The Nebraska Family Times newspaper is for you! I want to include articles and information that is interesting, informative, and encouraging, to you! Please fill out the following short questionnaire, to help me know what you'd like to see in future issues of the Nebraska Family Times.
Please mail the completed questionnaire to: Shelly Burke, Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE 68640. You can also e-mail your responses to shelly@shellyburke.net, or leave your answers in the "comments" section of this blog post.
Three questionnaires will be chosen at random, and the people who sent, or e-mailed, those questionnaires will receive a copy of my books Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, and What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations. Winners will also receive a FREE year-long subscription to the Nebraska Family Times! Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire!
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What is your age?
15-25 years old
26-45 years old
46-65 years old
66+ years old
Are the NFT readers in your home:
Female
Male
Both Male and Female readers
How many children live in your home?
0
1-3
4-6
6-8
8+
How old are the children who live in your home? (circle all that apply)
0-1
2-4
5-7
8-10
11-13
14-18
19+
Do you homeschool?
Yes/No
Do you have internet access?
Yes/No
Do you have a cell phone?
Yes/No
Do you work outside your home?
No
Part-time
Full Time
Regarding length, are the articles in general:
Too long
Too short
A good mix of long, medium, and short articles
What do you like most about the NFT?
What type of articles would you like to continue to see (or see more of) in the NFT? (circle as many as apply)
Health
Child Development
Education
Nebraska News
Religion/Inspiration
Book Reviews
Recipes/Household tips
Time management
Any comments/suggestions: ______________________
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I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks so much for your input!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
NFT Plans for 2009
Since I feel like I'm getting a good handle on the actual publishing of the paper--choosing articles, cartoons, etc.--I want to spend the next few months making sure I am publishing a paper that is full of the information you, as readers, want to see.
Included in the January issue of the NFT is a brief questionnaire, and I hope readers will take a few minutes to fill it out and return it to me. It is designed to help me learn a little more about you, as readers, and your interests.
One of my goals is to provide you with articles that inspire thought and/or action. Some of the articles might just produce the action of inspiring you to think about an issue or topic . . . hopefully some articles will touch your heart or encourage you to make a change in your personal or family life. Maybe your action will be to laugh--but we all know how necessary laughter is to everyday life!
A major change you'll see in the February issue of the Nebraska Family Times is the addition of a new "room"--The Playroom! We all know the necessity of rest, relaxation, and recreation in our lives, so in The Playroom you'll find information that will help you do that.
You'll find book reviews for adult and teen books, jokes, funny stories, and more (like the reasons chocolate is good for you!)! Rather than recognize sponsors just by their addresses (as the sponsor pages, which will become The Playroom, do now), several sponsors will be profiled briefly in every issue.
What would YOU like to see in The Playroom (or any other area of the paper)?
I will post the questionnaire that will be published in the paper, on this blog, also. You can respond to the questions either via e-mail (to shelly@shellyburke.net), in the "comments" section of the post that contains the questionnaire, or via regular mail to: Shelly Burke, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640.
Three lucky people who answer the questionnaire will receive a copy of each of my books, Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, and What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomforta
ble Situations, as well as a FREE one-year subscription to the Nebraska Family Times!
Included in the January issue of the NFT is a brief questionnaire, and I hope readers will take a few minutes to fill it out and return it to me. It is designed to help me learn a little more about you, as readers, and your interests.
One of my goals is to provide you with articles that inspire thought and/or action. Some of the articles might just produce the action of inspiring you to think about an issue or topic . . . hopefully some articles will touch your heart or encourage you to make a change in your personal or family life. Maybe your action will be to laugh--but we all know how necessary laughter is to everyday life!
A major change you'll see in the February issue of the Nebraska Family Times is the addition of a new "room"--The Playroom! We all know the necessity of rest, relaxation, and recreation in our lives, so in The Playroom you'll find information that will help you do that.
You'll find book reviews for adult and teen books, jokes, funny stories, and more (like the reasons chocolate is good for you!)! Rather than recognize sponsors just by their addresses (as the sponsor pages, which will become The Playroom, do now), several sponsors will be profiled briefly in every issue.
What would YOU like to see in The Playroom (or any other area of the paper)?
I will post the questionnaire that will be published in the paper, on this blog, also. You can respond to the questions either via e-mail (to shelly@shellyburke.net), in the "comments" section of the post that contains the questionnaire, or via regular mail to: Shelly Burke, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640.
Three lucky people who answer the questionnaire will receive a copy of each of my books, Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, and What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomforta
ble Situations, as well as a FREE one-year subscription to the Nebraska Family Times!Happy New Year! Family Update
I hope you're all getting a good start on the new year. I like the feeling of a fresh start when the calendar turns over to Jan. 1st.
We didn't do anything special to celebrate the new year. Cody and Morgan went to friends' houses and spent the night. Tim was, I think, asleep by 10:00 . . . I stayed up to see the New Year as I was working on finding articles for the paper. I worked at my nursing job on New Year's Day--I had to take advantage of time-and-a-half pay!
Morgan's 15th birthday was Dec. 28th. She wanted to go shopping and take advantage of post-holiday sales and gift cards she received for Christmas. She took a friend along and we all had a nice day, which ended with supper at Applebee's.
Our family will travel to Denver, CO, for the National Western Stock Show later this month. Tim will be there for about 2 weeks, and Cody, Morgan, and I will be there for a little over a week. They have to be there early in the week to check in their cattle, but they don't show until the end of that week. I am planning to take along my scrapbooking supplies and scrapbook at the hotel for several days--it will be a huge treat to be able to do so without the at-home interruptions of having to clean the house, do laundry, cook, and so on. It is nice to have that to look forward to, to counteract the post-holiday letdown.
Cody and Morgan go back to school on Tuesday. I think they're kind of excited to see their friends and get the second semester started.
We didn't do anything special to celebrate the new year. Cody and Morgan went to friends' houses and spent the night. Tim was, I think, asleep by 10:00 . . . I stayed up to see the New Year as I was working on finding articles for the paper. I worked at my nursing job on New Year's Day--I had to take advantage of time-and-a-half pay!
Morgan's 15th birthday was Dec. 28th. She wanted to go shopping and take advantage of post-holiday sales and gift cards she received for Christmas. She took a friend along and we all had a nice day, which ended with supper at Applebee's.
Our family will travel to Denver, CO, for the National Western Stock Show later this month. Tim will be there for about 2 weeks, and Cody, Morgan, and I will be there for a little over a week. They have to be there early in the week to check in their cattle, but they don't show until the end of that week. I am planning to take along my scrapbooking supplies and scrapbook at the hotel for several days--it will be a huge treat to be able to do so without the at-home interruptions of having to clean the house, do laundry, cook, and so on. It is nice to have that to look forward to, to counteract the post-holiday letdown.
Cody and Morgan go back to school on Tuesday. I think they're kind of excited to see their friends and get the second semester started.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Blessings!
I hope all of my readers had a wonderful Christmas! Our family certainly did. We went to church at 11:00 on Christmas Eve and the whole service was as beautiful as it always is. We enjoyed just being together. It was fun to see the reactions to gifts we gave, and to get things we'd been hoping for.
I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to get back into a post-Christmas routine after all the hustle and bustle and planning and preparing for Christmas. Today I'm updating my calendars for January (I have three calendars--a family one, one in my office, and a smaller one that fits in my purse). I'm trying to get into a better routine for keeping up on household tasks like laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. There's something about the new year that motivates me to become more organized. How about you?
I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to get back into a post-Christmas routine after all the hustle and bustle and planning and preparing for Christmas. Today I'm updating my calendars for January (I have three calendars--a family one, one in my office, and a smaller one that fits in my purse). I'm trying to get into a better routine for keeping up on household tasks like laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. There's something about the new year that motivates me to become more organized. How about you?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Helping the Hurting During the Holidays
Our family lost two good friends in the last week. One man was killed in a farm accident and another died very suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a tough week, and unfortunately, the families of our friends, as well as many other families, are facing the holidays without a loved one.
Holidays are (to say the least) difficult when a loved one has died. You, as a friend, can ease that pain at least a little bit. Here are some hints, from What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds from Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations.
Holidays are (to say the least) difficult when a loved one has died. You, as a friend, can ease that pain at least a little bit. Here are some hints, from What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds from Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations.
- Do not be afraid to mention the name of the person who has died. You will NOT be bringing up something the family is not thinking about! They will find comfort in remembering their loved one, even if it brings tears.
- You don't have to say the "right" words; nothing you (or anyone else!) can say will make it "all better." You can, however, aid in the healing process by letting the person talk.
- If you don't know what to say, say, "I wish there was something I could say to take away your heartache!" and give a big hug.
- It's OK to say things like, "I know she loved Christmas; it's hard to not have her here to celebrate," "I know the holidays can be difficult after the loss of a loved one; I'm thinking of you during this time." "I sure miss him and I bet you do too. Is there anything I can do to make it easier?"
- Pray for your friend to be comforted with memories of the loved one who has died.
- Consider sending a card with comforting Bible verses, memories of the loved one, or sharing a happy memory.
- Do NOT have a preconceived notion of how the person "should" spend the holidays; some people choose to start new traditions, while others find comfort in carrying on old ones. Support your friend in whatever he/she chooses to do.
- Invite the person (and other family members, if appropriate) to church events, shopping, or out for hot chocolate.
Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea
Do you enjoy reading the Nebraska Family Times? Would someone you know enjoy getting it every month?
If you would like to give a gift subscription to the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or call (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496, with that person's address. I will send him or her notification of your gift in a Christmas card! You won't be billed until January.
The cost of a 1-year subscription (12 issues) is only $12. The Nebraska Family Times is suitable for college students, parents--anyone!
Would you like to share the Nebraska Family Times with even more people? Consider a sponsorship. For just $1/issue/month (minimum 10 copies/month) you can give copies of the Nebraska Family Times to your church, doctor's office, or any other business, to have available for patients/customers/members. Again, e-mail me with the address and contact person name, and I will notify them of your generous gift. You can choose to be billed monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM SHELMAR PUBLICATIONS! Shelmar Publications is offering a special at this time--Buy one get one free on the following books from Shelmar Publications:
If you would like to give a gift subscription to the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or call (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496, with that person's address. I will send him or her notification of your gift in a Christmas card! You won't be billed until January.
The cost of a 1-year subscription (12 issues) is only $12. The Nebraska Family Times is suitable for college students, parents--anyone!
Would you like to share the Nebraska Family Times with even more people? Consider a sponsorship. For just $1/issue/month (minimum 10 copies/month) you can give copies of the Nebraska Family Times to your church, doctor's office, or any other business, to have available for patients/customers/members. Again, e-mail me with the address and contact person name, and I will notify them of your generous gift. You can choose to be billed monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM SHELMAR PUBLICATIONS! Shelmar Publications is offering a special at this time--Buy one get one free on the following books from Shelmar Publications:
- How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing
- Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home
- What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life's Sticky, Tricky, Uncomfortable Situations
Read excerpts of each book and order from www.shellyburke.net. After you've paid via PayPal, e-mail (shelly@shellyburke.net) or call me (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496) with your choice of FREE book!
Give the gift that always fits, and will last all year! Give the Nebraska Family Times or a book from Shelmar Publications!Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Holiday Mail for Heroes
Our country is so blessed to have people who are willing to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines! Here is a way to give back to them during the Christmas season, when they're away from their family.
Holiday Mail for Heroes
Holiday Mail for Heroes is a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes to deliver one million holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Go to www.redcross.org for more information, for a downloadable card, etc.
Please follow these simple guidelines when sending your card to ensure it will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families.
All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
If sending more than one card, please mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.”
Please do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.
Please do not send letters.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.
Holiday Mail for Heroes
Holiday Mail for Heroes is a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes to deliver one million holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Go to www.redcross.org for more information, for a downloadable card, etc.
Please follow these simple guidelines when sending your card to ensure it will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families.
All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
If sending more than one card, please mail all cards together in one large shipping envelope. Cards sent in this manner do not need individual envelopes or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.”
Please do not include personal information, like email or home addresses.
Please do not send letters.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, glitter, confetti, gift cards or calling cards. Any items inserted into cards will be removed during the reviewing process.
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