When despair wraps its
Ugly tentacles around my shoulders.
Squeezes, squeezes, then
Squeezes some more.
Intense pressure weighs upon my heart.
Impending doom draws nigh.
Hope dashed—shroud of darkness envelopes.
Guard my heart. But, how?
Decisions made—I have no control.
Acknowledge crushed dreams.
Reject despair.
Yet despair returns full force;
Multiplied with mighty power.
No resolve in sight.
Then I hear a faint whisper,
Tell it to Jesus.
Tell it to Jesus.
There’s no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Counselor (when the boat hits something in the water and it’s not your fault)
Party Planner (for the numerous potlucks, docktails, locktails (gathering together at or near the lock/canal waterways), spontaneous get together which Loopers are well known.)
Improvisor with little advance notice
Travel Agent (booking the next evening’s destination with a harbor master if you plan to dock at a marina)
A praying person (most helpful!) + having a network of praying people supporting you while you are out there.
If you can handle the above (see Life on a Boat, Part 1), you are definitely in for the thrill of a lifetime. You will encounter many firsts on this trip with brand new sights, sounds, smells and people along the way. Walking through Arlington Cemetery and witnessing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington DC with the White House, US Capitol building and Library of Congress, Times Square, being on The Today’s Show in downtown New York City … amazing, each one in their own way! What will be your next adventure?
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover, Mark Twain.
Dark, ominous sky overhead
Warns of rain and inclement weather.
Tempest clouds
Speak of turbulent forecast.
Yet, we are docked safe and secure
Naught to worry or fear.
Even though outside the
Weather is frightful, I know
He has this whole world in His hands.
Deep within my soul
I can truly say,
It is well with my soul.
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit, John 3:8.
All is calm.
All is still. Fish jump occasionally.
Blue Heron glides overhead.
Subtle creek ripples
Gently past our vessel Sanctuary – tucked away snugly
Within a protected cove.
Take a few deep breaths Breathe in His grace and Breathe out His praise *
Breeze cooling as sun sets
Slowly behind pine tree line.
Another day draws to a close
Opportunity to thank the One
Who made all things possible.
Picture taken at Swan Creek at anchor, Rock Hall Maryland
Spring sprung while we were away.
Jonquils pop tiny yellow & white heads.
Trillium burst forth in uniform whites.
Purplish buds appear from Red Bud tree.
Pink-red colored Dogwood blossoms
Surge out alive and well.
To think I would have missed
This grand display
Had I not traveled this way!
Iris whites shoot forth.
Leafy rose leaves waking up.
Assorted green tree buds say hello.
Grass blades stand tall & proud.
I’m so thankful for this chance
To re-acquaint myself with
My blessings I oft
Forget amidst day-to-day routine.
Ocean waves thunder & roll
Crashing unrepentant against the shore
Greenish-blue water with froth on top
Wind blasts sand on my skin
Children chase seagulls
Birds hover overhead
Carried along with the breeze
People play … enjoying life
Others rest after a hectic week
Some immersed in their favorite read
Carefree feeling
Place to unwind
Absorb sun’s rays
To just be!
I stoop low
Spying a smooth peculiar shell
Purple hued edges
Catch my eye
I gather grains of polished sand
As they trickle past my fingertips
Praying
May the wind smooth and polish
My rough and jagged edges
May I be beautiful and useful
In Your sight
For Your glory!
Been so long busy preparing and traveling on our year-long Great Loop journey that I am sorry I’ve neglected this blog. In the interim, I hope you’ll find, read, comment on our blog link at www.TravelsOfSanctuary.com. Our blog will give you a clue as to what my husband Steve and I have been doing for the last six months.
Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary
This is day #179 of a potential 365-day trip. Doing the math, I calculate that 182 days will be one-half way through. I can honestly say I am not the same person when Steve and I began on September 3, 2016 back at Lakeshore Yacht Harbour, Muskegon, Michigan.
I’ve been honest with everyone—we are living aboard my dream boat on Steve’s dream trip. We’ve weathered ups and downs. In case you wonder if every day feels like living in Paradise; the answer is no. Many are wonderful and we see beautiful sights such as sunsets, manatees, and Key deer. I can move my body geographically to a warm location, but with the body also comes my mind and soul. All my previous deficiencies and hang ups come along with me. My fears, doubts, worry (I know that I am not supposed to worry), probably even multiplied—they did not automatically magically disappear (wouldn’t that have been sweet?)
Circumstances of life and known people stayed behind for a time. New circumstances, geography, people took their place while on this year long journey. I’m thankful for stay-over visitors we have from time to time. My main source of communication, interaction needs to be found in my husband of 40 years. Other Looper boaters and my surroundings change constantly and sometimes daily. Lately, the mantra I repeat is:
I cannot do this, Lord! I cannot do this without You!
Depending on the day, I may be referring to:
Being stranded on the boat for a few days and nights without leaving while rocking and rolling in a storm trying to remain brave and not get seasick
Washing another dirty dish by hand
High temperatures and humidity feeling ready to pass out
Not seeing my children/grandchildren/friends for months at time
Lack of exercise aboard due to not much square footage and no car to take me away. We rely predominately on our own two feet or bicycles
I constantly remind myself that He is my all in all. The great I AM. Learning to lean into Him as I combat impatience, loneliness, frustration, anger, and physical limitations. God gives me the choice and will to praise His name and be thankful for my many blessings of which there are many if I look around me. God is still in control.
How do you handle loneliness? Frustration and anger? Have you been in a situation where you are at the end of your resources and had to call out to God in desperation? Maybe you are there right now. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or question. We can both grow together spiritually.
Blessings to you & your family, Teresa
I leave you with a few choice words from Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
