Faith and Hope are the theme for this year's edition. I hesitated to use the word Hope at first, as it seems almost a cliche' these days. However, it's an important, strong word that is inspiring to me.

Faith is also an important word-for many reasons. As a small business owner, I have to apply the concept of faith constantly, especially in this topsy turvy economy (which I tried not to participate in, but soon discovered I had no choice.)

Hope is definitely something I see within the small business community. Many are frustrated with government spending and waste (past and present), but still lock arms and band together to fight back and struggle to stay open. We all need to think shop local. The following quote sums it up: Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. -Dale Carnegie

I'm trying to turn the negative into a positive in our personal lives. We don't eat out as much now, so we cook family meals at home. Our 3-year-old gets to participate and it's a win-win for everyone (with toddlers, it's not always pleasant to be out, anyway). Also, we're trying to re-train our minds: We can go to a playground for free and we don't have to travel far for a vacation. There are many treasures in our own communities and states to experience.

Jimmy Carter said: I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. My faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands ... I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference. Carter's words are so inspiring to me. They remind us that we can all make a difference, no matter how small we think it is.

Be sure to check out our Web site, www.BizWithHeart.com, where there is a complete list of locations you can find The Green Book. You can look up the same listings that are in the print edition of The Green Book- but there are also additional listings that are not in the print edition (as well as updated versions). New in 2009: buy a CD of the entire issue for $5. With that, you also get optional updated information via e-mail if an advertiser moves or changes companies between the yearly publishing cycle.

I welcome your input and ideas any time of year!

Live Well - Laugh Often - Love Much

Larissa
Owner/Publisher