Noosa Beauty

While on a short holiday in Noosa Heads with my husband last year, we took a short walk along the first section of the boardwalk along the headland. Come and join me if you like...

First Point, looking north-east...

First Point, looking west...

The clear blue-green water was inviting, to say the least...

Little Cove Beach is a 100m long pocket of north-west facing sand lying just 100m east of  Noosa Main Beach, around Johnson Point.

The perfect day for reflections in the sand when the tide was out...

Back on Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Main Beach reflections in the glass fence of Fairshore Noosa Beachfront Apartments (we didn't stay there but it does look very inviting!!)

What a fantastic day!!

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Beauty & the "Beast"

"The earth laughs in flowers." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

A quiet stroll in the gardens, in the warm afternoon sun.

Camera in hand, capturing the beauty of nature around me.

Colour abounds around every corner...

The intricate details, an incredible sight.

I step back a little for a different perspective.

And then I see it:
Something entirely different, among the beauty; lazing in the warm afternoon sun, almost prehistoric looking. He too, is enjoying the beauty of nature.

His elaborate details and patterns, proof that creation isn't just an accident but the handiwork of God, the Master Creator.

PS. I don't really think he's a beast! I find Eastern Water Dragons fascinating!


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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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