Stepping on a shore...

thanks to Stacy for this text I received while standing on the shore at Tybee this AM
"think of stepping on a shore and finding it heaven...of passing from he storm to an unknown calm...of taking hold of a hand and finding it the pierced hand of Jesus" song by MercyMe

As I was at the shore ... enjoying Third Day on my iPod, I watched the people and was struck by how differently children approach the water the beach than adults. Children, most, are bold, walk with heads up, running many times, shoulders back, ready for the experience, determined to enjoy. Adults, most, walk with heads down, shoulders hunched, weighted down ... by life? disappointment? resentment?
If only we, adults, faced each day with strength, putting on the armour of our God each day, when you put your feet on the floor, step into the full armor (Eph 6:12-14)to face the day ... How great is it to go out the door in confidence that you are more than a conqueror! that's how many kids face each day, with confidence, ready for the adventure that is life ... as adults, we get bogged, weighted down with the disappointment, anger, resentment, whatever! Throw it off ... forgive! let it go!

God is patient with us, gives us chance after chance after chance ... endless chances when we come back to him, head down, ashamed asking for HIS forgiveness, who are we not to give people who have offended us the shame consideration? I feel sad when I hear bitterness peppered in conversations ... it can drain us from pleasures of life. Be a conqueror of your emotions, discipline yourself in love.

One good thing about the beach ... seeing God's majesty in the waves, feeling the angels kisses in the breeze ... there is a connection, overall people seem more relaxed, accepting of others and themselves. I only bring this part up because you have to have a good deal of self acceptance to wear the swimsuit I see some wearing. I'm just saying!!

I go weekly to the beach to check out sales of 3-Cord Strong bracelets at www.atlanticbeacongallery.com ... I know, that's a tough thing to have to do ... next time you are at Tybee go into Atlantic Beacon they have wonderful variety of works from local artists.

My point today? Face each day as a conqueror ... when standing on the shore, BE BRAVE! Be BOLD! and when HE calls ... take that Step ONTO THE WATER! HEAD UP, SHOULDERS BACK with the DETERMINATION of a CHILD but the CONFIDENCE of a CONQUEROR!