Lockdown 127

Lockdown Day 127 - 31 July 2020

Today I spoke with a farmer friend. They farm with crops and livestock. Living close to the earth, their house is nestled in the mountainous Eastern Free State where the only loud sounds that are heard, are their livestock bleating, bellowing and a mixed array of other bird sounds coming from the little dams surrounding the house. 

For us city dwellers, just the thought of having so much space to oneself lifts the spirit. Apart from all the work that constantly needs to be done on a farm, the space and silence speaks for itself. 

Space is what gives our existence depth and dimension. Space gives us room for movement. The space within my spirit is the place where the presence (depth) of the Spirit of God (dimension) resides. 

Silence is often feared and some people cannot process silence, causing them to be constantly on the go, constantly busy. To me, mindful silence is when I choose to go and find a quiet spot to calm my spirit. 

Truth is, space and silence has never before been this sought after. In a way Lockdown restrictions have slowly infiltrated our quitening-of-the-mind-activities, what with living and working in the same space. The boundaries that keep work out of our personal lives have become blurred. 

When you feel your space and silence have been hijacked, become a farmer spiritually! Decide to work when the work demands it and decide to be home when the work is done. 

Tonight I will renew my vow to first consult my Creator and His Word.

He is the Maker of space and silence,  and I will use the golden minutes for Him. Because I know when I do this, He will manage my time and send the hijackers packing. 

And because He's got this.

Lockdown 126

Lockdown Day 126 - 30 July 2020

Getting in my car today, there was a medium sized white feather on my seat. I haven't seen it before and tried to think if it could've landed there when the car door was open. But in the back of my mind I knew this was another feather sent from heaven to confirm His presence. 

These random little things happen all the time. I walk out the door and a guinea fowl feather is at my door. Haven't seen a guinea fowl around ever since we've moved in. I get delayed when on a shopping trip (this really irritates me, because I plan Lockdown shopping in times I have found the shops to be less busy), only to run into someone I haven't seen in a while who has a profound story to tell in that moment, which builds me up spiritually. 

I decide to be responsible for a change and start assembling my bank statements for my tax sumbission, starting with the statements in my inbox. Upon opening my inbox I see an email from a site I have recently unsubscribed from. I get the feeling I should open it, which I do, and there is an answer to one of my prayers. 

What I'm trying to say is never discard that inner prompting when it knocks on your heart. God uses many avenues to get our attention, speak to us and answer us. But if we have pre-suppositions about how God speaks, we miss it all. So tonight, let's look for the random little things that prompt our heart to stay a little longer in that moment. 

Even though we may fear disappointment, the only way to overcome it, is to allow ourselves the freedom go through it and be mindful in the moment. Be prepared to experience the muchness He has waiting for us. Because, yes, He's got it all under control and He really has got this.

Lockdown 125

Lockdown Day 125 - 29 July 2020

Today I saw one of my close cousins who was here on business. She told me about her confrontation with another unseen disease she had recently been diagnosed with. This is after she lost her husband to cancer 7 months ago. To be confronted with so many things in the space of 7 months is really challenging. But to be praising and trusting God in spite of it all is truly inspiring. And so very humbling in a time like this where all I sometimes want to do is shout, "Why??" with my fists in the air. 

After battling the cancer together for nearly 11 months, she not only had to face the future alone (they always did everything together), she had to fight for her rights concerning frozen funds and was confronted with many inner challenges as well. I remember his voice so clearly when I visited them last year while he was in remission, when he said to me, "Cuz, December we're going to surf together." We never did, because he was too ill and I never saw him again. 

I walked away after our chat together, thankful to the core for the life I have in me. For lazy days and fighting days. For happy days and sad days. For being able to feel it when I pinch my skin. Even for righteous anger and joy. But most of all for someone like her in my life. Her existence inspires me to inspire others, pray for those who ask, and spend more time in conversations with my closest people, family and friends alike. 

One of the things of Lockdown I have come to love are the days I have a little extra time after my walk to get going slowly, in stead of hitting the ground running. Wednesdays are particularly cool because there is little involved in our dinner planning, as it is our weekly "braai" day. The side dish is either quick veg or salad. Mom's night off. With a Gin on the side, while I still have some left.  

So tonight I give a shout out to all of you, "my" people. You all know who you are. I look up to my Creator with gratitude and thank Him for still standing next to us, still guiding us all, in spite of ourselves. Because He is the only One who knows all and sees all. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 124

Lockdown Day 124 - 28 July 2020

This day was divided between great conversations and brain freeze. First, we walked our usual Tuesday route of about 6 km. It was cold, but no wind, which made it very enjoyable. The sky was red with sunrise, and I wondered about the saying, "Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning; red sky at night, shepherd's delight." 

This is what farmers with livestock have believed for centuries. According to the saying we are in for some kind of  precipitation in the next 48 hours. But, with a red sky at night one can expect clear skies. Time will tell where the weather is headed. All I know is the winter's peak has moved from end of July to mid August.

My great conversations were with two wonderful friends I have met since we came to the Free State. For a moment it felt as if Lockdown had not happened as we talked and shared as before this abominable virus.  There is a word for such conversations: heartwarming. Yes. The sun felt warmer and in my spirit the boundaries of Lockdown were invisible and freedom felt tangible. "I can do with this", I thought to myself.

Later, the brain freeze walked in unannounced and, for a moment (maybe longer than a moment), snatched up my sense freedom I was dancing to in my spirit. Without divulging too much, let's just say a government law concerning hunting away from home was passed, now banning any accommodation related to such trips. 

Personally I am not really affected, as our hunting places are closeby and can be done with day trips. What got me was the economy being hit again. And I call it brain freeze, because the mindless draconian rules of government concerning this virus is now starting to hurt the economy in a bad way. More and more people (and farmers, the back bone of our food supply) are stuck between closing down their businesses or losing everything - what a choice to have to make. Government's frozen brains are freezing the rest of the country's brain too. 

So I turned to comfort food, first caramelising the red onions I bought at a farmer outlet, cooking the local pasta that was made with the wheat from a farmer, and frying delicious picnic ham that comes from a farmer, bringing it all together with a blue cheese sauce made from cheese and milk, yes you've guessed it, from a FARMER! 

So tonight I offer up a prayer for all the farmers in our country, whether they farm with livestock, crops or game. I also pray for the unfreezing of brains and a revival in the economy. 

But most of all I pray for God to move in our heart and spirit, so He can spread His light and warmth through us. Because, as Jesus Himself said in Matthew 19:26, "But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." Ggt.

Lockdown 123

Lockdown Day 123 - 27 July 2020

Free State hazy days are windy, somewhat dusty and overall just a miserable kind of cold that's not so cold. The green room suddenly looks yellowish green, covered in all the leaves that hadn't fallen off the trees in autumn. The wind feels like a cold mountain wind, like the kind we get when the Eastern Free State is getting snow. The sun is a shade darker and the heat from the sun doesn't heat up anything. Defrosting food in this weather is like trying to outdo the thunder of a summer storm with a motorbike. You'll have a better chance defrosting in the fridge. After cleaning house, I realised my washing would have to be hung indoors, because it was bound to be blown away by the ever stronger growing wind. 

A friend from Harrismith in the Eastern Free State has just sent me a whatsapp complaining about the freezing weather....... maybe I should change jobs and become a weather prophet, ha funny ha.  Jokes aside, a weather forecast is just what it says it is: a forecast. Although based on climatology of the day, there is no guarantee whatsoever they will be right about tomorrow. I know these guys have a real job and do a lot of research which is valuable, but I keep wondering what it must be like to forecast something on live television, full well knowing tomorrow might let you look like the world's biggest fibber. No seriously, just give me the research, thank you. 

Even though the weather of tomorrow is not known, we perceive the forecast as truth. Until the truth appears tomorrow and proves the forecast right or wrong. Isn't this how we sometimes perceive God's Word? We perceive it as truth, but keep our options open just in case. Or, we hold the conviction of 'seeing is believing' and miss out on the blessings hidden in blind trust. 

So tonight I repent for keeping my options open and wanting to see before I believe. I put every ounce of my trust into God's Hands and declare His Word as the only Truth.  I shall sleep, knowing He is awake and working His good, pleasing and perfect will. And knowing He's got this.

Lockdown 122

Lockdown Day 122 - 26 July 2020

Yesterday we went for a drive after our walk, and passed an office block where we spotted a group of people in the parking lot getting dressed into those white suits we have seen worn by doctors and nursing staff looking after virus patients in the hospital wards. 

On our way back, we noticed the logo of a sanitizing company on their vehicles, and immediately realised they were there to spray the inside of the offices. This obviously meant one or more of the employees were tested positive for the virus. I must admit, seeing all those people in white suits and helmets, sparked a dose of reality in my world.  It's not that I don't realise the gravity of the situation we're in, but visuals cause me to think about those people affected. 

Reality is, somewhere someone's mother, father, son, daughter, sister, brother or friend is confronted by the physical path of this abominable virus. Like I said last week, a day does not go by without us wondering at least once about the future and the effect all of this is having on the whole world. And I am sure many of us have at least heard of someone closer to us that have been tested positive.

Today we traded the green room for a coffeeshop garden nearby where we went to have our morning flat white, our spirits soaking up the sounds of nature.  It made me feel closer to God and somehow lighter and brighter inside my spirit. Back home, I contemplated the people in white suits. These people (I think I saw about 6 of them) were faced with a large office building with two floors, stretching out into long wings with rows and rows of offices to cover. 

It made me think of  how we tackle seemingly monumental tasks. It depends on your faith and the vision you have. First, you need to see the end result in your mind (your goal) and second, you need to know you can do anything (faith). Then you need to zoom in and micro-execute. It's like that age old question,  "How do you move a mountain?", to which the answer is, "One stone at a time." Or, "How do you eat an elephant?" , to which the answer is, "One bite at a time."

To micro-execute means to start in one corner, do what you do well, and keep going. Before you know it, you're done and dusted, and the mountain is moved. But 90% of your success lies in the faith that you can do it. Today we watched a video of a girl who excelled despite her disability, all because her parents taught her to never use the the word can't. She pushed boundaries because of her faith and refused to be limited by her body's restricted movement.  She crossed the line from limited to limitless, and forever replaced can't with CAN. 

So tonight, if you are faced with a monumental task (in a way Lockdown is this for us all), focus on what you can. And replace the unbelief standing in your way, with the faith that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 17:20b, “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.” 

Gbwy.

Ggt.

Lockdown 121

Lockdown Day 121 - 25 July 2020

This morning we decided to try out a walking trail in our estate which has recently been opened for dog-walking. We first had to walk nearly a kilometer before we turned onto the nature trail. It felt like being in another place. The view was wonderful, just an open plain of grass and hills on the horizon. We passed a dam where we saw a number of small water birds and also two flamingo's enjoying the early morning sun on the water.  

These are apparently the Lesser Flamingo that trek between salty lakes in Africa for the algae they feed on. I wonder why these two were here. Maybe they decided to rest on their way to Kimberley, where they are known to frequent the Kamfers Dam. Or maybe they had a family fight because they didn't want to fly non-stop. And then I decided they were the gypsies of the flock:  wayward, alternative and non conforming. 

These are the characteristics I can identify with, being bohemian at heart myself. Although bohemian means unconventional and gypsies traditionally means of the Roma tribe, to me their lifestyle has evolved into an unconventional one that is also non conforming.

These gypsies originally fled India to get away from the Islam faith that was forced upon them. They wanted to keep their religious freedom. It was Hinduism they originally wanted to protect, but this evolved into them following the faith of the country they resided in. Today, they mostly belong to Islam or Christianity. 

Throughout history they were mostly misunderstood and unfortunately also branded as thieves. Their lives revolved around survival because of these misconceptions, resulting in them becoming entertainers in order to put food on the table. Hence the origin of the circus. To this day circus people are perceived as gypsies. 

Imagine you had to flee because your country of birth decided you had to change religion. Imagine that. They stood up for what they believed in, and never looked back. Despite being persecuted and branded. Now that's my kind of tribe. Maybe it was God who caused them to flee so they could meet Him along the way. 

Truth is, sometimes God removes His children from a situation to show them things about themselves they never knew existed. And sometimes God allows His children to endure hardship to show them things about HIM they never knew existed. 

Whatever the reason, stand up for what and Who you believe in. Don't look back (unless God tells you to). Ask God to show you the things about yourself you never knew existed. And above all, ask Him to show you the things about HIM you never knew existed.  

HE says in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto Me, and I shall answer you, and show you great and inaccessible matters, which you have not known." This is God's telephone number. Dial it in faith. The answer is guaranteed. 

So tonight let's declare ourselves gypsies for God. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 120

Lockdown Day 120 - 24 July 2020

Continuing on our Namibian getaways, I just have to keep talking about Gondwana Collection's Namib Desert Lodge. To me, few places in Namibia measure up to the incredible stays we had and the incredible views we saw. Every experience was as if it was the first time. The Lodge is situated about 60 km from Sesriem and the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park (where Sossusvlei is situated) and is built directly next to a 'wall' of petrified dunes. 

Once, we obtained permission to climb a part of the dune to a lookout point where we sat and watched the sunrise. It was a photographer's dream with the light covering the dunes in gold sunsplash. 

The Lodge also sports a Camp called Namib Dune Star right in the middle of the dunes. One can only sleep there one night and the guests and their baggage have to be transported there by the lodge. Here, there are only 9 cabins, all separately constructed on top of the dunes from which the most incredible views were to be seen. At night all the guests have dinner together at a long table, complete with a three course dinner made by one of the Main Lodge's chefs. 

Thereafter, the Namibian nights sky steals the show. I remember sitting on my cabin deck, mesmerised by the sheer beauty of all the stars never seen in the concrete jungle (this is why I love Kgalagadi too). The milky way was stretched from one corner to the other corner of the night sky and the complete silence deafening. We discovered our bed had wheels, so we pulled it out onto the balcony, falling asleep under the stars. 

This is part of a select few special experiences where I felt so incredibly close to God.  It was as if time and space just stopped and I could breathe in His presence.  This is also one of my happy places I go to in my mind and spirit when I need to focus and be still. Sure, I know God speaks everywhere and when He wants, but in places like these, we humans hear better and more clearly. No tech demands or clutter. Just God.

This morning I heard this truth, "Hearing God's voice confirms you are called. Don't worry about the what, but follow His voice and the rest will fall into place. We are called to hear His voice." Profound words that ring true. So tonight, remove the tech demands and clutter for a moment and open up your spirit. Let Truth find you and confirm His presence right there where you are now. Ask to hear His call, and you will. 

Because He's got this.

 

Lockdown 119

Lockdown Day 119 - 23 July 2020

Today I heard the most passionate and inspiring message by our country's Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. He spoke of hopelessness and spiritual warfare, also confirming to my spirit the feeling I had yesterday about this 'war' that should be fought spiritually as well.  

Driving to a nearby town today to do a delivery, I was once again taken in by the harshness of the Free State's winter. All around me was yellow grass as far as they eye could see. Everything is dried out by the persistent cold weather which up to now has thrown everything at us. We had rain, sleet, snow and frost upon frost. Even the green of the non-deciduous trees looks a little on the grey side.  

These scenes reminds me of Namibia and the incredible beauty of nothing upon nothing. Only vast expanses of stone, rock, or sand. And then, to zoom in and find the astonishing wildlife in this seemingly lifeless arid place still boggles my mind. I remember the first time I drove into Windhoek, I was shocked to see no green grass covered sidewalks on any property we passed, just ground and gravel. But somehow, we got used to the semi-arid living. 

The day we took our first trip to see Sossusvlei via the Spreetshoogte Pass, is forever etched into my mind. The pass in itself was beautiful, covered in a stunning array of rocks and stone. Here and there the scene was dotted with Cussonia (Kiepersol) trees with their greyish green cabbage-like leaves. The moment we reached the summit of the pass, a view spread out in front of us that caught our breath. 

We pulled over and got out to take in the nothingness of what was in front of us. Apart from the very steep, paved road winding down, all we could see was a flat open rocky desert, all the way to the horizon. I immediately heard my friend Anelia say to me years before, Namibia is huil-mooi. This is Afrikaans for bringing one to tears. How true this was in that moment. Little did I know what amazing times lay ahead with our countless stays at Gondwana Collection's Namib Desert Lodge in the 6 years we spent in Namibia.

And tonight, I realise as bleak as our future may look from afar, we can zoom into God's view to see the life we would fail to see without Him. The road may be steep, but He has paved it for us. The ground is dry stone, but the life in this Rock is more powerful than the desert Lions. We see a vast plain of nothing, but He sees abundance of life. 

Stick to Him and you will be surprised by the amazing times He is planning for His people. Be excited, for ahead lies the blessings from heaven.

In Justice Mogoeng's words, "May you see miracles from God, may you see the power of God flowing, may you see the mighty hand of God moving in your life."

Gbwy.

Ggt.

Lockdown 118

Lockdown Day 118 - 22 July 2020

Amidst all the rumours of schools being closed again, I was once again reminded how surreal this whole situation is. Today this absurd situation reminded me of the Berlin Wall where, in 2009, we had the chance to stand where the wall was. It was erected in 1961 to stop East Berliners fleeing into West Berlin because life in the communist bloc was unbearable (This sounds almost like Trump and his Mexican wall). 

The East Berlin regime decided to lay 30 miles of barbed wire between the two parts of Berlin to stop the exodus of people from East to West Berlin, which was later fortified by two cement walls with the famous death strip in-between where many East Berliners played survivor roulette. After the Iron curtain started buckling, the wall came down on 9 November 1989. The fall of the wall was frequently referred to as the reshaping of the modern world.  

Little did they know, a mere 31 years later something else unseen is going to hold the entire globe in a vice grip. Talk about reshaping the world. 2020 has become the year our inner walls are falling. We are confronted by our deepest fears and our inner boundaries are being pushed, testing our inner strengths. 

The key word here is the word unseen. This is the domain of the spirit world.  This explains why many people are anxious about this abominable virus, because it is invisible to the human eye. What they don't realise it is the very realm in which God operates. This is the true key to survival. This is Hís realm. God also operates in the unseen world as the Lord of lords. 

So it stands to reason if we stay in Him, we are also operating in the spirit realm (what else is prayer, other than spiritual warfare).  John 4:24 describes this perfectly, "For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” Maybe it's time for us to grab hold of our proverbial torches, leave the tribal council and go light up the world that doesn't see what's really going on, because this is what survivors for Christ do! 

Because we are backed by the Lion of Judah. 

And, because He's really got this.

Lockdown 117

Lockdown Day 117 - 21 July 2020

While cleaning house, I accidentally dropped my little jar in which I store all the feathers I've picked up since Day 1 of Lockdown. It fell about 1.5 metres onto the kitchen floor. I had a  

"slow motion moment" watching it fall. Expecting the jar to shatter, I jumped down from my step while watching it bounce three times like a ball, and let out a shriek while waiting for the sound. But it didn't. It stopped, and I stopped. 

I couldn't believe this jar was completely unscathed, not even a crack (Consol, I'll buy you again). I sat down and exhaled. Partly because I was relieved that I didn't have to pick up a million little pieces of glass, but mostly because I knew that I knew I had just witnessed a miracle. That jar should have broken. Consol is wonderful, but it still is glass. And glass breaks when it falls. 

This is a little thing, but had a huge impact on me. I picked it up, throroughly examined it, opened it, replaying the fall in my mind and expecting to find a crack or chip in the glass. Nothing. I replaced it on the shelf, my eye catching one of the little blue peacock feathers' brilliant blue shining at me.

Looking at the feathers inside, I suddenly realised I did not search for any one of these feathers. They were all sent to me from God. In my world, this jar belongs to Him. I dedicated it to be the witness of His presence. And I firmly believe it didn't break, because He held it. He holds the laws of Nature too. 

Then I thought this is like our lives: spirit, mind and body. If we dedicate ourselves to be witnesses of His presence, two things will happen: He will hold us so we don't break. And He will use us to show Himself to everyone we connect with.  

In a time such as this, when we don't see a day go by without at least once wondering where we are all heading during this worldwide crisis, to know that we are being held in the palm of the Almighty Omniscient God brings an immense sense of purpose and release.  

He is in the little things too and pays attention to the details. When you dedicate yourself to Him, He moves into your limited world and unlocks His unlimited and incomprehensible power for you. 

So tonight, tell Him he's welcome, then sit back and enjoy the ride! Because it's true. He is Truth. And He's holding you. And He's got this.

Lockdown 116

Lockdown Day 116 - 20 July 2020

I believe storytelling is an art. Some people just have the knack of telling a story that hits all the right buttons. In my line of work, however, I have learnt the listener's brain also has a specific and unique learning and thinking preference according to their neurological design.  Every listener hears according to this profile (albeit subjective). This explains why some people will laugh at a joke while others may only find it mildly amusing or not funny at all. 

This also explains why two people will listen to a news bulletin at the same time, and then share a complete different version of the same thing, or, they will argue about what they just heard. This is especially true for music lovers. I might be a gospel rock and roller with no love lost for jazz. But another person can't stand gospel rock, but absolutely loves pop and jazz. 

Take for instance the Delirious song I posted yesterday. Being Gospel rock, it stretches the more conservative listener, whereas the more liberal rocker would think this is low level rock. If you are a listener of lyrics, you will find the lyrics "spoke" to you regardless of the music genre. If you are a listener of rhythm and acoustics, your mind may have been blown regardless of the lyrics. Or, maybe you just couldn't appreciate it at all. Truth is, each one of us are unique in our taste and appreciation of things.

Back to storytelling. Storytelling is not the "gift of the gab". To be able to tell a story is one thing, but to orally deliver it in such a way that the audience is captivated, is a completely different skill; you almost need to be an orator or actor of some sort - this is why most authors do not play the lead role in their own plays or movies, are shy and in general don't like talking about their books in public (so next time you want to grill an author with questions at a book launch, give the guy/girl a break). 

As far as stories go, I always wonder how the end is determined and why most endings are found unsatisfactory. Sitting through a movie or reading an entire book only to find no resolve at the end is extremely frustrating. To expect something and be surprised and gratified is a good ending's effect, but to expect something and be disappointed constitutes an unsatisfactory ending. Again, this is subjective. 

Short stories are a little different. Some short stories end really badly, and are mostly used for illustrative purposes, i.e. to highlight a principle or describe an analogy to support a theory. 

Tonight I would like to end my post with the following story:

Lion came across a Tiger in the jungle. He grabbed Tiger's tail and asked, "Who is the king of the jungle?" Tiger answered humbly, "You, oh mighty Lion". Next, Lion met Monkey and grabbed him, asking, "Who is the king of the jungle?", to which Monkey answered, "You, oh mighty Lion". After walking a while, Lion met Elephant along the way and asked, "Elephant, tell me, who is the king of the jungle?" Elephant grabbed Lion, picking him up with his trunk, swinging him through the air,  throwing him against a tree; Lion dropped to the jungle floor in a bundle, bruised and bloodied. He eventually got up slowly, licking his wounds, surprised to see Elephant still standing there. Lion remarked, " There was no need to get all worked up because you don't know the answer" before strolling away.

Food for thought:  The greater your authority, the greater your grace toward others needs to be.

The Lion of Judah's grace toward us is astonishing and liberating. Standing up for the Truth in obedience to His Word, will cause the Lion of Judah to stand up behind you and bear the consequences of your obedience. Its as if God says, 'I've got you, my child. I've got this."

Ggt.

Lockdown 115

Lockdown Day 115 - 19 July 2020

Today's morning walk was the normal Saturday route we didn't do yesterday. The sun was warmer than usual and completely wind still. We did 5.2 km and were back in time for a shower and breakfast before church started online. We then took a drive out to our local Food Lovers Market for a few things. 

On the way there we passed a particular corner where cars frequently misjudge the turn and land in the field of one of the rural stands. We spoke about how the owner of the fence has to keep on erecting a new fence every few weeks.  The first part of the turn's fence was already replaced and this owner fortified it with humongous boulders which he packed on top of each other. 

The protection he sought from these boulders reminded me of a song I haven't listened to in ages. The song is called Solid Rock. In it the group Delirious sings of Christ who is our solid Rock that will never move, our strong tower that will never shake and our song that will never fade. (I still am a rock babe😎) 

I also thought of the significance of stone (when dreaming or having a vision) I once heard a pastor speak about. They can signify a time of rest is imminent, or it can signify your ministry to God as in giving of your time to do what He wants or stones can signify an extraordinary encounter with God. 

The reason I like stones is because of the intricate chemical reactions that happens to form them. Reactions that are not necessarily possible to duplicate in a laboratory. From rock to precious stones, it is difficult not to see the wonders of creation in this interesting part of nature we rarely give attention to. 

So tonight I share with you Delirious' song Solid Rock, because it stuck in my mind, playing over and over all day, especially the part where they speak these words:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name. When darkness seems to veil His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil." 

https://youtu.be/gXgVKu2ZRoU

Lockdown is not competition for the Solid Rock. Lockdown is a storm His anchor can withstand. Because His grace is unchanging I can stand secure. 

Ggt.

Lockdown 114

Lockdown Day 114- 18 July 2020

After 113 days of sharing a living space, the matchbox, the youngest had to leave for university practicals that is starting next week. We spent the last couple of days preparing for his trip. Permits needed to be printed, his favourite cheesy puffs and other eats had to be prepped. 

After a dinner feast last night and a delicious brunch this morning followed by a short walk together, we said goodbye. No, that is the wrong word. Proper Afrikaans for goodbye is tot weersiens, meaning 'till we see each other again. I have always thought the word goodbye was just the result of some unimaginative effort to say see you in one word. But today I discovered where the word comes from. What a surprise!

The first documented use of the word was in 1573 when Gabriel Harvey wrote a letter in which his goodbye was written as "Godbwye" which stood for God be with ye! Can you believe this is an acronym or texting term, and this in the 16th century.  And to think we are supposed to be technologically evolved. I think the 2020 version should be Gbwy (God be with you). And this is precisely what we wish someone we say goodbye to. 

Even in Spanish the word adiós means to God. I wonder how the world went from building God's Name into all the languages to denying or mocking His very existence. What I don't wonder about is the blessing that comes from saying "bye bye" to someone. You actually say Gbwy twice. Gbwy Gbwy. This is amazing. To bless someone with the presence of God  is the best thing you can give someone, other than your time.    

There is an old English proverb that says, "a change is as good as rest". In some ways I wish I could also pack my things and go work or study someplace else. A change, albeit to go back to your own place after 113 days elsewhere, has a profound effect on one's mindset, body and spirit. Taking a break from your daily routine also has much the same effect. It energizes your brain and helps your mind stay focused, positive and locked onto your goal. 

So if you can't go elsewhere, and Lockdown has you chained to your matchbox desk, build into your day a Gbwy moment where you bless yourself with God's prescence while going out to jog, walk, get a coffee at your favourite barista around the corner, or find a place to breathe in a tree's oxygen. Visit God in His Word to remind yourself how special you are to Him and to those who love you.

So tonight I bless you all by saying good night:

Gbwy Gbwy.

Ggt - God's got this.

Lockdown 113

Lockdown Day 113 - 17 July 2020

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela”

How true this is. In this world where perfectionism and workaholism rules and where social media crosses all boundaries, falling or failing is often frowned upon.

Truth is, people often spend their life trying to compensate for their shortcomings, in stead of embracing and developing the abilities they have been blessed with. We all have a particular skill set that we need to discover and unpack. This is why we need to give every other person the space to practice, fail, learn and improve more and more. 

Then we can compliment each other's weaknesses with our own strengths. And have grace toward one another, building each other up instead of breaking each other down. Albert Einstein said, “Success is failure in progress.” He knew what he was talking about as he himself knew failure all too well after being expelled from school and refused enrollment in Zurich Polytechnic. 

Abraham Lincoln said, " My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure." WOW. He went through 30 years of failing at business, suffering a nervous breakdown and being defeated in his first run for president, before he became the 16th US president in 1861.

The amount of failures or rejection does not define you. Your character comes from within when you decide to try again. You see, without falling you'll probably never know success. The only way you can truly see the value of success is if you can acknowledge where you came from to get there. It's like climbing a mountain. You can't really appreciate how far you've come until you're standing at the summit and you look down. 

Glory is only achieved when you submit your will to the One who defeated death and rose from the most epic fall imaginable to sit on the right hand of God the Father. With Him no fall is insurmountable and no mountain impossible to summit. And no Lockdown has the power to stop you from going where angels fear to tread.

So tonight I will sleep soundly, knowing I'm not climbing alone. The God whose right hand has got me, has shown me I need not fear, because through Jesus I've already met the standard. I can relax in Him because He's got this.

Lockdown 112

Lockdown Day 112 - 16 July 2020

Every morning I wake with the choice to get up and go walking or to pull the covers over my face and lie in. And every morning I wonder how many people struggle to make this choice. To me it is not a struggle, just a choice. Some people experience a genuine inward struggle every day. Many people think it's because they aren't morning people. But they are wrong. Our design includes melatonin in our skin which reacts to sunrise and sunset. Whether you are the Queen of England or the street sweeper in Russia or a farmer in Kenia, all of us have the same melatonin. 

This substance is our watchman for metabolic rate, temperature, blood pressure, hormones and the body's sleep-wake-eat-cycle. Triggered by sunset or darkness, the metabolic rate of the body slows down to 50% and slowly increases the body's natural need for sleep. And by sunrise, it enables these processes to assist us in our daily tasks. But, humankind has long forgotten this way of life, abusing their bodies and brain to the utmost, disregarding natural law. 

No wonder we have many health problems physicians and therapists struggle to deal with, because humans follow their own rules to support these destructive habits. 

Our design is to work in daylight hours and rest after sunset. Rest includes sleep, but also winding down in synchronisation with your slower metabolic rate, engaging in eating, home chores and preparing for the next day, allowing the sleep-wake-eat-cycle to follow it's designated route.

So, if you think you're not a morning person or night person, think about your daily routine.  Try to tweak whatever you can to give your body what it needs. God designed us like this for a reason. He knows what is best to live a full, optimal and healthy life. Again, it's a choice. One many people just don't want to make, not wanting to trust the Almighty Creator who knows best, but rather self-navigate their own destiny.

The sun rises not only to give us light, but to instruct our melatonin reserves to function according to design. Think of it like a solar pack without which you can't function optimally. Sleepy or not, try to give your body the right response, by reacting pro-actively. In the same way, sunset should trigger the opposite response, and eating dinner as close to sunset (before or after) is the best time. 

This gives your body time to do the digestive work while your metabolic rate is still high. After sunset everything is digested at half speed. The later you eat a large meal, the longer it will take, robbing your body of much needed restorative and restructuring work with the digested and absorbed nutrients. Again, it's your choice. 

To me, choosing to function as close as possible to my design, means I crown my Creator with the highest honour possible. Its like when you look after an expensive possession. You read the manual and follow the instructions to keep it working at its best. So why not do this for yourself. 

Let's read the manual (God's Word) and follow our design to the best of our ability and available choices. Who knows, maybe a few niggly things will be sorted out in no time. It's Lockdown. Maybe this is something we could actually make some time for. Because we're worth it. Because God's worth the honour. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 111

Lockdown Day 111 - 15 July 2020

111 Days of Lockdown has passed. 

111 days from now would be 3 Nov 2020. We have been in Lockdown for a little longer than a quarter of a year, and almost a third of a year. 

To move forward and figure out the future, we need to deal with the past 111 days. In my mind a year is a specific graphic in my brain files. It looks like a timeline made up of a downhill highway, decorated with the seasons of the year. January is always in the mountains and December on the beach.

So the 2020 road took a detour. Our last 111 days took us from the highway down an off-ramp onto a cul de sac with a merry-go-round in. The trick is to change the merry-go-round into a revolving door, in other words an exit into the future. An on-ramp to the downhill road we call normal life. 

I believe we can, in spite of regulations and laws, decide to go there in our spirit, get out of the proverbial hamster wheel, by building an on-ramp to the future. In trauma conseling the human spirit can do this by discarding negative thoughts and choices and taking on board everything uplifting and positive. 

But the most lasting effect is created by the Word of God. That is what constructs an on-ramp and stops the revolving door from taking us back to where we were. 

To me 111 signifies the triune God, Father Son and Spirit, together they are ONE. We were made in His image, also being threefold. Body, soul and spirit. When we tap into His Word, God provides the foundation for the rest of our life, and future. 

111 also signifies our steps, one by one by one at a time, and before we know it, we will have gotten out of this, because God's got this! 

"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." 

Psalm 119:105 

Lockdown 110

Lockdown Day 110 - 14 July 2020

Day 110. Let this day be remembered for the snow we saw this morning. I was getting ready to walk with Roxy, dressing warmly, as the temperature was 4°C. I was in the kitchen holding my tea, waiting for Roxy to finish hers (yes, a drop of milk with 4 tablespoons of freshly made rooibos). I stood looking out the living room window, and suddenly, there it came. A quick 'downpour' of a white icy substance, like ice rain. But it virtually immediately changed into soft wafting snowflakes, slowly gliding down in a see-saw pattern. This continued for about half an hour. 

We were like children in a snow-country. But without snow on the ground to play with. While there are many terms for different kinds of snow, I don't really care about all the technical terms. This is about the experience. To me, it was fluffy, sticky and precisely the same snowflakes as in 1996 when we lived in Harrismith and the whole town was snowed in for weeks. It snowed for more than 12 hours, and quickly covered our front door's steps and submerged the children's swing seat outside. 

Little did I know, this morning's mushroom soup clouds (also as in 1996) will once again yield this magical little heavenly particle. It's bright white colour immediately brings to mind the idiom as white as snow.  Snow is also a known pocket of light and warmth. The brightness in countries where it snows in winter brings more lightness of being and less human hibernation. 

Two nights ago I wrote, "my pocket of warmth is the presence of an Omniscient God who knows what I need." It suddenly occurred to me, this is God, knowing what I need, and bringing it right to my doorstep; I caught my breath and inhaled this pocket of light and warmth, experiencing the incredible likeness of being .....in the presence of our Omniscient God. What a feeling. I am still dancing in the spirit, feeling the Light.

The second precious snowy 'ice' pour happened at midday just as I was delivering a freshly baked orange and raisin bread to my star baker friend (yes, I had confidence in the recipe). I've been looking up ever since. H, you know who you are, and many thanks for you being you! Again, I felt God right next to me. Even though we are left with bone chilling cold weather, this pocket of warmth hovers in my spirit as a silent reminder of the Life in my blood. 

Og Mandino describes this miracle : "Within your 5 quarts of blood are 22 trillion blood cells and within each cell are millions of molecules and within each molecule is an atom oscillating at more than 10 million times each second. Each second, 2 million of your blood cells die to be replaced by 2 million more in a resurrection that has continued since your first birth. Count another blessing." Not only does this highlight the wonder of you and me, but also the fragility of life. 

So is the construction of a snowflake. Too intricate to grasp but great enough to exhibit and exalt its Creator, but simultaneously extremely fragile. Just imagine what fun He had in forming the inspiring pattern of snowflakes. Tonight I celebrate His joy in creating this world, and in creating me.  I celebrate my God who's well and truly proved to us He's got this!

Lockdown 109

Lockdown Day 109 - 13 July 2020

And so Mr. Prez spoke again. 

Just like a writer whose muse has left, I could only write that sentence. I sat staring at the screen. Because that sentence says it all. We all know by now what happened and how our lives suddenly feel invaded again by whatever regulation we didn't see coming. 

I wonder if a return to level 4 wouldn't have been better. It felt as if Lockdown started all over again. But then I remembered, we're already in it!  With no place to go. Except maybe a day trip somewhere in our own province (yes, according to level 3 regulations we are allowed to). We are hijacked by an abominable virus. All of us. The whole world. Even the countries who are now "open".  

All of this reminds me of Hitler who gave his prisoners hope to keep them alive, just before demolishing the hope, so he could break their spirit. Maybe this is why Corrie ten Boom's quotes so deeply speak to my spirit. She bore the unthinkable, but still chose to relinquish all control into God's hands. One of the things she said was, "I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that, I still possess."

This, today, is what I needed to do. Again. To place my thoughts, my work, my dreams, my future, my issues and my no control back into God's hands. There it aligns with Him, His Spirit and will. This is the way forward. His thoughts become mine, I work where He works, I dream what He dreams and His future becomes mine. The control is His. 

Because He knows what He wants for me, as His Word in Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, " "I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find me, when you will seek Me with all your heart." " 

I shall take Him up on His Word and seek Him and believe with all my heart that if I keep talking to Him, His shalom, future and hope will find me.

And yes, God's got this firmly and securely. 

Lockdown 108

Lockdown Day 108 - 12 July 2020

For a few days now, I've been looking for a word to describe this winter. I've used many the past couple of days, all being well descriptive. But the one "term" all these days and winter worldwide have in common is that of low light. I keep finding the light outside just a little off-bright and the sun outside not warming enough. Someone once said winter has a "mushroom soup sky". I wonder about this low light effect in winter and decide to do a little research. 

Apparently reduction in daylight hours and a lack of sunlight brings about a kind of hibernation state in human beings. The key is sunlight. In warmer seasons with longer, brighter days we seem to have more energy, be more creative and are more active. So it's logical that in the winter months we generally feel more house bound, less active, less energetic and less creative. 

This balance between light and dark is crucial to our survival, both spiritually and physically. Winter has patience. And so we need to slow down too. The melatonin in our bodies communicate this to us by the time autumn has run out. All we need to do is follow suit. Tweak our days in such a way to make more time for contemplation and reflection. Learn anew to stop and think. Live slower. Don't hit the ground running all the time, but create pockets of light and warmth in which to hang slow for a while. 

Once you've mastered the art of slow, you might spot the stars at your feet or the little flowers in the air. But the real test is how you balance the two. Always slow? Add light. Always running? Add warmth. Both have properties of each other. Trust in the God who made both to show you how. 

So tonight I turn in, fully aware that our Prez has announced a few things I need to deal with. But for now, my pocket of warmth is the presence of an Omniscient God who knows what I need. He is the One I shall follow closely in my walk through the eye of this storm, because He's got this.

Lockdown 107

Lockdown Day 107 - 11 July 2020

Greetings from the Free State, or rather the Freezing State. The day started out at 5 °C, up to 9°C and now decreasing steadily. So it never really warmed up. We went to refuel my car, and just as I thought, a 'sticky' substance fell down like rain on the windscreen.......tiny snowdrops! Reports of snow in places like Lady Grey and other places also came in on local news portals. 

We decided to duck into a quaint and wonderful place called Koekela Huiskafee. The fire was crackling and we were welcomed by Nadine like close family, (masked) smiles all around!  With a seat next to the fireplace, my body settled into the comforting arms of the art deco chair. 

Between Gabrielle's decadent impromptu new design mocha, the breakfast burger and sweet nougatine, we shared our way into Saturday oblivion, forgetting it's cold outside. Our view was a bay window through which the pale blue sky patches covered in ice clouds, drifted past on the wind like a movie. 

We spent the rest of the daylight hours lazing around under blankets, catching up on movies, reading and drifting off for a quick nap. We saw the clouds lift and the starry night sky open up, leaving no place for any warmth to hide. 

So tonight I offer up a prayer for those in need of the warmth of God's love, the love for us and the world He created. I offer up a prayer for His Spirit to cover the earth, and for all His children to live like He taught them to. 

And as the moon makes its entrance into the dark night, drawing light patterns into my room through the leaves, I fall asleep knowing God's got this.

Lockdown 106

Lockdown Day 106 - 10 July 2020

This morning, after our quick windy walk, we had a few errands to run, whereafter we decided to visit Coffeetalks for a brilliant coffee in an inspiring garden. Not only did Wickus deliver, the garden did as well. A few blueish peacock feathers, a pure white duck feather and a satisfying warming flat white later, we returned home. 

The eminent cold front was showing itself. The wind had stirred up a hazy hue of dust in the air, and the temperature was strangely warm and moist. Just like before it starts to snow. The air smelled vaguely of fresh rain, signalling some sort of precipitation on its way. The only thing that still had to happen was the arrival of clouds. 

Later, I noticed the clouds rolling in, filtering out the sun's heat and light. Suddenly the day turned grey, just like Europe in the winter. I was reminded by a trip we took many years ago to Europe, while visiting family in the Netherlands. The grey days made it look like black and white photographs. 

I remembered how "free" the world was back then. I suppose I can use another word such as different in stead of free. But then it would diminish the severity of the impact of this abominable virus on all of us. Especially now, since we are experiencing the same as Italy and Spain, amongst others. I find myself envying places such as Mauritius and Namibia who claim to be "clean" and 'open' for travelers with a negative test. 

I remembered the sounds of bustling old cities with rich historical value, the smell of local cuisine and  the taste 

of melt-in-the-mouth

confectionery and of course Glűhwein!  My small cup of Glűhwein tonight is just a little thing I do to remember. But it can in no way at all substitute the feeling of holding a fresh cup of Glűhwein on (a white) Christmas day at -7 degrees in Berlin, or the onset of icy raindrops and snow in a Christmas market below the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or nursing the after effects of swimming in the sea in the famous Nieuwjaarsduik  

event on New Year's 2010 on Scheveningen Beach in Den Haag. 

So tonight I choose to forget for a moment about loadshedding on a Lockdown Friday night (really Mr Prez?), about a world hijacked into isolation by a virus. I choose to forget about all things online and virtual and go outside to look for the moon between the clouds and allow the wind chill factor to touch my skin. 

And I thank God for my family, friends and good health. I thank God for all the memories alive in my heart that keep me going. And as the moon comes into sight and spills into the green room, I feel human and alive. Cold, but so very alive. Thank you God for getting me. I get You, too. Because You're the only One who's got this.

Lockdown 105

Lockdown Day 105 - 9 July 2020

Today my walk started out in the dark with the Morning star still shining brightly. I remembered my neighbour many years ago in Centurion said it was the planet Venus. I read up on the planet, and sure enough, it is called both the Morning and Evening star. So why is it called a star if it's really a planet? 

With its orbit just inside the earth's it trails (evening) or leads (morning) the sun, resulting in it brightening into view when the sky is dark enough for it to be visible. This happens  moments after sunset (Evening star) or a few hours before sunrise (Morning star). 

I have been watching Venus the whole week, shining brightly alongside the full moon. Although astrologers have their own reasons why this is significant, to me the pure pleasure of seeing Venus shine as bright as a star is enough. It also reminds me of Inecke, to whom I dedicated the post on 6 May. This is also a constant reminder that Yeshua is there, our Morning Star. 

He himself said in Revelation 22:16, “I, יהושע, have sent My messenger to witness to you these matters in the assemblies. I am the Root and the Offspring of Dawiḏ, the Bright and Morning Star.”

So my walk turned into a very personal meeting with Him in the quiet of the early morning. His calm became my calm, His peace surpassing all my understanding. Looking up gives me a new vision, hope for everything and inspiration to keep on keeping on. 

Looking at the Bright Morning star this morning is etched into my mind and spirit as proof that God's got this.

Lockdown 104

Lockdown Day 104 - 8 July 2020

Still on the topic of Vitamin Breathe, yesterday I said we exhale up to 7.5ml water per hour. (Today's Free State wind took another 10ml!) This totals 180ml over a 24 hour period. This is a little less than a cup of water. If you’re not a water drinker at all, you’re functioning on a deficit of at least 1.25l per week. And if you think other drinks make up for it, think again, say the professionals. 

Water is the substance we need most. But somehow we don’t pay attention to our bodies’ request for water during the day. In my line of work where I speak with people daily, the one single thing everyone says is, “I drink way too little water, I know.” 

Not only does your brain need a constant replenishment of water for your neurons (electrical pathways) to function correctly so all messages get where they need to be, but so is your body, from the muscles through to the digestive system. 

Seeing as we are in Lockdown I want to highlight one of the gazillion critical reasons for us to drink water. Dehydrationin the slightest form can result in confusion, fatigue and anxiety (by now these are medically recognized effects of Lockdown). 

So, how do you know you’re drinking too little? Well hopefully you are at all times lucid and mentally awake (blondie days don’t count 😜) and sort of know how much water you drink per day. If not, the easiest is the colour of you urine. If you can read a newspaper through it, you’re doing okay. Anything darker, and you’re running low. 

But, be warned, too much can also harm you, so you need balance. Your kidneys can remove 20-28 litres of water per day, but cannot exceed 0.8-1 litre per hour. Drinking more can harm you. Thirst alone cannot be the gage. Here is a link to a water calculator. Just tap on the black metric button, then enter your weight and activity level and age, then tap on “calculate” and the answer will be displayed in the box directly below the calculate button:

https://www.thecalculator.co/health/Water-Calculator-56.html

Water gives life. And God is the one who makes it, supplies it and sustains it. But spiritually He emphasises in His Word the importance of His living water. In John 4:14, Jesus says, "but if anyone drinks the living water I give them, they will never thirst again and will be forever satisfied! For when you drink the water I give you it becomes a gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit , springing up and flooding you with endless life!”   

So tonight I drink of His living Water, because He gives it freely. And because He knows what I need. And yes, also because I know He's got this. 

Enjoy this inspirational song:

https://youtu.be/vYuCfHc6D3M

Lockdown 103

Lockdown Day 103 - 7 July 2020

Today I experienced nature in an exponential way. Our morning walk delivered two Nyala ewes, a scarce sight in the estate. The air felt crisp and fresh, almost like a cool dip in a 10degree ocean. I actually felt my lungs wanting to breathe deeper and deeper. I wondered about our lungs and the important organs they are. 

Did you know if the lungs were open flat, they would cover the entire size of a tennis court? And did you know we exhale up to 17.5 milliliters of water per hour? 

When the body loses 1% water, we become thirsty, and 70% of waste is eliminated through our lungs just by breathing. 

This proves how important breathing is for our wellbeing. So this afternoon my son took me to a lovely little nature trail that delivered 

Vitamin Breathe in 

ginormous quantities. And seeing as we both have a Naturalistic intelligence preference, our lungs fed our soul and spirit with liquid gold. 

I could scarcely believe this little patch of heaven existed less than 3km from my front door. As we followed the winding footpath through the trees and bushes (they recycle our carbon dioxide into oxygen), every turn revealed more surprises. Apparently the morning sun transforms this place into a fantasy world (guess where I'm going on my next long morning walk). 

I could actually feel my lungs exhaled 

more than just waste and water. They exhaled stress and anxiety as well (I am sure the trees recycle that too). I came home, feeling lighter and revived in a spiritual way. Vitamin Breathe is now part of my daily supplements. 

And tonight I salute my God who artistically wove together my spirit, soul and body, and who gave me vitamin Breathe. He knew from the foundation of the world where the world would be today, the 103rd day of Lockdown. And He will know untill the end of all ages. That is why I will stay under His wings. Because He's got this.