Holy… Lord, God, Almighty –
Perfect in power, in love, in purity.
Early in the morning, my song shall rise to thee!
On our birthdays, we each choose something special we want to do. This year, I wanted to go the beach for sunrise. My family was so sweet, and despite some funny looks and moments of disbelief that they were actually going to get up at 3:30 in the morning to go to the beach, they embraced my idea and made it a wonderful time.
It was a beautiful morning. A lovely day. Full of the goodness of the Lord, the blessings of family and the priceless friendships we share with each other. My sisters are so precious! My parents tender and careful of me!
That moment when the sun hits the horizon – breathtaking!
A 6:55 sunrise (and being out of bed and more than just technically awake for it) is quite amazing for the mood. And the pictures.
We brought bagels with us, and had a nice breakfast at a picnic table on the boardwalk… laughing and feeling a little self-conscious as we were the only ones sitting there eating bagels while everyone else was jogging and exercising on down the boardwalk. *smile* Oh, well. I have a sneaky feeling most of them were jealous anyway.
beautiful wrapping job by a crafty sister!
Then the three of us girls walked up the beach a ways, while mom and dad took a little nap with the gentle rolling and sighing of waves in their ears.
the flowers in my hair are the contents of that gift package!
Sand crabs. Ranging from little…
…to big, and from one…
…to a crazy mass!
And of course, with everybody dressed up in matching clothes, and a photographer-wanna-be and a memory-saving-momma on the beach together with a decent camera, we had a photoshoot.
behind the scenes adjustments
It wasn’t all serious…
Before we went home, we headed up the coast a little ways to a beach with a pier, and took some pictures there. I’ve really been wanting to take pictures under a pier, and the conditions were delightful!
Mama took the one above, and the next two, from the pier. Last time we were at this beach there was a shack at the end of the pier, and now, after hurricane Sandy, there are empty poles and this sign. The boardwalk at this beach is also still not rebuilt. God’s ways are unsearchable and unstoppable, but full of righteousness and mercy.
We stopped for ice cream and had “Coffee Mud Pie,” “Caramel Lover’s,” and “Rum Raisin.” You know, because eating bagels while watching people exercise really works up an appetite for ice cream!
My birthday was also made very special this year by a couple of friends who did some really thoughtful things for me. I am constantly in awe of the blessings God has given, and sweet friends are one of them. I am ever more grateful with each passing day for who He is, and the mighty work of His hands!
Fruitfulness at Home 