cheers to the new Year!

I don't take this blogging thing lightly. Although my readership may not be at the point where I can make money or even warrant "fame" (I'm probably still in double digits), I do believe that each person who reads (whether a regular or a passerby) is super special and comes here for a reason.  To that end, I felt it important to end the year with a blessing to each of you who visit this lil ole piece of cyberspace.

May the Lord bless you (abundantly)

and protect you (and your family members).

May the Lord smile on you (that your face shines like Moses')

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor (to blow your mind)

and give you his peace (that you may walk in it and find rest). (Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)

I declare that there is an awakening toward your purposes in 2013. That you will find greater sense of fulfillment, accomplishment, love, joy and peace.  That the days ahead of you will be greater than those that have passed.  That everything you put your mind, heart and hand to will prosper. I ask that all God's best will be released to you.

Grace peace and love,

See you next year! ;)

Gia

Gee whiz...

Christmas is over. unbelievable how that happens every year. I love the spirit of Christmas but the older I get, I can't help but think how over-commercialized it has also gotten.

Anyhoo, all that aside, it is still my most favoritest time of year and I trust that everyone had a very merry, festive, peaceful and joy-filled day, whether the day(s) were filled with family, friends, or just you and your fur-baby.

I had a great time celebrating with my family. The tangible gifts this year (in particular) wasn't as big of a deal as some of the more precious moments with hubby and my larger family.

On Saturday past, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the kids from the Timothy project. It was bittersweet that I only spoke with one since the majority of the kids were there but awesome because this particular young lady asked for me specifically. You should remember her...I talked a bit about her here.

In that post, I mentioned her rough exterior and how a bit of care and time, helped to melt walls and tough facades.  At that time, I said that my prayer for her was:

"My prayer is that this young lady now feels less burdened, less neglected, a smidgen more hopeful and definitely loved."

Well, based on the conversation with her on Saturday-this prayer has been answered. The young lady I spoke with was not the same girl I met in August. She was free-er. Happy-er. More peaceful. She sounded like she was enjoying life.

ahhhhh I could have seriously walked on water after that convo. Definitely in top 3 list for Best. Christmas present. Ever.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

I will....

Agency, is the term we psychologists use when we refer to human's ability to do something. We have control over our thoughts, words and actions. We are able to effect change. We can (fill in the blank) IF we choose to.

I've been a bit under the weather and it has been a real act of the "wills" to do a lot of things. Of course, I jump on the moments when I feel semi-normal but even in the moments when I don't, I attempt to "push through". Please note: I am aware of my physical limitations and not pushing beyond them.  In Bahamian vernacular- this thing go with sense! 

In any event, this made me think about the "I wills". For me, this past week, it's been, I will:

• smile through the discomfort (sour face isn't cute on the prettiest of humans)
• NOT complain (although if asked, I will honestly share)
• get the list of things done (that could be reasonably done)
• enjoy time with those I have the opportunity to visit with 
• rejoice with those who are rejoicing (Yes, just because I feel crappy does not mean that I cannot celebrate others, or celebrate with them!)
• Bless the Lord.

Yes, I decided that I will make a special effort to praise. After all, it just doesn't come that easy when things are not going well or in my case, if you aren't feeling well.  But as with everything, this is all for a season and through each passing season, circumstance, or experience, my God is still God. He is still good. He is still faithful. His love is still ever so zealous for me. He still watches over me and although He allows trials, sickness and other forms of difficulties, He is still working on my behalf in the background...if I allow Him.

As I reflect over the previous week, I think I did it....I know for one thing, the minute you take your eye off the bad and focus on the good, the bad just seems...less horrible.

Grace peace and love,
Gia