2013... Time for a fresh start

by Jon Sampson

Happy New Year!

As I write this, my thoughts turn to tomorrow. You see, I'm heading back to work full-time at the Daily Times Herald as a graphic designer. For those of you who've known me a long time, you'll remember I worked there from 1997-2005. So it's a bit of a homecoming for me. I appreciate the second opportunity and look forward to a fresh start and second chances.

Second chances, you may ask? One of my regrets in life was not being more open and sharing with my faith while employed at the newspaper. Plus, in my early years there, I was a little too legalistic. OK, a lot legalistic. I blew chances to really reach co-workers for Christ. This morning, I asked Jesus to help me be bold and clever at work this year. I pray that He'll give me opportunities to share Christ in love and spiritually season my speech. I ask for your prayers in this matter as well and encourage you to take up this challenge as well in your own workplace and life.

Let's make 2013 a year of growth and movement at Central!

I'll leave you with a poem I found this morning on about.com/christianity...

I tried to think of a clever new phrase—
A slogan to inspire the next 365 days,
A motto to live by this coming new year,
But the catchy words fell flat to my ear.

And then I heard His still small voice
Saying, "Consider this simple, daily choice:
With each new dawn and close of day
Make new your resolve to trust and obey."

"Don't look back caught in regret
Or dwell on the sorrow of dreams unmet;
Don't stare forward anchored by fear,
No, live in this moment, for I am here."

"I am all you need. Everything. I Am.
You are held secure by my strong hand.
Give me this one thing—your all in all;
Into my grace, let yourself fall."

So, at last I'm ready; I see the way.
It's to daily follow, trust, and obey.
I enter the new year armed with a plan,
To give him my everything. All that I am.

--Mary Fairchild

Yours in Christ,

Jon