27 Jan 2010
“I have to say, that your book, Making Sweet Lemonade, was the most uplifting and realistic account of growth & development, spiritual and maturity, that I’ve read.” ——– S. Stover (North Carolina)
Purchase your autographed copy of “Making Sweet Lemonade” at www.enheartpublishing.com
Pat J. Schulz
Visionary Officer & Founder
19 Jan 2010
Introduction on the importance of maintaining good credit and fiscal responsibility, particularly for Making Sweet Lemonade-rs. One may ask, why throw in an article on credit in the middle of a soft-touch blog registry? Please note, this blog is about the realities of empowerment, more than anything. As the author of Making Sweet Lemonade, I can tell you that when adults (18+) find themselves on their own, without the support of a “traditional” family, or no family, their financial lives can become quite vulnerable.
Entering a New Year, many attempt to set New Year’s resolutions. Eighty percent of those resolutions will include some type of weight loss program. Only 20% will see the results of those goals. Even fewer set financial goals, and many don’t stick with them. Some are in the spring of their lives: going to college, in preparation for a spring graduation, or newlyweds anticipating a new family. Others may be in the summer of their lives with high rising careers and plenty of cash flow. Now many baby-boomers are in the fall of their lives preparing for retirement and empty nesting. Perhaps you are are approaching the winter season, where dollars really need to stretch. Regardless of the season, a personal credit review is always in order. Once you are able to assess your current credit health situation, set a plan and stick to it. Here are some basic premises toremind you of where to start with your credit health check up.
What is Credit?
Money available through borrowing. It gives us the ability to purchase goods and services now and pay for
them later. Credit worthiness reflects the lender’s view of your ability to make payments. The most common
location to attain credit is through financial institutions with credit cards or loans.
What is a Credit History?
A record of how you manage your credit accounts, including credit card or store charge card accounts and
loans. It affects your ability to secure credit in the future, to be approved for loans, even to secure apartments
and jobs! Your credit history is reflected on a credit report, which is like a “financial report card” that lenders
can view when determining whether you are a good candidate for a loan.
Why is it important?
Your credit history reflected on your credit report is the most telling information that lenders, landlords and
employers have when they are determining whether you are likely to pay debts and be responsible with money.
Get your Credit Report for Free! The Fair Credit Reporting Act enables you to get these credit reports for free!
Free reports are also issued for other reasons, If you are unemployed or receiving public assistance, when you
apply for a job or for credit.
bureaus every year. The three credit reporting agencies are:
Experian: (888) 397-3742; http://www.experian.com
Equifax: (800) 685-1111; http://www.equifax.com
Trans Union: (800) 916-8800; http://www.tuc.com
The best ways to gain and maintain good credit: Attain a copy of your credit report from all three credit
Always check Credit Report for errors. There are only three credit reporting agencies in the country
responsible for all credit bearing accounts. Not only are they bound to make mistakes; they are bound to miss errors that indicate identity theft.
Manage credit card accounts by using only one or two credit card accounts and lock up the rest. Don’t close unused accounts. Unused credit limits support your credit score.
Always pay more than the minimum balance on credit cards each month. Credit card companies often mislead customers to believe that they only need to pay the monthly minimum on their cards. If you do, you might be in good standing with them, but at high interest rates, it will take you decades to pay off your debt.
Pat J. Schulz is an Business Consultant, Professional Trainer & Owner of ENHEART Publishing - www.enheartpublishing.com To schedule workshops for your organization contact: 704 649 4313 for Blue Ridge Community Action, a partner of the N.C. Community Action Association
P. Schulz currently facilitates Economic Literacy Classes
With such a volitile economy, jobs are here today and gone tomorrow. Irrespective of age, many have found themselves going home to mother and/or father for a time, in order to regroup. For every child knows, any loving parent would not stand to allow their offspring suffering or doing without (relatively speaking, of course). However, for the cast of kindred brothers and sisters I allude to in MSL, the “safety net” of family respid, is not a likely solution. This article reinforces accountability and the necessity of self-reliance.
———-”The borrower is servant to the lender.” Prov. 22:7 ————-
With such a volitile economy, jobs are here today and gone tomorrow. Irrespective of age, many have found themselves going home to mother and/or father for a time, in order to regroup. For every child knows, any loving parent would not stand to allow their offspring suffering or doing without (relatively speaking, of course). However, for the cast of kindred brothers and sisters I allude to in MSL, the “safety net” of family respid, is not a likely solution. This article reinforces accountability and the necessity of self-reliance.
18 Jan 2010
In this segment, I would like to introduce a commentary from a reader who happens to be a Hospice Chaplain, Dr. Steve Butler. In dealing with death, dying and grief on a regular basis, Dr. Butler knows the importance of a human emotion we call hope. He is an encourager to the discouraged. He is a comforter to those in mourning.
Butler knows the meaning of loss, in all its many forms. He connects to Making Sweet Lemonade, because those who experience loss must also learn the art of adaptation.
The stories in Making Sweet Lemonade are a medley of adaptations, from touching death, to the author’s (my) own near death experiences. I invite you read Dr. Butler’s commentary:
Dr. Butler’s Article:
“When life brings you lemons, make lemonade” is a saying that has been around for a few generations now. And the question of“How to do that?” is often the topic of books and lectures. Usually the answers take the form of either a pre-packaged mix in which the reader takes their experiences and adds in the author’s package – and ‘presto’ – lemonade. The alternative is to provide a recipe gleaned from the experience of the author, but inviting the reader to adapt, modify to taste, and make personal the recipe to fit the unique lemons, that is the experiences of the reader into their very own lemonade. Happily, “Making Sweet Lemonade” falls into the latter category.
Ms. Schulz bravely shares the “lemons” of her life with us, as well as the constant adaptations of her recipe. As a clergy person, I am grateful that she sees the grace of God as one of her fundamental and unchanging ingredients. “Making Sweet Lemonade” is ultimately a book about life; complex, full of hurt, yet full of hope, God-given life. The book is a treasure which, along with the author, I hold dear.” —– Dr. Steve Butler
Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care
Dr. Butler’s newest book WE DO REMEMBER YOU is now available @ www.alexandrasrose.net
See more original articles written by Pat J. Schulz at http://familyempowermentmodel.brighterplanet.org/
25 Sep 2009
Q: What does the title Making Sweet Lemonade represent?
A: “Making Sweet Lemonade” represents resiliency and an enduring resolve to make the best of whatever life brings your way.
*
Q: What inspired you to write Making Sweet Lemonade?
A: I’ve had a number of potentially fatal occurrences over the years. In 2004, I faced another one with diagnosis of a rare health condition, requiring emergency surgery. As I say in the story, “God spared my life for the nth time.” Acknowledging without any doubt, that God ‘s favor was upon me, I praised God for life. In that moment of rejoice, the spirit of the Lord, came upon me and spoke, “It’s not for you, it’s for others.” The embodiment of that mandate is Making Sweet Lemonade.
*
Q: Is this a true story, or fiction?
A: MSL is about accepting truth, living truth, and being authentic. It is a true story.
Ye shall know the truth and truth shall set you free. (John 8:32)
*
Q: Many authors of memoirs state the exercise was cathartic. Did you find liberation in writing this story?
A: The word I would use is “peace”. I felt at peace with my history, and the events that make up that history. However, there is one chapter in particular that was highly emotional and cathartic for me – this is the chapter that describes my mother’s death in detail. I’d repressed that day, until I sat down to write the chapter – which actually preceded the book as an entity.
*
Q: What has been the public’s response to Making Sweet Lemonade? Tell us about audiences who are benefitting from your story.
A: My youngest reader is a mature 11 year old, and oldest is 90. Readership spans every economic echelon, culture, race and both sexes. Because it is a humanistic story, with a humanistic message, I am pleasantly surprised to find there are no limits placed on the reading audience. Families are sharing the book among members, and even reading it with one another.
*
To learn more about Pat J. Schulz, go to www.enheartpublishing.com
04 Sep 2009
Steve Butler is an ENHEART Publishing client, and chaplain at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir, NC where he has worked since 2003. Steve is a native of Chicago and has been a campus minister in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. He is also a former college chaplain & soccer coach. Most importantly, Steve is husband to Martha for over 30 years; dad to Catherine, Elizabeth, and Mark; and grandfather to Jamie, Raelin, Meagan, and Logan in addition to Alexandra. Steve loves golf and working on his family tree.
Bibliography:
“We Are Known as Christ’s Disciples” grade 1-3 curriculum for the Discipleship Alive! series (United Church Press:2001)
“A Letter From Heaven” (Authorhouse:2008)
to buy this book go to: http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=48954
“We Do Remember You” (ENHEART:2009)
To buy this book go to: www.enheartpublishing.com
“The untimely death of musical genius Michael Jackson has most certainly had us all contemplating the meaning of life, and how will we live our lives going forward with the understanding that tomorrow is not promised. Will we be kinder to and wiser with our bodies? Will we take time for introspection - as Michael’s song, Man in the Mirror, suggests “if you’re gonna make the world a better place, then look at yourself and make a change.”
These are some of the lessons I learned as a child, and are shared in Making Sweet Lemonade. Oddly, it seems those lessons were easier to live out as a child. Life was not as complicated, although when you read the story you may perceive it to be - but it was not. Living in today’s world is exponentially more complicated. There are more people and personalities to contend with. Children learn their environments, and they adapt. The beauty of children is they truly are the resilient ones.”
I encourage you to mail order your autographed copy of the socio-inspirational memoir, that is truly transforming lives, and consider this gift for a dear friend. ENHEART Publishing is committed to partnering with Foundations and individuals to provide personalized copies of Making Sweet Lemonade to youth aging out of orphanages, to domestic violence programs, adult personal development programs, and other agencies advocating for children and families.
Copyright June 30, 2009 - All Rights Reserved. Pat J. Schulz
DIRECT MAIL orders for “Making Sweet Lemonade” are being offered at 30% discount.
If interested contact info@enheartpublishing.com
PO Box 620086
Charlotte, NC 28262
10 Jun 2009
Pat J. Schulz will be a guest of Kimyon Zari on her BlogTalkRadio show Diamonaire Lifestyle on June 11, 2009 at 8PM. Schulz will discuss her well received book “Making Sweet Lemonade” and experiences as a book publisher.
Pat J. Schulz will be the guest of Kimyon Zari on her BlogTalkRadio internet show titled Diamonaire Lifestyle on June 11, 2009 at 8pm. The topic of the show will be Turning Pain into a Passionate Enterprise.
The show can be accessed via the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Diamonaire-Lifestyle
The Diamonaire Living Lifestyles’ celebrates women and their incredible lives. The show discusses issues that embody the depth of a woman’s soul, the roads they travel, and the ways thye want to see their lives evolve. Women from around the globe will connect here, to share their lifestyles, and discuss whatever is hurting them and to heal themselves and live more joyful lives. This is HOME to The Diamonaire Living Lifestyles’, where we tell our stories Live and in many Beautiful Colors.
The following interview - previously scheduled for June 7, 2009 has be rescheduled for June 13, 2009 at 11pm. Pat J. Shulz did make a brief appearance on the June 7th show to give a brief introduction into the Saturday show. You can listen to the June 7 show by accessing the following link) BKS1-Radio interviewed the Robert Greene - author of “The 48 Laws of Power”.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BKS1-RADIO
“Coming through the Fire yet Not Consumed”.
Topic for Saturday June 13, 2009 www.blogtalkradio.com/bks1-radio
“Live In The Vocal Booth” Every Sat. & Sun. 11pm est.
Call In And Be Heard At 
1-646-929-1530
“Coming through the Fire yet Not Consumed”. Have you observed a person come through uncontainable circumstances and thrive and at the same time observe another in a similar circumstance just fall never to rise? Join us as we talk with Pat J. Schulz the author of the book “Making Sweet Lemonade” which is a deep moving inspirational story of her life and how she made SWEET LEMONADE out of pain, struggle, and loss.
Join us “Live in the Vocal Booth” with your BKS1 Radio Team; Storm Norm, Trish aka “Super Woman”, Miss Kiya, Chill “Mr. Keep It Real and Life Coach James LeGrand.
Tonight’s discussion will focus on author Pat J. Schulz and how she took life’s hard blows yet grew through and past them to not just taking lemons and make lemonade but taking incredible bitter circumstance and making sweet lemonade. We will cover the effects of domestic violence, grief, and family secrets. You will find inspiration and the tools to take your lemons and make SWEET LEMONADE.
Tonight’s guests: Pat J. Schulz Author
Best Kept Secret Radio Network - BKS1-Radio
“A Division Of Best Kept Secrets Entertainment”
office: 908-315-3717 fax: 1-866-657-2860
www.blogtalkradio.com/bks1-radio
“Live In The Vocal Booth” Every Sat. & Sun. 11pm est.
Call In And Be Heard At 1-646-929-1530
“I remember seeing this vase at someone’s house. It was strong and clean. It held flowers and some branches, and was very beautiful. They told me “it was broken a long time ago, but we glued it back together, and look at it now.” So finally I know that I, too, am strong, clean and very beautiful … that I can hold my life. … that the branches in my water can take root and grow. The hammer broke me once, but now I am stronger at the broken places.” ———- A Survivor
This is one of the most beautiful testimonies, I’ve encountered during my engagements discussing empowerment issues, such as abuse to women and subsequently children. Let us learn to be gentle with ourselves, understanding more and more where our fragile places are. They may be cracks today, but tomorrow one more blow, could make that minor fracture a severely broken place. So, let us investigate, understand, and protect ourselves and one another with respect, love, and space when needed. We are not the machines we like to portray. We are made of clay, soft tissue in its natural form. Our spirits are not meant to be hard. When we become broken, even those broken places can be mended. And for some of us, we ARE stronger in the broken places … and not just strong, but we stand beautiful and cleansed. I love the testimony! ——– P. Schulz 
Copyright 2009 © ENHEART Publishing
Making Sweet Lemonade is a highly recommended book for educators, parents and particularly mental health professionals as a resource to clients. It offers one the ability to address fears, joy and pain with a spiritual component. Each page is filled with inspiration. You won't want to put it down. For your copy click on the book above.