I pray each of you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.  I took a couple days off from writing to focus on my family and sharing this joyous holiday with them.  Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year.  It’s a time when even when things get really tough between one another, in life in general, at work, you name it, it seems that Christmas is a time of miracles.  A time when there is peace on earth and people are showing love and forgiveness to one another.  It’s such a beautiful time of the year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  But as the Christmas holiday comes to its end we prepare for a New Year.  Most people begin reflecting on the prior year and all that was done, all the should haves and could haves and all the accomplishments.  We begin to set goals for the New Year.  The ultimate goal of all…to lose a few pounds.  Some choose a life changing goal.  Maybe to move to a new city, change careers, make a commitment to someone, run a marathon, etc.  On January 1, 2015 I had set a goal for myself.  My goal was to write a book and have it completed and ready for review and submission before the end of the year.  So I started writing.  I ended up with 2 novels written with just a few chapters each and my life changed, my goals changed and guess what?  The book I’m finishing up tonight, as we speak, is neither book 1 nor book 2 but a book God became the author of.  Earlier this year I made a major change in my life and got back on my path with God and ventured off into a beautiful journey with Him.  It’s been an amazing few months of rediscoveries of myself and my purpose in life.  I have been renewed and have a new outlook on life.  When I set my goal on January 1, 2015,  I never expected to be writing this book but that just goes to show who is in control.  It isn’t me.  I finally let God take control of my heart and my life and he amazes me each and every day.  I have renewed my train of thought and as I wrap up writing the final chapter of my book I already have my next book ready to begin writing.  I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.  I know that God has something wonderful in store for me and my family.  I trust that He knows what is best for me and He will continue to direct me as my journey continues with Him.  I have a lot to learn and having Him as my teacher will only help me grow in my life.  I pray that as 2015 comes to an end you will enjoy every minute of this year and believe that God has something amazing in store for you in 2016.  Don’t wait till January 1, 2016 to set your goals.  Just remember, what may be your goal God may decide he has a different plan for you.  His plans are always greater than ours.

XOXO…Ileen

Psst…God Loves You

“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16