Happy New Year.  During this time of the year many people reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future year.  As we think about the past, we must keep II Corinthians 5:17 in mind, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  In other words, don’t let past failures keep you from fulfilling God’s future plans for you.  We have this promise from God’s word, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  So as we make our New Year’s resolutions we should think of goals in many areas of our lives and pray for God’s guidance and help in setting and fulfilling them.  We are commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  So for your heart, you can set spiritual goals, like reading through the Bible this year, serving others in a ministry and staying close to God with prayer.  For your soul you can do your best in your studies and balancing your emotional life.  And finally, with all your strength you can stay healthy by exercising consistently and eating and drinking healthy foods and water.  Be blessed in 2012 and reflect on your daily life that it might please God.