Thoughts beside the seaside

By Carol Thompson

We are reaching the end of May and I just know summer is about to start!!!

Soon we will be complaining that its too hot and we could do with a shower of rain. Don't even joke I hear you say....

Oh ladies I just know you are like me and you are truly longing for a good summer. The sunshine puts everyone in a better mood and let's face it we are so overdue a bit of sunburn! So I am being totally optimistic that the lazy days of summer are at the end of the next week's forecast and soon we will have our buckets and spades on the beach.

'Oh I do love to be beside the seaside' (yes, sing along... It's hard to resist)

You may or may not know that I am not from the North Coast and known as one of those 'blow ins'!! I am from good old Tyrone but for as far back as I can remember to my earliest childhood, my happiest days were spent on Castlerock beach. I have so many cute photos of my sister and me in pretty 'teeny weeny poker dot bikinis'.. But those days for me are so over!!  I now shop in the aisle that says 'control swimwear'... Are you with me sisters????

But when I think of how God in all His goodness mapped out my life by providing me with my own home, job, church, amazing friends in the place that always put a smile on my face, it just blows me away.

' 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'.  Jeremiah 29 v 11.

My city girlfriends are so green that I live a mile from the beach and have the luxury to go when I want to walk the beach and feel the wind in my hair, (even though my hair is short!!) and maybe because I didn't grow up here and it was always a luxury to get to the beach, I do feel totally blessed to live here.

My home is full of the many treasures that I have found on the beach, as I have a weakness for shells and pebbles. The last day I walked the beach with my sister she had great entertainment watching me pick up pretty shells and smooth pebbles. She was going to buy me a bucket as I had not changed from my childhood days (little does she know I have one!!).

But the greatest treasure I find on the beach that draws me back time and time again, is being in God's presence. I feel so close to the Creator and find pleasure in the wonders of His handy work.

'Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young'.      Ecclesiastes 12 v 1 (MSG)

The sea looks different each time I visit, with its different moods and colours. As I breath in that salty air, I feel the stress of the day lift off my shoulders.

If I go down to the beach for a walk on my own, I will have my iPod in my ears playing worship songs, singing along and yes lifting my hands to Him. (I generally make sure no one is behind me, but if you have heard me squawking, I do apologise!!)

I never get tired with watching or listening to the sea and love nothing more than watching the waves crashing against the rocks.

Thoughts beside the Seaside

The waves pounding on the beach sounds like the voice of God saying over and over again, 'I love you, I love you', reminding you how precious you are to Him.

The tides which wash the beach clean, reassures you that all sins can be washed away and buried in the depths of the ocean.

The crashing waves demonstrate God's mighty power, how He created all things and is in complete control.

When the waves lap gently on to a sun- warmed beach it is as if He were caressing you and warming you with His love.

                                                                                                                                      

Words by Maud Steele.

When the sun shines on the sea it looks so beautiful by making it sparkle and shine, it looks so inviting. It is truly looking its best.

When Jesus, God's Son shines through and on us, we too look beautiful. We can sparkle and shine for Him showing others His love.

So ladies, I lovingly wish you a summer of warm lazy days with the smell of a sausage cooking on the BBQ. Happy memories of making sand castles with your buckets full of pebbles and shells and plenty of lovely walks with special friends.

But more so my prayer for you would be, that when you are on the beach feeling the sand between your toes and breathing in that salty air, you will experience amazing God moments.

Moments that you can capture from the waves, His never ending love for you,

Moments that you can allow Him to wash away your pain and hurt with the tide,

Moments that you will know His strength and power for the courage you need,

Moments that you can leave the beach glistening and sparkling for Him.

Hope to see you there!!