"A new year is unfolding—like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within. Lord, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good—with the comfort of warmth in our relationships, with the strength to help those who need our help and the humility and openness to accept help from others. As we make our resolutions for the year ahead, let us go forward with great hope that all things can be possible—with Your help and guidance." Anonymous

Last day to do anything about 2012. It is Monday, December 31, 2012 and we are prone to think back on another twelve months that God granted to us. I keep a daily calendar and this past year had more folks moving on up to their final reward than any in recent memory. In our family we lost my step sister Miriam, and our brother in law, Charles. We attended several memorial services for long term brothers in Christ from our local fellowship. We also said farewell to two more of our neighbors and several other friends and acquaintances. In my daily log I also noticed a number of ER visits, some hospital stays, and other noteworthy incidents. Then there were the regular doctor's appointments, diabetic numbers to report, birthdays, special occasions, anniversaries, and the day by day details of this that and the other, the so called nitty-gritty that reflects life lived in our fast paced society.

I'm thankful that my calendar included ministry opportunities that attempted to honor God by serving others. Thankful that He enabled me to do what I could. Thankful that He gave me the desire to do what I did. And, thankful for any and all honor that went to Him as a result of the small amount I may have contributed in His service. In fact, He was our constant in the year 2012 and we can only trust that He will be there, as He has promised, in the coming year of 2013. Yes. There was plenty of sadness to go around in 2012 but we attempted to lean on Him and we will seek to do the same as we anticipate a brand new year, up ahead. May God bless the memory of those we still remember and may He help us to live in a way that would be pleasing to Him in 2013. Happy New Year folks.  Amen.        .....More later.