An Interview with Financial Coach, Parkey Thompson

Maria: Tell us a bit about yourself:

Parkey: My wife, Lisa, and I live in Cumming, Georgia, with our three children - Kayla, Morgan, and Micah. I'm an active member of our church, where I teach, volunteer, and serve on various boards and committees.

Over the past 15 years, I've held various leadership positions across multiple companies, including General Electric, and IBM. In 2005, I decided to use my skills to help others improve their personal and business financial situations. 

I am a certified financial counselor, and love helping my clients navigate through challenging financial decisions. I enjoy motivating and helping families, individuals, businesses, and churches envision and achieve their dreams. Over the years, I've had the privilege of contributing financial articles to local magazines, and newsletters. In 2008 and 2009, I was the Money Coach on "Mornings with Lorri and Larry," nationally on the FamilyNet TV and Sirius radio. 

More than anything, my family and I live what I teach. We are debt free and live without credit cards!

Maria: Wow! Now that's an accomplishment I'm sure all of our readers hope to achieve! How did you get started as a financial coach?

Parkey: I started coaching others after my wife and I began to get our finances in order. I really had no intention of coaching people to do anything, until I realized that people needed direction with their finances and we had really made a big change in our household. Initially, I began helping people I knew and/or had friendships with, and that subsequently moved me to start Financial Focus. If you had told me 30 years ago that I would be coaching people with their finances today, I would have told you how wrong you were. My final push to start this business and become a coach was from my pastor. In response to a game question one night, he simply asked me, "What are you waiting on?"

Maria: Sounds like a great beginning. What services do you offer?

Parkey: I offer several programs and services through Financial Focus including six-month programs to assist and direct people over a period of time to make the changes that they need to move ahead.

Additionally, pre-marital financial counseling, personal financial assessments, credit negotiations, and hourly coaching are available. Most recently, I have added pieces of career and life coaching. All of my services or programs are intended to help people make the necessary changes in their lives to get them where they want to be 

Former Dallas Cowboys' head coach, Tom Landry, once said, "A coach is the one who makes you do what you don't want to do, so that you can be what you want to be." My services in one way or another, help people achieve the change that they want and need. 

In a nutshell, my services offer the planning, process, mechanics, discipline, and accountability to change - finances, careers, and life direction.

Maria: You certainly offer a well-rounded host of services! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your business?

Parkey: Definitely more faith and prayer! As a small business owner, I saw my income reduced when I left the 'stable' corporate world. My faith has increased as I've grown to become more dependent on the One who is able to provide for our needs, and to bless me and my family.

Additionally, I believe the Bible is very clear about the direction we need to take regarding so many of the issues we experience each day - including finances. Applying proven biblical principles works! Planning, goal-setting, discipline, and more are all right there in His Word. 

I truly believe Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," (KJV). Putting Him first is key.

  

Maria: Great testimony! What is the most important advice you give your clients?

Parkey: First, develop and live by a plan! Too many people just want to think about what they could do - put an action plan together and get it done. Second, people are not alone and they are not failures. We all make mistakes - learn from them, and move forward in the right direction. 

I have yet to find someone, who is committed, who cannot get out of his/her situation or improve his/her position.

Maria: That's VERY encouraging advice. Give us a brief description of how to set up a family budget?

Parkey: Simply project your monthly income, spend it all on paper, and then live by it. Repeat this process every month. It does sound and seem easy, but it never is. Discipline is crucial to rein in spending, and it's required in order to live by the plan you create each month. 

When you begin to get your plan on paper and live by it, things WILL begin to change. Accountability is a critical component to success!

Maria: I've noticed the words 'discipline' and 'accountability' keep coming up. Thanks for sharing the budgeting process and these two keys to success! What recommendation would you give for beginning a savings plan? 

Parkey: Like Nike, just do it. Part of getting started is realizing where your money is or has been going. A budget will not only help you determine where to spend, but it can also show you where and how much you have been spending. 

Once the picture is developed, begin to manage your money with a plan that will work toward achieving your goals - one step at a time. 

Maria: Breaking the plan down into a series of steps, makes it so much less daunting. Good advice. What goals do you have for the future? Any plans to write a book about finances?

Parkey: I want to continue to build my business in several different areas - coaching finances, career, and life. Likewise, building the speaking side of this business is exciting and I'm working to open more doors in that area. 

Yes, I do plan to write a book and have actually started by laying out an outline of chapters. My goal is to finish the project over the winter. Maybe next year will be the year to publish.

Maria: Sounds like exciting days ahead for you! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Parkey: Stay focused. Stay focused on every area of your life - financially, physically, spiritually...There are plenty of distractions that can take away your joy if you lose focus on what is important and, in many cases, crucial. 

Maria: More great advice! Thank you so much for joining me today, Parkey. I wish you the best with your business. God bless~

Connect with Parkey:

Twitter: @financialfocus1

Facebook: financialfocus

E-mail: coach@myfinancialfocus.net

Website: www.myfinancialfocus.net

Phone: 678-648-9940 or 866-369-5086

Great news! Parkey offers a free 30-minute consultation for anyone who is interested. Contact him

via email, website, or the phone numbers listed above. 

Heartfelt Worship - South African Style

How do we spend our time? What do we focus on? If we're believers in Jesus Christ, He should have first place in our lives. But sometimes our worship isn't everything it's supposed to be.

It took a trip to South Africa for me to get the proper perspective on this all-important subject. Join me via video for some thoughts on heartfelt worship, and enjoy the footage from our time with the wonderful Xhosa people.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Interview with Photographer, Kate Fies

Welcome to Thursday Interviews. Have you ever wanted to use your unique talent for Christ - but couldn't figure out a way to do so? Today's interview may give you some ideas! It's my pleasure to introduce photographer, Kate Fies.

Maria: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us today, Kate! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Kate: I’m really excited to be here and share a few of my adventures with everyone!
 
I’m married to an awesome guy, Chris, and we just passed our 10 year anniversary last week -- definitely doesn’t feel that long! No kids yet, but we do have one terribly spoiled Chihuahua puppy named Daisy Mae, who is my little sweetheart.

We started deputation (fund raising) back in October of 2011 for Voice in the Villages (more on that later)
and are usually traveling all over on the weekends, which is a pretty amazing adventure in itself.

Right now, I’m working full time (coolest job ever, by the way, at a local police department) so deputation has been a bit of a challenge with the schedule, but the Lord has worked it all out to fit perfectly.

I love to travel and see new places (although sometimes I’m reallllly ready to get out of the car), love to read and love, love, love photography … have learned to always bring the camera along cause there are so many things to see!

Louvre Museum in Paris at dusk

Maria: It sounds like you stay very busy! Have you always had a passion for photography?

Kate: I’ve always been around photography – my dad is the main influence there, but my passion for it did not really grow until I was in my 20’s.

Maria: What is the funniest thing that happened while on a shoot?

Kate: Well, two of my girlfriends were sweet enough to be my models one night in a vintage-style outdoor session and I had this great idea – let’s use sparklers!! I had about 12 boxes of them and figured I should use them, since they’d been in my prop box for ages, so toward the end of the session, out they came and we had a blast … LITERALLY.

The girls had been lighting one or two sparklers at a time and apparently, I was concentrating more on the photos themselves than I was listening to my girlfriend’s question (which turned out to be ‘Do you want these lit all at once?’).

In retrospect, probably not such a great idea to light that many sparklers at once... (Do you know how much smoke those things put out????)  So, after the initial shock wore off and we realized we didn’t just light the field and barn on fire (big relief!!!), we started laughing. Thankfully, no eyebrows were singed in the making of those photos…

Maria: That must have been quite a sight! The pictures are fantastic by the way! And now for a more serious questions - How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your business?

Kate: Photography just confirms God’s wonderful grace and love toward us, as humans. Seeing the details of the world through a lens puts me in awe that the Creator of the earth would want to use me in His plans to spread the Gospel. Chris and I have been privileged to shoot prayer card photos for several of our friends and what an awesome thing to be involved in their ministries, even with something as small as a photo.

Maria: What an amazing way to use your talent for the Lord! What is the most important lesson you've learned as a photographer?

Kate: I would say being flexible. It's pretty impossible to control every single aspect of a session and it can be extremely frustrating to expect things to go exactly like you planned and then they don't even come close.



Maria: I can imagine! What goals do you have for your photography business in the future?

Kate: I would love for the business to eventually grow and become my primary occupation, but for the moment, I'll settle for my website launch, this coming Saturday, August 4th and setting up new clients for the fall/winter season.

Maria: Sounds exciting! Changing gears somewhat, let's talk about Voice in the Villages. Did you ever think you'd be a missionary's wife?

Kate: I had hoped so when I was in college, but wasn't entirely certain. I knew my main responsibility would be to follow and support my future husband 100%, wherever that took us.

Maria: Explain the mission of Voice in the Villages:

Kate: Voice in the Villages (VITV) is an incredibly unique ministry - a totally different approach to missions! VITV was conceived in 2011 by our Pastor, Austin Gardner, as a way to maximize the impact of a missionary. Basically, it's an opportunity to work with missionaries who are already on the field, assisting them in training leaders who themselves will go plant churches, some in the areas where a traditional missionary would not or could not go. VITV is focused on four main issus:

*Location  - 47% of the world's population lives in rural areas. They live far from most missionary work, with takes place in the larger cities.

*Literacy - of the 47% that live in rural areas, 90% are illiterate, meaning that they cannot learn via the normal process of reading.

*Language - while most countries now have adopted trade languages, the uneducated portions of the world still only speak local or tribal languages.

*Lack of Sound Bible Materials - there are few materials available based on sound Bible doctrine. Most stem from Charismatic, Jehovah's Witness and Mormon materials, to name a few.

Imagine having your picture taken and seeing what you look like for the first time!

VITV is currently focused on the country of Burkina Faso, West Africa, where we are working with veteran missionaries Keith and Rebecca Shumaker. We're able to be involved with their ministry already by providing materials to be translated into the native language, raising the funds to send one of the men to language school, and raising funds to send MP3 players to be used to share the Gospel with those who are illiterate.

The MP3 players are a pretty awesome tool - they are being loaded with teaching materials, sermons, etc. and given to the preacher boys who then take them into the villages. So far, we have had one person profess Christ, and several come visit the church, as a result of listening to the MP3 players.

Eventually, VITV will be expanded into several countries, using similar methods. We are currently based in the states, but may eventually be living on the field, depending on the ministry's growth and needs.

Maria: Wow! What a neat ministry. And I love hearing how God has already begun using it! What final words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Kate: Be open to change - be flexible...we don't know exactly how God will work in our lives and it could be entirely different from what we want, expect or desire. I never thought I'd be where I am today, but it's been an awesome adventure and I'm excited to see what He has for us next.

Maria: It's been a pleasure hosting you today, Kate!

You can connect with Kate on her brand new website and Facebook page:
www.katefies.com (live on August 4th)
Facebook page: Kate Fies Photography - https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kate-Fies-Photography/303471626368492

And learn more about Voice in the Villages:
www.vitc.us


And now, an important announcement: The winner of last week's drawing for Keli Gwyn's debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California IS...Miss Kallie!! A special thank you to all who entered the contest.

Fear of Rejection

I've been out of my teens now for many years. But I admit there are still days when I feel like the proverbial teenager buckling under peer pressure. Sometimes I find myself shying away from controversial topics - remaining silent when given the opportunity to speak. Why?

Fear

of

rejection

Remember Pilate? In Jesus' day, Pilate was the Roman governor of Judaea and Samaria. A prestigious position. One he wanted to keep. Of Pilate's many responsibilities, one was to maintain peace in his region. Imagine his uneasiness when a crowd of Jewish leaders approached him with a major concern. They had a problem with Jesus, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that himself is Christ a King," (Luke 23:2; KJV).

After an initial questioning, Pilate returned his verdict, "...I find no fault in this man," (Luke 23:4b). The Jews rejected his judgment, fiercely stating that Jesus was purposely causing dissent among the people with His teachings.

Since Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate saw an opportunity to pass the decision-making responsibility on to Herod - the ruler of that region. Pilate's judgment would no longer matter, the Jews would be appeased, and Herod would serve as the scapegoat. Brilliant plan! But it didn't work.

Following the trial with Herod, the chief priests and rulers of the people once again stood before Pilate. His response? "Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him," (Luke 23:14-16).

The Jews wouldn't listen to Pilate's decree, and insisted he release Barabbas, a man who had led a rebellion and was a murderer, instead. What was going on? Pilate tried to get them to see reason - to no avail. By now, the Jews were furious. They demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but something the Jews had said made his blood run cold, "If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar," (John 19:12).

If reports of an uprising in Pilate's region made it to Caesar, not only would he lose his job, he may even lose his life. The cries for Jesus' crucifixion intensified. Pilate gave in to the crowd. Jesus was led away to be crucified.

I can relate to Pilate. Oftentimes I give in to peer pressure in order to protect myself - and end up making poor choices. It's important to remember that God is my ultimate Protector, and  the power of the Holy Spirit can help me stand for the truth.

Are you affected by peer pressure? What step will you take today to speak up for the truth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I struggle with the fear of rejection. When I'm faced with peer pressure, help me to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to speak up for the truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Interview with Author, Keli Gwyn

I remember her friendly email, "Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I hope you find my posts enjoyable. From time to time I like to surprise a blog visitor with a little package of goodies. I'd like to send you one..." From our first interaction, she struck me as a talented writer, and a woman with the gift of encouragement.

Who is this inspiring lady? Grab some iced tea and join me in welcoming - Keli Gwyn!

Maria: Tell us a bit about yourself:

Keli: I’m a native Californian. My teacher husband and I live in the majestic Sierra Nevada Foothills just seven miles from Coloma, where James Marshall discovered the shiny nuggets that started the Gold Rush. I’m smitten with the Victorian Era, the period in which my stories are set.

While writing is my passion, I do possess some others skills. I play a fierce game of Whack-a-Mole, can still recite the first two paragraphs of the Gettysburg Address I memorized back in seventh grade, and can put away an impressive amount of my husband’s homemade shortbread in one sitting.

Maria: Wow! Remind me NOT to challenge you when you have a mallet in your hand! All joking aside, give us a sneak peek into your debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California.

Keli: Widow Elenora Watkins is determined to provide for herself and her daughter without relying on anyone else. Can she run a successful business after falling for the competition? Miles Rutledge finds himself willing to do anything to keep Elenora in town. But can he win her heart while putting her out of business?

Maria: Just enough information to get us hooked! Which character in your book can you most easily identify with? And why?

Keli: I identify with the heroine, Elenora. Like me, she’s the mother of a bright, talkative daughter. Ellie tends to be a bit overprotective at times, and I was, too, when our college daughter was younger. I can’t cook very well, and neither can Ellie. She’s a hardworking, determined woman, and I am, too. Like Ellie, when I set a goal, I put my all into achieving it.

Maria: As I read your book, I imagined you to be like Elenora - loved her spunk and determination. What do you hope your readers glean from your novel?

Keli: I hope they enjoy the story and their trip back in time.

On a deeper level, I hope they learn that we are valued not so much for what we do as for who we are. Ellie is out to prove herself on several fronts, but she doesn’t need to. People like her the way she is.

I’d also like readers to understand that the Lord is there for us—even when we don’t sense His presence. When the story begins, Ellie doesn’t believe the Lord hears her prayers or cares about her concerns, but as things progress, she experiences growth in this area.

Maria: Those are important lessons. How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Keli: My faith is an important part of who I am. I delight in adding the spiritual element to my stories. As my characters learn valuable lessons about who God is and how He works in our lives, I learn right along with them.

Maria: What goals do you have for the future?

Keli: I look forward to writing many more historical romances and to my continued interactions with readers as well as other writers.

Maria: Sounds like you'll stay busy! Share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer:

Keli:

·        * Have realistic expectations.

·         *Take time to study craft.

·        * Don't become a slave to the rules.

·        * Accept feedback graciously.

·        * Enjoy the journey.

      

Maria: Great advice! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Keli:  My one word of wisdom would be: persevere. I’ve interviewed over 100 debut authors, and this trait is one that has come up again and again as being of the utmost importance. Our dreams won’t come true unless we keep on writing and submitting, hoping and praying. Perseverance can lead to rejoicing.

Thank you so much for having me as your guest, Maria. Spending time with you and your blog’s readers is a treat. I’d like to end with a question for all of you.

I really am good at Whack-a-Mole. I once had a crowd gather around to watch me bop those critters as they popped their heads up. What’s one of your little known skills that has impressed others?

Maria: It's been a pleasure Keli! And someday I hope to watch you whack those moles on the head with that rubber mallet! God bless you as you continue to write books that point others to Him.

Good news! Keli has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California:

*Leave a comment to this post, include your email address in the following format: morgan(dot)maria(dot)i(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without an email address are not eligible.

*Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you're already a follower.

*Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter.

 Please be sure and let me know you did so in your comment.

*This is open to US residents only. My sincere apology to those followers outside the US.

*Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Winner to be announced in Thursday's post. The winner will be notified via email.

Award-winning novelist Keli Gwyn writes inspirational historical romance. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville in the Sierra Foothills with her husband and two skittish kitties.

Connect with Keli: 

Website – http://www.keligwyn.com
Facebook Timeline – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwyn
Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwynReadersGroup
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/KeliGwyn
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5411901.Keli_Gwyn

What's On the Inside?

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

An Interview With Author, Stephanie Reed

Welcome to the launch of Thursday Interviews featuring fellow writers, missionaries, photographers, and other ordinary people who have a passion to use their talents for Christ. It's such an honor to introduce my first guest: Stephanie Reed. She's an author of two published books, with several more in the works - and she also happens to be an amazing sister-in-law! Join me in welcoming Stephanie.

Maria: Thanks for joining me today! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Stephanie: I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, married thirty-one years, mother of a son, daughter-in-law, and daughter, and sister-in-law of this sweet blogger. I love to read and I think I’m a good cook but am actually only average. I know a bit about flowers and birds, I like history, and I’d much rather visit a park or a historical site than go shopping.

Maria: I can attest to the fact that you're a good cook, so you don't need to be so modest. What sparked your interest in the Underground Railroad? Give us a brief description of your books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River:

Stephanie: I’ve always liked the idea of everyday people helping others because it was the right thing to do. When I found a family who helped others because God encouraged them to do so, I was hooked.  In Across the Wide River, which is based on a true story, Lowry Rankin is the eldest son of the Reverend John Rankin of Ripley, Ohio. Everyone knows Lowry will be a minister like his father one day—everyone but Lowry. He’s always helped with his family’s station of the Underground Railroad, but it’s not until he’s confronted with the horrors of slavery that his mission becomes personal. In the second book, The Light Across the River, Lowry’s younger brother Johnny has his own struggles with the Underground Railroad, namely keeping the wonderful work his family does a secret. Will he be able to help the real Eliza of Uncle Tom’s Cabin fame rescue the family she came back to deliver to the land of freedom?

Maria: Sounds like we can all learn some valuable lessons from your books. How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Stephanie: Writing is very humbling. I quickly came to realize that what I write comes from Jesus Christ and must be given back to Him, successful or not. I wish I could say writing has gotten easier as time goes by, but it’s getting harder! I don’t want to know what it would be like to write without the Lord’s help.

Maria: I love your dependence on the Lord! What are you currently working on?

Stephanie: I am working (and working and working) on my first book for women. I call it Amish historical fiction because it’s set in the 1970s. My name for the three-book series is Plain City Peace. The name of the first book is The Bargain. The publication date is dependent on my edits, which are ongoing. Let’s say late next year? My one-sentence summary for this book is: An Amish girl helps an English boy, a shattered survivor of the Kent State Massacre, find real peace in the summer of 1971. I loved writing about the 70s! My publisher is Kregel; shout out to Steve Barclift, managing editor. I am very grateful for his encouraging support.

Maria: I see some must-reads in my near future! As an established author, what do you do to keep your writing fresh?

Stephanie: Don’t neglect to read widely! Lately I’ve downloaded a few free Christian novels on my Kindle because they’re very different from what I usually read. I try to learn something from each author. I don’t mean analyze a book; that makes reading a chore instead of a pleasure. Using this method, I’ve learned that one way to make a character more likeable is to show that the other characters in the book like him/her.

Maria: Great tips. What goals do you have for the future?

Stephanie: When I get to Heaven, I want to turn a perfect cartwheel. In regard to writing, I want each book to be better than the last.

Maria: I can just see you turning that perfect cartwheel! Love your sense of humor, Stephanie! Share some lessons you’ve learned on your journey as a writer:

Stephanie:

1        * If you have a critique partner, be helpful, kind, and encouraging. Do not slash and burn (guilty).

2        * It is far better to have an agent on your team pre-publication, if you can manage it (I went it alone for the first two books, so I know). Thanks, Barbara Scott! She greatly encourages me

.

3     * Think of editing as a second (third, fourth) chance. Before I was published, I thought editing was polishing, sharpening, and refining my own work, at my whim. Now, the editor says, “This doesn’t work; change it.” Editors may offer general suggestions, but it’s up to you to achieve the desired effect, at least until the next editorial letter. You’ve heard, “Don’t try this at home,” but I say, “Don’t try this without God, and even then, it won’t be easy.”

4       * Platform is important, but if you write fiction, focus on your writing. If you blog, write in your own voice. Make friends through your blogging and social media outlets. Bestow sincere compliments on individuals—life’s hard, and we could all use the encouragement. The day I stopped trying to get people to follow me on Twitter and gave it up to the Lord is the day I began a steady increase from 400 to over 800 followers. Roughly 1,000 followers is the springboard for a platform. But what good is a platform if you don’t write a good book? J

Maria: Thanks for passing on these valuable lessons! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Stephanie: In terms of sales, my first book has been reprinted twice (small initial and follow-up print runs) but has sold extremely modestly. You would probably gasp at the miniscule amount of the yearly royalty checks—of the “Pizza’s on me!” variety. The second book, which is much better in my humble opinion, has not sold well. In terms of eternal value, however, I’ve heard some very nice comments from individuals. In the end, God determines what constitutes success, so if God has given you a story to tell, tell it.

Thanks for having me, Maria! Your prayer support and humor are much appreciated. I’m so glad you’re part of my family and I look forward to many successful books from you.

Maria: Appreciate your honesty and your dedication to God and using the gift He's given you to be a blessing to others. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, and for always being there to guide me along the writer's pathway. And a BIG thank you for the marvelous interview!

*Connect with Stephanie, and purchase her books:

Facebook

Website

Plain and Simple Blog