Next Book Club Choice and The Economy

O.K.

Drumroll please...

I think this is one of the hardest
parts about being involved in a book club.

There are so many books out there but
there are many personalities and convictions
within the club that it makes choosing hard
sometimes.

After finding out that our first choice would
not be available through the library system,
we went with our second choice, which will also
have to be ordered but will cost about $3.00 per
person.


It is Between Heaven and Ground Zero
by Leslie Haskins. This woman was in Tower One when
our Country was violently attacked. This is her story
of the day and how she has survived since.

I truly look forward to receiving my copy and reading
this book.

I have been browsing many blogs on my blogroll but not leaving
many comments. I am sorry...I will try to do better. I love
what you are saying and the photos and comments about things
happening in your lives. The struggles you face matter to me.
I pray for you. The economy weighs heavy on our hearts and minds
and yet we know that our treasures are not here. They are
eternal.

As a financial analyst, I care for the people whose money I invest.
It is hard to know that during these hard times their happy, healthy
accounts are taking a loss, (on paper). It is important to remember that
the number of shares owned has not changed and so the account value will
most likely rise again...and quickly... when people are less frightened.
Therefore, taking money out now or moving it, without a valid
reason, only guarantees a loss.

Having said that, I would love to point out that many sectors of our economy
are thriving. It is not fair to say, even now, that we are in a depression.
The growth has slowed not receeded. This is why it is so important to be diversified in your investment portfolio. To have mutual funds or stocks, bonds and other investment instruments in many different companies, industries and even countries.

The second most important part to know about investing is that you should never invest with your emotions. Hard! I know! Use your head...and keep your head.

The fact that there are many parts of our economy doing well does not keep the media from singing the blues. Every once in a while, I will hear one brave soul mention it and I cheer for them, however, that is not so newsworthy in an economy that is offering so much opportunity for scary reporting.

I am saddened that the people, most recently, who have let this country down are in
my industry of service. But, the fact remains that we are not in recession
or a depression until things get a lot worse than this.

Attitude will have a lot to do with whether we go there, or not.

Our next President will have a lot to do with whether we go there, or not.

Please pray that this Nation would not panic, that the media would use their
power for good, rather than evil.

That our President and those in Leadership would use careful discretion in how they choose to "resolve" or "save" this Country's financial woes.

It is up to us to pray, to conserve, to remain calm.

Keep your debts small and your savings growing.

Give your monies to your local growers and local businessmen. This is where the rubber meets the road. It is in all of the small businesses across this country. Look to buy local. Take care of those in business around you and your area will stay strong.

For those who have lost their jobs due to the housing crunch...you have my thoughts and prayers. This market will come back. Hang in. Learn a new skill in the meantime and use your down time wisely. Soon you will be doing the 9 to 5 again.

Am I the eternal optimist? Maybe....but I am also a student of history.

We have seen it all before.

We have survived it.

We have a God that cares for us and provides for His children.

The kids and I are reading book about a Russian Family during the time Christianity was being greatly persecuted and war was raging. The faith this family showed and the provision for them by their Heavenly Father puts so much in perspective.
I read aloud through the tears.

We remain very wealthy in comparison to many on this planet.

Please count your blessings today.

Wishing you a calm heart.

Becky K.