**Episode Notes - "The First Day"**

- Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Stories from the Road" with Dick Foth in 2024.

- Dick reflects on the profound nature of January 1st, marking the beginning of a new year.

- He opens with a quote from John Lennon, pondering life's unpredictability and the unexpected twists it may bring.

- References the statistical certainties of life, such as births and deaths, grounding the discussion in the tangible and inevitable.

- Cites the biblical perspective from Malachi 3:6, emphasizing the unchanging nature of the Lord, a timeless source of comfort.

- "For I am the Lord, I change not." - Malachi 3:6

- Explores the New Testament affirmation in Hebrews, stating that Jesus Christ remains constant throughout time, echoing Malachi's sentiment.

- "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

- Introduces a prayer for the new year by Joyce Rupp, grounding the podcast in a spiritual perspective.

- Encourages listeners to embrace the mystery of the future with faith and hope, guided by the wisdom of the prayer.

- Invites a perspective shift towards welcoming whatever comes our way, fostering resilience and gratitude.

- Acknowledges the challenges and comforts found in Joyce Rupp's writings, adding depth to the narrative.

Join Dick Foth in this insightful exploration of "The First Day" of 2024, where references from John Lennon, Malachi, and Hebrews converge to provide wisdom, comfort, and inspiration for the road ahead.