More wanderings from Gift from the Sea

Foamy white waves tirelessly form again and again repeating the purpose God gave them.

Tides and sand shift under foot with rhythmic force.

Each time no less intense.

Many shells lay on a beach. Once home to other inhabitants now souvenirs to remind vacationers of peaceful times.

Loving God, you gave me purpose and rhythm to live ceaseless years to praise and worship you and to witness to others of your love.

Have I failed?

Finding your Voice is a Gift from the Sea

I found my voice on a quiet island.

I discovered my heart crossing a peaceful dune.

I heard my spirit on the crest of a wave.

I say my soul in a flock of gulls.

I know my solitary existence because of Kiawah.



Gift from the Sea continued

God's grace and

The sun at my back;

God's face and

The surf in my ear.

God's embrace and

The sand under my feet

Sends my heart racing

And my spirit soaring.

God's love and

The shells in my hand.

God's forgiveness and

The gulls in the air.

God's mercy and

The salty air on my skin

Lifts my weary soul

To heights I never imagined.

Kiawah 316

For God so loves me, He gave me…

• A beautiful island with relaxing views

• An annual escape to paradise

• Amazing sunrises

• Delicious meals

• Time with my soul mate

• Prayers for peace

• Hope for tomorrow

• Joyful memories

• Delightful moments to hold close

• Picture perfect snapshots of a time apart

For God so loves me, He gave me eternal life, through a Savior who died for me and

rose again that I may live a wonderful life.

A Beach Psalm based on Psalm 23

The Lord is my navigator; I shall not  perish.

He helps me walk down sandy shores.

He leads me beside crashing waves.

He takes me down paths of Spanish moss covered oaks.

Even though my mind wanders He gives me new views.

I will fear nothing.

He is with me.

His love and joy comfort me.

He refreshes the surf and sand before me in the presence of fellow beachcombers.

He anoints me with salty air.

Surely His mercy and grace will follow me home and I will dwell in His glory forever.

(You will often notice words typed do not match words on artwork. A writer is constantly editing.)

Gift from the Sea - the memories continue

Haven't had time to transpose writing. Hope the words can be read on the few I have posted. Some scanned better than others.

Composite of all Journal Pages for Gift from the Sea

Each year for a long time

I have read and reread Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Many find it old fashion and outdated but I find it to be inspiring and true. Basically it teaches what a wife, mother and woman needs to know about life as each role separately and collectively. It uses ideas centered around the sea to illustrate its message. The last several years I have not only read the book but also made little illustrated journals of my own writing and reflections on the topics. This year I took an old copy of the book (yes, I have several versions, printings, and even a guided journal of it) and watercolored directly on the pages and then wrote over the pages my own thoughts and ideas. It is my favorite so far and possible my very favorite altered book I have made. I did include a few packing tape transfer images here and there as well but I wanted a book that would still lie flat or fit in a book case. Often I have not minded having an alterd book overflowing with things but since "simplicity" is one of the thems of Gift from the Sea, I felt I should keep it simple. So I will be sharing the pages and reflections as well as other imagery from my week at Kiawah Island, SC as I journeyed once again through Gift form the Sea.....

gift from the sea

The waves remind me endlessly to endure.

The shore edge continuously changes teaching me the comfort of change as a constant to depend on.

The dunes survive despite bashing by wind and water; I will survive despite fear and doubts bashing me.

The seaside is the place to learn coping skills and dispel dream bashing.

(nearly 5 months till my Kiawah getaway but
already dreaming of my gift from the sea)