With a general uneasiness over economic news, the housing sector, and the unprecedented turns during the election process, the DOW continues its slide. Peaking at 14,000 plus in October, 2007 the DOW is now lingering in the 12,600 range. I predict that the market will continue to ebb and flow and that the market will continue to soften over at least the first half of this year. As a persistent/consistent investor I believe this is a good time to get into the market and to buy when the market is low thereby maximizing your return when the market recovers. I remain committed to the stock market and believe that it is still a great place to invest for the long haul.

As the primaries continue I believe that some semblance of clarity will be achieved as to who our next Presidential candidates will be. In so doing, I think that this will help quell come of the recent past uncertainties. As always I suggest you work with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure that you invest wisely given your overall portfolio, business, and family needs.

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John Dillard’s, The Inspiration Series is for those looking to become more like Christ.  By studying the Bible and applying it to our lives we are able to live the full life that God always intended. Come along as The Inspiration Series leads you to a deeper understanding of God’s precepts for your life and how to live a life full of Him!  Come alongside man’s odyssey to fulfill God’s best for his life.  An all-knowing God has placed before you a unique opportunity to accomplish something of lasting value. Perhaps in the life of only one or of many you can perform great and miraculous achievements to reach others in the name of God.  Whether serving in your family, your work, or globally, God has a task for you.  By faith as small as that of a mustard seed, you can step out of the relative safety of your present position, and watch God guide and measure your steps. Dare to dream, dare to achieve, and most of all dare to accomplish something so great that it is doomed to failure lest Christ be in it!  

 

Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s 

 

The walk of a believer is often fraught with trials and tribulations leading to both defeat and victory. Life’s tragedies, your personal 9/11’s come into our lives seemingly in waves as we face obstacles, which both challenge our confidence and test our faith. Time stood still as the towers fell on that fateful day on September 11, 2001 and lives all over the world were changed forever and the world as we knew it would never be the same.  It is only by the power of an almighty God that we are to persevere.  As tragedy befalls our life, God shares his wisdom with us so we might overcome the world. By leaning on him in the darkness that befalls us, we are able to rise above circumstances that otherwise might cripple our lives. There will be times when you will feel abandoned by all those about you who choose to criticize rather than support and encourage you. We all need a “safe place to fall,” a family member or a brother or sister in Christ who will comfort us in our time of need.   Come along one man’s journey as he loses it all becoming both mentally and physically challenged at every turn discovering God never leaves his side and indeed believes in him even during his darkest times. God has a unique calling on our lives and it is through Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s/Job’s Journey we are able to become more like him.

 

Approximately two thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ there

lived an ordinary man who, despite challenges that face him, continues to believe in God. Despite ravenous trials, which arrive in quick succession, Job never deters in his faith choosing to believe God would ultimately redeem him. Living in the land of Uz near the desert land between Damascus and the Euphrates River just northeast of Palestine, Job lives his life in pursuit of God while doing His work and bidding. Our lives need to be built on the rock of our faith in Jesus Christ, as it is our belief in Him, which will enable us to withstand life’s trials.  Whether our trials are of our own doing or that of others we can discern how to see God’s hand in every event. Though we may not always know why bad things happen we can always find a triune God standing in the gap along with us.

 

The Bible teaches we are to build our life on Him who was the cornerstone and became the capstone and it is in our reliance on Him alone we are able to pass life’s tests.  Come alongside as we see how one man despite all odds and all those who would turn against him stays true to his faith. Job’s story is one of a man who loses it all, his family, his wealth, and the support of his wife and friends. Yet Job stays true to his faith and to a God who not only restores him, but also gives him much more than he originally lost. Learn how to lean into the pain by seeking God’s will to overcome all that comes your way. God does not promise that our life will be easy but he does say that with him our yoke will be light. Read along as one man, Job, stands, despite the heat of tribulations clinging to his faith when all those he thought he could count on desert him. This story will inspire and motivate you to grow in your relationship with God by leaning on him during life’s fiery trials.  

 

A Voice of One

 

You alone are uniquely positioned to achieve God’s vision for your life. A God who knows the number of the very hairs on your head has a great purpose only you can accomplish. Learn how one man, Nehemiah, made a difference in the lives of many. Seeking God’s will each and every step of the way, Nehemiah prayerfully seeks to rebuild the walls, which protect the city of Jerusalem and her people.  Nestled deep in the Bible’s Old Testament lived an ordinary man who steps out to accomplish great things in God’s name. Leaving the safety of his position as the cupbearer to the king of Babylon, Nehemiah puts himself into harm’s way exposing himself to enemies who scheme and purpose to see him fail.

 

Overcoming each and every obstacle, Nehemiah’s destiny is to rebuild

Jerusalem’s city’s walls that were essential for the nation’s very survival.

The remnant of Israel had been in exile and was beginning to return to the

Promised Land only to find the land of their forefathers in disarray. Jerusalem’s city walls lay in ruin exposing her to enemies who would threaten the nation’s very existence. Following the burden God lays on his heart Nehemiah rebuilt the city’s walls in just fifty-two days. Leading the way, Nehemiah asks for assistance from those who can help him the most and prayerfully develops a team unifying them to accomplish a miraculous feat. Prayerfully, Nehemiah sets out and quietly brings together the whole of the Jewish nation. Finding doomsayers at every turn, Nehemiah overcomes each and every obstacle and builds, brick by brick, the ramparts that will protect the city from her foes. Never deterred in his vision, Nehemiah continues developing a coalition uniting a people giving them leadership and a clear vision and ultimately rededicating the city and its people to God. Nehemiah never falters and never sways from his mission. God has a special plan for your life and a reward at its end. We serve a God who wants only the best for you and your life. Ask and act boldly to serve and to do great things in God’s name!

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Our 2nd Book Overcoming Life’s 9/11s; Job’s Journey is NOW Available                                                                                    

Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s

God’s Way of Overcoming Obstacles in Your Life
The First Volume of John Dillard’s Inspiration Series

The walk of a believer is often fraught with trials and tribulations leading to both defeat and victory. Life’s tragedies, your personal 9/11’s come into our lives seemingly in waves as we face obstacles, which both challenge our confidence and test our faith. Time stood still as the towers fell on that fateful day on September 11, 2001 and lives all over the world were changed forever and the world as we knew it would never be the same.  It is only by the power of an almighty God that we are to persevere.

As tragedy befalls our life, God shares his wisdom with us so we might overcome the world. By leaning on him in the darkness that befalls us, we are able to rise above circumstances that otherwise might cripple our lives. There will be times when you will feel abandoned by all those about you who choose to criticize rather than support and encourage you. We all need a “safe place to fall,” a family member or a brother or sister in Christ who will comfort us in our time of need. Come along one man’s journey as he loses it all becoming both mentally and physically challenged at every turn discovering God never leaves his side and indeed believes in him even during his darkest times. God has a unique calling on our lives and it is through Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s we are able to become more like him.

Approximately two thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ there lived an ordinary man who, despite challenges that face him, continues to believe in God. Despite ravenous trials, which arrive in quick succession, Job never deters in his faith choosing to believe God would ultimately redeem him. Living in the land of Uz near the desert land between Damascus and the Euphrates River just northeast of Palestine, Job lives his life in pursuit of God while doing His work and bidding. Our lives need to be built on the rock of our faith in Jesus Christ, as it is our belief in Him, which will enable us to withstand life’s trials. Whether our trials are of our own doing or that of others we can discern how to see God’s hand in every event. Though we may not always know why bad things happen we can always find a triune God standing in the gap along with us. The Bible teaches we are to build our life on Him who was the cornerstone and became the capstone and it is in our reliance on Him alone we are able to pass life’s tests.

Come alongside as we see how one man despite all odds and all those who would turn against him stays true to his faith. Job’s story is one of a man who loses it all, his family, his wealth, and the support of his wife and friends. Yet Job stays true to his faith and to a God who not only restores him, but also gives him much more than he originally lost. Learn how to lean into the pain by seeking God’s will to overcome all that comes your way. God does not promise that our life will be easy but he does say that with him our yoke will be light. Read along as one man, Job, stands, despite the heat of tribulations clinging to his faith when all those he thought he could count on desert him. This story will inspire and motivate you to grow in your relationship with God by leaning on him during life’s fiery trials.

“Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
Isaiah 57:14

—————————————

What our Reader’s Say

“Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s is truly a well-researched and well-written book. There are very few books that portray the life and conduct of Job during his trial as well as this book does. As you read it, if you have trials that you are facing, it will help you to understand perhaps what is happening in your life. One can follow the insight of Elihu, the youngest of those that had words of advice for Job, and in so doing, will find that life’s 9/11’s in your life are trials that can be overcome. I highly recommend reading this book! I believe that it will help and inspire you in those times when you face your life’s 9/11’s.” —E. Richard Bridgeforth, Sr., Author/Founder, World Prophetic Outreach Ministries Author: Hour of Consummation: God’s Prophetic Calendar of Time Softcover [$14.95]  ISBN: 1-4241-9985-9, 91 pages, 6 x 9 To buy now visit www.PublishAmerica.com to buy directly from the publisher or buy on-line at www.Amazon.com www.Borders.com or www.WaldenBooks.com

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Frederick, MD: PublishAmerica is proud to present Charleston Dawn by Duluth, Georgia author John Dillard.  The author’s debut book is the fictional story of Joseph and Mary.  As their relationship is deepening, Mary is abducted.  During their darkest days, both Joseph and Mary face their fears and turn to God for guidance.  They soon discover a love like no other that will last forever.

 

John Dillard, CPA, lives with his wife and two children in Duluth, Georgia. He is an active member of Perimeter Church and his community. John strives to live the motto of his church, “Dare to attempt something so great that it’s doomed to failure lest Christ be in it.”

 

PublishAmerica is the home of 20,000 talented authors.  PublishAmerica is a traditional publishing company whose primary goal is to encourage and promote the works of new, previously undiscovered writers.  Like more mainstream publishers, PublishAmerica pays its authors advances and royalties, makes its books available in both the United States and Europe through all bookstores, and never charges any fees for its services.  PublishAmerica offers a distinctly personal, supportive alternative to vanity presses and less accessible publishers.

 

Contact: 

Public Relations Department

PublishAmerica

pr@publishamerica.com

www.publishamerica.com

 

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The Internal Revenue Service is working with taxpayers, consumer agencies, and other regulatory agencies to help stop identity theft. Recently scammers have begun to utilize the Internet to steal both your identity and your assets. Fraudulent use of the Internet to steal your identity is called phishing.

Suspicious e-mail is where a scammer uses messages luring potential victims into releasing their confidential personal information which can then be used to steal a victims’ identity. This fishing for information has gained wide popularity recently as fraudsters attempt to gain access to your bank account, credit card, and date of birth information that they can then use to gain access to your personal accounts and even apply for new loans in the victims’ name. The IRS has recently discovered an e-mail scheme whereby phony e-mails are sent pretending to be from the IRS luring the unsuspecting victim by stating they are due a tax refund. To discover sources/examples of items to help protect you from unscrupulous schemes visit:

• Sample of a suspicious/phishing e-mail
• Is it a phishing Web site?
• How to Protect Yourself from Suspicious E-Mails or Phishing Schemes

Stopping Internet fraud of all types is something in which you can take an active role. By turning in Phishing Schemes to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. There you can follow the links to reporting suspicious e-mails which the IRS will then utilize to trace the hosting Web site and to help shut down fraudulent sites.

Identity Theft can occur through any myriad of ways by stealing of your personal mail, phone and fax records, and the stealing of your trash. Identity Theft is when a thief utilizes your personal data such as your Social Security number or name to commit financial fraud. Usually this type of theft results in a victims’ bank accounts being emptied, obtaining unauthorized credit cards, and even new loans in the victims name. Those who are unduly have their identity stolen often spend untold months striving to protect their credit and their good name. Often the wake of the crime itself leaves victims unable to get loans they would otherwise qualify for and to be harassed for actions they did not commit. You can call the TIGTA toll-free hot-line at 1-800-366-4484 or visiting the TIGTA Web site to report phishing schemes and to report fraudulent misuse of the IRS name and logo. Also you can learn more about what can be done by visiting:

Identity Theft Companion Learning Guide , What Law Enforcement is Doing to Stop the Thieves

Identity Theft and Your Tax Records

Social Security announces public warning of identity theft e-mail scam

Stopping Identity Theft is something we can all do to help make the Internet as well as our families, homes, and financial future a safe place for us all.

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The New Hampshire Primaries did nothing to add any clarity to the Presidential race as winners or the Iowa caucus lost ground as Hillary Clinton won over Obama in the Democratic race while Senator John McCain won the Republican primary. McCain had finished well down the field in the Iowa caucus was the biggest surprise of the evening as he surged ahead of the other Republican candidates to win the day. The Democratic race was also a bit of comeback as Senator Clinton surge ahead to win the state. At this point many believe Clinton to have a slight lead but I believe the truth in both races is yet to be determined. Stay tuned for more updates.

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If you build it they will come. The Gwinnett County Government Court system has its own special web site with a plethora of useful information you will want to come back to time and again. By visiting their web site at http://www.gwinnettcourts.com/#home/ you gain great insight into the Gwinnett County Court system as well as many free resources.

Material on how the traffic court process works as well as the magistrate and civil courts can be easily gleamed from the easy to follow prompts. There you can also discover information on Parenting Seminars, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Filing Continuances, Garnishments, and a wide variety of legal forms can be easily downloaded. You can also gain assess to Legal Assistance for Victims, the Sex Offender Registry, Partnership Against Family Violence and many other valuable resources and materials. You can also read about important changes regarding changes which are effective 1-1-08 for handling of child custody changes as well new requirements affecting both parties to a child custody case.

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There has been much excitement in the potential candidates for President.  Those were confirmed in a big way by the vote this past Thursday in the Iowa Caucasus.  Senator Barack Obama led the way with a good lead on the Democratic side while Mike Huckabee led the way with a similar lead on the Republican ticket.

While we are way too early to accurately declare a front runner for either party’s nomination, the vote in Iowa sent a strong message to all concerned.  America wants change.  We are tired of the status quo and want leaders who will focus on changing the present system for good.  Although I am very proud of how we, as a people, have responded to the war in Iraq, I believe it is now time to focus as much time, energy and effort in both the political process as well as in our issues at home.  That is not to say that we should just forget Irag, not by any means, or the progress made over there, but it is time to bring our soldiers home and let the Iraqi people govern their own home front.

Domestic issues, as they should, have long taken a backseat to international issues as America has worked to bring peace and stability to the world.  However, now it is time to focus on making the lives of all Americans better both now and in the future.  Medical costs, social assistance, reforming our legal system, Social Security and Medicaid are all in need of dramatic attention and reform, rather than the band aids which have been placed on the programs in the past.

Rise Up America!  Rise Up Now and make the world a better place for all.  Think globally while acting locally - changing your piece of the world, making our lives, business and the earth a better place for all.

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Business owners of all types should be well on their way to pulling together all of the information which will be needed in order to prepare their entities income tax returns. C Corporation as well as S Corporation returns are due March 15th/or within 75 days after the close of the corporations taxable year. C Corporations should file a Form 1120 while S Corporations should file a Form 1120S. LLC’s, LLP’s, and Partnership returns are due April 15th. If one is a single member LLC then you can file a schedule C as part of your personal return. Otherwise LLC’s, LLP’s, and Partnership Returns/a Form 1065 would be filed.

Regular or C Corporation Returns are required to pay taxes on all of the income they generate at the corporate level while all flow through entities (S Corporations, LLC’s, LLP’s, and Partnerships) issue a K-1, as a part of their income tax return, to each owner reflecting their share of each years profit or loss.

Although all income tax returns may be legally extended allowing for a later filing date please be reminded that an extension to file is not an extension to pay and that both the IRS and states will assess penalties and interest to late payment. Accordingly, start today on pulling your information together and get your return filed ASAP so that you can go back to focus on the task at hand of having a successful and prosperous 2008.

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