"Oh SOOOO Close!"

It started out as a great day and to be truthful it also ended great. We left for the blue turf Bronco stadium around 11 am (local time). We shared a cab with a mother and sister of one of the BGSU players. We had the opportunity to eat and mingle with other BGSU parents and fans at the BGSU Alumni tent. It was great to listen to the BGSU marching band and to talk to other parents.

Of course I have my own pregame routine. I have to be in stands, before the players come out onto the field for pregame warm up and drills. I concentrate on how Tyler is warming up and can usually tell how well the beginning of the game will go for him just by watching him. Of course both BGSU and Idaho were fired up to play the game.

To say the game was exciting is truly an understatement. I am willing to wager that the Humanitarian Bowl will go down as the most exciting game of the bowls for 2009. It was great to see Tyler play and I thought (bias as his father aside) he did very well. He did comment after the game that the only two holding penalties he has been called for all year occurred on national television. I did get some text messages from those of you who were watching the game to tell me ESPN commented on that great block Tyler had that lead to a touchdown.

I also tell my high school players that the game is never over until the time runs out. That statement was further exemplified by the final 32 seconds of the game today. Although I thought BGSU had won the game when Freddie Barnes caught his last touchdown pass of his college career, I also was worried BGSU left too much time on the clock for Idaho...my fear proved to be right. Who would of thought that the game would end with just a one point victory for Idaho 43-42.

It is obvious that Tyler is more resealant to the loss than I am . We got to talk to him after the game and even though he said it was disappointing he was already thinking about next year. He realizes he is the only senior on the line next year and will have to step up as the leader on the line. So as he was probably sleeping on the plane back to BG (they flew back right after the game)...his father is left with the last 32 seconds of the game going through his head...over and over and over and over.

It has been a wonderful experience and once again I and Kari are so thankful to those of the church family who made this happen. I wish I could share the feeling of seeing your child play in a bowl game on national television. As I stated before it is and will be a life long memory.

"That Darn Salt Lake City, Utah!"

The day started out very early, with Kari and I getting up at 4 am to try and get out the door by 4:30 am. We did not quite make it out by 4:30 am, but we were able to get to the Cinci airport in plenty of time to go through the heightened airport security.

There were other Bowling Green State University football players' parents on our flight. Of course I had the middle seat and wouldn't you know it I had to sit next to a very large man. He told me he was a big Ohio State fan and was on the plane to fly to California for the Rose Bowl game.

The flight from Cinci to Salt Lake City was a good one and everything went very well. Unfortunately Kari had to sit about 10 rows in front of me since it was the only two seats left on the plane when I booked the flight. But Salt Lake City got a little crazy. We started to back out from the terminal when the pilot came on and announced that there had been a electrical spike in the electrical system of the plane and he thought it blew some circuit breakers. So the maintenance people came on board and went to work. Well to make this story a little shorter...two hours later we were on our way to Boise.

The hotel we are staying in is the same hotel BGSU team is at. It is very nice and when we arrived we were able to spend time with Tyler. Of course he had a list of things to do the night before the game so we did not have a lot of time, but enough to get us excited about the game.

Well tomorrow is the big game...the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl with BGSU vs Idaho. According to the news outlets it should be a high scoring game since neither team "has a good defense." I am not concerned about how well Tyler will play...I know he will give 110 percent, I just don't want it to be a blowout for either team.

I want to thank my Speed Memorial Church family for making this trip and experience possible...it will be a life long memory.

Faith, Fatherhood, Football and now GRANDFATHER

This week has been a very moving and a blessed week! On Monday, Nov. 23, at 4:11 pm, our granddaughter, Kaydence Marie Brazzille was born. I may be a little prejudice, but she is beautiful and perfect. I was not ready for the emotion that came when I was able to hold her just minutes after she was born.

I remember being in the delivery room when my children were born and that was overwhelming, but holding the daughter of my own daughter was very moving. I found tears of joy streaming down my face and the realization that my life has been forever changed...for the better.

Both Kari and I have been overwhelmed with the emotions that come from now being called "Grandma and Grandpa." Although I must confess I don't feel like a grandfather...don't know how I was going to feel when that day came and that maybe why I don't feel like one.

We are extremely proud of Andrea and Cliff! It is obvious that Cliff is going to be a great father and Andrea a great mother. It is humorous and cute that it takes Cliff 20 minutes to change a diaper! He tries to be so meticulous and so careful when he changes Kaydence's diaper...I am sure that time will speed up as he gets more practice.

I pray that you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving...for the Donahues this will be a Thanksgiving of joy and celebration and praising God for blessing us with this wonderful gift named Kaydence Marie Brazzille!

"What's Your Purpose?"

It is a question that we all ask sometime in our lifetime. It is a question that haunts us and causes us to rethink what we are doing or not doing in our lives. One way to start working on answering that question is to start asking God for help...for it is God who gives our lives purpose?

Scripture tells us without God we are nothing and without God we can lose our way and purpose. I believe that every one's purpose in life is to help others. That means to give positive comments and support to persons who are struggling. When you do that you demonstrate the love and embrace of God in their lives.

In Galatians we read that the fruit of the spirit is peace, joy and love. The greatest gift for us in our quest for purpose is to connect with God. Take time out and spend it with God, ask for direction, but more important take time out to listen for the answer.

"Win Every Day!"

It was just a phrase to motivate a high school football team, but it has become more than a phrase it has become a way of life. I took the idea for the phrase from a successful Iowa high school head football coach who was shot and killed by a former football player. That phrase became what we said as a team before, during and after each practice and every game.

In August I became the head coach of the Silver Creek High School football team. This team is in its second year of playing football. One of the things I have learned coaching football for 17 years is that to be an effective coach you have to care for your players on and off the field. I felt that the phrase was one that did exactly that and it has proven to be an accurate statement.

Of course there is another reason I use the phrase...it directly ties into Jesus Christ. With Christ, no matter what the situation or circumstance we "Win Every Day!" When that concept becomes part of your thinking and actions it truly becomes a way of life. I was pleased to learn from some of the players' parents that their sons had put that phrase up in their rooms. One parent said it was to remind her son when he didn't want to take time to do his homework...if he was to "Win Every Day!" he would have to do it.

So my question to you is are you living a life where you can say "Win Every Day!" and if you are not what is stopping you from having that sort of life? If you are struggling with the concept of that phrase, then its time you ask Christ to help you out. When you do that you will discover the freedom and reward of living your life by starting everyday out with "WIN EVERY DAY!"

"Sight For Sore Eyes!"

My attendance at the conference of the International Council of Community Churches was not only a good one, it was in some aspects a life changing event. It reconfirmed my stance on being ecumenical and my desire to have others understand the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

I am excited about being on the committee to plan the annual conference in 2010 in Indianapolis, IN. I hope that several of the members of Speed Memorial Church will be able to attend that conference. It should be a very interesting conference since we are celebrating the 60th year of the ICCC and we will be celebrating our collective heritages.

Thursday morning I woke up at 5 am (6 pm Sellersburg time) and decided instead of just laying there I would start back. The drive was very easy...no traffic that early in the morning and to be honest very restful. For me driving is a "God time" for me and I am able to feel His presence when I drive and also a time of discovery with God.

I can tell you the thing that made me become overwhelmed with joy was seeing Speed Memorial Church (my view of the church when I drove up is pictured with this blog). It gave me such a sense of joy and wanting to praise God for calling me to be senior pastor. It also reminded me of how much my family fits in this community and how much of a blessing it has been for Kari, Mitchell, and Tyler.

It was great to go to the conference, but it was definitely a "sight for sore eyes" to see my home...
Speed Memorial Church.

"Bear of a Day...But A Good One!"

Today was the last day of the conference ending with the banquet which is a highlight of the day. The photo you see with this blog I took of the bear in the exhibit in the Arch Museum. The day started out with the youth (56 in all) in charge of the morning worship service. They did a fantastic job and it is the council's goal to double that number at next year's conference.

The "bear" of the day was the workshop I attended following the the worship service. The workshop was entitled, "To the Tune of a Welcoming God: Homosexuality and the Bible." Conducted by Father River Sims. Father Sims is a very unique Catholic priest who is independent of the Roman Catholic Church and is a celibate homosexual man. He lives in San Fransisco and has a homeless, drug addict and "sex worker" ministry on the streets of San Fransisco. Father Sims has been a member of the ICCC for three years now and has been conducting this workshop for all three years.

He explained how we have misinterpreted scriptures concerning homosexuality...from Sodom and Gomorrah to the writings of the Apostle Paul. He has a very calming voice and was open to those who ridiculed him openly during our discussion time. I was amazed at some pastors and lay people who spoke of homosexuality in very hateful terms and voice. I was also sadden to learn from Father Sims that he had a death threat note left under his door the night before for doing this workshop. I was amazed at the depth of his faith when he said, "if I must die to serve a loving and caring God in the name of Jesus Christ...so be it!" Now that my friends is the definition of true faith.

The evening ended with the annual banquet a highlight of the conference. New officers were installed and the annual awards were given out. During the banquet the planning committee members for the 2010 annual conference were announced. I am very honored to serve the council in this capacity since this will be the celebration of our 60th year in existence. The 2010 conference is slated to take place as the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites with the theme being "Embracing Our Heritage: Freedom, Community, Love."

I am looking forward to the drive back home and the old saying is true..."there is no place like home."

"Flowing Like Water!"

Today has been a very long, but very rewarding day of the conference. It began with one of the best worship services I have attended at any conference. The music was unbelievable and the sermon was not only moving it had a lot of humor in it. Also the sermon went over 35 minutes it was so good that the time just flew by.

Today I had the opportunity to set down with Michael Livingston, the executive director of the I.C.C.C., concerning my role for the conference to be held in Indianapolis, IN in 2010. I am serving on the planning committee for the conference and it is going to be a special conference since it will celebrating the Council's 60th year in existence. We are already planning to go to Indy in September to do a walk through of the hotel we may use next year.

The ministerium meeting was very fruitful. We learned there is money available for ministers to use for continuing education and the ministerium voted to approve an expenditure of $3,000 for ministers who apply for continuing education from now until next year's conference.

My Zone meeting was also very productive. We are part of the Central Region, Zone A. The exciting part is the Zone A spring conference is to be held on May 15, 2010 and they would like for Speed Memorial Church to consider hosting the event. It would be only on that Saturday from 8 am...lunch served and then adjourn around 2 pm. Speed Memorial Church Council this is something we need to talk about when I get back.

One of the highlights (yes there were many) was the evening worship service with Saundra Nelson preached. I have known Saundra for 15 years and she is one of the most active persons in the Council. Saundra is from California and will be installed as the Council's president at Wednesday's closing banquet. She has asked me to head up the rebirth of the AGAPE TEAM, which I was a part of when it was started 15 years ago.

The words that came to me tonight thinking about the day is the the conference was "flowing like water" today. Wednesday is the closing day of the conference ending with the big banquet. I have enjoyed my time at conference and have a lot to share when I get back....but I can not wait to be home!

"Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings!"

Today was a day filled with meetings. Starting the day out with a very energetic worship service, then a worship, business meeting and then ending with a ministerium meeting. I am always amazed at the worship services at the conference. You have people who are charismatic and then people who won't move even if a tornado came through.

The business meeting was very interesting and I am glad the council is starting to move forward and looking to increase its membership. One of the good moves (something I have been advocating for years) is that the days of the conference are changing from Sunday to Wednesday to Monday through Friday in 2010. It is the hope that this will allow for more activities to take place and more things for pastors.

In the ministerium meeting we talked about how there really are no workshops for pastors. We hope that next year there will be several for pastors to help increase their knowledge and leadership in a church. I also found out there has been $17,000.00 set aside just for that and it has never been used.

Tomorrow will also be a very long and meeting intensive day. My regional meeting is not being held until 9 pm and my body is telling me that is actually 10 pm (I am on central time here). I am getting a lot of good information to bring back that I feel will enhance our ministry at Speed Memorial.

"I Made It!'

It was a short but long four hours to the big city of St. Louis, MO. The last hour was the longest I think I have every driven and for a moment I thought I got lost and was in Nebraska. With that being said, it was a stress free drive and I had a great "God" time.

It is amazing to come over the bridge into St. Louis and see the skyline and see that one of a kind St. Louis Arch! Driving downtown St. Louis is very different from driving in Chicago. The streets of Chicago are always full and downtown St. Louis (I arrived at 6:30 pm Sellersburg time) was like driving in a ghost town.

I am getting my exercise walking 5 blocks from my hotel to the hotel the conference is being held. The hotel I am staying is the Omni Majestic and is a very cool hotel. When I got to the conference hotel I got to listen to a fantastic gospel group and reconnected with several people I have not seen in years.

Monday I plan to attend a workshop on "Barrier Free Churches" and then talk to some people I was able connect with to talk to them about their churches and what they are doing.

It should be a very interesting day and I invite you to return to my blog and read all about it.

"We Are Very Proud Parents!"

Forgive me, because I am going to express in this edition of my blog how proud Kari and I, my wife, are of our children. We as parents know that our prayer is that our children will grow up and become wonderful adults...Kari and I are blessed that our children are demonstrating that prayers are answered. We have four children and I will tell you about each one of them starting from the oldest to the youngest.

Our oldest daughter Andrea lives in a suburb of Chicago, IL. She is married to Cliff...one of the nicest young men and the greatest son-in-law a parent can ask for. In fact, Kari and I feel like Cliff is our son...not a son-in-law. Andrea has always been blessed with the ability of teaching young children and she is presently a kindergarten teacher in a private corporate day care center. Cliff is trying to become a law enforcement officer. He has passed his merit exam and almost set a new time record for the agility and obstacle course. He just has the interview left. I am so proud of both of them and in November they will make us grandparents for the first time with the birth of Kaydence Marie...yes it is a girl!

Kassandra (Kassi) lives in northern Indiana. She works for a well know store, but what we are the most proud of her is that she has gone to school to become a vet tech. Although Kassi struggled in high school she has been on the dean's list ever semester which is quite an accomplishment! Her dream is to someday work in a large zoo and we pray that she will be able to see that dream come to pass.

Tyler is a red-shirt junior (senior academically) at Bowling Green State University at Bowling Green, OH. Tyler is living out his dream, from high school, to play for a Division 1 college football program. Tyler is 6'7" 305 lbs and will start as right offensive tackle. Including this season he has two years left to prepare himself for his next dream...playing in the NFL. We are very excited about the upcoming season and can not wait to be in Doyt Stadium again. He is also talented when it comes to photograph and graphic arts. He is majoring in visual communications and (unlike some college football players) will leave his BGSU football experience with a degree in hand.

Our youngest of the four children is Mitchell who will be a senior at Silver Creek High School this fall. Yes we are under a year from officially becoming empty nesters! Mitch is a very unique young man who has never met someone who he could not call a friend. From a very young age Mitch has demonstrated a talent as an artist. His ability to draw or sculpture is amazing. His other talent is in the field of music...which we believe is really his love. He has an amazing voice and can play a variety of instruments. He recently joined a rock band as their lead singer and we enjoy listening to them play at their gigs. Mitchell's dream is to become a high school band instructor or drama instructor. We are very proud of his drive and to be open what the future may bring him.

We can say God has blessed us with four wonderful children. As King Solomon wrote in Proverbs "Good children are a crown to their mother and a joy to their father." We pray that whatever the future holds for them it is one filled with possibilities and joy. We can say to Andrea, Kassi, Tyler and Mitch...we are so proud of you both and love you so much!

With Love,
Mom and Dad

"When All Else Fails!"

There are things in our lives that hit us like a ton of bricks and makes us take stock of what we are doing in our lives. Recently I have come to realize that, just when you think you have everything figured out...life takes a hard turn. It is something that usually is not the most pleasant thing to have happen, but in time it turns out to be the best thing that can happen.

As a pastor, I struggle with the feeling that I have to "save" everyone I come in contact with. I, by nature, am a fixer and I think that since I have been called by God to be in the ministry I should be able to help people. Things that have occurred recently made me realize something that I had lost perspective of...something that I learned a long time ago in ministry. My role is to demonstrate the life that Christ intends us to live, but I am just the messenger and no matter how I try not everyone is going to get it. That, my friends, is a hard lesson to learn at times.

What does this have to do with you? Well we all have people in our lives who seemed to not get it when it comes to accepting Jesus Christ in their lives. You talk to them...explain to them how their life will change and they still seem to go down a very destructive path. We all need to remember that we can only deliver and demonstrate what Christ is all about. And there will be some people who will never get it.

That means when we think we have failed with someone we need to remember to turn it over to the Lord. We also need to remember to keep those folks in our prayers and to continue to talk with them in a caring manner. So the next time you become frustrated with a person...just remember "when all else fails" just turn it over to the Lord!

"How's Your Heart?"

It seems like as Christians we have lost the foundation of what Christ has asked us to do in our daily lives. There are many people who profess to be Christians who are able to spout out scripture like a machine gun but they have forgotten one important aspect of being a Christian...the heart. I say that because throughout the Gospels Christ (when he heals someone) says, "your faith has healed you." Not "I" have healed you, but "your faith has healed you."

That comment alone demonstrates how we have to feel...the heart...what we believe. For me the acronym for faith is Faith Always Involves The Heart. It is easy to be able to quote scripture or to say you have followed some sort of steps to Christ, but the real test is whether or not you truly believe it with your heart and soul. For some that is very difficult because once it is part of your heart and soul you have to live it...not just talk it. As the old saying goes, "You not only have to talk the talk, but you have to walk the walk."

My prayer for you is that if you have not already accepted Jesus Christ into you heart and soul that you do that. It will change you life in such away that you thought not possible. It will also allow you to have a relationship with Christ that will get you through time that you are not able to do on your own.

As scripture states, "you are to love you God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul." It's time that you start adding the heart and soul into your relationship with Christ...it will be the greatest present you could give yourself!

"Unbelievable Strength!"

Through out our life things happen that demonstrates where we get the qualities that we possess. On Tuesday, May 19, and the days following I discovered where I received my inner strength to go on in difficult times. On that day my mother, Betty Jo Donahue had her second major back surgery in six years.

The first back surgery was a tough one for her and I know that she was concerned that the second back surgery could be a repeat of the first. But this time she possessed a very positive attitude and was willing to do whatever it took to eliminate the severe hip and leg pain that she has had to deal with over the last several years. She not only went through the surgery well she was able to go home on Sunday, May 24.

She realizes that the next several months are going to be tough, but she (pain and all) is continuing her positive attitude and is ready to face those months. That to me is amazing...and her drive to get better is one that few people I have known in my life are able to sustain.

This is not the only time I have seen my mother demonstrate unbelievable inner strength. In 1994 she lost her youngest son (my only sibling) to cancer. Randy (also a person with unbelievable inner strength and faith) was having his second liver transplant when the cancer was discovered. I know that it took a toll on not only her but also my father, Kenneth Donahue. Even though at times we cry because he is no longer with us, we go on...the exact thing Randy would expect us to do.

So to my mother and father, thank you for being the persons you are. For showing me what it means to take on whatever life puts in front of you with the attitude of "bring it on!" I am truly blessed that God gave me such outstanding parents and role models to emulate in my own life. No son could be any prouder than I am of them and no son could love them as much as I do!

So the next time you discover a certain trait in your life that makes you a stronger person...take time to thank the people who gave you those traits...THANKS MOM AND DAD!

"Stop Worrying and Just Accept!"

One of the saddest things that I encounter in my ministry is when I hear Christians talk about being so "worried" about something. It saddens me because they have lost what Christ brings to our lives and that worry is counter to God's grace and embrace.

Christ in Matthew 6:25 says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." and we as humans have a very tough time doing that. It is natural to worry...it is not healthy to constantly worry about things. The problem with worrying is that we tend to let it consume us and control our actions. Christ is trying to tell us to "trust God" and not to worry, because when worry it consumes us and we loose the ability to enjoy our life and loose our connection with God.

If you are one that worries constantly, try giving what it is you are worrying to God in prayer. Christ says in scripture that we are to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross...that means our worries. If you can do that the joy of having Jesus Christ in your life will increase and the joy of just living will once again return to you.

But if you do worry and are struggling remember "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"Dribbles, Shoots, Scores!"

We are now in the season of "March Madness." People are watching the NCAA tournament or the NIT on television. I have been thinking about the hype and all the attention paid to the tournament and discovered that our faith journey is like playing basketball. The following I call "A Basketball Guide to Faith:"

A Basketball Guide to Faith

1. FREE THROWS represent our opportunity to do good. Basketball even refers to the “charity line” where those shots are taken. Missed free throws are missed opportunities we all have to do good deeds.

2. TURNOVERS are those times when we try to do something good and faithful, but we fail. This usually happens when we do not rely upon others on our faith journey. Most us will have turnovers in our faith journeys…times when we are unable to accomplish even the basic aspects of discipleship.

3. REBOUNDS are second chances to score and achieve a faithful life. God continues to allow us to “rebound” when we fall short of following Him.

4. FOULS are those mistakes, errors, and sins that we commit when we break the rules. It reminds us that there is a cost when we break the rules of the game.

5. THREE-POINT SHOTS are those dramatic times when our best and most faithful efforts being results, even more results then normal.

6. THE SHOT CLOCK and the game clock reminds players that a basketball game has limits. In our faith journey we are reminded that our time is limited. If we want to be faithful we must live our lives with a sense of urgency because our time is limited. That is probably the reason John Wesley urged his followers “Do not trifle your time away.”

7. CHEERING SECTION is a group of fans who are clapping, shouting and cheering urging the team on to success. As it states in Hebrews we are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” of those Christians who have passed on from life to death to life. As Christians we will always have the “home court advantage” when we hear and feel the support in the grandstands (the church) of those who are praying for us and cheering for us to finish faithfully.

8. FINAL SCORE in a basketball game decides which team has won the game. Fortunately for us as Christians we already know the final score…it is assured victory in Jesus Christ.

9. THE COACH on a basketball team is the one who guides, directs, disciplines, encourages, plans, recruits, and teaches the team how to play well. For our faith journey we have the Spirit of Jesus Christ as our “coach” and advocate.

10. A GOOD DEFENSE..in all sports a good defense helps to win games. We have Satan who is always trying to “block our shot” to Christ. He can be as deceptive as a 2-3 collapsing zone and sometimes as bold as a man to man defense. What we have to remember is the Christ will always help us win the game of life!

"God's Art Work"

Nothing demonstrates the handiwork of our Lord as springtime. It is a time when things definitely seem to come to life. It is one of my favorite times of the year...not too cold and not too hot!

I like to equate spring to what it feels like when you feel the embrace of God. Spring is when plant life comes alive and that is exactly what it feels like when God touches you...you come alive. Now sometimes that touch can frighten us if we are not used to it, but I can tell honestly say there is nothing to be afraid of.

So as the grass starts to turn green and the trees start to bud, take time out and walk with God. Nothing will invigorate you more than to just take in the handiwork of God. This is especially important when we have come off a very rough winter. Like winter our spirit also gets cold and we feel a bleakness in our spirit. If you want to know how to get out your spirit out of the winter blues think of God touching you with the same handiwork as He does nature during spring.

Time To Prepare

Next week we will begin the season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday with an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 25th at 7 pm. No season of the church life has more of an impact than the season of Lent. It is a time that we remember the greatest gift ever given...the death of Jesus Christ on a cross out of love for each one of us!

Over the years I have been asked "what should I give up for Lent?" or "what should I sacrifice for Lent?" Well my answer is always nothing. I don't have a problem with people who follow that tradition of giving up something for Lent if it is a means of connecting themselves with God, but it is not necessary. Especially since Christ said that he was the final sacrifice and we do not have to sacrifice any longer.

Take time during the Lenten season to reconnect with our loving savior Jesus Christ. You can do it by attending weekly Lenten services or by taking time out from your busy schedule and walk with God.

My prayer for you is that the season of Lent will be a means of grace in your life. For it is nothing when have done that Jesus Christ went to the cross for each one of us...it was God's love and grace that Christ endured the greatest sacrifice!

"Another Year!"

It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone! It is equally hard to believe that 2009 is here, since I remember vividly when 2000 started and all the hoopla over Y2K. As with the start of any new year, 2009 brings with it a lot of anticipation and possibilities. Another new year also brings with it what it means to have Jesus Christ in one's life.

The new year is a new start...the old has been wiped away and we have a new start. The same is true when we accept Jesus Christ in our lives. When you accept Jesus Christ with all you heart, mind and soul everything before that time is wiped clean and you have a new beginning.
Even though we remember what we have done in the past after we have accepted Jesus Christ...Christ has no record of what it is we remember doing.

A new year also brings, for some people, a list of resolutions. Resolutions are okay as long as you don't beat yourself up when you are unable to keep one. Remember they are just goals to try and improve yourself, but as it goes with some other type of goals you can not make them all.

One resolution you can make for 2009 and succeed at it, is to accept Jesus Christ and live your life to honor and praise Him. My prayer for you is that 2009 is a joyous and blessed one for you!