To this day, I still remember when it was time to go to the hospital to witness the birth of my first child.

I remember the 15-minute drive that seemed to take two hours.

I remember the fretting as I paced back and forth wondering when this blessed event would actually occur.

Time seemed to stand still for me.

But in just a few hours, as things progressed at their natural pace, here she came in all her glory.

Welcome to the world Miss Claudia Ruth Brown.

A new beginning was started, more glorious than I ever imagined. Regardless of any future circumstances, here was a gift from God.

Over the years Stephanie and I have been blessed to repeat this event three other times, and we now have four beautiful daughters.

I still remember every event like it was yesterday, and praise God for my daughters, daily.

This serves as a reminder that within the will of God, beginnings are wonderful things.

They are filled with excitement and uncertainty, while at the same time full of potential and opportunities.

We now are allowed the chance to share in a blessing of a new beginning.

God has given us a new year, so what will we do with that gift.

In His will and His timing, 2009 will begin.

Let us embrace this challenge, using it as a springboard for our faith and obedience.

We need to see an opportunity to reach a lost and dying world.

Seize this opportunity to pray diligently for God’s will and guidance, asking Him for direction and growth.

There is no limit to God’s faithfulness, only to ours.

So, as stated in Psalms 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusts in Him.”

Bo Brown is the pastor of Community Baptist Church in Maylene. The church can be reached by calling 664–1675.