Continued……the tour of the French and Dutch side was amazing and real life for me. There was evidence of poverty, but the people seem content. Based on the information provided to me from the tour guide I should have probably verified this before posting but 90% of the money on the island comes from tourism. All their grocery stores are owned by the Chinese and there is a lot of damaged property due to hurricane Irma. From my eyes, I though even with all that it was still beautiful, and the port was awesome one of my favorites (lots of stores and different varieties). I’ll visit again if the opportunity presents itself.

The next stop was St. Kitts, we did not get to tour too much of the island on our own because the port was small, and our excursion was for most of the port time. We did Jeep off roading in the mountains stopping at a local beach for 2 hours which was awesome. Lots of animals and beautiful views from the peaks of the mountain. Watching people playing in the water and snorkel at the beach was peaceful while I absorbed all the rays from the sun. A local placed a monkey on our heads without our permission and initially it was very scary. The monkey was calm and kissed my ear which helped me calm down a bit. I didn’t realize at the moment, that the monkey experience will be as memorable for both of us. Once back on the ship, we spent the rest of the day getting to know our dinner mates in the hot tub.

Our next stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico but everything was closed upon arrival which was not good because it was a short day. We found a tour guide at the port that offered us a tour of the island for $20 so we agreed. That was God’s favor because none of our dinner mate were able to see the island in that timeframe. We finished the tour by going shopping and buying our kids nice souvenirs.

Our final port was Turks & Caicos, honestly I can’t describe the beach there but please visit if the opportunity ever presents itself. It was absolutely beautiful, how can anyone see these things and deny God’s existence. He was present in the water, sand, people, marine life, sun and everywhere else. God is our Creator and has the best paintings that a canvas does no justice. Our excursion in Turks & Caicos was snorkeling, which was my attempt at being a supportive wife because my husband can swim, and I can’t. I almost did not go because I was nervous. After getting on the boat the peace of God rested on me and then something amazing happened. We saw a whale, it was so beautiful and came up out the water to meet us, it was so quick that I did not have enough time to snap a picture. Memorable, this was my first time ever seeing a whale, our dinner mates went whale watching and did not get to see any whales. If that is not God’s favor than I don’t know what is, apart of me felt like I did not deserve all this favor He was pouring out it was overwhelming. The time has come to get into the water and learning to breathe only through my mouth was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was dressed to the tee facemask, flippers, life jacket and for extra precaution a noodle to stay afloat in the water. The water was a bit rough out there in the middle of the ocean, the color of the water is a blue I don’t think we’ve been able to duplicate anywhere else. The snorkeling spot was right beside a very deep drop off, after much encouragement I put my face in the water and saw Dory from Finding Nemo for the first time. I stepped out in faith and let go of the noodle and started snorkeling around not too far from the boat.

It was one of the most liberating things I’ve done in a long time. It’s even encouraged me to get swimming lessons this summer at my local YMCA. Once we got back to shore, we decided to visit a local restaurant on the beach and the food was suppose to be good. The beach was just so warm and soothing to my mind, body and soul that I did not want to leave. I could have stayed in Turks and Caicos and worked from home looking at the beach every day. The thought of leaving that port and the trip ending soon was such a sad moment for me because its been a long time since I’ve felt so much at peace and had so much fun. I decided going forward to take better care of my wellbeing especially my mind and let my hair down more often. We spent the rest of the days with our dinner mates getting to know them and planning our next cruise together as a group. I’m really looking forward to it. We won a bottle of champagne by participating in a marriage contest which was so out of our comfort zone. The thought that we were able to go on this trip and pay cash for everything, have an amazing time, meet some awesome people, receive awesome customer service, feel safe and comforted in the arms of the Lord was blissful.

This trip changed my perspective on how much God loves, protects, guides, favors, and thinks through all the details ahead of time. In complete awe of his goodness. It reminds me of his word. Psalm 139:2 “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar”. Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”. May the stories of our lives be read from the book of life and may God’s will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. We made it back home safely and I was so grateful for the entire experience. I pray that if you are in need of rest and peace that you seek the Source. It’s truly the only place real peace comes from, regardless of your situation. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding rest on your heart and mind in Jesus name. Have a blessed week.

Is it just me or is it amazing when we can see with our own eyes God’s favor, His splendor and His protection in real time? After a year of planning, my husband and I had the opportunity to get away for our ten year wedding anniversary. Upon my return I shared some of my personal experience with my husband and he suggested that I write about it. My husband perspective was different than mine so, I’ve been working on what to say with words for a few months now. It takes time for me to gather my thoughts together. As I type these words in my local Starbucks, I’m overwhelmed just knowing that He is here helping me craft these words for you.

Anyway, on to the recap of my vacation, First, we were able to get a rental very last minute to drive to the port. My husband wanted to be fancy with a convertible, but upon arrival none were available. I’m very thankful for that please don’t share that with him. The thought of being hit in the face with wind and other things on the Florida highways I’ll pass. They substituted the convertible with an SUV without having to pay anything additional. We got to the port with plenty of time surprisingly very little traffic which is unheard of most days. We boarded our cruise ship safely; our room was clean and to our surprise had 2 bathrooms. That night at dinner we met our dinner mates having no idea we’ll meet up with the same couples every night they are all awesome. It was evident that His favor was present. Everything up to this point was great, just seeing the sun rising and sitting in quiet in the middle of the ocean is just so beautiful. Looking up at the stars at night, my words do the images in my head no justice. I could not help but see God in everything. His peace was over in abundance. We spent the first few days at sea and ported on the 4^th day with the first stop being St. Maarten, the Dutch side. We booked an excursion ahead if time that tours both the French and Dutch side in the land and sea.

Before it was time for the excursion, we decided to explore the island and do some shopping. We got some coconut water, bought some gifts for our family and got plenty of steps in. During our walk, we arrived at the local courthouse and while taking selfie’s a guy asks if we just arrived on the cruise ship. He says he asked because they just opened a new hotel and are looking for Americans to advertise the new hotel in the state. Then he hands us a flyer for a chance to win $500 and other prizes all we’ll need to do is scratch off this postcard to see if we won. I start scratching and it looks like I’m about to win and he says no that one is not working well and gives me a new one. I knew from when this man approached us something was off. Long story short, we didn’t win the scratch off but he then invites us to visit the hotel, claiming there is a car waiting on the next street to take us there and back. Too many red flags and the thought of the movie Taken. My husband being the awesome person he is says sorry we must get back to our ship for an excursion, stopping all conversation with him and we walk away.

I’m so grateful, so grateful for God’s protection and the fact that we weren’t born yesterday. Bring raised in the inner city does have its perks. Stay tuned for part 2, this Thursday 6/9.

I was not going to share this but figured it might help someone else. This is the conversation I had in my car the other day. “Lord, you say in your word do not be afraid so many times.” But I’m afraid right now. The sound of hail falling, the wind blowing and rain unlike any rain I’ve ever seen. “You have absolute power over heaven and earth.” But again I’m afraid. Then I saw shingles, wood and siding (parts of roofs) rotating in the rain, and it dawned on me this is a tornado. So I pray and the peace that surpasses all understanding fills my heart and I start to calm down. The tornado passes and I run out of my car home. There is nothing like home on a day like that one. Whatever your situation, circumstance or heart may look like God is always there.  Prayer changes things.

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

The first verse I memorize and mediated on because I use to have anxiety. God promises are available we have to choose to hold onto them. Hope you have a great week!!!

 

 

During the first week of year, I was so excited about setting goals and holding myself accountable on meeting them weekly. I realized this week that I already failed, because I didn’t make time for writing on this blog last week. I was a little bummed but realized again for like the 50^th time. I’m not going to be able to meet these goals if I keep trying to do everything in my own strength. If you set some New Year’s resolutions and are at the point of not wanting to do it anymore or feel like you have messed up too much. Don’t let your failures discourage you from starting again. Pray about it and stop trying to do it your own strength, ask God for provision and strength. Be blessed and have a great week!

Being a mom is a challenging and rewarding job. I love being a mom and honestly believe that God put the desire for being a mom in my heart. It’s amazing how He knits us together in our mother’s wombs. It took me a while to wrap that around my mind but I believe it. My children are my heart but I notice sometimes we get so wrapped up in providing for our family. We forget about just being in the moment. What will my children remember the most when they grow up? I don’t know but I hope to leave good memories. The goal is to spending more quality time, read more books and just hanging out while in the moment. So if you have children start spending more time with them and encourage them to do the best they can at everything in life. Who knows what childhood memories might motivate your child to keep pushing on as an adult? I hope this encourages a parent today to reach out to their child and build a better relationship. God bless, have a great week!!!

I had a dream a few nights ago; I was looking down at earth and saw every continent being consumed by fire except North America. It’s like the fire was coming from under the continents. I said “oh my” the old world just fell off the face of the earth. North America started flashing blue and red the last country left. I’m sure there is more to the dream but this is all I remembered. It’s as if this was our last chance as a nation to get back to God and His ways. I must say I’m not sure what this dream meant but felt the need to share it, prayer is needed for our nation, cities and communities. Join me in prayer for our country, the days seem shorter and the years are flying by, may Jesus pour out his spirit on the nation, may He call his children home to His kingdom, may he take the scales off the eyes of the blind and reveal his truth. May true change come to our nation, lets lift up those in authority to seek wisdom and guidance from God.