Lamentations 3:22 – 23 (NCV) The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great.

I love it when God blesses me with the opportunity to get away for the weekend with close friends. I don’t get these little “girl trips” too often but when I do, I grab two of my closest girl friends and head down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. While there, we seem to eat way too much, laugh until we cry, and stay up way too late. I am certainly sleep deprived when I get home but it’s okay because it’s during this time with my girlfriends that we can just relax and enjoy ourselves. We don’t have to worry about the cares of our everyday life back home.

On the last morning of these little “girl trips” it’s become a tradition to set an early alarm and watch the sun rise over the ocean. The Master Creator never disappoints on these mornings…the  colors He splashes onto the morning sky so magnificent to behold.  The sun, a deep yellowish-bright orange ball gives increasing light to a pale pinkish-blue sky as it continues to make its bold entrance on the morning. Each time I watch the incredible display of God’s design, I thank him for waking us up in time to witness just a glimpse of His stunning creation.

It is here in these still small moments, as the sun is just pushing up on the horizon, that I witness the beauty of its light over the expanse of the ocean. My gaze doesn’t linger there too long when I am also reminded of another display of beauty….the outstretched arms of Christ on Calvary and the love for you and me that held him there.

The next time you are able to catch a sunrise I hope it reminds you of just how much Jesus loves you!