Helping the Homeless and Orphaned in Uganda- Show Mercy International
2007-11-20 14:49:48
After reading Elizabeth Nieves blog entitled PLEASE look at this photograph before Thanksgiving Day... and Broker Bryant's blog entitled ActiveRain members CAN make a difference. Will you? I wanted to tell the folks at Active Rain about an organization that I belong to, that has taken on the task of feeding, clothing and giving shelter to the homeless and orphaned children of Uganda
. The founders, Mike and Lori Salley answered a call on their lives after a visit to Uganda opened their eyes to the extreme poverty and living conditions that the people of Uganda had to endure. Mike especially took notice of the plight of the many orphaned and abandoned children that he came in contact with. His heart was broken for these children as he saw them all alone on the streets, scavenging for food like animals and even prostituting themselves just to stay alive. Thinking about his own children
Read more: Helping
, International
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
2007-11-19 20:40:01
Now that you're well into the process of obtaining your dream of home ownership, you've probably followed the steps necessary to ensure that the purchase of your first home is a smooth process.Home ownership has many advantages and benefits, as you're aware, and the process of buying your first home doesn't have to be as time-consuming or complex, if you're following a sound plan.Before you begin looking for a Realtor® to hire as a Buyers
Agent
, let's recap what you've done so far, to make sure that you are really ready to start looking at homes. First
, you've gone through the process to find out how much you can afford. Knowing how much you can afford will assist your Realtor® in identifying the right properties for you to view.Second, you've reviewed Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying
Their First Home to know what common pitfalls to avoid when making your first home purchaseThird, you'
Read more: Great
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
2007-11-18 17:01:28
If you have made the decision to purchase your first home, Congratulations! Home ownership has many advantages and benefits, and you are in a perfect market to find the home of your dreams. Before you employ the services of a Realtor®, there are several steps that you will want to follow to make sure that the purchase of your new home is as smoothas possible. One of the first things you'll want to do is to find out how much you can afford for your new home. Getting pre-qualified by a qualified lender is one of the first things that you can do to get the ball running. There are many reasons why this will give you an advantage; Pulling a credit report will give you the chance to correct any errors that might appear.Shopping for rates will give you more knowledge about rates, fees, and the monthly payment you will be making and more.Knowing how much you can afford gives you bargaining power when you do find the home you would like to own.Pre - qualification
Read more: First
, Buyers
, First Time
, Home Buyers
Why I am Grateful This Thanksgiving - 2007
2007-11-17 18:23:14
I have been reflecting back on this year as we draw near to Thanksgiving
, and I realize that I truly have a lot to be thankful for. This year has been a year of character building for me. I left my full time job to devote myself to Real Estate completely, and I set out, goals in hand, ready to truly believe God for my income. I wasn't prepared for the changes that God would bring about this year, as I left behind a 21 year career, and a six figure income, but I trudged ahead, determined to be obedient to the call on my life, and to the voice of instruction gently leading me forward, and urging me to leave the former things behind. But God, whose thoughts are not my thoughts, and whose ways are not my ways, had a year planned for me that was entirely different than I had pictured. This has been a year in which we have been gently reminded about how important it is to be good stewards of our money, and while we have struggled at times, I have to say that God has
First Time Home Buyers – Find Out How Much You Can Afford
2007-11-16 13:21:51
Now that you've made the decision to buy your first home, the process of buying a home can be confusing, andcomplicated. Where should you start? Find out how much you can afford. To get started with the process, consider getting pre-approved with a lenderprior to making an appointment to view homes with a Realtor®. This will give you more leverage when you areready to make an offer once you've found the house you'd like to call home. In my blog Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First
Home , I explain how important it isto decide which lender you would like to work with. Multiple credit inquiries may affect your credit rating and have a negative impact on loan amount, interest rate, etc. Avoid Giving your Social Security Number out to severaldifferent mortgage companies while shopping for rates. The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers these free links to calculators that can assist you,but
Read more: Buyers
, First Time
, Home Buyers
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
2007-11-14 12:05:07
If you've considered the benefits of buying a home, and you are like most first time buyers, you've probablyhad reservations about whether buying a home is right for you.The more you know in advance about buying your first home, the easier the whole process will be for you.Here are five great reasons why you should buy a home now:Property Appreciation:Even though real estate moves up, and then down, over a period of years real estate has consistently appreciated, and many who purchase their home consider their investment as a hedge against inflation.Property Tax DeductionsReal Estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax purposes. Read what the IRS has published regarding tax information for first-time home buyers.Mortgage Interest DeductionsOur tax rates highly favor those who own their home. Mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return, as long as the balance on your mortgage is smaller than the pr
Read more: First
, Buyers
, First Time
, Home Buyers
, Reasons
Winter Home Heating Safety Tips
2007-11-11 12:38:59
As the weather chills and you heat your home, stay cozy and safe.Have your furnace cleaned and checked. A professional inspection will help prevent fires and carbon monoxide leaks. A furnace running at top efficiency will save you money as well.Hire a professional to clean your wood-burning fireplace, wood-stove and chimney. Creosote, a by product of burning wood, can build up and catch fire. Also, many chimney problems, such as cracks and faults, can't be seen from the outside.Inspect your gas fireplace. Call a professional to clean the fan, clear any blocked vents and make needed adjustments.Check electric blankets. Hold the blanket up to the light to see if embedded wires are touching. If they are, it's time for a new electric blanket. You'll also want to replace it if it is more than 10 years old or has a damaged cord, wires or temperature control. if it's worn, torn or singed, buy a new one.Use space heaters as a short
Read more: Heating
, Safety
737 Westview Drive, Brownsville OR 97327
2007-11-10 18:16:23
Enjoy the Spectacular Views of the Willamette Valley- Come and see why Brownsville Oregon is a great place to call home! Enjoy the views from almost every room! &n
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
2007-11-10 13:07:42
While there are many options out there for home buyers, I have listed some of the common mistakes smart people make when buying their first home. Mistake #1 Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer.The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford. Mistake #2 Not realizing in advance whom the real estate agent represents.When you call the agent on the sign in the yard, that agent most likely is working for the seller. So beware that any information you give that agent may be used against you in negotiations with the seller. The best way to avoid this conflict is to find an agent willing to work with you as a Buyer's Representative. Ask about our Buyers Agreement with NuEra Realty. Mistake #3 Not discovering hidden defects before they buy a home. One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to avoid, by ha
Read more: Common
, Buying
, First
, Smart
The Moyer House – Brownsville Oregon 97327
2007-11-09 17:59:36
When visiting Brownsville, make sure to make a stop at the historic Moyer House
.The elegant old Moyer House has spent more than 100 years overseeing the life and development of one of Oregon
's oldest pioneer communities, Brownsville Oregon. Built in 1881, the house was built by J.M Moyer, who was married to Elizabeth Brown, the daughter of founding father Hugh L. Brown, after whom Brownsville was later named.The house was originally built on seven acres, extending toward the Calapooya River and Brownsville's present City Park.Twelve foot ceilings, a white Italian marble fireplace, and curved walnut banisters decorated the inside, while elaborate trims and heavily bracketed cornices adorned the Italianate exterior.Group Tours may be prearranged for any day and time. To arrange for tours, or for further information, please call (541) 466-3390.Normal business hours are: Saturday, 11:00 - 4:00Sunday, 1:00 - 5:00For additional information go to:http://www.co.linn.or.us/Mu
Linn County Historical Museum – Brownsville Oregon 97327
2007-11-07 14:14:12
The Linn County
Historical
Museum
was established in Brownsville Oregon
in 1962 by the Linn County Historical Society in cooperation with the City of Brownsville.Many county residents contributed time, talent, funds and artifacts to stock the new museum. Over the years the collection grew and expanded into an adjacent building to the east. Many visitors were charmed by the "grandmother's attic" feeling of the museum, with its scenes of domestic life and commerce, cases, shelves, nooks and crannies overflowing with a jumble of historical items. The new facility in the old relocated Brownsville Depot and railroad cars was dedicated on June 16, 1984. There is a mini-theatre, which occupies one of the box cars, and includes 30 seats from the old Linn Theatre in Brownsville. Historical and vintage video programs are shown by request.To enjoy the essence of early Linn County life, and view the replicas of a general store, bank, barber shop and milliners s
Merchant’s Trick Or Treat Event – Historic Downtown Albany Oregon 97321
2007-10-23 21:10:02
Come join the annual Trick
or Treating event in Historic Downtown
Albany Oregon
, on Saturday, October 27, 2007. This years event begins at 10:00 a.m at the Two Rivers Market located at 300 2nd Ave SW, and will feature a children's costume contest. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for an event that is sure to be fun for the whole family.Beginning at 11:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m., Trick or Treating will be available from all downtown merchants flying orange and black balloons. Hope to see you there!For more details, visit http://www.albanydowntown.com/ or call 541-928-2469 for more details.Brought to you by:Alecia A Barnes - Broker &n
Gala Autumn Festival Of Music and Fine Arts - Sweet Home, Oregon
2007-10-08 18:47:30
An Annual event held the third week of October. Located in Sweet
Home Oregon
, this event is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Come hear musical selections ranging from the harmonica to opera performed by area musicians. You'll also see displays of artwork, ranging from fine oil paintings, photography and pottery. If you are interested in getting more information about this event, or are interested in buying or selling a home in Sweet Home, Oregon, give me a call, I would love to help you find the home of your dreams! More Links for Information on Sweet Home Oregon:www.sweethomechamber.org/www.sweet-home.or.us/http://www.sweethomeoregon.org/ Alecia A Barnes - Broker &nb
Read more: Autumn
, Festival
, Music
Albany Oregon Veterans Day Parade – November 10, 2007
2007-10-08 18:22:37
Starting at 10:00 a.m. on November
10, 2007, The parade route starts at the overpass on Pacific Highway, then right on Lyons, left on 2nd to Ferry St., left to 4th, ending at the Linn County courthouse at 300 3rd Ave. SW. This parade is touted as the largest Veterans
parade west of the Mississippi. There will be well over 250 entrants and more than 40,000 spectators. Come join the fun, as the parade will feature veterans from wars past and present, military vehicles, marching bands and marching units. For more information on attending this event, or for buying or selling a home in Albany Oregon
and Linn County, feel free to contact me. I'd love to help you find the home of your dreams! Alecia A. Barnes - BrokerNuEra RealtyPhone: (541) 466-5094Cell: (541) 936-1630Fax: (541) 466-5828 Alecia@nuerarealty.comhttp://www.albanyoregonrealestateagent.com/
Read more: Parade
, Veterans Day
“If you can believe it, you can achieve it”
2007-09-26 12:37:48
"If you can believe
it, you can achieve it" is one of many clichés that I have told myself over the years. I was reading a blog by Brett Noel entitled Child Abuse and Success- Where do they cross? And as I wrote a comment to his inspiring post, it made me think of my past, and how I came to be who I am today. I grew up poor. Dirt poor. We lived on the system, got food stamps, and lived in Section 8 housing. I wore hand me down clothes most of the time, and there were many occasions where we would have to live without lights, gas, or water because we were stretched so thin that one of the bills would ultimately not get paid. Having lived through that, I remember being determined never to have these things happen to me in my adult life, and I remember making a solid oath that my kids would never experience these things either. While reading Brett's blog, I realized how thankful I am for growing up the way that I did. I went through a season of being re
Read more: ldquo
, rdquo
First Annual Fall Art Festival In Brownsville OR 97327
2007-09-24 16:32:06
The first Annual
Fall Art Festival
will be held on September 30, 2007. This event will benefit the Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville Oregon. The event will be held at the Bramble House, a new event center in Brownsville, and will feature original art available for purchase, appetizers and Oregon Wines. Entry is free, and donations to the Museum are encouraged. The Bramble House is located at 209 Templeton in Brownsville. Brownsville Oregon is located four miles east of I-5.For more information about Brownsville Oregon, and information on why it is a great place to call home -Click HereAlecia A. BarnesNuEra Realty541-466-5094Cell: 541-936-1630
Read more: First
Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway
2007-09-20 13:34:31
Beginning in the rich farmland of the Willamette Valley, this 66 mile route then winds along rushing streams and through thick forests, climbing into the West Cascades and McKenzie Pass, and joins the McKenzie Pass- Santiam Pass National Scenic
Byway. Much of the Byway parallels the Santiam Wagon Road, and this road was built to lead livestock ranchers east to pasture lands in Central Oregon, as well as to gold mines in Eastern Oregon and Idaho. The Byway begins on Interstate 5. Moving East from Interstate 5, you'll first come to Brownsville Oregon, which was settled in 1846 and is Oregon's third oldest town. To learn more about the historic Scenic Byway Tour, you can visit these websites: http://www.brownsvilleoregon.org/http://www.sweethomeoregon.org/home.cfm?dir_cat=32896http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Willamette-Valley/Trips-We-Love/Over-the-River
-and-Through-the-Woods
.aspx Brought To You By: Alecia A. Barnes - BrokerIf you are think
Keeping the Faith
2007-08-23 14:01:36
I just wanted to say thanks to the many fellow believers who have posted words of encouragement during these trying times. At times I have been battling with FEAR of the unknown, and yet, I always seem to find peace through reading the blogs with scriptures I can meditate on, and pray about. I wish for each and everyone of you to have the wisdom and peace that passes all understanding. Thanks so much for your prayers, let's continue to uplift each other, and pray for one another daily. My prayer for you all is to be blessed, shaken down and running over with his grace. ( My constant prayer) God Bless You!
Read more: Faith
Prayer Request - Update!
2007-07-23 13:01:23
I just wanted to thank all of you who prayed, and responded to my request for prayer. I am happy to report that I finally closed the door on my former employment and have rejoined the ranks of the full time Real Estate agents here at Active Rain. I have recently received several listings, and would just like to request prayer that they sell quickly. I wanted to say a special thank you to Alexander Harb "The Knights Team" PSEM®, E-AGENT®, who has been a special encouragement to me, I appreciate the fact that you founded this group, and I'm blessed to be a part! God Bless you all, and may your endeavors be richly blessed!
Read more: Prayer
, Update
, Prayer Request
Linn County Fair - Albany Oregon July 19-22, 2007
2007-07-21 12:30:10
Linn Benton Tractor Day at the Fair Hours 11 am to 11 pm 11 am Fair Opens11 am, 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7 pm Arthur Atsma11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6 pm Jest in Time1 pm Classic Car Show3:30 pm Auction Buyers BBQ5:00 pm Market Livestock Auction6 pm Wild & Wooly featuring Wild Horse Race, Barrel racing, Mutton Bustin' and Mini Bulls8:30 Josh Gracin in Concert11 pm Fair Closes Ongoing Events:CarnivalFamily Land Kids Peddle TractorsMother GooseOMSI Strolling EntertainmentInflatablesPetting ZooPony Rides
Read more: Oregon
, County
Linn County Fair - Albany Oregon July 19-22, 2007
2007-07-21 12:23:00
Friday Events Included:Friday is Bi-Mart Day at the Fair! Hours 11 am to 11 pm 11 am Fair Opens11 am Antique Tractor Show11:30 am, 3 pm, 6pm Rhinestone Ropers12 pm, 2 pm. 4 pm, 7 pm Arthur Atsma12:30 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm Jest in Time12 pm 4-H/FFA Dairy Showmanship, then milk Chug-A-Lug6:30 pm Bull Bash8:30 pm Phil Vassar 11 pm Fair Closes
Read more: Oregon
, County
Linn County Fair - Albany Oregon July 19-22, 2007
2007-07-21 12:21:08
Thursday kicked off with Linn Co Federal Credit Union Thursday Free Admission/Senior Day at the Fair The Schedule included: 11 am Fair Opens11 am Antique Tractor Show11am Senior Bingo 2 pm Senior Ice Cream Social12 pm, 2:30pm , 6 pm Jest in Time Circus of Fools1 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm Rhinestone Ropers3:30 pm, Arthur Atsma, magician7 pm The Touchables, Main Stage8:30pm Eddie Money, Main Stage 11 pm Fair Closes Linn County
Fair Manager declared it a "really good day" as he watched the crowds in the Familyland area.
Read more: Oregon
Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say Rejoice!
2007-07-20 12:55:38
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
. And again I say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.I also read this wonderful psalm today, and was so encouraged by it, that I wanted to share it as well- Psalm 121:1 I lift my eyes to the hills-Where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord,The Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumberIndeed, he who watches over IsraelWill neither slumber nor sleep The Lord watches over you-The Lord is your shade at your right hand;The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life The Lord will watch over your coming and goingBoth no
I will persevere, and win the race!
2007-07-17 11:56:12
James 1: 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.After many days of struggling with my decision to return to work for a short season to finish out my books, I came to this day, the day that I leave my old job for good.I didn't think that the decision would be as hard as it has been, because I know that I know that I know that Real Estate is the direction that God has led me to, the path I'm to now follow, the road he has chosen for me. I have been struggling with this decision, because I have allowed the enemy to come and plant subtle doubt seeds about my decision, and I started playing the "what if?" game in my head. &nbs
da Vinci Days - Celebrating Art, Science and Technology - Corvallis Oregon
2007-07-15 17:28:59
da Vinci
Days: 19th FestivalMotion & CommotionJuly 20-22, 2007Fresh off of last year's record-setting attendance, the uniquely Corvallis festival is generating unprecedented regional, state, and national interest for its compelling fusion of art, science, and technology. The 19th annual edition gets rolling July 20th with a theme of Motion and Commotion. This year's spotlight will be on all things kinetic-from human movement to alternative energy. Highlights include zany, people-powered sculptures in the Kinetic Challenge; battery-powered mini-sculptures competing in the Leonardo 500; dynamic public art on a grand scale; swift and silent electric cars; foot-stomping music at three different venues; and high-energy dance performances. With an entertainment bill featuring the wildly popular Pink Martini on Friday evening at 8:30, the 2007 festival promises to be better than ever. "This performance will be one of the few opportunities that people have to enjoy Pink Martin
Read more: Science
, Technology
, Oregon
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
2007-11-25 20:59:03
In my series for First
Time Home Buyers
, I have been covering the steps that a First Time
Home Buyer should follow in orderto make sure that the purchase of your first home runs smoothly.If you are reading this for the first time and want to re-visit my previous blogs on this subject, here is what we've covered so far...Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First HomeFirst Time Home Buyers
- Consider Five Reasons Why You Should BuyFirst Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent
!So, to pick up where we left off, you should be in the process ofinterviewing and hiring a Buyers agent to begin the process of looking at homes. Because you have gone through the process of getting pre-qualified, or pre-approved, you know what pricerange to provide your Buyers agent with, but have you given any thought to what you really want in a home? If you haven't done s
Read more: Hired
Sometimes I Fall Short....But He Still Loves Me
2007-11-24 13:17:46
I woke up with this song on my heart this morning. I have been so grateful for all of the things that God has blessed me with, but at times, I know that I haven't been the best example of His love, or of my christian walk.
I am just thankful that even in the times that I stumble and disappoint him, or myself, that he still loves me. The song is from "The Fighting Temptations". I hope you enjoy the video.
The Lyrics:
Took me awhile, but i`m finally here
So I just wanna testify, make it crystal clear
See I`ve been picked out, to be picked on
Talked about out my friend`s mouth
I`ve been beat down, til` he turned my life around
Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me
I ain`t no superstar, the spot light ain`t shinin` on me
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me
I used to, wake up somedays, and wished I had stayed asleep
Cuz I went to bed on top of the world, today the world is on top of me
Now everybody`
Read more: Sometimes
, Short
Show Me Your Books! My Book Meme
2007-12-03 20:21:20
What can I say about reading? Reading has been the key to my success in business, and in life. I absolutely love to read, and I urge my children to read as much as possible, because I believe that reading is food for the mind! When I was a kid, I was known as a book geek. You could always find me reading a book, no matter what! I've read a lot of books over the years, and so I found it really hard to pinpoint 5 books that I would describe as my favorite, but here are the books I feel have had the biggest impact on my life, and career: Secrets of The Millionaire Mind - By T. Harv EkerThis book will change the way that you view money and unlocks the secrets of the "Millionaire Mindset". The message is similar to "The Secret". By changing our "money blueprint" and the way that we view money, we can unlock the key to true wealth. A very interesting read! Who Moved My Cheese? By Dr. Spencer JohnsonThis book really helped me to ma
Read more: Books
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
2007-11-30 18:27:24
The process of finding a home for the first time can be challenging, but if you are properly equipped and know what to expect during the process, looking for your first home can be an exciting, and rewarding experience. If you have been following my First
Time Home Buyer series, then these are the steps that you've completed so far:Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home First Time
Home Buyers
- Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy First Time Home Buyers
- Find Out How Much You Can Afford First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?Now, your Buyers Agent has been working hard for you, looking for homes that match the wish list that you submitted and reviewed. Keep in mind that you may have to view a few homes before
Read more: Perfect
, Offer
Let's Say Thanks To Our Troops
2007-11-30 13:12:41
Let's Say Thanks
! Let's join our voices here at Active Rain and Support our Troops
and LetsSayThanks and send a quick post card from you and your families! A dear Active Rain member challenge us all to do our part and post within our own communities and send a postcard to our troops! Xerox has made this an easy challenge to do with their user friendly site. It's easier than composing an email. I want to challenge all of Albany, Brownsville, Lebanon, and surrounding areas in Linn County and my blogging community to share your well wishes to those sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers who have spent time away from their love ones for our freedoms! As we comfortably gather Christmas morning or snuggle close to our families at night, let us remember them and the sacrifices they make daily. May you all take a moment of your time and click two clicks away to send a postcard from your family! "The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to
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