Sometimes I don’t know how deeply I needed to get away. This week has been a reminder. CJ and I took our daughter, son, and granddaughter to the Florida panhandle for some sand, surf, sun, and seafood. We missed our son-in-law, but he had to work his job. But that gives us a new goal for next time.

The weather was spectacular. Sunny, a slight breeze, and occasionally a brief thunderstorm. But the sands were white, the temperatures were hot, and the water was fine.

I read several pieces while here–more of McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove, all of Levi’s Theo of Golden, and a Sinclair Ferguson volume a friend from church gave me, Union with Christ.

Plus we were able to enjoy some seafood. (A dozen raw oysters with hot sauce were just what the doctor ordered.)

We were able to put our granddaughter in the pool and be part of her first beach trip. She was amazing. (Of course I am completely unbiased.)

Below are some of photos I snapped during our time. Until next time, FL; thanks for the spiritual recharge.

(The above picture was taken while I sat under our canopy and watched some fellow vacationers.)

(This palm was just off our condo’s outside deck.)

(This was just before an evening thunderstorm rolled in.)

(Some of our granddaughter’s beach toys.)

(I had a lot of folks prod me to read this book. It was beautiful. I read it in one day; it was that moving. Bottom line up front: goodness and beauty matter.)

(My view on another day.)

CJ, my favorite sun bunny.

(Walking onto the beach from our condo.)

(My CJ after rinsing off our granddaughter’s toys.)