NEW YEAR ANTICIPATIONS

From My Perspective - - -

What will the New Year 2009 hold for us? Can we all be assured it will be a “Happy New Year”? There is an interesting Fortune Magazine series of articles on http://money.cnn.com where indication is given to 8 SCARY PREDICTIONS for the next two years; and a summary of the 21 DUMBEST MOMENTS IN BUSINESS IN 2008.

Retrospect is always valuable! One can assess the negative situations and experiences to determine what could’ve and should’ve been done differently if the future involves one in similar circumstances, situations and experiences. One can also learn from the positive situations and experiences and evaluate in terms of how these positives can be improved upon to increase the merit and worth of them in the future. In other words, there should always be the openness and readiness to move forward and upward in a more effective way.

A favorite summary for one’s life should be: “I’m not what I used to be and I’m not all I’m going to be!” This phrase can be adjusted to: “I’m no longer where I once was and I haven’t yet reached the destination of where I am going to be!” Life is lived on a continuum and should always be progressing toward achieving one’s Core Values and Goals. For instance, the Goals of the U.S. Army are clearly stated as part of their Philosophy of Training and Values expected to be embraced by all recruits. Those values are: Loyalty; Duty; Respect; Selfless Service; Honor; Integrity; Personal Courage. The Recruits memorize these values and can repeat them in full. The military values, in summary, mean:
LOYALTY: Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone.
DUTY: Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team….Our work entails building one assignment onto another.
RESPECT: We pledge to 'treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.' Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people.
SELFLESS SERVICE: Selfless service is larger than just one person…you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain.
HONOR: Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.
INTEGRITY: Do what's right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles.
PERSONAL COURAGE: Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.

Consider these things with me - - - Scary Predictions and Dumbest Moments aside, one’s life should never consist of things or “stuff”! In Luke 12:22-26, 29-32 (NLT) Jesus stated: “I tell you, don't worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?... Don't worry about food – what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't be afraid…” If this becomes basic to YOUR CORE VALUES, you will have a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We don’t need to be concerned with HOW God will do it – just remain focused on the Truth that God WILL do it for those who have placed their Faith and Trust in Him alone!