Do not consider yourself too unhappy to help anyone else. Self-centeredness will rob you of the joy of service. Satan, who is effective at distracting you from God's best, wants you to continue dreaming about how "one day" you will get involved in ministry. He wants to sidetrack you from making a lasting investment. Too many women foolishly believe his lies. Therefore, they lose sight of opportunities to get involved in any form of outreach to others. Unsatisfied and fulfilled, they sink deep into the quicksand of "maybe next year."

Derived from Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall, which will be the basis of our next Pursue Series, "Pursuing Guys"

Here I am, in "the Valley", again. Only this time, for family vacation, yet ministry opportunities continue to arise. Although the drive was long and dreadful (28 hours straight), I'm glad I made the decision to come with my family for a reunion on my mom's side of the family on the Fourth.
It was a struggle to decide how to use this full week of break since I have many projects to work on while it is yet summer. The pressure and desire to push headlong into setting up the print shop almost made me stay home and work but I felt God tugging on my heart and reminding me that cherished memories cannot be enjoyed so freely when pushed aside by the rushing tide of a pursued dream.
We may not get such an opportunity as a family again. It's hard to discover that adulthood holds a heavy weight of responsibilities and dreams to fulfill. I've needed to remind myself many times that we cannot rush life but to sit back and bask in the precious moments God allows us to live.
Everywhere we've gone so far I've been warmly welcomed and honored. There's been a few occasions to speak and even sing but I will forever remember the moments of personal ministry with family members or youth outside of the spotlight.
Prayers are appreciated as I prepare to speak to the young people of Elim Assembly of God, the church that was once pastored by my Grandpa Vargas.