It was 35 years ago and I had just graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. I was trying to decide what to do with my life. I had graduated with a BBA in Marketing and was looking for a job. I had a great time in college and made many special friends, but it was time to grow up and find a job.

It was at this time that a verse in the Bible jump out at me. It was Proverbs 3:5-6. Those verses say, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." As a young man who had no idea where he was going in life, I wrote this on an index card and tape it to my mirror so that I would see it ever day.

This became a guiding philosophy of my liife. It was during 1976 that my life began the change that would eventually bring me to be a pastor of a church. Several major events took place that year and I had to take a couple of major chances in life. It was during this year that Proverbs 3:5-6 was always at the forefront of my thoughts.

35 years later - It is still my favorite verses in the Bible. It is more important to me today than ever before. I have learned that there is great safety in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though I may not know where I am heading in the future, I know that I can trust the Lord to take care of me. In fact 35 years later - the straightness of the paths is truly amazing. I would not change any of the years of my life and I am grateful each day for the leading of the Father in heaven.

My goal is to do three things this year
1) Trust in the Lord with all my heart
2) Do not lean on my own understanding
3) In all my ways acknowledge Him

I challenge you to the same three goals for 2010. The results for all of us will be the same - the Lord will make our paths straight! Happy New Year!!!!!