Can you believe that we have just started another new year? How quickly they seem to go. The year 2009 will live in most of our memories because of the way it started. Of course, I'm speaking of the ice storm. I have never been more impressed with Murray/Calloway County as I was during the ice storm. It seems like Calloway County rose to the occasion to serve each other. There were many individuals and organizations that did a splendid job of serving. However, what I noticed is almost everyone did their part to contribute to the success of a serious situation. It may sound a little silly but I thank God for the opportunity of living through the 2009 ice storm. I would add though, I hope never to have that opportunity again.

So I wonder what 2010 has in store for us. Will I get rich or famous, or do something great like win the Nobel Peace Prize? I think not. I would dare say that it will hold some challenging times, some good times, some joyful times and probably times that we never want to repeat. I trust that whatever 2010 has in store for us, the Lord will carry each of us through and we will be more mature Christians on the other side. I love the words the old song writer Horatio G. Spafford penned: "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul." The Lord has called each of us to walk by faith and not by sight. We have to trust that He is Lord in ALL times and in ALL times we are to give thanks. He never said that "Life is easy" but He did say "His grace is sufficient."

Micah 6:8 is a verse that means a great deal to me. It is one of those verses that helps to steer my life. It says, "He has shown  you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." The part of this verse that ministers to me is that He tells us two things to do that deals with people and only one that deals with God. To do justly and to love mercy has to do with my fellow man. I need to do what is right and to desire good things for others. God bless you in 2010. My prayer is that you walk in health, laugh with your friends and family and have enough resources that you can help others along the way.

Blessings, Eric Kelleher