Unexpected Beach Day

We live less then 20 minutes from the oceanfront but rarely ever go. Like years will go by! In all honesty I love my city and I love living the "beach" life sort of speak including having a deep love for water! What I don't like is dipping my toes in the sand, let alone in the ocean with muddy sand under my feet! I know for most people that's the fun part! Not this sister..and I don't like it when it's to hot!! I know another reason people go to the beach!! So I'm different!! No biggie!! God created each of us unique and one of a kind!!

Now what I do like is listening to the waves, people watching, and walking the boardwalk. Yesterday I got a chance to do all of that!! Marc got a trouble shoot call for one of the local hotels on the oceanfront and asked me if I wanted to tag along. While he worked I walked the boardwalk, set at a bench and read a book and also did a bit of people watching. At one point while walking a family from New York stopped me up ask if I would take their picture. No problem!! It reminded me of being at Disney actually! I had a great time and once again it confirmed my resolve to spend more time enjoying the beauty that is this world that God created! When I think about how often we have put life on whole for ministry, for children, for extended family and friends the older we get the more we realize that at some point we have to take time out for ourselves as well or suffer the consequences. By consequences I'm talking emotional as well as physical! 

Don't get me wrong I love working in ministry but let's face facts ministry is hard! And if you don't take some time to refresh ministry can become bitter. And that's never what God intended for any of us! 

At some point you will either burn out, give up or give in. It's important to take vacation (even if it's a stay vacation). It's important as a couple to have a few date nights here and there. And above all else it's important to keep God first and foremost! Before the people, before your children and family and yes even before your husband and your marriage. Because without him all of these other things will fall apart. 

And even if finances are tight there are always ways to still get in some "me" time! You might have to be creative but it can be done! 

The beautiful oceanfront we call home!! 

The Hilton hotel! 

Lighting at the Hilton! 

Artwork! 

King Neptune! 

The boardwalk! 

Sandy beach!! 

The Hilton probably has some of the prettiest landscaping on the beach! Wish we could get our flowerbeds to look this good!! lol

I'm not a seafood eater but my daughter Quisha says their in house restuarant Catch 31 is pretty good. 

I truly do love my city!! Recently we were voted 3rd or 4th as one of the best city's to raise a family! It's definitely been good to ours.

It doesn't look half bad at night either!! I really surprised myself by walking the boardwalk alone and engaging with those around me. And being comfortable in my own skin enough to sit on a bench among strangers and read my book! Anybody who knows me (believe it or not I'm actually an introvert ) knows this was a major step for me (so much so that several family members even said how shocked they were that I did this). I learned an important lesson that day. I truly can do all things through Christ which strengthens me! Marc said it was unfair that I got to enjoy the beach while he was cooped up in a small room working on a computer! So as soon as it's cooler guess what will be added to our Friday date days? And the best part?? It will only cost a small fee to park in the parking garage!! lol But it will be worth it just to bask in the beauty created by our Abba Father!! 

Quiet weekend

I'm still in pursuit of the concept of "taking time to stop and smell the roses". So much so that this weekend I completely chilled. 

Granted I spent part of that time working on a vision board for the wedding but that was fun for me!! 

We got the car back this week and surprise surprise it actually looks pretty good. Unfortunately the very thing we took it to the dealer for still needs fixing and it won't be looked at until Wednesday! 

We are still shopping for items to decorate the wedding venue with but I found a great bunch of stuff at one of our local shops. You will have to wait to see which of the above items I use! 

Finding the venue for the wedding ceremony has taken some of the stress off. Next big decision is photographers and caterers! I got in a little practice with some flower arranging this week with flowers from my yard (minus the roses). It's been a while since I did a wedding with fresh flowers but I'm up to the challenge!

For a bit of a breather from all things wedding related I attended an evening wellness session with my good friend Teresa at her church Tuesday evening ! The two of us always have a good time when we get together (and we have been supporting each other at our perspective churches for years)! 

All in all it really was a laid back week and weekend. The only crazy part was the announcement by the kids of their wedding day! 9 months may be long enough to carry a baby (there is no hidden message in there either...lol) but planning a wedding is a whole other matter!!  We have lots of work to do!! So let the countdown begin!! 

Bridal Party Meet and Greet!

Nicki's maid of honor hosted a meet and greet for some of the local bridesmaids this weekend. The girls, Nicki's godmother and I were all treated to a facial and foot spa. A very filling meal and a round of games!!! We really did have a good time! With the exception of two bridesmaids who live out of town and Nicki's godsister Maya everyone else was able to get together for the day! I'm looking forward to the next gatherings which will include the bridal shower and a bachelorette sleep over!! Mama, Grandmother and Godmother included!! Nicki had stated several times she does not want to typical wedding or bachelorette party. Code word for.....no strippers!! And she ain't playin!! 

Week ending wrap up!

The only plans I originally had for last week was to attend the 25th Holy Convocation at Calvary Revival. Spend some time with my sister cousin Shelly and my hubby. Oh and listen to my favorite "motivational" speaker Dr. Chand. We ended up visiting several wedding venues (including traveling home one afternoon to my hometown). Which I'm sure pleased my mom who got to play guide! We even ate dinner at one of our favorite breakfast spots. 

By the end of the week Nicki had even experienced her first wedding dress try on! 

There is nothing like working with a bride to help her fulfill her dream day but when it's your own daughter it takes it to another level!! 

The family had a great time that day...of course in our case it doesn't take much lol! 

The day we went to see the venue in Gloucester I got back in time to hang out with these lovely ladies!! I can't tell you how much their friendship has meant to me over the last few years but especially the last few months!! 

I continue to be in awe of the fact that God has placed so many wonderful family members and friends in my life to help carry me through the good days as well as the bad! 

Don't you love how God knows exactly what you need and provides it to you? 

Life interrupted!!

May and June are always busy months ministry wise. This past month has been more hectic then usual but we made it through!! I'm so thankful for a couple of down months ahead!!

We had VBS going on, and celebrated Fathers Day. I'm still in the wedding planning process with the youngest daughter. Had a couple of mishaps with the car all while the oldest daughter was on a cross country road trip! This past week I've just been chilling trying to wind down from all of the goings on!! 

Since it's been a minute since I did a my life as a PW" update thought it was time to get up to speed!! lol

I don't think I've blogged since before Fathers Day!! Marc and several of the other Fathers in leadership were honored that Sunday.

Then Nicki spent Fathers Day chauffeuring us around. Marc even got in a little nap on our way to and from a Fathers Day barbecue!! lol 

Our oldest left that night for her two week cross country ride! If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you should have seen some pics!! 

The very next week we were emerged in VBS. Both Marc and Nicki taught a class this year!! 

I did what I do best which is take pics and decorate!! lol 

I can say for sure that these two had fun!! 

Mean while this one was gallivanting all around a Gods green earth!!

Leaving us to babysit her fish!!! 

Well mostly him since I'm not an animal or fish person!! lol

We ended the month celebrating graduates at WABC including Marc and his fellow classmate Andrew from Liberia. Andrew was our speaker for the day and did and excellent job speaking to the youth about courage!! 

This one is slowly making her way back home after nearly two weeks on the road. This was yesterday in Minnesota on their way to the Mall of America. I have to say Minnesota's welcome sign is pretty impressive!! I will have a complete picture update on my travel blog!

We started July off with this!! Our car was at the dealership for a simple diagnostic test and somehow someone hit in while it set in the car dealership lot!!  Smh Like who does that?

We are waiting now to see how long it will take for them to repair it!! 

Hello July... Your sure came in with a bang!!!