Garrett Hoelscher

Blogger Venue speaks to Garrett Hoelscher about how chance meetings can change lives.

Blogger Venue: Thank for joining Blogger Venue today. We understand that you had a rather unique experience while working in Aspen, Colorado?

Garrett Hoelscher: You might say it was a once in a lifetime encounter.

Blogger Venue: Can you explain?

Garrett Hoelscher: Well, in late December of 2009 I was scheduled to meet a friend after work. He brought along another friend who I didn’t know. This new acquaintance, Howard, and I ending up striking up a long conversation.

Blogger Venue: What did you talk about?

Garrett Hoelscher: For the first hour we spoke of random topics. What really stands out, however, was his mention of a baseball league.

Blogger Venue: Baseball? That sounds like a pretty normal conversation piece between two guys.

Garrett Hoelscher: It wasn’t really part of our dialogue. That’s what caught me off guard. He mentioned that he was contemplating organizing a baseball league and hurriedly said something about keeping me in mind.

Blogger Venue: Well, that is a bit odd.

Garrett Hoelscher: It goes deeper than that. A few weeks later I checked my work voicemail. It was Howard. In the message, he said he wanted me to leave Colorado and move to California and take a position as the General Manager of the Wine Country Baseball League.

Blogger Venue: Wow. We don’t even know how to respond to that.

Garrett Hoelscher: Neither did I, at first. I took a breather and, after sleeping on it, I said that I would definitely join him.

Blogger Venue: It isn’t every day that opportunity knocks like this. What did you do as the GM?

Garrett Hoelscher: Well, with a cell phone and not much else, I had to procure a location to play first.

Blogger Venue: That’s definitely important to play baseball!

Garrett Hoelscher: Yes, and additionally, I was responsible for launching the marketing campaign. Fortunately is was successful and soon I found myself dealing with coaches and managers. I was a good two decades younger than most of them. It was a little daunting at first, but I worked hard to earn their respect.

Blogger Venue: How does one gain publicity for such an undertaking?

Garrett Hoelscher: This is where establishing the right relationships are key.

Blogger Venue: How so?

Garrett Hoelscher: If you are on the good side of the right media contacts, it is much easier to get your name and, most importantly, your cause in front of the public. In this case, the whole intention of the league was to raise money for local education programs and schools.

Blogger Venue: It also seems that this experience was a valuable one for you.

Garrett Hoelscher: It was, and I am glad that I had the chance to participate in something many men only dream about.

Blogger Venue: That sounds fascinating. We look forward to your coming back and finishing the story at a later date.

Garrett Hoelscher: It would be my pleasure, thank you.

Markus Lattner

Markus Lattner believes that when done correctly, fresh baked bread can be artistry. The agriculture improvement specialist recalls fondly the trips he and his cousins would make by bike at three in the morning as children. They’d bike all the way to the nearest bakery in his Austrian hometown and load up on hot bread, straight out of the oven. As an adult, Markus Lattner has spent years trying to recapture the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth taste of that early baked bread.

Today, Markus Lattner is still on an eternal search for the bread he loved so much as a child. Markus Lattner spoke to Blogger Venue about what makes him so passionate about fresh baked bread.

Blogger Venue: Thanks for speaking with us today. Have you found any great bakeries in America? Perhaps in some of the larger cities?

Markus Lattner: Today’s American bakeries tend to mass-produce baked goods, especially in big cities where true chefs create baked masterpieces. While that’s great, there’s nothing like personally created concoctions straight out of the oven.

Blogger Venue: Do you still believe that Austria has the best bread?

Markus Lattner: I haven’t sampled all the bread in the world, of course, but I’ve yet to find anything that beats walking into an Austrian bakery.

Blogger Venue: You also tried your hand at making your own, right?

Markus Lattner: Encouraged by my wife, I gave it a try. I didn’t do so well, at first.

Blogger Venue: It didn’t turn out so well? What went wrong?

Markus Lattner: I wasn’t sure at first. But I kept trying over the years and one day, I got it right.

Blogger Venue: What did you do differently that time?

Markus Lattner: I was going through a rough time, so I started baking as a stress relief.

Blogger Venue: And this was when you got it right?

Markus Lattner: I finally seemed to start accomplishing what I’d been trying. My wife had a theory about why I was successful.

Blogger Venue: Why was that?

Markus Lattner: It was the difficult time, we think. I was putting my heart and soul into baking, which I’ve found makes all the difference with master chefs.

Blogger Venue: Did you seek help along the way?

Markus Lattner: There’s a book called Bread, which was written by King Arthur Flour Master Baker Jeffrey Hamelman. It was very helpful. But I still believe strongly the lesson my mother taught me growing up. In fact, I think if anyone really set their minds to doing something, they can succeed, especially if they put heart into it.

Apostle Pierre Bennett

Apostle Pierre Bennett has seen many pitfalls over the course of his life. After beginning his career as a military serviceman, Apostle Pierre Bennett worked in sales, eventually opening his own resort travel club business. But his true calling has been pastoring God’s Luv International Ministries Church, which he founded in 2008.

Apostle Pierre Bennett explains to his people at God’s Luv International Ministries Church that the money promised to Delilah if she betrayed Samson compares to someone offering us a million dollars today. It was an incredible amount of money, Apostle Pierre Bennett points out, which helps to explain what happened next.

Samson had already been betrayed by his wife and he had gotten rid of her, relates Apostle Pierre Bennett. The fact that he could be duped twice proved he had not learned his lesson. He had not been delivered. According to Apostle Pierre Bennett, Delilah wasn’t even his wife and he was able to be enticed by her.

There was still a void in Samson, Apostle Pierre Bennett explains, but by this time the void had become more negative. Sometimes a believer feels superhuman, thinking the void is no longer a weakness, Apostle Pierre Bennett describes. But even if you feel your spiritual strength has increased, there are still certain areas of weaknesses that remain. Apostle Pierre Bennett advises steering clear of those things.

As an example, Apostle Pierre Bennett mentions a person who has a weakness for strippers or alcohol. That person seeks out the church and dedicates him or herself to the Lord. That person may be praying or fasting and may be feeling stronger in His spirit. The person may even feel strong enough to directly confront the addictions of the past, Apostle Pierre Bennett continues. Maybe that person ventures back into a strip club or tries to take another drink, sure that his or her newfound faith will keep them strong. But, Apostle Pierre Bennett asks, why would you subject yourself to such a trial?

Apostle Pierre Bennett believes you should avoid these weaknesses. Stay away from the temptation, Apostle Pierre Bennett says. No matter how strong your faith, it is a weak area and it’s better to keep your mind and body in the church than to carry your Bible into that strip club and begin ministering to the strippers and patrons of that club, Apostle Pierre Bennett concludes.

Steven P. Delarge

Steven P. Delarge has spent the majority of his business career leading companies to economic success. Recently, Delarge has become increasingly optimistic about the changes that Albany, New York is seeing, thanks to in part to a new initiative toward microelectronics research in the city. Today, Steven P. Delarge talks to Blogger Venue about how the economic growth is spreading throughout the region, impacting businesses and residents alike.

Blogger Venue: Welcome to Blogger Venue. Can you explain please, what happened in Albany that started this economic growth spurt?

Steven P. Delarge: It all started with an investment in the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at Albany’s State University of New York.

Blogger Venue: Who made this investment?

Steven P. Delarge: More than 300 companies from around the world united to fund this program, which helps promote microelectronics research at the school.

Blogger Venue: So then how did this investment in a college program translate to economic success for the whole city?

Blogger Venue: And, of course, with any new industrial plant comes jobs…

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, and those jobs bring business to the area. Residents need somewhere to eat, so restaurants and grocery stores began popping up. Hotels are being built, too.

Blogger Venue: And then there are the support facilities that have to be built to provide materials to the fabrication plant, correct?

Steven P. Delarge: Not only will manufacturing facilities have to be put in place in the area, but also the facility has been great news for local builders, who are being called upon to build homes and businesses to support the new residents coming to the area.

Blogger Venue: There’s more planned construction, too, as we understand.

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, thanks to local government. There will be an addition to the Nanotechnology facility, which will bring more work for builders, as well as bringing more students to the area. It’s an exciting time for Albany.

Blogger Venue: What can other cities learn from Albany’s success?

Steven P. Delarge: I think it’s quite telling that when business and government work together, positive economic change can be made.

Blogger Venue: Plus, one little change can feed additional changes.

Steven P. Delarge: Yes, absolutely! Economic growth multiplies. Once that initial leap is made, everything just falls into place around it.

Steven P. Delarge received his bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University. Beginning his career with GE Advanced Materials, Delarge was with GE Plastics when it was bought out by Momentive Performance Materials. Steven P. Delarge served as Momentive’s CFO and CEO.

Theodore Stroukoff

Theodore Stroukoff’s travel nursing work has taken him to a many different locations, allowing him to experience a variety of nursing environments. The experience has helped him grow as a nurse and offered him opportunities to see the world. For those interested in embarking on a career in travel nursing, but who are unsure about where to start, Theodore Stroukoff offers a few tips.

Some areas of the United States are experiencing a severe shortage of nurses, according to Theodore Stroukoff. Utilizing recruiting companies, medical facilities will attempt to fill these shortages with qualified personnel from other locations. These jobs can pay well, Theodore Stroukoff points out, which creates an incentive for some nurses. In fact, a nurse may choose to go into travel nursing in order to live in a different area of the country or, as in the case of Theodore Stroukoff, to grow in his or her chosen career.

Travel nursing isn’t only for RNs. According to Theodore Stroukoff, LPNs and CNAs are also in demand for medical staffing companies. Many of these companies will allow a nurse to specify the area of the country in which he or she would prefer to work, Theodore Stroukoff informs, narrowing it down to either a specific city or a general region. However, as with any nursing field, the more education and higher level of certification a person has, the better the pay and opportunities will likely be.

In addition to one’s level of certification, a nurse will likely also be asked if he or she has any specialties. Theodore Stroukoff points out that the more flexible a nurse is, the more likely he or she will be called for a job. Certain areas of nursing are always in high demand, Theodore Stroukoff says, while others seem to have more interested candidates than there are jobs. Keep in mind that in areas where a nursing shortage currently exists, the shortage will likely be in areas that aren’t normally experiencing a constant influx of interested nurses.

Once you’re hired for a travel nursing position, you’ll begin the process of relocating. Theodore Stroukoff emphasizes that these jobs are only temporary contract position, usually ranging from one month to three months. However, Theodore Stroukoff states that if the assignment is in another country, a contract could be for a year or longer.

Sometimes housing is provided for travel nurses, but according to Theodore Stroukoff, it’s crucial to iron all of this out before taking the job. Even when housing is provided, you may be sharing it with others or living in a small studio apartment, reports Theodore Stroukoff.

Regardless, Theodore Stroukoff believes that the career of a travel nurse can be among the most rewarding and challenging in the field. If you love to travel and learn new things, Theodore Stroukoff urges you to give travel nursing a try.

Dr. Pierre Bennett

Dr. Pierre Bennett is the founder of LifeSource Foundation, an organization that helps families in need. The organization fosters Dr. Pierre Bennett’s mission to create a worldwide ministry of care and bring academic enrichment, prevention, and intervention programs to those in need.

Dr. Pierre Bennett knows many of God’s followers think of money when they consider the abundant blessings He has in store for them. Whether those blessings come in the form of a bag of money or a new house, Dr. Pierre Bennett points out that God has told us that we will be blessed. Why are we so impatient, he asks?

Sometimes, suggests Dr. Pierre Bennett, people get tired of waiting for God to work His miracles and they go out and try to get their desires met on their own. We may think we’re waiting on God, Dr. Pierre Bennett explains, but really God may be waiting on us. He may know we’re not yet ready. Instead of praying for worldly goods, Dr. Pierre Bennett recommends praying to be prepared for when our bounty arrives.

Let God know you’re ready, Dr. Pierre Bennett advises, and He will show up. He never disappoints. Like a football player during a big game, Dr. Pierre Bennett states that we should let God know we’re ready to take the ball. He just needs to throw it.

Worldly desires aren’t limited to material goods or money, Dr. Pierre Bennett adds. Sometimes the ‘thing’ we want so badly is a husband or wife. But instead of waiting for God to bless us with the person we’ve been waiting for, we get impatient and take matters into our own hands. But perhaps God hasn’t brought that person into our lives because we aren’t ready yet. Pray for preparation, Dr. Pierre Bennett says, and you’ll be ready when He does send that special person into your life.

Dr. Pierre Bennett suggests that it is okay to tell the Lord what we want, even including the details of the certain way we would like it to show up. However, we need to trust Him, tell him “Thy will be done,” and leave it in His capable hands, Dr. Pierre Bennett emphasizes.

According to Dr. Pierre Bennett, what God is trying to get us to do is surrender ourselves and be released from our human condition so that we’re ready for what He has to give us. We must first give ourselves over to His will, Dr. Pierre Bennett says. Only then will we receive our blessings and realize what a miraculous, incredible God He is, Dr. Pierre Bennett concludes.

Pastor Pierre Bennett

Pastor Pierre Bennett leads the congregation at God’s Luv International Ministries Church, a ministry he founded in 2008. With two services each week in Virginia, God’s Luv International Ministries seeks to fulfill Pastor Pierre Bennett’s vision of worldwide care and ministry.

Pastor Pierre Bennett emphasizes to his congregation that surrendering to God brings eternal life. God gave his only Son to provide eternal life, Pastor Pierre Bennett says, and it is through this unconditional love that the Lord continues to bless believers, not only giving them eternal lives, but abundant lives.

Quoting from 1 Corinthians 13:4, Pastor Pierre Bennett says that love suffers long. Yes, love can hurt, but it is a worldly hurt, Pastor Pierre Bennett explains—a pain of the flesh. Comparing it to working out, Pastor Pierre Bennett says that over time, you grow to expect the hurt and even enjoy it a little, knowing a small amount of pain is the price of the workout you want.  Spiritually it is the price of learning to love deeply.

Love means giving up a little of yourself, Pastor Pierre Bennett tells his congregation. Loving God means gradually giving up more of you to experience His glory. In doing this, love becomes both the current and the currency.

Pastor Pierre Bennett compares love to electricity. When it comes to lights, electrical current provides power. Love is the current that allows you to light up for God, and love is also the currency that you must give away in order to experience God’s glory.

In order to have things we enjoy, we must pay currency, Pastor Pierre Bennett further describes. New clothing, cars, even the place we live—all require currency. Pastor Pierre Bennett asks, what if you had a system where you were able to put currency in and receive much more currency in return? In your spiritual life, you can experience that, since the more love you give, the more will come back to you, Pastor Pierre Bennett explains.

When he was a young boy, Pastor Pierre Bennett’s mother always told him, in order to get what he wanted, he needed to go to the top–to the boss, the manager, or the person in charge. In our spiritual lives, who is at the top? God, Pastor Pierre Bennett emphasizes. In order to get what you want out of life, God is the One to speak to, but it will cost you. The price you’ll pay will be your love.

If someone gives you love, give more love back, Pastor Pierre Bennett concludes. If you want more of God in your life, you should give more love to God. You will, in return, receive more love, more abundance, than you could ever have imagined!

Gregory Leb

One of the highlights of Gregory Leb’s career was the moment when he was sent to Atlanta to make a delivery to Evander Holyfield. Few people have the privilege of meeting the former World Undisputed Champion in boxing. It was especially meaningful to Gregory Leb, who has been boxing since he was ten.

Perhaps it was because his stepdad was a boxer in the Navy, but Gregory Leb began boxing at age ten. Gregory Leb got his boxing start with the police athletic league in Jacksonville, progressing to State Finals by the time he was fifteen. At that age, Gregory Leb was a super middle weight. Twenty-nine years later, Gregory Leb is still boxing as an active member of Bull Dog Boxing in Jacksonville.

Among his heroes is Manny Pacquiao, a boxer who is also a member of the House of Representatives in Congress. The first eight-division world champion, Pacquiao is often ranked among the best boxers in the world. Currently the WBO Welterweight Champion, a title he recently defended against Shane Mosley. Pacquiao won that championship.

Gregory Leb also considers Mohammad Ali his hero. Known the world over for his controversial personal behavior, Mohammad is considered by many to be among the best boxers of all time. Using the personal mantra “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” for his fighting style, Ali was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Century” in 1999.

Roy Jones Jr. is the youngest of Gregory Leb’s boxing heroes. Born in 1969, Jones set a record by being the first boxer to hold seven belts at the same time. Those included belts from the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association. The Boxing Writers Association of America named him “Fighter of the Decade” in the 90s.

While Gregory Leb admires the boxing styles of these champion fighters, there are many other reasons for these men to be heroes. A successful businessman, Gregory Leb has used their principles to build a long and lasting career.

About Gregory Leb

Gregory Leb, Sissine’s Office Systems’ national account representative, is committed to a simple motto, “Live well, and serve well.” An avid car collector and longtime cross fitness enthusiast, Gregory Leb has lived his life with a focus toward appreciating common things and embracing his good fortune.

Every man needs a man. For Gregory Leb that man was his stepfather who was a boxer in the Navy.  Gregory Leb was naturally drawn to athletics as most young men are. For Gregory Leb athletics included the study of boxing. Encouraged by his parents, he started his boxing career with the Jacksonville, Florida police athletic league, working his way up to Super Middle Weight by his mid-teens. Gregory Leb continues a health oriented lifestyle that includes boxing which he says could add up to more than twenty-nine years physical fitness that has included boxing. Among his sports heroes he includes boxing greats such as Manny Pacquiao, Mohammed Ali, and Roy Jones, Jr. Gregory Leb continues to be active in a local Jacksonville gym specializing in martial arts, and self-defense; disciplines that benefit from Greg’s early passion for boxing.

Gregory Leb has been employed by Sissine’s Office Systems since 2006. As national account manager, he represents the Northwest Florida and South Georgia region’s top supplier of Lanier and Copystar brand copiers. Sissine’s has been in business for 25 years, with an emphasis on providing office automation solutions to businesses. Prior to his employment with Sissine’s Office Systems, Gregory Leb was a freelance marketing coordinator for Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and marketing director for Lamborghini North America in Jacksonville Florida. During his time with Lamborghini, Leb was able to secure a deal with Universal for eight television shows with the Diablo Roadster. A life well lived indeed.

Gregory Leb’s interest in cars extends far beyond his employment with Lamborghini. He regularly participates in specialized auto racing around the country. He is a member of car clubs and has inherited a passion for collecting both vintage and new sports cars from his father who is also a car collector.

In addition to his love of cars, Gregory Leb also has a deep love for golden retrievers. He has a golden retriever named Molly who is two-and-a-half years old, which he bought from a breeder in Georgia. He and Molly live in Ponte Vedra Beach, right outside of Jacksonville.

As busy as he is, Gregory Leb puts a high priority on his charitable work. He is involved with the Mary Saulzbacher Homeless Shelter in Jacksonville, as well as Second Harvest Food Bank’s Lutheran Social Services. He supports both United Way and Cathedral Foundation Meals on Wheels.

Fitness, passion and charity have combined to shape a life that does embrace his simple motto; live well, serve well.

Joe Zanotti

He had always been an avid golfer, but when Pittsburgh native Joe Zanotti found himself spending a lot of his time overseas for work, he decided to find a way to golf overseas. At the time, work had Joe Zanotti stationed in Vietnam, where golf courses are far from plentiful.

While working with Hyundai Corporation, however, Pittsburgh resident Joe Zanotti was asked by one of their staff to play a Saturday round of golf at the Long Thanh Country Club outside the city Of Thu Duc—an offer Joe Zanotti eagerly accepted. Joe was introduced to an afternoon of golf a bit different than his usual golf round in the USA.

Joe Zanotti mentioned that the golf clubs in Asia tend to be very plush with lots of amenities. A foreign business man tends to be treated very well at the clubs. After a nice lunch, Joe Zanotti was assigned a caddie, a young petite woman. Some golfers in the foresome even had 2 or 3 caddies each, all typically short petite women. Joe Zanotti wondered how any of these ladies could carry a large heavy bag of clubs until he realized that they put the bag on a pull cart. That seemed like a better situation.

Joe Zanotti was also amazed at how much clothing the female caddies wore. Even though the golfers were sweating like crazy, the women dressed so as not to get a tan. Joe Zanotti describes their attire as khaki pants, long-sleeved shirts, towel around their neck, and a hat. Some even wore scarves around their faces, Joe Zanotti said, but still, none of them seemed to break a sweat while pulling a heavy cart!

Joe Zanotti was impressed with how well the caddies seemed to know the game. After only 2 holes, they seemed to understand each player’s skills and could select the proper club for them. They also had an incredible ability to read the breaks in the greens. But, none of the female caddies actually played the game. He also noted that the other Asian golfers were rather harsh to their individual caddies, knowing his golfing friends in Pittsburgh would just be glad to have a caddy at all. At one point, he helped one of the caddies pull the bag cart up an especially steep hill and was reminded by his companion that it was the caddy’s job, not his.

At the end of the game, Joe Zanotti asked what a customary tip for a caddy was. His colleague told him two dollars per caddy was sufficient. Feeling that wasn’t nearly enough for the work she’d put in, the Pittsburgh native gave his caddy two dollars publicly, then pulled her aside and gave her ten dollars.

“These girls worked so hard and were so pleasant,” Joe Zanotti concludes.

About Joe Zanotti

For Joe Zanotti, family heritage has always been important. Growing up in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Joe Zanotti was always aware of his Italian and Slovak heritage enjoying the culture, foods and curtoms. In fact, he spent many weekends and long summer weeks at his grandparents’ house in the nearby mill town of Braeburn.

Joe Zanotti has lived in Pennsylvania most of his life, mostly near Pittsburgh. After graduating from Burrell Senior High School, Joe Zanotti attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he majored in civil engineering. During college, he was an invited member of both the Chi Epsilon Honorary Society and Tau Beta Pi Honorary Society, both national engineering societies for honors students. Joe Zanotti attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied structural engineering.

An experienced structural engineer with more than 31 years in the field, Joe Zanotti often travels throughout the USA and overseas for work. Joe Zanotti is currently employed by Camp, Dresser, & McKee, Inc., a worldwide engineering firm based in Pittsburgh. Joe Zanotti’s work often stations him in many Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and in Middle-East countries such as Israel.  He considers working overseas, such as when he helped rebuild a Catholic church in tsunami-damaged Banda Aceh, Indonesia, an experience that has been life changing.

Prior to Camp, Dresser, & McKee, Joe Zanotti was project design manager for MPS Corporation in Leetsdale. He worked as a structural engineer for Sargent & Lundy Engineers in Chicago, as well as Dravo Engineers in Pittsburgh. His professional associations include the American Society of Civil Engineers, International Concrete Repair Institute, for which he serves on the board of directors, and American Concrete Institute, for which he is a subcommittee member on the national level.

An avid golfer, Joe Zanotti has had the privilege of golfing everywhere from overseas in Asia to many top courses in the USA. Joe Zanotti began golfing at the age of fifteen, at a tiny 9-hole course near his house where greens fees were only $3-$4 a day.  For years, he was part of an annual golf retreat comprised mostly of former Pennsylvania State graduates. Joe Zanotti is an avid cook and would maybe enjoy attending chef school when retired. He is a lover of great wine and while he wouldn’t consider himself a connoisseur, Joe Zanotti keeps 40-50 bottles of wine in his basement at all times.

Born in 1958, Joe Zanotti currently resides in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, where he has lived since 1988. Joe Zanotti is registered as a professional engineer in eleven states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Indiana, and the District of Columbia. He is single, with no children, has a brother, sister, nieces and a nephew and both of his parents are still alive.

Anatesha Dunn

Anatesha Dunn reviews Bishop TD Jakes book Reposition Yourself

Anatesha Dunn is a Christian woman with a deep seeded love of the written word. She reads often, with one of her favorite authors being Bishop TD Jakes. Jakes’ 2007 book, Reposition Yourself, serves as a constant reminder to Anatesha Dunn that hard work and perseverance really do pay off.

Jakes begins the book, says Anatesha Dunn, with a recollection of an experience he had in Nairobi. A weather worn lady, elderly by African life expectancy, invites the Bishop into her home. It is, explains Anatesha Dunn, a structure that would not pass any building code in the West. Mortar made from Bovine waste, dirt floors, and furnishings cut from animal hides are the general scene of this home, says Anatesha Dunn.

The Bishop relays how he was struck by the old mum’s thankfulness to God for her riches. She is rich with the spirit, exclaims Anatesha Dunn. She has worked her entire life, and while destitute by other’s standards, the fruits that she enjoys makes her happy. Anatesha Dunn feels that everyone can benefit from this old woman’s attitude about life.

Success is measured differently for different people. Bishop Jakes’ aim with this book, cites Anatesha Dunn, is to empower those seeking to change their circumstances for the better. Anatesha Dunn says that Jakes’ powerful voice exudes from each page of this inspirational literary work. His words serve to encourage the reader, says Anatesha Dunn, to position themselves to utilize effectively the gifts that God has given them to achieve success.

The book, says Anatesha Dunn, points out that no one wants to face defeat. Jakes offers motivation to push past failures and use them as a point of reference on the path to prosperity. He owns up to the many failures that he endured before finding his God-given talent to lead a congregation of 30,000. Seeing how someone likes Jakes has pushed past failure, says Anatesha Dunn, helps her carry on after stumbling.

Overall, notes Anatesha Dunn, this book is a tool that all God’s children can use as a motivation to receive His blessings. Looking for what God has offered, says Anatesha Dunn, is harder than one might think. In this book, Bishop Jakes’ down to earth tone and his sage advice helps the reader open his or her arms and heart to receive God’s gifts.

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About Anatesha Dunn

Anatesha Dunn believes in Joyce Meyer’s positive, uplifting messages. A fan of Meyer’s book, Battlefield of the Mind, Anatesha Dunn takes spiritual guidance from Meyer’s advice to gain control over one’s own mind and refuse to let negative thoughts intrude. It is an attitude that has served Anatesha Dunn throughout her life.

Anatesha Dunn has worked most recently for Financial Freedom in Longwood, Florida. At Financial Freedom, Anatesha Dunn assisted with taking inquiries from potential clients looking for financial advice. During her time assisting customers with their financial needs, Anatesha Dunn no doubt relied heavily on Meyer’s advice on dealing with different temperaments.

“Learn different personalities and how to live with them,” Anatesha Dunn paraphrases from Meyer’s advice. “Once you know what triggers a certain personality, you can learn how to move through certain situations to get the end results you’re looking for.”

A devout Christian, Anatesha Dunn also follows the wisdom of Bishop T.D. Jakes. Once the subject of a Time Magazine cover story titled, Is This Man the Next Billy Graham?, T.D. Jakes is highly respected among Christians, thanks to his positive, uplifting messages. Anatesha Dunn especially appreciates Jakes’ take on change.

“Jakes accepts the inevitability of change, teaching how to embrace and accept it rather than fear it,” Anatesha Dunn says. “Mixing both sacred and secular insights, he shares a unique mix of practical and pragmatic steps, coupled with the sage wisdom of scripture for which he is noted.”

Anatesha Dunn believes in giving back, having headed up and assisted with fundraisers as well as participating in volunteer work over the years. She is certified in both CPR and First Aid and, in the course of her career, Anatesha Dunn has often been trusted with matters that are confidential and of a sensitive nature.

Anatesha Dunn currently lives on the East Coast, where she is actively involved with her church. She believes in Meyer’s advice to arm yourself with God every day.

“Begin your day with prayer to get your day started,” is the advice Anatesha Dunn takes from Joyce Meyer. “End your day with prayer and reflection of what you did that day.”

Anatesha Dunn believes in following Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind in positive thinking as well. Using the power of positive thinking, Anatesha Dunn finds specific ways to impact every aspect of her life. Anatesha Dunn has learned to count her blessings, thanks to a couple of great role models.

Anatesha Dunn also believes in balance. Anatesha Dunn tries to approach every day with a cool, calm, level and objective mind.

“Life is an experience of both good and bad,” Anatesha Dunn says, taking from Meyer’s advice. “In order to really enjoy life, try to find the positive in everything.”