Wander

I Would’ve Missed It

April 10, 2026 adacostauf

I would’ve missed it all.

Sometimes there’s snow.

Sometimes there’s a lot of snow. I see it on the news, I hear people talk about it. But as someone from Florida, I’d never seen it. Not even in the rare occasions when it’s snowed in Florida.

I’ve always wanted to.

I’ve seen it on the ground, on mountain trips. By that time it’s nearly solid ice. I think I remember my grandpa pulling to the side of the road so I could scoop up some hard packed snow when I was little.

But the magical white fluff falling from the sky? Aside from an uncertain memory of my childhood that could’ve involved little flurries, that’s it.

I don’t remember it. And I wanted something I could remember.

I’ve had close calls (re: snow gate in Florida). I’ve been to NYC when it was freezing. I was in awe of icicles but didn’t see any flurries.

Until: God threw me completely off course.

I was supposed to go one way. A way that I had planned. And if I’d gone how I was supposed to, I would’ve missed it. I would’ve missed an answered prayer, and the beautiful snow.

I was supposed to fly to see my cousins. Not even considering it was spring break, and definitely not knowing the Florida Gators were traveling where I was to play a championship game, I’d booked my flight months in advance. I’d seen news of crowded airports – but I knew I’d be way early to it. I’m an anxious traveler, and this trip… I was very antsy of flying.

But I went, and I tried, and every parking lot at the airport was turning people away.

I was frustrated. I was antsy. And I made the most last-minute call of my life. I was driving. I ran by my house, grabbed a couple of extra things – what made me grab my heaviest winter coat, I have no idea (actually: Jesus). Then I drove all the way to Tennessee. (If you’re wondering, I did indeed question my sanity the entire drive up.)

I had the most wonderful time with cousins. We went to the Hermitage, and spelunking at Mammoth Cave National Park. I was supposed to have flown back that Sunday – instead, I was 250 ft below the earth, seeing God’s creation from a whole new perspective.

Sunday night, they had threats of tornados. We even took shelter for a bit. That was a new experience too.

My sweet cousin was able to go in late to work Monday, so we went to breakfast. It had been cold from the storms the night before… But when we were driving, there were little white cotton drops falling from the sky. Snowballs, my cousin called them. I was in awe!

Then, sipping on hot chocolate, my cousin was facing the window – and told me it was really snowing. So, like a child, I ran outside. It was really snowing. It was beautiful! I felt like a kid. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about something since I was a kid.

Setting out for my drive home, there was snow. Then there was more snow. Thirty minutes into it, I started noticing white on trees – and realized that it was snow, sticking to them. I pulled over at a random state park with a forest and man-made waterfall, and it was a winter wonderland of snow. I took back roads to Helen, GA, and snow – of all shapes, sizes, fluff to sleet, followed me. It was incredible. I was in awe. I was crying because of how God had blessed me, crying because it was so white and so pure and such an answer to prayer.

And I would’ve missed it.

Had I gone the way I’d planned – even though I had anxiety, and it was hard – I would’ve missed the magic. I would’ve missed God’s answer to prayer.

But Jesus knew. And He took a lot of spring breakers, Gators fans, and no parking, to throw me off my course – and onto His.

Because He had this answer to prayer in store for me. And if I hadn’t gone the way that felt right, I would’ve missed the miracle.

He sees things we can’t. He knows things we can’t begin to comprehend. What had started out as something incredibly stressful and challenging (on my end and the world’s), turned into one of the most memorable, magical trips of my life. Spending time with family was a blessing. Going and seeing the upside down of God’s creation was a blessing. Seeing the opening of God’s storehouses laden with snow was such an incredible blessing.

Sometimes Jesus throws us off course. Sometimes it takes some really out of the box things to get our attention, to have blessings and answered prayers.

But when you’re walking with Christ? He’ll do it.

He loves us, He pursues us, He never gives up on us.

I’m not sure why He chose now to answer this prayer, but it was His perfect timing. And it was in a way, through a domino effect of circumstances, where I know, without a doubt, it was Him. All Him. Do I truly believe that the Creator of the Universe would have my trip disrupted to put me on a different course so I can be blessed? The Creator of the Universe is my Father. He loves me… and nothing is too hard for Him. Though I am insignificant in this world, I’m His daughter. He knows me. He sees me. And sometimes… He lets it snow.

Watch for Jesus. Next time something doesn’t go the way you planned, go the way that feels right. Walk into His open doors. He just might surprise you.

THE WAY †, 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