Beach photos and change of focus
I had a wonderful time at the beach and thought I’d share some family photos. Breakfast with three of my grandchildren. The one on the left had strep so was not too happy. Noelle and two of my grandchildren playing in the surf. 
Little 2 mo old Clayton at peace! 
as well as scenery.
One Sunday I got up before dawn to walk the beach. It was dark – the moon was still out and the morning star. I sat on the stairs that cross the dunes and waited, sipping my tea. As it got a bit lighter I began my walk. I was the only one on the beach for a few minutes then other than early birds and their dogs joined me. I walked in the direction that was not facing the sun so that when it did come, I would be facing in the right direction.
As usual I was also combing the beach for shells – there were so few. Not even many broken ones. I thought surely the hurricane would have stirred some up – but nothing! I did find two unusual barnacles that looked like little volcanoes! And thought about the barnacles in my life!
Anyway, when I turned around to walk the other way the sun was arising. It was glorious. Like a big ball of gold rising from a sea of liquid gold. On my iPod was playing, In the Presence of Jehovah, sung by my friend, Damaris Carbaugh. Wow! I was overwhelmed with His presence and the glory of it all. He reminded me that I am always in His presence. 
As I walked I noticed other shell seekers looking down searching – missing the glory that was unfolding in the eastern sky. And I thought that is so true of me. I get so busy looking down that I fail to look up to see the glory that surrounds me.
What are you looking at? Do you need to change your focus?
I truly enjoyed your beach writing entry and the pictures of the sunrise you included are gorgeous. You ask at the end of your entry, “what are you looking at?” “do you need to change your focus?”. To be honest, I constantly am looking at or thinking about my endless to-do list and then begin planning my plan of attack for that day or the next day. It is a process and routine that I have grown weary of, but do not know how to change. Working through my to-do list has become almost like an identity. However, I am fully aware as a Christian that my true identity is Christ Jesus – not Tammy’s to-do list. I so want my light to shine before men and women so that they would know Who I truly serve and love. I cannot allow my light to shine if I am functioning like a robot. Therefore, I am going to purposely remember to look up at the sky before I begin my busy day and then periodically look up throughout the day to remind myself Who actually holds my day and life in the palm of His very capable hands. I cannot do anything alone, but I can do all things through Christ Jesus Who strengthens me. For He work all things to good of those that are called according to His purpose. God is so good and so faithful….as we consider Jesus and His sacrifice, who could ask for anything more?
Tammy,
I, too, love those photos!
You challenge me with my own words. As I start the new aspect of my ministry and with a husband in constant need, I find I am always looking at my “to do” list. I think as Christians we all struggle to keep “first things first”. It’s so easy to loose focus. But my mother taught me Isaiah 26:3 early and I remind myself of it often.
Ruth
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for your Blog I enjoy reading about you days and how as we , sisters in Christ, are very much alike.
I am going to get myself to the book store to pick up your book on depression. I lead a ministry called “Lift” at my church. Its an encouraging ministry which started from 1Thess.5:11 Its embarrassing to say this but I have been very down lately.. very down and I have to “Lift” and encourage many and now its becoming duty driven. I know I need to lean on the Spirit of God for Him to drive and lead this ministry but my mind and body are so tired. I was wondering if you have been this way and how you got over this cement that seems to be paralyzing me? Thank you again for being real and true,
In Him,
Eileen
I love that beach – it reminds me of Pawleys!!!!
It is!