What do bell-bottom jeans, Mork & Mindy, the Bee Gees, disco fever, and me and my man all have in common?
All were hot back in 1978.
So, at the ripe old age of 20, Bill and I tied the knot, took a honeymoon, and started our lives together.
Fast forward 35 years, and I am happy to tell you that Bill and I are still hot for each another and so very grateful to God for allowing us to celebrate a milestone anniversary this year!
And because we both love California (and because we were already scheduled to be there for a recent retreat with the wonderful women of Grace Community Church in Visalia, CA), Bill and I took a cue from Song of Solomon 2:10-13 and decided to celebrate The Big 3-5 on the beautiful West Coast last week.
So today, I’m going to share a few pictures from our trip with you. But I’m also going to do my very best to inspire you to take every vacation day you’ve earned this year as I share:
5 Reasons Why YOU Need to Get Away & Celebrate
Let the inspiration begin!
#1 – You need a fresh awakening of the awe and wonder of God.
And what better place to be awed by God than at The Sequoia National Park? Bill was like a wide-eyed boy as we walked the trails and . . .
. . . craned our necks to see the tops of these gigantic reminders of the magnificence of God. And believe it or not, this was one of the medium-sized trees.
#2: You need a great big dose of natural, take-your-breath-away beauty.
Sometimes we forget how beautiful our world really is. The headlines, the freeways, and the day-to-day routines of life dull our senses and our awareness of the beauty of God’s creation all around us.
This picture doesn’t even begin to do them justice, but these are the Sierra Mountains in California. Bill and I were blown away by their beauty, and during this time of the year you can still see snow on many of the highest peaks.
And take a look at what Bill and I saw while we were out driving around the Pacific Grove coastline one day:
Even Bill (a man who almost always chooses the Interstate over the scenic route) had to stop the car so we could get out and take a few pictures.
Is he cute or what? Proof that breath-taking beauty can transform even the most hard-core, big city, interstate driver.
#3: Your life (and lungs) needs a crisp infusion of fresh air.
My 55-year-old body felt at least 10 years younger all because of the invigorating fragrance of the fresh, salt air.
Plus, did you notice that I’m wearing a coat? It’s so much cooler on the Pacific Coast than it is on the Texas Gulf Coast where I live. Now don’t get me wrong, I looove the Lone Star State, but this Texas gal enjoyed every single minute of the air-conditioned, humidity-free California climate.
#4: You need to be surprised by discovering things you’ve never seen before
And Carmel is the perfect place to do both! Look what this dyed-in-the-wool, drink-the-Koolaid, Jane-Austen fan found while Bill and I were wandering around the Ocean Drive shopping district one afternoon. Such a fun surprise! But look what else we discovered in Carmel:
The cutest cottage ever! Attention all cottage lovers: Carmel is Cottage Heaven.
#5: You need to experience a new adventure.
Like whale watching! Bill and I took an afternoon boat tour in Monterey. The sea was choppy and rough. The brisk, salt-wind was in our face. 
My Texas hair was one big mess. But see that smile on my face? I did not care about my hair because look what we saw in the distance that day:
A humpback whale! Well . . . a humpback whale tail. But honestly, I cannot describe how exciting it was to be close enough to see even the faintest sign – like the sudden spew from their blow-holes bursting up from beneath the waves – of these magnificent, massive mammals. It was fun, exciting, and leeetle bit scary all at the same time. It was ADVENTURE that’s what it was!
And even if you do go whale-watching in Monterey, and even if you don’t see one, single whale, you can always enjoy an adventure-lite experience at . . .
. . . the Monterey Aquarium where killer whales fly right over your head! And although Bill and I are not exactly what you’d call “big aquarium people,” everyone kept telling us, “You MUST see the aquarium while you’re in Monterey.” And I MUST admit: They were right. Even adventure-lite is awesome.
Well, that just about brings this post to an end. I’ve done my best to inspire you to get out your calendar, schedule a few vacation days (or weeks if you have ’em), stash away some cash and — best of all — get away and celebrate. Now, it’s up to you.
Yes, I know. You’re a very busy girl. But don’t forget:
Even God rested.
And whether you’re single or married, allow me a few final words of inspiration:
“My lover said to me, ‘Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!'” Song of Solomon 2:10-13 NLT
Celebrate the love God has lavished upon you. Plan today to get away.
Your sister (with an “amen” from my man, Bill),
What’s the best get-away you’ve ever taken and why was it worth it? Thanks for sharing!