Lens-Artists Challenge: Sanctuary

Sanctuary: Oasis-a pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult, troubled, or hectic place or situation.

Given a choice, I would go back in time. I am no fan of “the new normal”. I am, however, an optimist, and I remain determined to find my sanctuary that is in nature. Given a choice I would shop outdoors, eat outdoors, walk outdoors, open our doors, and sleep with windows open, lulled to sleep by the breezes, crickets, rain or ocean surf. This year I have not let the heat stop me and I get up at the crack of dawn to experience the peace that the outdoors brings to my soul.

A few weeks ago we stopped by a nearby lake area that I had not yet explored. We thought about walking around the lake one evening, but it’s been so hot. Today was the day. We arrived soon after the gates opened at 6:00 am and experienced a beautiful and partially shaded recreation area. It is also a fishing lake and there were multiple small groups and individuals fishing around the lake. In addition, there is an area for remote control boats and airplanes.

It was beautiful, peaceful, and although there were quite a few people around, it was not crowded in any way. I have found a new sanctuary 💙

“Worshipers never leave church…we carry our sanctuary with us wherever we go.” ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer
“[On gardens:] I think they’re sanctuaries for the mind and spirit. … It’s easy to feel wonder-struck in a garden, especially if you cultivate delight.” ~ Diane Ackerman
May we have communion with God in the secret of our hearts, and find Him to be to us as a little sanctuary.~ Charles Spurgeon
“In the gentle evening breeze, by the whispering shady trees I will find sanctuary in the Lord.” ~ Van Morrison

It was fun to watch the remote control boats circle their small lake. Up close they almost looked real!

And yes, I did discover dragonflies!

Posted for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge 😎

34 Comments Add yours

  1. Tranature - quiet moments in nature says:

    Stunning images Lisa and what a beautiful sanctuary. Your dragonfly images are gorgeous too – thank you so much for sharing! 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you!! I went in search of dragonflies too! …but I found me a new wonderful walking park. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  2. zoogirlpatti says:

    Oh, your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I paused with each one and could feel the peace and serenity I am convinced with each one my blood pressure dropped another point. Certainly a place I would love to be and could live there Thank you so much for sharing such beauty – especially in the times we all live in now.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Awwwww, thank you for the kind words Patti! I will say I did bring me much peace and joy this morning. I would go back tomorrow morning if I didn’t have to work! Thank you so much!

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  3. gr8ful_collette says:

    Beautiful pictures of a beautiful place. I’ve found myself drawn more and more to nature during these unsettling times. Much rather be around beautiful creatures than people right now! 💕🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, I am super grateful for all the nature around me, and that I continue to discover more! But.. I do miss people 😢 Thank you Collette!

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  4. Sheree says:

    Gorgeous photos of a stunning spot

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! I hope to go back soon 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Tina Schell says:

    What a lovely spot you found Lisa! Your photographs are beautiful and almost make one feel they’d been there themselves. Those little boats are so cute but didn’t they add a bit of noise to the day???

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Tina! Actually, yes the boats were quite loud! But I don’t remember too much noise on the far side of the lake. When we walked over to the little boat lake they were very loud!! I guess I was just focused on checking the area out… and looking for dragonflies! 😂

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  6. Rupali says:

    Wonderful shots Lisa. Especially those dragonflies.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! Aren’t dragonflies awesome?!!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. lolaWi says:

    thank you for sharing with us images of nature where you find yous sanctuary. stunning gallery! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are welcome! And thank you! 😊

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  8. Amy says:

    Beautiful and comfort spot, Lisa. Great shots of the actions of the boat.
    Love the dragon capture, incredible!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Amy! There was a lot going on, it really helped keep me focused on enjoying my surroundings! Good stuff!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Wonderful Lisa!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Just Teri says:

    Truly a sanctuary and so grateful you shared❣️

    Stunning photos- gifts really ❤️🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Teri! It was such a joyful morning 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  11. JohnRH says:

    Excellent photos. I love the water spray, and the dragonflies!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you John! I went there in search of dragonflies, and was not disappointed! Now I can’t wait to go back 😊 And it was fun seeing how well I could photograph the little boats!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Relaxing and fun. I used to catch dragonflies as a kid. Miss those days.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Leya says:

    So glad you found this sanctuary, Lisa! Excellent photos – the dragonfly is my favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Leya! I’m going back next weekend to see if I can find any new dragonflies!

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      1. Leya says:

        Looking frward to more!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Naomi says:

    You made me feel like this could be a sanctuary for me, too.

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    1. Thank you! It was quite pretty in the early morning sun 🌞

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  15. Teresa says:

    This is really a peaceful sanctuary. And I know what you mean if only we can go back in time or maybe even fast forward to a time without the pandemic. Stay safe Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Teresa 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Anne Sandler says:

    Beautiful images. They are calming, serene and so much a sanctuary!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Anne! I went back again this morning. I forget my troubles out in nature 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I’m envious – that’s a gorgeous spot you found! You captured the beauty of it so well, down to the little dragonflies! Such fun shots of the remote control boats – I bet they were kind of loud though and made the sanctuary exciting and full of life. Talking from experience, our kids had some when they were little ;-).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Shelley! Yes, the boats were loud! But it didn’t seem to bother me, probably because I was so happy to explore a new area. I went back yesterday and there were no remote control boats. But I could hear a light buzz from a remote control airplane! When I got over to the area they were gone. I guess that’s one thing that we did his year, discover new outdoor areas. 😊

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