On the way…

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.

Sue’s Views

One of the best words of advice I can give is to live one day at a time. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring ….. and we don’t need to! All we need to focus on is today. We can make plans for the future ….. but there are no guarantees. There used to be a saying ‘Deo Volente’ which means ‘God willing’. All our plans are subject to DV. But with that comes the assurance of a new day dawning tomorrow that is filled with new mercies ….. His faithfulness from sunrise to sunset ….. and His presence with us no matter what the future brings. So enjoy today and don’t worry about tomorrow. It’s in His hands!

Sue’s Views

As another month comes to an end ….. the spring blossoms are doing their thing! In a world of hopelessness and despair ….. they are sending out a message of hope and beauty. Of fruitfulness and change. They are a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all of creation. He is not fazed by the news. If you are feeling anxious or depressed ….. change channels!

Sue’s Views

Erosion is defined as ‘the gradual destruction or diminution of something’ or ….. ‘the fact of a good quality or situation being gradually lost or destroyed’. Tree roots form an underground network that stabilises the soil, so deforestation often leads to increased soil erosion. Likewise ….. when our moral standards are reduced ….. the roots that held our society firmly are weakened ….. resulting in a landslide! Our values for family ….. freedom ….. and the right to choose ….. are under attack! The operative word is ‘gradual’. It’s the constant but gradual pressure that weakens our resolve. By holding fast to the confession of our faith without wavering ….. our roots will begin to grow again and strengthen our nation!

Sue’s Views

The more I read in the Old Testament ….. the more I think I’m reading today’s newspaper! The deception ….. immorality ….. idolatry ….. and downright evil ….. are nothing new. The problems they faced then are the same today. They turned their backs on God and did what seemed right in their own eyes. The answer is still the same as well ….. repent and turn back to God and His ways and He will forgive and heal our land! Please folk ….. look deeper! The government ….. the vaccine ….. lockdowns ….. aren’t going to fix this!

Sue’s Views

I was excited to come across this family of ducks this weekend. They are Paradise ducks and they mate for life! They are always together ….. but the exciting thing is ….. they were accompanied by 5 little tiny babies! It was a reminder that life is continuing as normal outside of Covid!

Sue’s Views

My grandson Israel sent me this photo the other day. He took it himself while walking in the Gardens with his family. He said it reminded him of our many walks in the past ….. and thought I might like to add it to my collection. Apart from being a stunning photo ….. it spoke to me of the many ways we can show love to one another. It doesn’t have to cost money ….. just thoughtfulness! Thanks Isa! Love you!

Sue’s Views

It’s never easy being the odd one out ….. but the majority are not always right! We’ve been given a brain to think for ourselves ….. but let’s do it prayerfully and respectfully. Jesus was the perfect example. He stood against the political and religious leaders because He followed the will of his Father. He carried the sins of the ‘herd mentality’ to the cross. Isaiah the prophet said ‘All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.’ Jesus said ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God ….. and all these things (things you need) will be added to you.’

Sue’s Views

Another positive from being in lockdown is learning to be content with what you have. We’ve learned to make do with what’s in our wardrobe or pantry. And we’ve discovered that ….. with a bit of imagination ….. we can create a new look or a new recipe! Jesus said ‘Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will wear ….. because your Heavenly Father knows what you need.’ He pointed out the lillies and sparrows ….. neither of which earn money or go shopping ….. and yet they are well looked after. How much more does He care for us?

Sue’s Views

As we spend our last day at level 4 ….. what are you looking forward to the most? Probably being able to get takeaways? One thing lockdown does is make us thankful for the things we used to take for granted! Going shopping used to be a necessary chore ….. but is now a highlight of my week! My daily walk has made me even more amazed at the beauty of nature. Texts and messages are also something I cherish. No doubt we will soon be back into our overly busy schedules ….. so take a moment to breathe and say Thank You for the little things.