Another year is in the books and another one is beginning.  I have never been a big fan of looking back.  It seems like this time of the year everyone wants to talk about last year.  CNN wants to tell us the top news stories of last year.  ESPN wants to tell us the top sports stories of last year.  Music channels and radio station want to talk about the top songs of last year.  Business publications want to talk about the top business stories of last year.  And the list goes on and on. 

I am a firm believer that we can learn from the past, both the good and the bad.  I make my living in business and you can be sure I have studied the investment and management styles of many people.  I learn a lot by studying the past, but I don't want to live there!  I consider myself a fairly intelligent person and I feel as though I can forge a few new ideas of my own!  Not only that, but I look forward to doing so!

2008 is shaping up to be an important year.  Probably the most important thing we will do in the United States is elect a new President.  I encourage everyone to begin to research these candidates and to get involved.  As I write this, I am watching the coverage of the Iowa Caucuses and Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee appear to be the big winners.  Choosing a President can be tough.  I believe you need to ask the Lord to guide you in this decision.

Every year I always enjoy trying to predict what will happen in the coming year.  I am NOT going to try to predict who will win the election.  I am not even going to tell you my current choice is.  As a student of business and someone who makes a living in that field, I do believe we will see some tough times ahead in 2008 for the US economy.  The price of oil is skyrocketing and the housing market and subprime markets are reeling.  The stock market is very volatile and investment companies and banks are taking losses and write-downs right and left. 

There is one thing I am happy for!  No matter what I face this year, I will have the Lord by my side.  Thanks God for that.  I could not imagine facing these situations without God.  I trust that everyone reading this knows the Lord as their personal Savior.  If you don't, you can!  It doesn't matter who you are, where you have been or where you are going, God can and will change your life!  Please call on Him today!

Life is uncertain.  No one has any promise of another minute here on earth.  I know, however, that when my life on earth is over, my eternal life in Heaven will just be beginning!

A new year is always a great time of hope!  Why not start your year with the Lord on your side?

Until next time!

God Bless,

Scott Evans

Editor, Southern Gospel Music Forum

www.sgmusicforum.com