We made it to the beach this summer!
The ocean always renews my spirit...I'm definitely a "sea gal", not to be confused with sea gull:)
It was a miracle that we got here since it was looking like dear husband's work schedule was not going to cooperate with us. It's his busiest time of year and bless his heart that he has already taken his alloted time off to attend 2 separate scout camps with 2 sons. Next on the list is time off for World Youth Day in a few short weeks with a 3rd son. Soooooo, it was by the grace of God that we were able to spontaneously steal away for 24 hours and head to the coast!
It was a small miracle that I checked online and there was 1 spot open for the 1 night that we were able to go. The miraculous part of this is that these camp spots are right on the ocean and book out a year in advance. They are typically impossible to get! Praise the Lord for small graces:) Can you believe this glorious view from our campsite? I'm thinking it would be a great place to do some homeschooling in the future! Wonder if I could be so lucky to get another reservation?
Isn't this a fine stroke of God's hand?
It didn't take long for us to hit the surf and sand!
Our oldest son was our missing piece since he was unable to get the time off work with the short notice. It gave us a small (heart pang) glimpse into what our life will be like when he flies the nest for college in one short year. This reflection helps us cherish the other littles while they are still "little"...Although this next one is on the cusp of his teenaged years!
We watch his metamorphosis right before our eyes...
One of the things that I love about the beach is that it reminds us of our childlike selves. In the scheme of things, we are all children...Sifting through the sands of life...
I love the analogy of the sea in Psalm 139:9-10
"If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast."
"How precious to me are your designs, O God;
Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands;
to finish, I would need eternity." ~Psalm 139:17-18
"Lord you have probed me, you know me; you know when I sit and stand;
(even when I'm buried in the sand)
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar."~Psalm 139:1-3
It didn't take long for us to hit the surf and sand!
"If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast."
(even when I'm buried in the sand)
Oh, and I mustn't forget our newest baby Benny!
(Shhh, don't tell the Holy Father that we named our "dog"after him...Even though we consider it the utmost compliment!!!)
Hows this for a "re-purpose" play pen...Isn't it a crack-up?
We got so many funny comments:)
And what would a camping trip be without a campfire and s'mores!?
And a visit from a cousin and her friend:)
Words just can't even express how grateful I was for this precious 24 hours of blessing.
Yes, Life's A Beach...
Filled with buckets of God's grace and love to bring us safely to shore.
I think I recognize that beach! :) There is nothing like the ocean air. So glad you got some time to refresh.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tremendous blessing! Our children have never set foot on an ocean beach. I'm very much hoping that our finances will allow it within the coming year. Love the photos. God is so good.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to get away for some R & R! Time away as a family is so important. I love, love the beach too - nothing like the ocean.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, I love how you wrapped your family and vacation into the psalms. I so love reading the psalms and find all the little pieces of joy and gratitude that there is in those comforting words. What a beautiful vista you all had of the ocean and waves and all that gorgeous sunlight!! not to mention the sand castles. lovelove the little pooch. is he a toy poodle? growing up we spent a couple weeks each summer at the atlantic ocean and I so so miss that.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that one of us was able to get to the sea shore! I would seriously consider taking some time in the future to spend some school days there. What an incentive to get the work done early, huh? Love your pictures, Tiffany. And Benny...oh my! How cute is he? My kids have been begging for a dog. They'd be so jealous! I don't think I'll tell them :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany, you can see the joy on the faces of your children on their ocean visit. I'm so happy you were able to go and spend some wonderful family time together and that your husband was able to be there too! Love the picture of Benny in the playpen!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you were all able to get away and enjoy! It looks SO beautiful too and you can see how happy everyone is to be there. I grew up by the ocean and miss it so much! Nothing quite like it. So happy that it all worked out so well for you :-)
ReplyDeleteTiffany, I love this post! We had a guinea pig named Benny after the Holy Father. I hope it's a sign of respect and love to have animals named after you! Also, I love your "sea gal" comment! I'm known to be very gullible and when I was in high school a boy told me that his brother was a professional football player and I got so excited about it. My teacher got up and drew a bird on the chalkboard with my name under it. When I asked him what that was about he said, "Can't you see the gull?"
ReplyDeleteI totally get how you feel about your son working being a foreshadowing of his soon to be years away from you. I'm dreading those rapidly approaching days in my own family.
Many prayers for your father in law.