Welcome
to Soli Deo Gloria, whether it's your first time here or your 25th.
Basically, we are a community of women that seek to encourage, support,
love each other with our words. It's a fun party and I love hosting
you here each week. If you would like more information about this
community, please click here.
Just a note: Please don't feel that you have to visit every single
person that links up. We are all on a time budget. That being said, I
do invite you to pray and ask God which blogs to visit simply because
there may be words for you left in that place or words that God has
given you to share to those specific people. Also,
if you would like to be on the email list for reminders and the
occasional prayer request, please let me know if the comments. Blessings to everyone!
Ahhhh....it's good to be back.
That nourishment I was talking about last week? It took place at the beach. This beach...
Being at the beach has always been a nourishing place for me. It's the beauty, it's the rhythmic sounds, it's the reminder that God is vast and powerful and ever-flowing. One day, I settled into my chair and asked God, "Okay, what do you want to tell me?" My expectation is always that He is going to reveal something big to me -- something I need to work on, realize, accept.
But this week, He just said,
"Relax. Enjoy. Be nourished. Be open. Stop trying to figure things out. Stop worrying about the next moment. Relax. Enjoy. That is what nourishment is all about for you right now."
And so, I relished my daughter pulling me on the boogie board in the waves.
And I watched with love as my dad danced with his oldest granddaughter.
And I enjoyed a date with my husband.
And I watched a full moon rise above the ocean (this picture can't do it justice).
Sometimes (and I'm just learning this) life doesn't always have to be about work, and I don't mean the work that comes with a paying job. Sometimes, we get the gift of easy times, of easy laughter, of children who entertain themselves on the beach for hours. Sometimes, we can revel in the casual conversation and still feel closer at the end of the day. Sometimes, it's just about being who we are.
And sometimes, who we are, is just enough.
Enjoy each other and I will be enjoying all of you. It's good to be back!
all I can say is ... I know
ReplyDeleteHe has given me so many days this summer
of just being. Not worrying about how all
of this is going to work out. It is simply
falling in love with Him all over again. Just
enjoying being together with Him. Not duty, hoops
have to's, none of that. It is new territory but
I REALLY need it. I'm every SO wanting to hug you! He is so giving and just loves to delight
His children doesn't He? Continue to enjoy Him..
xo
Yes! Who you are is wonderful and He delights to gift you with these times to savor that! Your pics look wonderful! So glad it was a good time!
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
Love this Jen!! SO so true. So glad you had a good time too!
ReplyDeleteDelicious time away . . . love the sun on your checks.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
Sounds like a nourishing time was had indeed. I too find the beach the perfect place for refreshment.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Jen. So glad you had such a wonderful time.
I am so glad you had such a wonderful time and pray it left you rested, stress free and ready for She Speaks
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! Sounds like it was close to perfect. :) Praying that His rest stays with you even miles away from the beach.
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds like a wonderful time. I'm so glad you were able to just enjoy your time with your family.
ReplyDelete{I apologize once again for the double link up. Linky tools got me again. :)}
"Feeling closer at the end of the day" -- that's what our vacation was like, too. Lovely. Like a big breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteHope you carry it with you for months!
So happy you've had Nourishment this summer. The beech just pulls relaxation -- the sound of the waves, warm sand and the salty smell -- I hope you can carry the memories with you throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pamela
Jen, I am glad you had this time because isn't your BIG moment coming up at She Speaks? I've been praying for you. Sometimes He needs us to just BE as Tiffini said above. Because He knows much is to come.....you needed this, I know!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back - yay for you for resting! Praying for Amy and you this upcoming weekend and SO wishing I could swing it to be there with you...:( Hopefully you will go again next year!!!!
ReplyDeleteThankful you had some down time - it's integral!!!
Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com
Love this, Jen. Although I didn't travel, I took a blog break last week in order to allow God to nourish me. Sometimes it's okay to just rest.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayer for you this week as you attend She Speaks.
perfect:) so happy for you...for the rest and being. sending much love! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! The bliss and joy is written all over your beautiful face! So glad you found your nourishment!
ReplyDeleteThat beach looks serene and beautiful... I'm getting nourished just looking at it! Happy for you and your time to relax!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen - Looks like you did some serious unwinding. Always a good feeling. Hope you are refreshed.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
I agree there is a time to "work" and a time to "play." We must enjoy our family and loved ones. I smiled at your lovely photos of family having fun! Thank you so very much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLike your posting à nd pictures! Family fun is a blessing from the Lord.
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, I am so glad you got to get away and relax. Sometimes that's the hardest part! Love the photos.
ReplyDeleteYes! Sometimes relaxing is exactly what we need to do! I have a hard time with that one, but I truly enjoyed our Sabbath this past Sunday, not stressing about how much I would have to do on Monday, and I feel better emotionally for it! I'm glad you had a wonderful vacation. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! So glad you came back renewed from your Sabbath. I have nothing to post today, sadly. Life is hectic and the first thing that goes is writing. But I will enjoy reading the entries!
ReplyDeleteLinking up for the first time here ... appreciate reading your blog! Thankful for times of rest for you!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this idea that life is sometimes just about the easy times...
ReplyDeleteYou know the part I enjoyed most about this post? Your pics. Thanks for the little peek into your Florida time.
So glad you could relax and be nourished. Looks like you all had a fun time! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kris
Rest is good. But like you, I am glad to be back! I missed you. Love the picture of your daughter dancing...that's what daughters love to do. Hugs and blessings today and everyday. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know why this made me cry, but it did. Good tears, I assure you. I like you ohsomuch.
ReplyDeleteLinking late today--the pool water on a hot day has been a huge source of refreshment and nourishment! Can't wait to hear about the conference.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of your dad and daughter dancing. Precious. Thank you for hosting again. I'm enjoying reading some blogs, especially because I've not been able to in quite some time!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had an enjoyable trip! I've never seen a moonrise. It must have been beautiful. God bless your time at She Speaks this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI forgive myself far more these days for spending time reading or sitting out on the patio and not getting the dishes done. It is a hard habit to break sometimes. Looks like a wonderful time was had by all!
ReplyDeleteI am new to this linky thing and I seemed to have posted twice (#47 and 48). Is there any way that you could delete the second one (#48). Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteThanks