Bahama Blessings

What more could you ask for?  A week in Beautiful Bahamas.  SO BLESSED!

Bahama blessings:

Safe journey

In flight movie to pass the time

Blast of hot night air as we stepped off the plane in Bahamas 

Wall mural “Relax you are in the Bahamas”

Familiar Bahamian accent of the tour guides and bus driver 

First sight of the resort 

Settled in -we are here!

Toss off the heavy clothes in exchange for shorts, a tank and flip flops 

Hot, cheesy, thin crust pizza at 11:30 

Walk around the resort in the warm night air 

Relaxing on the beach in a lounging chair – knowing it is after midnight at home 

Sounds and colour of the disco 

Bed, soft, comfortable, ours for a week 

Nighty Nite……

Bahama Blessings:

Bahamas in the daylight

Everything is green, bright red and yellow flowers 

Birds chirp us awake 

Breakfast, unhurried and made by others hands 

Hot tea, sipped without hurry 

Rain, light and warm 

Thunder and lightening – the heavens open – watching from the room 

The birds sing through…….

Leisurely unpacking

Unexpected cat nap

No where to go, no where to be – just here 

Waiting – waiting on the weather, waiting on the day, waiting on the Lord in this 7 days of blessed quietness and reprieve from the rush of life 

Everything here moves slowly and so too will I for this time

And the day moves on- the rain stops and the sun comes out – bright, hot, beautiful.

Leisurely lunch had and preparations made for the beach 

Bright blue beach loungers pop against the brilliant white sand, under leafy huts for shade. …side by side with fabric covered cabanas…..all looking toward the turquoise sea- the surf pounds 

The beach a visual paradise of colours and shapes as people dot the landscape….children wrapped in beach towels run and twirl and little ones in colourful bathing attire and hats play in the white sand at the edge of the water

And so we stop…..chose a spot and stop…..stop reading, stop thinking, stop moving and rest in the heat of the sun

Lazy thoughts and daydreams and thanks on my lips 

And warmth invades my body and my mind 

And I am blessed.

And time passes

A walk the length of the beach to the left – endless white sand and unique swirls of turquoise and dark blue water 

Pops of colour in the distant on the water – kayaks and parasailing

Beach snacks……mid afternoon hot dog and fries….greasy, hot, good. 

The birds on the beach noisy with anticipation of food

Fat gecko underfoot.

Afternoon nap – heated and sleepy

Supper again – beach walking, watching children fascinated with the giant outdoor chessboard – moving chess pieces as tall as they are – joy and delight on their faces – innocent and thankful of the little things

Ladies dressed in a colourful array of sun wear – little girls in sun dresses dance in the evening, twirling and singing

Pre Michael Jackson show in the theater –

Diana Ross “I will survive” – little girl takes the front below the stage and shines – a mini Diana Ross – no shame, just joy as she sings and points – 

Michael Jackson – very cool set -show begins –  sequins and one glove, intricate footwork, sincere, brightly coloured dancers. 

Circus ending – dancers in white and blue sequins and a tiny dancer up on a hoop in the air above the stage – moving effortlessly through the ring – no net, no safety, no fear – life in one fluid motion.

Soon for bed……we pass the disco – lights flashing brightly, music loud – we pause and watch………the air is still warm and full of life as we make our way along lit paths to our room. 

Time for sleep.  I drift with thanks on my lips – despite the anxiety that rises in my chest 

The Lord is gracious and will keep me  -He has granted me life and called me to this journey – and has blessed me with this time of warmth and rest in the beautiful Bahamas.

“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance The Lord will bring you today.” Exodus 14:13

Sliver of light enters the room

Heavy with sleep and the warmth of the morning 

Easter has arrived – HE is RISEN!  Hallelujah!

Anxiety from the night lingers but Jesus is Victorious – so therefore I am victorious.  

I will not be ruled by the chemicals in my mind – I believe!

Breakfast comes – faces are more familiar – sleepy children moving slowly through the motions, follow closely by parents 

An early game of chess occupies a group of adults (young at heart) and the ping pong tables are full 

Back in our room we greet the day with morning devotions and a cup of hot tea on the patio 

Little birds eat grass at our feet and chirp their morning praise 

There is a breeze and the clouds are heavy – the air is fresh and new

Reflecting on the morning – it is hard to be away from family at Easter – a time of celebration -but The Lord has granted us this blessed time away and we are thankful

Philippians 1:6 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and from The Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making requests with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I am a work in progress – He has already done a great work in me – and I know that He will complete it in His time and His way.

Late morning and the sun splits the sky. He is RISEN INDEED! It is resurrection Sunday.

Off to lunch and then preparations made for an afternoon on the beach.

Lotion and hats and books and off we go. 

Lounging chairs, sea and sand and sky. 

Alone together, side by side in the midst of so many people. 

Sun baked and content.

Time for a swim…..the water cool and silky as we wade in…..turquoise blue, brilliant in the sun

Clear, almost translucent fish swim at our feet…children squeal nearby in excitement as the fish draw near. The water is cold on our hot skin…..until we get in and then it is delightful.  

We swim and float and enjoy….so far from the -2 degrees we left behind at home.  

And yet in many ways this is home for us as well…..beautiful Bahamas…..land of sun and sea and sand

Where I first tasted spiritual freedom and the joy of dance…..10 years have past and The Lord has brought me through a long and winding path back to this place once again. And for this I am thankful!

A long walk on the beach to wrap up the afternoon and we head back to our room. 

Afternoon naps are a luxury and becoming a blessed habit in this place.

Supper over and another day passes on. 

A familiar voice on the other end of the phone calls me precious and speaks words of love and encouragement into my heart and my spirit.

The evening sky is clear, clouds having misted and refreshed the earth earlier, and now the stars are bright and clear and the breeze soft and refreshing

I sit on the patio and breath….just breath…..He is, I am His…..the day will come when all is clear….for now I will press on and press in. “The Lord gives and The Lord take to away, blessed be the name of The Lord.”

What better way to wake up on a Monday morning then in the Bahamas.  

Slightly cloudy this morning which is perfectly acceptable when it is a warm cloudy morning.   

A more leisurely start to the day, a later breakfast and then all ready for an adventure. 

Off to Garden Groves for a walking tour. 

Our mode of travel for the day…..bicycles…..yes bicycles!  

There is a light mist in the air as we start off…..red bikes…..a  bit old…but sturdy, a small backpack and our map and off we go. 

Oh the feel of the wind in my face as we travel down the road……freedom in the Bahamas! 

It really is about the little things…..

Wind

Moving quickly

Unknown territory, stopping frequently to walk out the cramped legs and check the map 

Heavy mist cool against the drops of sweat on my face 

And we arrive…just when I thought my legs would give out 

A beautiful walk through the Garden of the Groves

 Interesting birds and trees and flowers of all kinds….all new 

Turtles lounging in the sun, back legs spread out behind them 

Prayer labyrinth, in the trees, beautiful in its simplicity and in the intricate pathways of its lines

I walk quietly, focused on the lines and The Lord…….breathing in deeply His blessings and grace 

Chapel in the trees….beautiful in sea blue and crisp white, soft, quiet, profound, wooden pews and alter……simple, complex, feels like home 

The rain falls heavy now….we find refuge here from the storm 

Rain lightens and we continue on….

Shops in the garden….straw goods for family…love the barter and banter 

Heading for home 

Bike feels good on the legs….pumping steadily 

The rain falls misty at first and then steady 

Water drips off our faces and our arms…….warm and new and free 

We bike on 

In the Bahamas…..worries are different here…no matter that we are wet….we are here and alive and living 

A late lunch and afternoon on the beach 

Windy but warm 

Sand and sea and sky……oh to be able to take it home

 Pool and hot tub and back to the room 

Afternoon nap time – I have napped more here in 3 days then I have in a year at home….

My body is refreshing….restoring, finding renewal in the day, the evening, the sun and the rest 

Supper again…we seem to be eating and sleeping a lot……

Evening is falling….the sun sets and darkness falls lightly and slowly 

The time moves slowly here…..expanded, stretched……..time to rest and play and still time left over……..I will redeem the time…..He is redeeming the time as His word has promised……renewing, refreshing….I am yours and you are mine…..rest My Child and redeem the time.

Mountains in the clouds, a dark red/purple behind the white….birds sing goodnight farewells in the dark 

In the midst of it all and yet not part of it 

Quiet and set apart

Evening show – Grease – so well done and funny – so appreciate the time and effort those that work here put into making our time enjoyable and entertaining 

The choreography was amazing.

Late walk back to our room, clear skies…..air heavy with the heat……intoxicating smell of flowers fills the air…..lilacs and roses or some combination there of although i see neither.  I breath deeply again and again as if to cement this moment in my mind forever.

Off to sleep – good night Bahamas.  Thank you for allowing us to stay for a time and call you home!

Good Morning Bahamas – you arrived bright and sunny and warm and it is not even time for breakfast yet.

Breakfast and now tea and devotions on the patio, shaded from the sun but embraced by her warmth.  Another guilty pleasure…..but why guilty?  

The Lord calls us to be blessed – so no guilt, just grace and thanksgiving.

“Rejoice in The Lord always; and again I say rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men,  The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7

This day I will hold nothing back out of fear or uncertainty. 

I will live, breath and experience all that The Lord has for me – with words of praise and thanksgiving on my lips.

And the day goes on….more sun, more sand, more sea….floating is effortless in the water here…silky, smooth, salty…….floating feels like flying…..only less effort and even more smooth…..weightless…..no worries……no striving, no effort, just let it go.

Another afternoon nap……..what will I do when reality comes?  

No worries until then……

Supper and an evening stroll and some couple pictures…….sundress, flip flops and holding hands with my hubby….love, love, love.

Evening comedy show lends levity to the day…….laugh out loud and breathe.

And bedtime comes again….the night is still warm and I am comfortable in my skin….here in the Bahamas….where everything is better and all things are possible.

Bahama Blessings

Good Wednesday morning Bahamas!

Breakfast and off for another biking adventure…back to the Garden of the Groves to do a bit of shopping….

The air is hot, the sun bright and the bicycles free…..we drive fast and hubby pulls up beside me and says, “I feel free” to which I reply “me too!” 

And indeed we are…free of time and work and responsibility…….time moves so slow here and we wonder each day, how do we bring this unhurried slowed down time home with us? 

How do we stretch the day?

Redeem the time? 

Make it work better? 

Take on less, focus more on what we are doing, take time to breathe…………be thankful and shout out our blessings every chance we get…….

We are back at the straw shop….the same woman is there from Monday with greetings of blessings….we shop…….and laugh…..not many around but us….a God appointment as I leave hubby and her to talk and sit on the bench outside…..they talk of spiritual things…he an answer to her morning prayers…she an answer to mine….I catch only words and phrases but inside the Spirit moves and a tear falls down one cheek…i know this is a God moment…in the Bahamas, so far from home…they are finishing their chat and she takes his hand and calls for me…she holds us tight and prays for blessing and anointing and calls forth the Holy Spirit in our Church, a move of God….she hugs me tight and squeezes my hand and says “be encouraged” as we say goodbye.  God is faithful and gracious….

Back home, to the beach…..sun and a swim. I will never forget the sensation of floating in the Bahamas….a spiritual experience at the very least.

A stint in the hot tub and yet another afternoon nap. 

Late supper and a quick check in with the world……

Freezing rain and snow for home tomorrow……..

We lounge on cushioned couches like we belong here….but we do 

In the sun…..here for such a time as this….sun and water and rest and God appointments…….

Bahama pictures to help us remember how beautiful we were in the slowed down time………

Tomorrow another day to be blessed

And it is Thursday again………..time moves slowly here but quickly at he same time…..the moments are lengthened and stretched but the days still pass.

Breakfast time again……..new people wander by….familiar faces have moved on…..kids so joyful in the morning…..plates of food and smiles and kid like antics……free in the Bahamas  

Little birds chirp in the dining area………a stray finds his way in and lugs off a crust of bread………his daily bread……..thanksgiving.

After breakfast wanderings…..the reality of the anxiety draws at my heart and mind……….but  I must stay in the moment, in the day……..no need to hurry and worry we still have two days left………..be thankful in this moment…..sun, warm……adventures ahead.

Another biking adventure. Sad that we had to travel so far to find out how much we like biking……but thankful none the less. 

The homes and the trees and flowers and stately gates, the turquoise water and many inlets….the wind on our face and the feeling of flying…..freedom.

An hour and a half later and we are back….time for lunch and the beach.  

Laying in the sun the trapeze calls once again.  

I need to fly….I need to try…….I crave the wind in my face and the things that allow me to feel inside……..today I will fly.

The trapeze guys are Canadian.

One from Halifax and one from Quebec….we talk of Canada and snow and the blessings of the Bahamas….the smile and laugh….and hook me up with a tight, wide belt….a few instructions and I find myself climbing a tall, narrow poll……wow….much higher than I thought…my heart beats fast as I look up and down…….but no….I will keep going up….I have come this far….I will fly………..to the top……things are small from up here – change in perspective!  And I am hooked in.  I hear his voice behind me………spread your feet, bend your knees….when I say…..jump and swing.

And here we are, the moment I have waited for all week….I am airborne, flying fast and high, wind in my face…….and knees flipped and up on the bar……and now no hands… I feel my hair dangle in the wind and swing wide and high, looking backward………and hands back up and legs down now…..swinging 20 feet above the ground in the Bahamas where all things are possible!  No back flip just a gentle drop to the net. And it is done. Front flip onto the mats and unhooked. The next lady goes up a few steps and comes down…..she can’t do it.  I faced my fear and felt the rush of flying in the warm wind…….I can do life…….face the fear and feel the breeze.

More beach, more sun, not even taking time to read, just soaking the sun into every pore and cell and into my very bones…..storing it for the trip home…….until our summer.

Another swim in the silky sea….the waves roll toward me like a clear turquoise tinted jell. Smooth, transparent, salty, so beautiful in the sun. And we float…like flying in the sea…weightless…..the water carries me and keeps me still.

More sun….can there ever be enough? The beach is quieter these last few days….the occasional laugh, children squealing in the water, some sand castles and lots of colour on the white sand…..a beach drink, pink and cold. 

And time to go again.

Early supper and a little stroll…..an evening walk on the beach….sun fades, the sky slowly turns to pink and fades, sand hard under our feet…..breeze cool and refreshing…..we are here…in this moment -not the next moment or the moment behind but here……and time is elongated for this time.

Early evening nap and then up for the circus show. Wow!  The muscles and strength, the courage to fly through the air above a stage with no nets…the intricacies….so beautiful and bold……the circus.

A bit of packing….hard to comprehend the leaving…..the going home…..missing home but why can’t we combine the two? Perhaps we can in some ways??……we must try.

Off to late night pizza….hot, cheesy, like the first night we arrived. 

We have come full circle.  

It is time.  

An evening stroll around the quiet resort.  

Everyone resting after the heat of the day.  

Nighty nite……..

It has arrived……going home day….but not yet, not until the evening……we have the day.  Breakfast and packing and arrangements made. 

Now I am sitting on the patio…….keyboard in place, thinking about the day, the week, the year. 

How did we get here…..travelers we are………and how will we ensure that the time, the trip and the lessons are not wasted as we go home………count your blessings name them one by one. 

This year of counting blessings, of the little things, the big things, the everyday things, the hard things……..a year of growth, a year of hardship and suffering, a year of pressing in closer to the Father and learning how to breath and praise and dance again. 

Blessed!   

10 years since I rediscovered the Lord In a glorious new way in the Bahamas….fitting to be here now, rediscovering the pace and joy of that relationship. 

Off to soak up some more sun before heading home……

And we soaked in every moment, every blessing, every bit of sand and sea and sky and we determined to remember the lengthened moments, the slower pace and the blessings of our time here.

Travelling home, sun sets flaming red as we sit in the airport

Night time travel

Familiar faces at the other end

Our own bed

Kitty cat love in the morning when we picked him up at the Cat Inn

Home, Blessed beyond Measure!