Change

Sue’s Views
Today is officially the last day of winter ….. and change is definitely in the air. Not only in the weather ….. but in just about every aspect of life as we know it. Change is inevitable and we’ve all adapted to new schools ….. homes ….. jobs ….. relationships etc. Things that may have seemed daunting have become the norm ….. as we’ve grown used to them. But we must be careful. Some things should never change. God’s Word will never change! It is established forever. It doesn’t ‘adapt’ to the times we’re living in. It doesn’t ‘evolve’ to suit our way of thinking. And it certainly doesn’t ‘compromise’ or ‘tolerate’ to satisfy our selfish desires. There are agendas aiming to do just that. If ideas are pushed hard enough …. they become familiar and start to sound reasonable. Let the Word of God be your plumb line. Study the truth and you’ll recognise the false. God will bring about a new season in His timing.

Peace

Sue’s Views 
As we were out walking on Saturday ….. we came across this kereru sitting about a meter away from us. In last years lockdowns we were visited by one every morning in our garden at home. Somehow ….. these beautiful birds have come to symbolise peace and remind me of God’s presence. He speaks to us in many ways. For you ….. it may be a song ….. a place ….. or a Bible verse. A ‘go to’ whenever you feel uncertain or anxious. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

Time to Explore!

Sue’s Views
Feeling unmotivated? It’s a perfect time to explore new territory! Not physically of course ….. but it has been said that the most unexplored territory is between our ears! We only use a very small percentage of our brain’s potential! I wonder what marvellous things await there! Maybe ideas or dreams that have laid dormant due to the busyness of life? A book ….. a song ….. a business venture ….. a new project or hobby you always wanted to try? It’s also a good time to ask what is stopping you. Is it self doubt ….. fear ….. laziness ….. lack of resources? If God has given you a vision ….. He will also give you the provision!

Freedom

Sue’s Views
Are you getting tired of all the restrictions? I want to remind you that God is still in control.  One of the reasons why we are in this mess is because we’ve disobeyed His restrictions! They were given to protect us. The only way out is to turn back to Him and to do things His way. Only He can set us free!

Lockdown Projects

Sue’s Views
I’m loving reading everyone’s posts about how they are spending lockdown. Especially families doing life together! I commend all the parents for your creativity and energy. It’s not easy finding things to do each day ….. but I encourage you to keep it simple. For those who may be alone during this time ….. my heart goes out to you too! In times of anxiety It helps to have something to focus on whether it’s a diy project ….. a craft of some kind ….. or a good book. I usually have a jigsaw puzzle on the go! It’s a great distraction from what’s going on out there ….. and gives a sense of accomplishment when finally completed. Have a great day ❤️

Think Outside the Box

Sue’s Views
I’m sure it came as no surprise to hear we have another week at least in level 4. Some enjoy it more than others. What means protection to some ….. screams restriction to others. But boundaries don’t have to mean limitation! Some of the most inspirational people have spent time in prison. Now is the time to discover what’s inside you! New creativity ….. adaptation ….. thinking outside the box! This group of quail certainly seem to be enjoying their freedom!

Ever Present God

Sue’s Views
A few snaps from our first weekend in lockdown. Shopping queues inside and out ….. home baking and cooking ….. and church at home with a congregation of 4! Our message on Sunday was the ‘Ever Present God’. I am so thankful that He is with me everywhere I go!  Yes ….. we follow the safety rules ….. but there is nowhere safer than in God’s arms. I’s even more important to follow His rules which are also for our highest good! Have a blessed and safe week everyone!

Past, Present and Future

Sue’s Views
Highlights from Day 2 of lockdown ….. I found an old camera that had some very precious pix on it still! I got out my sewing machine which also hadn’t seen the light of day for sometime. And of course ….. another walk where the signs of spring are everywhere! It was a day of reminiscing on the past ….. catching up on jobs in the present ….. and looking forward to the future. The hardest challenge is probably dealing with the present. There are a lot of unknowns at the moment but the camera reminded me that ‘This too will pass’ ….. the walk that change is coming and there is hope ….. and the sewing machine that now is the best time to get things done! Have a blessed and productive day everyone and stay safe! ❤️

Day 1 of Lockdown

Sue’s Views

A few highlights from Day 1 of lockdown level 4. We managed to go for a walk around the block in between showers. We saw a chicken running up the road (probably finally able to cross the road with no traffic but I still don’t know why!) Then we passed two rabbits in a hutch beside the road! (Not something you see everyday!) We also saw two cats sitting in a window ….. a very friendly dog ….. and a Tui singing in a tree! A very nature filled walk. We capped it off with some board games. How did you spend your first day? 

Be Positive!

Sue’s Views
Here we go again! But before we get too disgruntled ….. let’s look at the positives! I woke up this morning to quietness ….. no sound of traffic ….. and nothing to rush for. Now that’s a positive! It’s funny how we long for these when life gets so busy ….. and then complain when it happens! Let’s also think about what’s going on in other parts of the world. Wars ….. earthquakes ….. floods ….. fires ….. and of course Covid! Many wake up every morning to terror ….. loss ….. and destruction. We are so blessed here in Aotearoa. Let’s do our part to get our nation on its feet again!