Reflecting on HOPE

Recently, the topic of HOPE has been at the centre of my thoughts, my prayers and our family conversations.

At our Friday night church service, the visiting pastor spoke on HOPE! Coincidence? I really don't think so!

I'm struggling to string together some meaningful words of my own -- So, I am going to share with you some of my images, and some favourite "hope" quotes, that I feel portray the idea of HOPE...

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." ~ Joseph Addison

In reflection, I believe that HOPE means having faith to believe things can change for the better.

“A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.” ~ Geraldine Solon

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

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Smile And Be Grateful Anyway

Helen Keller famously quoted:

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Life wasn't meant to be easy. In fact, sometimes it can be incredibly difficult but that doesn't mean we have to spend our lives being miserable and ungrateful.

Just like this stormy day at the beach, we can either give in to the weather and allow the crashing waves to drown us or we can make the choice NOT to allow our circumstances to control our lives and affect our happiness.

I often have to remind myself that the "trial and suffering" I have experienced over the years has a purpose. It doesn't make it any easier to bear, but it is important to remember the bigger picture. 

It is important to remain in a state of gratitude for what I have, rather than to focus on what I have lost. It's important to find other reasons to smile and I have so many more of those!

One day, I am sure the answers will be revealed. But until then, I will wait patiently, I will watch from afar, I will allow myself to be stretched and strengthened -- I will allow my character to be developed and I will hold fast to the promise:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
~ Romans 8:28

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What Makes You Happy??

Over at Focusing On Life this week, Deanna wrote a post titled Money Can't Buy Happiness... This got me thinking about my own happiness, and what really makes me happy.

True happiness does not come from financial status or material possessions... These things can come and go. You cannot put a price tag on true happiness.

North Burleigh Beach, QLD

I believe that:
Happiness comes from your attitude to life; how you look at life not only when circumstances are great but also when they are difficult.
Happiness is also directly related to how grateful you are.
I have never been in the situation of having a lot of money or possessions. However, every day I choose to be grateful for what I have. I am thankful that we are able to pay our bills every week. I am thankful that we can eat healthy food and have the things in life we need.
Basically I am grateful for God's provision for our needs.

Currumbin Beach, QLD, looking towards Currumbin Rock

I am grateful that I have a wonderful family; my parents, my 4 siblings, my husband, our 9 children, their partners, and my grandchildren.
Although it is incredibly difficult, I am grateful for those family members who have estranged themselves from our family. I pray daily for restoration of relationships so our family can be whole.
I am grateful for my wonderful friends, who constantly encourage me and keep me grounded.
I have people in my life (both family and friends) who encourage me to be the best I can, and love me for who I am. It is these people who I choose to enjoy life with. They are the ones I am blessed to share memories with; and it is those memories that bring me great joy!

Kirra Beach, QLD

I am surrounded by the beauty of nature, which I can see, hear, touch, smell and photograph. My photography allows me to capture moments of that beauty -- for that I am incredibly grateful!
I have my faith, which provides me with comfort, peace, joy and love. I am blessed!

Kirra Beach, QLD

So, in short, my happiness is a direct result of my gratitude.
The things that really make me happy are my faith, God's provision, my family, friends, creating memories, nature, and photography.


WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY??

        

Wild Bird Wednesday: Grey Fantail

The Grey Fantail is found in most treed habitats throughout Australia.
It is most easily recognised by its constantly fanned tail and agile aerial twists and turns.

Both sexes are similar in appearance: grey above, with white eyebrow, throat and tail edges.

This species is quite inquisitive and will closely approach an observer.

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Focusing On Life: Quality Time, Creating Memories

Late last year, my parents flew up to Brisbane to visit us as well as spending a week at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Michael & I stayed with them for 4 days. It was a welcome break away for us all, and the weather was perfect!

On the Monday, while Dad & Michael went ocean fishing, Mum & I took a walk along the boardwalk on Noosa's main beach and enjoyed some mother-daughter time...

I am incredibly grateful for the time away that we had with Mum and Dad. We don't see them often as almost 2000 km separates us, and I miss them terribly. Although they are both in their 80's now, they are still healthy and still working!!
I value highly my time with my parents once or twice a year... I wish it could be longer and more often. Quality time & creating memories is what I love about time spent with family.



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Love, Forgiveness & Gratitude

LOVE:
REAL love is unconditional, loyal, kind, honest...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

FORGIVENESS:
Don't hold grudges, instead forgive so you can be free, so you can have peace and happiness.

"If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive." - Mother Theresa

GRATITUDE:
Finding gratitude not only in the good times, but even in the difficult times. There is so much to be thankful for no matter what the circumstances of life may bring. Finding thankfulness in the hard stuff brings blessing & joy.

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." - Brian Tracy

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present….Gratefully" - Maya Angelou


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Moody Shorncliffe

Over the last 4 1/2 years since I bought my DSLR, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with other photographers around south-east Queensland and New South Wales. It has been a great experience to connect with like-minded people and to learn a little more about shooting in certain conditions.

One thing I have noticed is that so many photographers are obsessed with "chasing colour" and anything less than extremely brilliant sunrises and sunsets aren't worth shooting.

I am passionate about shooting landscapes, no matter how stunning the sunrises & sunsets are. I am just as happy with the bright reds, oranges & yellows of an intense sunrise or sunset as I am with the pastel mauves, pinks and blues of a moody one.

I also love shooting during the day, capturing the contrasts of green landscapes & blue skies.

Below is a moody sunrise taken at Shorncliffe Pier back in 2014... I loved the pastel hues. This pier is currently being fully refurbished to preserve this slice of history.

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