Hi friends,

Welcome to the first TGI Saturdays of 2017. It is also our 100th blog hop post. I would have loved to throw a big birthday bash, but I don’t feel as though my house (my blog) is ready. It not where I’d like it to be right now. Maybe I’ll throw one for my 150th or 200th.

It’s a new year guys. Are you ready for it? As for me, my new year is a mystery. I’m starting this year, as I always start every year, with hope and wonder. In other words, I’m hoping for the best and wondering what God has in store for my family and I this year.

In 2016, I had high hopes for a certain door to be opened to our family. A door that would make a tremendous difference to how we are able to live our lives. I believe this year (2016) was the year. I patiently waited on God for nine years for this door to be opened.

The door did not open. However, it became slightly ajar, but it never opened all the way for my family and I to go through.

Nevertheless, my 2016 was a blessed year. I have a lot to be thankful for.

I wrote a post almost two years back called “Is God a Great Big tease?” It is just amazing to me how sometimes in life, it seems like your prayers are being answered, they come very close, but no cigar.

Our expectations, our visions may look very different to God’s plan for our lives. Based on the fact that I know how things turned out since I wrote that post April 1, 2015. I should know by now that God isn’t just a great big tease. I should have realized by now that he has a great plan for our lives even if we can’t see the big picture. He uses our wait to train us, prepare us, shape us. Get us ready for that big dream he has in store for us.

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Someone said to my mother, on December 31, 2016, “Just sit back and enjoy the ride, it’s fabulous.” He’s right. Depending on your perspective. It is fabulous. This beautiful life God has in store for us. The journey (the climb) is the beautiful part, not just the destination.

God isn’t a tease. He is just a mystery.

Yesterday, my mom and I were talking about packaging, we were using her experience the previous night, at a small church gathering that she went to. There was a second hand gift exchange game, like a yankee swap/white elephant gift exchange. She talked about how everyone was going for the prettiest packaging, but when they opened it, it never really measured up to how it looked on the outside.

Then she talked about the gift she brought home, she said it wasn’t wrapped so fabulous. But when she opened it and saw what was inside she was so happy. It was a beautiful ornament that said “HOPE.” I didn’t know it at the time, but I cleared a perfect spot for that ornament on my fireplace mantel a few days earlier. Now every time I go in that room, I look at it and reflect on what it represents.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

but those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

God doesn’t always open the door, how, when, where, or with who we expect, but he’s always got you. But we have got to just sit back and enjoy the fabulous ride.

So that’s what I am going to do in 2017. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Cause it is fabulous.

Our family celebrated my sister’s 18th birthday, a few days ago, she unfortunately did not have high expectations for her birthday, because her birthday, just happens to fall at a time when most people are broke, shopped out and party out. Most people are pooped at this time. She was born January 4th.

Nevertheless, even though we weren’t able to go BIG. We made her feel loved and special. She was happy. We cooked her favorite foods, got $20.00 worth of little things to make her day from the dollar store, and she was happy.

My point. It’s how we live that makes life fabulous. Not what we have.

I made her this printout of encouraging bible verses to reflect on as we get ready for another fabulous year. Thought you might like a copy. You’ll find that gift below. Click on the pic below. Thanks for hanging out with me this morning.

I pray you have a blessed and fabulous 2017.

P.S- Just want to let you know I think you guys are awesome and I really appreciate you all.

Love, peace & blessingsLatisha sigAbout Me /Pinterest / Twitter / Youtube / Facebook

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