Monday, February 27, 2012

Gifts From The Sea


Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved to travel with her family. Her favorite destination was an island in Southwest Florida. Here she ran and played, sang songs as she walked on the beach, and told God that her hearts desire would be to call this enchanting place home. 


It was on this island where she discovered precious gifts from the sea. It was the place  where she learned to look closely at God's creation and discover it's mysteries. She fell in love with the creatures of the sea and the beauty all around. 


She learned to appreciate the gracefulness of the dolphin, and the clumsiness of the baby sea turtle. She admired the creatures, great and small as she sang to the One who had made them all. 


These gifts from the sea, be they shelled or have wings stole her heart as she knew they'd been created to do. They always delighted, and she never grew tired of watching closely and learning. 


From the Great Blue Heron and the American Bald Eagle - to the plain Brown Pelican, Sea Gull, and even the smaller Ruddy Turnstone she was captivated by the wildlife of the island she loved. 


Each of the creatures held their own majesty. The obvious majesty of the Bald Eagle, and the understated elegance as that of the smallest sea shells she collected - all pointed her to towards their Maker. 


Living creatures full of beauty - exquisite detail held distinction from another. Each one designed by the Master Himself with unique, awe-inspiring qualities.

Each one yet another remarkable gift from the sea. 


This was the place where she began her fervent prayer. It was as innocent as it was sincere, and she boldly made her request known to God. As she ran across the sand, she asked Him for her a family of her own, with whom she could one day share the love of this special place. She delighted in His creation, and opened her heart to the Creator. 


Many years later, she stands on the beach with the family she loves, as they explore together
 the wonders of  God's creation and the precious gifts from the sea. 


Psalm 37:4
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart." 


Now I am grown and although I am grateful He has blessed me with the desires of my heart - 
I've experienced the true joy which comes from aligning my heart with His will for my life; 
and for that I am forever grateful. 

In teaching my children I must remember: 

Mark 10: 14b
"Permit the little children to come unto me; do not hinder them; 
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 

Counting Gifts to #1000 and beyond 

170. my daily gifts from the sea 
171. dreams realized 
172. earnest prayers of a child
173. sharing with my own children 
174. hearing their prayers 
175. all the wonderful birds in our area
176. simple pleasures of sand between the toes 
177. singing on the beach 
178. the grace of dolphins 
179.  wonders that never cease
180. Remembering Child-like Faith










 




  

20 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this - I love that you prayed with the faith of a child and your heart's desire was given to you :) What an amazing story!!

Hyacynth said...

So beautiful, Kelli!

Unknown said...

Thank you girls- it's a firm reminder for me to keep that child like faith!

Anonymous said...

I live at the ocean too Kelli and am enthralled constantly by all the beauty surrounding us. Love your story of God's answered prayers and desires and your photos as well.

Laurie Collett said...

Lovely, lovely photos and post. Reminds me of a home we rent out on Don Pedro Island. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace! Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace also
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Laurie Collett

Amy Sullivan said...

Water speaks to me in big ways, Kelli.

Look at your sweet, sweet family, and oh, now I am aching for a beach trip.

Unknown said...

LOVE these pictures...of joy, of life.

Christina said...

I'm on the other coast:) I love the birds and sparkling blue waters here. Your photos are beautiful and a good reminder of all that's around us is a gift from His hands. Beautiful!

Susan said...

This is just beautiful...both the words and the photos!!

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Ah-mazing. Oh so beautiful! Makes me want to hop a plane and visit the gifts from the sea myself! Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

kelli...lovely...the pictures are beautiful...I love the peacefulness of the beach...I wish I could go more...
pray you are feeling well...blessings~

Carrie said...

Oh I loved this! I too prayed wholeheartedly to God for a family of my very own one day and He truly blessed me. Praise Him!

Jen said...

beautiful I loved reading this

Unknown said...

Laurie, so funny you mention Don Pedro- You can throw a rock - I mean sea shell at it from my lil island :) God bless- Let me know if you head this way and we'll meet up for a walk on the beach!

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Kelli,
I'm not surprised -- the sea oats, beach, birds and dolphins look awfully familiar! Unfortunately, we seldom get down there any more due to very busy schedules, but we'll have to make time to go & I'll look forward to meeting you!
Blessings,
Laurie

Stacie said...

what a lovely testimony. . .

Deborah said...

Joining you from Ann's place. What a great list of gratitudes, especially the faith of a child. Also love your pictures. Thanks for sharing your sweet testimony.
Have a blessed day.

MomLaur said...

So beautiful! Love it! All the earth will sing your praises, O God!

Louanne said...

Wonderful photos. Precious post.

(visiting from Red Oak)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos! I have never seen a baby sea turtle!! That is so adorable!! I loved this post--this is one of the things I love about blogging--getting to see all the cool things about different places where different bloggers live! God's creation certainly is magnificent!

Thank you for linking up!