Category: Sue’s Views

Sue’s Views

Today started with an early morning walk to the beach across the road. We then visited the Kaikoura Museum which was awesome! Lots of information about the earthquake. We hear about these things on the news but It’s amazing to hear individual stories from people who lived through it. Also lots of reminiscing over days gone by. Our journey then took us to Hanmer Springs! What a beautiful place. The warm water was very welcome and very relaxing. A bit cold getting out ….. but we fixed that with a great Indian curry!

Sue’s Views

Another day of new experiences! We left the vineyards of Marlborough and travelled south along the rugged coast road towards Kaikoura. Today’s highlight was seeing the seal colonies where masses of seals of all ages were basking in the sun! We got to talk to some local business owners about the effects of the earthquake 6 years ago. That ….. plus Covid ….. has affected their businesses tremendously. Apparently the earthquake also rearranged some of the coastline. The seals don’t seem to mind!

Sue’s Views

We are now on day 5 of our Top of the South Trip. Yesterday’s leg was from Nelson to Blenheim via Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton. This journey has really made me appreciate the early settlers who paved the way for us to be able to drive on good roads ….. and have towns to stay in. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been for them. Pioneering is never easy ….. but someone has to be the first to do something new. We might not be called to go to an uninhabited place ….. but God might be calling us to start something new ….. a new business ….. outreach ….. creative idea. Don’t wait for someone else ….. you might be that someone!

Sue’s Views

A sprinkling from day 2. We drove back to Christchurch and had a walk around the city centre. We all love ‘comeback stories’ ….. and Christchurch is a great example. After the earthquakes 11 years ago ….. it was a city that was broken ….. grieving ….. and without hope. It is now beautiful ….. bustling ….. and filled with new ventures. If you relate to this in any way ….. you too have a ‘comeback story’. The memories still remain ….. but they also serve as a reminder of the miracles God has done.

Sue’s Views

Our first ‘overseas’ trip for 3 years! At least we are crossing the Channel! I’m guessing we are over the Marlborough Sounds and heading to Christchurch. Lovely day for flying ….. at least up here! Not sure what awaits us but we’ve come prepared for anything. So looking forward to seeing more of our beautiful country. Will keep you ‘posted’!

Sue’s Views

Our hibiscus never ceases to produce beautiful flowers. No matter what season ….. they are either budding or in full bloom! You might say ….. ‘That’s what hibiscus trees do!’ Well, do you know that you too were created to be productive? When God designed you ….. He put in all the ingredients and potential for you to become that unique ….. one off ….. incredible person He planned you to be. Like the hibiscus ….. He gave you roots that would hold you securely and give you sustenance. He gave you a place to grow and develop ….. with the nutrients you would need. He provided the sun and rain to give you a balanced environment because we need the bad times as well as the good times to become stronger. There’s no need to struggle and strive ….. just yield to what is already in you!

“You are designed for accomplishment ….. engineered for success ….. and endowed with seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar

Sue’s Views

One of the enemy’s favourite weapons is shame. One of my worst childhood memories is when my sewing teacher held my ‘handiwork’ up in front of the class and said ‘Look at what Susan’s done’! I was the only one who completely messed up ….. and everyone laughed! Moments like that tend to stick in your memory. We’ve all had embarrassing experiences. Those times when you wish the ground would open up and swallow you. One of the amazing exchanges that took place on the Cross is that Jesus bore our shame and exchanged it for His glory. He was stripped of all His clothing and hung on the cross naked for three hours while passers by mocked and humiliated Him. He understands our shame! He experienced it! Those painful memories no longer need to haunt us. We are in good company! The great news is that Jesus overcame shame when He rose again. The devil wants you to crawl under the carpet ….. but Jesus offers you a place with Him on His throne! 

‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ Hebrews 12: 1-3

Sue’s Views

Have you ever asked God for a sign? Maybe you come up with a plan but want His approval. Or you have a choice to make and want His guidance. There’s nothing wrong with that ….. as long as we heed the sign He gives us! The problem is when we have already decided what we want God to say! I remember as a young Christian disagreeing with my husband about a decision we had to make. I desperately asked God for a scripture and opened my Bible to Ephesians 5:22 22 ‘Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.’ I decided that was a dumb way to get advice so I called a friend who gave me the same scripture! After three attempts ….. and receiving the same verse …..I decided to heed the advice and it turned out to be the right thing to do. He really does know what’s best for us!

Sue’s Views

Abraham was a man whom God chose to start a family that would become God’s chosen family which we know as Israel. God chose him because he was a man of great faith ….. but great faith is greatly tested! Before he even had a son ….. God promised him many descendants ….. but there were many obstacles in the way. At one point on his journey ….. God told him to walk on the land God would give him. 

‘Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.’ Genesis 13:17

Later ….. God told Joshua ….. one of Abraham’s descendants  ….. to do the same. 

‘I will give you every place where you set your foot’ Joshua 1:3

These men obeyed God and claimed the territory that He had promised to them and their descendants.

What territory do you need to claim? What has the devil stolen from you? A child who has lost their way? The health of yourself or a loved one? Your marriage? Your financial well being? Your home? Whatever it is ….. you need to start walking! Not necessarily physically ….. but spiritually and mentally. See yourself tramping on the enemy and claiming back what is rightfully yours! 

Dear Lord, Thank You for your promises to me and my family. Right now ….. in the Name of Jesus ….. I take authority over all the works of the enemy. I claim back all that he has stolen from us. Give us wisdom for the future. Amen