Lockdown 96

Lockdown Day 96 - 30 June 2020

Little blessings are like nuggets of chocolate in your favourite cookie. They suddenly burst into your being, the surprise new every time. Even though they're little, they shine into your spirit and this amazes me every time. How did they know to turn up at that exact moment I needed that specific little blessing?! They can be people, happenings, nature or your favourite song turning up as you enter a shop. 

Many years ago a friend and I ran into each other in Woolies, both on the hunt for specific kids shoes, but finding none. While sharing our frustration, my friend said, "after all these hours I still haven't found what I'm looking for ". And literally the next second the chorus of the song playing in the shop rang out, "and I still haven't found what I'm looking for"!! We both burst out laughing hysterically, blessed by the little jewel of humour in that moment. (✨) 

These blessings shine a light so bright, flooding the spirit with a new energy. Like an injection of brilliance. Today after a long work session I saw one of my special girl friends as I was waiting for coffee to take home. Jewel #1, check. 

On my way home I saw a feather blow over my windscreen while waiting for a traffic light to turn green. Jewel #2, check. And as if that wasn't enough, later when I was catching up with hubby walking Roxy, a car drove by playing ABBA's Dancing Queen! Jewel #3, check. 

WOW! 3 Jewels in one day. Doesn't matter if I still haven't found what I've been looking for (R, this one's for you!), Ive got God. So tonight, tired and all, my spirit is bright. Bright with promise for what lies ahead. Bright with expectation for what God will show me tomorrow, and bright with contentment and love for my Creator who gets me. And who's got this. All the time.

Lockdown 95

Lockdown Day 95 - 29 June 2020

Today, during my weekly house cleaning session, I was once again blessed with a beautiful feather, drifting into the green room in the cold winter sunlight, landing right before my feet in the grass. It was a 'broken' feather with parts of the barbs missing. I imagine such a feather in a bird wing is a liability. And that during preening, it would have to be removed.

There's a well known saying which says, "if something's broke, fix it". In this bird's case I think the fixing lies in the preening process. But when something can't be fixed, you need to improvise and create something else, something new. Like using broken teacups to make a chandelier. Yes, a chandelier! How beautiful and totally unique this is. To make something that reflects light from something broken is truly amazing. 

While walking with my son and Roxy later today, as I watched a flock of birds go by high up in the sky, I was mesmerised as the noonday sun dotted them with shards of light, making them look like a massive chandelier in the sky. As my friend Ria always says, "When God wants you to hear something He will rub it in" to make sure you get it. 

And then it hit me. Most chandeliers hang from a ceiling. So their light reaches all the dark corners of a room. They also generate many little light-facets and evoke an "aaaahhhhh" from all who walk in. 

I don't think God wants me to build a chandelier, but I do think He is reminding me not to throw away any broken feelings, self image splinters and inferiority shards. That I should rather give it all to Him so He can construct a light generating chandelier to show me the way into the future he has for me. 

Isaiah 30:20b-21 says, "But your eyes shall see your Teacher, and your ears hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the Way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right, or whenever you turn to the left."

He is the Light that evokes adoration, the God who can make diamonds from soil and pearls from sand. So it stands to reason that He can construct something beautiful from all the 'broken' things in my life. 

Tonight I look forward to my next walk and to see what He will have in store for me. I am retiring with a million little lights in my eyes and an expectancy for what lies ahead! I accept His peace that surpasses all understanding, because He's got this.

Lockdown 94

Lockdown Day 94 - 28 June 2020

Today after church, we went to redeem some Discovery Vitality rewards at Mugg and Bean. To do this, we had to go into a mall. Luckily it wasn't busy yet, except for the queue outside Woolies, indicating the shop already had too many shoppers. After placing our order I stepped aside to wait, watching the mall traffic steadily increasing. I saw a masked family of 4 enter the mall's door, two little girls in a trolley pushed by Dad, and their Mom alongside. None of the 4 bothered to sanitise their hands upon entry. It made me think of the entrance of the estate where we live. 

In the past week, I decided to make a note every time I left or entered to see how important sanitising is for the residents when using the finger pad. The estate's entry gate is the perfect place to gage how people in general think about this Lockdown and keeping safe. At the gate, security provides hand sanitiser directly next to the finger pad , which also is said to supposedly have a little UV light shining on the pad all day (it is not visible to motorists). The estate's rules clearly states one needs to take sanitiser before and after touching the pad.  

The estate also has an app, which provides a QR code for residents to point at a camera, thus providing a second and touch free way of entry and exit. One would think all people would use the QR code option. No sirreee. The past week I entered and exited the estate daily, plus twice when walking to checkers. In all instances I saw NO ONE before, behind or next to me

 using the code. Only finger  

prints / touch pad. And only two people made use of the sanitiser after touching the pad. Eish. 🤦🏼

So again I ask the question, don't people care, or don't they think about the 'none-logic' of their actions, let alone contracting a deadly virus. I certainly don't know everything, but still need to know the why. People relax when the levels are relaxed. It's like going home from work. You walk into your house and quickly get rid of your mask, change to home clothes and yes, forget to wash your hands for 20 seconds. It's your own house, so no need to worry, right? 🤔 

Reality is, there ís a virus. Where it came from and why, or the absolutely 'no- sense' any of this makes, is irrelevant, because it's here. In our faces. The repercussions too. Which means normal life cannot be the same. Ever. We have endured for almost 100 days, and still cannot learn from this? 

This is humankind (I realise I too, am human). When the going gets rough, all perspective is lost and the primitive brain is locked back in. Like a rhinoceros charging on full speed without a target. 

Even though it still feels like I'm sitting at the window, watching the world go by, I cannot ignore the fact that I'm in it too. And I cannot live like it's not happening, because it is. But I can try to help and contribute where it is needed while taking care to stay safe. I can try to make a difference, albeit remote support for those who have no one. 

Because that's what Jesus would do. Because it's the right way to approach and embrace this unwanted and unsolicited change of lifestyle. Giving, not getting, is the new way. God's grace is a daily delivery. Let's get out of our primitive brain and make it count like He does and make sure we pass it on. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 93

Lockdown Day 93 - 27 June 2020

This morning's walk was like a cleansing process to me. The temperature was 3°C, and the sun was just out. With every step it washed over me and the soft breeze cooled and refreshed my spirit. I looked at the trees and grass, and saw their withered parts, letting go of all the dead leaves and debris. I exhaled in response. Then, as I said yesterday, I imagined myself going through the process of walking on water this weekend.

Walking on Water. I like to think of it like this: watching a rough diamond being examined by its lapidary (a person who cuts and polishes rough diamonds). When examining the diamond, they seek to cut it in a way that the end product mimics the state it was found in, making the stone exhibit its natural light-reflecting properties. In other words, the untamed beauty of the stone summons the end-design. It has been said by many a lapidary the process is taking a leap of faith, because they cannot precisely predict the stone's reaction when they cut. 

That's why I make the connection, because, although they know what they are doing, the stone sometimes goes its own way and the lapidary needs to adjust the process. This leap of faith is like walking on water. Walking on water in everyday life is when you take a risk that could go any way. In my line of work, I use the term walking on water to explain how we should look after our brain health motorically and spiritually. 

Brain fitness is extremely important in today's learning and working environment, being one of the things giving us an edge in an ever evolving and competing world. Water and walking is crucial. Watering your brain just because it consists of water is good practice, and it also aids the release of toxins. Walking affords us much needed oxygen transmission, also releases toxins and carbon dioxide. The spiritual benefits of walking on water knows no boundaries. It teaches us to take a leap of faith and to put everything unknown and beyond our control into God's hands and to simply let go and trust! 

Just ask anyone who has bungee jumped before. Those are the people who know to override human control and trust implicitly. Am I a water walker? Most definitely. Can I trust God implicitly? Yes. Will I go bungee? Most definitely NOT. But I can put myself in that position with anything in this life that happens to me I have no control of.  Still with the movie theme, I would like to share with you the best illustration of this (no, it's not a bungee video) in a clip from the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where he has to pass 3 tests to get to the living water, namely be penitent (humble), stand on the Name of God and take a leap of faith:

https://youtu.be/MxPdqbmYi8U

So tonight, humble yourself before God, stand on His Name and take that leap of faith, because God's got you. Go and walk on water, because God's got this! 

Lockdown 92

Lockdown Day 92 - 26 June 2020

Friday! After a busy week I came home, prepped for dinner, and then relaxed with my people, catching up on each other's day, having a cup of tea together. Every week has its share of challenges, ups and downs, joys and less favourite moments. But when Friday evening arrives, all of it becomes history: the past. Whether you agree or disagree, the truth is you end the week a different person from the person you were on Monday. 

It is much like a movie. You go to the theater (I hear we can actually now go to the movies) and watch approximately 90 minutes on a big screen. You experience it like real life. And when its done, you walk out changed, however small, you carry it out with you into your world. 

I remember once when the children were in school, we went to see "The Day after Tomorrow". It is about a climatologist who warns the world of a coming ice age, which of course happens. The story is also about this climatologist, who treks across frozen terrain to find his son. I remember vividly how cold we all were when we walked out of the movies (it was summertime), how we were ready for hot chocolate and a cosy fire! 

So when we saw this movie is screening again a while back, we decided to watch it again. Even though the matchbox is cosy in winter, we ended up huddling together with blankets and a cuppa! Movies like this leaves you touched and inspired. The "disaster" 

element amplified our current situation with Lockdown, leaving us with a new perspective. 

So when you go forward with the past week's happenings, remember to take whatever lifts you up, inspires you and gives you hope. Leave the rest where it should stay: in the past. If you have to pick up your soul, remember to feed it with water! If your spirit is crushed, don't doubt the power of the Word that says in  Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the heartbroken and He saves those who are crushed in spirit". 

 

So this weekend, I shall practice walking on water, knowing our Creator says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10) Trust Him, He is the only One who will get us there. 

And yes, He's got this! 

Enjoy this trailer :

https://youtu.be/Ku_IseK3xTc

Lockdown 91

Lockdown Day 91 - 25 June 2020

Day 91. Wow. I keep on being totally amazed about what is happening both to us and everyone in the world. I know I've said this before, but for the first time literally everyone walking this planet knows how everyone feels. Collectively and individually this is huge in so many ways. Of course it raises many questions, such as, "I thought mankind was medically and technically utterly evolved, why are they struggling with this?" 🤔 But let me leave it at that. I will not give any time or credit to an abominable virus. 

What really is interesting, though, is the number 91. If you ask people what do they think of first when you say 91, many will probably say, "Old age", or "Psalm 91" or "3 Months".  

Well, I have my own fun facts:

91 Days from now will be Thursday 24 September 2020.

91 days is the time it takes man to change his/her mind. 

91 Is the country calling code for India. 

91Spices is the name of a restaurant in Rotterdam. 

The last one is a mind-boggler: 

There are 91 similar solar systems to ours which turn around the great central sun. 

The mass of this great central sun is 91 thousands of times larger than the mass combined with all the 91 other solar systems. 

Moreover, the galaxy of the 91 universes of which the earth belongs to is included in another larger galaxy. 

This larger galaxy also includes 91 galaxies turning around a central core or sun of which the mass is 91 times higher than the previous. 

WOW! 

God created all this, but still He says in Psalm 91:1, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. " He chose us to be with, to shelter, to protect, nurture and love. 

So tonight I will use the past 91days to remind me of what God has done for me up to now, and also to go forward knowing He will keep on doing this as long as I choose to stay in Him faithfully. I share below the full Psalm 91. Let the Word wash over you and be blessed, for God's got this! 

https://youtu.be/6bKeTg597m8

https://youtu.be/7k5kM7_A7zY

Lockdown 90

Lockdown Day 90 - 24 June 2020

In the beginning of Lockdown, I thought it a challenge to write a blog for 21 days straight. And now it is close to 3 months later. I suppose you could say I had a lot to say (still do, haha). Truth is, every day brought new perspectives, new plans and happenings to blog about. Underlying throughout this time, I was thinking about the future of the blog and the way forward. 

I have decided to keep blogging daily at least until we reach Level 1 in South Africa. Mainly because it gives me joy to share something of this experience (and my blondie brain) with anyone willing to read it; also, this is my sanity and keeps my brain active. So here's a shout out for you lovely human beings sharing in this lifetime experience. You mean the world to me!  

Today I gave the mall another try. And this time I was ready for it. Mainly because I knew Jack and Jill coffee's wafting bean aroma was waiting, but also because I took my Bestie's son and his fiancé, who is from out of town and waiting for their car to be serviced, to the mall for some much needed shopping. Double whammy! All things Mall is better with a cuppa from J&J in your hand. 

With our shopping done, we took another one for the road, and then said our goodbyes. On my way home, I reflected on young love and that feeling of being unconquerable and invincible. And thought about the blessing of love in general, especially towards family members, new and old alike. How life takes us all down a winding path of discovery. 

Og Mandino wrote in his God Memorandum, "Are you unloved and unloving? No. No more. For you know love's secret, that to receive love it must be given with no thought of its return. To love for fulfillment, satisfaction, or pride, is no love. Love is a gift on which no return is demanded. Now you know that to love unselfishly is its own reward. And even should love not be returned it is not lost, for love not reciprocated will flow back to you and soften and purify your heart. Count another blessing. Count twice."

So tonight I count my love blessing a million times. For every member of my amazing family, immediate and by extension or added in by marriage or law. You are all part of my life's winding path of discovery and love experience. None of us are perfect, but all of us are chosen, hand picked by our Creator to form a powerful unit of unconditional support and love. What I know for sure is the power of love and the power of numbers make a mean team. This Love has a Name. Jesus. And He leads our family. So I want to share this wonderful song with you all, family and friends alike, as I say goodnight....... and yes, God's got this.

(remember to tap and hold to open youtube for the song) 

https://youtu.be/MgfVCAPFDfY

Lockdown 89

Lockdown Day 89 - 23 June 2020

Today, I visited one of my favourite coffee places, Stereo Café in Westdene. They have two sit down spots in the garden where we could sit and enjoy a quick cuppa. The sun was fabulous and the coffee even better. It just felt so good to feel a little closer to "normal". 

Back at home after finishing my work (for the second time this Lockdown, some additional "normal") I went for a walk on one of the field trails. Again the fading afternoon sun was welcoming and the slight breeze through the grass and trees refreshing. Nature just has a way to make everything look brighter and better. 

Sometimes things happen you can't control and sometimes you need to just let it go. The breeze through the grass reminded me of how our brains react by building little trees when we experience anything, and before we know it a kind of 'breeeze through the trees' happens in the brain. Depending on our choice to accept or reject either good or bad thoughts, this breeze is actually the chemical cocktail released in reaction to what we chose to take aboard. It all comes down to what we choose with our free will to feed our brain. 

To grow a plant, it needs to be watered regularly. But if you water it with acid, it will wither and die. The same happens in our brain. "Watering" the brain with good thoughts, rejecting the bad, we release the right chemical cocktail to cause the trees of things such as unbelief, worry, anxiety and stress to be replaced by strong healthy trees of faith, positive mental attitude, peace and calm. 

So then, when unforseen "lows" hit you when you least expect it, your brain will be ready to counter and buffer the initial shock, bouncing back with the truth, wisdom, peace and faith that God built into our design. 

Combined with strong trees in our brain and the right "breeze through those trees",  it is possible to survive almost anything that comes our way. 

Like Lockdown. And everything that came with it. God knew of all of this before our very existence, He has seen us through a lot even before Lockdown. I believe He still does. Even at all odds, I still believe He's got this!

I leave you with this text on the picture below frim Hebrews 13 in the AmpC version:

Lockdown 88

Lockdown Day 88 - 22 June 2020

This morning I started cleaning house with the song Friday on my Mind, the lyrics chorus ending with, "Monday I'll have Friday on my mind". And then I started to wonder why humans have such a thing for anything that is not now. 

"Live in the moment", they say. But then "they" want to know what your plans are for Friday or the weekend. Is it because time flies and we can't seem to keep up? Or is it because we don't know how to stop for a moment, breathe, and just "be"? 

Most people feel they have to busy. All the time. Now I'm not talking about laziness. I'm talking about recharging while working. This is a foreign concept for many people. 

But think about it like this. If you are making a collage of pictures, you need to cut them out and arrange them according to your plan or design. In the end you have the finished product, but also the scrap paper you have cut off. What do you do with that paper? You throw it away. Or use it for packaging purposes. Point is, you don't give the scraps much thought, energy or attention.

That is how it is with time. You have what I call scrap time each day. The 3 minutes you wait for an egg to boil. Or the 2 minutes while waiting for your toast to pop up. What about sitting in the car waiting, for kids, house people, colleagues, a red traffic light, or waiting in a queue (queues are the worst).

It is estimated we spend 42 minutes a day waiting for people, transport/traffic, the kettle to boil, internet surfing to load and all kinds of queues. You can do the math, that's a big chunk of scrap time. 

So what do you do with that time? You breathe purposefully. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Three times. And if you're still waiting, do an imagination exercise and go to your happy place. For instance if your happy place is the beach like mine, remember the salty smell and the soft warm sand as if you're actually there. Don't have a happy place? Eish, get one! 🤩 Think of what calms you and recharges you, like sinking into a warm bath or playing a game of pool, whatever rings your bell. Those aaahhh moments are your happy place. Practice frequently so you can go there in a mo'. 

The benefits of using your scrap time for this in stead of poring over your cellphone (security alert) , are immense. It refreshes and resets your brain to deliver its best. It detoxifies your body and destresses the soul. Make it a habit and see your life become more productive, more satisfying and above all better at coping with everyday demands and stressors. This will also benefit your sleep cycle, something most us get too little of. 

Dr Seuss said, "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no-one alive that is youer than you!"  So make your now count, every second of it, and put yourself first in your scrap time. To just "be" takes a conscious decision to let your design be nurtured. God is in the small stuff too. He would like you to care for you more often. Because He knows you can't give what you haven't got unless you first put it back.

Because He's got this.

Lockdown 87

Lockdown Day 87 - 21 June 2020

For Father's Day we decided to support a local restaurant and order their FD Box. What a lovely surprise it was, with homemade lamb pie (stuffed to the brim), herb rice and oven roasted veg, some fresh strawberries and a skewer of chicken nuggets. Plus a decadent fresh as you can get chocolate brownie topped with crunchy caramel popcorn. All in true Koekela style! Thanks Gabrielle! Koekela scores 2 and the van Stadens are out from enjoying the feast (the other one goes to the fabulous New York Baked Cheesecake I got for Mom day)! 

Gluttony and fabulous families aside, I want to tell you about my ladder. Friday a problem arose with one of our newly cleaned lights. So my ladder had to do its job once again. Later, when I passed the ladder, it hit me: this ladder was bought many moons ago when we lived in Bloemfontein. Before we had kids. I remember choosing one I can carry easily enough for the many paint projects I had in mind for our newly acquired family home. 

This ladder has seen red cupboards and blue bathrooms, a yellow kitchen and children's rooms come alive, the kaleidoscope of blotches a silent witness of years of paint stories. One project I have etched into my memory was my kitchen in Namibia, where we lived for just over 6 years. 

We built a house on a nature estate and I decided to create a personal touch in my kitchen by painting it myself with a type of paint called Worn Leather with precisely that texture. The colour was Mountain Boot, a dirty kind of dove blue. And the job had to be done in one go to prevent blotches. My blue kitchen became our get together place where we had many glorious times together. 

Just as well worn mountain boots, my ladder has become the storyteller of our life together. A testimonial of how God has fearfully and wonderfully woven us together (Psalm 139:14). He mapped out our life for us, all we had to do was walk in the boots He gave us. 

Little did we know where He would take us, let alone back to where our lives together as a family began. As Corrie ten Boom said, “Don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.” And that is my joyful commitment: to go where He wants me and do as He says, because He knows all and has got this future ahead of us in His hands.

Lockdown 86

Lockdown Day 86 - 20 June 2020

Today I heard a story of someone who took the time to speak to a car guard. Ignored by most, hated by some (the result of a bad car guard incident) and tolerated by us all for various reasons. 

Anyway, this person was in the 'tolerated' category, whipping out a R5 when the guard appears. 

She is in the journo business and decided to ask him about the job. It took about 5 minutes of her time, asking if this is his only job, who he provides for and from where he travels and the cost to get there and back. In those 5 minutes she was also harassed by another motorist wanting to park and telling them the time of day for having a quick exchange of words. 

This journo decided to air a question on her slot at a local radio station based on her experience, and asked the listeners to let her know how much they think a motorist should pay a car guard.  In the light of what she experienced, she also told of the obnoxious motorist (someone with a brain, I gathered, as they actually had a driver's license) who couldn't remember their manners. 

The outcome was interesting and a few extra categories of people emerged concerning both good and bad experiences with car guards. Ultimately, most people thought R5-R10 was good.

The journo and her co-presenter spoke to a number of guards and found most of them traveled far to work, paying between R40 and R60 for one round trip. Also they had to pay the center or shop owners a fee for being allowed to work there which amounted to R40 a day (shop owners only pay a daily allowance if they are enlisted in a car guarding company). 

What really got me was one of the guards said to the co-presentor, its okay if you don't have money to give him, just please say hello, and then added "I don't want you as a friend but I want to feel acknowledged." Yes, I know, this is SA and you can't trust anyone. Be vigilant but have a heart. Keep your eyes open and use your brain! And at the very least spare a thought for a job few of us stop to think about.

Tonight, while standing outside, watching the Spacex Shuttle pass briefly through our atmosphere, knowing it has a crew of two, I wondered about the difference in our views. They are looking down on earth from a dizzy height and I am looking up at a little bright light moving across the sky. 

What I know for sure is when we shift the paradigm and try to see another's view from their shoes we are sure to find something that makes our view more complete. So it is for anything in life. 

So tonight I leave you with a video of the view of earth from space to remind us all of the God who made it all and who would like nothing better than for us to have a complete view of his world. The world He's got firmly in His hands. (remember to tap and hold the link below untill you are asked to choose youtube) 

https://youtu.be/xg9R4yykvqU

Lockdown 85

Lockdown Day 85 - 19 June 2020

Today, while picking up Daisy&Co's delicious curry and rice, I stood watching the people go about their daily business, every person masked, 'alone' and hurried, the whole scene reminding me of some futuristic space-like movie. 

Lockdown has caused many things we did not ask for, mostly unforseen things. Before Lockdown we were planning and working in providing for the future. 

Suddenly Lockdown changed the immediate future, creating a sense of uncertainty in all sectors of life as we knew it, some of us just continued as normal, but most of us had to bear the brunt of salary cuts, no work no pay and the like. 

Students from grade 8 to tertiary were dumped into an online world which only suited the tech types, leaving the rest literally in the dark, creating more uncertainty. An evil cycle of keeping one's head just above the water. 

But somehow, we are still here, albeit in a new alien kind of world where people wear masks and do their best to avoid each other as far as possible. Now I don't know if I like this new normal, but I do know I have no choice (there's that no control issue again). 

So in the choices I cán make, I can choose to try my utmost because I hold fast onto my God who holds the future only in His Hands. Only because of Him I can trust there will be a future. Only because of Him I know there ís a future. This is why talking with Him on a daily basis is the only source of hope and joy. 

Yet another truth from Corrie ten Boom is, “What wings are to a bird and sails to a ship, so is prayer to the soul.” In a time such as this, talking to God (prayer) is our rock, shelter and safe haven. Otherwise we are flightless and stuck. No freedom at all. Literally and spiritually. He is our way up and out, our escape from Lockdown. 

Going forward one day at a time with God is really all we can do. He wipes tears, comforts and heals the broken heart and spirit. He uplifts upholds and strengthens us, opens our eyes and ears to hear and see what He is doing. Never doubt His pure motives or honest love. Never let fear eat up your faith like a pac-man. Rather let faith remove all fear by taking up God's perfect peace. If you've run out of answers, be quiet and listen for His voice, it will surely come. 

Jesus Himself said, “These words I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you have pressure, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

So tonight I shall do what Jesus asks, stay in Him, the One who overcame the world, and “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”(CtB) 

Because He's well and truly got this.

Lockdown 84

Lockdown Day 84 - 18 June 2020

Still on the topic of Falconry, I want to talk about the little tracking device Pearl has on her back. She is fitted with a little harness around her body onto which the tracker is clipped on her back. Just before Francois removes her rufter, he activates the tracking device. 

This device is very important, because like I said, Pearl is a wild falcon and when she is in the air she sometimes spots other prey, which means she can lock onto that prey or chase it to places far from where Francois is. He says it has happened before where she actually spent the night in a tree with her catch. So the tracker is essential to know where to find her as quickly as possible. 

Today I kept thinking about this ancient art of falconry which was originally used as a tool with which they 'employed' these trained birds to get food. In some places, such as Mongolia and Tibet it still is. The Falconers are extremely knowledgeable about these birds and serve as guardians for these birds, seeing to it that they aren't overworked and only employed for a short time before being released into the wild. 

So, in other words, this is the falcon's "job" for a while, but it doesn't alter the falcon's innate design. It also can't choose to suddenly be an owl if the peregrine life doesn't suit it. Much like expecting apples from a pecan tree. That made me think about how life should be lived as a human. And about being free even if you're not.

In a sense Pearl's freedom has never been compromised. She has just chosen to entertain a man who has decided to enter her world to learn more. Her freedom is very much alive and real and she owns it. Our freedom as humans is also, by choice, in our hands. 

And humankind has a way of wanting to be in control. To their own detriment, of course. 

Corrie ten Boom (who mastered freedom even though she was in a concentration camp) once said, “It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability that counts.” Pearl is so surrendered to her destiny she just responds to the call. To own freedom, to be completely free, we need to learn to respond to God's ability while totally surrendered to Him. 

So why not forget about the rufter and bowties you feel are "blinding" you or holding you back, and step out into the freedom that is available for you in Christ. He can see all, do all and provide all, all you need to do is respond to His call. 

And yes, He's really got this.

Lockdown 83

Lockdown Day 83 - 17 June 2020

This morning all three of us got up at 05h00, left home just after 6 to go and meet a very special pair. Precisely at 06h30 we met up with them and followed them to a remote farm. We were dressed in thick winter clothes, ready to see something we have never experienced before.  Francois the falconer introduced himself and presented Pearl, his Peregrine falcon. And what a beautiful specimen she was. 

She was perched on his gloved hand and had little bowties securing her so she could not just take off. Also, she was wearing a little leather hood called a Rufter, used to calm her. It allows ease of control for Francois in situations that otherwise could startle her. 

He explained that without the rufter, she would do what she was designed to do: be on the alert for anything she can hunt! We proceeded to walk into the open field where we waited for first light, as the peregrine falcon is not a nocturnal hunter. She keenly listens to all the sounds of dawn, knowing she will be flying free very soon. 

Francois had two bags on a harness strapped to his body where he keeps live doves as lures or rewards for Pearl. They pose for a quick pic and then the moment arrives for Pearl to fly. Francois moves away from us and holds his arm out, loosening the bow ties on his glove as well as removing the rufter from her head. She immediately checks us out, and then scans her surroundings. 

After hesitating a moment, she takes off. She flies in a circular pattern over our heads and climbs steadily to a height of over 1000 metres high. We can see her, but she's just a speck against the cloud cover. And then Francois releases a dove, shouts out a loud "hey", but Pearl doesn't catch on. Then, with the next shout and dove released we see how she instantly locks onto her prey and dives down incredibly fast,  and in the blink of an eye it's all over. 

Francois explains that she actually kills or stuns the dove by striking it with a clenched fist and then either catches it mid air or chases it to the ground. This morning Pearl followed her prey to the ground but it got away. Francois called her, luring her back with a second treat attached to a long wired lure. She pounced on it and dragged it into the long grass, the weight of the wire keeping her close to us. 

Pearl is a wild animal. She is only patient with Francois because he makes her hunting easier. He says they normally get these birds when Nature Conservation recieves them from farmers or people who don't know what to do with them. They normally stay with him for two years and are then released back into the wild. They are not easily domesticated and after a week in the wild they will not consider their former handler a friend. 

True to her nature and design, Pearl showed us today how to exalt her Maker doing what she was designed for. Flying so fast the human eye can barely follow her, she also proved to us why she deserves the accolade of fastest bird on the planet. We left, feeling enriched by the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of God's creation. 

I know deep in my spirit I desire to do the same. To exalt my Creator by doing what I was designed for. I will forever remember Day 83 as Pearl's day. And what a pearl it was! To see such a magnificent bird serves as a reminder of God's love and provision for us, as the words of Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" 

Yes, God's definitely got this. 

Lockdown 82

Lockdown Day 82 - 16 June 2020

After researching the origin of youth day, finding the "soweto uprising" in 1976 was because Afrikaans was to be used as a language of instruction in high schools, I decided to have my own celebration of the brain day. Because what happened in 1976 when I was a grade 7 youth, happenend differently than all the accounts on google. Because the violence that ensued was not my generation's fault. And because I will not use those happenings to rekindle the  "same old, same old" racism card. 

I prefer celebrating the brain. The brain has been there ever since God decided to include it in His most intricate design of man. (I suppose He also knew how man would use, or not use it, 😪) Throughout world history the brain has mapped out man's incompleteness and lack of wisdom. 

The proof is sadly visible in all the wars that lie strewn in history books. Not only wars of ammunition, but also wars of the will (brain manipulation - i.e. the holocaust). The brain has survived all of that, created computers and the internet, electricity and supersonic airplanes, mobile devices and a virtual world no one really knows exactly where it is. 

I celebrate all people's differences and unique brain qualities, because God created them that way with a purpose. I cant help but wonder what Hitler would've done had he known his unique  identity and purpose in Christ. Or how the internet would be if God's will was considered first. 

Today, I had coffee with a friend who said, "the powers that be are still talking lockdown, but the citizens are done with lockdown." That made me think about the brain's ability, in adverse circumstances, to override common sense when survival it at stake. To do what needs to be done even though the risk is great. 

Closer to home I can safely say I will, as far as possible, do what is required of someone who houses a brain. To grow my brain even when my body slows. I will feed my brain what it needs to ensure my survival and sometimes go against humankind if it means I am serving the Creator of my brain. Because I know He has got my back, whatever happens. 

I leave you with an inspiring video of how amazing our brain can be:

https://youtu.be/nz7SMVYMT6k

Lockdown 81

Lockdown Day 81 - 15 June 2020

81 days have passed since Lockdown started. I think of the epic novel written by Jules Verne with the title Around the world in 80 Days, in which the fictive character Phileas Fogg traveled right around the world. Today, to actually travel around the world have a couple of meanings. 

One, does this mean you need to visit every single country to say you've traveled around the world? Or does it mean to travel around the planet earth, as in around its circumference/equator or from polar cap to polar cap? 

The facts are astounding. A man with the name of Michael Palin actually did the Jules Verne version on about the same route in 80 days. It was apparently very difficult to make the 80 days mark without using air travel. Today, to fly around the world non-stop will take 40 hours, including touchdown on the 196 countries on the circumference, and a mere 6.5 hours in a supersonic plane. If I were to walk the 24902km, it would take a year, resting and eating and experiences included. 

So, upon hearing that I could've gone around the world by now, I asked myself what do I have to show for these past 81 days? I imagine putting my feet on 196 countries' soil the past 81 days (which of course cannot be done due to you know what). How amazing could that have been. 

So maybe we should make a Lockdown 'bucket' list for all the things we dream about. We can also try to list 80 little things to be thankful for because of Lockdown. 

Perhaps you have done something else, something small that in 81 days has made an impact on your spirit, soul or body. Something that you will hold dear and maybe one day tell your grandchildren about. Those are the amazing things that will forever change us and the way we look at our world. 

One thing I know for sure, is the Rock of all ages has been standing next to me for these 81 days, holding my hand, providing a firm foothold for me to stand on, even when I felt I was losing my grip. He has kept my eyes focused even when I felt blind and made pathways I never thought existed. That is precisely why I know God's got this.

Lockdown 80

Lockdown Day 80 - 14 June 2020

Sunday lunch brings back the most amazing childhood memories. When I hear the word Sunday lunch my deep limbic system pulls out smells and sounds and LOVE that is inexplicable. It's all accompanied with vivid visuals. 

I see in my mind's eye the table looking better than a hotel buffet, the warm KZN breeze on my skin after having a pre-lunch swim. Now remember, I was a child, so the memories don't include dishes, sweating over the stove and mopping the kitchen floor 🤣. And even if I did help, it couldn't have been that bad otherwise I would've remembered. 

In describing myself as a home cook I would say I've been mostly lucky. If I were to be rated or tested as in Masterchef I'm afraid a professional kitchen would probably expel me haha. 

I like cooking when I've got all the time in the world, with no one breathing down my neck and without a constant countdown of the time I have left (I really don't know how they do it). Thus, the one thing Lockdown has proved unequivocally is I was not destined to be a professional chef. Also, being a lab rat, I like following a recipe. It's less traumatic when things don't work out, that way you blame the recipe and save yourself. 

Our lunch today once again took me back to those childhood lazy Sundays where, after lunch and bellies full, everyone just disappears for a snooze. One of my favourite things is to then go and sit down with a warm cup of tea, enjoying the 'satisfied quiet', reflecting on the past week and planning the week to come, with the familiar rhythm of the dishwasher in the background. 

I call the quiet of a Sunday afternoon my "scrap time". It's when I do whatever rejuvenates me or gives me joy. Like taking a loooong nap or having tea in the sun with a good book. I also try to think the minimum and just "be" in the moment of a day designed to use for unwinding and refocusing. 

To be spiritually inspired and touch base with God who gave me life. To listen for His voice and instruction and surrend myself totally (again) into His hands, because He's got this.

Lockdown 79

Lockdown Day 79 - 13 June 2020

The day started out with the same temperature as yesterday, but without clouds, wind or frost. I just love walking when it's quiet. I can literally hear nature waking up. 

First the little birds start chirping on and off, as if saying, "okay it's morning, let's let everyone know" followed by, "no wait, it's still a way off, cut it out boys"! Eventually the birds erupt in joyous song, no matter the temperature or season. And today was no different. 

Roxy and I had warmed up and were enjoying the sights and sounds of the morning. I started following the trail of sunshine painting lines through the trees. Suddenly, a song of Katrina and the Waves popped into my head and I started singing and dancing down the road. We were walking on sunshine! 

Sunshine of the soul not only warms the heart, but it makes everything just seem better. It makes a good day shine, and any unloved soul feel welcome. The song is a foot stomping, hand clapping song as she sings, "and don't it feel good!" Then it hit me, if we can let our spirit, souls and body shine, the love in our hearts will be activated. 

At that moment another song popped into my head, one I fear will give away my age, hahaha. Its called Put a Little Love In your Heart. And its lyrics are particularly inspiring, especially these words:

Take a good look around

And if you're looking down

Put a little love in your heart

I hope when you decide

Kindness will be your guide

Put a little love in your heart 

And then of course the chorus goes like this:

And the world will be a better place 

All the world will be a better place 

For you and me, you just wait and see. 

So, taking my cue from the joyful birdsong this morning, I dropped my cares into God's hand and sang and danced through the day, feeling the love grow and the 'stuff' diminish. Yes, walking on sunshine is the new way to start each day. Let's make the world a better place by holding on to the God who put kindness and love in our hearts. And let Him handle this. 

I leave you with the links to both songs. Enjoy! 

https://youtu.be/iPUmE-tne5U

https://youtu.be/CMj7UcjPZ0U

Lockdown 78

Lockdown Day 78 - 12 June 2020

At last! Winter has arrived in full force. This morning's walk was something wonderful. Literally every garden was clothed in a thick white blanket of twinkling frost. I tried to photograph it but it didn't look anything like seeing it with the naked eye. For a moment I felt transported to Den Burg, a little town in the Netherlands I was fortunate to visit. 

It was in the winter between Christmas and New Year and the gardens looked just like I saw today, except it was snow. Den Burg is situated on the island of Texel and one can only get there with a ferry. It is that kind of time-stands-still town. A slow living town where everyone has time for what really matters. They do life as a profession. 

Slow living respects life, especially the ones that matter. It also teaches us about what and who really matters. I remember trying on a handwoven jacket made from handspun wool (Texel is known for this). To this day I regret not buying it. It was like Joseph's coat of many colours, it's warmth inviting. This is how life is meant to be lived. Multidimensional with layers that nurture the spirit, soul and body. Something you can't ever get tired of. 

Of course we need to rest when tired. But the life I am talking about is in the blood coursing through our veins, every heartbeat a reminder of the fragility thereof. Today, as the shadows drew out in the late afternoon, I heard of a little four month old baby who left earth to be with his Creator. And suddenly life seemed so broken and unfair. And much too temporary. 

Just as each piece of wool has its place in that jacket to make it whole, each moment of today matters. Every touch, every look, every colour and the light it reflects. Even the flaws are woven into the jacket on purpose. The value of such a jacket is not the wool or it's price but what it represents. 

Think about it: if all of our life was stripped away, what really has lasting value? What will withstand the test of time? How much attention have we given to those things? 

So tonight I want to rejoice over the things that make life worth living. Family, friends and the world God has loved so dearly, He gave up Hís Son so we could have life and life in abundance. All we need to do is talk to God about it and make Him our own. Building a relationship with ourselves, our closest and God is the true secret behind the value of life. He is good all the time and He's got this. 

Lockdown 77

Lockdown Day 77 - 11 June 2020

Day 77. Wow. It started out cold and windy, and ended colder and windier. Right now at 22h00 it's 2°C outside and we hear from farmers an hour away its snowing. According to the weather bureau we're looking at -5 tomorrow. Now that's what winter should be like! If I were a virus I would leave. But for me, this is the weather I love. I get to cool down all day. Yay! Although without the sun it's no fun (I fear Dr Seuss has rhyme-competition). 

The cold weather put a halt to my planned outdoor activities for the day and I took to some much needed research. While searching an idea came to me. I thought of today being Day 77 and wondered if there could be a few jewels hidden in the number. Lo and behold I found a google full of interesting facts. 

In the numerical system where each letter of the alphabet is given a nunber in chronological sequence, i.e. a=1 and z=26, CHRIST is C = 3, H = 8, R = 18, I = 9, S = 19, T = 20, which added together equal 77. Christ.

The number 77 was also a password at the Swedish/Norwegan border, because Swedish pronunciation of 77 was so difficult they could instantly discern whether the speaker was local or foreign. Access. 

The Hebrew word 'oz', which means 'strength', is composed of two hebrew letters- ayin and zayin, which have values of 70 and 7 respectively, thus adding up to 77. Strength. 

77 Is also the atomic number of iridium, which doesn't melt easily as it is believed to be the second densest metal in the platinum family. Resistance.

It is also the boiling point of nitrogen in Kelvin (-195,8 °C). Nitrogen makes up 78%of the air on earth. Every year people are killed by breathing “air” that contains too little oxygen. Because 78 percent of the air we breathe is nitrogen gas, many people assume that nitrogen is not harmful. However, nitrogen is safe to breathe only when mixed with the appropriate amount of oxygen. Balance. 

Christ gave us free

Access to His unlimited 

Strength and powerful

Resistance, bringing about the

Balance we need to live our life in. 

WOW. Truth found me again. And to end it off I decided to look in Psalm 77 and found verse, which says, "Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God, as I remember all your wonders of old. I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles. It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary, where I learn more of your ways. For holiness is revealed in everything you do. Lord, you’re the One and only, the great and glorious God! Your display of wonders, miracles, and power makes the nations acknowledge you. "

Now if that's not the perfect antidote to an abominable virus, I don't know what is. Indeed, He is the One and only who's got this!

Lockdown 76

Lockdown Day 76 - 10 June 2020

Our walk today was a little later than usual and when we left home we were met by a gentle cool breeze and warm friendly sunshine. Although the weather report had predicted extreme cold, the 7°C and clear skies felt great. Throughout the morning the picture started to change with a strong wind, some dust and a steady cloud cover rolling in. It was as if the wind was tasked with blowing off all autumn leaves still hanging onto branches. Even my washing was floored and sitting in the sun was a challenge. 

This kind of wind has a way of affecting human behaviour. In nature its effect is evident, as the animal kingdom prepares to hibernate. According to Wikipedia, "Hibernation is characterized by low body-temperature, slow breathing, slow heart rate and low metabolic rate. It most commonly occurs during winter months." I can relate. It explains why I feel like the leafless trees being knocked about by the wind. 

It affects our daily routine in a big way. But I do think humankind has managed to cut out all hibernation for restoration purposes. By that I mean there is no grace for resting. And no understanding in a performance driven world for restoration. This needs to change if we are to survive abominable viruses and a boundary-less work world in future. Because, let's face it, our work world has entered our personal space and working at all hours have become the norm. 

When we go to a zoo to see an animal who is in hibernation, no one will complain when the zookeeper says they cannot be visited until spring because they are in hibernation. Everybody will understand and leave the animals in peace. We can learn a lot from nature. 

Although we don't need to hibernate because our food is available all year round, we can adopt a winter routine that can renew our energy and focus, bringing health and restoration for spring. 

Making choices in adjusting our routine is entirely possible as we have learnt during lockdown. It comes down to making the choice for longevity, brain health and work excellence. 

So when you feel the weather has changed your day, take a moment to draw up a new schedule to free up some much needed time, 

even if you take one hour midweekly apart from weekends. And when that hour arrives, exhale your deadlines and inhale the

"peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. " 

Then you think on whatever is "true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:7‭-‬8) 

The God of all seasons understands everything in a way we don't. So best we hold onto Him, because He's the only One who's got this.

Lockdown 75

Lockdown Day 75 - 9 June 2020

Blah days are those days that just pass sort of unnoticed. They make you feel guilty for not squeezing the best out of them and getting into bed with that "yes, I've done it" smile on your face. Blah days also surprise you when you are halfway through them. 

You then really try your best to make it count, and at 15h00, when your bio-rhythms hit rock bottom and you feel like finishing a tub of decadent ice cream with a teaspoon (that's a depro movie move), you realise you need to pack up and call it a day. Still feeling guilty you find yourself giving in to the call from the couch. 

Truth is, Blah days are necessary. They are also a today that matters. It's when your body and brain says, "you want to do what?" and then start laughing hysterically at your total ignorance of the evident situation. The one where your cells are dry and in need of a water point (and no, I'm not referring to a glass of gin, haha). But not just any water. 

You see, being called by the couch has nothing to do with slothiness, and has everything to do with growth and creativity. There are times, only rightly discerned by those who listen, when creativity can only fly when we are still. These are the times when the best of everything happens. 

Ever wonder why couches are used in therapy? It's because when you lie down, your heart rate slows, your breathing steadies and is fuller, the blood gets a chance to really fill the brain and the overload of impulses to the brain dissipates. And suddenly everything falls into place. It's like a brain storming session with yourself.

In Isaiah 30:15b God says, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” The Word says it, that does it. This is the washing of the water of the Word. Sometimes doing nothing can be the something that catapults you into your destiny. A destiny with a God who's got this.