Happy New Year

It's the last day of 2014, half the day is already gone. As I reflect on the year I find myself over come with emotion. When 2014 came in I was a few months out of a relationship that I thought was going to be forever. I was uncertain, somewhat nervous, but I knew God had a plan...doesn't He always? The funny part is His plans are better than mine. Go figure.

How could it be, 2014, a year that started off dismal turned out to be the best year of my life so far. Why? This year I actually gave up trying to control my life and allowed God to really pilot. I thought I had done this years before but nothing compares to this year. As Joyce Meyer says, I have reached a new level and the wonderful thing is you can too. That is the purpose of my blog. I don't want any glory. I'm certainly not trying to build a fan base per se. All I want to do is let you know that great days are ahead! Job 8:7 says that our beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will our future be.

 I want us to go into 2015 expecting amazing things from The Lord our Savior! Declare that our children will be mighty soldiers in His army. This is the year we are going to embed The Word of God into their hearts and minds. We are going to be better parents than we have ever been because there is always room for improvement. We are going to have a house of plenty and never lack. For those of us who desire a mate, 2015 is going to be the year that we get ready and in position because our Boazes (Esther if you are a man) are close.

I encourage you to take inventory of your life. See where God has brought you, don't worry about how far you have to go. Just know you are journeying with the most skilled guide. He will lead the way. Yes we may get off track. We may even stop along the way but keep going. I am excited about what is going to happen in your life. I want to read all about it and to celebrate life's victories with you. However, I will only know if you leave a comment and I am asking you to please do so. Also share this blog with others. These words are not just for parents but for everyone. Check out my favorite song and blessed. See you next year!

Take Time To Pray and Praise

Hurry up! Get the lead out. Vamanos. No matter how you say it being in a rush sounds the same. Sometimes there are periods in my life that I wish I had 8 of me so that I could go to Fiji while the others worked and parented. It's during these times I feel like the cat on a poster I saw once. It was a kitten holding on to a rope. The caption read "When you feel you are at the end of your rope...tie a knot and hold on."

Over the years I have learned that my life has cycles. I don't know if it happens like this for everyone because some people's entire lives are a big rush all the time. For me it comes and goes like the ocean tide. It is my faith in The Most High God that drives me on. I have to tap into my source daily or else I couldn't handle times like this. Daily I wake up, spend my quiet with God, and call forth a peaceful day. I keep at the front of my mind my response to things. I can feel myself relax with each short prayer I pray.

God is so amazing, as I was typing this post I got a call from a dear friend of mine back home. She called to tell me how overwhelmed she felt and was crying. She is a working single mom like myself and she needed some prayer. I thank God for giving me the ability to empathize with others. I am grateful that I can look beyond myself to lend a listening ear and heart. Sometimes I feel as if I am pulled in so many directions. By nature its easy for me to go into a tail spin. Every and anything can become urgent. When I feel myself getting wound up I hear that still small voice reminding me to breathe and prioritize.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you ever find yourself thinking or saying, "I take care of everyone and no one takes care of me. " I used to say that. Boy that was my anthem and it was a big lie I was telling myself. My heavenly Father was taking care of me and He still does. It's easy to fall into that way of thinking though.

That's why God's word says we should think about loving and happy thoughts (Philippians 4:8). There are songs by Yolanda Adams, "It's Gon Be Nice" (listen) and "I Gotta Believe" (listen ) that  really help me make it through rough periods and help me get my praise on. Check them out when you get some time. Really listen to the words. Feel renewed hope and strength while she sings. I promise it will change your mindset.