Faith and the Ocean…

Yesterday I decided to make it a beach day in the late afternoon… I packed my beach bag, cooler and loaded my car with a chair and small umbrella. First stop was Chik-fil-A for a sandwich with extra pickles-next I hit HWY 17 to the State Park, Huntington beach where I parked and headed straight to the path for the beach. I was excited and nervous because this was my first trip to the beach since Daddy died. I prayed hard that God would allow me to release my fear and give me strength. I needed God to help me give my love and help me to guide others allowing me grow in my faith. My faith grew yesterday just by a quick stop…

I was stopped along my way down the path and asked by a stranger that was throwing a party for his fathers 80th birthday party – He said “You look very prepared and I need some sunscreen for my father. Do you have any? Can I get just a little bit from you?” I immediately told him yes grabbed it and handed it to him- He took the bottle and went over to the party sprayed his father with the sunscreen and quickly returned the bottle. He looked me in my eyes thanked me and said what a savior I was to him. I told him that he was welcome and to have a wonderful day… and kept moving along the path to the ocean.

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21

I released all fear in that walk to the ocean. My faith grew from that small encounter… I know that God is in control. I know that he sends messages and I must be willing to receive them. I was not his savior he was mine. He saved me from fear and allowed my FAITH to grow beyond the borders that I had made; he reshaped my relationship with my God. All because he forgot sunscreen… God works with purpose. Believe and receive…

The state park was scattered with people walking- enjoying all the wonderful wildlife, beautiful scenery, and open spaces for riding bikes and throwing parties. People were out enjoying the beautiful weather that we are being blessed with right now… and the locals are trying to enjoy the break that we are having right now- Spring Break is over! This is the time right before we get invaded with tourists that come and enjoy all that beauty that our Inlet has to offer!

As I reached the sand I continued to the spot that I instantly saw when I walked right out past the dunes. I got there dropped everything and started to make this tiny piece of heaven my home for the next couple of hours… The chair was opened – the umbrella was attached to the chair. The towels were pulled out and placed accordingly and the chicken sandwich was eaten. I was finally able to enjoy the salty air and the winds were whipping around yesterday.

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 2 Thessalonians 1:11

As I sat with my thoughts on the cool sand it penetrated a part of me that was familiar. It offered me comfort. I dug the soles of my feet deep into the Earth as to make my mark there on the beach. Settling into my chair on the beach – I decided yesterday was the day that I jump in head first – Fear is my worst enemy. I feared going to the beach because I did not want to feel emotions I feared healing and losing Daddy.

I did not want to completely lose Daddy- Is that what happens? Do I lose him? I have lost that love and it cannot be replaced. I can accept his loss- but I cannot replace his love. So how do I heal this brokenness? I believe, I have faith and I have those hard emotions I do not want to have, but I know that they are necessary for healing.

As I sat with these questions… I realized that I do not need the answers because I can give it all to God. So I took in the salt air and the sunshine let the wind whip my hair and blow sand all around. Huntington beach is my new home and will give me strength and serve as a scrapbook of memories from my past that made me a strong woman with at loud voice.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. —Proverbs 19:21

I will choose to do what is right for me and love with all that I have – I will give in service of our Lord and Savior all the days of my life. Even if all I need to give is a little bit of sunscreen…

Please remember to love one another- be kind!

Be Blessed. I love you all. XOXO