On the way…

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Home!

Sue’s Views
Board games really bring out the true character of a person! There’s the competitive ….. ‘must win at all costs’ type! Then there’s the strategic ….. ‘takes their time before making a move’ type. The aim of the game is to get home! The Israelites journey was something like a board game. They started out well ….. but then they would find themselves back where they started! They won some battles ….. but lost some as well. They had to learn to trust God and not rely on their own strategies. Their goal was to get to the Promised Land which was to be their new Home!

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How’s Your Marriage?

Sue’s Views
How’s your marriage? Yes! It can feel like you are two very different species at times. And ….. yes ….. there are times when it seems like you’re not on the same track. But God, in His wisdom, brings along someone to complete us ….. not someone who matches us! Each has something the other lacks. Marriage is the perfect training ground for maturity! There’s no room for selfishness ….. or pride! The most important phrases we must learn if we want a happy marriage are ‘I’m sorry’ ….. ‘I forgive you’ ….. ‘I love you’!

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Oldies Day Out!

Sue’s Views
Off on a cruise with some girl friends yesterday! Unfortunately our mode of transport was the Waiheke ferry ….. but one can only dream! Half the passengers on the ferry were probably off the cruise liner. Our one day trip was most enjoyable and the best part was that it cost us nothing but a coffee and lunch! Oh the joys of growing old!

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A God Thing!

Sue’s Views
 I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Chris. He is a great example of what Christianity is all about! As an ex cop he is now helping to get ex prisoners jobs and intergrated back into society in Perth. Most of these guys are changed men and women who now have dignity ….. a sense of purpose ….. and something to contribute to society. It’s not all about judging others ….. it’s about seeing a need and meeting that need! That’s what Gods love is all about! Apart from saving lives and families ….. imagine how much money is being saved! It costs millions of dollars to keep people in prison. This was initiated by God and He brought the right team together to be able to make it work. I wonder what other great things He wants to do! All He requires is a life surrendered to doing His will. Watch the video! You’ll be inspired!

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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!

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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.

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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! 🥰

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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!

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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 😳

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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