When Morning Gilds the Skies

I rarely see a sunrise that I don't think of  the first verse of this traditional hymn translated by Eric Caswell, When Morning Gilds the Skies. I think it is because there was a day the director of BSF, Rosemary Jenson had the staff all go upstairs to the outdoor prayer tower to sing this song while watching the tale end of a beautiful sunrise. 

When Morning Gilds the sky, 

My heart awakening cries,

May Jesus Christ be praised:

Alike at work and prayer

to Jesus I repair;

May Jesus Christ be Praised!!

Here are a few sunrise pictures captured on our Christmas Beach Trip.  The special effects are due to the fact I ran over my Phone Camera lens Christmas night.  Ooops.  It made for cool pictures and thanks to a generous Christmas money gift and irepair of Gainesville, I was able to get it repaired already. Let me know if you have a favorite!

I am thinking this would make a good Christmas Card!

Merry Christmas from Florida!

 If you recall our Christmas beach trip from last year you might remember that it was planned at the last minute, not the nicest of accommodations,  and a bit constrained due to being 2020.  Yet we were glad to be away and be together. Well this year feels like Redemption.  And Redemption is sweet!

In October we decided to head to Destin Florida and I went in search of accommodations.  When I found this 16th story beautiful Condo on the beach, I jumped on it! When we arrived, we weren't disappointed!  Wish I had captured Mom's look of delight and surprise when we entered.  By far the best residency and location we have had for a Christmas Beach trip yet. 

We added an extra day which has added to the relaxation factor.  Our first full day found us shopping, eating good food, enjoying our view and was wrapped up with all of us on the couch watching Home Alone.

Christmas Day included the completion of a puzzle, the now traditional gingerbread house, gifts, a possibly new traditional pancake lunch, Peter on the beach (a Christmas miracle) and relaxed time together.

Personally, I am very grateful we are not headed back today as is the usual custom. Mom and I rose up early for the sunrise and hopefully will head out for our morning walk soon.  Peter's best friend and family are also spending Christmas at Destin so we hope to spend time with them today.

The past few years have made me aware of how things can change in a moment.  There are always uncertainties with Peter's state, Mom's health and well I am not promised tomorrow either.  So for today, I am grateful, extremely grateful for this time together, in this beautiful place, with time to relax and enjoy it.