the last day of august

It saddens me to see summer go away.
Yes it is still plenty hot and humid but,
the nights come quicker and the mornings take longer to arrive and,
there's just that feeling that it is slipping away.

Yesterday would have been my mother's 84th birthday.
We took a beautiful begonia to her grave on our way to church.
I know she would be heartbroken by what has happened to her family.

"For it is not an enemy who reproaches me,
then I could bear it:
nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me,
then I could hide myself from him."

"But it is you, a man my equal,
my companion and my familiar friend."

"We who had sweet fellowship together,
walked in the house of God in the throng."

Psalm 55: 12 ~ 14

cathy

the hotel....part 2

Just to set the record straight......Bubba is not seriously considering buying this hotel. It was one of those dreams that you have when you are on vacation that you know will never really happen.

the hotel

In yesterday's blog I mentioned that Bubba had found a hotel he wanted to buy and restore. Well....here it is. It is on Vilano Beach in Florida and it is oceanfront. I'm thinking more about turning it into a quirky bed and breakfast. What do you think?

There are so many possiblities..............

The sand on this beach is golden orange instead of the white gray on the beach here at Tybee. I found a shell that revealed the reason:

The sand on the beach is the color of the predominant shell of the area.
Sand is made of shells that have been ground up by the continuous motion of the waves.

Therefore I decided that the perfect name for the hotel would be "Golden Sands."

I brought that shell home and put it in my shell display.

If you have any suggestions for this project or would like to be a part of this endeavor just let me know.

cathy

cousins forever

Bubba and I took Estelle down to St. Augustine for a couple of days of rest and relaxation at Bobbye's beautiful beachfront condo. While this hen party took place, we left and enjoyed our own little getaway.

This picture was taken just before we returned to Savannah yesterday afternoon.

All of these smiling faces except for me are first cousins.

That would be Bobbye, Connie, Estelle, and Bubba.

I heard that they did a lot of good eating, talking, and laughing, as well as playing scrabble into the wee hours. I can vouch for the eating as Bobbye made some of the best shrimp salad I've had in a long time.

Such sweet hospitality was shown by these gracious ladies, and it was nice to meet Phyllis, Estelle's roommate for the stay.

In spite of the frequent rain we all managed to have a wonderful time. Bubba even found a small hotel for sale that he wants to buy and refurbish....now won't that be an adventure!!!

Thanks you all......we had fun!!

posting from the sunshine state

It has rained and rained and it is so humid that it is hard to breathe, but as for me, I am loving every minute of being in Florida (except for the darting lizards). As I sit here at the computer, I am looking out over a choppy ocean and very gray, low hanging clouds. Later on this afternoon the antique shops beckon, but right now I rest and write.

I heard from a blog reader the other day as I do quite frequently.....
A forever friend who takes the time to stop by and keep up with my life.
That she wrote to me means so much.
She knows my heart and always has.
You know who you are.
We really need to sit on the beach all day and talk......:)

I have quite a bit of sadness in my life because of my father. I have to work really hard every day to fight against the depression that wants to come in and steal my joy and my life. I have struggled with that beast for over thirty years.

Each new day is a battle, but God, His word, my husband, two godly counselors (pastors), and all of you who love me keep me going. (the counselors help me to think rightly about what has happened in the situation with my dad, and sister)
Thank you!

On a lighter note, earlier I went into a little boutique and bought the most beautiful new top.
It is so much fun when I find that one "special thing." It is not like anything I have.

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea........ crazy wildness out there tonight. I think it must be Danny kicking up those waves.

Good crab bisque and some homemade rolls for dinner at a place called "The Sunset Grille" out on the beach off of A1A.

cathy

out snooping around

This is the church that was built for the movie that recently filmed here on Tybee Island. It will either be torn down or moved over to the lighthouse area where it will be used as a wedding chapel. Everyone is hoping for the second option.

Evidently there was a fire in one of the church scenes because fire "damage" can be seen. I will pay money to see this movie, not because I like it's star, but to see all of the scenes of beautiful Tybee.

i love you

always have, always will

c

how the beach looks this morning

This is what a blow way out in the ocean nowhere near the coast of Georgia can do.
Need we speculate a direct hit?

Yes, I think so.

Let me say this morning......I am humbled by this blog......that I can write it and more importantly that you read it. My prayer always in this endeavor is that God will use His word to change hearts. Never my words, but His words.

All Scripture is

"breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16

Enjoy hearing God's word proclaimed today.

the beach bed

This is a picture of the master bed at the condo fully dressed for the day.
Most days it look like this, but every once in a while I leave it unmade.....just to defy those perfectionist tendencies in me.

Perfectionism is a family trait that I inherited and which I have spent about the last about 20 years trying to subdue. It never really goes away, but I keep trying because it is such a joy stealer.

Our friend Bill, the hurricane, made the tide come up very high last night. Our newly restored beach is slowly giving itself back to the ocean. The waves are just beautiful, big, fat rollers with lots of foam. The undertow is bad in these parts, though. Swimmers beware!

I praise God when I look at the ocean. It is His power and His promise that keeps those waves from overtaking the earth........ countless gallons of water that stop at the shore on His command.

God talking about the ocean......"And I placed boundaries on it, and I set a bolt and doors, and I said, 'Thus far you shall come, but no further: and here shall your proud waves stop.' Job 38: 10 & 11

I have one more word to say.....scuppernongs! How can one little round grape give such an amazing burst of deliciousness? Oh to praise His creation more!

Saturday is coming at you quick....enjoy!

News flash addendum at 11:30.......Almost all of the new sand at Tybee is covered now. I have never seen the water up so close to the dunes. Waves are awesome!

News flash addendum at 2:30.........The tide is going out. The flag is now yellow (caution) instead of red (danger.) Water still on the part of the beach that never gets water.

regarding Harry

Here is Harry in his Daddy's T-ball jersey and Lucy in Amanda's dress.

Yes.....I kept a lot of stuff from my children's childhood but we use every bit of it.

Harry is an amazing young man.

He will turn two on the 15th of September.

He has been through more in his first two years than most of us face in a lifetime.

He has an indomitable spirit within him.

We pray every night that he will grow up to be a man who loves God with all his heart.

That will take care of everything else life brings his way.

Thank you God for Harry.

sometimes you have to make fun of yourself

Okay, I couldn't resist~big hair and all.......the wind is definitely having its way with us.
I decided to write early this evening as we are going on a late evening stroll on the beach.

Bubba cooked a delicious steak and baked potato for our dinner tonight....I feel very pampered.

Yesterday I shared my testimony with you....it got long and I didn't get to include the verses that I had looked up to go with.

Since I was "given a heart to know Him," I have set about on a wonderful journey to learn about Him from His word. Here are some verses to remind us to hold God in the highest regard....

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY." I Peter 1: 14-16

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all of the earth. Psalm 8:1

I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness, and sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3

Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; Let those who love Thy salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified." Psalm 40:6

God is to be held in the highest regard because He is God Almighty worthy to be given praise and honor and glory!!!! Bless His holy name!

having a high view of God/my testimony

On Sunday I said I would expound further on this truth so here goes.....
It is the singlemost important doctrine that I can look back on that changed my life.

I was raised in the church (building)
I rarely missed a service or an event.
If the doors were open I was there.

I heard one message over and over.....that Jesus had died for my sins
and that I needed to join the church to become a Christian.

I joined and I was baptised and I attended and I served and I socialized and I sang in the choir and I learned Bible verses and I sat through endless invitations always hoping that the verse we were singing would be the last.

Being a good girl I found myself trying harder and harder to be a good Christian (member of the church.) I've never worked as hard at anything in my life.

But, alas, I was as lost as I could be.
I knew alot about the Bible, but my heart had never been changed.

You know dear friends, that is what the Bible does.....it changes your heart.
That is what the Holy Spirit does at the moment of salvation......He changes your heart.

God speaking "And I will give them a heart to know Me.......' Jeremiah 24:7

I had learned about Jesus and Noah and Daniel....
but I had never been taught anything about God.

Praise God that He gave me a heart to know Him and
that He called me to be His in Christ Jesus.
That is why I love to read His word so much.
Each day is a new revelation of His wonders.

I am sorry if I offended anyone about the e-mails that people send out trivializing His name. (No one has said anything but you never know.) Sometimes we just don't think about what we are sending out. There is so much junk out there and I only see such a small part of it, thankfully.

I am glad that as brothers and sisters in Christ we can admonish one another in love without fear. We are God's representatives here on this earth.....Every word we speak or write or send pertaining to Him should honor and glorify His name.

for me....so far to go/so much to learn

cathy

ps....Bubba checks behind me pretty much every time I write a blog. Sometimes he encourages me to tone it down or even remove some things. With this one he is in total agreement.

white ruffled towels

They are from Target.........pretty, don't you think?

You know how much I love ruffles and bows....femininity is a virtue I am sure!

Today I went to see a former third grade student of mine......my radiologist.

It was mamogram time again......I got a good report of which I am very thankful.

On the cover of my file there in her office it is written.......

Mrs. Cathy Cleland is Karen's former third grade teacher....what an honor.

I have been wanting to back-up this blog for a while now. It is a journal of the last two plus years of my life and I don't want to lose it.

I found a place today that will make it into a book for me. I got so excited and had them give me an estimate......$179.00 and that is for a soft cover. Probably more money than I have to put into a book of my life. Anybody have any suggestions?

We are watching the ocean very carefully....hurricanes are forming very quickly out there.

You never know what those guys and girls will do. Exciting though. I love living on the coast.

Lifting up the name of God and His Son Jesus Christ...

Standing in the need of His grace always.

cathy

depth of mercy

Depth of mercy! Can there be, mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear - me the chief of sinners spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not harken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

Now incline me to repent,
let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

There for me my Savior stands,
Holding forth His wounded hands,
God is love! I know, I feel,
Jesus weeps and loves me still

Charles Wesley 1707 - 1788

I found this old hymn quite by chance.
It spoke volumes to me.
I thought I would share it with you tonight.

I was grieving on my bed over sin .
I got up and found these words of hope and comfort.

Maybe there is someone else out there tonight who needs to hear about the depth of God's mercy to us who believe.

cathy

trivializing the Name

of God who is Jesus who is the Holy Spirit.....the Trinity.....three in One.

Later today I will expound on this subject which is the cornerstone of my life in Christ.

It was only when I was confronted with the truth of who God is that I begin to understand His word. His name is not to be trifled with, joked about, or in any way brought dishonor to. His word is not to be mocked, added to, depleted, or in any way dishonored.

Here is that truth:

God is not like us......we are made in His image but we are not like Him. We get into trouble when we bring Him down to our level of thinking. He is the creator.....we are His created.

God said this to us in Psalm 50:21 speaking of us His created.........

"You thought I was just like you."

five went out

only four returned......

Last night was a "search and rescue' night here at Tybee Island.

Five people went out for a late afternoon swim and only four made it back. A 33 year old man from Columbus, Georgia, was the latest victim of the ocean.

We watched from our deck as the Coast Guard searched with boats and airplanes.....their searchlights illuminating a very small part of the ocean each time they flew by.

Amanda, you would have loved it.

They found the victim this morning at 8:00 am......we saw them still searching early when we got up.

The picture was taken yesterday. We have been inundated with rain and thunderstorms this past week. I guess the sky matches the somber mood on the beach today......a solemn reminder that the ways of the ocean cannot be tamed by man.

I have been cooking all day today.....preparing a meal for Erika's birthday....a little late, but that's okay. We have had some extenuating circumstances to overcome.

A roast is in the oven with carrots and onions
my famous red rice
fresh zipper peas from the market
Okra
Fresh rolls and
birthday cupcakes with ice creme

"How lovely is Your dwelling place O Lord of Hosts.
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord:
my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God." Psalm 84: 1 & 2

You are holy oh God. Let us your people only tell of Your holiness everyday....

smelling delicious smells
cathy

fellow christians

There are people who send out forwards about God's holy word that contain no basis of truth whatsoever as this one sent by a woman to Bubba......

"Did Jesus reveal the name of the anti-christ?"

Please, let us all think and investigate before we spread untruth in Jesus' name.

vintage toys

I kept all of David and Amanda's toys from the seventies....they are in great condition.

Our grand babies play with them all of the time.

The train is missing one car because its coupling device is gone. Bubba has been commissioned to find a replacement part, but that hasn't happened yet. All of us adults cringe when a baby is pulling this up and down the long hallway. It makes an annoying noise.

The cash register is missing its money. That was always the first thing that Harry went to and he always put the coins right into his mouth. The were hidden and subsequently lost in the move.

I have bought new toys, but these having enduring qualities.

Another night of thunderstorms playing out over the ocean. Sky to water lightning strikes make for some beautiful entertainment.

"The Mighty One,

God the Lord,

speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting." Psalm 50:1

God controls and is sovereign over all the earth all the time!

awed and inspired by that truth.....

cathy

a downpour and other things

Crazy rain....like none I've ever seen before.
It was blinding on the Tybee causeway as I drove home from town.
The parking garage at the condo was quickly filling with water when I arrived.
I stepped out and the water came up to my ankles.
The elevator was out....
All of the alarms throughout the island were going off....the noise from them unbearable.
Three hours later I still hear lightening and thunder.
I got soaking wet.........couldn't wait to shed my clothes.
I will have to say I have not experienced many like this one.

The 25,000th visitor to my blog was...............Bubba!!
He called me this morning and I told him that I had been watching the number stay at 24,999 for a while. He said, "I'm going to make it go to "25,000." He did and that's that.

I was hoping to have 200 friends on Facebook by today as well, but I only got to 199. Not that I am sad. Facebook is so much fun.....I have hooked back up with high school friends I would have never heard from again.

college friends
students that I taught in third grade
friends from both of the churches that we attended while living in Atlanta
family
friends that I had at the church we formerly attended in Savannah
friends from the church we now attend
even a new friend that I made through my blog
many of Amanda and David's friends

What a hoot keeping up with everybody. I love it!!!

Still thundering.....looks like there is more storm to come.
Glad to be cozy and snug and watching from the inside.

"in all things give thanks." Cathy

island hopping

I wish there was a way that all of you could see the island tonight....The sky is so blue without a cloud anywhere to be seen. The marsh grass is as green as I've ever seen it, and the water is the same color as the sky. Breathtaking!!

Last week while Amanda was here we did some island hopping. We left Tybee Island and went to St. Simon's Island. There are many islands up and down the coast of Georgia and they are all worth visiting.

Tonight's blog is about a purchase I made over there. Now most beach shops contain mostly junk, but this shop was really classy......nice things for beach houses.

I purchased the rope string of starfish that you see above. Along with a string of garden lights from Target I could envision a nice display.

Today was installation day.

My first mistake was not waiting for Bubba and a ladder. Soon into the process I busted one of the light globes and glass went everywhere.

Standing in the baby high chair I managed to bust two more of the lights before I even got started.

Have you ever tried to hammer a nail into plaster walls? My thumb is black and blue from the effort.

What is the best place to hold extra nails? The mouth, of course.......I put four in and had only three when I went to use them. I still don't know where the other one went.

Finally, after busting one more light, I finished the project and you can see the results above.

I think they look great....what do you think?

island girl cathy

about sin

This is the bad news about sin....

"But your iniquities (sins) have made a separation between you and your God,
And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." Isaiah 59:2

The good news about sin....

"I even I, am the One who wipes out your transgressions (sins) for My own sake;
and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25

There is a nugget of truth in that last verse that may have been overlooked....

Why does God forgive our sins?

"for My own sake."

To bring glory to Himself!!!

Why were we created?

To glorify (bring glory to God in all that we do).

humbled by the knowledge that He has forgiven my sins in Christ Jesus.....

cathy

#25,000

Let me know if you are #25,000. It's coming up really soon.

cathy

more beach shots

Amanda and the boys left this morning and the condo is quiet. :(

David and Erika and Lucy and Harry are home from Indianapolis. :)

David will preach all three services at Ferguson Ave. Baptist church tomorrow if anyone would like to come.

I am cleaning up and washing tons of laundry....trying to subdue the sand that finds its way into this home. I guess that is the consequence of living at the beach.

cathy

fort nixie knox

This is our best sand castle ever!

We named it Fort Nixie Knox after a character in the ABC Book.

The boys became impatient with us as our perfectionism set in and we had to threaten them not to get near our handiwork.

The setting sun stopped our work and we drug back up to the condo exhausted.

Good sleep tonight!!!

Cathy

its already thursday

I thank God for my daughter.....she helps me so much to keep everything in perspective.

She is helping me to think realistically about what is going on with my dad. She reminded me that this is "just a season" in my life that will end and that God may yet allow a time for Bubba and I to minister to him, both physically and spiritually as we moved back to Savannah to do

I think....know that she is more level-headed that I am in many things. Her depth of maturity amazes me. She has suffered so much, but comes out of all of these trials with a deeper faith and trust in God. And she is funny and makes me laugh and that, dear readers, is what I NEED.

I can't believe it is already almost time for her to go home.

We spent the morning in the pool. Lunch was served to us under a big red umbrella on the pool deck. Everyone is napping now, but I felt the need to blog. Bubba is picking up fresh shrimp to cook tonight and then it will be down to the beach to build sand castles.

For me these are glorious times with Amanda and Jake and Eli. I do not have adequate words to describe my blessings from my Father. What a rich full life He has entrusted me with.

To be filled with joy in your own heart.....fill other's hearts with joy and gladness.

"The Lord is good,
a stronghold in the day of trouble,
and He knows those who take refuge in Him." Nahum 1:7

cathy

three in a swing.

After playing on the beach just now, we decided to sit in the beach swing.
Jake was doing his famous fake smile.
The breeze was delightful.
Not too many birds were hungry this evening.....we saved the bread for tomorrow.
Jake and Eli like it when they dive bomb our heads for food.
Actually that is a little frightening.

Tubbys tonight with Estelle....the shrimp were good.

We are going to Saint Simons Island tomorrow.
Amanda is doing really good and I am so thankful.
Sunshine and fellowship is extremely healing.

sweet dreams............c

a mere breath

A sweet lady that I have been praying for for four months died this afternoon. My daughter worked with her when we lived in Atlanta. She and her husband were hit by a car while crossing a street on a lovely Saturday evening back on April 4th. Both were seriously injured.

I have been following an on-line blog daily in which the family lovingly chronicled the paths they have taken since that fateful day......he through pain and surgeries back to living and she to her untimely death.

How much I could identify with their day by day struggles of watching a loved one suffer in an almost unbearable situation.....of how you put your own life on hold to minister to those in need. Of how each day brings a new roller coaster of emotions.

Most importantly I watched as their faith increased and their trust in God became a tangible thing as it only can when you go through life's deepest, darkest moments.

My life has been touched by their journey and they will never know.

"Lord, make me to know my end,
And what is the extent of my days,
Let me know how transient I am.
Behold, Thou hast made my days as handsbreaths,
And my lifetime as nothing in Thy sight,
Surely every man at his best is a mere breath."
Psalm 39: 4&5

sunset at harbor town

Jesus said to her,

"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11: 25&26

I say to you today that these words of Jesus are some of the most important ever spoken.

I am waiting for my babies...they should be here very soon.

I'll try to write a little later if I can.

"Do you believe this?"

cathy

i'm back

I didn't mean to not post last week....it just happened....thanks for keeping on checking and not giving up on me.

That picture is my hubby and I riding bikes on Hilton Head Island....one of my most favorite activities.

It is always good to come home...back to my own bed and that glorious ocean out there. Tonight I will go down and feed nuts to the seagulls. Did you know that peanuts are one of the main ingredients in dynamite? Interesting tidbit, huh?

Amanda is coming with Jake and Eli tomorrow afternoon for a time of rest and relaxation after losing the baby. Jake is very sick with an ear and sinus infection and I hope they will still be able to come tomorrow. She seems to be doing well and getting stronger each day.

This verse....need I say more?

"Cease striving and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Here comes another one of those sultry, summer afternoon thunderstorms that I love......may not be able to feed those birds after all.

cathy