As the new year approaches and as we wish one another "Happy New Year" the following verse comes to mind:

Romans 8:28 (New American Standard Bible)

28. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When I wish a friend or a loved one a happy new year perhaps what I should be doing is telling them about the wonderful way God takes care of His children. Perhaps I should be asking them to join me in praising God for the things to come in 2008 as I know that God will cause whatever happens to ultimately work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Why am I posting this? Well...it is not b/c I am a gifted preacher or even a worthy servant of God...but b/c God has blessed me so much already that I want to share with those around me. Therefore....this is my story:
I was raised by a good family and was a normal child for the better part of my early life. I was honor roll student...no drugs....participated in lots of school activities, etc...

At age 17 I became pregnant by my h.s. sweetheart and had my daughter right before my 18th birthday.

My first marriage was at age 19 and it only lasted less than a year.

At age 20 I moved to So. Cal and tried to live on my own far from family and had my son at age 21.

Shortly after my son was born my family came and discovered I had a prescription drug problem and sued me for custody of my son and daughter. I had to fight for them in two different counties and could only afford to fight for one so had to sign custody of son over to his father and won custody of my daughter.

Shortly after this event is when the downward spiral began....I wont go into detail but within 2 years I was a full blown heroin addict. I eventually traded heroin for meth and started to deal drugs.

During the next 12 years of my life I would be arrested a total of 22 times and do 2 state prison terms. The last prison term for 5 yrs 8 months. I stayed in prison from Nov. 1998 - March 2002. My life was a living hell. I was a lost and broken person. I put my family through hell. Lost touch completely with my son. Put my daughter through growing up with a drug dealing mother.

Upon my release from prison in 2002 I had NOTHING. My father allowed me to stay at his house and I began my journey to try and repair the damage done in my life. My father is a Christian and I started going to Church with him. I eventually realized that I needed to confess my sins before God and ask Him into my heart. I remember that night in May 2002 when I kneeled beside my bed in my fathers house and began to talk to God. I told Him everything I'd ever done ... everything I could remember ... I asked for forgiveness ... I asked Him to take control of my life ... I asked Him to make me a new person and to take this addiction away from me ... I spoke to Him about all of my pain inside .... and I cried and cried for hours to Him.

For the past (almost) 6 years I have been following God. I have turned to Him for many things and have tried to be the woman He wants me to be. I have read (and re-read) the Bible so that I can get to know what He really wants of me. I have experienced unbelievable things. God has opened doors for me... has blessed my life in unbelievable ways.

Within 6 years this is how my life has changed:

I have a relationship with my daughter and I am now a mother whom she can turn to.

I have found my soul-mate and the person God wants me to have as my companion...my husband Tim.

I have (although it is minimal) contact with my son and at least can catch glimpses into his life.

I have a very successful career.

I will graduate next year with a 4 year degree and also obtain my brokers license.

I have good relationships with my family.

I have been able to obtain some degree of financial freedom...more than I ever thought possible at one time. (legally)

I have joy....I have NO desire to turn to drugs....I have quit smoking...I have peace....blessed peace.

It has not been an easy road but God has been there for me. I could never have accomplished the things I have on my own and I believe my life is a testimony to the complete Glory of our loving and forgiving God. People no longer look at me as the drug addict criminal...in fact, most people who know me would be astonished to learn of my past...Thank you Jesus...

I know this is long...thanks for reading...praise God because He will take care of all of us in 2008 and all things will work for the good....I believe this whole heartedly.