September, last year, was an unforgettable time for me. I won in the Cardinal Sin Book Awards’ E-books category last year for the first time. My first printed children’s book was also launched last year. I had a meet and greet and book signing activity last year at the MIBF as part of the launch of my children’s book. All of these happened during the MIBF.

This year, September became another September to remember because I won in the Cardinal Sin Book Awards E-Books category once more for my latest e-book titled Keep Your Employees Engaged! Low Cost and No Cost Ways. Two in a row!

What made this year’s win memorable and amazing are the circumstances in which I wrote my entry for this year’s Cardinal Sin Book Awards.

Most of the book was written in less than ideal circumstances. I was not in a hotel or resort or even in a quiet and isolated place where I was focused only on writing my book. Instead, I was home and I was busy supervising cleaners who were cleaning our house that afternoon. I was watching over my three kids.

Thus, I was surprised that this e-book qualified in the Cardinal Sin Book Awards. I was ecstatic when I heard the emcees call my name and read my book’s title as the winner for the E-books category!

Honestly, I was holding back my tears. I didn’t want my make-up to smear. hahaha

This win reminded of these important lessons:

1. Nothing is impossible with God. What is impossible for men is possible with God. If it was just me, I don’t think I would qualify even as a finalist in this prestigious award-giving body. But because God’s favor was upon me, I also won the favor of the judges.
2. Rely more on God than on yourself. Clearly, I relied more on God on finishing this e-book and in winning in this year’s Cardinal Sin Book Awards. I knew very well in my heart that it was God’s hand who moved the judges to choose me as the winner.
3. Don’t wait for your situation to be ideal before you act on your dreams. It was my God-sized dream to write and finish at least one book this year. God helped me fulfill that dream amid all the noise and chaos at home. It was my dream to launch my e-book on Amazon and make it an Amazon bestseller. I didn’t have a lot of time and budget last summer for the launch but God still helped me fulfill this dream. My e-book became #1 in my chosen category.
4. Believe in yourself and in God’s power to make your dreams come true. I gambled on this entry. I was not really confident that I would even qualify as a finalist this year, knowing that I was not able to spend a lot of time writing my book and polishing it. I didn’t have the luxury of time to that this year. But it was my ardent wish and desire to join the contest. So, I mustered enough confidence and courage to join. I invested in the joining fee. And to my amazement, I won! Wow! I’m so glad I took that risk!

Just like last year, my family was with me during the awarding ceremony at the MOA SMX. My husband and three kids plus my mom were there to witness that amazing moment. Victory is always sweet when shared with those you love, those who are most important in your life. I’m so blessed that my family members were with me that night.

God said to me days before the awards night through one of my devotionals that all I need is to “show up and let God surprise me.” He certainly surprised me! He swept me off my feet again!

That’s why after my victory celebration with my family, I dropped by the Blessed Sacrament Adoration Chapel of our parish and gave thanks to God. I gave back the glory to Him. I cried tears of joy and thanksgiving before Him. Just like John, I said, “It is the Lord!” It was Him who made it happen even when it seemed impossible.

So, to all the parents out there who are reading this blog post, just believe that God can make our dreams come true even in the most challenging circumstances. We simply need to rely more on Him than on our own strength or skills. We also need to fight for our dreams and believe in our selves because God believes in us. He wants to use us. Then, when our dreams come true, let’s not forget to give Him thanks and give back the glory He is due.

What are your God-sized dreams? Feel free to share them in the comments.