2009 Happy New Year

Yeah, I know it's a little premature, but hey, I'm looking forward to it.

Let's recap some of 2008.

To start, let's just say that I know of no one and I mean NO ONE, who has not had a difficult year. The economy has stunk to no end, gas prices were through the roof, I started a business in the worst economy in 40 years, and the government is just now realizing that this can't be fixed quickly. Wall Street still doesn't know yet because every time they get some rescue cash they head for the Bahamas or some place like that. Greed, Greed, Greed.

I do have to laugh though. It has always been my experience that thieves are chronic optimists, they always think they are smarter than every one else ( that's why they get caught).
Now we can look at Wall Street, they are saying yes, things are down but they will bounce back, or they say, I don't care if it bounces back yet or not, these stock prices are great, I'm bound to make a ton of money. Sounds chronically optimistic to me. Hmmm. they must be thieves.

So... enough of '08.... now for 2009

The bottom is always a good place to start, because there is only one way to go... UP
I personally have made a pledge to myself that I will not be down for 2009. I am going to do my best to make sure that this year is a good one for all of my friends and family. I'm looking forward to growth in my small business ( not riches mind you, growth), I'm looking forward to beefing up our Motorcycle Ministry, I'm looking forward to the economy making me cut back on non essential items and desires.

I know, I know.... sounds good from here but what about when we are in the trenches?

Okay.. good point. So.... Let's all follow these steps to get a better handle on what to do.

1. Wake up... pray and thank God for the day before it happens. Start each day like it was on purpose.

2. Read a couple of verses of the bible with your morning coffee (or tea), so that those words will be with you all day.

3. Head for work....knowing that God has given you the ability to provide for your family, and thank Him for that ability.

4. Perform your work..... with professionalism, integrity and honor, knowing that if your boss can't be pleased with the job you do, how could God? work like you are doing it for God, because you are.

5. Head for home.... thanking God for the honest days work for an honest days pay. Knowing that you gave your best and can sleep without regret of what you have done or should have done better.

6. Arrive at home.... Hang your job on the front porch, don't bring it inside. Now is time for family and friends.

7. Time for Supper..... give thanks with humility for what God has provided. eat hearty, because you will need your strength for tomorrow.

8. After Supper... quality time (doesn't have to be all evening) but you must spend some kind of quality time with the kids, even if it is just listening to what happened that day.

9. Spouse time.... A MUST!!!! There has to be communication, even if it is cleaning up the supper dishes together. Your wife/husband is a gift from God to be treasured. Share, listen, love.

10. Bed time.... a long day, earns needed rest... pray and give thanks to God for all the blessings of that day, thanking Him in advance for the sleep, and the day to come. Thank Him for the fact that even if tomorrow doesn't come, you have a place because of His greatest gift in Christ Jesus.


When you wake up start a # 1 and do it all again.
I like to call this 10 steps to contentment, you can call it what you like, but that is how I'm going to start my year, and I'm starting it tomorrow

Happy New Year & may God Bless you