The Tennessee Whale

The view from the back deck of our rental home.

We spend every morning sipping coffee on the back deck of our rental home, watching the birds that come to the feeders and also the deer and wild turkeys in the distance. We're building down the road, in the middle of 153 acres in North Central Tennessee.

Our Tennessee whale - 153 Acres

From the very beginning of our property search in TN, it's been more than apparent that God's plan for us was to move here.  During our search I met a young man, who was working behind the desk at the hotel we were staying in, who told me about a hidden gem where he lived. "There are lots of properties there for sale. I grew up there. Let me draw you a map."

So, on the third day we followed the map which took us right to the street our land is on. Our realtors live right down the road and are stewards of this community and also Christian leaders. They host community bible study each week in their home. It's such an incredible opportunity to get to know one's neighbors and to hear their testimonies and their joys and their challenges and to pray together.

There is so much love here. I could feel it when we drove in the first time. It's a genuine community that is prayed over constantly. And it's rich with history:

http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/Lakes/DaleHollowLake/History/WillowGrove.aspx

After we had our land surveyed, the first thing I noticed was that it's in the shape of a whale!!!  It makes sense to me because, in a lot of ways, it feels as though we've taken on a whale. LOL  And, interestingly, the location of our home site is in the belly of that whale.

It gives me cause to reflect on the biblical account of Jonah and the whale:

http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/a/Jonah-And-The-Whale.htm

You can run, but you can't hide from God. He is in control. God can and does provide  supernatural means and circumstances when we need to follow a certain path and to guide us in the right direction. It reminds me to trust more and try to control less. Keep on the path that God provides and let go of the burden of trying to control outcome.  As an artist, trusting more and fearing less allows me to get in to the place of creating with joy and celebration of God's amazing creatures, who offer endless inspiration!

One of my favorite things Jesus said was, "Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  — Luke 8:50, Mark 5:36

I'm thankful for our Tennessee whale and for the opportunity to grow closer in our walk with our Lord and Savior.