When The Oceans Rise

We have the joy of witnessing so many firsts in our children’s lives.

The first time they rode a bicycle.

The first unsolicited hug/kiss and “I love you.”

The first chance to comfort little hearts and wipe tears from little cheeks.

The first time worshipping together with our church family.

The first time they glimpsed the ocean.

My heart is filled with the joy we experienced as a family last weekend.

Just look at this picture. The absolute abandon of our children as they rushed down the sand and into the ocean for the first time.

And this….a video I took as they giggled and splashed and tasted the ocean water.

I posted last week about how I feel as though our family has finally turned a corner. Our days are slowly being filled with more cherished memories and less stress and tears. As Scott and I sat on that beach and watched our children splash in the ocean, we felt as though we had passed through the storm and were experiencing some of the peace that was waiting for us all along on the other side. We know that we will not have smooth sailing from here on out, but God never promised us that. He only promised that He would be with us no matter the storms we face.

The words to this song come to mind…..

When the oceans rise and thunders roar,

I will soar with You, above the storm.

Father, You are king over the flood,

I will be still and know You are God.

Find rest my soul in Christ alone,

Know his power, in quietness and trust.

We had rest for our souls this weekend.

We had laughter.

We had memories.

We had the power of a God who restores broken hearts and builds families.

 

my Grandma, Aunt and Uncle spent the afternoon meeting our great 8

 

searching for the perfect wave

 

playing in the sand

 

building sandcastles

 

my girls

 

 

finding seashells

 

Naomi and Violet – her best friend from the orphanage who was adopted by a family living in Pismo Beach

 

pure joy

 

watching the sun travel down to Ethiopia

 

I am so thankful for our weekend. I am thankful for my family. For my children. For my God – who is “the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them–the LORD, who remains faithful forever.” Psalms 146:6

Blessings!

Natalie

 

6 thoughts on “When The Oceans Rise”

  1. Dinah

    Natalie —
    That 1st pic is such a great shot on so many levels! Wow, wow, WOW! I just love it. It could win prizes. And it just brings joy.
    I’m rejoicing with you in your great ocean trip!
    :Dinah

  4. Amy Wooten

    The last picture of watching the sun set towards Ethiopia had me in tears! Thank you for allowing us to watch and pray over your journey!

  5. Kim Faires

    Natalie, I follow your blog faithfully even though I don’t comment each time. I love seeing the pure joy of your sweet family enjoying special times together! Praise God for His faithfulness! It is something I count on as we;;/

    1. Lisa

      This is wonderful, Natalie. I am so glad that things are settling down a bit. This is truly a work of God, and I am so glad you are willing to share it.

      Thanks for the pictures of the ocean. We love the ocean too!

      Blessings,
      Lisa M

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