2009

Last night for the first time in many years we decided to spend New Years eve @ home. As we watched the clock ticking away anticipating the birth of the New Year, my son was on my mind. He was all tucked in bed, sleeping without a care in the world. The dawn of a New Year meant nothing to him. And if you think about it, nothing really changes except for the few checks we will waste when filling in the date. Nothing really changes! People go to bed on December 31st and wake up with the same ol' problems. The birth of the New Year hasn't changed your bank balance, hasn't changed broken relationships, hasn't healed diseases. But we still wait in sheer excitement has a New Year passes by year after year.

So what makes it special? Well, I think it is you & I, we make the difference. The birth of a New Year along with hope and an unending resolve to make changes makes it a beautiful thing. Without these, it is as good as a Monday night in March. The New Year is certainly not going to miraculously change things around, but it does open up a new chapter in a life. I pray the good Lord will give us the strength and wisdom as we write the pages of this chapter. So when the next year comes along, we don't write words of despair, but words of hope and joy!

Happy New Year!

2007

Another year is dawning,
Dear Father let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with thee.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness,
The glory of thy face.

Another year of leaning
Upon thy loving breast,
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service,
Of witness for thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee.

- Frances R. Havergal

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR - Benjamins'