My Place of Grace

Readying myself to head for the Jersey Shore for a couple of days. Packing my bags, making sure I don't forget anything. Taking great care folding my clothes, and double checking that I've remembered the camera, a book, the GPS, the cellphone and charger, toll $, suntan lotion and the like. My mind has been busy and focused on this task, the preparations, and the beautiful prize that awaits me in a couple of hours, when I am finally sitting in the warm sand watching the waves roll in. Somewhere in the middle of all theses preparations, Jesus popped in my head. His name and face were there. A gentle reminder. I stopped my scurrying around and thought for a moment. I've forgotten surely the most important thing. I forgot to invite my best friend. If only I would take as much time and care in preparing for my eternal destination. Checking and double checking, taking care to remember why I am able to go there in the first place. Jesus should be the first thing in my mind every...

As I sit in front of this keyboard and ponder what to write, my mind goes to summer days of long ago. Lying in the grass, looking up at the blue sky, swirled with white. Wondering what it might be like to be free. Wondering...always wondering. I cherished those moments...when my mind could float away. Settling down in the grass, feeling the small green stems gently tickling my back and arms, an occasional ant crawling across my leg, the simplicity of the moment captured in time in my mind. Closing my eyes, I could feel the warmth of the afternoon sun penatrating deep into my very soul. Almost as if God's strong but tender hands were lovingly surrounding my heart with His protection. The gentle breeze of His whisper assured me He was there. In these moments I felt part of creation, like I belonged. To anyone walking by, I was a happy little girl pining away a summer day. To me it was heaven. I was welcomed and I was loved by the hug of the grass and the touch of my God. Looking back...

I recently spent a few days at the beach. A quiet little sea shore town called Brigantine, located in New Jersey. Invited by friends of ours, my friend Liz and I set out on an excursion to see the glory of the ocean. A place I've loved ever since I first caught sight of it at the age of 8. There's just something about the rhythmic rolling of the waves lapping the shore line, that memorizes me. As we drove onto the island of Brigantine, the smell of salt water and sea life permeated the air we breathed. The familiar sound of gulls calling in the distance and the sand edged roadside, rose my senses to high alert. Awaiting with eager excitement, that first glimpse of the vast and mighty expanse of ocean laid before me; my eyes longed and strained to see it's beauty. To me there are few better moments in life. Liz and I found the house where we were to stay. It was a small and very homey place with a big, open front porch. The perfect place for reading and talking to God first...