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I need a beach!! Where in the middle of hot Kansas can I find a beach?? There are times when the mind and body desires a refuge, a change of scenery, and a place to change focus. This happens to be one of those times for me. June and July have been long, hot, busy months and I would love a beach.
Lots of good things have happened in June and July. The Lord has been very good to me in many ways. June started out with a week being gran-elaine and very little can beat that. There were celebrations of Darrell, Kate and Josiah's birthdays and just the fun of being together. There was also the celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary.  Darrell and I have experienced God together through those years and He's always been faithful. We praise Him and are thankful to Him that He gave us each other to ride through life together. The month of June ended with my birthday and I do celebrate life! I am alive by the grace of God for whatever purpose He has prepared for me. In between celebrations were many special times with people in counseling and in classes and God enables me to have the front seat to watch Him work. June was a busy and good month.
July began with a visit from Sharon, my dear friend from Virginia Beach. We were able to share time, talk and tours together. It was fun showing her around Wichita, getting lost several times in the process but enjoying the ride. I had told her about the wind ever since we've moved here and would you know, there was absolutely NO WIND the whole time she was here! She thinks I made it all up! Sharon shared in our celebrate recovery step study and her example is a trophy of God's grace! A healing experience. July has been filled with intense ministry and I'm constantly amazed how God always shows up in wonderful ways. Our God is an awesome God!
Busyness is tiring though. If my body could keep up with my passion, all would be well! It occured to me last week, in the midst of not feeling well for several days, that maybe there's a reason God says so many things like Psalms 91:4 that comfort us as we work in His Kingdom. I love down comforters and here is the down of all downs! He will cover me with his feathers and shelter me with His wings. That feels so comfy, so soothing, and so secure. He continues in verse 11-12: "for He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone."  He ends the psalm by saying, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer. I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." 
What a mighty God I serve! I am filled with gratitude for His constant care over me and those I love. Whether my life is long or short, His gift of salvation, protection, and presence is more than I deserve. 
So why do I need a beach? To rest and ponder on such things!! 
 


Comments

Judy Stark
07/25/2011 12:55pm

Elaine I know of a beautiful white sand beach in Pensacola Florida;-) I love the blog and I read it as often as I can. If you know of a beach for broken hearts let me know I have one that could use the rest.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers you are such a blessing!
In Christ,
Judy

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Carol Holmes
07/25/2011 2:33pm

Elaine, after we met this morning I went to water aerobics class at the pool. Not exactly the beach, but refreshing none the less. Were you able to take your friend to the Cosmosphere? If not, maybe next time.

Have a blessed day,
Carol

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Jenn
10/04/2011 10:37pm

I know you wrote this months ago ... but I just read it. For me it is a mountain view in a fall season! I love the painting of color that God creates in this time of year. The view & the vibrant color makes me feel warm, and inspired to love, and to seek God.

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Dyon Rogers Abbott link
11/23/2011 10:29pm

I greatly enjoy your insight, even if I'm reading it some months after you posted it ~ here on the open plains of Montana in November, nearly Thanksgiving Day ~ your words are especially poignant!

Thank you!

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