Recording His Benefits
The orange glow of the sun ball slipped behind the ocean, streaming gold and apricot rays across the Western horizon. We curved across Pacific Coast Highway into the restaurant parking lot just in time to see the sun draw a magnificent close to this special day.
The timing was impeccable as we watched the magic of velvet hues in lavender and sherbet pink layer upon gold and flaming orange. The horizon a reflection of the Master’s palette. He had painted the sky for us, a desire of my heart fulfilled.
Shortly family and friends joined us and filled the banquet room, walled in glass from ceiling to beach. The air was electric with love wrapped in hugs and filled with congratulations as we watched in awe the majesty of the Lord’s creation.
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| Oldest and Youngest against the Malibu coastline |
Could there be any greater earthly benefit that the love of family and friends? They had driven miles through congested Los Angeles freeways on a Friday night to honor our oldest’s accomplishments. Such love is humbling and encouraging all at once. And the Lord’s blessing came in His gracious gift of a crystal blue view of rhythmic ocean waves rolling in grace upon grace.
When the evening ended, we had a quiet family day to look forward to on Saturday. Just our young men and us strolling the Newport Beach and Bay. I grabbed my favorite snack, a chocolate-dipped, nut-covered frozen banana on a stick while we walked.
The sun warmed our backs and broke the Farmers’ Almanac predictions of a cold and cloudy weekend. Another benefit from the hand of the Lord. Just days earlier, the area had been drenched by rain–a precious gift except for when one is celebrating, longing to see the ocean contrasting the desert from which they came.
We rented a motor boat to tootle around the bay at 5 miles per hour. The guys were not thrilled at first but the faster boats that could speed across ocean waves were not available until late in the day. This mother was grateful as the guys settled in at the wheel and discovered a cool breeze against their faces coupled with the sight of an armada of sailing vessels and a deep sea submersible could be almost as attractive as zipping across the waves.
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| Hubby who graciously provides our relaxation at the hand of the Lord |
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| Views throughout the bay |
The day closed with foot-splashing in the high-tide waves crashing against the shore. The sun sparkled diamonds in the sand and a sandpiper played his own game of racing from the curling waves.
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| Sun diamonds on the sand |
Blessing after blessing to record in my memory bank providing food for my soul. Benefits to remember when the days are spiritually cold and I cannot feel His sun on my back. Benefits to dwell on when Life’s trials steal away the daily celebrations that crescendo into a mighty and glorious splash. A splash and celebration that has built up over time. The times and moments of small celebrations and little benefits noticed.
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| Splashed to the knees in the Newport waves |
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Pslam 103:1,2 NIV
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Janis,
This is beautifully written and the pictures are simply lovely. I especially like how you have stored away these treasures to bring back to mind on those dark days. That is so real and transparent.
I’m so glad that you had a lovely weekend.
Blessings
~a
Janis, I’m so glad that you had such a wonderful visit in California. (And it was beyond special meeting you face to face). It was quite fun to see pictures of my “stomping grounds!” And yes, the Lord did provide some wonderful weather, didn’t He?!
We have so much to be grateful for.
Thank you for so consistently pointed us to the heart of God.
GOD BLESS!
Your praise to the Lord for the benefits he bestows is beautiful. I enjoyed reading about your family time. The photos are lovely!
Thank-you for visiting my blog!
Beautiful pixs and such lovely comments. I felt like I was walking with you. Your posts ALWAYS bring peace to my heart and mind, Janis. Thank you.
Blessings!
Pam
What beauty you have captured with your photos and words. Praise His name, indeed!
May I say that you are the cutest little mamma? And your family is beautiful. The sky He gave you is such a work of art but this family? Masterpiece. Loved this, Janis.
Janis, I loved your post! I am so glad I clicked the link to your blog from Bonnie’s. What a joy to read this.
I love what you wrote:
“Blessing after blessing to record in my memory bank providing food for my soul.”
How important this is as there are times when I feel a bit empty. I know that I know that God is always with me but my emotions can get in the way of that knowing. Recording blessings has been one way of recognizing His hand in my life. But I love how you wrote of it providing food for your soul.
I loved the family pictures and I love the beach. I just returned from a short visit with family in FL and went to the beach. Living in Phoenix, AZ …this is a special blessing for me. I LOVE CA beaches too.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
oh janis, what a lovely time… the master’s palette indeed. so beautiful.
Fabulous pictures and joy abounding with God’s goodness!!! Love you, Sister! Karen