MEGA MILLIONS...

I checked the numbers one by one and as I confirmed each number my heart started racing.  I started to feel like all the blood was rushing to my head. My body started to go numb as I once again check the numbers...this couldn't be...EVERY SINGLE NUMBER FOR THE MEGA MILLIONS IS ON MY TICKET!! OH. MY. GOD!!!!!

I jump up from my chair and bit my knuckles as my legs take on a life of their own. I want to scream but the sound cannot come from my mouth. I want to pick up the phone and call my family and start screaming, but I can't...not yet, I open my front door and I look at the road in front of me and I want to strip off my clothes and run naked down the street screaming, but quickly figure out that I may get arrested...that would be super disasterous especially now. I close my door and my doggie Sketch runs behind me mirroring my excitement, his tail wagging swiftly as he tries to figure out what's going on. I pick him up and whirl him around, put him down and run up the stairs. I stood on the landing for a moment trying to figure out what I went upstairs for and couldn't remember. I then run down stairs and fall on my knees..."Thank you God...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" While kneeling, i start rocking back and forth and the tears stream from my eyes as I clutch my dreams, hopes, plans and security in the palm of my hands...I never knew I would enjoy holding a small piece of paper so much. I kiss the ticket and hold it up to the ceiling and I allow the tears and the feeling of joy to envelope me, I felt the pure, raw, feeling of freedom...free from wanting or needing. I cried for myself, my family and friends whose lives are about to change....overwhelming is an understatement.

Finally I get up, pick up my doggie and reach for my cell phone. I call my husband "baby where are you?" he said "i'm almost home." I smiled "great, cant wait to see you" and hung up. As his car pulled up, Sketch and I waited anxiously for him to enter the house. As he enters, I run up to him hugging him tight and sobbing into his chest, his eyes are bewildered "what's the matter baby" I looked him in the eyes "We are free, finally free" and I hand him the ticket. He looks at it still not getting it and I said we won the lottery...he bites his knuckles, throws his suit jacket to the ground as his arms and legs take on a life of their own and then he lets out a gutteral scream that one can probably hear from a mile away as the tears stream down his cheeks and we embrace...freedom is the best feeling in the world.

Preying money

The number 9 is a very interesting!

The number 9 represents completeness. It marks the end of the human gestation period and the end of a series of numbers (1-10), as well as a complete circle (360 degrees = 3 + 6 + 0 = 9). Christ completed his life and died at the ninth hour. Nine categories of people are called 'blessed' in the Sermon on the Mount. 9 is a complete number: if multiplied by any other number it always reproduces itself (3 x 9 = 27 = 2 + 7 = 9).

If this calculation is true, this leaves a lot of hope for the upcoming year. However, we still have to leave room for the unknown.

My husband and I brought in New Years at the watch night service at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem NY. During the Sermon, Our pastor preached about the importance of positive thinking and making time for family and friends as much as possible. He said something that really resonated with me and that is "we cannot serve two Gods!" Many of us serve the God of money, material possessions and so many of us spend so much time on the job that it becomes our alter of worship. When we don't have balance in our lives it throws off the natural cycle of our living.

There is no doubt that money is necessary to live and be comfortable in this world. Money allows us to have freedom of choices (where we live, eat, travel, work etc). Right now our economy is in turmoil and it's effects are resonating throughout the country and world. Many are in panic mode because there is currently a shortage in so many areas of our society. I get a bit apprehensive everytime I watch the news because of all the layoffs....there is no doubt that these are tight times.

Everyone is on a quest to find more money whether people are working or not, money seems to be a rare commodity these days. Recently I found myself thinking of all the ways I can make money. I have been taking on all sorts opportunities here and there, spreading myself thin trying to committ to everything. At the end of the day I felt myself overwhelmed and frustrated. I know a little about this and that but mastering very few things and it's not a good feeling. I've decided to make some changes in my life this year and focus on my true hearts desires and talents. But overall, my most important focus is growing my family.

In 2009 we have the opportunity to start over again and try to make things right. It's important to be realistic about your goals and try not to procrastinate; make sure you schedule your time effectively and you will see that balance of family, work and play is very attainable. This is a good year, but every year is a good one as long as our outlook on life is positive. That outlook also applies to the bad things. When bad things happen (and they will), putting them in perspetive is very helpful in keeping a positive outlook.

Worry less, Be more humble and grateful, stay prayerful and wish others well.....

God bless.