Oh, What A Day; Just The Three of Us

Hello, classmates!

I am so excited about having this opportunity to be with my husband and son tonight. Just the thought of not having to come in to class tonight is wonderful. Ronnie and Jr. were very excited to find out that our new class (Information Systems in the Workplace) was going to be online. Monday nights are usually tough, because I have to leave them so early to come to class. NOT TONIGHT! (Oh, yes!)

We have planned a big outing at Applebee's or a mega buffet at 6:30pm. Being able to dine out with them tonight is going to be great. This will give us a little time to kind of reflect on where we are "TOGETHER" in the healing process of losing Tyrone. My husband will be returning to work on tomorrow. So this night will be very important to the three of us.

Hopefully, everything will go as planned. I am overjoyed knowing that I can skip coming to the UU campus tonight. Any time I get the opportunity to share quality time with Ronnie and Junebug is really worth it. I love them so much!

Angela

SHUG, RIPS the RUNWAY!

Hello, again friends!!!

Today was unbelievable! I thought the storm would ruin everything, but it worked out just fine. My family finally got the chance to see LaTanfernee Hardaway (my niece) "rip the runway." She was modeling in style. Just to see her doing what she has always dreamed of was incredible. LaTanfernee was amazing! Lights, camera, action!!!!!!! It was absolutely breath-taking.

We all screamed every time LaTanfernee would take center stage. She modeled a variety of fashions. After-five, evening wear, swim suit, spring, summer, and fall apparel, along with

a special fashion line called "CAUTION!" The actual theme of the fashion show was entitled "DISTURBIA!" I was highly impressed with her performance. Today, I believe "a star was born!" Who knows, one day soon LaTanfernee could be the "NEXT TOP MODEL!"

After the show, we took a lot of pictures. Hopefully, I will get a chance to post them before we end this class. I would really like for you all to see just how talented and confident LaTanfernee is on the runway. Tonight, it seemed as if she had been modeling for years. We all were very proud of LaTanfernee. She is a jewel to all of us. "LaTanfernee, Keep Up The Great Work!" If anyone would like to give encouraging words to my niece, as she endeavor to become a professional model - please do so. I am sure she would greatly appreciate it. THANKS-A-BUNCH!

"Good night and bless you"

Angela

Family Bible Study - A Point To the Wise

I am back!

Bible study was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Wish you all could have been here. My uncle, Apostle Donald Chambers taught about "Getting Focused & Staying Focused!" The key scripture was Philippians 3:13, which concentrates on the fact of "forgetting the past and focusing on the future." These were additional scriptures of reference: Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 6:33; Psalms 24:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalms 24:7; Matthew 14:23-32; and Mark 8:22-26.

During the study, family members were given the opportunity to share about their personal focus. I chose to talk about my experience at Union. As some of you all know, I attended Union over 20 years ago. Because of my lack of "focus", I was placed on academic probation and quit school. I was too afraid to even write to request for readmission. Fear had set in. I did not believe I would be able to get back in school or get my degree. WHY? There were so many distractions. Trying to plan my wedding, along with other personal problems, I lost total focus on what was important to me (finishing school). Fortunately, I was blessed with another opportunity to return to Union last year to complete this endeavor I started many years ago. This time, I am completely focused! Nothing will stop me from reaching the end and completing this BSOL program to receive my Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management. I am determined to succeed!

As discussed in our Bible study, fear took a hold on my mind and I could not get focused. Please note that when you fear it is a sure sign that you are out of focus. The word clearly states that "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and of a sound mind." Often times, fear comes because of a lack of confidence. I am sure some might ask: "How does it get there; where did the fear come from?" Fear comes through what we see, what we hear, and often times what we say.

I admonish all of my classmates to take this next point to heart from our family's Bible study tonight. "GET FOCUSED and STAY FOCUSED!" We have come a long way since the beginning of the BSOL program back in October '08. If we all will just stay focused, just like Paul - we will obtain the prize that is waiting for us at the end of the process (Our Degree). Remember, that in order for us to reach our goal - WE MUST STAY FOCUSED!

Bless you!
Angela

Saying Goodbye to the Ones You Love

Hello, friends!

Today has been quite a challenge for my family. Last Saturday, my husband (RONNIE, SR.) lost his baby brother. The next morning, we got a phone call that a very dear family friend (Sharon Bond) had passed. We funeralized her today. Believe it or not, on Wednesday night, one of my cousins' father passed away. Some of the family members had to leave for Chicago on yesterday for his services. It seems to be happening so suddenly. But, I know that the Lord will strengthen us all through this time of bereavement.

As I forstated in my first entry, there is nothing more precious to me than my family. So when any one of them experience something, we all share in the healing process together. Just having each other for support is truly a blessing. I am eternally grateful for the love and unity that exist within my family.

Since we have been battling the loss of loved ones for the last two weeks, my sister (LaTarsha) did something special for us all. She called one of the Apostles in our family today to hold Bible study at her house tonight. This will be an enlightning time for everyone. Oops, they started five minutes ago. (WITHOUT ME) I am late for Bible class. Hopefully, I will be able to come back and enter the experience with you all afterwards.

Until then, keep my family lifted up! We need your prayers.
Love ya!
Angela

It's A Family Affair

Hello, to all the readers of my personal blog. I am so excited about sharing who inspires me with each of you. Truly, I have been blessed with one of the greatest blessings - " MY FAMILY!" Without a doubt, I know that my husband, son, mother, father, three sisters, and two nieces are special gifts from God. Never in my life did I ever believe that I would find the happiness and joy that I have found in my family. They are the treasures that I hold most dear in my daily living. Without all of them, my life would be a little less complete.

On a daily basis, I am so privileged to enjoy a life filled with many aspects of love. Whether it be the good morning kisses from my husband or the snuggly tight hugs I receive from our son. Nothing beats the way they show their affection and appreciation for me in their lives. Being valued and respected is something that is purposely demonstrated in their daily actions towards me. WOW, I cherish every moment that I share with them! They are definitely "my greatest love."

My mother and father are wonderful parents. Knowing that I have their continuous support means a lot to me. Whenever I need advice or a helping hand, they are always there to assist me. My parents are so inspirational. They are devoted Christians and love lending a helping hand to those who are in need. Not only do they display their love for their children, they make great sacrifice in serving others too. I am so grateful for the life lessons and experiences they have guided me through. Without them, I would not be the woman I am today.

Being the oldest of four sisters is awesome! My little sisters are the best! LaTarsha, Tammy, and Camille are all "jewels; unique in their own special way. Anytime I need them, they are right there. Never critical; always understanding. Each of them are a source of confidence to me when I need it most. They inspire me to be all that "I Can Be." I love them all! It is a daily ritual for us to talk and get together. If one day passes, we know that somethings wrong. We are so close nitted. We have a rare bond between us that cannot be separated. They are all inspirational in motivating and helping me be successful in the BSOL program. Anytime I have an assignment or paper due for class, they are always ready, willing, and available to help their big sister out. I really appreciate and love my little sisters!

My two nieces are too precious; my little angels! LaTanfernee and Lai Marie are so much fun to be around. Teenager (16) vs Toddler (3). Oh, what a scene! There is always a loud "Hey, T.T" when I enter the room. Both of them race to see who can give me "love" first. It makes me proud to know that they love me so much. On weekends, we are always shopping, bowling, at the movies, playing at Chuck-E-Cheese or Incredible Pizza, or dining at a restaurant. I feel honored to be LaTanfernee and Lai Marie's aunt.

Hopefully, you have enjoyed this overview of my greatest inspiration - "my family." Until tomorrow, remember that nothing is more precious, valuable, and important than the gift of your family. Love them and treasure them forever. God bless!

Angela Franklin