to help other moms launch profitable websites. She created the Natural Mom Business Guide for women who want to market to the “natural family” niche. To learn about how she can give you one-on-one coaching, visit Carrie today.

As a youth leader and an information junkie, my husband is always reading up on youth culture. He gets information, reads stories from other youth leaders and pastors, and finds tons of resources on the web regarding teens living in today’s society and the struggles they are facing. Most of the time he shares what he reads with me so I can be well informed, too.  This article and this article are two he shared with me yesterday.  The first one is by a youth worker/blogger who says in his report:

In my years as a youth worker, I noticed that the solid Christian kids were the ones who seemed to end up in the middle of unplanned pregnancies. The kids who wanted to wait until marriage for sex were the ones who fell the hardest. In each case, when I asked the guy about protection, I got similar responses, something like, “If I had carried a condom, it would have been like I was planning it, and that seemed worse than what ended up happening.” So in their minds, it was better to fall into sin “by accident” than to “premeditate” it. It almost makes sense, but in the real world, a pregnancy is a pregnancy and an STD is an STD, no matter what’s going through everyone’s head before doing the deed.

I think the most important point Raynor makes is in the beginning of his article where he states: “We’re living in a society where we’re constantly bombarded by sexual images…” That is so true! Just looking at commercials on TV alone, most of them have some sort of sexual message. The first one that comes to mind is the Arby’s commercial, where the wife is dressed in an Arby’s uniform and bring him a tray of Arby’s food to the bedroom. Since when did selling fast food have to involve sex??? Why is this world so geared toward sex? Why is something that God created to be an intimate act between a married man and woman become so perverted? I think we all know the answer: because it’s Satan’s way of turning one of God’s most beautiful creations into something disgusting and in turn getting people to turn against God.

So, how can we as Christians, raising our children in this world being bombarded with not only sexual images but everything else, protect them and help them turn from temptation when they are faced with it?! I know I wasn’t strong in that area. I told myself all along when I was a young teen growing up that I wanted to wait to marriage to have sex. But, when the opportunity arose, I fell. Why?! Why wasn’t I strong enough to stand up for what I believed in? Why did I allow my body, my flesh to rule over my heart’s desire?! Honestly, I think it was because I was not taught how to get out of the tempting situation, or better yet, not get into the tempting situation in the first place. How can we help our kids stay away from tempting situations where opportunities to have sex or drink or use drugs will arise?

One answer is to be involved in your kid’s lives as much as possible. Be interested in what they are doing, where they are going, who they are going with, if other parents whose values are the same as yours are going to be around. This is all easier to do if you started when your kids were little, but if not, start now. Just a simple question, “Oh, where are you going today?” or “who’s that boy (or girl) you’ve been hanging out with? Why don’t you invite him (or her) to hang out at our house today”. Show some interest, and genuine care for what’s going on in your teen’s life.

Another thing we as parents can do is teach our kids about courtship. Courtship is different than dating and prepares the couple for marriage and helps determine compatibility. In a courtship setting, the couple engages in activities with other members of the family or large groups of friends. There are rarely opportunities for the couple to be alone, where tempting situations can arise. This protects the couple, and it also helps the family and friends get to know the potential spouse to see if there are any red flags that come up that need to be worked out or that say this person is not right for you for some reason.

My 16 year old daughter has made a purity pledge and wears a purity ring. She is also seeing/courting a boy who is 15. My daughter can drive, and often goes to his house to hang out, but is only allowed to do so when one of his parents is there. He also comes to our house, but only when either I or my husband, or my 23 year old son is home. No alone time. They do go to the movies alone, but aren’t allowed to be gone longer than the time it takes to drive home from the movie. Now granted, they could say they are going to the movie and go do something else, but that hasn’t happened and I am certain my daughter would not do that. She is open and honest with me, is doing well in school, and loves the Lord. And I think the thought of sex still grosses her out, although I know that can change overnight, especially when she’s in the heat of the moment. But the point is, they aren’t allowed hardly any alone time which protects them and doesn’t allow for tempting situations to arise.

Isn’t our job as parents to keep our kids safe and protect them until they are old enough to make their own choices? If your teen has made a stand for purity, talk to them about it. Don’t just think that because they wear a purity ring, it’s going to stop them from falling into sin when the moment arises. Help them stay out of the tempting situations. Don’t allow alone time with the opposite sex, be interested and involved in their lives. Show them you want to help them remain pure as much as they want to. Help them stand up for what they believe in and keep true to their word. Don’t let Satan take over or strip away their innocence.

Here are a couple of books you and your teen can read together regarding dating, courtship and purity.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

Choosing God’s Best by Don Raunikar

You were a teenager once too!

My husband made the above statement earlier today when he was referring to adults who have forgotten what it was like to be a teenager. Do you remember the struggles you went through as a teen? Do you remember how hard it was? Would you ever want to go back??? Ugh, not me, unless I could go back knowing what I know now! But probably not even then! It was hard. I remember being so self conscious, unsure of myself, getting teased for various things, feeling stupid, feeling ugly, wondering if the boy I liked thought I was pretty at all, wondering if the boy I liked would ever even try to get to know me, and on and on. I’m sure you can probably relate, unless you were the popular one, the pretty one, the cheerleader or Prom Queen. Even, then I’m sure most of you probably suffered from some of the same things I did. Let’s face it, the teen years are hard and they’re not going to get any easier, especially in this day and age.

I think it’s our jobs as parents to help our teens get through these difficult years as painlessly as possible. So, what can we do to ensure our teens have self confidence, feel pretty, feel smart, feel good about themselves? Well, I think we should start when they are babies, speaking positive things into their lives and encouraging them in love. But, if for some reason you’re teen is lacking in self confidence now, begin by speaking reassuring things to them. Tell your son or daughter they are good looking or pretty. Let them know you notice them. Tell them they look nice when they are leaving for school. When they are working on homework, encourage them by showing interest in what they are working on. Offer to help, if you can. Let them know you think they are smart. If they need extra help with their homework, let them know it’s okay and that everyone learns differently.

Do you remember how you dressed as a teen? Did your parents give you a hard time and say things like, “look at how kids dress these days”, or “what kind of hair do is that”? Remember, styles, fads and trends change all the time. I don’t think we as adults should be so judgmental when it comes to teens and how they look. We need to look at their heart. So many are hurting inside because of stuff going on at home, they are just crying out, whether they realize it or not.

So, the next time you see a teen that has dark hair and nails, tattoos and piercings, or just doesn’t dress “the way we think they should”, take a quick trip down memory lane and remember what it was like for you when you were a teen. Maybe, just maybe you won’t be too quick to judge, but have compassion on them instead.

I’m so amazed how fast Christmas came and went. I’m more amazed how fast my kids are growing!!! I was looking at the pictures we took Christmas Eve and my 18 year old son looks like a man! Where is the little boy???  I know he’s in there still, but when you look at the pictures and at him in person, he surely looks like an adult.

My 16 year old looks so grown up too!!! Most people don’t believe she’s only 16.

So excited!

 She’s tall and mature for her age.  In this picture you can see her excitement as she opened the purity ring she’s been asking for for a long time!

Mom and son

Then you have my oldest who is now a mom of 2! I tell ya, I absolutely LOVE being Nana!!! I especially love it when I walk in my daughter’s house and my 2 year old grandson says so enthusiastically, “HI NANA!” It melts my heart every time!!! And my daughter is a great mom!!! That’s an awesome sight to see!

My oldest son, who will be 24 in March, has been through some rough times but is recovering miraculously by the Grace of God! He is a convicted felon, having received 4 DUI’s. He’s spent time in jail, the longest being 5 months. But, when he was in jail, my hubby and I took books to him, Christian books and bibles and visited him every Saturday. It was a long road to recovery, and he’s doing great now! He’s been going to church, AA meetings regularly and doing community service. 
 

The Prodigal Son and his sister

So, if you are a parent with a teen who is getting in trouble, let me tell you, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. They can turn out okay, they just need us to believe in them, support their good efforts and most of all, pray to God to protect them and open their eyes to their addictions. Also pray for God to heal them!!! When my son first went to jail, the first thing I told him was that he needed complete healing and that God was the only way to get that true healing. Because he was in the place he was, he was able to turn his life over and give his heart to God. He studied and read and drew closer to God those long five months. Since then, he has been working hard at staying clean, going to church and building his relationship with God. It’s been a beautiful thing to witness!

So, moms and dads of teens, hang in there! Don’t give up on your kids, even if life seems dismal right now, there is hope. Hope in Jesus Christ! Trust in Him, rely on Him, He won’t lead you astray!

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees rejoice
Psalms 96: 11-12

Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Psalms 98:7-8

There an effective way to praise. One would miss it because it does not exactly deal with man. However, God’s Word is not a mistake and what I discovered I found to be very profound.

The scriptures talk about the praise of not man, but creation. You know the trees, flowers, animals, wind, mountains, and things we do not fathom having the ability to praise. I began to think about how it is that creation praises God. I discovered that the praise of creation is far greater than that of man, because we tend not to think of praise in this way.

What is this great discovery?

Well, to tell you the truth, it is not exactly as great or profound as say, Moses parting the Red Sea or Jonah living in the belly of the whale.

It does not have to do with anyone turning flips or speaking in tongues. It is not even about waving our hands or doing a dance.

As a matter of fact, it is really rather simple.

Creation praises God by doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It performs its God ordained duty. For example think of a tree as the wind blows. It doesn’t fight it or try to beat it. That tree simply dances with the wind and goes with the flow. It is obedient to the call of God. What about the rain? At the appropriate time according to God’s will it falls to nourish the earth. What about the ant? He gathers food all spring and summer in preparation for the long winter months. Creation does not do this because they “want to”. No! They do it because it is what they were created to do.

Now, hold on. Are we not God’s creation? The last I checked His word said that I was “fearfully and wonderfully made”; which means I was created. Guess what? So are you.

So we have an obligation, as does all creation to give God a most effective praise. We must work at making ourselves available to the work God has for us to do: Both collectively and individually.

What a world it would be if we were each in our place of service. If each one of us would determine to do God’s will for lives and not be worried about what we want out of it. We could turn this world inside out and glorify God in away that would bring millions, if not billions, to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

So from this I have come to the conclusion that the best praise, one that honors God the most, is one that does as it is ordained. If you want your life to reflect a truly effective praise…do as you are ordained. Go forth and live in your destiny. Strive each day to accomplish something towards you calling in Christ Jesus.

Be obedient and know that this praise that is above the dance, above the shout, above the tear and the instrument, is the most effective praise.

To God be the Glory for all that He has, is, and will do in our lives.

Copyright 2004 LaTara V. Ham-Ying