Although it just seems only a few months ago that the year 2009 began, it's already been a year and now we are ready to enter 2010. When you think of a New Year different things come to mind. I like to think of a "fresh start", a "clean slate", a new page or chapter in my life. I don't know what your thoughts are concerning 2010, but I hope that they are positive thoughts.

No matter what this year may have held for you we need to understand that it's in the past. We can't change it, but we can learn from it and move forward as we start a new year. It's not too often that one gets a fresh start in life, but there is no other better time than at the start of anew year. So as you start you new year and you make your resolutions, as part of your list, make some goals you would like to see accomplished in your life by the end of 2010. Then try to do everything in your power to fulfill those goals.

With the coming of the New Year comes a time to celebrate. Celebrating the New Year is not an excuse to get drunk as some may think. You don't want to spend the first weekend of the New Year sitting in a county jail, so be careful and if you must drink, do so sensibly. I don't know anyone who "must" drink, many prefer to do so though. Enjoy the celebrations but understand there are consequences for our actions. Don't try and drive after drinking, stay home, or get a designated driver to do the driving for you.

Almost everyone likes to set off fireworks on New Years Eve. This can be fun for the kids but it can also be dangerous. Make sure there are responsible adults around to handle the fireworks and sparkers. Also be careful where fireworks are aimed.

Fires are easily started by fireworks landing on roofs and other places. Finally, for some reason people like to make noise when the New Year arrives at the stroke of midnight. This can be done with noisemakers, banging pots and pans and other means. Unfortunately, there will be some people who will want to fire a handgun or shotgun and this is not only dumb, it's very dangerous. Remember, what goes up, must come down somewhere. You don't want to be responsible for injuring someone because of your negligence. A good time can be had without risking your life or the life of someone else. Happy means to be blessed, so my prayer for this week and. all of 2010 is that you all have a safe and blessed New Year!