Simple things

 This photograph, taken at twilight on the Puget Sound off our boat with just Lance and  I on board, is one of my favorites. I can almost feel the chilly air and the scent of seawater wafts by. To some it’s  just a picture of a fishing pole, but to me, so much more. 

It’s a simple thing. Isn’t it? The water, fishing, the water. But it’s enough to make my heart calm and for a moment, whatever troubles me leaves. Peace.

Since moving to Australia life has been tumultuous. Lots of change raises the stress level, which also raises the cortisol hormone. I’ve gained back five of the fifty pounds I lost last year. I need a lot of things that will calm, comfort and soothe me and it shouldn’t be in the form or ice cream, cake or chocolate, (although the chocolate here is amazing). Life would be easier if I could wade through it in a sort of calorie induced haze, but I’m not going back to that again. So, I pray, a lot, about what the Lord would have me do. How to best handle all these emotions? He has the answers.

He sent me to something He introduced me to about two years ago; learning something new. When life gets a little crazy, life vision gets a little hazy….I either learn something new, or fine tune something I’m learning.. Most recently it’s been photography and knitting. Thus the picture of the fishing pole, and the knitted baby blankets for the new grandbabies. And, all the while I’m reminded that even though my life may seem chaotic, my cortisol levels may raise, I might be on the verge of tears, there are simple things I can do to resolve all that. Prayer. Love. Peace, and for me, photography and knitting.  Takes me to a different place. A quiet place.

You might not have the same stresses I do, but unless you’re dead, you do have stresses. And, I’m not sure you’re interested in knitting or photography, but if you spend time with Jesus and ask Him to direct you to a new thing, He’ll show you. This can be your simple thing to do in a simple place, even if just for a few minutes. Here you can find peace, calm and rest.

The best thing about finding and learning new simple things, is, if you do it with Jesus, then you won’t be alone, and you won’t be afraid and you will feel loved because He will never fail you. No matter where you live, or what you’re going through. He is there.

The Barking Gekko

2011 has been eventful. Our new homeland has undergone the worst flooding since 1974. Thankfully the Lord did NOT let us rent that riverfront highrise apartment. Lance is working from home now as his building was also riverfront and subsequently underwater. He does get out and see clients though, so that’s been good for him. The locals have developed something called the Mud Army, and they do exactly what the name implies : attack mud. Good on them!

During the nights of massive rain Lance and I were kept awake by the most beyond irritating noise from the yard. We don’t know for sure if it was a bird, or a lizard, or a toad – we did find a little green frog floating in the pool one day, but we’re not sure it was him either. It was an awful sound, a mix between a screech, a scream, a squawk and a very loud cry. I just learned it maybe a Barking Gekko. If I’d know he was such a cutie I probably wouldn’t have been so angry!

Pretty cute!

So, now, there is a critter in the front yard, who, sounds like he’s barking, but it’s more raspy. We’ve seen two lizards and a skink out there, who knows what else is living in the area we can’t see!? The adventures of living in Australia.

The move has taken its toll on my ‘new self’ too. I’ve gained five pounds and much of the hard work I did last year is gone. Flab has taken over where semi-muscle was. And, because my workout schedule was so intense before I left, my mind/body/soul was adjusted to the endorphins. Since moving, there’s been no endorphins which could completely explain the crying and the anger. Either that or I’m going through the grieving process…which is also entirely understandable as my life has so completely been turned on its head! or rear, since everything down here is opposite of which I’m used to.

So, Barking Gekko, an extra six pounds and flab. Ah, sounds like paradise.

But, as God does, He’s blessed us with a lovely church. We found it online and were intrigued by their claim to be a ‘motley crew’ .  After visiting numerous churches this church had folks who actually made us feel like we belonged and were welcome. It was delightful and fulfilling and healing. Thanks South Pine! See you on Sunday!

Thursday night is our date night. Tomorrow! I can harldy wait! And, though the gekko’s been a little quiet these past few nights, maybe he’ll pop out and screech us a little song?

Queensland Flood 2011 or Why we moved to the Sunshine State.

Queensland Flood 2011 or Why we moved to the Sunshine State..