Contentment

Life has been full the past month!

We have been deeply rooted in Homeschooling... the progress of daily effort that comes from striving to build our intellect and character.  Our days seem to stream together, one after the other, in quiet, purposeful fellowship... Sarah, Thomas and I.

The Sydney Aquarium Shark tank... 

where you can get close up views of the Great White Shark.

We were glad there was a thick layer of glass between us and them!

My husband has been traveling a large portion of this time, and, it has been raining almost every day... all Summer long it seems.   In-spite of the rain,  we have had opportunities to visit the Sydney Aquarium and the Taronga Zoo...we have also enjoyed sweet fellowship with wonderful friends... and even managed a lovely sun filled day at the beach!

 Learning about all the things that wash up on the local beach... 

 A Port Jackson Shark Egg...

Through it all, we have been contemplating what it means to be content. The past few months have been a challenge as we have been learning to let go of the comfort of the past and gain an appreciation for the new challenges and adventure in life God has brought us to. Moving seems to always upset the apple cart of life... it tests our faith and our resolve to live in joy...

 A Kookaburra enjoying the wildlife at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney

The amazing view of Sydney from the Zoo!

When grumbling begins... and it always does, we have been purposeful about reminding each other to be content in all things and in all circumstances... like Paul.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

whether living in plenty or in want.  

I can do everything through him who gives me strength."   

Philippians 4:11-13

 

So, when we see another "rainy day" forecast, we must find a way to rest in God's sovereignty over all things... and wait... with joy that comes from hope, knowing and trusting that God will provide for all our needs.

A Wonderful Birthday Weekend!

This weekend was such a treat!

 A beautifully set table...

It started off with a fabulous gourmet meal lovingly prepared by my daughter and her dear friend...

 Sarah and Anna

What a joy to see the two young girls working together in the kitchen!

They spent time planning out the menu, shopping for the groceries, and preparing each course with careful thought and attention to detail.

"The Menu"

Italian Bread stuffed with 

Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Cheese

Mixed Green Salad

Chicken Rollatini

and for dessert...

 Carmel and Chocolate Tart topped 

with cream and fresh berries

Beautiful Presentation...

We all enjoyed the fabulous meal and wonderful fellowship and are looking forward to the next one!  

This weekend also included a short trip out of the city... We headed inland toward the Blue Mountains for a day of exploration and enjoyed "bush walks" in lush fern forests and beautiful, quiet, countryside.

Waterfalls near Leura

We stayed near the town of Leura.  From there we were able to head over to Katoomba and Echo Point for a view of the "Three Sisters".

Morning Mist Burning off of the Valley Floor

The Three Sisters at Echo Point

A curious Currawong

 A Native Australian Aboriginal playing the "Didgeridoo"

We wound our way around the mountain, exploring Historic sites like Hartley Village and followed the old Zig Zag Railway for a few kilometers... We also admired the quiet little communities and estates in Mount Wilson.

 The beautiful grounds of St. Georges Anglican Church in Mount Wilson

The road less traveled...

Waterfalls near Mount Wilson

 

We ended our tour of the area visiting the Botanical Gardens of Mount Tomah... overlooking the Hunter Valley in the far distance... and perhaps inviting us to a future weekend adventure!
 

 Sarah and her sketch book...

 Her subject, a "Blue Mountains Water Skink"

 The gardens and beyond...

Thoughts on a New Year

It is mid January...and I am slowly warming up to the idea of setting my heart toward new goals and reminiscing another year gone by.  Some years I am eager to set a fresh and brisk pace for the New Year....Wipe the slate clean and start over!

This year is different. Perhaps, being in the midst of lovely summer weather, has put me in a different (and perhaps better) frame of mind... to slow down and just be content with today...Perhaps, it is an attempt to slow down the rate at which time seems to pass... the older I get... (this year my sweet baby girl is turning 13!)

As I contemplate setting goals and making plans in the new year for myself and my family, I am reminded that:

"In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps..." Proverbs 16:9

"Many the plans are in a man's heart, 

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails..." Proverbs 19:21

Last year, around this time, living in Australia was the furthest thing on my mind! I had no idea that this was the course God had planned for my husband and our family. Yet, God has been preparing my heart for this adventure over the past few years... teaching me to trust Him more... purifying me...showing me time and time again His faithfulness in difficult circumstances, and walking along side me in the good, as well as the very difficult, things life throws at us.


I have been learning to seek Joy in all circumstances, not just the happy and comfortable ones... I think the more uncomfortable I am, the more Joy-filled I should strive to become...this is the hard part. I am a perfection seeker. I like things to be just right... when circumstances are out of control... I feel the opposite of Joy-filled.

I have had my share of out of control moments this past year... and, I think that God has blessed me through every single one of them.  Honestly,  I have not behaved in an attitude of Joy through them all... I have had my moments of trust, as well as many more moments of panic, doubt, and "why me".  Yet, God blesses me in spite of my weakness... my joy is complete in Him.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, 

not lacking anything..." James 1:2-3

As for New Year's resolutions... I have a few... but the most important is to continue to walk in Joy...

Whale Beach

How did we spend our weekend before Christmas?

(Don't be jealous...)

We've been relaxing on the beach...
 

No last minute shopping for us...

Sorry if your Christmas card is a bit late this year.


We have been preoccupied with...

    Blue Bottle Jelly Fish

Watching the kids play in the sand...



Watching the pounding surf rushing in and out...



Enjoying the warming days of  Summer...

 Slowing down to savor the moment.

We are falling in love with the beaches of Australia... they are so pristine and beautiful!

The one downside is the amount of people who flock to them on the weekends!  Yet, the further out one drives away from the city, the more quiet and peacefull they become...

We have a favorite for now... we will most likely escape to it when ever possible...



It's our little secret...
  

Oh Christmas Tree...

It may be summer here...

But we have been busy this week trimming the tree and decking the halls...

It is safe to say we will definitely be dreaming of a white Christmas this year...

As is our tradition, we are taking this time to reflect and be purposeful...  Life is full and it is always good to take some time to be still... "O Come O Come Immanuel" is on our lips as we celebrate the gift of "God With Us".