Happy New Year!

I have always enjoyed New Years Eve. It is a time for reflection and new resolutions. As I look over my office I see remnants of the past year. The jar of sand from our trip to Aruba, The small glass bird I got from our exchange student Pete when he and his family visited in June, the small agate I got when Mark and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in Grand Marais...
From a work stand point I had the following successes

• Completed my first full year as CEO of NewTown - I am now part owner and have a first class staff in place Expanded my network of business friends
• Completed the ACE leadership course through the MHTA where I learned more about myself and honed my leadership skills.

On the personal side

• Mark and I celebrated 25 years of marriage (and yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat), and look forward to celebrating many more
• Ned and Ross both have grown into wonderful men. They have wonderful women in their lives who enrich and challenge them
• We have spent time with family and friends
• We discovered new places like Aruba and Grand Marais
• We have worked hard on our house to update and improve it
• We bought a boat and spent time out on the lake relaxing

We go into 2009 with concerns of the economy, Mom's health issues, and a new President. But we also are armed with the knowledge that God will continue to bless us as he has in the past and has a plan for us. "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. Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

We will see how his plans unfold over the next year. I know no matter what happens, God is with all of us. Have a blessed and safe New Year!