How did your week go folks? Time to sit back and contemplate things we are grateful for this week! (Photo Credit: Gabo)
I promised I would update you on whatever happened after my stunning win with the video competition.
It was one of those events that come along every once in a while, knocking your socks off because while you certainly hope and pray things work out, you don’t really know what will transpire, especially when the odds are stacked against you.
All you can do is take a leap of faith, do what you’re inspired to do, hope for the best and let it go.
But when it happens, my goodness, look out!
After the win, I was informed by Anne, Mark Joyner’s personal assistant, that I would be getting a call from him on Monday, March 24 to go over the ”Bestseller Blueprint.” It is an extensive self-help online course designed to propel would-be authors to the bestsellers list. Normally costing almost a thousand bucks, it’s free for the winners of the video contest.
Anne wanted to know, “Would I be available to take his call on that day?”
YES! was my email reply.
I followed up with a set of special telephone instructions, thinking Mark would be calling from somewhere within the United States. Those of you who know me are aware that conducting a relay telephone call with me is no ordinary business.
As you’ve seen with my videos, I speak well enough to be heard and understood but I still cannot communicate without either lip-reading or watching subtitles.
A few days after sending off my affirmative reply, I was shocked to discover that Mark was actually living in New Zealand!
Immediately beset with a new set of concerns, I wondered if New Zealand had their own relay service? More importantly, I wanted to know if they had the voice-carry over feature, which would allow speech-abled people to be heard on the phone?
My mind went into a tailspin but after some research, I was relieved to discover that not only did Sprint have an international relay number accessible from anywhere in the world, they also had voice-carry over.
I immediately sent that information over to Anne, thinking that would solve the international communication barrier.
A few days went by and then a few more without hearing from her. That triggered old memories of people from the past who couldn’t have been bothered to use the relay service to call me because it was ”too cumbersome” for them.
At that exact moment, I knew it was an opportunity to put into practice the ancient spiritual teaching I recently introduced to you: Ho’oponopono. This stumbling block had to be cleared away - FAST.
After reciting the Ho’oponopono prayer several times, I finally heard from Anne. She apologized for not responding sooner because she had been out on a Easter holiday vacation and confirmed the call for the following Monday at 6 pm, EST. I noticed she didn’t say anything about Sprint’s international relay number.
Relieved but still concerned, I resolved to let it go, trusting that the call would somehow come through.
At exactly 6 pm on Monday, March 24th, the telephone rang.
It was Mark Joyner!
To my astonishment, he was not using Sprint’s international relay service - instead, he was calling through New Zealand’s very own relay outfit. I had no idea they had one.
As you can imagine, I could not have been more giddy!
We spoke for a little over an hour with me writing page after page of notes. Halfway through the call, my hand threatened to fall off.
I’m profoundly grateful Mark and Anne found a way to make the call happen. We talked about the basics of transforming my book into best-seller status including but not limited to the following:
- Marketing and promotion ideas
- Potential titles and subtitles
- Potential contacts within the publishing industry
- The importance of laying the groundwork for a major launch of the book
We ended the call with both of us expressing how much we were impressed with one another. Me saying how I appreciated the effort he put forth in making an international relay call that came in exactly on time while he expressed regret that I could not hear the admiration and respect in his voice.
I have a long road ahead of me. There’s a lot of work to do but you are all invited to go on this new journey with me, witnessing every step of the way. Every week, I will update you on the progress I’m making with my book, through Mark’s guidance and support.
I wish to end this week’s gratitude post by expressing profound thanks towards two people who surprised me with offers to interview me and one who took it upon himself to write a glowing recommendation of Adversity University:
- Akemi Gaines of Yes To Me: Interview with Stephen Hopson
- Margie Remmers of Look What They Did!: Look What Stephen Did!
- Brian Bommarito of BBommarito Dot Org: Blog Suggestion - Adversity University
Thank you Akemi, Margie and Brian! I am grateful that you gave me yet another opportunity to share my stories with your network of readers, friends and subscribers.
Finally, let me leave you with several quotes out of one of my favorite books, “When God Winks” by SQuire Rushnell (the Q is supposed to be capitalized):
God winks cause you to meet certain people, propel you in new directions and place you into situations you never anticipated.
You are under the influence of a cosmic guidance system, and every day you receive little nudges to keep you on your chosen path.
When we carry ourselves as far as we can and feel we can go no further, that’s when we should be on the lookout for a God wink. It’s coming.
Winning the video competition last week was a major God wink for me. Thank you God.
Food for thought: What “God Winks” did you get this week that you can be grateful for?
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
Welcome! I'm the founder and professor of Adversity University specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
5:06 am on March 28th, 2008 1
Stephen,
Thanks a lot for the mention of my site.
When I thought to start mentioning some of my blogs, of course yours came to mind. Not only are you a good friend of mine, but your site is uplifting, and a lot of the stories make you think about your life in general and how sometimes a little ticket you get for speeding, or that little unexpected bill isn’t the end of the world and that you shouldn’t stress them.
Brian Bommarito’s last blog post..Blog Suggestion: Adversity University
7:38 am on March 28th, 2008 2
Love, love, love how this journey is unfolding for you!
7:59 am on March 28th, 2008 3
Brian:
But of course! How could I not? You took it upon yourself to write about me and Adversity University, totally taking me by surprise. I’m always appreciative when someone devotes an entire article about what we’re doing over here. So THANK YOU. You have unwittingly helped me get my name, face and stories to people who might not have heard about me otherwise.
And yes, life is a matter of perception, isn’t it? The traffic ticket you got or the unexpected bill aren’t really big deals when they happen, aren’t they? I’m glad my stories serve as a reminder that things could be worse for people.
Welcome to AU!
8:00 am on March 28th, 2008 4
Karen:
I know, I know - I feel your love and support. Thanks so much. I absolutely cannot wait to meet you in a month at the SOBCon08. I believe it’s going to be a wonderful time.
10:58 am on March 28th, 2008 5
Stephen:
Did you think any less? You are the one that got me into flying, so I have to repay that favor. And, if you are ever back in Michigan for some reason or other, we are going to get you horseback riding. Just as much fun as flying, but far simpler to keep straight.
Brian Bommarito’s last blog post..Todoodlist Released; Could It Be The Holy Grail of Organization?
11:45 am on March 28th, 2008 6
Brian:
Well, when you it in that way, I can certainly see it from your perspective. I’m so excited to know that you’ve taken up flying and that I had something to do with it. That certainly makes me feel good because I helped make your flying dreams come alive. I can only imagine what it’d be like to fly with you. I’ll bet you’re a great student pilot!
As for horseback riding, I’d love it for you to take me one a stable and get on a horse. I once went horseback riding several years ago and I remember it being somewhat of a scary experience becuase the animal was HUGE. It seemed to have a mind of its own and I think it sensed that I was a little nervous. But it was a good experience. I remember being sore afterwards.
11:56 am on March 28th, 2008 7
Stephen,
I just read the Ho’oponopono. It’s beautiful.
It’s amazing what God winks can do. I was a bit wishy washy about going to a networking meeting on Tuesday morning, but felt the nudge to “just go”. I was given the opportunity to introduce myself, and after the meeting a gentleman beelined it to me for my card. We are negotiating a contract this week.
When I asked, will you be joining the meetings in the future, he replied “no, I’m too busy, just here for the initial meeting”. Had I not gone, we couldn’t have possibly met.
I’m doing my best to conduct my business in a “What You See is What You Get”. Long gone are the days of being an employee and being yelled at by attorneys and professionals that couldn’t do the job themselves.
So my second wink came when I responded to another potential client with a very confident “I’m your gal” response. He was impressed and we have a meeting next week. I beat out 100 proposals.
Brian, as a wife of a soon to be pilot,I’m sure you are grateful for the added expenses that go along with the flying hobby!
Thanks for allowing me to share! Have a great weekend!
Lisa Callsen’s last blog post..Heightening Deaf Awareness
12:04 pm on March 28th, 2008 8
When God Winks is a cute little book, isn’t it?
Congrats for your book publishing! I am excited to read how the process works.
Thank you again for doing the interview for my blog. This interview series is teaching me something behind the scene — when I reach out to people (like you) asking if they could be so generous to take the time for the interview, many respond with such grace! I am getting over my fear of networking.
Akemi - Yes to Me’s last blog post..True Life Purpose Goes Beyond The Illusion Of Self
1:00 pm on March 28th, 2008 9
What am I grateful for this week?
1. You, Stephen! and this Blog that encourages and inspires.
2. The many new contacts and freinds I have made this week.
3. Increased subscription/readership to my blog.
4. Opportunities to help other people this week.
5. The air that I breath and each moment God has given me to serve Him and make a difference.
6. Food on the table.
I could go on and on….
Stephen, I just can’t say enough how happy I am for you and this opportunity. You deserve it!!!!
Jennifer’s last blog post..Steps to Happiness – Part 4 - Who is Master?
4:24 pm on March 28th, 2008 10
Lisa:
Oh yea, those extra expenses are so welcome. I have been flying piece meal like Stephen, but I seem to be getting by a bit quicker, probably because I have been sacrificing quite a bit towards it. Then, add to those the new ones with my new horse, and…yea I’m apparently a glutton for punishment in the form of bills.
Brian Bommarito’s last blog post..Todoodlist Review
8:47 pm on March 28th, 2008 11
Lisa:
It’s the inner nudges that sometimes manifest amazing situations that none of us could ever have predicted. Sometimes nothing happens on the surface but you never know what will transpire down the road.
Thanks so much for sharing the outcome of following those inner nudges! I love stories like that. It encourages the rest of us to sit up and pay attention to those inner urges. Congratulations on getting a contract from that gentleman who made a beeline to introduce himself to you. That’s GREAT! You must have made an impression, just by showing up.
In fact, that’s all we need to do - just show up. The rest will take care of itself. We need not go somewhere with an agenda. In fact, sometimes not having an agenda is like letting go and letting God. That’s when miracles happen!
8:50 pm on March 28th, 2008 12
Akemi;
Yes, “When God Winks” is a “cute little book.” Last night I was relaxing and sitting on my couch, staring at my bookcase. My eyes fell to this book and I felt an inner urge to pull it off the shelf and began reading it again. I finished in under 2 hours, refreshed and energized.
I found some notes I had written when I first read the book a few years ago and had was reminded of some things I had forgotten about. I was looking at notes where I wrote things like, “Oh YES! I did such and such.” It’s a delightful book and quite inspiring.
8:51 pm on March 28th, 2008 13
Jennifer:
Thank you! Your energy is positively liberating and contagious. You certainly sound like a grateful spiritual being having a human experience! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
8:53 pm on March 28th, 2008 14
Brian:
I find it fascinating that you now have a horse. Where do you keep it? What got you involved with horseback riding? I would never have known you were interested in horses.
Have you seen the movie with Dakota Fanning - I think it was called “The Horse Whisperer” but I could be wrong about the title. It was rather inspiring, which I wasn’t sure it’d be because I don’t generally have much of an interest in horses. But I decided on a lark to rent it and I’m glad I did. Dakota did a great job in that movie. You ought to see it if you haven’t already.
6:24 am on March 29th, 2008 15
Stephen:
Well, I just got the horse not too long ago, actually. Her registered name is Miss Independent, however she is generally known as, and she knows, Lilly. She’s a chestnut quarterhorse, about 17 years old. Perfect trail rider though, and a sweet heart. In fact, in 10 minutes of meeting her she was rubbing her head against me, which is about the best a horse can do to show affection aside from kissing.
She’s kept at a local stables called King of the Wind Farms. It’s roughly 10 miles from my house, and it’s a pretty nice place. 10+ miles of trails around it, plus a big indoor riding arena. The staff is great too, really take good care of the horses and alert you to even minor things like tightening up the bridles on the horses.
I have been into horses most of my life. I worked the stables for a number of years when I was 15 or so and just fell in love with them. Just a couple of weeks ago, I decided I wanted a horse, met Lilly, fell in love with her, and handed over a check.
Brian Bommarito’s last blog post..Wrestlemania XXIV Life…Right Here
6:32 am on March 29th, 2008 16
Brian:
That’s very inspiring Brian. I can just imagine the horse rubbing its head affectionally against you. That’s quite inspirational.
Thanks again for sharing Brian.
10:26 am on March 29th, 2008 17
Hi Stephen,
The movie is called Dreamer. It is a great feel good movie.
http://imdb.com/title/tt0418647/
Lisa Callsen’s last blog post..Heightening Deaf Awareness
10:50 am on March 29th, 2008 18
Hi Brian–that brought back memories. My brother used to have a horse named Rocky. He was a bit wild and I had little experience with riding. But I used to saddle him up and hang on for dear life when he decided it was time to head back to the stable! I think he knew he could get away with a lot because he behaved for my brother.
10:50 am on March 29th, 2008 19
Lisa,
I have that movie– the kids have seen it but I haven’t. I think I’ll make some time to watch it this weekend!
11:12 am on March 29th, 2008 20
Karen,
Yep, horses learn what they can get away with, and what they can’t. That actually is the toughest part about buying a horse; they tend to get used to the original owners style of riding, and suddenly you change things even just slightly, and they are a bit confused.
The good news is that Lilly was a teaching horse for a long time, so she is pretty used to dealing with oddities from riders. Plus, she’s tough to get nervous so matter how nervous I am, she doesn’t pick up on it.
Brian Bommarito’s last blog post..Potential Site Idea
11:22 am on March 29th, 2008 21
I would love to take up riding again someday. My daughter loved horses since she was two, but when we took her on a two-hour ride deep in the Rockies when she was five, she developed a deep fear since that trip. She tried twice to ride horses since then but hasn’t been able to get over it.
4:21 pm on April 1st, 2008 22
So many times I have wanted to speak to you on the telephone.
Is this relay service something really expensive for you?
If not, how do people like me who feel like you are family do it? It would be fun once in a while.
(Of course I have a lot of competition. Everyone thinks you are family!)
Tell us more about it.
And of course, EVERY STEP toward your book is a complete fascination to me. Glad you are keeping us up to date!
4:28 pm on April 1st, 2008 23
Hey Connie:
Well, it’s actually not that complicated but people who don’t “get it” make up their minds that it’s too much of a hassle. Screw them - right?
Here’s how it’s done.
As long as you’re anywhere in the United States, if you wanted to call me, you’d simply dial 711 (kind of like dialing 911), wait for a relay operator to come on the line and then tell him/her to dial my home TTY number which is 330-923-4712.
All you do is instruct the operator you want to make a “voice carry over call” to Stephen Hopson at (the number I just gave you). If I’m home and I see the light flash, I’ll answer it by typing “Hello” via the TTY. The operator would simply repeat it.
And then at that point the operator would tell me that it is a “VCO call from Corinne Edwards.” At that point the operator click on a switch, opening the way for me to use my voice over the phone. YOu’d hear my voice as you would with any other call.
The only difference, of course, is that when I’m done with my piece, I say, “Go ahead” at which point the operator listens to your reply and types it back to me.
Does this make sense?
And to answer your final question: No, it’s not expensive. In fact, it doesn’t cost me anything to use it. It doesn’t cost the caller anything either. The cost of running a relay operation is picked up by the government. The only thing the caller pays for is the regular charge from Point A to Point B.
Thanks for asking. And I’m glad to know that every step of the progress I’m making with my book holds a large degree of fascination for you. That’s way cool.