Happy New Year!

Since it is 12:07 p.m. right now, it is officially New Year's Eve, and I should be in bed (especially since I am going to the temple tomorrow morning and will be up late tomorrow night).  But I wanted to end the year with one of my favorite quotes about the new year.  I found it years ago, and have loved it ever since.  I think it is something good for me to ponder on as a new year comes, with new challenges and opportunities.  I hope it speaks to you as it speaks to me:

Each year closes its volume of history and experience, leaving memories of some joyous days; of some success; of some achievement. Also of some sorrowful, anxious days; days of fear and misgiving and doubt.

As we look back we see that much of our worry was needless, caused by fear of what might happen. We crossed bridges which existed only in imagination. We suffered in anticipation of troubles which did not come. Therefore, our unhappiness was of our own making. Fear made us falter and worry made us weak. As we remember our doubts, fears, and weaknesses we hear Him again say, "O ye of little faith." (Matthew 6:30.)

In our individual and family lives during the past year we were confronted by problems, some of them grave and serious. We met reverses and some sorrow, but by His grace, our strength was sufficient.

May all members of the Church meet the new year with love in their hearts for all men, guided by the Holy Spirit, and accompanied by three companions: faith, hope, and courage.

We need stout hearts to meet the future, a future pregnant with unborn events and big with possibilities. Fear and apprehension will but unfit us for the fray. They conjure up unrealities, magnify and distort the possible future fact until it looms so large that we see no escape and cringingly await the crack of doom.

The evil of tomorrow loses much of its size as we approach it. Our eyes are not fitted with telescopic lenses so we must await a close-up for a proper focus, and then we shall find ourselves equal to the task. Persistent climbing levels the hills and gives added strength to travel on.

Looking back we see that the pattern of our lives, which sometimes seemed so baffling, has taken shape and meaning. We needed only faith to try, hope to inspire, and courage to endure.

Listen, then, to the voice of the angel of hope as she whispers, "The night passes; morning breaks, the day is dawning; it can be done; carry on!"

We look forward with calm assurance as we remember the Savior's oft-repeated admonitions: "Fear not" (see Luke 5:10, 12:7, 32; John 12:15); "Be not troubled" (see Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7; John 14:1, 27); "Peace be still" (see Mark 4:39). Faith made His calmness majestic, courage made Him Master of all. He never lost hope, for He knew God's love. He now bids us take His yoke upon us with a promise that our burdens will be light.

His guidebook for the pilgrim was the simple "Follow me."

May faith inspire hope and courage, and may love encompass all. With these companions, and with the help which He has promised, we will be greater than anything that can happen to us. (Hugh B. Brown, The Abundant Life, pg. 124)

I pray that I can face the new year with hope and faith, and that I can have complete trust in God that He will help me with any challenge or problem that might arise.  And, I pray that I can continually trust that good things are in store for me as well as challenges.  God is always faithful, and truly, His grace is sufficient!  May your 2010 be wonderful!  Happy New Year!