paradise.

this is where we went on our mystery anniversary trip.......

the CAYMAN ISLANDS!!!!!

I am a beach girl.

I’m also a summer girl.

I love the lazy days that the beach scene provides

Sand between my toes

No shoes

Natural blonde highlights from the sun

No plans

Brown skin

Fruity drinks

Books

Fresh & yummy food from the ocean

The water

I love it all.

This past week was paradise.

A week away with my man.

Date night every night

{Except the last night when we cooked out with our new newlywed friends from Indiana – hi Bethany!}

Time to Read. Rest. Write. Listen to Catalyst podcasts. Spend time with Jesus. Pray.

Dream!

As we spent our last morning on the beach, in our chairs in the shade, coffee & bibles in hand I read the Jesus Calling for that day.....

God just reminded me how faithful & good He is!!!

I had been praying all week that I would neither feel guilty that we took the time & money to get away nor feel like this trip was something we deserved.

We deserve nothing.

Here’s what Jesus Calling said….

“This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of easy & refreshment. I delight in providing it for you.

Sometimes my children hesitate to receive My good gifts with open hands. Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling them they don’t deserve to be so richly blessed. This is nonsense thinking, because no one deserves anything from Me. My kingdom is not about earning and deserving: it’s about believing and receiving.

When a child of Mine balks at accepting My gifts, I am deeply grieved. When you receive My abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I rejoice. My pleasure in giving and your pleasure in receiving flow together in joyous harmony.”

Thank you Jesus for your good gifts. I receive them with open hands!