2008 is a year that will be remembered as the year of change that impacted every sector of American society. 2008 is also a year where I saw many changes in my own life. Some changes came unexpectedly while others were highly anticipated. I remember the change in the economic climate when I went through a crisis at work wondering if we would be extended a bailout and have a job the next day. I remember the challenge of taking extra classes for school and changing an entire schedule around. I remember the thrill of starting a new morning service with church and moving forward on a long uphill climb. Throughout the year there were moments of both anxiety and exhilaration. There were new opportunities of ministry and old ones that went by. There were engagements, weddings, birthday parties and numerous family gatherings. There were short trips to Chicago and one long trip to the local pharmacy. In the midst of all the changes taking place around me, there was one constant in my life. His name is Jesus. I thank God that He was there through it all. There was never a time where I did not find comfort being in His presence. Not a day passed where I was not blessed by His Word. What can I say but that God is good and He never changes. I also thank God for my wonderful wife whos always supportive and stands by my side through all the changes we face together. I echo the words of Chris Tomlin “great is your faithfulness, true are your promises, you never change, you never fail, O God.” I say all this now because there was a day at the end of the year where discouragement crept in. Some things didnt work as I expected and doubts flooded my mind. It was then when God reminded me of His steady presence in my life throughout the entire year. Even when there were setbacks, He was still there. God is truly amazing and we will keep pressing on till this race is done!