It's almost 2008!

2007 is quickly coming to a close. In some ways, none too soon. One more year with the Bush-Cheney regime at the helm! I'm pretty optimistic, so I expect we'll survive this final year of their reign. 2007 was marked by scandal, death, and destruction. The War in Iraq has settled into a constant if not always eventful roar. The Presidential campaigns have gone non-stop (got to see Obama this summer). Lindsay and Brittany grabbed many a headline -- not for their acting skills or music, but for their inability to keep their heads on straight.

A New Year may be a good thing after all. This being 2008 (in a couple of hours), I begin my quest for the number 50. Yes, 2008 will mark the completion of 5 decades of life on this earth. During the coming year my son will turn 18 and graduate from high school. Cheryl and I will celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss (well not always bliss, but it's been a good run). I will discern my longer term future as I end my transitional ministry in Lompoc either as the called pastor there or as pastor of another church elsewhere. For the first time since I finished my Ph.D. I'll be looking for a job and not be looking for an academic position. While I don't rule out an academic position at some point, financially even if I could get a position, I couldn't afford to take it.

2008 will be an eventful year, a year that will include the election of a new President. My hope and prayer is that America will elect a Democrat and hopefully that Democrat will be Barack Obama. Thursday's caucus in Iowa could be the key to that. A win in Iowa could propel Obama to a win in New Hampshire and then in South Carolina. Wins in those three states should take the wind out of Hillary's sails, and let Californians know that they needn't vote for her simply because she's the inevitable nominee.

Yes, 2008 will be an eventful year. My hope is that it will be a good one!

So, with this little note I bring to a close a years worth of blogging. It's been fun. I've gained a number of new and regular readers. I thank you for your patronage! I've enjoyed the conversation and look forward to future conversations in the coming year, not only hear but at Faithfully Liberal and occasionally at Theolog and SoMA Review. So, Happy New Year!