2013 in a nutshell

2013 in no particular order.

• Turned 50 and celebrated with an amazing family holiday in Florida and partied in my favourite restaurant Seasons 52. Also had Ben Cantelon sing happy birthday to me at MKCC. See the pic below. lol
• Celebrated being married to the wonderful Nicola Ritchie for 25 years
• Abbie came of age - 21. Wow where did those years go.
• Liam finished college to his delight and started his first job as a Facilities Apprentice.
• Saw the end of an era with Sir Alex retiring. Sure he did good for Man U but will never be forgotten for what he did at Aberdeen FC. 30 years since Gothenberg wow!
• Witnessed a Scotsman win Wimbledon!
• Saw many years of prayer come to fruition with 1000 people gathering each week at MKCC. Now for 2000!
• Said goodbye to my old mate from college days. William Dillon. Proud to have been give the privilege of saying a few words at his funeral and to carry him down the Shankill Road.
• Said a goodbye to a new friend of the last couple of years. Loved my chats with Juergen Brinner downloading his wisdom. My regret? there were not more of them!
• Got to see my friend Roger Blackmore's new church building taking shape before its opening this month. Great times ahead for - Genesis Church! 
• Spent time with the love of my life at home and in York, Spain, France, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida & Long Island.
• Benefited from the ministry of Roger Blackmore, Carlos Whittaker, Lee McDerment & Dave Kraft at MKCC. Amazing!
• Lost a stone in weight and been pretty good at keeping it off!

And whatever 2014 brings this is my song:

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Saviour;

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Saviour as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

(For anyone reading this from Cairnbulg AOG, I can always here old Obie singing out loud when see that song)

Glory to the new born king

Some Rend Collective Love.

Click here if you can't see the video

I shall be satisfied

When I shall see Thy glory face to face,
When in Thine arms Thou wilt Thy child embrace,
When Thou shalt open all Thy stores of grace,
I shall be satisfied.

When I shall gaze upon the face of Him
Who for me died, with eye no longer dim,
And praise Him with the everlasting hymn,
I shall be satisfied.

- Horatius Bonar

Grace so Glorious

Beneath the cross of Jesus Christ
No shadow remains for shame to hide
Redemption shone for all to see
Perfection bore our penalty
With a grace so glorious...

Immortal day the veil was torn
When mercy donned a crown of thorns
As law gave way to liberty
And freedom for humanity
With a grace so glorious.

Oh the glory of the Saviour's love
Surrounding our surrender
To know forever we are welcomed home

Crowned in glory to glory
Worthy is the Lord of all
The glory forever Holy is the Lord

Triumphant praises without end
All hailing the King of righteousness
And every eye beholds the One
Our hearts were undeserving of
With a grace so glorious

O wondrous day when I will see
The face of Him who ransomed me
I'll fall in worship at His feet
And rise to reign eternally
In a grace so glorious
In a grace so glorious