Author: Sue Wilson

Posted on

Radical Thinking

Sue’s Views
We saw this tree being torn down branch by branch the other day. No doubt due to concerns based on our recent bad weather incidents. But I’m guessing the whole tree will have to come down. I learned this morning that the word ‘radical’ means ‘dealing with the roots.’ We often associate it with a person or idea that is revolutionary or extreme in a negative context ….. but so many of our ways of thinking are based on traditions we’ve either been taught or have picked up along the way. Jesus was one of the most radical thinkers I know! He challenged the strongest religious and political minds by dealing with roots of tradition and self importance. We won’t change by lopping off a few branches. We must examine our roots and take an axe to them! Now that’s a radical idea!

Posted on

Pressure

Sue’s Views
This waterwheel relies on the pressure of water to be of any use. Without that ….. it would remain stagnant. Pressure is not always a bad thing! As much as we might like a life free from stress ….. deadlines ….. or expectations of others ….. without those we too would stagnate and become useless. Just as stress training is vital to strengthen muscles ….. so the stresses of life can strengthen our innermost being. They can bring out the fight in us and motivate us to get up and do something. No race was won ….. and no victory gained without pressure. Of course ….. too much pressure can squash us. That’s when we need to adjust the flow by saying ‘no’ ….. or by seeking help.

Posted on

In – Loves!

Sue’s Views
One of the best things about being a Mum is seeing your children become adults and make good life decisions. I can honestly say our three have made some really great ones! We had two sons and one daughter ….. but we now have three sons and three daughters!  We don’t call them ‘in laws’ ….. but ‘in loves’! Today is Talya’s birthday! Thanks Talz for bringing so much joy and laughter to our family ….. but also some deep conversation and great cooking (not forgetting 5 gorgeous grandies!) Tim did very well! Parents ….. it’s a good idea to pray for your children to make those important decisions even when they are young. God knows them better than we do ….. and will help them make good choices. Happy Birthday to our daughter in love! 🥰

Posted on

Tested By Storms

Sue’s Views
We’ve seen lately the devastation and heartache storms can cause. But one positive is that they often expose what’s really going on under the surface. It may be something practical ….. like leaky roofs or blocked drains. But it can also be emotional ….. like roots of fear or resentment. Every invention of man is put to the most stringent test before being allowed to be sold to the public. We are of far more value to God than a vehicle or machine! He allows us to be tested to see what’s really going on in our hearts and minds. He gives us opportunities to fix what needs fixing ….. and strengthen our weak spots ….. before the big storm comes!

Posted on

Change

Sue’s Views
We paid a visit to our favourite getaway, Orewa this weekend only to find things have changed considerably! The 1st pic was taken 2 hours before high tide ….. and the 2nd showing some of the after effects. The beautiful beach (when we could actually see it) was covered in shells and debris. Next day ….. things looked more normal but locals are concerned. Maybe living by the coast is not such a good idea 😳

Posted on

Thankfulness

Sue’s Views
Summer is almost over …..  but what a summer it has been! How will you remember the summer of 2022/23? There has certainly been plenty to complain about if we so choose. But the good news is that we do have a choice! Challenging times are always opportunities to reprioritise our lives. To focus on the blessings ….. to magnify the things we are thankful for. Some of the things on my list would be family ….. health ….. deepened friendships. But above all ….. I am so thankful to know my Heavenly Father ….. without whom none of these things would be possible. Because He is at the helm ….. I am excited about the future no matter how bleak it may look. 
‘Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Posted on

Sunflowers

Sue’s Views
The sunflower is a wonderful example of a successful life! The beautiful bloom we see is actually made up of many individual flowers that grow together as one! It gets its name from its habit of following the sun from east to west. When the sun goes down ….. the sunflower tilts its head till sunrise! It is also a very productive plant ….. producing seeds which make a healthy snack and oil. When we do life together ….. and focus on the Son ….. we too will become more productive ….. and bring joy to those around us!

Posted on

The Potter

Sue’s Views
When a potter crafts a new pot, it spends a great deal of time on the potters wheel. The clay has to be softened and moulded until it’s ready to be shaped into what he needs it to be. It then has to stand on a shelf to dry out for a few days before it goes into the kiln to be baked so it will be strong enough to hold its contents. Finally it is glazed and sealed so it won’t crack. Does any of this sound familiar? If you are on the potters wheel ….. on the shelf ….. or in the furnace ….. know that the Master Potter is preparing you for His use. Good things take time ….. but it’s worth the wait!

Posted on

‘Though The Fig Tree Does Not Blossom’

Sue’s Views
Like many of us today ….. people in the Bible went through times of destruction and hopelessness ….. and they asked the same questions we do! ‘Where is God?’ ….. and ‘Why is this happening?’ Many have given up on believing God exists. Others believe that ….. if he does exist ….. He is like a Santa Claus character who always makes everything nice and happy! If that’s the case ….. He’s not doing a very good job! Many of the Bible characters cried out to God in anger and told Him what they really thought. Habbakuk was one such person. But God showed Him that what he and his people were going through was ultimately for their own good. He ended up understanding and writing the following words:
‘Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.’

Posted on

Spiritual Weapons

Sue’s Views
While there is so much sadness and devastation in the world ….. there are also many wonderful things happening. Things we don’t hear about on the News. I’m not denying the tragedies caused by war ….. earthquakes and floods ….. but they can give the impression that everything is hopeless and out of control. However ….. there are signs everywhere of Gods sovereignty! The beautiful thing happening in Asbury, Kentucky is an example of His Spirit at work. I love that it began with young students confessing their sins and repenting before God. God responds to that! We can blame the government ….. the climate ….. or aliens ….. for where we are. But we need to look within ourselves through the eyes of the Holy Spirit and face our own sinfulness. Humility ….. compassion ….. and repentance the most powerful weapons to push back the evil and destruction.