Happy New Year!

There is something about funerals and the New Year's Eve that cause us to pause and reflect on life. I do think it is good for us to take inventory of our lives and make mid-course corrections.

I don't know about you, but I never really took the whole New Year Resolution thing seriously. I have found 2009 to be a pleasant year altogether. I know we are in the midst of a recession and all, but I believe it is during these times that we learn about what really matters. This morning, on the radio, I heard Mark Larson reference the old hymn "Count Your Blessings" in reflecting on his year. This hymn is really good. Check out the words:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

What great words of wisdom! Not sure what your goals are this year, but I have a few things I am shooting for this year:

1. To spend more time with God in prayer and in His Word. Anna and I have already started our quest to read through the Bible together.

2. To spend more time working when I am working and more time not working when I am not working! I would like to be a little more faithful taking my Sabath's and spending time with the family.

3. To exercise more faithfully! This one just has to be on the list, right? I actually found it very cliche that I purchased a two year gym membership last year on New Years Day--so funny! I have been pretty good and feel a lot better. I am hoping to keep the consistency up.

Well Happy New Year everyone! May you continue to draw closer to God and learn of the joy that comes through a relationship with Jesus!