Happy New Year!

Despite the economic nosedive and a myriad of other problems that have befallen us this past year, I enter 2009 feeling blessed and optimistic about the New Year. First, I humbly thank each of my faithful listeners who tune in each morning to my radio program, "The Great Day in the Morning Show." I appreciate your support of my show more than words could express. I pray that God will richly bless each of you in the coming year. Each morning before I go on the air I say a prayer for my listeners and ask God to allow me to say those things that would be an encouragement and a blessing to you. Each day I also feel the power of your prayers working in my life.

I would also like to thank some key people who contribute so much to my progam. These include "my little radio buddy," Madison Stowe, the 7-year-old hostess of "Madison's Moments", Bev Larson, who inspires us with her "Heartwarmers", and Rev. Jim Churchwell, who brings encouragement from the Word of God on "Good Morning Devotions". During the "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" (7:15-7:30 a.m., M-F), these three personalities reach thousands of listeners each morning with messages that inspire us all and help get our day off to a positive start. To Madison, Bev, and Rev. Jim...I send sincere thanks to each of you for all that you do to enhance my show. I am also grateful to Dr. Bucky Hunsicker, Dr. Clint Hopkins, Rev. Tom Sheppard, and Rev. Churchwell for their inspiration and instruction as part of the panel of ministers that has appeared this past year on WHEO's "Everyday Christians," (9:30 a.m. Wednesdays).

Additionally, I would like to thank "Community Conversation" program regulars Lock Boyce ("Patrick County Topics"), Joe Cerino (who leads a study of the Bible's Book of "The Revelation", Vicki Hutchens-Bennett ("Finance Matters in Sickness and in Health"), Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, Jackie Belcher, Sue Nester, Vernon Harris, Frank Netherland (Big Band music specials), and Paul Farrar ("Cooking with Paul"). Although the list is too long to include here, thanks to the many other guests who have appeared this past year on the morning call-in show, "Community Conversation". I look forward to welcoming back these and many new special guests to the program in the upcoming year. If you would like to suggest the name of a call-in show guest, call me at 694-3388 or email me at rrogers@sitestar.net.

2008 has presented many challenges and brought more hardships, especially in the economic realm, that any year that I can remember in my life. However, I believe these unfortunate circumstances have united us as a community with a common bond and provided us many opportunites to reach out to assist others and to make a difference in our community. Thanks to the many volunteers of our community who have given so freely of their time, energy, talents, and expertise in furthering various charitable and worthy causes while meeting needs in the community and showing genuine love and compassion for others, epecially the less fortunate. This spirit of brotherly love makes me proud to be a Patrick Countian and fosters hope as the New Year approaches that we will all continue to work together to brighten each other's lives especially when times are the darkest. Have a BRIGHT AND BLESSED 2009! :O) Happy New Year!
Love,
Richard