Hey Yal! Welcome to my corner. I hope everyone had a great New Year.

The year 2008 had many ups and downs. The best thing was of course, God's provision and grace. I've been with The Messengers Three since August of 2007. We have marked a one year anniversary. I love to sing. I love to sing when I'm sad, mad or just plain stubborn.

This time of year everyone makes New Years resolutions. Sadly, every year mine is to lose weight. It's sad because it never happens! This year is going to be different.   I'm not going to vow publicly to lose weight. I'm going to keep it to myself. Oops!

Anyway, my resolution this year is to not to procrastinate. Hence, the reason this column is posted a day late. I am also going to TRY to not talk as much and to listen more. Okay, Okay Guy and Billy! I can hear yal laughing all the way from Farmer, N.C.!

I think I could learn a lot more from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ if I would slow down. It has to become a habit to really listen and retain information that has been given. We are supposed to seek Godly counsel. For me, I seek it then just kind of say, "Oh that's a nice thought." I put it up on a shelf somewhere so I can view it later.

If there were a name for the shelf then it would probably be "The Justification Shelf". You know the one I'm talking about. It's when something doesn't turn out the way you thought it should. In a fit of disarray, proclaiming "But Lord, I sought out Godly counsel! "

The whole time God is playing the "therapist" role. He sits on the couch. Nodding quietly and smiling politely. It is that quiet moment for me when I realize that I forgot the most important counsel. The advice from the Mighty Counselor. The advice that comes wrapped in peace and grace.

We (I) have to not only talk to God but listen and obey. I have to get in His Word and let the wisdom permeate my mind and emotions. That is hard sometimes. It is so much easier to justify things away. We do it because it doesn't require anything back from us in return.

The song comes to mind," Trust and obey". After all, It is the only way.

My New Years Resolution? Simple.

I resolve to go to God FIRST on a continual basis and to hear what He has to say with the end result being one of obedience to Him. It's time to clean up for 2009. I don't only need to dust that shelf off. I need to take it down.

I am not saying that we shouldn't talk to our Brothers and Sisters. We need the body of Christ. I'm only saying that God shouldn't be our last ditch effort. He is always there waiting patiently, quietly, nodding in agreement as if to say, "I understand." "You can trust me." I want you to not hurt so badly that I sent my very own child to die for you." "There is no charge for today's visit, I already paid the price."

Stay in His Grip, Beloved. If you're not already there, then take a seat in the palm of His hand.