beach Archives - Moving Peaces

Thursday Three

October 1, 2015November 5, 2015Samantha Gratton

Back to our regularly scheduled programming after a brief week of no blogging because it was all a bit too much. So, let’s go ahead and make this a two-week round up of what’s been happening around here.

1. I attended Influence Conference. There may be a bigger recap at a later date as three days can hardly be summed up in a few sentences, but I was so glad to have the chance to go for the final year of this event. After buying my ticket a year in advance, in some ways it was different than I expected but that might be because I’m in a different place and have done a lot of different things since last year. I spent my time listening to some powerhouse speakers, writing my thoughts in cursive, and meeting some incredible women.

2. I got a new logo! I know you thought something looked different, but no, I didn’t get a hair cut (ha!) so it’s a good thing that wasn’t your guess. My friend Jordie did a wonderful job helping me out with a design so I could have business cards for my blog in time for the conference. We’re still working out some of the details for the layout of the blog and how it all works together, but I am so pleased to have this. She was incredibly kind and gracious to me, and I am so grateful for all of her hard work.

3. We snuck in one last trip to the beach. Going in the off-season means it’s cheaper…but you run the risk of it being cold and rainy, which was exactly what happened this time. We still managed to find a few good hours of beach time and played in the rain before returning to Raleigh for another day of exploring. Nevertheless, we had a great time on our 4th annual trip with this fun family we just so happen to be related to.

Thursday Three

September 20, 2013July 22, 2014Samantha Gratton

How the heck is it already Thursday!? I’ll admit that on Tuesday I felt it must be Thursday for sure. But since then the week has been quick. Maybe I just have too much to look forward to or maybe it’s that I have too much stuff I meant to do (and unpack? still? I know) and haven’t yet. Well, come on out weekend. Take it, three.

1. The beach was OFF THE CHAIN. Okay, so maybe I’ve seen too much Mel B in America’s Got Talent lately. But it was really amazing. I got to see some of my little loves (I wish there was a plural to niece and nephew that combined both words) and a lot of ocean. The waves were prime for boogie boarding, and we even managed to stop at a great little furniture shop and get some new pieces full of character. So what if we got locked out for several hours and when I finally did make it in, managed to shatter two glass pot lids? It’s always some sort of adventure. We also ended up eating the best crab, scallops and donuts in town. Yum.

2. Date night should be mandatory. We used to be in a great habit of taking a date night every week. Then we moved and saw way too much of only each other and felt more of a need to have “find some friends” nights. With the craziness of the past month and a nearly expired groupon, it was long overdue. We had dinner at a new (to us) restaurant and really enjoyed our time together. Let me just say loud and clear that – I love my husband. Seriously. That man has had a heck of a month and he’s handled it with such strength. I really appreciate him and am rather proud of him. He’s a good guy, and I’m blessed to have him.

3. No, we are not unpacked yet. One of these days I will show you some pictures of the INSIDE of this little yellow house, but don’t hold your breath. With a busy month and a few out of town weekends, it’s been a little less of a priority. We will get there though. Tonight I had high hopes of accomplishing a lot but instead had an impromptu dinner with a family from church and am grateful for that time well spent.

Something about the Ocean

September 1, 2013Samantha Gratton

Yesterday we hit the beach. Despite a house full of boxes and a long to-do list, I’m so glad we went. I’m not sure that I can ever get tired of going to be by the ocean. There’s something about it that releases my worries for a moment and gives an incredible calm.

There’s something about the ocean that is supreme. All around it feels like a celebration with brightly colored umbrellas and children screaming with glee. Yet at the same time, there is a surpassing peace as the waves tumble back and forth. There is power in those waves, yet floating among them grants a sense of comfort and contented ease. While it may be noisy surrounded by all of that unbridled joy, the waves still overcome and quiet the sound.

It reminds me of God and all of His glory. He’s here, powerful as ever, yet a comfortable place of peace. I know his strength cannot be matched but I am able to find rest. There is so much to celebrate and praise Him for, but no song of worship or shout of joy can ever compare to the magnitude of His love and what He’s done for us.