Time flies fast and sometimes if we blink, we might just miss the precious moments in this so call life. As I stretch effortlessly in my Island kitchen, and have a quick flashback to the life I envisioned for myself, and what it has actually turn out to be, all I feel is nothing but GREAT JOY to know that, things turnout better than I expected. Not because I was the master planner, but because I was willing to follow the direction the wind was blowing. I had to be flexible with my plans as well as my life and give total control to the One who has all the answers. After all, nothing happens by chance rather by Faith and Faith has a way of turning things around – that is, if only we BELIEVE.  “Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Hebrews 11:1.

For the past three months, my life and that of my family has been like a roller-coaster ride, yet we managed to make it work. After eight years as a stay-at-home mom for our four kids, I decided to go back to work. My intention was to start up with anything because I know is not how we start that determines success, but how much we are willing to put in to get to the top. I was faithful, but skeptical at the same-time based on my 8 years of absenteeism from the workforce. My willingness to do anything and humble myself was what got God. So He decided to show me how BIG, GREAT, and MIGHTY He is by putting me at the center of it all. To my greatest surprise, he elevated me, not because I deserve it…or maybe I do deserve it . We should keep in mind that, the beginning does not matter but the end justifies the means. In addition, “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us”. Romance 5:3-5.

After all, I didn’t even have to worry, because my able husband once again stepped up his game and make-up for my absence. I wonder why I had to be so worked-up in the first place, and why I was ever at home to begin with. He shoulder every single responsibilities as if they never even existed or as if my absent wasn’t missed at all. Between you and me, I love that he is capable to do everything that kept me at home for the last 8 years except cooking, but again I feel jealous in the sense that I missed being the one that drops/picks them to and from school, and takes them to their extracurricular activities and everything in-between. Whom I am kidding? This should be a good thing, right? But why do I feel so bad? I guess is the separation anxiety disorder I have been hearing about from other parents. I should be happy I have a helper instead of whining like a baby, because there are people out there yawning for a helping hand, but can’t get it from their spouses. For this reason, I would like to apologize for being selfish and give credit to whom it is due – and that goes to no other person but my DESIRE. Thanks honey for your unbelievable support, love, commitment and dedication towards our family. YOU ROCK!! And if I have to live this life all over again, I pray to God I still cross path with you.

In my whole life, never have I  looked forward to anything like going back to work. Is a good feeling knowing that I am being productive out of the home. But it also comes with a price, which makes it difficult to do the things I love doing that doesn’t necessary comes with a paycheck. There are things that I love to do whether I am being paid for or not; my satisfaction comes from knowing that I am making a difference in my community, utilizing my time wisely and helping the people around me. I have come to understand that a degree or academic portfolio alone cannot get one to the top, but a combination of degree, drive and determination. It was actually my striving business mindset that got me my job. At first I didn’t want to reveal that I have been at home for that long, then after speaking to a confidant, she convinced me to tell them what I have actually been doing at home. She also mentioned that, only a select few have the ability to actually start something, finish and follow through – and I was one of those determined individual. And to tell you the truth, she was right! Because once I started selling myself, there was no stopping me because that was the TRUE me.

Despite all my accomplishments in life – and believe me, they are uncountable my greatest by far is having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here me out here, I am not talking about going to church every now and then, or reading our Bibles whenever we feel like, or paying our tithes/offerings/arms – these are just some of the few things that contributes to our Christian life. I am talking about a personal relationship with the one who is, who was and yet to come “Jesus Christ”; not putting a checkmark of how well we did on a given day, but surrendering our all to Him on a daily basis and carrying our Cross daily. Christianity to me is not a Religion, but a way of life! Is not by chance but by choice!  Is not the right way rather the only way! There are days that I can’t even lift my head out of the water, but I still Believe He is God.

When I was taken away from my mother at the age of  two, He was still God! When I was maltreated, beaten, tormented and left for death, He was still God! When I ran away from the only home I ever knew – in other to protect my life, He was still God! When I went through a near rape experience – once again, I was save by His Grace! When I left the only country I have ever known to an unknown land at a very young age, He never for once made me feel alone. When I buried countless of siblings/relatives at a very young age and to an untimely death, I knew He was still God! When I was deserted, abandoned and left for the gutters, once again He shone His light down on me. When I moved from America to Canada , in quest for love, the world thought I was nuts – but He disprove them. When I was told I was next in line to join my ancestors – He screamed from His throne and protected my life. Should I go on? My trials, tribulations and pain are uncountable, but by far the joy of knowing God outweighs them all. Does this mean that I won’t encounter anymore pain since I am in Christ? By no means! But the fact that we are with Him give us an upper hand to those that don’t know Him. The burden/pain are less bearing and we don’t have to hold onto the pain anymore or turn to antidepressants; but we can surrender our all  to Him because he holds all things in His hands.

As we come to the close of 2017 and embark to the New Year ahead 2018, keep in mind that there will be good days and bad days. In every circumstances, there is an opportunity. In every failure there is a lesson, every entrance has an exit, In every success there is a story and in everything always remember that He is still the God of Hills and Valleys. You have to know where you come from, to be able to appreciate where you are headed.

Somethings to take along into 2018

• Be hardworking because God can only prosper us through the works of our hands. If you are not a worker, you are not a candidate for prosperity.
• Hard work defines your destiny and adds value in your life. You can never be entitled to your golden trophy when you are not working.
• If you are not working, people cannot be jealous of you, it is your works that make them to be jealous of you.
• Don’t allow pride to get in your way of starting small – Divine ideas rule the world, money does not rule the world.
• Everyone has a season in life, and in your season, God expect you to be fruitful.
• Life does not answer to luck, it answers to work, everybody that has money in their bank account made a choice. In other words, there is no such thing as luck; luck is when opportunity meets preparation.
• Last but not the least, remember that God prosper people through Divine favor and favor is unmerited Grace from God. The favor of God can make you to become an overtaker.

Happy New Year to you and yours and may the Favor of God and His Mercy be with you throughout this year and beyond. My prayer for this year is for as many people as possible will come to know Him, so they can experience the PEACE that surpasses all understanding and an unspeakable JOY. “Submit yourself, then to God, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. James 4:7.