Back in June of 2017, I wrote a post about Water(link). This post grew out of walking along the The Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Since this post, I have spent so much time in on the water, but tonight as I looked out at this sunset near Cedar Key, Florida. I was flooded with the peacefulness of water in God’s creation.
Sunset on the Water
Sunsets are my favorite, but whether it is sunset or sunrise over the water it always takes my breath away. This evening in Cedar Key was no different, but tonight my thoughts drifted to God’s creation. The beauty of the water rippling under the sunset is a perfect example of why I believe there is a God. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God has left no doubt in why we should believe in Him, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Man is without excuse, yet today we busy ourselves with the hustle and bustle that allows our lives to slip through our fingers and then is gone. Did we see God? Did we find God? Did we stop and smell the flowers? Watch Sunsets? Listen to the Water? In a blink it is all gone. So stop and listen to God. Proverbs 3:6 reassures us, ” In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Sunset Challenge
If you are reading this my challenge to you is to stop reading now. Pray. And start looking beyond your day to day life and what you normally see and search for God in your surroundings. Look deeper into the Water.
Closing Verse: “ O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1
Challenge: Find God in his creation ~ Don’t Miss Out!
I have spent the last few weeks tasting a different type of living in God’s Creation. This experience has prompted me back to the beginning and to the scriptures of Genesis 1. As I study the scriptures again of how this world came to be, I think back to the memories I have from the past few weeks and the surreal and deep experience with all of God’s creation. Genesis 1 begins with light, so I will begin there as well.
Light
God speaks of the light he created twice in Genesis 1. First he spoke of light that became the first day in Genesis 1: 1-5,
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Sunrise
Sunset
The second time light is found in the scripture of God’s creation was on the fourth day where the sun and the moon specifically are mentioned in scripture in Genesis 1:14-19,
14And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,
15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.
16 And God made the two great lights–the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night–and the stars.
17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,
18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
Sunrise
Sunset
I have always loved to watch the sunset and watching the sunset is never more beautiful than over the water. I was able to experience the rising of the sun and the setting of the sun over the water for about 6 days. Each morning started with the sun peeking up over the horizon and ended as it drifted down below the water. These are moments of great beauty. Watching these events with only the rippling of the water, splashing of the fish, and songs of the birds is almost breathtaking. Words nor pictures can explain how you feel when you leave the hectic pace and disconnect yourself from it all except the beauty of his creation surrounding you. The stars of the night are spectacular, sparkling and infinite. God’s light will mean so much more as I watch it rise and set moving forward.
Water
Genesis 1: 6-8,
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”
7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so.
8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
Oh how I love water. Sitting and watching the water move, waves roll, ripples on a lake or deep in the Gulf, all are music to my ears. The sound is soothing and mesmerizing. I find my peace by the water. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunset with the crashing waves as the music. There is something magical in God’s creation of the expanses of water for me and I am thankful that he chose to create such beauty for me to listen to, watch, and swim in. This is my happy place and one I long for each time I am away.
Land
Genesis 1: 9-13,
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.
10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.
12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
Just as water was so important in God’s creation, so was the beauty of the land he created. Maybe I viewed most it from the water, but finding the nature and beauty of God’s hand can be moments when you can find no words to say. Even those standing around me just stood in awe and watched it pass. What a masterpiece he has created? I long to enjoy even more of his handiwork.
Creatures of the Sea
Genesis 1: 20-23,
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.”
21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
23And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
While cruising through the water and God’ creation the sea creatures and the birds of the air become your constant companions. Osprey and sea gulls, and then a few unknown birds I need to look up. Each spread their wings and share their sounds as they show their curiosity of us in their space. The dolphins in the sea were constant companions either riding the bow of the boat or greeting us each evening as we set the anchor. Their curiosity was even more than the birds and we knew we were safe as we traveled and saw our daily dolphin dose. I could not get enough of the dolphins!
Creatures of the Land
Genesis 1: 24-25,
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds–livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.
25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Although this journey did not bring many creatures from the land our way, that we saw anyway. It does not mean that we did not appreciate the environments we saw which we knew were full of God’s creatures of the land. We do choose to spend each day with a little dog named Harley which I share just a bit with my readers each week. She is my constant reminder that God made such companions for man.
Man
Genesis 1: 26-31,
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Sharing such an experience with my husband and good friends leave no words. Thank you God for creating me and giving me this opportunity to see your creation up close. I am hungry for more.
Closing Verse:
Colossians 1:16, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Challenge:
Chase your rainbow, I can promise you that you will not have any regrets.
Lesson #1: Ok, I said there would be a guest post, but as new cruisers we have learned a lesson we should have already known. Don’t boat on a schedule, so our planned four day trip from St. Petersburg, Florida to Mobile, Alabama took seven days. Therefore our new blog site does not have a post ready yet, but now that we have stopped I will be able to spend some time reflecting on the last seven days. Take your time because there is a time to hurry and sometimes there is a time to be patient and cruising in a boat is a patient time. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Lesson #2: Prepare for the worst. “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”” Luke 21:36. Yes, we learned a lesson the hard way one night and did not prepare and protect ourselves as we should have, but God was there and help us through the storm, literally, and provided us the wisdom that only he can provide. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5.
Lesson #3: Have a good anchor. All I can say is that our anchor is pretty special to us after this first voyage. I have thought often of all she has held us through over the last seven days. I look at her and see her as a metaphor of Christ. Christ is our rock and he holds us close to him and protects us from evil. That is what our anchor did she held us close and protected us. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,” Hebrews 6:19.
So I will try again next week to share our new traveling blog and our first passage. Stay tuned for more lessons and all the fun!
Closing Verse: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14.
Challenge: Make Christ your anchor and live life today!
Today is a weird day not because it is my birthday but because it is my 50th birthday. Wow, I can remember as a child thinking “50” was really old, but it really does not feel that old now that I have arrived. Actually, I might like it! My daughter told me just yesterday that i don’t look “50” and how happy she is that her dad and I are seeking our dreams earlier in life rather than later.
So with a cold beer, I sit on the back of our new home on my 50th birthday seeking my dream. I pause to stare down the seagull that has dropped by to challenge me for my sandwich. He is a daily visitor to the pole behind our boat. Although, he is pesky, I stop and look up close at him and he is a reminder me of all the delicate workings in God’s creation. All the simple things I long to see. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?’ Matthew 6:26.
God’s Creation
In the evenings we watch the osprey drive into the water for dinner. Just a few days ago one sat fishing off the boat next to us without a care in the world. He watched us but was not alarmed by us. Watching his majestic body work and move is just an awesome site and another piece of this world I long to have the time to just sit and watch like I did that day. The feeling of being awe struck as our eyes met each other. God’s handiwork is exquisite. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
I have seen dolphins, manatees, tarpon, and rays from this seat. Now, I am ready for a bigger adventure and a deeper discovery of God’s world. Yes, I am turning “50” and it makes me a little queasy because my body is getting older and I feel it, but reaching this birthday was a marker for me of what is to come – what God has planned. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Closing Verse: “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Challenge: Seek God Now!
Next week, I will share an entry from from a new blog. A sneak peak at the adventure my husband and I are seeking together. You will find that post here so stay tuned.
A new journey will soon begin in our lives, one where we are deeply seeking to leave the fast paced world behind us and seek a slower life where we can connect with God’s beautiful creation on a daily basis. We are both excited and nervous about what the future holds. Yet, we know that God wants us to want less and seek him more. So, we are on a mission to have and need less in our lives. (FYI- Everything is for sale). The next phase of our lives will be to let more of the worldly things go and seek God in his creation. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” 1 Colossians 1:16.
Why?
Why? Some people do ask us about our decision to explore God’s world. We feel a deep calling to let the hustle and bustle of this world go and seek the beauty while we are able. There will always be time to work and we will continue to world remotely as we can, but we know that this is the time for us to go. We have watched God work over the past several months to ensure our decision is the right one. We have followed the path God laid before us when we were young and we have been blessed. Our careers have been fulfilling, our children are grown and independent and moving on with their lives. We are proud of the young women they have become and their hearts for the Lord. We have followed the path God laid before us so long ago when we met back in 1986. “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’” Acts 2:28.
Peaceful/Slower Life
Today we feel a calling to a more peaceful life where we are in control of our destiny and day to day life. Where we can seek the peace of God more diligently each and every day. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Although, we have made the decision to this by traveling either by water or land, each of us can slow down and live a life that is more focused on God and less on the worldly things of this world. Dive into prayer and seek your Father. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.
Closing Verse: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
Challenge: Seek a slower more peaceful life and don’t miss out on God each and every day.
Not long ago, I shared about finding Peace in the Ripples of Water. My post shared how water was a peaceful and serene place that I long for in my life. The slower life that one finds around the ripples of water. Bodies of water are full of beauty and a peaceful stillness that brings the message that God is real and our creator. Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”shares that water is a symbol of our salvation. Water is a beautiful thing…. most of the time.
Devastation of Harvey
Over the last week, everyone around the country has watched the horrors of water in Texas. This is not the peaceful stillness, but the water that left devastation and loss of life behind. My eyes fill with tears, my heart aches for the people impacted, and I pray for God’s guidance in helping those who are hurting from this disaster from water. Watching Texas rally together and fold their arms around each other for survival has been the good God has given from this devastation. Ephesians 4:32 reads, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Texans have proven this verse true. They have treated each other tenderhearted and God will save.
Irma’s Fear
As Texas continues to rally and the country supports their efforts all eyes turn to the Atlantic and the biggest storm on record as it roars toward Florida. Once again we are watching people prepare, flee, and with fear in their eyes and tears on their cheek prepare for one of the possible worst events in Florida’s history. My heart is hurting as I watch that storm move across the Caribbean and devastate these beautiful islands. I pray for God to tame the storm and wind as I know he can, but I also know he may choose not calm the storm. I know that either way he will walk through the pain and heal the wounds as Psalm 147: 3 promises, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God’s Promise
God made a promise to Noah a long time ago that he would never destroy the way he did in the Great Flood. This is the peace that I take into the storm even as it may approach my home so many miles away from the coast. Genesis 8:20-22 shares this promise, “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
This promise will comfort me through the next week as Irma makes landfall and brings her wrath on Florida and beyond. I will look to Jeremiah 33:6 as we move past all this devastation and the angry waters recede where it reads, “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.” God will heal and provide abundance this is the comfort I have in knowing that God is in control.
Closing Verse: Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Challenge: Pray for God’s control as Irma comes on shore. Pray for God’s healing and provision. Pray for God’s blessings amidst the turmoil, devastation, and pain. Above all Pray.
Having the opportunity to see different places in this great country, I know there is a God (The World Around Me). How can anyone see majestic mountains and crashing waves and not know there is a creator. Romans 1:20 reminds me, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” I am without excuse to know his name! God has left his Word for us in all that he has created here on Earth so that all would know His Name and His Glory.
Traveling North
My husband and I are once again moving our daughter. As we traveled North to Syracuse, New York, we spend the entire day with a view of majestic mountains and beautiful valleys. Moving through CNY (Central New York), I was amazed at the continuous beauty and large farms across the countryside. This is one of those moments when I think I know what to expect and it becomes apparent that I had no idea what to expect. Psalms 95:4-5 reads, “In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” The rolling mountains are just breathtaking and were formed in his hands. Be sure to stop and linger in the awe of rising mountains each time the opportunity is given.
New Home
After moving her into her new home, the real adventure began when we explored the area. The rolling hills of Syracuse, NY allow for beautiful views especially on campus. Finding the unique little restaurants and shops in her neighborhood that are just a short walk from her house was for North Carolinians a real treat. Meeting people with smiles on their faces who were more than happy to share about this city they love. This college town is both large and small all wrapped into one. Yes, the magnificence of the Carrier Dome is real! You can’t miss it when you view the horizon of the city. Exploring a new and beautiful area once again brings God’s creation to my thoughts. “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”, Revelation 4:11.
Our final adventure was to one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Although the tourism around it was more than I expected. The beauty and power of Niagara Falls was stunning and breathtaking. I stopped to try and view each detail. The rocks below the American Falls, the openings in the mist around Niagara Falls. The rock cliffs that linger over the falls on the American side. I can not find the words to describe the breathtaking experience of watching the water fall. Even in the midst of the tourist and chaos, Niagara Falls radiates a peace as the water falls over the cliffs. It is a creation of beauty from my Father. “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” Psalm 42:7.
Closing Verse: Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”
Challenge: Seek Gods’ Beauty all around us and know that this is a gift to know his name. My prayer for everyone who reads this is to stand in the beauty of our Lord one day. How majestic that will be! I know because I see the world around me he has created. Stop and look at God’s beauty today.
Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about CREATING yourself. -George Bernard Shaw
Who Am I?
Maybe I have been trying to find myself for too long, and now I finally realize that I should have been creating myself. So, if I want to create myself then I must look deeply at who I am. So who am I?
I Am A Christian
First and foremost, I am a Christian. I am not a perfect Christian because I fall short of God’ glory each and every day and seek his forgiveness and mercy in my daily life. I believe in and love the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. Sometimes, I forget what an important piece this is in my life and that nothing else that I do is more important than my life as a Christian. I am reminded by John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This famous verse in the core of my faith. God has provided an opportunity for me to show the world how God has saved and blessed me. Recently, My husband and I were given the chance to share his grace with a neighbor. We did not have a sit down and discuss, but just modeled his love and blessings in our lives and tried to help her refocus all her anger and bitterness on the positive. She has just let life get the best of her like so many of us and learning to lean on Christ in both the good and the bad is what should truly define our lives. I pray that I continue to CREATE myself as a Christian so that others will always see Christ as Matthew 7:16 reads, “You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” I pray I bear his fruits.
I Am A Wife And Mother
As I really look at the life I am creating, I see the blessings I have from a loving husband of 28 years and two beautiful adult daughters. I know that as a mother I failed them both many times, but I hope that above all they knew I loved them and Christ. Psalms 127:3 brings me joy, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” I hope that somehow I showed them how to love those that God will place in their lives both now and in the future. Being a mother never really stops as I continue to pray for their futures, their lives, and that they will be blessed. I could not have been a loving mother without a loving husband by my side. He is my greatest blessing from God. Ephesians 4:32 defines my marriage blessing, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” My heart hurts when I think about how I have let him down, but the life that he has given me is one of laughter, fun, and dreams lived. He helps me see the future so that I can believe in my own dreams. Each day and each year just gets better and I can’t wait for the future with him. He is the gift God gave me so that I could CREATE the real person that I truly am.
I Am An Educator
God has given me the great opportunity to work with so many children in my career. I get excited when I bring a child and learning together. I love the sparkle in their eyes when the learning means something to them deep inside. I know that this comes from the Lord because Jesus has a special place in his heart for children, Matthew 19:14 reads, “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” Over the last twenty years, I have been a school librarian and this has changed my life. Working with both students and teachers in this role has allowed me so many opportunities to see not just the success in the classroom but around the world. Proverbs 8:10 clarifies this purpose, “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,” I hope that my future somehow holds a piece of this in it because I truly love this part of me, but I know that it is not the definition of who I am or who I want to be. It is just a piece of me, but a piece that I love.
I CREATING Myself To Be Free
What I have learned about myself is that I want to live a life as free as the life Christ has established for me. What does that mean? Psalm 119: 105 explains it this way, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I look for the path where I feel free and I find that is when I am on the sand and near the water. This is when I feel free. I want a simple life that is what is deep down inside. I want to CREATE that person who needs less, loves more, and explores the beauty of God’s creation all around me – (but especially those areas near a beach and the water!) Digging deeper into myself has allowed me to really see what I have been created to love and to be. I am ready to start CREATING a new part of me! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Closing Verse: Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Challenge: Stop trying to find yourself and look deep inside so you can CREATE who God planned for you to be.
As I walk along the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas among people hurrying through life, I find flickers of peace as I watch the water move through the city. As the light flickers off the ripples, I find some inner peace among all this busyness of life. I want to shout to those who are missing the peace from the water because of this fast pace of life they are distracted by as they move through life. How many are just missing the calm waters each day of their lives?
Proverbs 18:4, “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”
Christ’s Living Water
Recently, my husband shared an article from earthables, Science Reveals How a Visit to the Beach Actually Changes Your Brain, As I was reading this article, my mind began wondering what God’s purpose for water in our lives might have been. What symbol or meaning should water provide in our lives when we are surrounded by its peace? As I searched scripture, I was not surprised by the common thread of living water. Jesus is our living water and he provides peace, grace, and salvation in our lives. Each time I am near water, I am reminded of God’s love through his provision of living water for us by his son, Jesus Christ. Water is a symbol of peace in our lives just as Christ’s sacrifice provides for our eternal lives. The Samaritan woman at the well found peace in her life from the living water of Jesus in John 4: 13-15, ‘Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”’. Like the woman at the well, we must turn to Christ’s living water to find peace and quench our thirst. Summer is a great time to find some water, recharge and refocus on Christ in our lives and the full meaning of his sacrifice for our weary souls.
Summer Rejuvenation
Yes, Summer is finally here, so why is it that I am missing the peacefulness of the water. I am longing for some relaxation by the ocean. I feel like I have not stopped to enjoy the summer days yet, and I need the peace that I find near the water. Walking along the Riverwalk in San Antonio reminded me of this deep need to reflect and reconnect with my inner being and my relationship with Christ. The verse in 1 John 5:8 is a great summer motto, “The Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.” I need to reconnect all three again to find his peaceful agreement in my life.
Summer is my time to renew myself from the dry and coldness that Winter brought into my life. I was David in Psalm 63:1, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water,” but I seek the water that Christ gave to the Samaritan woman at the well. I seek his water to replenish my relationship with him. Each time this summer that I find myself near the water by relaxing on the boat, walking along a river, or sticking my toes in the sand on the beach, I will remember the sacrifice that Christ made to provide that living water that nourishes my soul.
Allie's Way 