Surf's Up!

Wow--I just had the thrill of a lifetime. Thanks to my sweet friend Rachel, one of my life long dreams came true today: I learned to surf. And it was glorious. Me, Rach, Bobby, his sister Rachael and her fiance Marshall, headed out to Emma Wood beach in Ventura to catch some waves. It could not have been more perfect. Bobby "The Master" patiently and expertly showed me the ropes, while Rachel glided off capably with her short board [well, half capably...;)]. Everything was a blast, from the adrenaline of feeling your first wave approaching and the rush to catch it, to getting the board knocked up in the air and having your nasal passages infused with ocean water. I'm already sore, and definitely expect to some gnarly bruises tomorrow--but I'm totally stoked on that. :)



We stayed out until sunset, and boy, did my Father paint a lovely scene tonight. Hot pink hues lit up the sky, then turned rosy when reflected in the teal water. As the sun began to say it's goodbye for the night, Rach and I stopped to bid it adieu. As my neon yellow board floated amidst the soothing rythym of the waves, my eyes took in the grandeur of burning orange sunlight shooting over the rugged, stately mountains lining the coast. Moments later it disappeared, leaving a few remnants lingering in the clouds. Like I said, perfect.

These pictures were taken with my phone, so it doesn't even come close to doing the display justice, but then again, God is so glorious, I don't think anything really can. I love Him. :D

Oxnard

My friend Kay and I did an impromptu Von's run for dinner then, armed with Lunchables, Pringles, and chocolate, headed to the coast. We meandered onto the quarry at Oxnard Harbor just as the sun was settling into it's covers for the night.

{A new first for me--drinking yogurt through a straw. :) }

Kay experienced a "first" as well. As we sat on a bench enjoying conversation about England, traveling, and friendship, two dolphins glided gracefully through the water just in our line of sight. Being from Manchester, you don't see dolphins in your backyard everyday, so Kay was nearly beside herself with excitement, and like a little girl she could barely conceal her delight. :)

Summer Nights

The other night our homegroup from my church Reality got together for an in-between-sessions summer reunion. We had smores, sweet worship around the bonfire, laughter, and the kind of fellowship that only comes from being in Christ.

The Brent Street crew, led by Billy and Jorai Hunter, has had a huge impact on my life since moving to SoCal. The Hunters and others in the group have continually been a solid source of encouragement, wisdom, and support.

I love family. :)

Jump In

Today I went for a walk by the beach in my white dress. It was the most delightful afternoon-warm, sunny, slightly breezy~typical Southern California. Someone before me had built themselves a small fortress with bits of driftwood and coastal debris.

>

Another someone must be out there looking for this hat, which they left on the rocks near the shore. And I'd like you to say hello to my fave vintage sunglasses. My grandmother passed them on to me out of her stylin' wardrobe in the 1950's.

I don't think there is anything so delightful as walking along the water, inhaling the day, basking in the glory of God as His breeze dances with it's ribbons around me.


...except for maybe dancing with Him

"I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God,

for he has clothed me with garments of salvation,

and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,

as a bride adorns herself with jewels."

Isaiah 61:10

I love the little things you find on the beach that allude to a story, like little pieces in a puzzle. Each one is a clue that leads to the unraveling of a mystery, a moment in time, a memory....perhaps which we finders will never know. This is quite allright, for often the knowledge of a treasure to be discovered is exciting enough~

Having been on the beach several hours, I was completely content, my senses filled to the brim from feasting on the day. Everything had been lovely-the water, the breeze, the light. I waded lazily into the ocean, enjoying the waves lapping up against my knees. Somehow, though, something nagged at me, and I knew there was a fullness yet to be enjoyed.

So I jumped in.

...clothes and all, hair wet and everything.

It was by far the best thing I have done in a long time.

Norway--Here I Come!

My super sweet sister Kathryn is flying me to visit her in Norway for my birthday. (Yeah, she's the best.) By this time tomorrow, I'll be over the Atlantic ocean en route to the European continent. Joy of all joys!

I am super excited and at peace right now because miraculously I am 99% packed already. That NEVER happens to me. I'm usually up until 3am the night before finishing everything.

I know this is all accredited to the grace of God and the prayers of friends and family, because this week I actually had more to get done before my trip than ever. (I think that fact that I found out about the trip a week before may have put a little rush on things too...haha) There were pictures to edit, a million little things in life to catch up on, exercising to squeeze in-not to mention packing for the trip-and with all this I still wanted maintain relationships and to be present with my friends and California family this week. To God's credit, this week has been one of the most joyous and freeing yet in my time here. He is good. :D

There's nothing like walking under God's covering of His peace and rest,

~moving with the unforced rythyms of grace.

:)

Another little tidbit to leave you with:

"If you're in Christ Jesus, you're as righteous today as you're ever going to be."

-Randy Stephen, Pastor at New Covenant Church,Valdosta, GA

How freeing is that? Galatians 5:1 stands for real-"It is for freedom Christ has set us free."

Listen to the sermon "A Righteousness Like No Other" here.

Today's Shutter Speed: 1/400 (pretty easygoing and relaxed)

Farmers Market: The Best Days

I absolutely love Farmer's Market in downtown Santa Barbara. Farmers from the surrounding area come selling a delightful array of produce...lemons, apples, tomatoes, chumatras, avocados, flowers, honey, jams, asparagus, just to name a few. The taste in the air is fresh--warm, friendly, and eclectic. People browsing, sampling produce, buying delicious bread paired with freshly pressed olive oil. There is a cheery comradery among the crowd, as if we are all united by our mutual quest for home grown fruits and veggies. Performers setup on street corners--musicians, contortionists, balloon artists, protestors. I love to breathe it all in. 'Tis magical, I say.

Meet Dave and Taylor, two Westmont students. I was completely mesmerized by the melodic tones proceeding from their instruments and lips. Dave can play violin AND sing harmony at the same time--now that's talent. Definitely my favorite performers of the day.

This colorful spray of hydrangeas was just bursting to have it's picture taken. The blue are my Mom's favorite. :)

I also ran into my friend Tamon, whom I met in a rather unconventional way during my first days here. While enjoying the surf along the coast one fine day, I watched, quite amused, as he vigorously warded off seagulls from ravaging his friend's picnic. Then I observed in awe as he proceeded to make his own chocolate--from scratch. Yes, ladies, that's what I said. I was so intrigued that I had to approach him to discover his recipe. Apparently his friends have a raw foods company, Bliss Merchants, which produces a cocao bean powder that can be mixed with a few other ingredients to make the deliciousness we savor as chocolate. Sweet, huh? (No pun intended....Dad....) Having bonded over cocao and seagulls, it was a special treat to meet him again among the crowd in the bustling lanes of the market.