The Passing of a Year - December 31, 2008

Good Wednesday morning, and the last morning for 2008! This year has not lacked for interesting, that can be said both for me and for the nation. We elected a new president this year and, allegedly, saw his former senate seat put up for an informal auction by an, allegedly, crooked governor. We saw many layoffs and bankruptcies due to what has at last been acknowledged as a recession in the economy. We continue to endure rumors of more layoffs and foreclosures of people's homes. Folks who have money are sitting on it, folks who do not are wondering how they will make it in the next year. The Summer Olympics took place in China this year and we saw a man win 8 gold medals. The mainstream media has also come to face the possibility that the whole Iraq thing might just work out for the better. Afghanistan remains in doubt, but looking though history the question arises; hasn't it always been in doubt?

One more interesting note for this year... I graduated college and like most college graduates, I face a time of great uncertainty. While being older than most grads gives me a different perspective, it isn't my age that gives me hope for the future. I have hope because Jesus reigns in my heart! Think of how many people came to trust in the saving grace of Jesus this year; now that is good news! Churches and ministries are still open and trusting in God, the Word continues to reach out, and we still have the Internet to reach out to each other and the world. An interesting year may include bad news, certainly this year did, but it doesn't have to. Next year, 2009, may bring steadily increasing good news to the world as more people come to trust in Jesus instead of the powers of this world. On the other hand, this may be the final plunge into the great tribulation. That would mean Jesus is coming soon! Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Paul may have written that at the end of some period deemed significant back in the day, or he may have simply reminded us of God's good rain, showering the blessings down upon us. Remember 2008, and have a great and joyful 2009 in Christ Jesus!

Your friend in Christ,
Bucky