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Allowing Success in 2009

Posted by Zhana on January 6, 2009 at 2:30pm

How can African American people achieve our goals in 2009? The more we dwell on our successes, the more successful we become. The Law of Attraction says that in order to achieve success, we need to vibrate at the level of success.Can you talk about your successes openly, freely? Or are you afraid people will think you are 'big-headed'?Often, we do not own our successes. We say, 'Anyone could have given that presentation/solved that problem/written that paper/prepared that meal'.Can you talk about your successes openly, freely? Or are you afraid people will think you are 'big-headed'?Often, we do not own our successes. We say, 'Anyone could have given that presentation/solved that problem/written that paper/prepared that meal'.To read the rest of this article, visit: Allowing SuccessI would very much appreciate your feedback on this article. Click here to join my Nurture Success group.Wishing you all the best for 2009!

What do you have in common with Oprah?

Posted by Katrina on January 6, 2009 at 8:42am

Lessons from “O”It’s January 5, 2009. I am watching Oprah. Oprah has declared that 2009 will her year for joy, hope and balance. She has made a conscious decision to put herself at the top of HER to do list. How awesome is that?So what do you have in common with Oprah? Do you need joy, hope or balance? If your answer is yes, Read on…. Let’s spend a few moments talking about balance.What is balance?When I think of balance I imagine the scales of justice, where there is equal amount of weight on each side. Unfortunately most entrepreneurs have lives that are out of balance; where one side of the scale weighs much more than the other. We spend more time at the office than with our families. We work harder on our developing our intellect than growing spiritually. We spend more hours in front of our computer than resting or relaxing. Decide today to make a conscious effort to even out your personal scale.Your assignment: Make your to do list. Item #1. Make yourself a priority today.To get started I recommend the book:How did I get so busy? By Valerie BurtonValerie offers a 28 day plan to free your time, reclaim your schedule and reconnect to what matters the most.http://valorieburton.com/catalog.php?item=43&catid=BooksFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/katrina_michele

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

Posted by Yvonne Long on January 6, 2009 at 12:10am

Mortgage rates fall to third straight record low Mortgage Rate Trend IndexMortgage rate experts polled by Bankrate.com last week don’t know what to expect. While 40 percent predict rates will continue to fall, 30 percent foresee and increase and the remaining 30 percent expect no change of the next 30 to 45 days.WASHINGTON – Jan. 5, 2009 – Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to a record low for the third straight week and borrowers took advantage of the drop, sending new applications soaring.With the Federal Reserve on the verge of pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into the devastated U.S. housing market, mortgage rates have plunged to the lowest level since Freddie Mac started tracking the data in April 1971.Low rates are a great opportunity for borrowers with solid credit and plenty of equity in their homes. But those in danger of foreclosure are still sidelined, and defaults are expected to keep rising in the coming months.Freddie Mac reported Wednesday that average rates on 30-year fixed mortgages dropped to 5.1 percent this week, down from the previous record of 5.14 percent set last week. It was the ninth straight weekly drop. The survey was released a day early due to the New Year’s holiday.Mortgage rates have plunged by about 1.3 percentage points since late October, Freddie Mac said. For a borrower taking out a $200,000 loan, that means a savings of more than $170 in monthly payments, according to Frank Nothaft, the mortgage finance company’s chief economist.Meanwhile, mortgage applications last week remained at the highest level in more than five years, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.The trade group’s weekly application index was essentially unchanged for the week ending Dec. 26. Applications surged earlier this month to the highest level since July 2003, when refinancing activity boomed at the peak of the housing market.More than 80 percent of applications came from borrowers looking to refinance at more affordable rates, the trade group said.Interest rates have plunged since the Federal Reserve pledged last month to buy up mortgage-backed securities in an effort to bolster the long-suffering housing market. The Fed, starting early next month, will buy up to $500 billion in securities guaranteed by the government-controlled home loan giants Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, a federal agency.“It’s a huge number,” said Derek Chen, an analyst at Barclays Capital, who noted that mortgage rates are still high when compared with yields on long-term Treasury debt.With the Fed and Treasury Department buying up a significant portion of the new mortgage securities issued by Fannie and Freddie next year, that gap, or spread, could narrow.If that happens, mortgage rates could fall further, possibly as low as 4.5 percent, Chen said.The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.83 percent, the lowest point since March 2004. That rate was 4.91 percent last week, Freddie Mac said.Rates on five-year, adjustable-rate mortgages rose to 5.57 percent, compared with 5.49 percent last week. Rates on one-year, adjustable-rate mortgages fell to 4.85 percent, from 4.95 percent last week.The rates do not include add-on fees known as points. The nationwide fee for 30-year, 15-year mortgages and five-year adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.7 point last week, compared with 0.5 point for one-year adjustable-rate mortgages.Meanwhile, home prices dropped by the sharpest annual rate on record in October and there are no signs the housing pain is over.The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city housing index, released Tuesday, fell by a record 18 percent from October last year, the largest drop since its inception in 2000. The 10-city index tumbled 19.1 percent, its biggest decline in its 21-year history. Prices are at levels not seen since March 2004.Copyright 2008 The Associated Press, Alan Zibel (AP Real Estate Writer). All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Related Topics: Mortgage rates

The Daily Ritual of a True Overcomer

Posted by Renee Hornbuckle on January 5, 2009 at 11:46pm

7 Keys To Your SuccessHave you ever wondered what it is that causes some people to be at peace, to be able to overcome anything, to acquire great success and be able to arise as a true overcomer? What is it that makes the difference?It’s in their daily routine. There are some daily habits that you can learn from others and then begin to implement in your life as part of your daily routine that will make you a true overcomer!After surveying a number of successful overcomers, I found the following similarities in their daily routine. If you will begin to restructure your life around these life principles, you too will become a true overcomer.These are the 7 keys that I believe will start you on the way to becoming a TRUE OVERCOMER!1. Pray - Begin each day with prayer.God wants us to pray. Prayer is how we communicate with Him. James 5:16 says, “the effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer is our way of expressing our thanks, supplications, our adoration, and our confession to God. When we sincerely pray, bodies are healed, walls are torn down, people are lifted up and we get direction for our lives. God wants us to be in constant communication with him.1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray without ceasing”. God wants us to pray. God wants people to seek HIM for direction for life. God wants total commitment! God wants to lead the path of the people so they will go the right way and receive the blessings HE has for us. Matthew 6:33 tells us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Yes, the things that you tried to attain but couldn’t; was God sought first? The decisions that were made but turned out to be the wrong one; was God sought first? We often “have not” because we “ask not” or we ask amiss. We should ask God to give us the plans as we begin each day.2. MeditateTo mediate means to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness. So, meditation is necessary for us to become more spiritually attuned. Jesus said that we are not to "live by bread alone, but by EVERY Word of God". (Lk.4:4). He was teaching by illustration. How often do we eat each day? We eat in the day, and we eat at night. That is WHY God's Word admonishes us to MEDITATE (chew your food, the Word of God, slowly) upon His Word day and night. (Ps.1:1-3; Joshua 1:8). We must learn to sit still and think on the Word! Mediation allows you to get focused and organized.3. Learn to Hear from God – get your daily ordersHearing is the ability to perceive or apprehend by the ear: to gain knowledge of by hearing: to listen to with attention.God is clear on his instruction on how we should hear and he warns and encourages us as well: Luke 8:18 So be sure to pay attention to what you hear. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they think they have will be taken away from them." NLTRev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says. How we listen and what we do with what we hear determines what we receive. Proverbs 8:34-36 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. 36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; NIVGod speaks daily into our lives; the voice of God is always speaking to us and always trying to get our attention.We miss what God is saying because we expect fire, lightning and thunder to appear, not recognizing that oftentimes God’s voice is a “small, still voice. Even in church, most people are more interested in entertaining speakers than they are the content of the message, so they hear sounds, but really don’t listen to what they need to give consideration to for their lives.We often miss what God is saying…we hear a sound, but we are not really listening, so we miss what God is speaking into our situation. God speaks daily into our “routines” of life. We must learn to hear his voice. How can we follow him if we don’t recognize his voice? So, learn to hear what HE is saying daily!4. Give God all your cares. 1 Peter 5:7 tell us to …Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. TLB In times of trouble, cast your cares upon the Lord. Even if you are not troubled. Give your cares to God – He’s the most qualified to handle them. Then choose to trust HIM! He cares for you and He will work it out for your good.5. Count your blessings and be thankful for what you have! No matter what problems you have or how bad things may seem, there is always something to be thankful about. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessolonians 5:18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. TLB Don't dwell on the negative and certainly stop the complaining. Think of the good things you have, and the problems and challenges will soon diminish or even disappear. Learn to appreciate where you are and to give thanks for ALL things.6. Live each day as a True Overcomer! Live life to the fullest! Begin to act and feel like you can achieve anything. You deserve it! You can be an overcomer in anything you do, but you must master some basic life principles.Be Disciplined You must establish some disciplines in your life. Evaluate every area of your life and determine where you need to become more disciplined. Set some goals, and develop the steps you need to take for you to achieve them. Set some boundaries.Be healthy Take care of yourself. Strive to be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. You feel good when you're healthy.Be knowledgeable Always seek to learn, so that you'll be skilled in what you want to do. You feel sure when you're knowledgeable.Be excellent Strive to achieve your goals, do a good job and have confidence and self-esteem. Always made certain that you give it your absolute best in everything you do! God’s starting point is EXCELLENCE! Get rid of your mediocre thinking, and stop just being average. If you are going to be the best, then that’s what you have to give! God gave us HIS BEST!Be valuable You have value! And you must be confident in your value! In all that we do and even in any type of relationship (family, business, community, etc.) we should bring value to it. Seek to find your value. Strong relationships can be a valuable commodity. When each person brings value, there is a positive exchange. People reciprocate your actions by providing something valuable to you.Be honorable Proverbs 11:3 the integrity of the upright guides them NIV Your honor and integrity is what will guide you to do the right things. Try to always be honest, courageous and reliable. Try to be a person of good character. Others will respect you for your integrity.Be a servant! Commit to a life of service. We are called to a life of service and if we develop a servant’s attitude it will promote you to greatness. Eph 4:12-13 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. NIV We must serve others until we all reach unity!7. Finally, ENJOY your life and learn to help others enjoy theirs!Make it a point everyday to celebrate life. Celebrate your achievements. Use your set-backs as opportunities to learn how to overcome. Everything that we go through in life is an opportunity for us to learn.A major part of enjoying your life is to help others enjoy their lives. Help people succeed. That is what it is all about. That is your purpose.So, remember God has put you in this earth to make a difference! He wants you to be an OVERCOMER!If you commit to trying these keys for at least 21 one days (it takes 21 days to develop a habit), you will find yourself on the way to becoming a true overcomer!!!

It's Okay

Posted by Author Patricia Yarbrough on January 5, 2009 at 11:06pm

walked around this morning telling myself it's okay. The reason I say it's okay,today is the day my life changed forever.I received the call no parent ever want to receive my son,my best friend had died.It's been 20 years today, yet I can close my eyes and it can feel like yesterday.I know a true and loving God who is right here with me today, if I decided I am going to cry. he will give me the strength to gently wipe away my tears.I thank God for allowing me to look back on this day 20 years ago,I was a broken hearted mother, a suicidal mother,a depressed mother,a lonely mother, a sad mother, I was a mother who saw nothing but death.Today I am thankful for all those things I was, because I am a mother who wants to live again.I have one more hurdle to cross over,my son, my best friend birthday is next month it's okay, I'll make it.When I share my story I don't look for sympathy,sympathy can't heal my broken heart only God can and he did.I guessed I tried not to cry,but my eyes are full of water, but the tears will not drop, I guess God is right here,doing what he does best comforting me in the midst of my storm.I want all of you to know I appreciate all the wonderful people I met at the end of my journey.Had I not believed that God will heal my broken heart I would not have met you.www.authorpatriciayarbrough.comShare

The Velvet Rope Theory: Screen your clients?

Posted by Lisa Henry on January 5, 2009 at 7:24pm

Greetings!Imagine you are invited to an exclusive party. You arrive and stop at a beautiful velvet rope between two brass poles. A young lady asks you for your name, you give it and one end of the velvet rope opens for you to enter. You passed the screening. The exclusive party clearly is something the host knows you would benefit from and enjoy.It is absolutely divine to work with clients you enjoy. It makes the work you produce better and promotes superb mental and emotional health for you personally. Having great relationships with clients creates a quality of life that extends to all areas of your life. When you work with clients who are not ideal for you, at some point you’re going to create a conflict, whether intentionally or not, because you’re going to be frustrated with those clients, and those clients will think you’re not providing them with good service and they’ll be right. I’ve made that mistake many times. I’ve worked with over thirty criminal defense attorneys over the years and personally found only two that I bend over backward for.I did not screen any client in the beginning. I should have asked the right questions. All business relationships must be equally yoked and all parties must be of like mind. This is especially true for the nature of the business and venue I provide services to. We are virtual assistants and have contact with our clients on a daily basis. There is a wise saying, “All money ain’t good money” a true saying I personally learned the hard way.There was a time I worked with five attorneys or law offices simultaneously and not one of the firms were a fit. It is awful when you hate going to work for yourself. It should have felt rewarding to have clients. It should have been a blessing especially then. Never have I had so many headaches as I did at that time. What was causing this stress? It was not the work. I enjoyed marketing. It was who I chose to do business with. It is draining and exhausting working with challenging client-relationships.We are dedicated screening our clients now. It is not elaborate; we simply take the time to talk with potential clients over coffee or lunch. Character, willingness to fight for clients, and humble egos is what we look for.This approach may not be best for your business, but if you have more challenging client-relationships than enjoyable client-relationships, it may be time to introduce the velvet rope theory.Always a Blessing to Share, Dream your World!

FREE WEBINAR: JOIN US WEDNESDAY

Posted by THE CONFIDENCE ARCHITECT on January 5, 2009 at 6:42pm

CONFIDENT ABOUT CONFIDENCE: THE WEBINAR Reserve your Webinar seat TodayJoin me in the FREE WEBINAR on Wednesday, January 7Dedicated to greatness, This FREE WEBINAR, Confident About Confidence: The Webinar was created to share tips and techniques with Success-Driven Women on a dedicated journey involving the breaking of personal barriers and shift thoughts and paradigms regarding the most important investment in each of their lives....Themselves.Confident Women are Successful Women!"As you believe, so you behave." ~Tommy Newberry

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by iamlivingbydesign ________________________________________________ Seating is LimitedReserve your Webinar seat Today*Upon successfully registration, attendees will receive a complimentary copy ofConfident About Confidence: The Guide and Journal by V. Ivana Fosterand one FREE 15 Min Life Empowerment Coaching Session.

I might be a blogaholic!

Posted by Eddie on January 5, 2009 at 5:47pm

Comment | Copy This

I'm probably late as HECK, but I LOVE snapevine...I love to blog and TALK; what better way to combine the two than through snapvine! IF yo uare a member, hit me up and add me to your friends list

Journey to Beautiful Healthy Hair...AGAIN

Posted by Eddie on January 5, 2009 at 4:37pm

Starting Point

I didn’t really make any New Year’s resolutions, but I did set a goal for my hair for this year. I am going on an exciting vacation in July and I want my hair to be at its absolute best. For the first couple of years of my hair journey, I took impeccable care of my hair. I washed, deep conditioned it and twisted it faithfully. I experienced growth OUT OF THIS WORLD. My hair grew longer in two years than it had ever grown during my lifetime. Since I’ve become and entrepreneur and I pretty much working around the clock, I’ve neglected my own hair terribly. I’ve gone from washing it weekly to every other week! Sometimes it gets deep conditioned, sometimes it doesn’t. I use to take time to separate my hair before washing it to avoid the dreadful detangling process, now I just jump in the shower, wash and go! Before I go any further I would like to take this moment to apologize to my lovely tresses and to tell them that I do love them and I am begging for their forgiveness! Fortunately my hair didn’t get too damaged because it was in such great condition to start, but I am looking to gain 4” of new growth (trimming 1” so ending with about 3”) by July. I want my hair to be SUPER soft, manageable, and healthy so here’s what my regimen will be:•Get braid extensions•Wash EVERY Friday (Sweet Nature Natural Shampoo) http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com/Shampoo.html•Deep Condition Every Friday (Sweet Nature Stimulating Deep Conditioner) http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com/LoveDeepConditioner.html•Moisturize Daily (Sweet Daily Growth Spray) http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com/Moisturizingspray.html•Apply Growth Serum every other day (Sweet Nature follicle stimulator) http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com/spiritfolliclestimulator.html•Massage daily for 10 minutes•Take vitamins Daily http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com/HairVitamins.html•Get extension re-done every 6-8 weeksCheck out OVER 120 Testimonials on Sweet Nature products!http://public.fotki.com/AngelNapps/guide-to-growing-yo/book/viewcomments.html

New Year, New Services

Posted by Rikki on January 5, 2009 at 4:30pm

I trust that you have had a great start to 2009, are forming new, productive habits and ready to charge the world!We've made a few changes at MizzEllaneous.com for the New Year. I'll share them with you here:PrintingWe now offer print services - business cards, post cards, book marks, flyers, posters, yard signs, brochures, etc. Discounts on our design services if you print with us as well.WebsitesWe are no longer doing full on HTML websites. Truth is, those projects never seem to end. Instead we will be producing websites in the following formats:CMS (Joomla)CMS - or content management sites - allow clients to make changes to their sites without disturbing the site's structure (provided their instructions are followed). Very similar to the free versions of Yahoo and MSN sites, but with a lot more freedom. You can also add your own newsletter system, complete with captcha, opt in and opt out functions. starting @ $900ECommerce (ZenCart)If you have a need for an online store, without the extra charges that other providers charge you for each transaction on top of your PayPal/merchant account, this solution may be for you. It has an integrated email system and customer management right there. starting @ $900CMS and ECommerce are programming heavy and rates include up to 40 hours. Also includes domain name, email address and hosting for 1 year; updating manual. Based on schedule availability.Starter SitesThese sites are HTML/php based but 1 (one) page, up to 350 words and 4 pictures. 50% better than "site cannot be found" or "this site coming soon" messages. You can also have a 4 field email capture form on that page, so that potential clients/customers can join your list and be notified when you fully launch. $125 includes domain and email for one year.Ning BlingSounds corny but... if you're networking on Ning to promote your business, why not have your Ning page match your website, business cards, post cards and brochures? You can get this done here - and we're also giving away 4 more customizations. Need to see it? Check out Events of a Lifetime by Telli. The first 100 people to sign up by January 20, 2009 will be eligible for $7 customization.That's about it in a nutshell! You can also talk to us straight from our ning page - you don't need a Yahoo account, just type and send. We look forward to hearing from you and all you're doing in 2009!Rikkiwww.mizzellaneous.com

BREAKFAST TO HOST COMMUNITY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HISTORIC INAUGURATION

Posted by Edwina on January 5, 2009 at 4:00pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5th, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Email: l.fountain@juneteenthamerica.us
Leslie Fountain
Telephone: (909) 621-9707
Website: www.JuneteenthAmerica.us

KING BREAKFAST TO HOST COMMUNITY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HISTORIC INAUGURATION

ONTARIO, Ca. – January 5th, 2009 The upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is expected to represent a strong significance for the country, more than ever before, as it precedes the historic inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama. The 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute intends to honor that significance in the community on Monday, January 19th, 2009, with special performances and guest speakers acknowledging “the Dreamer” and “the Dream”. The event will be held from 8:30AM-10:30AM at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, with doors opening at 8:00AM.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast Tribute has been a traditional event, creating a forum for a diverse community to “Come Together and Share the Dream”. This event presents the opportunity to reflect on the Civil Rights Movement in the country, and embrace the impact of the progresses made by individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as evident in the election the first African-American president of our country, and other successes made in the minority community.

This year’s participants include Master of Ceremonies Rev. Jennetta Harris, of J-Joy Ministries, commentaryand performances by Pastor Brian E. Kennedy and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Choir, Pastor Diego Mesa and the Abundant Living Family Church Choir and Mt. Sinai Church of God In Christ Choir. Participating sponsors include Ontario Volvo and Volkswagen, Verizon, Southern California Edison, California Bank & Trust, Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel, and SLJ Pro Audio Services and eBiz Marketing

Sponsorship and Advertising opportunities are still available for this event. For more information or to purchase tickets directly or to RSVP, visit www.juneteenthamerica.us, call (909) 621-9707 or e-mail jai@juneteenthamerica.us. This event is produced by Juneteenth America Incorporated.
Juneteenth America Incorporated (JAI) is a non-profit organization, that has produced community events for over 15 years in the Pomona Valley. Since 1996, JAI has operated on the objective to educate the public about the significance of “Juneteenth” or “June 19th, 1865” and promote the observance of the California Juneteenth National Freedom Day, signed into law in 2002.

Attached Photos: - Attendees at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast and Pastor Brian E. Kennedy of Mt. Zion Baptist Church speaking to attendees.
Photography: Michael D. Thomas

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Buying a Home is a Process

Posted by Yasmin Sabur on January 5, 2009 at 2:19am

Buying a home is not a spur of the moment decision. Taking time to prepare and doing the homework not only makes the process less stressful, but will make homeownership a pleasure.Getting OrganizedStart with a loose-leaf notebook and some sharpened pencils. Manilla file folders are helpful in organizing bills and other documents needed for loan applications. Having a business telephone directory on hand or access to a computer is a good idea. After making calls, record the phone numbers, contact name and a short note on the conversation in the notebook under a reference tab.Rent vs. HomeownershipFor some renting makes more sense than purchasing a home. The only way to determine this is by comparing the costs of homeownership to renting.In addition to mortgage payments (first and second mortgages) taxes and insurance (mortgage insurance and homeowner insurance) must be included in the owning a home column.The next items in the column should be utilities. For a home these include gas, oil, electricity, water, waste disposal (garbage pickup), and optional telephone and cable costs.Condominiums and Co-op FeesSome first time homebuyers decide to purchase condominiums or co-operative units because many of the utility and maintenance costs are included in the homeowners’ association (HOA) fees. Include these fees on the list and remember that all utilities may not be covered. Contact several homeowners’ associations to get an idea of what the HOA fee covers.Mortgage Credit CertificateThe Mortgage Credit Certificate program offers a federal tax credit for mortgage interest paid. Most states participate in this program. The credit can be used to increase the homeowner’s take home pay and offset the costs of owning and maintaining a home. Contact area real estate agents, state and county housing departments and employer payroll departments for information on this program. Deduct the amount of the credit from the cost of owning a home.Maintenance CostsMaintenance costs cover a wide range of items from lawnmowers to roof repair. Trees have to be pruned, lawns mowed, heating systems maintained, windows caulked in cold climates, broken pipes and windows replaced, leaky faucets repaired. Make maintenance costs an item in the homeowner column.Call local utility companies and work with a local real estate agent to establish a good estimate of these costs. Always go with the higher estimate.Home Improvement GrantsMany states and counties offer home repair and improvement grants to homeowners. Homeownership is a requirement for most of these grants. Knowing the eligible areas, property types, and grant uses will assist in determining if the grants can be useful after purchasing a home. Visit myhomedownpayment.com, and contact state and local housing departments for grant information.Intangible costsMortgage payments, utilities, maintenance and repairs are the tangible costs of owning a home. Intangible costs require another list that should include the following questions:Why do I want to purchase a home?Do I have enough time to maintain a home? (Not maintaining a home will decrease the property’s value.)Can I change a light bulb, mow a lawn, paint the front door, replace a lock, caulk a window, repair a faucet, trigger an electrical circuit, recognize mold or termite damage?Do I have a tool kit?Am I willing to make financial sacrifices if owning a home costs more than I am paying in rent now?What am I willing to cut back on financially to own a home?Will a major financial emergency (health, car repairs, or job loss) impact my ability to make my mortgage payment?Do I have a savings account?If I create a budget will I stick to it?If owning a home requires a lifestyle change, am I sure (as much as it is possible to be) I want to change for the long term?How often do I call my landlord to make simple repairs?The author, Yasmin Sabur, is the founding member of My Home Down Payment and myhomedownpayment.com, e-education businesses promoting affordable housing through mortgage down payment assistance programs for low-to-moderate income families.

The Strong Black Woman: Myth or Reality?

Posted by Pastor Aminata on January 5, 2009 at 1:25am

The Strong Black Woman: Myth or Reality?I was having a conversation with a group of women today, and the subject of the "Strong Black Woman" came up. It was with a mixed group and I found the discussion absolutely fascinating.So I want to engage your thinking (my brothers and sisters) as well. What is your definition of a Strong Black Woman. Is she a myth or reality?Brothers: How do/would you define her? Do you or would you embrace her as your partner in life? If yes, why so? If no, why not?Sisters: How would you define her? Is she a myth or reality? Do you consider yourself a Strong Black Woman? If yes, why so? If no, why not?It is my hope that this year 2009 will be the year of truth and honesty, openness and kindness, generosity of care and genuineness love.I look forward to your comments and feedback.

2009 Is The Year of BLACK AFFLUENCE

Posted by Darlene on January 4, 2009 at 8:30pm

If we work together, ALL OF US can achieve great success beyond our wildest dreams in 2009.We are no longer at the bottom of the barrel; we have reached the TOP OF THE WORLD! If you look at all of the historic events that occurred in 2008, you have to truly believe in the possibilities of our future. Who would have thunk it…banks closings, Wall Street collapsing, foreclosure rates soaring and…Out of one of the most troubling times in the history of this country, a Black man was elected President of the United States of America?We came together in numbers not seen since the height of the Civil Rights activism in the 50’s and 60’s. It is now our time to shine once again and to be filled with pride likes our ancestors. We are truly a nation born from royalty, but we lost our culture, our true purpose, dreams and goals. So now what? We as a people need to siege the opportunities that are placed in front of us. We have to re-educate ourselves so that we can prosper in 2009 and beyond.We can achieve the financial freedom our families deserve with the right knowledge. Let me tell you my story. I joined TAG TEAM Marketing in December 2007 because of all the positive programs that were created to unite and empower the Black communities around this country and the world. In October 2006, my husband Larry and I had been the victims of a most vicious form of identity theft. The deed to our home was forged by a group of scam artists who were trying to sell our home without our knowledge. Well after 2-years of fighting, we went into foreclosure, bankruptcy (then kicked out of it) and lost everything. We started to be approached by family, friends and our church members to see if we could help them with their foreclosure issues. So we started the Steeple HOME Team In Jan’08. Even as we were still going through this crisis, my husband and I continued to drive 600 miles from Orlando up to Atlanta every other month, so that we could be a part of what we considered to be the most powerful seminars created specifically for Black people.In April 2008, we started to implement what we had learned at TAG TEAM into our business and almost tripled the amount of clients (as well as income,) and were able to turn our tragedy into a victory! We even started a radio show at a local station and got even more business. By September 2008, we were able to open an office in a very nice complex. In December 2008 we started to train others how to duplicate what we were doing and plan to open 10 offices by June 2009. The wealth of support from TAG TEAM, plus the knowledge from the seminars, conference calls, live Internet TV presentation and CDs prepared us to turn our lives completely around.TAG TEAM is even more committed to helping Black people achieve financial success during this next year, than ever before. Incredible programs and a ton of phenomenal surprises are in store that will take the Black community to a completely new level in 2009. As a result of the TAG TEAM Investment Club, brothers and sisters that have never invested before began earning income from their new KNOWLEDGE. Learn how you, as a Black person, can put your money to earn YOU money. Whether you have $1 or a million... whether you have no experience investing or lots of it, this FREE introductory seminar is FOR YOU. Live in Atlanta on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Note: I’m not sure if this will be streamed live via the Internet at the same time, but it will be posted on the website a few days later.I have already attended one seminar via Internet TV broadcast and plan to join the TAG TEAM Investment Club this month, so that my family and I can benefit even more with a better understanding of the financial system. I just have to share this information because I want to see every Black family have a better life. It is up to you to research it for yourself and figure out if it is time for you to re-educate yourself to move ahead.Visit www.tagteaminvestmentclub.com/TeamDollar and click on events!Darlene Robinson / mauddarlene.robinson@yahoo.com"I don't have to apologize to anybody for being Black, because God almighty knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made me Black!" "God and nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be." Marcus Garvey

Listen Live: Christie Taylor

Posted by ChristieTaylorOnline.com on January 4, 2009 at 6:00pm

Free Webinar Wednesday 7: Confident About Confidence: The Free Webinar

Posted by THE CONFIDENCE ARCHITECT on January 4, 2009 at 3:42am

"Ladies, I would love to see you at this Free Webinar Event, As always...Success"~Ivana

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by iamlivingbydesignSeating is LimitedReserve your Webinar seat Today

BLING IN THE NEW YEAR!

Posted by Michelle on January 4, 2009 at 12:00am

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!

Over the "relaxing holidays" you baked, cleaned, shopped, wrote, mailed, called, wrapped, surprised, cooked, cleaned and now it's time to "go back to work"...How about a little something for yourself?AS SEEN IN:

Greetings!It's a brand new year and this a special month for Silpada Hostesses! We are in the best month of the year to host a party! Why? Because once a year Silpada offers a special bonus:Add $100 to your FREE JEWELRY total!January is a time to relax after the holiday "crunch" and enjoy some time with friends. Need an excuse to book a party?· The holidays are over and you need a little "me" time...· What other stores are offering you FREE ANYTHING?· You haven't had a party in a while and it's time!· January can be a looooong month, plan something fun!· You will earn at least $250 in free jewelry, belts or watches!*Have you been thinking of having a party? Now is a great time!Let's get together in 2009!*If you are not local, email me to find out how you can still host a party and earn free jewelry*Parties with 10 orders and $500 or more in sales will qualify for the $100 bonus and will earn at least $250 in free jewelry!Michellemichellekoonce@msn.comwww.mysilpada.com/michelle.koonceView entire catalog, click here

UPCOMING ACTOR/MODEL JERMAINE JACOX IN NEW VIDEO FOR BAD BOY ARTIST JANELLE MONAE!

Posted by Bianca Holmes on January 3, 2009 at 8:00pm

Catch actor/model Jermaine Jacox featuring in Bad Boy Records recording artist Jenelle Monae's "Many Moons" video!

Janelle Monae: Many Moons

Jermaine recently moved to Los Angeles, CA from Minneapolis, MN to pursue careers in acting and modeling and has since been in various print ads, tv commercials and music videos. Jermaine can also be seen in the "Green Light" video by John Legend and Andree 3000.

To learn more about Jermaine Jacox and to see more photos, visit his official myspace page at www.myspace.com/jermainethejewel of contact me, his publicist at info@maxxposuremarketinggroup.com.

PULLING STRENGTH OUT OF NOWHERE

Posted by ONLINE /PRINT BUSINESS DIRECTORY on January 3, 2009 at 6:34pm

I can sit back and reflect on so many different times in my life when I wanted to give up.My life honestly has been a mixture of love and hurt. More hurt than anything, but I pull strength from the heavens above in order to make it and I do.I've learned not to lean on man, I draw my strength from god.It took me a while to understand how he works and because man was here and I could physically touch him that was realistic to me.It's only when man has turn their physical back on you in your time of need that you feel the unseens presence,and if you listen close enough you'll here him telling you that all you need to do is seek him and he will never forsake you.You see, he doesn't have a back to turn on you.

How To Hear From God- By Joyce Meyer*

Posted by Rachelle Christopher on January 3, 2009 at 6:30am

I just start reading this book tonight January 2nd, and I tell you it is a true Inspiration... In Chapter 1 she speaks of how God wants to speak with us, and the ways he goes by it, and how sometimes we dont want to listen to what God wants us to hear, we tend to have selective hearing or just turn a deaf ear all together, I am going to share withyou some questions that she had, which really gave me some thought.. If you are up for the challenge, please do answer the questions I will love to get your insight on them. Be Blessed and if You Get The Chance Please Do Go Pick Up A Copy Of " How To Hear From God" - By Joyce Meyer* (year 2003)Questions From Book*1. Have you experienced a time when " only God remained"? If so describe it.What were your emotions? What truths did you hold on to? How and whatdid God speak to you during this time? Was it worth losing everything toexperience God in this way?2. How Has God Encouraged You To Say Yes To His Ways?3. Do You Believe That God Has A Good Plan To Prosper You,A Plan To Give You Hope And A Future? If So , How Does YourLife Reflect This Belief? If Not , Pray And Ask God To Help YouAccept And Believe His Word.4. Why Do You Think God Tells Us Some Things That Will Come To Pass But NotAll Things? How Does This Develop (Hope, Patience, And Trust)?

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.