Y’all sure do like yourself some money. I am loving your responses to my bribe. Thanks for updating my address in your sidebars. And keep at it. I’ll choose a random name on Friday to win that gift card.
A follow up post about cabinet painting is ready and waiting in the wings. But I just can’t bring myself to publish it today. Because today, I’m thinking of those new morning mercies of which I am in desperate need.
This past weekend, The Man and I spent time at Sunset Beach with friends and I can’t explain to you what that cool, salty air did for my soul. But today, in the middle of unfinished and disappointment and dirty dishes, the beach seems a long way off.
I am reminded of my desperate need, of the Hope I have, of the power made perfect in weakness. I am trusting that the jagged, uneven stones of failure and brokeness fit together and line the often avoided path to freedom. 
The Lord is overflowing with unfailing compassion. And there is a sweet, secret place where I can meet Him, not to achieve but to simply receive. So I do, then He does, and those mercies are new.
beauty all over this post- pictures and words that remind me of His much needed mercy.
perfection.
I’m a new subscriber to your blog and simply think it is the most beautiful stop online. You write with such a heart of beauty and point to Him.
Your photos are gorgeous and not to mention, you can decorate a mean kitchen! ; )
Just wanted to let you know, I love this blog.
Kristen
I’m sorry you’re down. It will get better. Always remember that. Your photos are beautiful.
Also, not to sway you or anything, but Friday happens to be my birthday and that Target gift card sure would make my day.
Bloggy hugs and kisses.
GET UP BEFORE THE PEEPS, AND HUBS LEAVES FOR WORK. PEE, PUT ON YOUR SNEAKERS, GO OUTSIDE AND WALK FOR 30 MINUTES. IT’S NOT THE OCEAN, BUT YOU’LL MEET GOD THERE. HE’S WAITING AT THE END OF YOUR DOOR YARD FOR YOU.
HUGS FROM MAINE
im sorry that you’re feeling so blue. with the dawn of each new day brings hope. (and i like lisa’s suggestion above!) i hope you find comfort.
and the photos are stunning.
Your words are beautiful. I am so thankful for hope and for that safe place we can go to receive.
My family loves Sunset Beach. Not very many people have heard of it. We have vacationed there during the summers for many, many years. We love it because it remains so untouched. Wishing I was there after seeing your photos.
Great timing to send us all the reminder that God showed you. Thanks!!
Awww…y’all are so sweet. It’s not a particular down in the dumps, really. Just an everyday recognition of eternal need. Thanks for the encouragement!
What a beautiful reminder. (Complete with beautiful pictures!)
Sometimes I think we live in the mundane so that we are more appreciative of the glorious. And then when we see Him, we can see the beauty in the mundane again because we recognize Him in the little things.
Beautiful Emily…I am so glad your soul found peace during your time at the beach and that the Lord’s mercies abound and were seen. Reading the word, “Mercy” reminds me of our blogger friend “Mercy”…thinking of her today, and remembering you both in my prayers. Sending lots of love today, Denise
Emily~
Sunset Beach is our family’s favorite place to vacation. We started going to Sunset when I was in high school and now our whole family tries to go every other year. Our best memories have been made there.
These pictures are absolutely beautiful… makes me want to walk the beach, have the sand between my toes,and just sit back and listen to the ocean. I love that it is such a family friendly beach and doesn’t get crowded with tourism.
Did you happen to make it to Julie’s ice cream shop there on the corner? The next time you go, you will need to make a visit to Big Nell’s. The BEST hush puppies in the world.
Thank you, Jesus, for your unfailing mercy!
I don’t go to the beach until Sept…these pics really make me want to go now.
thank you for these words this morning… and for the reminder of God’s mercies. today… i needed this.
I am so craving the beach now! It always does my soul good! Beautiful pictures and message! I just left a comment under your new kitchen post…love it!!!
“Not to achieve, but to simply receive…” His new mercies. Beautifully said, well-timed words. Thanks for that.
And that sandcastle picture is a happy gorgeous. Love it!
What a beautiful post, brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad I found your blog, it never fails to encourage me or make me laugh OR make me want to buy some black paint!
beautiful pictures.
Amidst your tough day, you have encouraged my heart. Thank you for the reminder of His precious promises. “All the way my savior leads me, what have I to ask beside?” Blessings to you. (p.s. GORGEOUS pics!!!)
leaving a smile…
He’s never closer to you than He is right at this moment.
I am right there with you sister. It’s amazing how when I asked God for a week of rest and prayer he gave me a fever and a friend with a very sick baby. Ask…receive. Your pictures are beautiful, trying not to covet your weekend away. I love, love, LOVE the word picture of the “jagged, uneven stones of failure and brokeness fit together and line the often avoided path to freedom.” If we’d just trust that He knows what He is doing with those stones life would so much sweeter.
One of the things I’ve always felt proud about you is you know where to go.
Ah, that elusive path to freedom. It’s the best place to be and the hardest place to get to.
Your beach pics are beautiful!
Beautiful pictures! I want to be there as well. Sending smiles your way.
“Morning by Morning, New Mercies I see”…one of my favorites! Do you know about Christian Women Online? They have an adorable calendar one may obtain for a blog sidebar; the one I’ve placed on my blog is the above song…lovely! It also helps me know what day it is; as a farmer/shepherd, there are days and days I had no clue -smile-. The calendar really brightens my day when I visit my own blog -smile-. First time visitor to your blog and enjoying my visit. Especially like your blog “look”.
God’s blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands and heart.