I’m so thankful for the many years God has blessed me with the opportunity to get together for a time of fun in sun with extended family. It’s easy to allow the busyness of life to overwhelm us and keep us from truly enjoying our life.

I don’t want to look back at the end of my life and regret not focusing on what really matters … my relationship with God and others. Even though I am semi-retired, I have a busy schedule between church, my part-time job, writing and ministry. I love my life! Even so, there are times I need to take a break and just chill.

The beach and the mountains are two of my favorite places to seek out for a time of refreshing and renewal. At home I am usually awake by 6:00 a.m. The past two weeks I’ve given myself permission to turn off the alarm clock and wake up when my body wants to. I missed a lot of beautiful sunrises over the beach, but thankfully friends and family captured what I missed.

My typical morning ritual is to wake up, fix my coffee and begin my day with time in worship, the Word and prayer. I have relished my time with God these past few weeks and to my delight God has blessed me with a renewed desire to press forward with many of the dreams He planted in my heart years ago. My intent in retirement was always to use it serving the Lord.

Last week, I got my website updated; something I have needed to do for a couple of years. Yesterday I scheduled a speaking engagement with Teen Challenge in November. While these might not sound like typical vacation activities, they are life giving to me. My heart is filled with joyful expectation.

Today is our last day. I had hoped to get my feet in the sand or relax in the pool; instead God treated us to a beautiful thunderstorm with a majestic view of a waterspout. I’ll take it! Perfect nap weather. See you soon friends.

Blessings🌻 Deb