I can't remember when I've been more excited about the start of a new year! It's like finishing a particularly tense chapter in a mystery and turning the page to read "who done it." The New Year holds the promise of health and contentment -- a far cry from the trying events of 2004. But please don't think I'm complaining or sorry about what I went through last summer; it was one of the momentous events of my life, and one which I would not have wanted to avoid.

There's an old saying which goes: "Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." Thanks to the loving care and support of my wife and family, the medical professionals, and especially those of you who took the time to pray and write, my suffering was minimal, and my joy immense. I feel wonderful now. And I have a new "hair-do" to go with my new outlook. I'm devoting less time to updating my journal, because I am using the time to personally contact the several men and women who have been kind enough to share their trials with me, and to allow me to encourage them and pray for them as they go through what I went through.

One of those people is Kathy Kendrick of El Cajon, who completed her last chemo therapy treatment on Dec. 17. Kathy gave me permission to share some of what she wrote to me about her battle with breast cancer.

"I love to watch you on the news and I see you as a symbol to me that life can return to normal. I am looking forward to that day! I love to watch your hair get longer and know that will be me! I love knowing that we serve a God of hope and joy. This will by far be the most meaningful Christmas season for me as I have recently internalized God's love for me -- Kathy -- as an individual. He has been with me every step of the way on this journey. Just as He promised, He has not forsaken me."

Isaiah 38 says, "You (God) restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered so. In Your love You kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind Your back." And in Ch.43 God says, "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing."

He really is doing new things in my life -- and I don't just mean my new hair!

I had three things I wanted to accomplish when I first heard the words, "You have cancer." First, I wanted to let as many people as possible know that men can get breast cancer, too, and that early detection for both sexes greatly increases their chances of surviving this disease. Second, I wanted to reach out to others going through the same or similar thing to offer encouragement and support and most of all, prayer. If you want to know my third goal, you'll have to contact me directly, or come hear me speak in person.

I have accepted several speaking invitations for the month of January. On Saturday the 15th at 5:30 I'll speak at Mapleview Baptist Church in Lakeside. A week later, Saturday the 22nd at 5:30, at Pathways Community Church on Carlton Hills Blvd., just north of Mast, in Santee. And Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th I'll speak at all four services at Skyline Church in Rancho San Diego. I'll be working without a TelePrompter - and without a net - so there's no telling what I may say!

The New Year will be full of challenges, setbacks, even tragedy ... but it will also be full of hope and promise and blessing and opportunity and growth and triumph. I think it's no coincidence that a number of my coworkers are expecting their first babies in the months to come. Is there a better reason to be optimistic than that?

Bill