It's funny that a slight shift in the international date line made Samoa the first country to ring in the new year instead of New Zealand.

I have to agree with Bill Maher poking fun at Tim Tebow's public displays of religion—during football games no less!  Apparently, many modern Christians haven't read what Jesus said about the Pharisees who also loved public displays of religion, but hardly lived a truly spiritual life.

I forgot to post a 2012 message on December 21^st so let me remind everyone now that there is no reason to believe that the world is going to end this year, though the period 2012 through 2014 is a period of great change which will leave us with a new age of spirit. Of course, if you are one of those who chooses to die rather than change, than it is the end for you.

Why is it common for people to blow horns or set off fireworks on New Year's eve? It was originally intended to scare evil spirits so they would stay in the old year, now it's probably just to annoy shift workers and the elderly who are trying to get some sleep.

QUOTES FOR NEW YEAR'S

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” ~Benjamin Franklin

“The old year has gone. Let the dead past bury it's own dead. The new year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!” ~Edward Parson Powell

“May all of your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions.” ~Joey Adams