I always look forward to a New Year. There is a chance to begin again in certain areas of our lives and there are new opportunities ahead. Of course, none of us, know the future, but we do know the Oone who holds the future. One goal I accomplished in 2008 was reading through the Bible in my quiet time. I did it! I read through in the New Living Translation and it was great. I also kept a journal throughout 2008 and that was a real blessing.

This year I plan to read through the Bible in the Holman Christian Standard translation. I have also started another journal. I gave a journal to each member of my family and have encouraged each of them to read through the Bible in 2009.

In my new devotional journal there are thoughts from various writers on each page. On the first page the journal were these great thoughts from Gary Smalley and John Trent.

Loving God, loving others and finding value in ourselves--without a doubt, these three aspects of love are the most effective weapons against the destructive power of low self-worth. Genuine love is a gift we give others. It isn't purchased by their actions or contingent upon our emotions at the moment. It may carry with it strong emotional feelings, but it isn't supported by them. Rather, it is a decision we make on a daily basis that someone is special and valuable to us.

It is my prayer that you have a blessed New Year. Get in the Word and get the Word in you!

New Year's Day 2009, Bethany, Oklahoma