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January, 2003 HERE'S MY HEART...There's something about "New Beginnings", isn't there? Sometimes it means something as simple as "starting over", or just getting "another opportunity", or a "fresh outlook". And, it happens to most of us at this time each year. When we "flip the calendar" for the final time in December, or simply put a new calendar in it's place, it's like we're "starting over", brand new, with a clean slate. It's January 2003, a brand new year, and all it affords us. What will this new year bring? Well, we obviously don't know all the "specifics", but some things we can know. This year, like all other years before it, will bring new OPPORTUNITIES. You may get a new job, or a new house, or get married, or bring a new baby into the world. You may take on a new position of servanthood or leadership at church, or a new responsibility on your job. These, and many more things like them, can become OPPORTUNITIES to do some things for God you have never done before. But, this year, like every other year, will also bring new CHALLENGES. There will be challenges to go deeper in your relationship with God and through the ministries of His church. There will be challenges about mission-awareness and mission-involvement that you might not have considered before. There will be challenges to step up, and step out, to be more bold in witness and sharing of our faith. And, this year, like every other year, will likely present some new OBSTACLES. There is always the possibility of new health concerns, financial setbacks, criticisms, resentment, and all the other "pitfalls" and barriers that can come our way. Yet, the wonderful, amazing thing about CHALLENGES and OBSTACLES, is that God can turn these into OPPORTUNITIES to minister in His Name. It all depends on how we see them. As the old adage often reminds us, "is the glass half full, or half empty?" It's all in how you see it. So, as we begin this new year, let's just understand that there will likely be some challenges, some brand new challenges. And, there will likely be some obstacles, some brand new obstacles. But, we serve a God who can change all of these into OPPORTUNITIES. That's what we need to look for. God bless you. Happy New Year! Jim Clayton |