Embracing the Morning: Productivity, Parenting Triumphs & Faith Discoveries

Dear Friends and fellow journeyers,

Let me begin with a candid confession from last night. I found myself staring at a sink piled high with dirty dishes, a testament to a day that had pushed my physical and mental limits. Exhaustion was a heavy cloak, and the thought of waking up to a cluttered, uninviting kitchen filled me with a familiar dread. My body was screaming for rest, and yet, the pending task weighed heavily on my mind.

However, a different story unfolded this morning. Rising with the dawn around 5:30 AM, I approached the dreaded dish pile. To my surprise, what usually felt like an arduous chore transformed into an almost effortless task. The dishes were sparkling clean in what felt like half the usual time! This isn’t just a tale about dishwashing; it’s a profound realization I want to share with you: there is an extraordinary, untapped power residing in our mornings. The early hours offer a clarity, a tranquility, and an efficiency that the rest of the day often lacks. Tasks that feel monumental in the evening somehow become manageable, even simple, with the first light of day. Prayer feels more connected, creative ideas flow more freely, and problem-solving takes on a new ease. It’s a sacred window of time, and I urge you, make great use of your mornings to unlock your full potential and tackle your to-do list with renewed vigor.

A Milestone Birthday & Homeschooling Validation

And speaking of new beginnings, my beautiful little mini-me, my darling daughter, celebrated her fourth birthday last week! It feels like just yesterday she was a tiny bundle, and now she’s a vibrant, inquisitive little girl brimming with personality. Her fourth year marks another wonderful chapter in her young life, filled with discovery and growth.

Coincidentally, on her very birthday, we had her scheduled for an early childhood screening. For those unfamiliar, this is typically a 30-minute session where a children’s development expert assesses a child’s cognitive knowledge across various domains and their physical capabilities. Given that my daughter has never set foot in a traditional classroom – we’ve embraced the homeschooling journey since the beginning – my curiosity was naturally piqued. More than that, I confess, I was overwhelmingly nervous. This felt like a pivotal moment, a “moment of truth” to genuinely evaluate the effectiveness of our homeschooling efforts. Was she truly learning? Was she on par with her peers, or perhaps even exceeding expectations? The questions swirled in my mind as we walked in.

And guess what? She absolutely soared! She answered every single question put to her, often going above and beyond what was expected for her age group. The wonderful lady conducting the screening turned to me with a beaming smile and simply said, “Whatever you are doing, keep doing it.” Oh, the wave of relief and pure joy that washed over me! It was an incredible validation, a powerful affirmation that our decision to homeschool is indeed bearing beautiful fruit. I felt so incredibly happy and profoundly blessed in that moment. Thank you, Jesus, for this precious gift and for guiding our path!

Celebrating Milestones and Little Joys

To celebrate her stellar performance and, of course, her special day, I whisked her away for a much-anticipated shopping spree. I gave her the delightful task of picking out ten things she truly liked, a small gesture to make her feel cherished and special. Her eyes lit up as she navigated the aisles, carefully selecting an assortment of toys, vibrant coloring books, and all sorts of charming children’s trinkets. While these new treasures bring immense joy to her, they have, I must admit, become a new cause for delightful concern in my kitchen – a playful chaos of creativity and imagination that now mingles with our everyday culinary activities. It’s a small price to pay for such boundless happiness!

The weekend also brought another minor triumph: I finally managed to braid her hair. We opted for beautiful yarn braids, a protective style that is both functional and stylish. Typically, I’d secure the ends with colorful rubber bands, but they often have a knack for detaching themselves, leading to unraveling. This time, my amazing husband, Mr. N, stepped in and lightly singed the ends. This technique seals the braids beautifully, giving them a sleek finish and ensuring they last much longer. His thoughtful assistance, even in these small details, always reminds me how fortunate I am to have him. I truly love that man.

And then, a second, equally miraculous hair-related event occurred: I was able to braid my toddler’s hair! For what feels like an eternity, getting her to sit still long enough for a proper hair session has been an epic saga. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve pursued her around the house, attempting to coax her into cooperation. She had been proudly sporting her ‘nappy’ hair for quite a while, an endearing, wild crown of curls. I even remember a wonderfully innocent inquiry from someone once, asking if I was intentionally grooming her hair into dreadlocks! Ha! It was a moment that still makes me chuckle. So, to finally have her hair neatly braided felt like conquering a small, yet significant, mountain. These are the unsung victories of parenthood!

Culinary Adventures and Promises Kept with Precious Kitchen

Beyond our family’s personal adventures, my culinary world also saw some exciting developments. This past Saturday, I proudly uploaded Episode 12 of my YouTube series, Precious Kitchen. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, I highly encourage you to! In this episode, I delve into the vibrant and rich flavors of Cameroonian cuisine, guiding you through the preparation of a truly exquisite and spicy black stew known as “Mbongo Tchobi.” This traditional dish is a feast for the senses, known for its unique aromatic spices and deeply satisfying taste. It’s a true staple in many Cameroonian households, and I’m always thrilled to share a piece of my heritage through food.

My original intention was to publish the detailed written recipe for Mbongo Tchobi on the blog immediately after the video went live on Saturday. However, as is often the case, life threw a few curveballs my way, leading to an unforeseen delay. We all know how demanding “life” can be sometimes, constantly pulling us in different directions! But I’m making a firm commitment to you now: this coming Saturday, I will ensure that the comprehensive written recipe is posted right alongside the accompanying video on YouTube. No more delays, no more excuses! My aim is to provide you with both the visual guidance and the detailed instructions you need to recreate these delicious dishes in your own kitchen.

Supernatural Manger Things: Unpacking Miracles and Faith

In other news, our church recently embarked on a brand new and profoundly insightful sermon series titled, “Manger Things.” This series has been an incredible exploration into the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, reminding us that the occurrences in that humble manger were far beyond the ordinary – they were truly extraordinary, bordering on the miraculous. We’ve been asked to ponder:

• How could a virgin possibly conceive?
• How could the King of kings, the sovereign ruler of the universe, choose to be born in a lowly manger, of all places?
• How did an angel, a messenger from the divine realm, appear and speak directly to Mary?

Each of these questions points to the supernatural nature of God. They highlight that His ways transcend human logic, reason, and scientific understanding. These “Manger Things” powerfully illustrate that God operates far beyond the confines of what we see, what we know, and what our finite minds can comprehend. His plans and methods consistently defy conventional logic, proving that He is indeed the God of the impossible.

This series serves as a powerful reminder that miracles are not relics of a distant past. The same God who orchestrated these incredible events in the days of Jesus is still actively working miracles in our lives today. He is capable of intervening in ways we cannot imagine, turning impossible situations into testaments of His divine power and love. So, if you, like me, find yourself in desperate need of a miracle – whether it’s for healing, provision, guidance, or peace – I encourage you to place your unwavering faith in Him. Believe in His boundless capacity, for He truly is the God who specializes in the impossible.

It is beautifully captured in the scripture:

 ^“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

What miracle are you currently praying for? What seemingly impossible situation are you facing that only divine intervention can resolve? Please feel free to share your needs with us below in the comments. It would be my honor and privilege to pray with you, believing together for God’s incredible work in your life.

As we step further into this beautiful season of December, I wish you all an absolutely awesome week filled with blessings, joy, and profound fulfillment. May your days be bright and your heart be light!

♥