When I graduated from the Queensland University of Technology at the end of 2015 and left everything and everyone I knew to move to ‘a little town up north’, there were many moments of loneliness as I established my new life and community away from my family and oldest friends. Yeppoon Main Beach was the place to which I would retreat when I needed a place to just be still and spend time with my God - the one thing in my life that would always be constant. There’s something about the beach that calms the soul, where I feel closest to my Creator. The power of the waves crashing against the rocks reminding me that my God is in control. The rhythmic back and forth of the tide soothing the chattering in my mind. The warmth of the sun on my skin reminding me of the warmth of God’s love. The cool, salty sea breeze cleansing and refreshing my lungs. And the deep blue of the sea contrasting with the golden sand, on the background of a crystal clear Queensland sky, with only a few whisks of clouds, delighting my eyes and bringing such joy that I can’t quite express. The stairs leading from the old Yeppoon Life Savers Club to the beach serve as the entryway to my haven, my happy place, where I can walk the beach for hours and talk with my Creator. The iconic pandanus tree on the bank leans in towards the sunshine, as it’s leaves are ruffled gently by the ocean breeze. The vibrant, joyful colours and sweeping textures have been used in this composition to capture these emotions, feelings, sights and sounds - to capture the beauty and serenity of my happy place, where I feel calm and at peace in the presence of my God.