Vacation

Vacation

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass

July 26, 2011

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much Luke 16:10a NIV

The time is nearing when many families will begin coming to the beaches for their summer vacations. The beach will appear festive from the vivid colors of the umbrellas that take their place in the sand. Bright colored beach towels and plastic beach balls will also be a part of the landscape at the beach. It reminds me of travelling to the Outer Banks when we were children for our week of vacation each year. There was such anticipation and excitement that surrounded that time. We learned to find enjoyment in every day. It was a good lesson to learn at a young age. We cherished the sunny days and played hard in the surf and sand. On the rainy days, we caught rainwater with our newly purchased pails and shovels and built sandcastles, under our cottage, held high on stilts. When we had too much sun on our tender skin, the family would take a day trip in the car to see the sights. At night there were card games, skating at the roller rink or family tournaments of putt-putt. No time was wasted, yet we returned home from vacation very rested and content.

Taking what we had and making the most of it, is a philosophy that has stayed with me through the years. I have observed some people that have very little, yet they live so rich. They use their talents and skills to create a contented, charming lifestyle and God seems to bless them with more. And then there are those folks that seem to have everything, yet they are disgruntled and greedy for more. I think God would have us enjoy each and every day that He gives us. There are hidden treasures in each day and it is our job to find them. Making the most of what we are given is showing our grateful appreciation to God for the many gifts and opportunities He has given us, and continues to give us daily. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 NIV

Enjoy the View

Enjoy the View

Reflections by the Sea
Betsy Ore Glass
July 21, 2011


Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! -Psalm 66:5

How wonderful it was recently to visit the newly constructed Jennette’s Pier. Seems to me it is simply a work of art and beauty. I believe they thought of everything to make the experience enjoyable, fun and comfortable. My Mother and I found the second floor covered balcony overlooking the ocean and enjoyed a morning of sightseeing and never had to leave our chairs. We saw the length of the pier looking mighty and strong. Families taking strolls to the end of the pier were mingling with the hardy fishermen lugging coolers, tackle and bait. Off to each side on the beach were a sea of colorful umbrellas set up in the sand with families gathered in the shade to keep cool. From our vantage point, we could look towards the sound and see it in the distance. Imagine that, looking at the sea and sound in one glance! And then a magical moment came when seven or eight beautiful pelicans, forming a straight line flew at eye level past us. They were within arms reach. I fumbled with my camera to try to get the up close shot but gave up and enjoyed the view instead. I almost missed it all trying to capture it forever with my lens.

My visit to the pier was a reminder of all things I love and all of it is a gift from God. The warmth of the sun; the smell of salt air and the occasional ocean breeze that offers refreshment. The sound of the waves, one after the other as they build and crash to the shore. I know I am at the beach when I hear the noise that the seagulls make and see the perfection of a pelican glide in and out of the water. And then the surprise and delight when we see a dolphin in the distant ocean that surfaces every now and then. God gives us gifts everyday. There is beauty in everything, but it is up to us to find it. Even if we are busy with many projects and seem not to have any time for ourselves, the view is still there. What will God give you to look at today?

Holding On

Holding On


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
July 09, 2011

Holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. -1 Timothy 1:19 NIV

Over the Fourth of July weekend, our son in law took us out on the boat for a wonderful day of family fun. When we drifted about and enjoyed the scenery, it was lovely and so relaxing. But when we were cruising, we had to endure other boats and their wakes, and some choppy waves now and then. “Hold on” was the warning given to us to brace ourselves. Not being a seasoned boater, I will admit to being wide-eyed a few times, but I was deemed sea-worthy at the end of the day and invited to go out again. (Okay, so I do admit that I was holding on to that boat for dear life at times and shouted up a prayer or two as needed and will probably do the same again the next time I get invited!!).

How many times do we go about our daily life, the chores, work and play and we aren’t holding on to anything that anchors us? I wouldn’t consider boating without a GPS and charts so why would we jump out in the fast lane of life without being prepared? We can all walk out the door each day with a holy hedge of protection around each of us if we just ask in prayer. Holding on to God is all we need to weather life’s storms, turbulence, high waves and more. He is our anchor at all times, not just in times of trouble or need. Holding on doesn’t mean we are immune from things happening to us or around us, but how much worse it could be if we didn’t have His Hand to hold on to. For those that keep God first, in all ways, in all things, then they must be assured that God has protection over them. Holding on to God everyday in everyway will keep us sheltered under Him.

Tide

Tide


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
July 06, 2011

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.-Psalm 17:6 NIV

If you enjoy the beach, fishing or boating it is essential to check the tide charts to see when the high and low tides are. Low tide exposes shells on the beach but it makes it difficult for boaters to navigate if the water is already shallow. Moving water from the incoming or outgoing tide can affect the days catch according to avid fishermen who surf cast or pier fish.

The tides change twice daily and that is one of the reasons the beach can look differently at the shoreline from day to day. Many times we have ups and down like a tide. Our emotions can run high and our energy runs low. Problems feel as though they are engulfing us, wave after wave and we are in a battle to stay on high ground. There is a spiritual solution to our problems. The tide of the battle changes with prayer. I can’t remember how many times things seem hopeless but when I started to pray, I could begin to see my prayers making a difference. In big things and little things. Many times, especially in my inner circle, I will hear of the difficulties and despair of family and friends. Yet when I ask if they have prayed, the answer is mostly no. Prayers at any time don’t have to be elaborate or be said with fancy words. Instead, God knows our heart and knows what we need before we ask in prayer. Simple prayers said with simple faith using simple words are all that is needed to start the tide of the battle changing.