Island Sanctuary

I spent many a peaceful and prayerful morning walking the beaches of Kiawah before, during and after sunrise. On one morning that I was out, I found the most amazing shells I think I have ever discovered on the beach. I saw beautiful oceanside creatures including sea gulls, pelicans, starfish, man of war, fish and more. It was amazing to have that morning sanctuary each day of my visit to Kiawah Island. The walks I had by myself in the midst of God's creation are a treasure that I brought back home with me from our vacation this year. It is a memory that will give me peace as I reflect back on  those mornings for years to come.

A Low Country Summer

Life has been busy here at The Avery House. Summer is not what it used to be with lazy days and lemonade as suggested by the Country Time Lemonade commercial of my childhood. It is, rather, filled with swim practice, tennis practice, swim meets, tennis matches, camp and much much more. It's a fun kind of busy that we have thoroughly been enjoying during this very hot time of year. It leaves me not having too much time to sit down and actually blog, which I miss. I have so much to back post on, however today, I will post about our recent trip to Kiawah Island, South Carolina. We made our 2nd trip with the Taylor's to the beach. We stayed this year in a home on Kiawah and I am already wanting to go back! During our stay, Sophie turned five years old. We celebrated her day with lots of fun on the beach, an evening out to a wonderful restaurant and a look at the many alligators who inhabit the island. Our Low Country summer celebration of Miss Sophie Rose was just perfect for our sweet girl. The photos below are from Sophie's day. I promise to be back soon to post more photos from our trip and to catch up on some happenings in May and June. Until then, Happy 4th of July, y'all!

Kiawah 2012

I have been to many beaches over the course of my lifetime fro, Florida, to Oregon, from coastal Massachusetts to the beaches of Sunny Spain, from the Caribbean to Coastal South Carolina. I have loved all of the beautiful beaches I have visited. The beaches though that feel like coming home to me are the ones of Low Country, South Carolina. This year we went to Kiawah Island just 45 minutes from Charleston. It was a beautiful sanctuary island that I fell in love with instantly. I hope to take our family there again in the years to come.

Infinite Love

The vastness of the ocean and the shore along it's edge are often compared to the infinite love God has for His children.

This simple reminder of God's love for each of us is perhaps the reason one finds peace when in the presence of such wondrous beauty.

It is in this beautiful place along the shore that I let go of my worries and concerns and felt the peace to say yes to God's calling.I shared with you at the end of June that I am in the discernment process in pursuing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at Virginia Seminary School which I will use to continue my work in Children's Ministries.

Children, like the shore remind us of God's love. They are wonderful beings who are so trusting, and so eager to learn. They are a gift from God to remind us of the simple beauty of His creation and that we are also continual learners in this Kingdom of his.

On this day and in the days ahead, stop, breathe, feel God's presence in the beauty of the world around you and know that you are infinitely loved.

Sharing today with Patty for Photo a la Mode at Finding Serendipity.

Relaxation for the Soul

What is it about the beach and ocean that gives our mind a rest and allows us to be renewed in spirit? The sound of the waves as they crest and crash upon the shore, the warmth of the sun on our face, the coolness of the wet, gritty sand upon our feet, the cry of the seagull over head, all of these things give our mind a chance to rest and a chance to slow down a bit and just be. I miss those long morning walks on the beach, and look forward to returning there soon. Howie also had a morning ritual at thebeach of riding on his bike along the shore. I think it did his spiriy good to be by himself, riding along the beach and just enjoying some relaxation for the soul.

Charleston Gates

When we were in Charleston, I really don't think I got my fill of the beautiful iron gates that odorn most of the homes and churches there. I LOVE them all! Here are a few of my favorites.

Pool Time!

The house we stayed in while we were at the beach was such a wonderful place to stay. It was not only clean, comfortable, stylish, and located on the beach front, but it also had a really awesome pool.  It was great to come up for a little break from the ocean and be able to still play in the water minus the sand. All of the kids and adults had a fun time at both the ocean and the pool.

We are especially proud of Sophie this year for spending lots of time swimming in the pool and ocean. She wouldn't even put her big toe in last year. It's going to be a very fun summer and we look forward to many more days in the pool!

Anchors Away!

When the Avery's and the Taylor's planned our beach vacation together back in the cold months of January, we decided while I was hosting a "Blessed Be the Name" Clothing Trunk show that we would order some matching outfits for the kiddos to wear for some photo ops. I know y'all are super surprised that I matched my girls in their outfits. Now I have inspired my friends to match their children to mine as well.
My extremely-fast-learner-protege-photography-buddy, Vaiden snapped these adorable photos of the kids showing off their BBTN matching outfits on our second to last night at the beach. She did a fantastic job getting these photos as our little friends were more interested in playing than posing for a photo. And who could blame them in such adorable outfits as these!