Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: Beachlife

The Sound of Holy Music!

I love the sound of the ocean. There is something magical, calming, and rejuvenating in hearing wave after wave crashing onto the sand. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. I didn’t grow up by an ocean or any body of water, but every time I have visited an ocean, it’s holy music to my ears and my soul.

A few weeks ago my family and I took a vacation to Florida for some sun and beach-filled adventures. We live in the Midwest and to get to the ocean, we normally travel by plane. I’m not knocking the lakes, ponds, creeks, or streams, but there is something incredibly glorious and magnificent about ocean waves both visually and auditory.

I was curious to learn about other favorite sounds that people have raved about. And off I went on the World Wide Web for the answer to FAVORITE SOUNDS!

This site gives seven favorite sounds. The first is the sound of coffee brewing in the morning. Yes, I’d have to agree. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, my mom used an old-fashioned percolator coffee pot, and then when we had more money, we graduated to Mr. Coffee coffee-makers. It is a good sound, but so is having a cup of fresh, brewed coffee in the morning AND watching the waves. A definite win-win in my book.

This site lists the sound of a vacuum picking up crumbs as their number one sound. Yes, that is satisfying when you’re vacuuming crunchy crumbs and dirt from the floor. My teen daughter would say that vacuum sounds are so ASMR! What is ASMR? It stands for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.” It typically refers to the “tingly feeling” that travels from the head downward that some experience in response to certain sounds, feelings, or descriptions. These can include soft whispering, crinkling paper, or a gentle touch. There are a ton of ASMR videos on YouTube you can look up. Still, I’m not budging, I love crashing waves, and not the tsunami kind, either.

There have been studies done on how waves lower stress levels, energize you, etc. I believe it. Watching the waves rise up, fold, and slam into the sand is mesmerizing. I admire the incredible strength of the water. There’s no comparison between my small existence to this crafted, scenic design made by God. I also can’t help and think of all the beautiful wonders within this vast body of water, and all bodies of water alike. It’s a whole other world in the sea.

Do I matter against this creation? Yes, I am part of God’s handiwork. In fact, it took God six days to create the world. See Genesis 1: 1-31. You, me, and EVERY single creature that God formed in His hands are meant to be here. Well, maybe not the ants, spiders, and little, ugly bugs, but nonetheless, they too have a role on earth.

Standing on the edge of something bigger than myself, I’m renewed and refreshed. It’s more than enough. I am in awe. See you next time my beautiful sea…

What’s your holy sound?

 

The Real “Footprints in the Sand”

One of my favorite poems ever written is “Footprints” or “Footprints in the Sand“.  A popular allegorical religious poem written by Mary Stevenson. Though, the authorship on who wrote this poem has been in dispute for many years.

The poem is about a person walking the beach with the Lord, and seeing two sets of footprints until later on, he or she only sees one set. It’s the realization that during that time where there was one set of footprints, Jesus had carried that individual through their trials and pains.  There are many versions of the poem too, but I like the one below the best.

Recently, my family and I were in Florida. We are beach people and love the sun, sand, and saltwater. Every morning before my family awoke to another day of frolicking and fun, I took the time to walk the sandy beach to pray and talk to God. In the lullaby of the lapping water against the sand and the sound of seagulls flying above the ocean, I found peace and solace in listening to God’s voice as He spoke to me.

 

As I concentrated on my footing in the fine grains and beautiful  seashells adorning the fluffy-white powder, I too, realized something. FOOTPRINTS. EVERYWHERE. All shapes and sizes, and depths and curves. I couldn’t help but think of the many humans gracing this beach every day.  How many carried burdens, how many carried pains, how many carried joys, and how many WE’RE CARRIED?

What you see on the outside of a person isn’t always what’s plaguing them on the inside. Behind the sunglasses and hats, are real emotions, real hurt, and I’d like to believe there is real authentic joy and happiness.

Help and hope can come in different forms. The things of this world are not always positive and encouraging, just turn on the news and you will understand. It is why in the sounds of Mother Nature and God’s whispers, I was encouraged that there is good in the world, there are good people, and above all, we too can make a difference. Even if it’s a small difference. And, if help is what you need, all you have to do is ask and pray to our Heavenly Father who says…”it was then that I carried you”.

God can take away your sufferings. Just ask. It may come in a lover’s touch, a hug from a friend, or a smile from a stranger. Be encouraged today and every day. Get your head out of the news and into the Bible.  Believe in the goodness and the goodness will come back to you.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be well.

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