Hopkins-inspired poem

Part of my poetry assignment for my second week was to write a poem inspired by the great Gerard Manley Hopkins. So, here it is:

THE SEA

Nothing is so lovely as the sea—

Where above the sun rises and reddens and rests;

Dolphins dance atop rolling, rhythmic waves, and guests

Of a breathtaking ballet we be,

Gladly; as spoken song in baby’s bin softly

Moms sing, its liquid melodies these ears infests,

Stirring, soothing this heart, ignoring protests

With deep breathes out, in: the wave ashore breaks boldly.

Oh! How wondrous the crafter of such a creature!

By it faint echoes of Thy warm whisper beckons,

Like a church bell, my soul to its Savior.

Soft ripples turning and twirling awakens

My heart, drawing me nearer when too far I wander,

In His presence, largely my burden lessens.

Day 4-Manta Ray tickets!

For literally the entire summer, I have been dying to swim with Manta Rays, something I have heard is one of the most thrilling and amazing experiences of a lifetime. And Kona is the perfect place to do it. The only thing that has kept me back was my uneasiness about swimming out and attempting it myself, and my reluctance to pay the large expense for going out to do it on one of the boats (between $75-$100 per person). Of course, I asked God to make it somehow possible for me to do it. And guess what? He answered.

Seriously, it was like He just handed me the tickets to do the Manta Ray snorkel trip just because He wanted me to be happy, He wanted to see me smile and be excited. And I am! After a strange series of "coincidences," (which included a random phone call, a food bank can drive, and the generosity of the owner of Jack's Diving Locker) I somehow ended up with 3 free tickets to do the Manta Ray snorkel dive (worth $100 each). It's pretty awesome to have God on your side. So now, next Monday, Sarah, my sister, and I will be out swimming with beautiful creatures that can be up to 25 ft. in size. Life is good. God is wonderful. Praise Him.

It took me 20 years to realize . . .

that I honestly live in what is probably the most beautiful place in the world.

Never again will I forget that.

Lord, to You I am eternally thankful.

I went fishing today . . .

and it was pretty much amazing.

Fishing is terribly addicting. Oh, and I have realized (once again) that I am so blessed with a wonderful family and friends.  My dad made absolute sure we had all the fishing supplies we needed (including going out of his way to buy us a couple of bamboo fishing poles and thoroughly explain fishing techniques to me). My friends are lovely. I could never ask for better ones. And I live in probably the most beautiful place in the world, which it sadly took me nearly twenty years to realize. I pray I never lose sight of how incredibly blessed I am. We must have caught (and released) about a dozen fish (including a puffer fish!). And we hooked a large moray eel several times, but it escaped our grasp. Next time, Mr. Moray. Next time.

Thank you, Lord. I am so blessed.

Liz and I are going to make the absolute most out of this summer . . .

. . . and this is only the beginning of it.