I Wish Us Well

It has been a great year of learning,
falling,
rising
and dreaming.

Still,
there is room for growth.

I praise God for His faithfulness towards me and my family. For it is by His Mercy and Grace that we are still standing.

Dear friends,
May this Christmas be merry for you & your family.
And may the New Year usher in good tidings and joy, indescribable.
Ni agbara Jesu! Amin.

I appreciate everyone,
for the role you played in my life this year.
I appreciate me for still believing,
even when it rained on my parade.
My faith is strengthened,
I have a Wonderful Counsellor.

Is there any sick among us?
May you find complete healing this season.
May your oil of gladness not dry up.
May the hurting be restored,
and made whole.
May the lost come to themselves
like the prodigal son did,
and remember the way home.
May the cursed draw to Jesus Christ,
the original curse breaker.
Nothing is unredeemable, with Him.

Heaven wants to see a smile upon your face,
Every thing else matters not at all.

Laugh.

Live love!

Shalom.

''Public Brand and Private Reality'' by Dr Tunde Bakare

In this era of personal branding and all, I heard this timely message today and wanted to share:

Queenola Kalu To That Cunning Young Man

To: That cunning young man,
I want to let you know that this time.....

YOU HAVE PICKED ON THE WRONG GIRL
You charmer,
With eyes lit by moonbeams,
You are every maiden's dream
Your perfect smile makes hearts leap,
But I've strapped myself so i don't trip

You deceiver,
You sing to me rhymes you haven't heard
You paint for me pictures you can't even see
Your vile intentions now glaring
Flashes of lust, so easy to tell
Flee far from you, I would
Clinging to The One who wishes me well

You destroyer,
Your words are smooth as butter,
But as ready as Fire -
Ready to wipe out everything in sight
Ready to leave the land desolate
Ready to bring pain and tears
But I'll run, I'll run before it's too late

You brewer of lies,
Your sugar coated tongue produces foul scents,
Packaged in attractive candy wraps
I certainly will not BUY THEM
For within lie dangerous traps
As I was told by my father,
What is sweet in the mouth becomes, in the belly, bitter

You giver,
I want not your BBs please
You say it's just a blackberry
But i know your ways,
You'll give much more
A Big Belly and a Bastard Baby,
What else do you have in store?

Spare me the floods of sweet forged messages,
Spare me those clichés "sugar in my tea",
Spare me those precious gifts in pretty packages
Spare me, I beg, and let me be

I'm sorry for you, my dear
I hope that quickly you realize,
All efforts are futile, move on
Go and pick on someone your own SIZE!

-QUEENOLA @Queenola_Kalu

Redeemed

"Who do you think “spoke and it happened”?
It’s the Master who gives such orders.
Doesn’t the High God speak everything,
good things and hard things alike, into being?
And why would anyone gifted with life
complain when punished for sin?"
Lamentations 3:37-39

"You drew near on the day I called to You; You said, Fear not.

O Lord, You have pleaded the causes of my soul [You have managed my affairs and You have protected my person and my rights]; You have rescued and redeemed my life!"

Lamentations 3:56-58

Scripture reference: Bible Gateway

People's Participation. Make Change Happen, Volunteer #IVD2014

Happy International Volunteers Day [IVD]!

For this year, I thought I should share this short video-- actually it was an interview for "On The Street", a youth program aired on TVC.

I hope you will encourage young people around you to start early? For more insight on how it might work with combining full time education and volunteering, you can read a copy of my new book "Half a Loaf and a Bakery." You can also download it from Okadabooks app on your android device or buy copies from Terra Kulture Bookstore Lagos, Florence and Lambard bookstore Lagos, or the Media Store, Silverbird Galleria, Abuja. The book covers youth volunteering, education, entrepreneurship and transitioning.

I am excited about today and tomorrow! On how the non-volunteer journey has been so far since... you can see the second video below:





For anyone who might have failed while attempting something this year, hey, cheer up! Failure is a good opportunity to do something differently in an improved way next time.

Here is wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a lovely 2015 of magical thinking and fruitful exploits!

There is a God.

I Tried To Climb The Mountain Today (By Gary Barnes)

I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.

I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.

I was ready to climb the mountain today. But it was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow's attempt.

I was about to climb the mountain today. But I had so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks. I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.

I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in it's majestic beauty, I knew I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.

I have forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish this task.

Finally, he said, "I just got back from climbing the mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn't make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die."

"The next morning, I started my climb." He continued, "It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed "stop!" I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward. At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!"

"I have to be going," my friend said. "Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?"

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, "I have a mountain to climb."

Written By Gary Barnes.

Originally posted by "Light A Lamp"
April 22, 2012 at 11:09pm ·

The Human Nature You Must Also Ignore

Thanks to Mrs Nelson ( @SaltMatters7 ), I have been learning how to slow down and study my Bible :-) instead the usual marathon-pace read. I actually study with a pen and a pad by my side, using the 5X5X5 plan she recommended. It is amazing how different stages exists in our Christian walk with God. I thank God for grace.

Today my study point was John 2:21-25. It basically focuses on Christ's response to people trading in the Temple of God. The previous verses made me pause to evaluate how I have been treating the Temple of the Holy Spirit (my body).

Back to my reading... I noticed how people got excited by Jesus Christ when He performs miracles. They believed in Him more.

"But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man."

That caught my attention. The human nature always likes to associate with "clout/klout" and all. Until they see you in a certain way or doing certain things, they will not want to associate with you. But the moment you do something big, they notice you. And some even become your official praise singers.

Not to compare myself to Christ but I can totally relate to His way of life here. It is something I must adopt-- to stop entrusting myself to people and living by their approval.

The human nature cannot be trusted. It is even written clearly in the book of Psalm 118. "Do not put your confidence in princes..."

What is that assignment God has placed inside of you? Are you holding back because people don't accept you or believe in you? Are you holding back because you think by human standard you don't have enough "clout" (klout)?

All you need is to have faith in God and commit it all to Him. If you put your trust first in humans, they will dump you the minute someone with a bigger clout breezes in.

I know, sometimes the desire to be accepted by others is stronger. Sometimes the desire to work with men's approval is more exciting. But should we choose that over God's approval or testimony of us?

Stay focus. God's grace is sufficient.

Shalom.

Photo source: Social Share (Internet)

Live! #TheSecret

"I've seen it all in my brief and pointless life—here a good person cut down in the middle of doing good, there a bad person living a long life of sheer evil. So don't knock yourself out being good, and don't go overboard being wise. Believe me, you won't get anything out of it. But don't press your luck by being bad, either. And don't be reckless. Why die needlessly?

It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it." Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

Amplified:
16 "Be not [morbidly exacting and externally] righteous overmuch, neither strive to make yourself [pretentiously appear] overwise—why should you [get puffed up and] destroy yourself [with presumptuous self-sufficiency]?
17 [Although all have sinned] be not wicked overmuch or willfully, neither be foolish—why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you should take hold of this and from that withdraw not your hand; for he who [reverently] fears and worships God will come forth from them all." Ecclesiastes 7:16-18

Selah.

Light up!

His life is light to us.
We are light.
We draw energy from His life in us
to shine.
Darkness has no hold on us
Darkness has no hold over us.
John1:3-5

*Light-A-Lamp*: What It Takes to Truly Grow in Christ

*Light-A-Lamp*: What It Takes to Truly Grow in Christ

Mary

I have been thinking a lot about Mary. Yes, Martha's sister. Yes, the one in the Bible.

There is something about her...

My Take On The Terrible Connection

Someone once told me that just as God sends people into our lives, the devil also sends people into our lives. I was reminded of this reality while listening to Dr D.K Olukoya's message on "the terrible connection."

In the message,  Dr Olukoya mentioned seven kinds of people we will meet in life. According to him, our current position in life was determined by somebody we met...or missed.

The seven kinds of people we'll meet in life are:
1. Those who add to your life
2. Those who subtract from your life
3. Those who leave you the way they find you
4. Those who love what you have but not you
5. Those who love you
6. Those who exploit you
7. Those who waste you

Going through the list, I'm sure you can easily fit in some names in each category. I hope I am not on your number 6 or 7 :-)

By God's grace, some of us strive to rise and stay on people's number 1 and 5 just like our Father. And hopefully the **universe will be kind enough to send the same people our way. But life has taught me that even when we meet those sent to break or waste us, we can find ourselves being strengthened in the darkroom of recovery. At the end, we are able to say like Joseph, "Oh! You meant that for evil, but God used it for my good!" Through the storm, we learn to use the stumbling blocks as stepping stones.

My prayer for you today: in your journey through life, may you never meet the people you should miss. May you not miss the people you should meet. May you apply wisdom in nurturing your relationships.

To know the difference, you must be able to discern... steps to having a better connection:
1. Be born again and grow in Christ. Repent from your sins so that your connection will not be dominated by the devil and his cohorts. When light appears, darkness disappears. To get the light, you need Christ.
2. Break away from wrong connection. You know those people pissing on your life and dreams, why are you still holding on to them? Have the courage to break away before they break you to death.
3. Pray to meet those you should meet and miss those you should miss. We do not meet people by chance. Always speak life into your path through powerful prayer so that you won't attract death by terrible connections.

Okay that is a jenniferized version of Dr Olukoya's message. A random guy (talk about a number 1) I met at the cafe gave me the mp3 file but I am sure you can buy the full message at any MFM bookstore or Christian bookstore.

As always, live love and have a fulfilling life!

**The devil feeds on sin. Have you starved him today? Starve him!

...while there is still time

The world as it is has changed-
People say the end has come:
Don't you see the signs?
Mothers eating their babies
Fathers raping their daughters.
Young men fighting old men.
Gray hair lacking wisdom.
Many faint from rumours of war.

The world as it is has changed-
No time to sit on the fence.

If you are for God, then go all the way with Him
Holiness is key, victory is certain.
If you are for the devil, then go all the way with him-
You may have your brief moment of glow
Then he will drink your blood and eat your flesh.

The world as it is- has always been as it is:
Filled with goodness, pain and vices
We are given the power to choose...
No more room for hot-cold affair:
Are you for light or for darkness?
Choose now while there is still time.
May God's mercy not elude us.

(c) Jennifer Ehidiamen

WHO ARE YOU? By Taiwo Olawunmi Ogunyemi

Text: John 1: 19-23.

Many of us don't actually know who we are, we live life without knowing the purpose for which we are created!

We are lost in what others are, we focus on being someone else instead of looking inward to know who we are.

John the Baptist knows his purpose and calling. He was quick to say NO when he was asked if he is Jesus or Elijah, because he knows his purpose and calling is different from theirs. But with boldness he replied the pharisees who he is, his purpose of existence.

Are you being tagged with a name which isn't yours? Are you looking up to the society to brand and package you? OR are you living according to another person's purpose not yours? Are you lost about your purpose of existence?

Take time to ask yourself today "Who are mine?" If you know who you are, I congratulate you, but if you don't start getting your priorities rights, look inward and find the YOU God created you to be. Look on to Jesus the Author and the Finisher of your faith.

PEACE.

Guest Blogger: Taiwo Olawunmi Ogunyemi.

The Spirt Lifts Me Up Again...

"My faith is tested many times every day, and more times than I'd like to confess, I'm unable to keep the banner of faith aloft. If a promise is not kept, or if a secret is betrayed, or if I experience long-lasting pain, I begin to doubt God and God's love. I fall so miserably into the chasm of disbelief that I cry out in despair. Then the Spirit lifts me up again,  and once more I am secured in faith. I don't know how that happens, save when I cry out earnestly I am answered immediately and am returned to faithfulness.  I am once again filled with Spirit and firmly planted on solid ground."
By Maya Angelou,  "In The Spirit," Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now.

Salt seasons... light brings out the God-colors...

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16The Message (MSG).

What do you need?

"Some of us need to stop thinking and do,
While others need to stop doing and think.
Some need to stop asking and give, though others need to cease giving and ask.
Some of us need to stop crying and smile,
Yet others need to stop smiling and cry.
Some need to stop confronting and give in,
while others need to quit compromising and confront.
Some of us need to stop waiting and run,
though others need to stop running and wait.
Some need to practice discipline and organize, yet others need to cease structuring themselves into a box and relax." Joan C. Webb.

Whatever it is you need, "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19. 

Confession Time: The Story About My First Fall [spoken word]

God does not want my money.
All He wants is my heart.
A heart that obeys,
hears the secrets,
the ancient words, ever true.

I'm not as lost as you think,
but I'm trying to find my way home.
I want to sing the redemption song
without blemish in my soul.

I'm a broken heart
that must never fail
to return home
after a fall.
I was born to fall.

When I was a baby,
excited to see my mama-
I raised my hands, leaned forward,
forgetting I was sitting on a veranda
that is this high [raises hand to chest level],
I slipped and landed in pain.
But I can't remember the pain,
mama's love wiped it all away.

You see, I was born to fall,
but now Born Again to rise.
The Lord snatched my soul from hell's grip.
But I have fallen again and again,
free fall between sheets and weed, weed and sheets.

Why don't we talk about our falls?
The shame? The guilt?
I want to talk about my many falls
and hope that you will pray for me
instead of judging these poetic lines.

His grace says come home.
Learning not to fall, I heed the call to arise,
and sing the redemption song-
[sings] Let the redeemed of the Lord say so x3!
I'm redeemed x2, praise the Lord! [selah]

God does not want our money.
All He wants is our hearts.
A heart that obeys,
hears the secrets,
the ancient words, ever true.

(c) Jennifer Ehidiamen

"Roadmap to Prominence" [my notes from the message by Pastor @T_Bakare]

In the journey of life, there are many bus-stops called the unexpected. When you alight at the bus-stop of one unexpected challenge, you abort a destiny. So don't stop until you reach your destination [destiny].

For Joseph, his unexpected bus-stops were: pit, slavery, setup, betrayal, prison etc. BUT He didn't stop. He got to his "destiny" destination and his dreams came true. All things worked out for him.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In the journey of life, on the way to prominence,  you have to learn to cut off from unfruitful relationships. Some will despise you. Some will encourage you. Friendship make you or break you.

In Proverbs 13:20 we are told "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
 
How do you know it is time to cut off from some friends? 1. Do a close assessment to see whether anyone is good enough to be a close friend.
2. When you become friends with people, keep assessing them because people change. Relationship will wreck you or make you.
3.  If your values keep conflicting. Say goodbye. Rivalry and/or competition is not an ingredient of good friendship.
4. If you are forcing yourself and no longer comfortable with the relationship, it is time to say goodbye to it.
5. Where are those you called your best friend in primary school? Secondary school?  University? People change. When they walk out on you, say goodbye. If they come back, know where to place them.

In the journey of life, start small. Don't look down on small assignments. Do all small tasks with the greatness in you! BIG things start small. Zech 4:10.

No matter what happens to you on the road to prominence,  don't quit.

When others offer you no hope, still refuse to quit!

Motto of every winner in life: 2 Samuel 10:9-12.

Prayer: In the name of Jesus, we will not be found wanting among the company of prominent men. We will not abort our destiny. We will not be wrecked by our relationships. May God help us. We will not abandon the process God is leading us through. May our progress be evident to all. We shall not die, we will live to declare the good works of the Lord in the land of the living!

Happy Easter! Arise and shine! Don't quit. Never quit!

[These are my notes from today's message: "Roadmap to Prominence" part 2. Written the way I understood the message. Please get the full message in CD or DVD format from Latter Rain Assembly Church, Plot 4 Akilo road off Oba Akran Ikeja Lagos 

or LISTEN online: http://latterrainassembly.org/media-message.php ].

Photo culled from an interesting Facebook post.

"Act Out Love," Guest Post by Ogunyemi Taiwo Olawunmi

Wow! It's first day in February, second month of the year 2014. The year is going so fast. Glory glory to God for his mercy and loving kindness. 

Ya'll know this is the month of "LOVE" literally. So, I will like to encourage with a Bible passage.
Romans 12:9-10 NLT which says " 9. Don't just pretend to love  others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."

As you go about your daily activities in this month of love, love genuinely, show love to everyone, do not segregate some set of people from others. Make your family, friends, colleagues etc know that, they being part of your life is a blessing. And don't forget to act out love, show it don't just say it. Love acted out is serving.

And as Valentine's day approaches, celebrate it with the right motives, not with sex, alcohol or whatever it is you have in mind that is a good motive. Don't pretend to love someone probably because of the gift or what you will gain on Val's day. Rather express the Love of the almighty God to the less privileges, orphans, beggars etc.

Have a Love filled month.

Guest Post by Ogunyemi Taiwo Olawunmi.

Simple Lessons From Separation

Text: Ruth 1

Adversity has a life-shelf (expiry date). Do not let adversity hasten you to take life decisions.
Ecc 3:1
Ruth 1:6

Just like adversity, relationships do have season of relevance and irrelevance.  We should know when to cling and when to let go.
Ecc 3:5
Deuteronomy 1:6
Psalm 92:13

Seperation will influence the seasons of our life.
Isaiah 30:21
Genesis 13

Don't make decisions based on canal observations.
Romans 8:14

It is important to note that what, who, and where you are separating from is as important as what, who and where you are connecting to.

Even in adversity, God will always send partners and destiny helpers to help you.
Ruth 1: 16-19
2 Sam 15:19
Ruth 1:14

When seperation takes place, sentiment emotions etc are involved.

When seperation happens, we do not dwell on the pain alone. We look on the other side and move on.
Isaiah 43:18-19

Seperation starts with a decision. Before you make that decision, ask God.

God's mercy ensures that we are preserved through adversity whether self-inflicted or not.
Deuteronomy 23
Isaiah 43
Ruth 3:14-15
Ruth 4:1

Shalom!

**Message: Pastor Uche, Latter Rain Assembly.
   

The Efficacy of Prayer (#faithworks)

Have you ever been in need and prayed for the person who can help to show up and a few minutes later he/she does?

How about praying for a sick friend. You prayed and prayed but nothing seems to change?

Why is it that sometimes some prayers are answered while others seem unanswered?

Are some prayers more efficacious than others?

A prayer is said to be efficacious when it is successful in producing a desired or intended result.

Examples of prayers in the Bible:

1. Elijah prays that it does not rain
James 5:17, 1King 17:1.
Here we note that Elijah was a man like us... but we also see Elijah knew who he was as a prophet of God. He spoke authoritatively.
Lesson: Know who you are!

2. The church prays for Peter's release
Act 12:5-16
We are told the Church never stopped praying. And the result came- an Angel appeared to Peter and led him out of prison.
Lesson: Don't stop praying until you see the desired change.

3. Hezekiah prays and his life is spared
2Kings 20, Isaiah 38.
When God said it was time for Hezekiah to die, the man pleaded with God. And yes, our gracious God had mercy on him and added more years to his life.
Lesson: Don't be afraid to ask God for big things. Even when your pastor or prophet says it is impossible.

4. Jesus prays for God to take the cop away (before His crucifixion).
Mark 14:33-40
But Jesus knew God's will must prevail.
Lesson: When we pray and God says no. Allow His will prevail. It is for our good.

As christians, it is not for us to measure our prayer. It is not about the power in our prayer but about the power of the one who answers our prayers.

We must note in the above examples, all of them had a relationship with God. We must have a RELATIONSHIP with God to be able to commune with Him.

Having faith when we pray is also important.  Mark 11:22-24, James 5:15, 17-18.

The first step is to have faith that God has the power to answer prayer and also allow His will to prevail.

God has good plans for us. We must humble ourselves and live to please Him.
Jeremiah 29:11-14

Two agree, ask, God will do it.
Matthew 18:19

Don't stop praying for yourself.  Don't stop praying for others.

Shalom!

   

What is your story...?

This is an excerpt from the message "what is your story about?" I shared, by the help of God, in September 2013 at NCCF Refuge Chapter, Nassarawa-Eggon, Nasarawa state.

The message:

A colleague once asked me, "What is your story? Tell me how you got here." Trust me, the question did sound bizarre as at the time. Because all I was out for was an evening of good company and some laughter. Not some intense hearty discourse. Well, telling one's story is pretty intense.

Each one of us have a story. None is unimportant.

Today, we are looking at the life of a man who also had a story. His was a problem he had carried around for 38 years.

This man needed a lifting, an opportunity to change his story.

Text: John 5:1-11.

Here are some things to note:
1. The man was right where he needed to be. But he was limited. Many of us are at our point of breakthrough. We are ready to launch into something new and bigger but we are limited.

2. Jesus recognised that the man by the pool needed help. That is the same way he knows each of us. Although there were many others at the pool, the expectation of the man endeared him to Christ. Do you have an expectation about changing your situation?

3. Jesus is gracious. He looked beyond the "pity-me" outlook of the man and spoke the Word that brought his healing.

4. The words Jesus Christ spoke were instructive. The man obeyed and got his healing. A problem he carried around for 38 years disappeared with just a word and his willingness to obey.

The word of the Lord is still at work today. God is speaking into our lives. But different factors hinder the manifestation:
a. We are not expectant
b. We are not obedient
c. We are enabling darkness

To change our story, we need to change our attitude. It starts with changing the state of our hearts.

Bible Texts: Ezekiel 36:26-27, Luke 11:31-36.

You might be saying, "but I have done all that." Well hear God's word in Isaiah 43:18-19.

Forget the old.

God wants to manifest Himself in you in a new way. It will make many wonder because by their timing you should still be sitting in self-pity like the man by the pool.

Bible Text: John 5:12

The timing of God's miraculous manifestation is not limited by man's timing or method. Note that the man was healed on a sabbath day.

Jesus spoke a word. He did not throw him into the pool as usual, as set by tradition.

God is willing to do same in you and through you. Are you willing to obey His word?

Let us pray: Ezekiel 36: 26-27
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your word. Today I ask for your help. Lord, put a new spirit in me to change my way of thinking. Take out my heart of stone and replace it with a tender obedient heart. Help me to carefully obey your commands. Change my story for good and fill my life with testimonies. Amen.

Please note:
(In the process of typing this message text,  some sentences were reversed for readability and easy understanding).

   

Make it big! #faithworks

A taxi driver once told me never to allow big things scare me. Nothing is too great for you to have. Folks, if you are gonna ask for anything or do anything, make it big! Be audacious! With God, you can!! Have faith. Our year 2014 is an extraordinary year for extraordinary living! Live. Love. Laugh! Happy New Year to you and yours!! Faith works.