Because we find ourselves facing a New Year, in a world that sometimes seems to be spinning out of control, we find our thoughts turning to things that are lasting &045; we might even say everlasting. And because we live in a country in which we are allowed to do so, we share those thoughts with you here in hopes that you will find them as comforting as do we.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

May you and your loved ones have a happy New Year.