The official wedding count for Chapel Dulcinea in 2013 was 824 weddings. When I talk about the number of weddings performed each year at Chapel Dulcinea I usually say, “more than a thousand,” but it’s not because I’m lying.

I’m just telling the truth prematurely. We’ll soon be at 1,000+ per year. I’m certain of it.

If you make a declaration but you don’t believe it to be true, then you’re lying. But if you say a thing is true and you believe it to be true even though it hasn’t happened yet, “I’m there for you. I have your back, no matter what,” are you lying? Are you exaggerating? Or are you just telling the truth prematurely?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Happy endings are made of it.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. It is proof of the invisible.

Hope is optimistic expectation.

Faith is hope with its sleeves rolled up.

Faith is hope wearing working gloves.

Faith is hope yanking the ripcord of a chainsaw.

Faith is hope with a hammer in its hand.

Faith speaks of that which is not yet as though it already were.

Faith requires commitment.

I have faith in the success of the companies for whom I write ads. I have faith in the abilities of my Wizard of Ads partners. I have faith that you will blossom like a rose when you visit Wizard Academy. I have faith that you will find what you need while you’re with us.

Faith requires commitment and commitment is a choice. It’s not something that arises within you like courage. It’s not something that comes upon you like fear. Commitment is simply a choice.

Are you willing to pay the price of commitment?

The things to which you must say “no” are the price of your commitment.

The things you must walk away from are the price of your commitment.

The things you will deny yourself are the price of your commitment.

Commitment comes at a price.

Do you have hope for the future?

Do you have faith in your plans?

Does your faith have a hammer in its hand?

Are you willing to pay the price of your commitment?

If you can give me four yesses I’ll tell you your future:

You’re going to have a fabulous 2014.

Roy H. Williams