Back in Primary School, I got excited every time a new notebook was given to me. There’s something about the way it smelled that made me feel I had another opportunity to do better, write better, make my work neater and more orderly, and most importantly, impress my teachers when the time came by reproducing everything they had taught me.

New things really inspire me. How about newly printed currency? When I have some of such, I spread them between my fingers like a Chinese dancing fan and place them softly against my nose, then I close my eyes, breathe in, and dream of having so much money so I can do more good – help people in need, care for my family, support good causes around the world, and just enjoy the benefits that come with having more money.

Whether you are ready for it or not, the new year has come. Great! Even if the postulations about this year are gloomy, I choose to be excited, hopeful and faith-full. I’ll go for a smart start and then build on that good foundation as the year progresses. I know no other way to achieve this than to get the right guide. I found one who knows everything so I don’t need to worry about complicated challenges I may face; He knows how to resolve them. I won’t ‘miss road’, as my people say; He knows the way.

He is also all-powerful; so when those problems and troubles show up or I come to road blocks manned by the adversary to keep me from advancing and becoming all I’m meant to be, I will just hand the battle over to Him and then stand still and watch Him fight for me and give me victory. I might add a clap and a dance, you know… show some cheer leading stunts in the process. No slacking! No getting weary! He’s a master at renewing strength; He has this secret formula – JOY. Are you feeling me?

My expedition guide is not afraid of anybody or anything. All power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, He is the King of kings, and He has the final say. So no matter what is said about this year, what He’s said about my life and all that concerns me is what will be… and from what I hear so far, 2017 is going to be fantastic!

He said: I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope – Jeremiah 29:11

He also said: I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. – Psalm 32:8

Wow! My recommendation to all in favor of a smart start is this: Let the Lord Almighty be your guide. I guarantee that you will not regret it.