basking in the beauty

basking in the beauty...

of the beach.
of life
of family
of friends
of relationships
of lazy days
of vacation

and it has helped me realize that i am:

blessed
loved
enjoyed
valued

and it is a wonderful feeling



I have decided to take a break from soaking up the sun... it's not a good idea to resemble a lobster every day. So today is the day to bask in the greatness of vacation and do nothing. As many of you may know, this is very difficult for me. I am always making to-do lists and trying to find things to do and places to go. But I can't help but just sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

There is just something about being able to take a break, relax, and lay on the beach next to your grandma (who keeps bragging about how well she tans). It is simply beautiful.

I read more of Proverbs today. I also was looking for some encouragement to send to some friends I had been praying for... and I came across Psalm 139. I had written out a prayer in my bible that was perfect for my life right now (funny how that happens so often). "Search me, test me, lead me." It is a challenge. But one that needs to be looked back on often.

- Accomplishments over vacation (i did make a to-do list..):
finished the Shack
found sunglasses
got some amazing seafood
had breakfast with wonderful family & friends
ran down the beach
ventured into the water (almost knee deep)

Things I have yet to do:
para sail
make thank you cards
ride a bike down to the pier
finish walk across the room

Yea.. I know I might be a little lame - but it's who I am and what I enjoy doing.

All in all I have to say this has been a wonderful vacation so far!

loving life even without the sun :)

the beach.

it has been beautiful and it has been just plain gross.

when we got here it was 80 and sunny. But now... the forecast says rain until we leave. Imagine that - the one week of vacation I get this summer - the time when I am supposed to come back with a golden tan and it is raining.

well I - Emily McGuire - have become a different person while on vacation. Well.. maybe not a new person - but I have opened up to the 'vacation emily'. I read every chance I get and just want to walk around in my chacos or toms in the sand.

Shopping is fun - but it's not fulfilling, which is a good thing.

I enjoy seeing my Mamaw sit outside with her visor and tank top and soak up the sun on the deck. She is just adorable and I am so thankful I get this time to spend with her since I won't be around much this summer.

I have been reading the Shack this week and it been an eye-opener that I have actually enjoyed. I am usually not one to read fiction - but this book is amazing. I definitely recommend it to anyone!

I have to paint one scene for everyone who reads this:
On Sunday morning my mother and I were going to get up and go to a church in Ft. Myers - but we decided since it was vacation time we would just take this time to rest instead of rushing to get ready and go somewhere. So I woke up and enjoyed a homemade breakfast, ran (not a smart idea after eating.. but oh well) & then took a towel outside on the beach and read a little bit of proverbs. It was so encouraging and beautiful - perfect timing to help me appreciate my time with some of the women in my family. One of the verses I read was about how gray hair is a crown. Later on that day one of my great aunts told my mother she should dye her hair and I got the opportunity to back up her comeback of "it shows wisdom" with "says proverbs, it is a crown and you should be proud, it is beautiful." But after I read proverbs - I went back to what we read in Dgroup a few weeks ago - Hebrews 13. The verses that have been stuck in my mind recently are about how God will not forsake you and how He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. What a beautiful moment it was.

The God who was faithful to bring my family together, get me through two years of college, bless me with a wonderful job, and get me safely to Florida to sit on the beach where He was speaking is the same God who is going to guide me through this difficult summer. He is the same. And He will not forsake me. How beautiful


I can't wait for this summer to start! I am so ready to be around a team of wonderful brothers and sisters who share the same passions as me. It is going to be amazing to see how we all work together to accomplish the goals of the summer!

I will only have a few days with my family, friends, and special people - but I know that through the separation I will have to depend solely on the Lord and rely on His strength and allow Him to comfort me when things seem tough. It will be a great experience and I am so ready!

It's time to embrace this whole Acts 1:8 thing with an open mind and open heart.

If anyone wants the address for this summer then just leave a comment saying so and I can get it to you.

after a while.

it has been a while since I have posted anything. life has been happening. and it has been happening very quickly.

it is already the summer, officially. It has been since Tuesday. Today I had to say goodbye to all my friends that have become like family.

It has been a long few weeks. I can't even begin to recap. The only important thing to know is that I earned a B in Econ. Not a D or an F. That was a shock to me also..

In a few hours I will be heading to Ft. Myers, Florida to spend the week with my mom, mamaw, and two great aunts.

Fun things:
I have discovered a new love for sushi
I can live without an iPhone or iPod for that matter
I am going to be a DGroup leader next year
I will be living in Bowling Green in August (as long as a house finds us)
My bicycle has gotten really good at calling my name
I have become infatuated with Nashville's musicians
I cry when I have to say goodbye to people I care about
I have a new job in the Entrepreneurship Center
I have a desire to read
I have a goal journal that I am working on checking off.



In a few hours I will be journaling on the beach. I am sure that will develop some more interesting thoughts instead of what has just been going on in my silly life.

A few more hours and I will be loving my life with the wonderful women in my life that have helped me become who I am today. How precious.