To say that this year has been a crazy year, is an understatement. One thing is for sure though; the Lord is still in control. Centuries ago, our all-knowing God knew, that 2020 in the US was going to be a crazy year. Nothing about this year caught God by surprise or of guard. I don't know about you but for me, knowing that my Lord is in charge despite the insanity of it all, still gives me a reason to be grateful. The fact that I am still alive and able to write this message today, gives me a huge reason to say "Thank You, Lord, for life".

As we draw to a close of another year, I pray that you too will have a reason to rejoice and be grateful.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let's us strip off every weight that slows us down especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us."

Hebrew 12:1-2

What sin is tripping you off? Strip it off. This world gives you enough weight us it is to encumber you so you will not be able to run the race that is set before you. The enemy will do anything to keep you blind and busy to this world. Do not lose focus of your high calling. Just like any race, the less weight you are carrying, the faster you can run the race and win.

"Don't be afraid to honor yourself. You need to be filled so you are overflowing to help others."

~~Oprah

Be your best and do your best! You are worth being more than just the average. When you are your very best, before you know it, people will gravitate to you and get blessed by your mere presence.

"Everything is happening in your life; joy, saddness, challenges are all there to bring you closer to you. Your life is your greatest teacher. Pay attention to yourself."

~~Oprah

On October 17, I celebrated a milestone birthday. I had the luxury to re-evaluate my life. I want to share with you what I have learned throughout my life. After all, I do want to leave this world better than I found it. So it is very important to me that I share the wisdom that I have gained through my life's journey.

When I was younger, I worked as a professional model and an actress for 10 years. I hang out with professional athletes and other celebrities. My weekends included traveling to London, Paris and other exclusive places. I lived a life which seemed, looking from the outside, perfect. My celebrity friends and I thought this is it; we've arrived. Yet, we all felt a void inside. We were too busy to go to church, read the Bible or even pray.

In the year 1996, due to an auto accident, I had to stay in bed for six weeks. My former pastor used to say, "God puts us on our back so we can look up." That is exactly what happened. The six weeks I was at home recovering, gave me a chance to evaluate my life. It made me realize that though temporal and secular things are what everyone is thriving for, material gains don't bring fulfillment to our lives. True joy can only be found in having a relationship with God.

The theme for my birthday this year was Black + Red = White.

• Black represents my sins
• Red represents the blood of Jesus that washed ALL my sins away
• White represents the new me that God sees when He looks at me

My prayer to all of you is that you too may have the luxury to evaluate your life and what really matters in life. This year, over 220,000 people died in the US suddenly due to COVID-19. Are you ready to face your Maker? All you need is to put your trust in God. Believe me, life with Jesus is the best way to live life.

Matthew 16:26 "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"

Blessings,

Sehin