I Dream Along a Tranquil Shore

Christian, nature, photography, poetry 1 Minute

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I Dream Along a Tranquil Shore

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I dream along a tranquil shore

a quiet rest between the waves

that crash upon this shore of life

to wash away all tear-stained days

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My heart seeks solace on the wings

of those who’ve braved the biggest storms

and yet have landed without harm

their souls intact and barely worn

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I listen closely to their call

and hear the notes of Love’s refrain

that I need face the tides of life

for there’s no glory without pain

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That I should close my eyes to Love

and wish for ease knowing it’s wrong

will stunt my wings so I won’t fly

and I would miss the ocean’s song.

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Wendy ❀ 2014

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This post is born from having walked on Williams Beach

last Sunday and by some questions I had recently asked God.

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Later, after the walk,

I listened to an old interview with the author, P.D. James, on CBC radio

where she shared how having pain in her early years

probably made her a better writer. 

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God gives every bird his worm,

but He does not throw it into the nest.

~ P.D. James

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P.D. James died last week at the age of 94.

She had written many mystery novels

and won numerous awards.

As I listened to her speak, my eyes welled up with tears 

because she spoke of writing not just typical mysteries,

but novels that dug deep into the human heart. 

She wanted her characters to have been changed in some way

by the end of the book.

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I think change is good.

Especially if it entails growth.

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Have you ever listened to an interview

and heard your own heart being expressed?

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What the detective story is about is not murder

but the restoration of order.

~ P.D. James

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To him who  hides away overcomes,

I will give the right to eat from the tree of life,

which is in the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7

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Bold Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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Have you read an inspiring novel lately?

What did you like best about it?

Did the main characters grow? 

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Published by Wendy L. Macdonald

Living for Jesus, loving Him, and listening for His voice bring me great joy. I'm an inspirational writer, blogger, and podcaster who also loves to photograph creation. ~ My faith is not shallow because I've been rescued from the deep. ~ Blessings ~ Wendy ❀ http://www.wendylmacdonald.com

Published

69 thoughts on “I Dream Along a Tranquil Shore”

    1. Thank you, dear Heather. ❀ My daughter recently read The Book Thief. Like me, she prefers happy endings–so when she mentioned that to her online home-school teacher, the teacher asked her to write an alternative final chapter. She got a “A” on it.

      Wish I would have been that good of a writer at her age. Go daughter go!

      The book is now on my to-be-read list.

      Reply

  5. I really enjoyed this post, Wendy. I will have to check out some books by P.D. James. I just read a murder mystery by Charlaine Harris–Shakespeare’s Christmas–and am pleased that the author brought about some positive changes in her characters that serve well as encouragement to her readers. I’m sure your writing aims to do the same! Blessings to you, my writing friend! ~ Laura

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Laura. P.D. James loved Jane Austen. Her book: Death Comes to Pemberly is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I would say she uses a literary pen to write with. I’ve just started her book: Shroud for a Nightingale.

      Reply

  7. There is so much wisdom in this post. I really liked this quote:

    “What the detective story is about is not murder

    but the restoration of order. ”

    I just loved this:

    “I dream along a tranquil shore

    a quiet rest between the waves

    that crash upon this shore of life

    to wash away all tear-stained days”

    It is my prayer today that I might grow from who I am to who I might be,

    Blessings,
    Theresa

    Reply

  8. Wendy, I’m blessed by your perspective on nature and on the promises of our Heavenly Father.
    Like you, I want to write novels that dig deep into the human heart. I believe our experiences with pain give us a greater sensitivity to connect with our future reader.
    I recently finished The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance. I appreciated the way her characters wrestled with their faith, but always with their face toward God.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Jenni. You’ve got me curious about The Covered Deep. Love that title. I agree that the best books have the main protagonist facing the Light (at least by the end of the book).

      I have a fondness for stories with a returning prodigal theme. ❀ I’m so thankful for a God that never gives up on a lost lamb (even the ones that have wallowed in the pig’s pen). Been there–done that.

      Reply

  10. Wendy, I wish you well, with what ever is in your heart to write about. Life works slo sea changes on all if us. If it helps, remember that sometimes character changes look worse before they get better which is why real life gets so complicated at times. Looking forward to your next posts.

    Reply

    1. So true that “character changes look worse before they get better.” I think it’s like building a house. The foundation hole needs to be dug deep before the footings can be made. And what a messy process. ❀

      Reply

  12. WOW, another powerful post Wendy. I didn’t know so much about PD James–but I relate: that if I ever finish my novel, it is about how the characters evolve and grow. God bless you today.

    Reply

  14. Wendy, I felt comforted after reading this post. Thank You
    Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
    shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty;
    Tranquility sublime.

    Reply

  17. Gosh, Wendy . . .the photos alone really minister to me and when combined with your poem, I am drawn closer to Him and to seeking Him to grow me. Thank you and God bless!

    Reply

  19. Wendy love your words and images and the quote from PD James about novels that dig deep into the human heart and create characters that grow and change. We connect with them and resonate with their struggles. Because humans all learn and grow, some more than others. Happy writing day to you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Kath. Your words “some more than others” made me smile. Growing is not for the faint-of-heart. A recent on-line video I watched blessed me because the big name person shared both his struggles and his successes. Yes, we resonate with others who share from the soul. Blessings on your creativity. ❀

      Reply

  20. Beautiful post Wendy both photos and poem, in which you have answered your own questions wonderfully.
    It was pain that brought me to write poetry. I doubt I would have got here any other way. And I totally agree that change is good when it leads to growth. I have grown both through the changes I had to make to recover from alcoholism and the changes in my life sine my MS diagnosis and subsequent physical deterioration. I have a much deeper sense of who I am and a very intense and passionate relationship with nature. Thank you for this lovely post.. x

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Christine. xo Writing from a place of pathos is definitely magical. And nature draws me into a place of wonder where I’m intrigued about the One who has made such finely detailed living and breathing art. I admire your courage and growth. ❀ It’s stories like yours that inspire others to make steps toward positive change.

      Reply

  21. “She shared how having pain in her early years probably made her a better writer.” I not only think it is probable, I think it is essential. For a writer to understand suffering they must endure adversity, so they can put it into words that others can relate to. Somehow I don’t think you would sound genuine if you didn’t actually experience some sort of hardship.

    Reply

  24. Beautiful, Wendy. Your pictures are beautiful, too. I haven’t been reading as much lately … mostly reading writing craft books. And praying for that next idea … path. You bless me.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, dear Shelli. It has been a season of reading writing craft books for me too (with sprinkles of fiction and memoir reading here and there).

      I downloaded a sample reading of A Gift Worth Keeping… and it has been blessing me. I needed to read this and now have it on my Amazon wishlist. ❀ I’m also praying for His direction.

      Reply

    1. I heard her read out a portion of one of her murder mysteries, and it was not for the faint of heart. It was a bit graphic; but not in a gratuitous way. She was simply showing what the poor characters had stumbled upon. I think she had a profound respect for human life. ❀

      Reply

    1. Grantchester looks like an intriguing series. I wish I could see it here–but first I’d need to get cable and tv. I’m afraid I’m a book person unless it’s on YouTube or DVD. 🙂

      Reply

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