Hello, Everyone:


Today is a beautiful day and may all of you be blessed. 

Earning a living in this day and age is not easy.  With the price of oil exceeding $120 a barrel, everything we use is more expense.  Since we are so dependent upon petrochemicals, their increased costs are passed along to the consumer.  Wages and salaries are not increasing by leaps and bounds. In fact, during the first quarter of 2008, the U.S. has experienced consistent job losses -- not gains!  Tell me, what is a poor, struggling person to do?

It's times such as these that force us to re-examine our priorities.  Getting back to basics has never hurt anyone.  Expensive, luxury items and family heirlooms are being sold over the Internet by people who are strapped for cash.  The low cost discount stores are doing a brisk business while their expensive, high end counterparts are struggling.  The residential mortgage default rates are rising and it's only a matter of time before the same is seen in the commercial sector.  The sign of the times are clear.  The U.S. economic engine is stalling and no one really knows how to fix it. 

I could go on and on about the doom and gloom but why bother?  Any keen observer of life knows that "it rains on the just and unjust alike".  Life has its' ups and downs.  It's how you choose to deal with them that counts.   As long as you're diligently applying your energies towards something worthwhile, you can't lose.  Even, if your venture fails, you've learned something and what you do with that new found knowledge may become the foundation of your future success.

When the material realities are overwhelming, it just may be time to open up to the "spiritual" ones.  Pray, meditate and stay focused on positive opportunities.  Don't waste time on endeavors that are draining and disappointing.   If your situation will improve by you acquiring a new set of skills, then do so.  Knowing how to do more than one thing will strengthen your marketable skill set. 

Streamline and refine. These are the focus of our times.  Make the most of all that has been given to you!

May Peace Be With All Of You,


Sistah Selah