Tag Archives: Beach

Invest In Your Future!

Standard

6-11-13 Lido Key 108

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.

Then you will call on Me

and come and pray to Me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.'”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

6-11-13 Lido Key 114

This is my son’s favorite verse!

Mine. too!

Along with…

6-11-13 Lido Key 116

“Call to Me

and I will answer you

and tell you great

and unsearchable things

you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

6-11-13 Lido Key 160

“…and call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you,

and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 50:15

6-11-13 Lido Key 178

God’s plan is to…

Prosper you…

Not harm you…

Give you Hope…

And a Future…

Call on Him…

Come to Him…

Pray to Him…

He will listen to YOU!!!

Seek Him…

Find Him…

With all your heart!!

Call to Him…

He will answer YOU!!

And tell you great and unsearchable things…

You don’t know!!

Call on Him in your times of trouble…

He will deliver you…

And you will honor Him!!

Amen!

6-11-13 Lido Key 182

You have now invested wisely in your future!!

6-11-13 Lido Key 185

Praise God!!

You Put Your Light In Me!

Standard

“When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said,

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.’”

John 8:12

6-11-13 Lido Key 104

“You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

6-11-13 Lido Key 167

“The night is nearly over;

the day is almost here.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness

and put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12

6-11-13 Lido Key 128

Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

6-11-13 Lido Key 189

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the Heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3

6-11-13 Lido Key 275

A flame burning down…

You gave me Life

You put Your Light in me!

You let Your Love shine down… 

Now the world can see…

You put Your Light in me!

6-11-13 Lido Key 198

Now, I’m a reflection of

You, Lord!

I’ll let it show…

You will be known

And all will see…

You put Your Light in me!

6-11-13 Lido Key 366

Christians…

Go!

Shine…

 Brightly!!

With His Light in you…

Wherever you go!!

You Are Amazing God!

Standard

 Majesty…

Indescribable!

Uncontainable!

Amazing God!

All Powerful!

Untameable!

Awestruck…

We fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim…

You are Amazing, God….

None can fathom…

Indescribable!

Unobtainable,

Incomparable!

Unchangeable!

You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same!!

You are So Amazing, God!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 019

Feel free to add your own words!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 020

How about…

God, You are…

Holy, Grand, Vast, Great, Marvelous, Excellent, Glorious, Exalted, Dynamic, Thrilling, Astonishing,

Breathtaking, Magnificent, Overwhelming, Impressive, Permanent, Exciting, Stunning, Heart-Stirring,

Wonderful, Outstanding, Splendid, Faithful, Enduring, Divine, Extraordinary, Inspiring, Fantastic, Imposing,

Astounding, Fantastic, Unforgettable, Wondrous, Incomprehensible, Spectacular, Incredible, Phenomenal

Miraculous!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 021

He’s definitely all these things…

And more!

This is the Amazing God who rules our lives!!

Mind-Boggling, huh???

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 024

Makes you want to go and tell everybody, doesn’t it???

When Did Going On Vacation Become So Difficult???

Standard

Apparently…

When I became an adult…

With responsibilities…

A family…

A job…

A house…

And a dog!!

When we were children…

We just hopped in the car…

And we left!

Okay, so we are packed…

But, it was a rough road to get to this point!! 

This vacation has been planned well in advance…

I’ve been looking forward to it all year…

You know how much I love the beach…

You know how much I love to be at the beach…

To read, to write, to do whatever I feel like doing, or nothing at all!!

But, working part-time this year…

As much of a ministry opportunity as it was…

Has put quite a crimp in my retired lifestyle…

Where all my ministries were challenging…

But, I was a volunteer…

And the beauty of that is that I still had control over my time…

 I’m feeling drained…

I’m really stressed…

I just don’t feel like going on vacation right now…

That’s crazy, I know!!

Plus, my poor, precious Crazy Siberian has not been feeling well lately…

We certainly all love her deeply…

But, we’ve all lost sleep…

Lots of sleep…

We’ve all cleaned up pee, poop, and throw-up…

More times than we care to…

We’ve made multiple runs to the vet with her…

And she definitely, ridiculously, horridly hates the car ride to see the vet!

It’s exhausting!!

We now have a calendar on our kitchen counter…

Just for her…

So we can keep track of all the medicines she’s on…

It’s just like living with a newborn, needy baby…

Which I remember so well…

Or, an ornery, elderly person…

Which I also remember!!

Teaching was so crazy at the end of the year…

That I lost my cool…

And it ceased to be fun…

I had to apologize for my grouchiness to everyone…

There, and at home, too!

 I really just want to stay home…

And vegetate on the couch!

But, no…

Not me!

I decided to tackle the humongous job of cleaning my house from top to bottom!

Starting with the ceiling fans the day after school got out…

My son, the one actually cleaning those fans…

Was not elated!

Well, that’s as far as we got…

When I had to stop cleaning to start packing for this vacation…

While dealing with a sick dog…

I hate packing…

Why can’t all my “stuff” just be there when I get there…

And I don’t do well with unfinished jobs…

So I’ll be planning my next cleaning job…

The blinds and windows…

For when we get back from vacation!

Rats!

Why do I do this to myself?

Please tell me to stop!

Take a deep breath…

Count to ten…

And enjoy my blessings of a wonderful beach vacation…

With my wonderful family…

And the whole summer off from work!

Just tell me, Lord…

I’ll listen to You!!

5-29-13 Golf Course 075

“My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

5-29-13 Golf Course 077

“Be anxious for nothing,

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 comprehension,

will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

5-29-13 Golf Course 076

Thank you, Lord!! 

Amen!

5-29-13 Golf Course 073

“Blessings crown the head of the righteous…”

Proverbs 10:6

5-29-13 Golf Course 067

I love the refrain of the old hymn:

“Count Your Many Blessings”

Count your blessings, name them one by one…
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!!

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

Standard

No one around here will let me think!!!

Beach 1-10-12 055

If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8

You Know You’ve Embraced The Florida Lifestyle, When…

Standard

Lido Key 12-12-11 113

This is your “cloudy” day!

2-19 to 2-10-13 Gilchrist & First Baptist Outreach 081

This is your lunch guest!

2-5-13 Lanai 001

This is your backyard!

(With a pool an “expensive hole-in-the-ground!”)

Where a live alligator has visited you on your lanai after the hurricane…

Before the lanai screen could be replaced!

12-31-12 Walk 019

This is you, everyday…

  Not just on your day off!

1-16-13 Walk 021

You expect your year-round weather to be “not so hot,” “hot,” “very hot,” and “intensely hot”…

12-31-12 Walk 020

Another baby boomer, who just retired, has just moved in next door to you…

And you know their grandchildren have already embraced the FL lifestyle, too!

Jane's house 11-14-11 005

Your sailboat “dock ornament” is taller than your house…

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 049

You look forward to March…

So you can see your favorite NY team!

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 117

Play the FL favorite during Spring Training!

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 146

You enjoy being with so many New Yorkers, again!

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 149

And you wait for Joe Girardi to smile!

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 121

“Cause his team WON!!!

3-12-13 Yankee Game! 163

And you truly believe Jesus is a Yankee fan!

“Christmas On The Beachside”

Standard

11-14-12 Madeira Beach 072

I just heard this song on the radio last week…

I love it!

And if you’re from a beautiful tropical area…

You’re going to love it too!!

It’s by Austin Adamec, and featuring Lindsey Ciresi…

It’s called “Christmas On The Beachside”

I couldn’t find the lyrics…

So I listened to it a thousand times!

  Ha!

  I hope I got them right!!

“Christmas on the Beachside…

Gotta love the Beachside…

It’s wintertime…

And it’s so far from snowin’…

The palms are swaying…

And we’re jumpin’ in the ocean…

The sun shines on the waves in December…

The Birthday of the Savior…

We celebrate together!

Christmas on the Beachside…

Underneath the blue sky…

No need for sleigh rides…

The surf is just right…

Christmas on the Beachside…

It’s the Salt Life…

Because Jesus is the reason…

No matter what the season…

On the Beachside…

Fire from chimneys…

Presents near the fire…

It’s getting hotter…

Soakin’ out the weather…

Snuggies and comfy Christmas sweaters…

Can’t compare when you’re…

Breakin’ in the water…

Though the Holiday may fade away…

We will always find a way…

Red & green may dissipate

We will Always Celebrate

Christmas on the Beachside!!”

11-14-12 Madeira Beach 063

Lido Key 12-12-11 014

Lido Key 12-12-11 157

My Beloved Jersey Shore, No More???

Standard

I receive a daily email from…

Focus On The Family

Today’s e-mail was titled…

“An Attitude Of Gratitude”

Here is the e-mail…

We Floridians can certainly relate!!

“Dear Friend,

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving, a time to gather with family and friends to specifically thank God for the many blessings we enjoy each and every day. But there are also people who don’t see a lot to be thankful for because of their circumstances: Maybe they’ve lost loved ones, homes or property—possibly even all those things at once. As many people on the East Coast who have been struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy can tell you, it’s a difficult thing to see the good amid difficult circumstances.

My friend Len Deo, executive director of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, spoke with Stuart Shepard recently about this on the latest CitizenLink Report.

Sandy was nothing short of horrific. Residents of New York and New Jersey spent weeks trying to get back to some sense of “normal” afterward. Food and gas were running low, the power was out, trees were uprooted and schedules were awry.

Despite those circumstances, some chose to have an attitude of gratitude for the little things they did have. In fact, Len Deo and his team paraphrased the 23rd Psalm to keep their perspective right. Their version reads:

‘The LORD is my shepherd, and shepherds have it rough right now. He has no place to make me lie down but muddy pastures; He leads me beside troubled waters. He is giving my soul a lot of unusual work. He leads me in the paths of perseverance for a purpose I really don’t see. Yea, I am walking through the aftermath of a hurricane and You are still prodding me; Your rod and Your staff, they are uncomfortable. You have filled my house with my children all day long; You anoint my head with cold showers; my impatience runneth over. Surely the good times went out with the lights, and I will dwell in my dim house for yet another day that feels like forever.’

Of course, we know that’s not what the Psalm really says—but the New Jersey team knows that the Word of God is powerful to provide comfort and solace. The point is simply this:  A sense of humor is a gift, and gratitude is a choice that we can always make, regardless of our circumstances. God does not stop being good just because our circumstances become difficult; we can trust Him through everything. And can’t we all be grateful for that?

For faith and family,

Tom Minnery
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy”

We’re from NJ…

My sister lives in Brooklyn…

Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins live in South Jersey…

And at the Jersey Shore…

Many of my cherished summertime memories…

Include the Jersey Shore…

Loved the Boardwalks!!

And the rides!

Family vacations in Wildwood and Cape May when I was young…

Trips with friend’s families to Long Branch…

Teenage drives to Seaside Heights, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Lavallette, Sea Girt, and Brielle…

Yearly vacations to a Bed & Breakfast in Spring Lake…

Later, when I taught, Teachers Convention at Convention Hall in Atlantic City…

Walking and shopping on the pier…

We have friends living in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North and South Carolina…

Everyone was affected…

I’m praying for the entire East Coast!

We, in FL know recovery is a long haul…

We also know that God is faithful!!

It will take time, but folks on the East Coast are resilient!

They’re survivors!

They will rally…

They will unite!

And this email gives me Hope…

That they know God is with them!!

My beloved Jersey Shore will rise again!!

Amen!

Don’t Move!

Standard

Listen to: 

“I Will Not Be Moved”

by Natalie Grant

Here are the lyrics…

“I have been the wayward child…

I have acted out…

I have questioned Sovereignty…

And had my share of doubt…

And though sometimes my prayers feel like…

They’re bouncing off the sky…

The hand I hold won’t let me go…

And here’s the reason why…

I will stumble…

I will fall down…

But, I will not be moved!

I will make mistakes…

I will face heartaches…

But, I will not be moved!

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand…

All other ground is sinking sand…

I will not be moved!

Bitterness has plagued my heart…

Many times before…

My life has been like broken glass…

And I have kept the score…

Of all my shattered dreams…

And though it seemed…

That I was far too gone…

My brokenness helped me to see…

It’s grace I’m standing on…

And the chaos in my life…

Has been a badge I’ve worn…

Though I have been torn…

I will not be moved!”

Have you moved???

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.

  Let nothing move you. 

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,

Because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 

I Corinthians 15:58    NIV

Don’t move!