This Is It

Happy New Year Everyone!
       2012 was the most incredible year of my entire life! I am extremely excited about 2013 however I thank God that I can reflect on last year with a smile. God has blessed me in so many ways and I won't ever stop singing his praises! He's wonderful!

    In 2012, I found happiness in God and He led me to find happiness within myself. I did so many things that I would have never dreamed of doing before and I am so amazed at the woman I've developed into. I went to several countries in Europe last July and met some pretty amazing people, I moved out of NY for a short while and had the experience of teaching somewhere else (it was wonderful), I have a new church family that is kept near and dear to my heart, I'm finishing up my first book and am seeking an agent, I have a dog (who keeps me laughing because he's so intelligent), I am now a full time counselor working on my NYS licensure and someday soon, I'll have a private practice, I'm headed to Africa in May and... I am in a relationship with the love of my life.
 
     Sometimes I sit back and laugh at the person I used to be. It's amazing how we may have plans for ourselves and God has already figured things out. We fight with God, we beg God and we plead with Him to give us what we want when He already has a grand plan set into motion just waiting to make our lives complete. We want better but God wants to give us the best.

      There is a part of my past that will always be left untouched and it will stay where it is: in the past. Those experiences brought about great change and wisdom. I'm grateful to God for that because it taught me how to be a better person and how to connect with people. Although I know that I will never see, speak or be involved with the people and places and experiences that I was once a part of, I thank God for protecting me and seeing me through it all. And at the end of it all, I just want everyone to be happy. I pray that everyone experiences the joy and the peace that God has given me. These are the two greatest gifts of my life.

    Why this update? Well firstly, I'm just pleased to report that the blessings keep flowing. When you listen to God and are aligned with His will, you can never go wrong. Secondly, these are words of encouragement. To let you know that whatever you may be dealing with, God will see you through it, I guarantee it. Just let Him lead the way. Trust me, He has performed great miracles in my life. Lastly, I just wanted to let you know that this will be the final blog post. This blog has been a great help to many people. I am just happy that I could be a small part of what God has created. This blog will always have a place in my heart and many thanks to those who have contributed. Although this blog will no longer be active, please feel free to share these testimonies! We never know how God will use us to touch the lives of others. Please know that I won't be far away. God just has something else in store for me, that's all. He has something in store for you too.

     The other morning, I looked down at my stomach. "Pregnancy is going mess me up" I chuckled. My love smiled at me and replied, "Honey, you'll always be beautiful, no matter what." And you know what? He's right because God made me.

"...plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Be beautiful. Be faithful. Be blessed.

Taqueena