Pot found at end of rainbow...

After the first day and a half on Seabrook Island, South Carolina, Joanna said, "I think I've found my pot of gold at the end the rainbow!" No, she is not hallicinating, changing her world view or jettisoning her hope in the New Heavens and New Earth Jesus promised to His people. We are just truly enjoying this little bit of real estate in all its natural and manicured beauty!

We arrived Saturday around 4pm after a 12 hour drive including a nice overnight for our anniversary in Asheville, North Carolina. We left home Friday morning, our 16th Wedding Anniversary and had a nice drive enjoying each other's conversation and a historic fiction novel on CD about slavery, abolition and the Civil War. It is written by a Christian author who weaves a Godward, Biblical world view in the story. The name is Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin. We had a wonderful meal at the Grove Park Inn to celebrate our anniversary. We enjoyed a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains (photo forth coming if I can get it from my phone!).

Live Sand Dollar!

This little guy paused long enough to pose.

Back to Seabrook - the island is gorgeous, not very commercialized or crowded, very hospitable residents, great beaches, deer, gators (not tons and in specific areas), dolphins (picture), and and all sorts of other sea creatures. Speaking of which, the Lord blessed us on our second morning with a rare experience!

Loggerhead Turtle tracks!

Dolphins!

This island is a nesting place for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, an endangered species. The nest from May to September coming onshore in the dark of night and leaving a nest of eggs buried in the sand. The Turtle Patrol (local trained volunteers) begin walking the beaches this time of year early each morning searching for nests. They sometimes move them a little further inland (few feet or yards) to get above high tide erosion lines. They provide protection from raccoons and crabs by using a metal grid anda trap with bait for crabs. Last year a total of 36 nests were discoverd the entire 4-5 month season. We "just so happened" to be blessed with a mammoth nest right out in front of our ocean view condo. We were out early and were about to watch the patrol do their thing and even handle one of the ping-pong ball size and shaped eggs. The mother was large, probably around 100 or more pounds. She laid 163 eggs, which is an above average nest. You can learn more about the Turtle Patrol's efforts at siturtlepatrol.com.

Honorary Patrolwoman Joanna hold's a turtle egg

We've been so blessed with each other's company and by the people we've met and talked with including several Christians. Patty, the nurse from St. Christopher's Camp and Conference Center, gave us a tour of their facility. This Episcopal Church facility has 300 beautiful acres and used to own the entire island. We've learned a good deal about the island from several friendly folks here, including a group of 4 ladies who came to enjoy the island and have Bible study.

Speaking of Bible study, we've had a great time enjoying God's two great books - His Creation and His written revelation. Psalm 19 rejoices in both. We spent our Sunday morning on the beach rejoicing in Psalm 104 which reflects on the Lord's work of creation and even says things like, "O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great." Verses 24-25. Truly we are enjoying this as the psalmist did.

May the Lord bless you today as you study and delight in His great works!- Ps. 111:2