A Day At The Beach
As we drove to the coast, I scrolled though some pictures on Face Book of the devastation in TX after Hurricane Harvey went through with a vengeance. A photo caught my eye of a couple that had just been rescued. They lost everything. But the look in their eyes was not despair, it was hope. The way they looked at each other said it all – they can start over – as long as they are together. As I sat there on the beach, I looked at my boys and my husband and a peace filled my heart. We have each other. Sure, so much was broken in the hurricane that swept through our marriage. There is so much damage; so much to clean up, but there is hope in restoration, in calm after the storm. We didn’t drown, we didn’t break. We survived this storm on our marriage. Even though the mess is there, the damage is done. I sometimes feel that I'm struggling to breath, especially with thoughts that nothing will change. That we will be stuck in the aftermath of the storm with nobody to rescue us. I have to call on the name of Jesus- my rescuer in those times not to get caught in despair and allow those anxious thought to let me drown, Christ alone can put us on dry land and help rebuild our hearts towards each other. We do love each other. We just got lost in the storm.
Any ways, let’s talk about the fun we had on the beach and I’ll share my clam chowder recipe that is worthy of a second bowl. https://www.mamalife.love/mama-loves-cookbook/2017/8/31/olgas-clam-chowder
We have a favorite spot we love to go to on our beautiful Oregon coast. We love Cannon beach. The town is a perfect PNW beach town with café’s, restaurants, ice-cream shop that is pretty awesome, glass blowing studio, art shops… I love it. It’s just so darn chill.
So my boys found a lizard in the rocks. Jasper kept it by his side all day. Even attempted to take a nap with it! But, as soon as his grip relaxed, the lizard almost got away. It eventually did, after sunset, back to his rocky home. It was neat watching Jasper take care of the little guy. Even had him perched on the edge of the bucket, watching the adults play an awesome game – I completely forgot what it’s called. But, it’s a good one.
I always take what I call a “loner walk” on any beach we visit. It’s just me and the sea under my feet and I chat with Jesus about my dreams and my pains, releasing the anxiety and those hurts and just see them drown in the ocean. It’s a healing experience. I need the sea on like a weekly basis.
Tips to make a day trip to the beach easier:
Pack extra clothes, extra, extra clothes for the baby
Sanitizer spray and baby wipes because you never know when someone drags over a lizard and goes number two in the bushes… kids…
Guys- my beach going life has changed once I discovered a Turkish beach towel ! I don’t have to lug bulky towels. Hooray ! ( I’ll add a link below )
A pop up tent is a must must must for the beach with kids
Another thing that has changed my beach going life – a Couch Pouch ! No more beach chairs. ( I’ll post a link below for that as well)
Essential oils – By the end of the day my boys all had runny noses, I just put melaleuca and on guard on their back and feet before the socks went on in the evening
Sun block, chap stick, Go Pro- all good things
If going with a group of people or a few families, coordinate meals. Our friends did lunch and we cooked up dinner. I always pack fruit because they are loaded with fiber and help hydrate my kiddos
Bring beach toys, books, and games to play. There is no cell phones or movies on the beach for us
Here’s a few things we always pack when we go: (pictured)
