Lockdown 188

Lockdown Day 188 - 30 September 2020

Today I took an early walk in the cold 8°C air enjoying the quiet before the school traffic. 

All the trees seem to move at us passing and the birds chirping to let each other know there is another animal around. 

The slight breeze was refreshing; the kind that reminds you of nature's power. 

The sound of nature is always calming, urging our spirit, body and soul to be grounded in natural law. There's something to be said for sitting under a tree and just listening to whatever nature has to say. 

Natural sound has been inspiring the composition of music for as long as the earth is old. Bach dedicated all his music to the glory of God because he was inspired by creation. 

In recent times Vineyard Music also recorded a song called All Creation, inspired by everything found in nature. All of these conposers had an epiphany at a certain point in their careers where they could not keep quiet about the music the earth makes. 

This takes me to a scripture in Isaiah 35:1-2a, "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing."

Tonight I share with you the song of Brian Doerksen called Creation Calls, because if you are still wondering whether God's got this, here's the proof that He really hás:

 https://youtu.be/bx46JKiHE4I

Lockdown 187

Lockdown Day 187 - 29 September 2020

I am boggled by the world of social media. Partly because it is astoundingly entertaining, but mostly because it is all-consuming. Lockdown gave social media wings, seeing those who have resisted, giving in and jumping onto the roller coaster. Like it or not, it is here to stay. 

But what should definitely not stay, is the way we let it creep into our humanness. Humanness is defined as the condition and quality of being human. I observe daily how most people struggle to have boundaries for their personal life and their work life. 

Condition and quality of being human gets interwoven with performance and recognition, eventually blurring or even erasing the boundary. 

Also, many people find their identity in a social media /online presence. Again, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be online, it is about how much control you have of the "joystick".

Social media to me is like the month old magazines I buy as part of a recycling drive. I get 15 glossy mags for a fraction of the price so this way I get to read all my favourites a month later. But most months I find I do not have the time to get through all of them as I would like to do. And if I do, something else will be neglected. 

All the information in all those mags are wonderful and interesting and informative, and if I let it, it will consume all my time. Time I need to be human. Time I need to maintain my condition such as taking walks and engaging in real conversations. 

And time I need to spend with God and my loved ones to up the quality of my life. It doesn't mean I'm going to stop ordering them. I need to create balance and wisely plan "mags-time" so they can still inspire and educate me.

Truth be told........Lockdown made me more old school, and sometimes I wish someone would just pull the plug. 

So we can go back to people having real life conversations with each other, writing with a pencil on a paper so the motorics of our brain and body can "save" information effectively. 

So we can put down the remote of social media and look each other in the eye. So we can really experience God as the real life living Being who created us with a purpose. 

So tonight I stand on my green room's "carpet", looking up at the stars, feeling grounded amidst this 21st century Lockdown life. I choose to believe this did not happen to me, but rather for me, creating a world of opportunities to share my humanness and make a difference. To be what God designed me for. And to love Him for it. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 186

Lockdown Day 186- 28 September 2020

Today I observed people talking to each other. In shops, in the street, in a coffee shop. As shop attendants and waiters are required to wear a mask at all times, they have to repeat everything they say. 

It is known that in conversation, people 'read' each other's faces. There is a very strong link between hearing and sight which is why you often hear people say, "hand me my glasses so I can hear what you are saying." 

A small area in the brain called the amygdala is responsible for your ability to read someone else’s face for clues to how they are feeling.

Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain. From the left cortex analyzing the words of the joke, to the frontal lobe, for emotional response. Next, the right cortex lights up to “get” the joke, after which, the occipital lobe processes visual signals followed by the motor cortex inducing “laughing.” This entire electrical journey occurs in less than four-tenths of a second.

So here are a few brain jokes:

-What do you call a skull without 1 billion neurons? A no-brainer.

-Why didn't the brain want to take a bath? Because it didn't want to be brain washed. 

-When does it rain brains? During a brain storm. 

-How do you turn a brain into water? Remove the B. 

-Why do brains use cosmetics? Because they want to make-up their minds. 

-Why did the brain go running? It wanted to jog its memory. 

-I told the doctor I didn't want brain surgery, but he changed my mind. 

-Never argue with a fictional character. Their minds are completely made up. 

-There are three friends: Shutup, Mind and Trouble. One day, Shutup and Mind can't find Trouble, so they decide to go to the police station to report him missing. Mind sits outside on a bench while Shutup goes inside.

"I'd like to report a missing person," says Shutup.

"Name?" asks the policeman.

"Shutup."

"Are you looking for trouble?" says the policeman.

"Yes, I am," says Shutup.

"Have you lost your mind?!" asks the policeman.

"No, he's outside." 

Laughter is medicine for the spirit, soul and body (specifically the brain). It ought to be our daily prescription for surviving this abominable virus and lockdown.  

In the words of  Job 8:21, "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, And your lips with rejoicing. " Because He has everything in the palm of His hands. And becaise He's got this.

https://youtu.be/RP4abiHdQpc

Lockdown 185

Lockdown Day 185 - 27 September 2020

Today, after saying goodbye to my Bestie and watching her car turn onto the highway, we drove home, talking about how life can change in an instant. 

Sometimes it changes because of our own choices and sometimes it changes purely because things happen. 

And how we react to these changes, can influence our life. This is true for times of adversity as well as in good times. 

Deciding to find the positive things in everything just makes everything easy to handle. It is proven that we can literally change our health and wellbeing just by doing this one little thing every day. 

I often wonder why it is so difficult for humans to choose positive thought patterns. Fear seems to be one of the answers. Fear and anxiety run together.

In the end it all still boils down to choice. I remember watching Fear Factor a number of years ago, where one of the contestants had to do a 'houdini'

challenge under water. This was his biggest fear. 

After panicking and nearly aborting, he crossed the line from fear to courage, and with the support of the lifesavers diving with him, he overcame his fear. During his interview afterwards he said he learned his fears were completely unfounded, robbing him from joy and peace. 

Lockdown has triggered many fears among people, fear of the future , fear of loss of a anything from income to loved ones, fear of rejection and fear of an abominable virus. 

The opposite of fear is love. Loving yourself for who you are is important. But loving God for Who He is, is the answer. 

Realising that He loved you first with an inexplicable perfect love and receiving that love into every fibre of your being is what transforms every cell in your body. It has been said that you can change your DNA with the Word of God and a positive attitude. 

I John 4:18a says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." Breathe in God's love daily and fear will leave. 

So tonight I offer up a prayer for everyone whose fears were triggered by Lockdown. May you choose God's love daily and see the fear leave. Whatever happens, God's got this.

Lockdown 184

Lockdown Day 184 - 26 September 2020

Today, winter came back. We were greeted with a very cool breeze while walking our Saturday route. What started out as a summer 10°C, ended as a wintery 9°C at bedtime. The moon's conjuncture with Jupiter and Saturn had shifted with both planets hanging west of the moon. Mars also joined the party after dark.  

According to Nasa it will be the first time since 28 May 2000 that Jupiter and Saturn will showcase a great conjunction on 21 December 2020. This will be the closest Jupiter-Saturn conjunction since the year 1623. 

Astronomers use the term great conjunction to describe a meeting of the solar system’s two biggest planets, Jupiter and Saturn. Apparently September 2020 is a good time to start watching these planets getting into position.

Watching the moon tonight and these two planets together with a ruby-coloured Mars, evokes an understanding of eternity and the indescribable enormity of the power of our Creator. 

The physics, chemistry and sheer brilliance of mechanical intelligence together with the mystical energy propelling the universe still doesn't come near to the full identity of God. Words and formulas cannot fully describe or comprehend what 

He is able to do or why He chose us on this little speck of blue to be His people. But He did. And yet, there are still humans who audaciously think they're superior beings.

So tonight as I drink my tea in the cold green room and watch Saturn, Jupiter an Mars twinkle on the Moon's trajectory, I offer up a prayer of praise for this magnificent view which I believe was created for our enjoyment. I shall sleep with the stars in my dreams, resting in the knowledge that my relationship with God is all I need to walk in His glory.

Psalm 8:3-5 says it all:

"Look at the splendor of Your skies, Your creative genius glowing in the heavens. When I gaze at Your moon and Your stars,

mounted like jewels in their settings, I know You are the fascinating artist who fashioned it all! But when I look up and see

such wonder and workmanship above, I have to ask You this question:

Compared to all this cosmic glory, why would You bother with puny, mortal man or be infatuated with Adam’s sons?

Yet what honor you have given to men, created only a little lower than Elohim, crowned like kings and queens with glory and magnificence."

https://youtu.be/aVsqCLyoU3o

God's well and truly got this.

Lockdown 183

Lockdown Day 183 - 25 September 2020

My Heritage day long weekend will surely be one of my Lockdown highlights because my Bestie came to visit for her birthday weekend! Following a leisurely Heritage day afternoon and warm evening last night in the green room, we went to De Oude Kraal for a Bestie birthday treat today. 

We were received by friendly faces, ready to spoil us rotten. The rustic grouping of spa rooms and pool directly overlooking a pond focus on nature and specifically trees, all the windows presented views of surrounding trees. There were also age old trees standing in the middle of some of the rooms. 

These people understand our need to connect with these oxygen providing giants. It's as if you enter a world away from the world. And in a time such as this, masks and all, it was an extraordinary exhale/inhale moment as I savoured each treatment and the other amenities we could enjoy. 

Lunch was a wonderful surprise of fabulous food that ranged from a hearty butternut pie and tasty meat dishes to decadent chocolate cake. I enjoyed the super hot jacuzzi after the treatments and particularly the hot (32° C) and cold (11°C) pools. 

After more than 4 hours we left, ready to extend our relaxation into a cup of good coffee and a lovely lazy evening. 

We wrapped up our day with a glass of vino, my famous fig salad and chicken that would make colonel Sanders beg for the recipe. 

Retiring with the lingering aroma of aromatherapy oil still nourishing my skin and the night sky boasting a planet/moon conjunction of note, the words God once laid on my heart come to me:

Experience the fragrance of Jesus, soft and sweet, overwhelming you with His presence.

And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance. Ephesians 5:2

Ggt. 

https://youtu.be/HPIobqA9shc

Lockdown 182

Lockdown Day 182 - 24 September 2020

The Hebrew for new beginnings is הַתְחָלָה חֲדָשָׁה , pronounced  hat•cha•la  cha•da•sha.

182.5 days is half a year. 6 Months. I have been blogging every day for SIX months. And I believe wholeheartedly this is a spiritual turning point, a new beginning.

I decided to do some digging on the numbers, seeing as Lockdown has this way of changing the relativity of time for us humans walking this earth. 

182.5 days ago it was midnight 26 March 2020, the start of Lockdown. And 182.5 days from today will be 26 March 2021. 

26 March is known worldwide in 'cheffy' circles as Nougat Day. Schweeeet! 

2021 is the 21st year of the 21st century.

21 signifies leaving behind + new beginnings.

OGLE-TR-182b is a star in the constellation Carina. 

The 182nd verse from the last verse in the Bible is Revelation 13:9, "If anyone has an ear, let him hear."

Psalm 18:2 "You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet,

like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress,

my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape,

my tower of rescue where none can reach me.

My secret strength and shield around me,

You are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside,

always the champion of my cause."

For God, time is on a different level. He created it. But He created you too. He has also embedded jewels for all times into His Word for you to find. 

And whenever you do follow Him closely with your ear against His heart, you uncover these jewels at exactly the right time, with exactly the right message, strengthening the bedrock under your feet shining a ray of brightness in which you can keep going. 

Yes, He is the champion of your cause. ALWAYS. And yes, He's got this.

Lockdown 181

Lockdown Day 181 - 23 September 2020

Today I am sharing with you stories about the amazing things children did in Lockdown. Like Max, the 10 year old who raised more than £8000 for charity by sleeping in a tent in his backyard, braving all kinds of weather conditions. 

Then there's Tobias, the 9 year old autist with cerebral palsy, a condition which causes communication problems between his brain and muscles, making it difficult for him to walk. He walked 26.2 km with a walker which took 70 days to complete. Captain Tobias (affectionately called this by his friends) raised £100 000 for a children's hospital and his school. 

Teo is a 5 year old who missed his park run so much he started HomeRun in his backyard. Those who take part have to run 1km, donate £3 and then nominate three friends to do it. Over the last few months he's run a 42.2 km and has raised over £2,000 fir a children's fund 

8 Year old Sonny Mason 

from Birmingham wrote a joke a day which he placed at the end of his driveway to put a smile on the faces of passers-by. 

On the first day he wrote: "Why do seagulls only fly over the sea? Because if they flew over the bay they would be called bagels." 🤩

Tonight I give a shout out for Lockdown children and their zest for life despite what was thrown at them. They overcame and presented their mind of Christ for the world to see. What a witness! No wonder Jesus said in Matthew19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Ggt. 

Lockdown 180

Lockdown Day 180 - 22 September 2020

After shocking us into house "arrest", Lockdown caused us to unwillingly settle into what is now called our new normal.  In a bid to make things better, (or should I say funnier) the jokes flowed freely.  I had immense fun with funny Lockdown puns memes like these posts on social media:

"For those who wanted a world with no vaccines....... this is what the world looks like when it has only ONE vaccine missing."

Ghana's Prez said, "We know how to bring the economy back to life. What we do not know is how to bring people back to life." 

 I stumbled upon an article that described how Lockdown  has added new words to our vocabulary. So, tonight I share with you the Lockdown Lingo 2020:

Quarantinis

Experimental cocktails mixed from leftovers in the house. Fruit squash, bit of fizzy pop and that random bottle of booze you won on golf saturday:  Bombs away.

Locktail hour

'Wine o'clock' in the lockdown era.

Coronials

Move over millennials, quarantine babies will be the coronials. We will need to wait and see if every birthday cake will be a shoddily made and tasteless banana bread.

Furlough Merlot

When you use this downtime to become a sommelier by watching hours of YouTube tutorials. 

Also referred to as “bored-eaux” and “cabernet tedium”

The Elephant in the Zoom

Zoomstuff: Bad DIY haircut, bombsite house in the background, facial hair or wearing a towel because nothing else fits.

Quentin Quarantino

This attention-seeker is now making amateur films, convinced they're funnier and cleverer than they actually are. Most likely to have 'discovered' TikTok at some point in early April.

Covidiot

Someone who thinks wearing a mask with his nose out isn't like having your undies down.

Goutbreak

The sudden fear that all the wine, cheese, homemade cake and Easter eggs in lockdown gave you elephant ankles.

Anti-social distancing

Using lockdown as the perfect reason to avoid everyone you don't like.

Mask-ara

If people can only see your eyes, you better make them 'pop!' before venturing out in public wearing a surgical mask.

Fattening the curve

It doesn't matter how many online workouts you do, it won't cancel out all the banana bread and quarantinis!

May these funnies ignite the joy of the Lord in your spirit! He's got this!

Lockdown 179

Lockdown Day 179 - 21 September 2020

First day of Level 1. I drive past a drive through pathology testing facility for the virus. After weeks of seeing no queues, today the queue was around the corner. I wonder if these are ill people or travelers getting ready to fly somewhere in need of a negative test result to be able to get on an international flight. 

And then I wonder if I would travel in an airplane at all at this stage. I suppose a mask is mandatory, in which case I would think twice about the flight hours. 

After a near panic attack behind my mask a few weeks ago where I really did not know how I was going to do this all summer, who knows what'll happen if I sat masked in an aeroplane for more than 10 hours! 😳

If you are wondering about how the face of international travel will look post virus, here is an interesting article:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52450038

Travel in our own country has already picked up and we hear of more and more people going away for breaks, albeit close to home. 

I wondered about the benefits of breathing another place's air, so to speak. What does it do for us to see other scenery? 

This is an open question we need to answer for ourselves by creating opportunities to change our scenery even if it means finding another place to sit for breakfast or taking another route to work. 

I retire with these words in Job 12:7-11, 

“But ask the animals what they think—let them teach you; let the birds tell you what’s going on. Put your ear to the earth—learn the basics. Listen—the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories. Isn’t it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that He holds all things in His hand— Every living soul, yes, every breathing creature? Isn’t this all just common sense, as common as the sense of taste? "

Ggt.

Lockdown 178

Lockdown Day 178 - 20 September 2020

Today's blog is dedicated to my Mother-in-law whom I called "Ma Daph". She entered heaven in the early hours of this morning. 

She was a true prayer warrior who prayed non-stop for everyone. She hardly ever complained and was always immensely grateful for everything. ❤️

As far as Mom-in-laws go, I think she was unique and completely alternative, accepting myself and my brother-in-law as her own children. 

We never felt like outsiders and she loved us every bit as much as her children (our spouses) do. 

She will always hold a special place in all our hearts for passionately loving Jesus and never shying away from any opportunity to witness about her faith to anyone who would listen. 

For her grandchildren she will be missed for her brownies and fudgy fridge biscuits and for playing with them on her hands and knees. 

For us adults we could never get enough of her melt-in-the-mouth custard biscuits and 'breakfast'-chocolate-cake in bed. 

So tonight we celebrate the beginning of her new life in heaven where I'm sure she is dancing on the streets that are golden. 

We salute you, Ma Daph, and look forward to one day, being reunited with you as part of Jesus' team. This song is for you:

https://youtu.be/dYWh6xzDXM0

https://youtu.be/PG3aBsV9YhQ

GBWY. 

Ggt 

Lockdown 177

Lockdown Day 177 - 19 September 2020

Life in Level 1 is much debated since Mr. Prez has spoken. Especially since it looks like we're heading for round number 2 in Europe. Many countries are reporting higher infection rates than in April and have closed their borders once again. 

With our Level 1 starting on Monday the 21st of September, we all feel a cautious sense of relief. But again, it comes with a stern warning: the virus is still real and active and very much present. 

I frequently find myself in a conundrum-like position, like being in a check-mate position without losing or winning... just a blah place to be.

Today, a friend said an interesting thing : we couldn't find anything really special about this year we could be excited about. They were to be married the day after lockdown started and were horribly disappointed.  

And another friend remarked how we just keep reigning in  our thoughts, expectations and dreams  for fear of being disappointed yet again. 

Walking the Proverbs 3 road is proving to be the solution to my conundrum, my win-win out of check mate. I have started to recite it daily and have suddenly realised that I can release literally everything from my control into God's hand. 

The relief I felt was inexplicable and earth shattering deep into my spirit. For the first time in a long time I know for sure God has my dreams in the palm of His hand, waiting to move with provision way above what I could even imagine. 

So tonight I offer up praise to a praiseworthy God, a shout out from the rooftops for all who need to know they are allowed to let go, and let God. 

https://youtu.be/4-gLdIO5G-Q

Oh yessss, He has got this.

 

Lockdown 176

Lockdown Day 176 - 18 September 2020

Tonight I share with you The Passion Translation of Proverbs 3 because this blueprint for wisdom is profound:

"The Rewards of Wisdom verse 1-4

My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I’ve taught you. Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life. 

Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go, and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. 

That’s how you will find favor and understanding with both God and men— you will gain the reputation of living life well. 

Wisdom's Guidance verse 5-6

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on Him to guide you, and He will lead you in every decision you make. 

Become intimate with Him in whatever you do, and He will lead you wherever you go.

Wisdom's Blueprints verse 19-20

The Lord laid the earth’s foundations with wisdom’s blueprints. By His living-understanding all the universe came into being. By His divine revelation He broke open the hidden fountains of the deep, bringing secret springs to the surface as the mist of the night dripped down from heaven. 

Wisdom, Our Hiding Place verse 21-26

My child, never drift off course from these two goals for your life: to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment. Don’t ever forget how they empower you. 

For they strengthen you inside and out and inspire you to do what’s right; you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. 

They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble. 

You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound— your rest will be sweet and secure. 

You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation."

Gbwy. Ggt.

Lockdown 175

Lockdown Day 175 -17 September 2020 

As far back as I can remember, there has always been a song playing in my head. You can ask me on any given day what song is playing and I will have one. 

All genres had their share of songs, but I loved the ones that you could hear the musicians took time to make it sound better than good. The ones who had substance and muso magic. 

I don't know what it feels like to be without music. Sometimes its just the movement amd colour of music I carry around in an August Rush kind of way. I also loved to compose my own. Although I did not write sheet music I just received a download of Godly music that just made sense.  

I believe God created us in His Image, and that He wanted us to be creative in our own way, albeit living life with a different outlook. 

But He also created us to have an abundance of joy which is also His nature. His joy rubs off on us when we spend time with Him and we become in tune with the rhythm of heaven. 

David's words in Psalm 119:54-56 sums it all up: "As I journey through life, I put all your statutes to music;

they become the theme of my joyous songs. All this joy is mine as I follow your ways!" 

https://youtu.be/x3gLeCiMJqI

May you se the colours of His joy today and soread it far and wide! Gbwy. Ggt.

Lockdown 174

Lockdown Day 174 - 16 September 2020

Today I had a wonderful conversation with a friend from the Northern Cape who was in our town for business. I was inspired by her vibrant positivity about lockdown and her story of loyal and committed obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in her life. 

After starting over, following a tough time in their lives, she grew a thriving business in which she found a ministry. In Lockdown God revealed to her how she was moving in a direction that would rob her of being able to minister to her clients. 

She obeyed and moved her business back home, experiencing God's love in a way she would otherwise never had the chance to experience. As she told her story, her face reflected the very essence of God, and I saw in my mind's eye the Lion of Judah standing right behind her. 

Although Lockdown and the abominable virus held us in a grip, stories like these are now coming to light. I believe these are blessings directly from God to pick us up and to let us know that He has our back. Another friend reminded me of a specific passage in scripture that sums it all up. 

So tonight I offer up these words in prayer for everyone who thought they cannot get through lockdown, for those who thought they've lost their grip and for those who feel life has dealt them a bad hand:

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]." 

(2 Timothy 1:7) 

Wow! What a relief that we do not have to be strong in ourselves, we just need to know He has designed or spirit already pre-loaded with all that we need to handle what life throws at us!

God's got you. And He definitely has got this.

Lockdown 173

Lockdown Day 173 - 15 September 2020

And so we didn't get the rain, but the cold. Woke up in 5°C and scrambled for long sleeves and warm tops. This reminded me of the days we lived in Harrismith. Entertainment for the kids was sparse, so we frequented the Spur which was directly off the N3 highway which connected Gauteng and Bloemfontein with Kwazulu Natal. 

I remember while we were sitting inside the Spur, how the travelers stopped to refuel and almost every single time, no matter the season, scrambled for jackets and jerseys the moment they got out of their cars. That was how we knew they weren't from the Eastern Free State. And after living there, no matter where I moved, I always had a cupboard with my "Harrismith" jackets safely tucked away for the odd cold day. 

You see, a place like that, nestled between the most beautiful mountains, shapes your history. Present past and future. 

We always say we have to live in the moment. But that moment is shaped by past, present and future. Winston Churchill said, “If we open a quarrel between the past and the present, we shall find we have lost the future.”  However good or bad, past experiences cannot be erased, only forgotten. In the same way, we can be in the present, but not want to experience it at all.  Whatever the combination, both have a significant role to play in our future. 

When I go for a walk in the morning, I remember all the walks in Namibia that taught me gratitude. When I work with a child, I remember the swimming classes in Harrismith that taught me joy. When I clean the matchbox, I remember how Bloemfontein taught me resilience. Without those experiences I couldn't walk in this life as I do at this moment. These and many more give me a future walk with God. Every step is witness to His presence and providence I could not possibly have foreseen. 

This is why I can embrace Jesus and experience the reality of John 8:12, "Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”

God's got this. Mm hm aha YEAH 🤸🏼‍♀️.

Lockdown 172

Lockdown Day 172 - 14 September 2020

After the past few days that began cold and ended hot, we had a cool windy and cloudy day with a maximum temperature of 26°C. News from the Cape is a cold front has pretty much hit the western and eastern coastal areas, bringing rain to the desperately dry areas. Let's pray for full dams all around, and especially PE who now sadly has a 'day zero' date. 

The cooler air made my house cleaning day bliss, except for a broken vacuum cleaner 'foot' that I had to manually hold together while vacuuming. Being this close to the ground, I came across ants so small they can be called nano-ants. I would never have seen them had I not been this close to the floor. 

According to a study done in South America in October 2019, leaf-cutter ants detected a reaction to a drop in atmospheric pressure, and another article from 2010 found ants can detect temperature changes as little as 0.005°C.  

So maybe we will also get the tail of this front, and hopefully a little rain just to wash away the dust. 

According to farmers planting crops, the seasons have moved forward by at least one month in the last decades, with the cold spell  at the end of July now moving into late August. 

The only problem is, the physical plants and animals do not wait for the weather; they react to the position of the earth around the sun. They still sprout and have babies at their designated time. 

So here's my question: what caused this delay? According to many studies and research done, the largest culprit is the melting ice caps which causes a rise in atmospheric condensation and rising sea levels. 

Apart from humankind's role in all this, my point is this: Isn't it all, the whole world and every living being, in God's hands? The world has been screaming Climate Change for decades, appealing to all to reduce chemicals, save water, etc. etc. And still I wonder: Did anyone bother to go to God? 

This question is about faith, science and Truth. 

Climate Change has been sold as a God-less belief system, where in actual fact is is not. Being a responsible human on this planet with its changing climate, means we acknowledge God as its Creator, owning up to our part in this, and obeying His Word in helping the people who are affected the most.

So tonight I shall let Truth guide me however He pleases, out of one season into the next, in tune with His Spirit's guidance. In the words of 1 Corinthians 2:15, "Those who live in the Spirit are able to carefully evaluate all things, and they are subject to the scrutiny of no one but God." And verse 16, 

"For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ the Messiah and do hold the thoughts feelings and purposes of His heart."

His mind is mine too...... Wow!  He's really got this.

Lockdown 171

Lockdown Day 171 - 13 September 2020

Today started out cool with a breeze. I took my tea out into the green room to relax before church. I noticed many of the trees were now pushing out bright green little leaves, and some trees were already covered in foliage. 

I wondered about fruit bearing trees, especially summer fruit, and their journey through winter. How their fruit houses energy and substance from the winter hibernation. And how winter fruit all seem to have stowed away a little of the sun from summer, hence the wonder of citrus that all come in sun colours. 

Fruit is God's perfectly packaged goodness, ready to enjoy, no need to cook, just peel and enjoy! The best fast food there is. 

And then I thought about how fruit doesn't miraculously appear. They first need to grow on healthy trees which, in some cases, take years to get ready to bear their fruit. 

This means fruit needs time to be 100% ready. This is God's design. To think He took the time to pack this 'take-away' all-in-one package just for our enjoyment. This is what He did for us. He took the time to design our spirit so He could load it with the fullness of His Spirit so we can keep our spirit healthy. He also took the time so He could enjoy us bearing  

the fruit of His Spirit. 

So tonight, pray with me the words of Psalm 52:8, "But I am like a flourishing olive tree, anointed in the house of God. I trust in the unending love of God; His passion toward me is forever and ever." 

Yes, He's got this.  💯%.

Lockdown 170

Lockdown Day 170 - 12 September 2020

Day 170. The number 170 has particular significance to us. This was our house number when we lived in a nature estate in Namibia. 

In many ways 170 represented a new season in our life. For 6 years I thanked the Lord every morning when I walked, knowing full well seasons have a start and an end. 

We visited the Farmer's Market this morning, which is once again allowed with limited access. For a moment, I forgot about masks and sanitisers, and saw people laughing again, enjoying the outdoors. 

There were food stalls with every imaginable "street" food, from sosaties to cupcakes, coffee to ginger beer, fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade products, plants and donkey rides for the kids. 

The spring season has settled in, already beckoning summer to arrive. Today also felt like a new season in my spirit. 

Just as a farmer is connected to the land, so we should all be connected to the Spirit of God. 

In the same way a farmer enters each new season with his ear to the ground, so we should also have our ear to God's heart. 

This way we won't miss a beat or the sound of a new season He has in store for our lives and walk with Him. 

The only way forward is to follow the prompts from His Spirit, because His plans for us is better than our own. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 169

Lockdown Day 169 - 11 September 2020

Friday! Lockdown started on midnight on a Friday, 24 weeks ago. So I am writing this post at midnight for this reason and for the first time in 24 weeks I had friends for dinner and staying the night! With everyone asleep and the dishwasher humming, I step outside into the green room, breathing in the cool spring air. 

This is an 'earth moment' for me. 24 Weeks ago I stood here after wakibg up in the middle of the night. I looked up at the stars as I am doing now, completely dumbfounded about what the world was going through, also having no idea what lay ahead. 

This earth moment is described in Psalm 24 as pausing in His presence and tonight I share its 10 verses with you: 

"God claims the world as his. Everything and everyone belongs to him! 

He’s the one who pushed back oceans to let the dry ground appear, planting firm foundations for the earth. 

Who, then, ascends into the presence of the Lord? And who has the privilege of entering into God’s Holy Place? 

Those who are clean—whose works and ways are pure, whose hearts are true and sealed by the truth, those who never deceive, whose words are sure. 

They will receive the Lord’s blessing and righteousness given by the Savior-God. 

They will stand before God, for they seek the pleasure of God’s face, the God of Jacob. Pause in His presence 

So wake up, you living gateways! Lift up your heads, you ageless doors of destiny! Welcome the King of Glory, for he is about to come through you. 

You ask, “Who is this Glory-King?” The Lord, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, invincible in every way! 

So wake up, you living gateways, and rejoice! Fling wide, you ageless doors of destiny! Here He comes; the King of Glory is ready to come in. 

You ask, “Who is this King of Glory?” He is the Lord of Victory, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts! Yes, He is the King of Glory! Pause in His presence"

Pause in His presence. I love that. 

Gbwy. Ggt.

Lockdown 168

Lockdown Day 168 - 10 September 2020

Winston Churchill said, “Great and good are seldom the same man.”

This week I experienced this very thing. 

A friend who is a single mom, befriended a man on a social media platform through a mutual friend's recommendation. The man chatted with her for more than 6 weeks before starting to make arrangements to meet her. 

He told her he is a designer in a foreign country, a Godly man who has prayed for a Godly woman. He was going to come and meet her and maybe plan a future with her. 

On the day he was supposed to arrive, he asked her for money with some lame excuse. Luckily she has prayed to God to protect her and show her the truth, which He did. The budding relationship died a sudden death as she blocked him on all platforms. 

The man/scammer presented a great persona, but he is definitely not Godly or good. 

In fact he represents a large proportion of the narcissistic community who is stuck in their own self-made unreal reality. Like when you are stuck in a revolving door and never get out. If they don't get out, the outcome stays the same: they remain lost, out of touch and without purpose, thinking they are in control. Masters of their own demise. 

So tonight I give a shout out to all who have survived a storm caused by another human being claiming to "care". I offer up a prayer of thanks for them and the rest of us who are fortunate to survive this storm caused by an abominable virus. I share a video of hope with you tonight as I retire, a video to remind you God's definitely got this:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CErZPS5n_Ct/?igshid=4ks4nud6zgri

Gbwy.

Lockdown 167

Lockdown Day 167 - 9 September 2020

Day 167 and Seasons are changing again. Once again in this Lockdown I am sorting out my cupboards, packing away my winter wardrobe and unpacking my summer clothes. 

Its funny how the change of seasons have a profound effect on our lives. And that we always move out of winter into spring and not out of spring into winter. It's as if there is a chronological flow of seasons according to the life that they represent. 

Spring signals the start of summer by igniting new life. Summer is the season the Southern hemisphere starts and ends the year with. It's the seaason of sunshine and sustained life. 

To me, my summer clothes bring a kind of freedom that says, "Breathe". It not only represents "new" beginnings but inspires my spirit to be tuned into the life sustaining energy that comes with it. 

So if you've been waiting for something you've prayed for, be prepared, because this is the time for it to come alive! This is when earth breathes in heaven and Truth steps into your life. Tell Him your heart's dream and trust Him to make a way where there seems to be no way. To show up and walk with you where you can't see a path. 

Before you know it the shackles will fall and you will be dancing for Him and praising and worshiping Him. I leave you with the Shackles song by Mary Mary. See if you can join in the dance! God is good all the time and He's got this. 

https://youtu.be/0T0i656C_Y0

Lockdown 166

Lockdown Day 166 - 8 September 2020

Today someone said it is only 4 months to 2021. Less than the time we have been in Lockdown. This, amidst the rumours of an eminent level 1 to be announced in a few weeks. Nobody knows what's next but everybody has at least started to hope. 

I keep wondering about the future and how we are going to survive masks in summer. Also, I thought this virus cannot survive high temperatures, but obviously it has mutated into a very clever organism. 

Furthermore I gathered that a screen alone is not legal when I was not allowed to enter a shop without a cloth mask. Watching people when we were traveling was interesting. It caused me to ask the question: how can a cloth mask be safer than a screen? 

Most people with a screen don't touch the outside of the screen. Most people with a cloth mask fidget with it constantly . 

And so many of them do not sanitize when they have touched the outside of the mask, thus when they touch anything in a shop they can potentially spread the virus. 

Also, the cloth mask does not stop movement of droplets both ways. However, a screen does. If someone would sneeze onto a cloth mask and a screen, who would be at risk more? 

Questions aside, one answer remains: God is in control. And if we constantly submit ourselves to His will, He will look after us no matter what happens. He is the only One knows exactly what lies ahead. Trusting Him brings peace of mind. 

In the words of Matthew 6:33-34, "“So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from Him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.  Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself." Enjoy the following song with me and smile! Ggt. 

https://youtu.be/xHfzAJS7IRc

Lockdown 165

Lockdown Day 165 - 7 September 2020

Apart from cleaning house and mountains of washing not yet all done, today was a day of reflection and thought. About losses and gains and moving on from the debris of life. And about blessings that come once we bury the debris. 

The loss of a pet is a sad situation. Even though we know they don't live as long as we do, they still play an important role in our lives. For many of us they are not only family members but very close companions. 

Someone to talk to at the end of the day. Someone who accepts us for who we are and always happy to see us, whether we are in a good or less-than-good mood. 

Physically burying a pet that left life is difficult and painful, amplifying the pain our soul feels at the loss. I heard these wise words today, "It is necessary to bury that which has no life anymore and to go through the pain of the buriel in order to be done with it and leave it where it should be: in the past." 

To deal with something that is no longer reality or alive, one needs to bury it. Whether it is a marriage, a friendship, a loved one, a life you once had or dream of, or a pet. The same principle applies. You can only move forward when you bury it. You can only expect blessing if you cut off the stone hanging from your heart. That is when you no longer look down, but up. 

So tonight I give a shout out to all who needs to bury that which has no life in it anymore. I give a shout out to my friend who spoke those wise words after having to bury what's lifeless and decaying from her life. The heavens have a star just for you tonight, N! 

As I stand under the beautiful Free State sky tonight I thank God silently for His unending Grace and unfailing Mercy and Love for us. 

I leave you with the words of Isaiah 40:26, “Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name —so magnificent! so powerful!— and never overlooks a single one? "

Lockdown 164

Lockdown Day 164 - 6 September 2020

We left Jansenville this morning in cold and wet conditions, driving north through Graaff Reinet and Middelburg, all the way in cool rainy conditions. 

The temperature dropped to 8°C on the Lootsberg pass where we drove through dense mist. Between Middelburg and Colesberg we went through heavy rain too, all the while thanking God for blessing the dry earth. 

It felt as if the earth was literally breathing a sigh of relief out loud. 

A quick stop in Colesberg to feed the need for caffeine saw me with a Seattle double short latte in hand. 

As always, driving home isn't as much fun as having a journey ahead, and the 220km to Bloem felt like 500. 

Not to mention the large number of trucks and traffic on that strip of the N1 on any given day or time. 

We arrived home, grateful for the safe trip and rain hovering on the horizon. We unpacked and had tea together while reflecting on the past few days away. To be home is great, but to leave grows our spirit. 

So tonight, while the first spring rains are pelting down on the roof, I am content. We went, we saw, we experienced all God had on offer, whether it was work or leisure. 

And tonight we dream of the blessings too many to count, past and future, grateful for a tired body and satisfied soul in this moment. Knowing we are in God's hand. Knowing God's got this.