Publisher's Note:

Every time New Year comes, it reminds me of a Bible verse, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!" While the context of this verse refers to being born again, it also gives us a better understanding of getting rid of bad habits and welcoming good traits as we usher in the New Year.

A common phrase that we usually hear during this time of the year is New Year's resolution. The resolutions that we make are a good mental exercise, at least for the first few months, knowing that in time these resolutions would be a challenge. Nevertheless, it is worthy trying, it is worth drawing resolutions that will show us the way to hit it right in life.

Some of these would be what we call the mundane. Have you quit smoking or is it time for you to do so? Are you thinking of losing weight? What about the bills to be paid on time? What about those many days of procrastination insofar as getting fit is concerned?

The rule of the game, it seems, to make our resolutions smart: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. For example, instead to saying I will quit smoking, it should be: I will cut my smoking by three sticks a day or I will lose ten pounds by April. Also, create a plan and make it work to achive those goals. Whatever your resolutions are, I hope you have the commitment and dedication to fulfill them.

For me, the New Year brings an oppurtunity for us to focus our attention and look ahead of the positive things in life. Because of our faith in our Creator, whatever failure, sadness, and misgivings we had in the past, we can hope for the miracle of change so we can turn all these into successes, happiness, and confidence in all our understanding.

As Christ said in John 10:10, "I came that you may have life and have it abundantly." With these words, we are assured the Creator will not leave us alone, that 2012 will be better, brighter, and more blessed.

On behalf of the staff and management of Fil-Am OBSERVER, may you have a blessed and prosperous New Year! May all our aspirations and hopes for our family and community come true.

The old has gone and the new has come!

Aloha and Mabuhay!