Wander

Through Sand & Waves

August 13, 2019 adacostauf

It’s amazing how God can use the smallest, simplest things in life to make the biggest impact. Growing up in Florida, I’ve walked by countless sea turtle nests and have never seen a hatchling. Until last night. I’d been dealing with some anxiety and the sun had finally come out after a pretty terrific rain storm – so I decided to do a prayer walk on the beach.

When I was ready to head back to my car, I noticed this tiny thing moving through the sand. My first instinct was that it was a crab. As I grew closer, I saw it was a turtle! A tiny hatchling. Just ploughing its little way through the sand in kind of a zig-zaggy, desperate manner. He looked determined and helpless at the same time.

I glanced around to see if there were more, or to see if I could find its nest – but I couldn’t. I also looked for other people to tell – because this was a turtle hatchling! How cool was this?! There weren’t any people close by. So I just watched as he made his way through the sand, seemingly covering himself with it – with every swipe of his flippers – yet he finally reached the sea. Then I watched – mesmerized – as the waves tossed him a bit – then he took off into the sunset (quite literally).

Then I was in awe. I was in awe of the instincts built into this tiny little creature. In awe that he seemed so determined to reach the ocean, even though he had no idea what it held for him. He had to get there. He somehow seemed to have faith that it would be ok. That it would be good. Even though he was this itty-bitty thing taking on a giant body of sand and crashing waves. He was cool with it. A bit of a hot mess but he was cool.

And Jesus used this little guy to get to me.

This has been probably the hardest, scariest year of my life. Because my whole immediate family is with Jesus, and it’s just me. I feel too young for this – to be left alone in this big world. To, in my mid-twenties, have no parents to ask advice of. To be brave. To handle all the adult things. To not have my precious loved ones to talk to and run home to.

So this little turtle hatchling taught me a lesson. Because, right now, I have no idea what my future holds. I can only handle tomorrow. I have goals and a list of things I have to do. I have dreams of how I’d love to help people learn about Jesus, what I’d like to write and where I’d love to travel. But it’s so unknown! Will the house I grew up in ever feel like a home again? Am I meant to wander for a while? Will I one day be blessed with a family of my own and sweet children I can name after my Mama and Papa? I wish I knew.

But God. God knows.

I have this hope. This one hope. That had I not been able to handle this, God wouldn’t have allowed it to happen. Had I been destined for the melancholy and depression – it would be so easy to fall into that. But I have this hope. That God has a purpose. He placed me here for a reason. Through every heartbreak and tragedy, I’ve ever been through – He has gotten me through. Through every time I’ve messed up, He’s demonstrated His grace in ways I’ve never thought imaginable.

While I might feel at my loneliest and most scared, He’s still right here. He’s never left me or forsaken me. And while I can’t see what the future holds because right now my sea is rough and I’m new to this chapter of my life, it is in His hands. He will see me through. He will bring out the sun and calm the storm. He’ll help me fight through the rough sand and find His peace beyond the waves. All the time, God is good. All the time, His love never fails. When I’m lonely, He’s never left me. When I’m afraid, He’s still in control. When I’m weak, His power works best in my weakness. And while I want to be sad and question everything, He’s still constant and good. Because He is the Everlasting Father who loves His children more than any of us are capable of understanding.

So why do we have to go through rough sand and rougher waves? This world is broken. It’s rough. It’s a fallen world filled with sin.

But we can cling to our faith – cling to our hope, that among these blinding grains of sand and rough waves there’s a Savior who sees. Who knows the future. He holds the keys to eternity in His hands and wants us to have joy on earth because we are His beloved children. He knows the future. Jesus sees. But even while we’re in the midst of sand and waves He’s here with us every step – or flipper swipe – of the way.

Wander

Popovers in Portsmouth

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019 adacostauf

In early June, it can get freezing in the northeast. Well, for a Floridian. Anything below 74 falls under the “freezing weather” category for Floridians (we’re wimps).

But there we were, driving up to Maine, freezing (it was about 60 degrees outside) and starving. My grandpa was driving and I was researching restaurants in Portsmouth, NH. It seemed like a good stopping point for food, and I was determined to find a warm bowl of clam chowder.

Somehow between Zomato and Google, I found the second heaven. This particular version of heaven looked like it was in a little hole-in-the-wall place in the business district of Portsmouth.Popovers on the Square.

Being downtown, it wasn’t exactly fun finding a parking space – not that anything looked extremely crowded. But it was drizzling rain, the brick streets were crooked to walk on, and Popovers looked like a sweet site for sore eyes and hungry stomachs. But when the kind manager opened the door for me, I was confused. It was set up like a Panera wannabe with more comfortable seats. There was the pastry section and then the ordering section, and somewhere in the back food was being made (I hoped).

I seated my grandpa and walked up to the lady at the counter.

“What would you like?” She had white hair, kind blue eyes, and I regret not getting her name.

“Ummm…What’s good here?” She laughed at me.

“It depends on how hungry you are.”

We were starving.

I ordered clam chowder, crab cakes, and a lobster roll to share with my grandfather. I’ve never been a fan of seafood – I had my eye on the dessert bar. But about five minutes later, our food was ready, and I suddenly wanted to understand what all the hype is over New England seafood.

Growing up, I’ve had clam chowder every now and then – from Red Lobster. It’s fine. Yet when I tried the chowder at Popovers, it was…beyond words. I wanted to lick the bowl, but I settled for de-layering the adorable popover and dipping it in the chowder. It was scrumptious.

Lobster Popover @ Popovers on the Square in Portsmouth, NH

Next came the lobster roll, or lobster popovers. It was a basic lobster salad and a flaky, doughy popover and perfect. Then the crab cakes. They were pan seared with scallions, bell peppers, aioli and a green salad. I’ve had crab cakes before – but they’ve always felt heavy with a weird texture and a just-OK taste. But these Portsmouth crab cakes were flawless. The pan-seared texture was just right, and the aioli made a scrumptious addition to the already tasty meat. I wanted more, but after the delicious meal I also wanted to try dessert.

I ordered two lattes, a slice of the chocolate hazelnut torte and a slice of the raspberry torte. The desserts were just as delicious as the meal.

I’ve been to a lot of different restaurants in a lot of different places, but I can’t remember eating food as comforting, delicious and rich as the food at Popovers on the Square. I’d never been to a restaurant that made me wish I could move to a different state just to eat there every day. But I can see myself driving – or flying – out of my way just to eat at Popovers. And I’d dearly appreciate it if they’d open about a thousand in Florida!

*Since I originally blogged about Popovers, I’ve been back twice on different trips. Both times it was just as good!

*Popovers menu here

*For more about Popovers and other locations, click here

**Unless otherwise stated, I am in no way affiliated with the restaurants or companies mentioned on this blog.

*Post taken from my former blog, Guide My Every Way.

THE WAY †, Wander

Wander & The Way

January 14, 2019February 1, 2019 adacostauf

Sometimes the best journeys in life happen when your plans get thwarted. A couple of years ago, I was so set in my ways. After graduating college, I planned on being a sports reporter (I dearly love sports!). After graduation, caring for a sick family member happened instead. Then a road trip to several National Parks happened, and I fell in love with traveling and capturing creation.

Prior to that, I thought beach destinations were the only worthy places to travel. Yet I’ve learned that I love wandering. I love discovering new lands, meeting people from different places, trying different food (I really love food). It’s amazing how similar yet how different places are around the country and around the world.

Most of all, I love seeing God’s hand everywhere I go. The more I wander, the more I see how amazing and vast His creation is. So here’s a little about wandering with wonder and a lot about pursuing The Way.

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“Jesus said to him, ‘I Am The Way, and The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien