Author: Southern Simple Blessed

Welcome Y'all! My name is Davilyn. I am a lifestyle/ travel blogger and a Travel Agent. It is my passion to help you make wonderful memories. I am a wife, mom, and GIA (grandmother)  A Texas Lady living a Southern, Simple, Blessed life. I love the sun, the beach, travel and especially cruising. I'm here to give you a glimpse of my life through travel, tips, photography, and inspirational post. My family and faith are everything to me. Feel free to leave a comment and let's get to know each other. Thank you for visiting and I hope you continue to check out my blog. Enjoying the simple life, Davilyn

Galveston Island: Things to Do

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Travel/Crusing

Hello from Galveston Island!

We have been going to Galveston, Texas for over 30 years. When our children were growing up we went every summer for a week. It’s grown a lot since we first started going. My husband and I still go every couple of months, even if for a day or two.

Our first stop is usually Salsa’s Mexican Food. We love Mexican food, and to us, it’s the best. We order combo fajitas and share because it’s so much food for one person.

There are so many things to do in Galveston.

Pleasure Pier

Side view 

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Moody Gardens is a popular attraction with a large hotel, rain forest pyramid, Aquarium, 4D Special Fx theater, paddlewheel boat cruise. Too many things to list.

Moody Gardens

My FAVORITE seashell gift shop is Murdoch’s over the water. It has a nice Breezeway to sit in, have a drink, if you wish, and look out at the gulf. I’ve seen people during the summer hang a hammock underneath. I have several pictures and can’t share them all but if interested find out more here about Murdochs.

A popular place that tourist like to eat, and we’ve eaten there many times, is Fish Tales. It’s directly across from Pleasure Pier on the Seawall.

But, we have found where the locals eat seafood, and now it’s where we eat. Shrimp N Stuff. There are two locations, one downtown, more for tourist, and the original one, where we like to eat. It’s very casual. You go to counter to order and sit where you want.

They have the best crab cakes and fried oysters.

The Strand Historic District is located downtown, and it definitely needs to be on your to-do list. We love to walk the streets and visit the different boutiques and gift shops. It has a lot of mom and pop cafes, lively entertainment and of course, people watching.

You must go to LaKings for dessert. It’s an old fashion ice-cream and candy shop. You can have an old fashion milkshake, coke float, homemade candies or a latte.

Also, downtown is the cruise port. You can watch the cruise ships sail away or my favorite thing, wave at people as I sail away. Cruise lines with ships that sail from this port include Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. This port is rated as one of the top cruise ports (#4) in the country thanks to all of the activities Galveston Island has to offer. Usually, cruisers stay a couple of days in Galveston.

I took this photo from Pier 23 at the port. Unfortunately, I was not sailing away that day.

The Galveston Seawall is built along the beaches. The sidewalk adjacent to Seawall Boulevard on the south is claimed to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 10.3 miles. All free beaches along the Seawall are kept by the city and have lifeguards. There are many hotels and restaurants up and down the sea wall.

Beach along the Sea Wall

A sunrise view from my hotel balcony

Stewart Beach is an excellent beach for a day trip. The beach is free, but you must pay to park. It has a big gift shop, showers, store, restaurant, and many activities.

Galveston is a great beach vacation. Many things cost money, but there are also many things, like the beach, the strand, cruise pier, Murdoch’s, riding the ferry, just to name a few, that cost nothing at all. It’s a great peaceful, relaxing place. We only live 3 hours away, so we’ve made the trip in a day or have stayed a week.

Galveston host many activities all throughout the year, everything from chili cook-offs, Mardi Gras, motorcycle rallies to a Festival of Lights during Christmas time and more.

Many people visit Galveston each year, either to vacation or cruise.

On the way home, we always stop at Buc-ees. It’s about 15 miles from Galveston, in Texas City. Actually, we stop going to Galveston and going home.

It’s a huge convenience store for snacks, BBQ, drinks, Texas-Themed T-shirts, beach decor and many gifts, not to mention the largest, cleanest restrooms around.

These are just a few things about my home away from home. Contact me if you have any questions or would like any information about Galveston Island.

I couldn’t leave you without at least one of our many pictures together at Galveston beach.

You can join my travel group below.

Lost At Sea Travels

All photos are pictures that I have taken.

Enjoying the Simple Life,

💜Davilyn

Seasons of Life

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Inspirational

There is a time for everything.

“For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Every cold season eventually turns warm. Every storm runs out of rain.

It’s the middle of January and we have experienced many seasons this month, at least here in Texas. This past weekend we had flooding rain, gusty winds, and cold temperatures. Yet today we have beautiful sunny skies and warmer temps. In such a short period of time, God has given us a break in the clouds.

The same is true for life, we have different seasons in life. Right in the middle of a hard season, God will give us a sunny, warmer day. It may not mean the season is completely over but he gives a little break and lets us know that HE is still there.

It’s inevitable that sometimes this life is going to let us down and things are not going as we wish. It’s important to remember that in these difficult times that God will bless us with moments of relief.  Just like winter gives way to Spring, every hard time gives way to better times.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Sometimes these difficult seasons seem like they will never end but they will. A lot of times after the storm itself is over there is still much prayer, healing and work to be done.

I always try to remember Job. He had it rough and never cursed God or left God.

 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 2:9-10

Life may seem like you’re in the depths of winter, but your season will change and Spring will come forth. God is consistent and uses everything for good. If you’re struggling, going through a difficult season, remember God’s timing is better than ours.

We must learn and grow from our difficult seasons.

Think about it, if Spring comes to early it could get hit by a cool snap and kill all of the good.

Wait on the Lord’s timing, Your spring is coming!

I have been in a long difficult season and God has given me breaks with sunshine and relief for short times.

I am ready for a rainbow!🌈

Isn’t it something how even we as adults get excited when we see a rainbow in the sky.

God keeps his promises!

 

💜Davilyn

I BLOG DIFFERENT

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Motivational

I’ve come to realize that I BLOG DIFFERENT. I have read lots of blogs and realized that I’m different from everyone else. To be honest, at first, that bothered me. I thought I was doing everything wrong. I may have an inspirational post, lifestyle, travel, motivational or family blog, my blogs have a lot of MY pictures, and that’s ok. I’ve tried to change the way I do it, but I can never hit publish on those. I was comparing myself to others, and that’s a trap. I’ve read to find your “niche” and stick to that. I’ve seen that mine is variety and very different.

I’ve learned that’s me and this is how I’m supposed to blog. I don’t have to be like everyone else. My squares on Instagram don’t have to have a theme, or my Facebook page doesn’t have to be about one thing. I am different because God made me that way. We are all different. I’m thankful that’s how God made us. We don’t all look or think alike so why should we blog alike? I like things others don’t and vice versa. My goal is to do what God wants me to do and write, Instagram, Facebook what HE wants me to do. I am thankful for this opportunity and platform that he has given me. I’m grateful for you and accepting me the way I am.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So when you read my blog, you never know what you’re going to get until you open it up. Lol. Reminds me of Forrest Gump, “Life’s like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get until you take a bite.” I never know what I’m going to write until it comes. I would like to blog at least twice or more a week, do more Facebook lives and Instagram stories but if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to force it.

The things I do know is that I love Jesus, my family, to write, motivate to travel and to help you book your travels. Now I do have a niche in that, and it’s cruises and beaches/resorts. That’s my expertise!

Until the Lord says something different, I will continue to blog differently. I hope that’s ok. I’m learning to take one day at a time and take nothing for granted.

I hope you stick with me, follow and share my social sites, blogs and travel agency.

I love you all and so grateful for you. I encourage you to be YOU and don’t compare yourself with others.

I’m not fancy; I like t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, cheap sunglasses, and a good ocean view.

What about you; what do you like? Do you compare yourself to others?

Enjoying the Simple Life,

💜Davilyn

Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Motivational

As quick as 2018 come, it left.

It was a year of new and exciting things and hard things. It’s one of my best years and worse years all in one if that makes sense. I started this blog, even though I didn’t get to write as many as I wanted, but I’m thankful I took the step and started.

I also become a travel agent, because I love to travel and help people plan their vacations. I’ve been in the business for 7 months and consider it to be successful thus far.

I am an introvert, and I’ve learned many things about myself, things I need to do and things I need to let go. I have met so many people all over the world, virtually. Even some in person through my travel agency.

This is my dream job!! Thank you for helping make it happen.

It was also a year of many struggles with my health. I’ve had a terrible year with migraines and have had every type of test and medicine available, it seems. I’m now on a preventive shot each month and pray that it works. I’ve only had one shot, as of now. I’m thankful for doctors and medicine, but I do know that my healer is Jesus.

I’m looking forward to 2019 with more blog post, more social media activity on my blog and business sites, a great year in the travel industry and most importantly, healed.

I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and want to do so even more in 2019. I’m also looking forward to helping plan more vacations for you and myself.

I hope you all have a great 2019 and pursue your dreams and passions.

If you make resolutions and/or goals or not, take one day at a time and don’t get upset with yourself if you’re not where you want to be. God’s timing for EVERYTHING is better than anything that we try to do on our own.

I have things in my heart that I want to do, but I will see what the Lord has for me. I’m not going to stress if I don’t meet my goals because I’m giving it to God and know it’s in his hands and timing.

I’m thankful for each one of you and much appreciate your support for both my blog and travel agency. Also, at the bottom of this blog you can “follow” it and leave your email address and it will be delivered right to your email so you never miss a post. Also, be sure to follow my social media sites. I share on them, especially on Facebook.

Southern Simple Blessed Blog and Travel

Lost at Sea Travels

None of this could be possible without you!

At the end of the year, it’s a time to reflect and refresh, even though I do this many times per year. I’m asking God what HE wants for me in 2019.

We make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. Proverbs 16:9

Happy New Year, Friends and wishing you many blessings for 2019.

Enjoying the Simple Life,

💜 Davilyn

Leave me a comment on what your 2018 was like…

Merry Christmas

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Uncategorized

I just want you to know, from our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year❣️

I appreciate your support for the first year of my blog and travel business. I am thankful for every read, comment, like, and share on my blog and social media sites. It means the world to me. So grateful for everyone who allowed me to help plan their vacation and for the referrals. You made my first year successful.

I am honestly so grateful for YOU, and the countless blessings that God has given me, including my supportive husband.

Blessings to you and yours,

Davilyn & Mickey Eberlan

Lost at Sea Travels



Humble and Kind

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Inspirational

It’s a choice to be Humble & Kind!

We used to have on the entrance of our church, “friendly people inside,” it may still be there, I can’t remember since the remodel. I’ve been thinking about that, a lot, with the unfriendly world we live in. We SHOULD have friendly people INSIDE ANY CHURCH, but, we need friendly people OUTSIDE the church too. That may be more important. We need people humble and kind in the store, on the streets and even on social media. It seems people get bold on social media. We need to be careful and mindful of how we treat and talk to people. You never know what someone is going through or has been through and that they may need someone to be friendly to them.

We all have opinions, and not everyone’s is the same, and that’s ok. We are to measure ourselves by the Bible, not other people.

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life…

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:15-16

A smell or fragrance leaves a lasting impression. It can bring back a memory, good or bad, make you think of someone or something.

The sense of smell is my strongest sense. I can smell the slightest thing, a lot of times, before anyone else. I also have allergies to a lot of fragrances and have to take allergy medicine if I come in contact with them. My point, smells (aromas) are potent.

Have you ever smelled something and it took you back to a different time and memory? I can smell a particular fragrance, and it reminds me of someone or someplace. I’ve heard of people holding on to something of someone’s because the smell helps them to remember that person or makes them feel with them.

I love to smell my summer clothes after I’ve used sunscreen, even after they’ve washed I can still smell it.

Aromas can be a good or bad thing.

It doesn’t take much of something that gives off an odor to affect.

Not all smells are good. For instance skunks, you can smell them, especially if they’ve sprayed. Maybe one sprayed one of your animals, or you ran over one on the road. Yuck! It’s hard to get the stinky smell off.

Did you know that believers are called to be the fragrance of Jesus?

We are to be a pleasing, sweet aroma of Christ.

Smells, Aromas, Fragrances whichever you call it, leaves a lasting impression.  We have to be careful and not leave someone with a bad aroma of Christ and leave them with a bad fragrance of religion.

As the aroma of Christ, what fragrance do YOU bring with you?

Lord, please shape my thoughts and actions so people may sense that I have been with You.

Years ago there was a big thing going around WWJD…What Would Jesus Do? It’s something we should think of.  Jesus spoke, and either people believed him or not, he didn’t argue with them. We debate so many things that we can turn people away from God. We leave a bad aroma of Christ with them. Share Jesus with them, be Jesus to them.

How do we give a sweet aroma?

Be like Christ

To be like Christ means we share what people need…HIM

Be Jesus to them!

They need to know Jesus first and foremost.

Be Authentic

Be Consistent 

Our words and our deeds must line up with each other and the Bible.

We have to prepare our hearts and words for the effect they will have on people.

What does it mean to be the fragrance of Christ

Enjoying the Simple Life,

💜 Davilyn 

Carnival Vista: My Tour

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Travel/Crusing

As a travel agent, I got to tour the Carnival Vista. The Vista is one of the biggest ships that Carnival has. The ship set sail May 2016. Its new home port is in Galveston, Texas, only 3 hours away from my home.

This was my first ship tour as a travel agent. I was very blessed to be able to go on this ship inspection because they only allow so many per inspection/tour. I was happy to be approved but also had anxiety. Almost didn’t go. I am an introvert, and it’s tough for me to do things alone, where I know no one! Therefore, this was a big step out of my comfort zone.  I’m so glad that I stepped out. I met so many fellow agents and even stepped out and introduced myself to people. BIG deal for me!

Some of my new friends and fellow travel agents.

I have been on ten Carnival cruises and knew the layout of their ships pretty well. When I walked onto this ship, I was wowed! The lobby/atrium area was so different than the other ships. It was beautiful with the fiber optic aquarium fixture. There is also one in the casino bar area. Missing in the atrium is the glass elevators, that the other ships have.

Beautiful

The Vista is the first ship that has the Havana rooms. Kids must be at least 12 to stay in these cabins. You can choose between a Havana cabana with a patio which has a hammock and lounge chairs. A Havana suite or an interior Havana stateroom. These rooms have their own private pool, hot tub, and outside bar until 7 pm. The Havana restaurant, lounge, bandstand and the bar on the inside is available to all passengers.

Havana Cabana Patio

The Havana Lounge & Bar

The ship is big, and I was a little overwhelmed trying to see everything. I know that I missed some areas of it.

I love the big screen. As you can see the next stop was Montego Bay, Jamaica. This is my favorite route. It goes to Montego Bay, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. All Carnival ships have this big screen on the lido deck. At night, they show first-run movies, under the stars. Usually, the first show is a kid show and the second adult.

The main cabins, Lido deck, pool area, buffet, is about the same as the other ships that I have cruised.  The lido deck is where I live during the day while I’m cruising.

There is something for all ages, from camp carnival for young kids, circle C for young teens, club 02 for older teens, Dr. Seuss, waterworks, sports deck, sky ride.

A sports bar to watch games on so you won’t miss any while you’re out at sea.

 Guys Pig & Anchor BBQ and even though that wasn’t on our schedule, a couple of ladies and I ventured that way, and yes, we did have to taste it. Yummy!! We also got an ice-cream cone on the Lido deck.

The Seafood Shack located on lido deck aft. 

Carnival loves travel agents. They fed us in one of the main dining rooms and gave us a full course meal. The waiters put on a dance show. It was a great experience. They also had drawings for different carnival items, and I won a carnival mouse pad, small I know but I was excited because I never win anything.💙

The ship is big and beautiful, and I love the decor.

The staff was very friendly.

It seemed weird being on a cruise ship without my husband, if for only 4 hours. I would say it was hard to get off, but it wasn’t because he wasn’t with me. He went with me on the trip, dropped me off, and he went to the movies. He’s good like that.

I’ve always loved to travel and for the past 11 years cruise. I love helping others plan/book their vacations.

It’s never too late to start living your dreams. I’m proof of that. I just started my blog in January and my travel agency in May, at 48 years old.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord has blessed me with this blog and becoming a Travel Agent. I’m also a stay at home Gia (grandma). I love being able to help my kids out and spoil my grandbabies while doing this.

Travel, your money will return, your time won’t. Time is short.

I would love to help you plan your vacation. I know a lot of people ask why to use a TA instead of booking themselves online. I have a previous blog about that, you can read here to answer those questions.

Why Use A Travel Agent

 Facebook travel group  Lost At Sea Travels with Davilyn

I have videos of different areas of the ship on my  YouTube channel

Enjoying the simple, blessed & traveling life,

💜Davilyn

Why Use A Travel Agent

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Travel/Crusing

I am often asked, “Why to use a travel agent when I can book online myself?” There are a lot of things we can do ourselves, but we get someone else to do them. Right? I could cut and color my own hair, yet I pay someone to do it. Why? Because I want a professional to do it right. Now think of things you could do yourself, but you get someone else to do. Silly to think about, I know.

Sometimes, travel agents get bad reps. I understand there are probably some that are not as attentive or as good as others, that’s in any business. In fact, at first I wouldn’t call myself a TA, I would say vacation planner or vacation specialist. I thought if I changed the title it would be better. I realized the title doesn’t matter, its whose behind that title that matters. I treat each of my clients as I want to be treated.

Many people think Travel Agents cost more, but they do not. It doesn’t cost you any more to use a travel agent than to book through Expedia, any online site or directly through the company.

Experienced and Trained

Travel agents regularly attend travel industry seminars, conferences, webinars, inspections and most importantly I travel myself, which I love.

Customer Service

No travel website is going to offer you the personal touch that comes from working with a travel agent who has your best interest at heart.

We work for YOU, not a company. You always have direct contact with your Travel Agent instead of being on the phone pressing buttons, on hold and waiting to speak to a random person. We save you time because you’re not searching the internet for hours on the best prices and what to expect while on vacation. We also like to give complimentary gifts and/or extra amenities.

VIP ACCESS

Travel agents have phone lines and connections that you won’t find online or have access too. We receive information from companies that you may not necessarily receive online or by phone.  When I get this information, I pass it along to you or adjust your vacation for the better.

Personal Service

My main niche is cruises and beaches. I have first-hand knowledge and expertise in this area. I can answer individual questions and give you honest and non-biased answers from my own experiences and help you choose what’s best for you. I customize your vacation for you. I help with getting the room you want, rooms near your family, special needs or meal plans, family dinner reservations, help with tours, excursions, parking. I have packing list and blogs for traveling. I let you know what documents you need so you won’t be left behind.

I want my clients to travel prepared and stress-free. I stay in personal contact from the time we first talk, book, travel, return home and beyond.

Using a travel agent comes down really to four things; personalization, your best interest, expertise and saves you time. I’m the one on hold or searching for the best deal for you, so you don’t have too. I’m looking out for your best interest. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find it!!

Also, when you book online or directly through a company, you’re giving the big companies more money, when you book with a travel agent, you’re supporting a small business.

It’s not always an easy job, but I love it and passionate about what I do. I work 7 days a week and almost always available.

I give quotes, help get the best prices & help you with ALL of your vacation needs for a great vacation! I do all of the work so you can have all of the fun💙

The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been and the memories we’ve made along the way.

What story will your vacation tell? I would love to help you plan it.

You can find me on Facebook Lost At Sea Travels, Southern Simple Blessed

email davilyn30@yahoo

I believe we all need to slow down and enjoy our lives.

Enjoying the Simple, Blessed & Traveling Life,

💙 Davilyn

Fall Caribbean Cruise

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Travel/Crusing

This was our first time to take a fall cruise. We did a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. We have now cruised every season. October is a great time to cruise. It was actually warmer than our Spring cruises have been. The only negative thing is its hurricane season. There was one in the Gulf of Mexico and actually hit land the day before we sailed.

Praying for the people affected by Hurricane Michael.

The seas were very calm and beautiful.

We packed as much as we could into this 4-day cruise or maybe I should say, we ate as much as we could within this time. The food is so good. We had Guys burgers, Blue Iguana tacos, Lido buffet food, gourmet dining room food, room service, lots of ice-cream and much more. They definitely feed you well on a cruise. I try not to think of calories while there. On the last sea day was a chocolate extravaganza. Oh my goodness! Delicious! They had anything and everything chocolate.

img_5264

I love to dip my fruit in chocolate. Well, really cover it in chocolate. It’s still healthy, isn’t it?

img_5247-1

There is so much to choose from. I probably gained 5 pounds in those 4 days.

We had a costume night which consisted of a costume parade, photos, costume contest, and a deck party.

Our cruising buddies are our good friends, for over 30 years, which happen to be my brother and sister-in-law.

We had never dressed up in costumes before, and it was fun.

We went on the Carnival Valor, a medium-size ship. I don’t know if it was the size of the ship or the length of the cruise, but it was a fun, intimate community. The staff was friendly and attentive as well.

Cozumel is one of our favorite ports. We’ve been there many times, it’s like a home away from home. The port itself is very lovely, and the beaches are beautiful. The people there are so friendly.

Cozumel, Mexico

We always go to Mr. Sanchos. It’s an all-inclusive beach resort. There is so much to do there, anything from parasailing, snorkeling, jet skis, horseback riding, massages, etc. or you can just relax on the beach all day. Oh, and all you want food and drinks.

Mr. Sanchos Beach Resort

I almost forgot to tell you that we are University of Texas Longhorn fans. We wore our longhorn shirts on the day we boarded and my brother, well, he had to be different and wear a Texas Aggie shirt, the Longhorns rival, even though he’s not really an Aggies fan. Let’s just say, we got asked about our shirts A LOT and they got lots of attention.

      I forgive him! I have too! LOL

I love this view!

It was a great cruise…one of the funnest we’ve had. It’s always good to get away. We love cruising because you can really disconnect from everything. Sometimes we spend so much time working and just life in general, that we forget to enjoy it. I encourage to slow down, have fun and enjoy your life.

The sunsets are beautiful.

If you would like more information about cruising, I would love to help you. I also have a vacation/cruise Facebook group Lost At Sea Travels that you can join.  I am an expert cruiser! 😉

Enjoying The Simple and Cruising Life!

💜 Davilyn

The Palm Tree

by Southern Simple Blessed, posted in Inspirational

Palm trees have always been my favorite tree, they stand tall, secure, and are beautiful. I always take lots of photos of palm trees and have lots of palm tree decor throughout my house.  I have several palm plants, and it’s my goal to plant a palm tree in my yard one day.

     The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree… Psalm 92:12

This photo was taken by me in Nassau, Bahamas

Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a storm? It may bend so much that it’s almost touching the ground, but it always comes back up.

I researched palm trees and found that it gets stronger through the storm.  Isn’t it incredible how much wind, rain, tornadoes, and hurricanes that a palm tree can handle? Palm trees have a different root system than most other trees. Instead of the roots tapering and becoming smaller as they grow farther away from the trunk, palm tree roots stay about the same size. These roots can make their way below the dry, shifting sand to find stability where other trees would not. Because they have heavy fonds and trunks, the roots act as both anchors and feeders to sustain their growth.

Unlike most trees that have a woody, dead outer layer, the entire trunk of a palm is alive, allowing it to be very flexible, bending in hurricane-force winds that would break other trees.

Spending time reading God’s Word, fasting and praying – regardless of your circumstances – will give you strong roots in your faith, ready to weather any storm, just like the palm tree. We will come through the storm with a victory.

God said to flourish like a palm tree!

Maybe he is telling us this because He knew we would go through storms in this life.  He wants our roots to go deep in him so when the storms come and try to blow us over or even break us, that we will be like the palm tree, maybe bend some but not break and always come back stronger.

Simply put, we find strength through storms when we know the Word and do not stray from its commands.

Palms tolerate high temperatures, little rainfall, and high winds. Palms can flourish where other trees would wither and die. God promises that we who serve Him will prosper where others will shrink.

The coconut palm is considered one of the ten most useful trees in the world.  It plays a vital role in the economy and food.  Think about all things coconut. Coconut oil, coconut water, etc. the list goes on and on.

I took this photo on a beach in Cozumel, Mexico.

I love the smell of anything coconut; sunscreen, candles, hair products, lotions, too many things to list, not to mention, eating and drinking anything coconut.

I find so many spiritual meanings behind the palm tree! Weathering the storm, growing stronger, producing fruit, anchoring ourselves in him.

I took this photo on a private island in Cozumel, Mexico

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” ‭‭John‬ ‭12:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

But a far greater symbolic waving of palm branches occurred when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Not fully aware of the symbolic significance of what they were doing, the people were waving Palm branches in advance of Jesus’ victory over death, sin, and the enemy when He died on the cross and rose from the grave.

The next time you see a Palm tree learn to appreciate the season you are in, even if it’s a stormy one! God is using that storm for your good and the benefit of others, all for His glory! When you go through storms of life, remember the palm tree and how it may bend, but it doesn’t break.

I took this picture sitting on the balcony of my hotel in Galveston, as I watched the wind blow and the storms come. I watched the palms blow and how beautiful and stout they were. It peaked my interest to research the tree, and that sparked this article. I hope you have enjoyed it and will see palm trees differently and know that you will get through your storms in life, stronger.

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on this.

Enjoying The Simple Life,

💜 Davilyn