Memorial Day Weekend!

A couple of months ago, I called up my dad who has a beach house in Palacious, TX and told him Jearen & I wanted to come down for Memorial Day weekend. I put it in my calendar and it was official (anyone else feel like having things written in a calendar makes things "official"?!) Then we found out my sister's family was coming too, and I was wondering how we would all fit. Then our friends were attending a wedding in Houston & had the rest of the weekend free, so of course it was the perfect time for them to join us too. 

I think it must be a Hansen (my maiden name) thing, but my family THRIVES off of having a lot of people around. It was seriously the perfect weekend. If we weren't fishing, we were relaxing. If we weren't snacking, we were sleeping. It was stress free. It was a weekend full of love & laughter. That is what family time is all about, and I'm so thankful to be part of a family like that. A family who welcomes anyone into their doors with an open heart & mind. Doesn't matter your background. Doesn't matter your current situation. You are welcomed. You are loved. 

We fished a few times at a private pier that my parents have VIP access to. I got to reel in a 23 inch gafftop & gave him a big smooch. We found where the crabs where hiding out at (and I posted a video on Instagram: @becky_myers). We fished at night at a pier and our friend Kent caught an alligator gare. We played a lot with my niece Ava, who is a perfect doll. We drove down to Matagorda and saw the coast covered with seaweed. My brother in laws buried themselves in the sand. My dad passed out fresh watermelons to the locals at the beach because he is a social butterfly & has a kind heart (he even tried teaching a few boys how to fish). We prayed hand in hand over every meal, whether at home or at a restaurant. I'm thankful to be part of a family who prays together. I successfully did NOT get a sunburn, thanks to some 70 SPF sunblock! 

I'm so glad we blocked out this weekend in our schedule for time with our family. It was perfect!! 

-Becky

Family Matters.

 We are currently wrapping up our time here at Camp Arrowhead for Jearen's mom's side of the family's reunion, and being out here reminds me just how much FAMILY MATTERS.

 I come from a big loving family that is still very close today. I have been truly blessed by my parents, siblings, and my extended family. When I married Jearen, I knew he had a big family too, and I was excited about that. I can understand how some people would be intimidated by such a large family if they were an only child and didn't have close relatives around. Thankfully I have had the privildge of getting to know some wonderful people that I can call family. 

My first reunion experience was 4 years ago when Jearen and I had already been dating a year. I wouldn't say I was intimidated, but I was a little overwhelmed. Here I am with a guy I love, meeting his Aunts, Uncle, Grandparents, Great Aunts & Uncles, and so many cousins. I wanted to impress them all, because frankly I wanted them to like me and approve of me for Jearen. They went above and beyond to welcome me into their family, and I've been coming back to visit with them at the reunion ever since. 

One thing I didn't get to have growing up was a close relationship with my own grandparents. Both of my grandfathers passed away before I was ever born, so I never got to meet them or hear stories from them. My grandmothers on each side lived out of town, and the times I spent with them I will always cherish. Having said that, one of the coolest things I have been given since marrying Jearen has been relationships with each set of His grandparents.

His Dad's parents (Nana & Grandaddy) have shared some amazing stories with me about living in Abilene, teaching, and serving in multiple wars as I sat on their couch in Rockwall, TX. Their love for the family is huge and every time we get together is another opportunity to grow in our relationship. 

His Mom's parents (Wonderful & Papa) are two hard working servants who are always helping others out. They go on yearly mission trips around the world to serve others and share Christ's love. It's been a joy knowing them and seeing their example. 

Looking down the road, I can only pray Jearen and I leave the same legacy for our grandchildren. One full of love, serving others, and sharing Christ. 

I realize someone reading this may have a small family, and maybe some are not close with their relatives. Let me encourage you! If you have an unresolved issue with a member of your family, call them up and sort things out. Life is too short for you to hold onto grudges and pain. 

Let your family know you care for them. Pray for them. Call them. Spend time together. Love them. Be thankful for the people you are related to, because FAMILY MATTERS!

-Becky