It's good to be back after a nice few days of fun with my family and some refreshing moments of whitespace.

We relaxed so much, it's been not so easy to get back into our normal daily routines.

We tried to get to the beach to see the spectacular sunrises I remember from summers past but alas, we missed it by a couple of hours. However, It was still a memorable experience. 

Donuts and coffee. Chocolate milk for my boy. 


The chocolate coconut was all mine! :)


They were so good (and did you know calories don't count on vacation?) we ate them all in the car on the way. We didn't want to give the gulls any satisfaction of stealing them. Did I mention that they were so good? (so good that my son requested more before we made the trip back home)


The beach was quiet and the water was calm and clear. There were only a few people setting up camp to spend the day.




I waited for a word, a sign, a smile or wink (albeit impatiently).
I waited and watched. 

I paced the dry sand scanning the horizon, I turned and looked down both sides of the beach.




Gazing down the water’s edge, colorful beach umbrellas stand at a casual attention to cast a shade for the waterlogged and those seeking rest, rejuvenation, and a good read.


A paddle boarding class I assume? (How fun would that be?!)


The water is warm and the sand sticks to our skin as we emerge.
 Perspiration can be felt without much exertion. 
This makes me think of the apostles and disciples walking in the heat reflecting sand (oooooweeeee! no wonder they wore sandals!)




I turn my attention to the heat and whisper a “Lord, send your breeze to refresh us.”

Breezes come, I extend my arms out at my sides to let it surround me. It leaves as quick as it came. Just like the Holy Spirit.

We invite him to come refresh us and guide us but how easily we become distracted by things and he quickly retreats. 


I wade in just up to my ankles and let the water swirl around my feet, pulling the sand out from underneath them. Broken shell fragments, sand, stones, and mini creatures wash over my feet and scratch my skin.




Then in that still small voice I hear what I've been waiting for...

"Like shells tossed about by the sea, let the sand smooth the rough places and refine them into shiny pink and white treasures."

So we are like shells, we've got barnacles and bumps marring our little shell lives. When we go through storms and the sea becomes rough and sometimes treacherous, we get tossed too and fro, the Holy Spirit comes along and refines us with the sand and rough waters. He makes us new and shiny treasures!




 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11NIV

 A couple extra pictures I wanted to share:




One morning we had plans to get outside and have fun. It started to rain and it didn't let up after the typical ten minutes. 
Sometimes, God brings the rain to slow us down to just rest.



Goodbyes are never easy. Especially when your family lives several states away.
However, waking early to make the trip home and finally seeing this beautiful sunrise.... a priceless memory I'll not soon forget.


Linking up with the Faith Barista and Coffee for your heart



6 Comments

  1. what a beautiful trip and beautiful pictures, beautiful words..and that chocolate coconut donut looked delicious! glad you had a beautiful trip filled with memories!

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  2. Thank you Summer, glad you stopped by! :)
    Blessings,
    Krista

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  3. Thank you for starting my morning with such encouragement, Krista. Like the breeze of the Holy Spirit refreshing me. I love your analogy of the shell, and the sunrise is awesome. These are all such treats already, but if you have an extra long john with bavarian cream, I'd love to have it for breakfast this morning. ;)

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    1. Aww, thank you Trudy! I'd love to share a Bavarian Cream! :)

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  4. Sounds like such a delightful beach trip. We have one planned in August and I can hardly wait. I look forward to the time spent unwinding. But yes, it is hard to get back in the groove when we return home... Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures and insights, Krista!

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    1. Thanks Lisa!
      I know what you mean. It's like you need a vacation sometimes to recover from your vacation!
      I hope you have a fabulous time! :)

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