PRECIOUS TIMES

Our family was blessed with the opportunity to take a week off and go on a muchneeded vacation.  As we grow older, I’m realizing that our time together as a family is invaluable and must be cherished.  In the past, I’ve turned down opportunities where full vacation outings were freely offered to me at no cost but I turned them down for the sake of our church.  I’m not really sure what my thinking was except that I felt that the well-being of our church depended on me… boy, was I mistaking!

Nevertheless… I’ve now turned over a new leaf… I’m using every one of my vacation days this year.  These times are precious and very short-lived. I lead and pastor our church but I’ve been given the opportunity to be a steward of my family. Although I have a mandate to fulfill my call to ministry, I also have a directive to be a husband and father. I believe one qualifies the other… and no, it’s not the “ministry one.”

I’m very thankful for the family that made our vacation to Atlanta and north Georgia happen for us.  Words cannot express the gratitude I have.  We’ve gone white water rafting, zip-lining, horseback riding and roller-coaster rides at Six Flags over Georgia!  These are truly precious times!

Pastor Manny

12 Comments

  1. Manny on September 17, 2010 at 10:48 PM

    I am very happy to see you spent time with your family that is very inportant thats why we take time to be with the ones we love.



  2. Jalina on September 17, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    Pastor, I totally agree with you and that is something that God dealt with me since the beginning of the year. We must remember that tomorrow is not guarantee, and making memories is what will leave an impact on your family and friends. Once we are gone people will not remember the material things we gave and that materials sure do not leave with us. Family, friends, co-workers, etc., will remember the times spent together laughing, enjoying each other company or even sipping coffee. I think that is ministry in itself, showing love and caring for others. This will truly be the hypen on our tombstone.

    Continue to enjoy your vacation, you and Pastor Victoria truly deserve that and much more with your children. Love ya.



  3. mario caceres on September 18, 2010 at 10:51 AM

    Enjoy every second of your vacations sir, you deserve it and more!!!



  4. Cindy Shappy on September 18, 2010 at 3:08 PM

    Pastor, I am so glad that you and your family had this
    chance to take a mini vacation. I was raised just out
    side of Atlanta, a small town named Hapeville. It was in
    the fifties and have not been back there since and I still
    think of Georgia with fond memories.

    GOD and Family are the core of our purpose. You have so a
    great and loving family and every moment you spend together
    are to be cherished.

    When I think of mini vacations, I think that is how we can
    plant the image as to how people will feel when they are
    sipping coffee at our place, HOLY MOCHA. They can get away
    from this secular world and get into the peace, relaxation
    and joy in the presence of a Christian Cafe.



  5. Judith Cherette on September 18, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    It’s great that you got to spend time with your family, you all deserve it so much. And you’re definitely right, family time is so precious, especially at the rate your kids are growing lol Glad you all had so much fun, see you when you get back! 😉



  6. Ruday Ichiban on September 18, 2010 at 8:25 PM

    I am so glad that you guys were able to take this week to go spend quality time with the family. This was a much deserved vacation and am thankful to God for allowing for this door to be open to your family. Hope you guys enjoyed yourselves to the fullest. Can’t wait to see you guys!



  7. mari on September 18, 2010 at 10:25 PM

    I enjoy seeing the pixs. Glad you had a wonderful vacation.



  8. jazz martin on September 18, 2010 at 11:17 PM

    I am glad you enjoyed your vacation with your family. Cherish every moment because soon your kids will move out before you know it. I still remember the family vacations that we had and smile about the memories we shared. You know I am the queen of vacations so I pray that God blesses your family with more opportunities.



  9. April on September 19, 2010 at 7:57 PM

    Now that brought a smile to my face. I’m happy you guys are having a great time and that ya’ll were given the chance to have a vacation. We miss you all. Conitnue to enjoy your time and have a safe trip back. 🙂



  10. Keller on September 20, 2010 at 10:21 AM

    Good Times!! Glad you are enjoying…



  11. victor Williams on September 20, 2010 at 3:39 PM

    It makes me smile to see you ‘all having fun. You deserve it. It’s important to have a little down time. Laughter is good for the soul they say. I remember those times when my family and would take short trips around my island home. Hey, just be blessed and take lots of pictures.



  12. DMc on September 22, 2010 at 3:35 PM

    Well deserved. Welcome back.