The beach is one of my favorite spots. If you’re familiar a bit with this blog then you probably already know that.
There’s just something about the sand, surf, and slower pace of life that draw me in. We visit a little spot along the gulf coast that’s less populated than most, so when we go, we truly are living on “island time.” The hustle and bustle of day-to-day life is temporarily shelved in favor of sleeping in, relaxing, and preparing our own seafood.
After the first night, a new sense of peace replaces any worries or concerns, and it’s easy to understand why the lull of the incoming tide and the call of the seagulls are so mesmerizing. It doesn’t take long to acclimate to the calming influence of this little corner of the world. (I’ve probably talked about this before–if so, forgive me. I guess I like to indulge in the mental images which are my favorite.)
The beach is where I feel most inspired. As I breathe in the beauty of God’s creation, I’m humbled by the fact that He loves me. Me, a mere speck against this great vastness! Do you ever think about things like that? I do. I find it completely incomprehensible to think that the One who created all things and is all things could possibly deem me worthy enough to love beyond such measure!
And the most amazing thing is that He loves us all this way! We don’t have to do anything to earn His love. We can’t. We don’t have to beg, borrow, or steal to get His attention. It doesn’t work that way. The gift of salvation is totally FREE. (FREE–I LOVE that word! Especially when it’s referring to something that’s already been purchased!)
Maybe you’re reading this thinking Oh, no. Here she goes…she’s on that kick again. No. I’m really not. It’s not my intention to ever sound preachy or condescending. But by the same token, if I don’t share the love of my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, knowing that this is what I’m supposed to do, then I’m at fault. As a Christian, I’m held accountable for sharing (and not sharing) the Gospel.
I suppose this is why writing is my ministry. I’m able to weave the salvation message throughout my novels without browbeating the reader with “religion.” The Bible tells us that we are to be bold when presenting the Gospel, though some folks’ approach may vary. My approach tends to be a little more gentle, but that’s just me.
Now, as you might expect, I’d like to say one final thing…If you’re reading this today, and maybe you’re not sure about God’s love or this thing called “salvation,” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) assures us this: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
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Do you have a favorite vacation/meditation spot you go to recharge?
Comments 4
That’s a tough question for me. Our vacations are usually multi-family events that drain the batteries rather than recharge. Weather permitting, our backyard serves as a recharging station on a regular basis.
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Gotta love those multi-family events! 🙂 And I can certainly understand, Patti, this solace you find in your backyard. From the photos you share, it’s beautiful!
Excuse the hour, I just got home from work. I’m unwinding a bit
and am loving your post. I love the gulf coast. Jason and I were
married on the beach in Destin, Fl, and have also been to the Gulf
Shores in Alabama. I love your imagery and your sharing the gospel
such a matter of fact manner. That’s why we’re here! 🙂
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Tanya, I feel so burdened to share the love of Christ and the message of the Gospel. I pray I don’t ever come across as too “preachy,” because that’s certainly never my intention. Then again, I’ll not make apologies for sharing the love of Jesus either! 🙂
I pray you have a restful day! Nursing can be a grueling profession at times, and I know the shifts you work can be exhausting, but I know, too, God raises special people like you to meet the challenge!