Christian Real Estate Professionals : Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL

I braced myself in preparation to hear the critics who usually profess a staunch outcry against Nations like Haiti.  The negative reasoning given for it's impoverishment is usually numerous, and verbal attacks from the "civilized world" against the Country has been relentless in the past.  Positioned to partake of this bashing WITH the Haitians, i crouched in humility, ready to suffer accusations alongside my distant ancestral race of people.

Accustomed to this battering, i steadied myself to withstand again, attempting to brave this latest barrage, disguising any show of excessive flinching, for i have been conditioned throughout the years to overcome these types of pronouncements of doom by any denigrators.  This earthquake would serve as  another occasion to bear the reproach of our forefathers.   

To my bewilderment, as i scanned the reporting media, i began to sense the softening of hearts and heard merciful words of acceptance from the same lips that formerly cursed these indigenous people with whom i share my roots!  Testing the waters, i peered out from under my invisible cloak of shame in time to witness a taste of kindness from genuinely caring people!

(Picture courtesy of Sheree Mick Henry)

It was at this moment in infinity that i beheld people of all races, creeds, cultures, and backgrounds merging together as one for the cause of humanity.  There was charity in the atmosphere, as defamers of President Obama let go of stones, and the right and left wings united in harmony for the urgency at hand.  Assault weapons were abandoned as enforcers of Pro Choice and fans of Pro Life life clenched hands in truces to Choose Life!  Democrats and Republicans united on one accord, and differences in beliefs were put to rest!  A MIRACLE WAS IN THE MAKING! Forgiveness abounded! Racism Abated! Love Prevailed!

Could this be the beginning of peace amongst us... OR will we revert back to our separate corners of the ring in our resolve to take up where we left off.... once this crisis is out of danger??

Today, January 18, 2010, many in American and  some across the globe have taken time to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's service to mankind.   While we are in remembrance, we have the power to KEEP HIS DREAM ALIVE by continuing in the work we have wrought together in turning our hearts toward Haiti.

(Image courtesy of Bing)

The rich and the poor meet together, the LORD is the maker of them all  Proverbs 22:2

© Copyright 2010 Diane Rice - All Rights Reserved

Blame points a finger, finds fault, and searches to criticize someone or something for having differing methods or ideas.  The one doing the blaming usually has no mercy toward the accused. 

And, just WHO is to BLAME? 

• The President we y'all elected - it's HIS fault!
  
• NO - It was the PAST president's fault!
  
• The Republicans - THEY are the ones! (Just ask the Democrats)                        
  
• NOPE!  It was the Democrats! (Just ask the Republicans)                       
  
• Wall Street - It's their fault!  Nah! - Main Street!
  
• Sub-Prime Mortgages - those greedy lenders are responsible!
• Those REALTORS®!  They are to blame!  Nope - It's the down market! 
  
• The government!  The Weather!  The rich! The poor!  Your Mama!  Your Daddy!
  
• The serpent - "It was him" said the woman.... he's tricky!
  
• NO!  Adam said, it was the WOMAN given me by GOD!! <---- hmmmm It's HIS fault??
  

From the beginning of creation there was BLAME. Today there is plenty to select from... choose one!  2010 will be here in a few hours.  Just WHO will we blame for something in the new year?  It's OUR choice!  We can continue to point the finger, OR we can CHOOSE not to!  No matter what we face, life will always have challenges.  That's what LIFE gives... tribulation!  It's a promise!  Spending time blaming instead of getting on with our purposes is not the better way.  Some things we cannot change.  GOD Himself is not raising His own finger to make corrections of some or of things taking place in the earth  .... so WHY is mere man attempting that job?  Do WE know more than HIM?

Never has God NOT fulfilled His Word which says..... ALL THINGS work together for our good!  Interpretation:  GOOD will come out of every situation regardless to HOW it looks presently!  No need to fault find and judge a brother, sister, or these times!  RELAX!  Let's get back to our short tenure here on earth before bitter nagging takes us out prematurely!  Will we overlook a transgression of another and trust God to do His job.... or are we perfect?  Will we remain grateful if our lifestyles are altered a bit?  Can we adapt and make the best of new changes, or will we continue to protest inwardly like an immature spoiled brat who has to have it our own specific way right now?  

Let's look at  B L A M E from another angle - a very simple way to remember:

B L A M E =  B   LAME  (Be Lame)
Being lame (being crippled) - Means we have crippled (limited) ourselves from getting to our destinies by becoming dependent upon what someone else has said or done. We have become blindsided, stuck, and impotent.  Our focus...  is on another instead of on OUR purposes.  We are lame.

B L A M E =  BLA   ME  (Blah me)

Blah  me - This is when we have become all talk, and NO action...  like a busybody spreading opinions our minds are stuck on.  Our life is on hold!  All that comes out is blah blah blah - We have no credibility and NO ONE wants to hear this worthless talk- except for the immature stuck there too! 

B L A M E - This is NOT something we want to bring into 2010 is it?   What if The Savior said, "Hold up... it's NOT MY fault, YOU are the one to BLAME dude!!  Let ME get off this cross right now, you ungrateful sinners!!  Just LOOK at how y'all are acting!  Didn't I just restore your sight a few hours ago?  And what about you?  You couldn't even walk!  Many of you would have starved if I had not fed you in the wilderness!!"

B L A M E - We cannot afford to use it!  Let us resolve to get rid of that weight, and the sin that easily besets us, and let us run with patience, the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus....

Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC Servicing South Suburban Illinois & Northwest Indiana communities, and can be reached online at: www.862RICE.com  Phone: 708-862-RICE (7423)

In Illinois, the 5-day notice can be served to the occupying tenant or to a member of the residing family aged 13 or older. 

Placing the notice under the door can be contested in court.  The notice does not have to be served on the premises.  It can also be handed out at a job, or anywhere the tenant can be found.  We usually track the date, time, and name of the person to whom the writ was served in the event we will be called in to verify.

The attorney we use for evictions does not recommend posting the 5-day notice unless it's done by the special process server sent after several failed attempts have been made to locate the tenant.

After the notice is successfully served, the 5 days are honored prior to proceeding to prosecute if full payment demanded is not paid along with accrued late fees.  If payment remains outstanding, the next step is to send the signed and notarized 5-day notice along with the lease agreement, tenant ledger, and fees to the attorney.

Once the attorney receives payment and documents, he proceeds to file for a court date.  Our attorney sends us notice of hearing date by fax.  It is not necessary for us to appear in court.  Depending upon the case, the judge usually grants one or two weeks for the delinquent tenant to leave the property.  An issuance for an order for possession, and a judgement is entered.  95% of the tenants getting this order vacates on or prior to the date declared.  If tenant fails to leave at the time allotted, a physical eviction can be ordered through the courts.

The amount of arrears, the court cost, attorney fees, and eviction costs are listed in the judgement and will be shown on the credit report of the tenant. 

Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC services South Suburban Illinois & Northwest Indiana communities, and can be reached by web at http://www.862RICE.com Phone:  708-862-RICE (7423)

Images courtsey of Bing

Today, Tuesday, November 10Th, 2009 is a day to be celebrated!  Exactly 4 weeks ago, on the 2ND Tuesday of October, a plane landed at Midway Airport carrying a special passenger from Orlando Florida!

The new arrival has been in the South Suburbs of Windy City Chicago for exactly for 1 Month today!  Today is also the day 40 something years ago this dude was born!!!   

Won't you join me in celebrating by leaving best wishes to Active Rain's own.....

ALEXANDER HARB

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

&

HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY

images courtesy of Bing

If your search to purchase a home for the first time had you in a flabbergasted state to hastily make a choice from what's available on the market... guess what?  GOOD NEWS!!  The deadline date for qualifying for the tax credit awarded to home buyers has been prolonged!

Agents and buyers can both cease from holding their breath... a bit, for Congress has extended AND expanded the tax credit for qualifying buyers.  The official last day for filing (income) taxes with the IRS is April 15Th, 2010.  The official last day to have a written binding purchase contract for a home is April 30Th, 2010.  As long as the house closes by July 1, 2010, the credit can be taken.

If you are a CURRENT homeowner, and will buy a new home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, a tax credit benefit of $3250 or $6500.00 (depending upon your filing status) has been made available for you also!  This is EXCEPTIONAL news for homeowners who have used their principal residence for 5 of the prior 8 years consecutively.

BEST NEWS OF ALL??  THE TAX CREDIT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK!!

Confused?  Do not fret.  The National Association of Realtors, has a more thorough explanation at their website.  A helpful chart denoting the distinction between the old tax credit rules and the new extended tax credit has been issued by Governors Affairs Division and can be accessed here.  

We encourage you to contact your local REALTOR® to acquire personalized information tailored to your needs.  To start your search for available homes in the South Suburban or Chicago-land Area, click the Rice Property Management logo below. 

"Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

Rice Property Management & Realty, located in South Holland, Illinois, has agents that work with first time home buyers seeking homes in Illinois and Indiana.  Give us a call at 708-862-7423

(Images courtesy of Bing)

Of all the things i love about my husband, it's his "I will NOT be moved" spirit that gains my highest regard toward him.  In our fifteen years of marriage, there has not been a single regret that can be attributed to the decisions he's had to make for our well being, and it's been because of his relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

When challenges presented itself, what did he do?  NOT A THING... until he received clearance and directives from God!  Before learning of his ways, i used to stand on my head....  to NO avail!  He had no empathy for my childish immature antics, for his mindset as the head, was to steer us in GOD's will.

In the beginning, when we first met, God had previously informed him that he'd "know his wife when he'd first lay eyes upon her"....Of course, when he walked in the door, I DID NOT KNOW A THING.... but HE did!! Even when he proposed marriage, i thought he was kidding.... but the man was trying to OBEY GOD!

Our entire marriage, family life, and business is built upon faith!  I have a "gift" of faith, and "my husbo" is a man who walks with GOD.... continually.  Traditions, religion, protocol, rules, and regulations placed in the natural by man do not take precedence over obeying the voice of God in our household, for HIS grace has taught us that we have been bought with a price and for a purpose!  There is no getting away from it... GOD is continually raising us up! 

At times, we look pretty offensive in the eyes of others as we carry out specific orders  originating from the Spirit of GOD, but my husband would rather us suffer humiliation and ridicule instead of being lauded with praise and acceptance of man!

Scripture says, the "Sons of GOD are LED by the Spirit of GOD"... another one says, MY sheep, HEAR MY voice, and a stranger they will not follow.  Signs and wonders do follow them that believe, says another!  The Bible is loaded with pages which affirm "the JUST shall live by faith", and that "it is IMPOSSIBLE to please GOD without faith in HIM!"  

From Genesis to Revelation, witness is left throughout for us.  How many years do we have to keep reading before we will BELIEVE WHAT IT SAYS???  Our walk on this earth is not in sync with the spirit of this world and it's systems.... they are INFERIOR...contrary to GODS ways and will NEVER please HIM... that's why HE uses FOOLISHNESS  to confound the so called know-it-alls in this world!  

Saints, we need to STOP bringing conjured up stuff to GOD asking Him to bless it!  STOP!!  WAIT!!  ALL of our righteousness is as... FILTHY NASTY CONTAGIOUS RAGS!! It's like we are placing God on OUR level as if HE is hard of hearing!!! That's being LEAD... and it will sink us AND our fleshly thoughts with our silly ideas to the bottom of the ocean!! (picture courtesy of Bing Images)

Don't you know HE SEES what's going on?  HE is STILL IN CHARGE and knows how to take care of us!  Did HE give us distinct orders to make something happen???  NO??  Then let us take a chill pill!!  Listen, HE has a plan.... Let us WAIT FOR IT!  BE LED!!!

Big on "U"....All the way to the letter "i"

Anthony & Diane Rice, owners of Rice Property Management & Realty, AND Rice & Rice Painting & Carpet Cleaning, located in South Holland, Illinois, have been called unto the service of the Lord to do HIS business upon the earth.

© Copyright 2009 Diane Rice, All rights reserved

What is a miracle?  A miracle occurs when a supernatural intervention intercepts an impossible situation and makes it possible.  This is exactly what happened when Active Rain's own Alexander Harb, the founder of the group, "Christianity & Real Estate," (we affectionately call him "Alex") and myself enacted together.  He from Orlando Florida, and me from a suburb of the Windy City..... Chicago, Illinois!

It began when i gradually crept back into blogging mode after a year's hiatus.  Here at Active Rain, there are seasons we individually have to obey or we'll be washed away from our focus.  As i sought to restore the neglected Property Management group here at Active Rain, and reacquaint myself with my online buddies, i noticed that Alex was not being that charged up-front General overseeing his troops!!  Now, this was quite a change seeing him this way, so naturally, i went behind the scenes to peep into what was up, and spied him actively pursuing the wars in space games on FaceBook!!!  He was tripping!!  

Seeing he needed a jump start, i wrote a member's only group post, "Please Sign This Petition To Motivate Our Founder" to appeal to the 1365 members of C&RE, hoping to get their help to snap him out of his spell!  Sure enough, faithful Bob Sloop responded to the call by featuring the post, prayed on it, and expressed encouragement.  Alex then appeared, openly sharing about his closed door predicament.  The request for help drew genuine supporters like Heather Crawford, Irene Tron, June Lewis, Jason Sardi, an unidentified old friend, and other silent-behind-the scene prayer warriors.  Great!  A caring army was positioned... good ground for a miracle to present itself!

The next stage progressed as a one-on-one dialog developed (by email) between Alex and myself beginning September 30^Th.  On October 1^st, Alex was offered to come aboard with us! We were in dire need of help, because we were working at a deficit, but desired the surplus of new business coming in from investors seeking property management services.  Essential duties like accounting, marketing, and specialized customer service were not getting the attention it needed, as demands for running a brokerage took precedent.   It was an IDEAL set-up since Alex had NO job, NO money, NO place to go, and was about to be evicted in a few days.... ALEX NEEDED A MIRACLE... BUT SO DID WE!!

Our conversations were filled with "what ifs" and "thoughts of uncharted possibilities."  It all culminated with the phone message we received from Alex, Wednesday, October 7^Th at 9:40 AM, which said (in short) "Diane, did you not tell me that the Lord would come through??  I have been given a one-way plane ticket to Chicago and will be there with you Tuesday morning!'

This is truly a MIRACLE IN THE RAIN!  The door is wide OPEN for both Alex & Rice Property Management & Realty to go forward!  This could not have taken place without the effectual fervent prayers of those that stood in the gap.... AND the FAITH of ALEX who, by his works, set the atmosphere for GOD to perform this mighty feat!

Alex will be licensed as a Realtor in Illinois and Indiana.  Meanwhile, we are all being enhanced and invigorated as he lavishes upon us his knowledge of web optimization, extensive marketing expertise, and a host of other services to benefit our bursting-at-the-seams-to-learn team!!

It's with my deepest gratitude that i humbly come to thank all of the founders of Active Rain, their staff & families, each employee, every volunteer, and all of the membership!

We appreciate you ALL for putting up with me and Alex in our "daze" of immaturity when we (especially me) were out of step with protocol.   I'd like to take this time to openly apologize to anyone we may have offended directly or indirectly.  Please forgive us...... and..... 

THANK YOU FOR THIS MIRACLE IN THE RAIN!!

To GOD be ALL the GLORY for the things HE alone has done!

Do you have enemies?  OF COURSE you do... they are everywhere... even in the Rain!  Seriously, Active Rain?  Really?  NO!!!  Couldn't be... for we are a group of professionals seeking to get our brand out to the public!  We work TOGETHER don't we?  We LOVE one another.... there are NO haters here!!!

Upon closer examination, you will find that PEOPLE THEMSELVES are not haters....a human is not your enemy.... a person is just a body, a shell, a container, a conveyor, and that's all.  It's what is allowed to fester inwardly that is the poison!  In simple infantile language.... it's WHAT YOU ARE FULL OF!

Whatever you're grubbing upon will surface.... and whoever is in the path will get a hearty dosage of it!  It has NO respecter of people and will be spewed upon anything that moves!  Now, it has NO AFFECT on vessels who have been drinking out of the same vat!  They'd cancel each other out, resulting in immunity to these death throes.

Ever go pass someone who's full of it?  You know not to get too close.... for they seek a target to spill it out upon!  It's become their everyday language now, and their original purpose is no longer detected, for contamination has set in.  To think it only began with a tiny drop... it grew as it festered.

How does this happen... and what can be done?  It happens when the vessel allows a root to set in... like an uncontested weed.... (a weed will REIGN and become a tree... IF you don't pull it out).  What will dislodge it is... FORGIVENESS.  Is it that simple?  Yes.  You see, hatred reigns when a vessel places himself/herself as JUDGE over the perceived slights of others and REFUSE to show them any mercy and are offended by decisions they made that are contrary to what they believe.  They have entered into a pact with the real enemy to blame and not forgive!

The hater then becomes entrapped in his/her own cocoon... tasting of, and even reveling in their own vomit!  Their lifelong pursuit then alters to a new ambition.... "HATE RECRUITER"!!  Armed with this venom, the new cadets that join themselves are fed with this same toxicity.  WHOA!!  It has come to that??  YES!

If YOU are the target, you cannot escape from these fiery darts, however, you can love the hell out of that container!  You'd have to get the strategy of LOVE... which is stronger than hate!  You must use wisdom, to know how and when to apply it.  And one more thing.... THIS CANNOT BE DONE IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH OR YOU WILL GET CLOBBERED!!!  There is a STRONGER ONE than you that needs to be IN your vessel!  Eat and drink of that vine first.... continually.... then you will become empowered!

If YOU are the one carrying this hate, and recognize yourself, know this.... you are forgiven.  You no longer have to be tormented by the lies you were bound by.  TIP OVER!  That's it.... spill it all out, and allow those tears to flow freely.  Your deliverer has come with HIS WORD of release.  It's for YOU! You can no longer carry this.  It has alienated you.  You are not the enemy!  The real enemy has manipulated your anger to fuel you.  It's one of his devices used to steal your joy, kill your spirit, and destroy you from living an abundant life!   

Not to worry.... HIS LOVE will cover.   TIP OVER.... and fall into HIS ARMS.  HE paid for this so YOU wouldn't have to.  For this purpose HE was sent... just receive... open the door to your heart.

There's something waiting for you.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

© Copyright 2009 Diane Rice, All rights reserved

If you know of a homeowner who has or will be foreclosed on, please invite them to apply for one of our rental homes!  We WELCOME them with open arms.  If YOU are such a one....  you are an EXCELLENT candidate and we'd be honored to assist you in your recovery! 

We applaud you in your numerous attempts to keep your home after your payment increased dramatically due to more taxes, sickness, job loss, interest rate change, a due balloon payment, or an accelerated ARM.  We at Rice Property Management & Realty, understand how you felt when the door closed in your face from your lending institution!  You were faithfully making your monthly payments, being a good neighbor, distributing taxes to your city, school district, state, the United States Government, the county, and even the forest and part districts!  You were responsibly living the "American Dream!" 

You were embarrassed as you relentlessly strained to salvage your dignity, only to hear your lender refuse payment plans. 

Their alternatives were; deed in lieu, short sale, or the dreaded foreclosure!  NO - we cannot refinance you again, and NO - you do NOT qualify for a loan modification, and NO we will NOT reduce your interest rate they said! 

When you left behind your home, you felt like a failure.  Listen.....YOU did NOT fail... the "system" failed!

We will not belittle you here, for we consider you with much esteem, and know your worth!  

You have what we are looking for.... "Home-owner mentaility!"  You know what it takes to care for a home.... and that's exactly what these homes need.   

Your credit score is not the only determining factor to qualify you for a lease.  If you have been turned down based upon your foreclosure, please give us a call, for YOU have EXCELLENT  tenant potential!

We have available rentals throughout the South Suburban Chicago-land Illinois area, awaiting to be occupied.  Make your next call to:  708-862-RICE! 

You are WELCOME to apply here!

"Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

© Copyright 2009 Rice Property Management, All rights reserved

DISCLAIMER: Diane Rice, and Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC, disclaims all liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to my blogs.