Press On

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:14)

Okay, I must admit that I’ve held back on plenty opportunities based on the opinion of everyone else except for me. After wards, I take self pity on myself because I didn’t listen to my conscious. I was told that your gut feeling is usually your best decision. Even if your decision does fail, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a smart person. It means that God has given you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes in order to make your next decision the right one. I’ve struggled (and sometimes in this present day) through making the right decision. Time and time again, I would ask myself “Is this right or wrong?” or “Is it really worth it?”

I used to consider myself the biggest worrier. My husband couldn’t stand it. “Is it really worth the headache you’re giving yourself?” he would ask. “Just do it.” From the day he said that, I’ve examined so many issues I’ve stressed about through the years. Right then, I’ve realized that I can’t go through life being worried all the time. Of course, it is a part of human nature to worry about things that are bothering you. However, it should not come to the point where it is jeopardizing your opportunity to do great things.

As a believer, I’ve made a commitment to press my way despite how hard it may be. I’m fortunate for the many blessings God has given me because there are people out there who are less fortunate than I am. Don’t be afraid to step out on faith. Turn your doubts and fears into happiness. It feels good and it’s healthy. It is an act of boldness and self confidence. Day by day, I am learning to become courageous in my decisions. Will they all be right decisions? The answer is no. Will I press my way in the calling of Christ Jesus? The answer is YES!! I came across some scriptures that focus on the topics about being worried, doubtful, and fearful but this was the one scripture that personally stood out for me:

"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." -- Luke 12:29-31

Will you press on? Pick out your own scripture that will encourage you to do this:

www.intouch.org/content/topic/2111

Until then,

Felicia

There's Nothing Like Family

Two days ago, I sat and listened to the wonderful waves at Myrtle Beach, SC. The weather, the attractions, the food, and the fellowship with my family was GREAT! I would say this was the best vacation I've had with my family in a long time. Now, we've always managed to make Myrtle Beach a family trip for almost every year. I've been there since I was an infant. So, it feels like a second home whenever I visit. I think the most wonderful thing about our trip is seeing how much my family has grown. Growing up, there was only the six of us on vacation, and now there's twelve of us. This includes my older sister, her husband and daughter. Then my brother with his girlfriend and her daughter, our adopted godsister Tatyana, my lovely younger sister, and finally myself and my husband TJ.

I think the best time I had on my vacation was walking on the beach to one of the newest piers built on the beach. It's called the Second Avenue Pier. It includes a great restaurant and a bar on the second level. It has a wonderful ocean view. The food was absolutely excellent. Crab sandwiches, onion rings, and a mango drink was all I needed. On top of that, they had a lounge area where you can sit back and relax on the comfortable couches. I know I felled asleep for about 15 minutes until my husband nudged me to wake up to head back to the hotel. I told him "I could sleep here all day!" He just shook his head, smiled and said "C'mon hon, let's go."

The other best time I had was hanging out with my siblings. We all went to Ripley's Aquarium and saw some exotic sea life. Big sharks, swordfishes, and even jellyfishes. We even took a group picture once we arrived in the aquarium. I love that picture because it shows how much I love all of my brothers and sisters. Although we may be far apart in distance or not able to see each other like we want, we had that moment to spend time with each other.

After the aquarium, we dropped the children at the hotel and headed to Senor Frogs night club. We had a blast! They had a paparazzi camera booth and all of us pretty much took over it by taking silly pictures. My younger sister Araina was pretty much on the dance floor the whole time. I went there a couple of times until I couldn't find him anymore since it was jammed pack.
After the club, we back to the hotel and had a late snack of TJ's nacho dip. Then we a laughing session about my Dad. We just reminsced on funny moments he has done such as giving directions to my brother by drawing a map on a napkin, or how he asked my brother-n-law Herman if he had a belt while my sister Trecia was in labor and used his phone charger cord instead.

Lastly, I enjoyed my baby neice Haleigh. She is such a doll face! All she did was smile and laugh and chewed on her toys. It was such a joy of seeing her. All in all, I loved my family vacation. I definetly can't wait until next year. I LOVE YOU FAMILY!!!