Lockdown 279

Lockdown Day 279 - 30 December 2020

With the last box from storage done and dusted, we were left with two 'give away' boxes and a couple of large items which I dropped off at a depot where donations are welcome and is put to good use for those in need. 

As far as clutter goes, everything I now have unpacked and in its place will be used. I have decided in a year's time I will reassess and throw out every unused item. (whisper:  I can totally do another hard lockdown now 🤫) 

In preparation for tomorrow evening's pizza making, we took our list to the shop and came home ready to tackle the first step: making the dough. I have to say it didn't take long at all. First, you calculate your pizza number and size in weight, weigh out the corresponding flour, yeast and salt, combine in a mixer and after vigorously kneading the dough it is left to prove untill double in size, wherafter it is divided into dough balls and left to cool and then rest for 24hours in the fridge in cling wrap. 

For those who want to try, follow this link to the pizza creator:

https://www.pizzacreator.net/

After dinner I donned my cozzie, went for a swim and did a little night baking, loving every minute, feeling like Lockdown has left for the night. With ABBA ringing in my ears, I baked Nutella brownies for junior's birthday and made my own tomato base spread for the pizza bases. 

And I decide my resolution for 2021 will be to dance and sing my way through lockdown plus this is how I will spend new year's eve and new year's and every day after that. And when I forget, I pray that God will remind me. 

Now in bed, ready to get some well deserved shut eye, I felt a shimmering  hope well up in my spirit..... a hope borne of faith in our God Who will never leave nor forsake us, Who has eternity in His control and Who's got this. 

https://youtu.be/hOXtKOziD6M

Lockdown 278

Lockdown Day 278 - 29 December 2020

These days between Christmas and New Year is normally spent hanging around, swimming and eating, family time par excellence. Having recently moved into a house, the last few storage boxes needed to be tackled and with this hot weather persisting, a simple box can become a monumental (and sweaty) task! 

In 48 hours 2020 will run out. One year ago everyone was toasting 2020 as "their" year. I can't help but wonder what it'll be this time. So I decided to search for a few lockdown new year resolution funnies:

If we need to be strong lets be strong because of joy. Nehemia 8:10 says, "Then Ezra said to them, “Go, eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.”

God has got us. Stand on His Word. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 277

Lockdown Day 277 - 28 December 2020

And so the Prez spoke. We all suspected he would. I actually felt sorry for him tonight. And very glad I didn't have to do this speech. We all hoped it would go away. We all tried to pretend everything is fine. We all wanted to believe life is returning back to nornal. Like before this abominable virus. 

But it isn't. And I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever be. I also wonder about all the people who walk around with open noses..... really? 🙄 I may not believe masks are the answer, but that doesn't give me the right to act like I'm the only person on this planet. 

This is not about contracting the virus. This is about doing your part. Of course you have a choice. But why risk being arrested. You wouldn't ignore a traffic cop at an intersection and risk causing an accident. 

The only weapon we have in this time is the Word of God. Rather focus on its healing power and thank the Lord you are healthy. Make a difference in the lives of people you encounter, from the local grocer to your pharmacist and even the lady at the shop door spraying sanitiser. 

Like my friend N who stopped to refuel today, when the petrol attendant asked her if she was a Christian. Upon her answering yes, he remarked, "I can see it in you."  WOW! Live like you have only one chance to witness and make it count. Be fearless for God. Because He's got you. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 276

Lockdown Day 276 - 27 December 2020

Sunday. The last Sunday of 2020.

I listened to an update of Amir Tsarfati about happenings in the USA and also Israel and the Middle East. I was once again reminded of how the Word of God should be our director, teacher, corrector and faith builder. How we cannot watch events if the world happen without seeking His perspective. 

To actively engage in a relationship with our triune God means to hold Him as our barometer for literally anything in life. A relationship asks 2-way communication and time. God is always there and always available, and believe it or not, speaks to us daily. The reason we struggle to hear is because of our stuff we carry which we allow to interfere. 

Imagine your best friend never talks to you or constantly talks over you. I'm afraid this kind of friendship wouldn't last long. There is nothing worse than feeling you're not heard or you try your best but without any reaction. Much like when you give a gift and the recipient isn't excited or never says thank you. 

Sometimes I think that's what God gets from us. Sometimes we never talk to Him or babble too much to hear Him talking. I believe very few people really hear Him loud and clear. And as for our gratitude, well, let's just say we suck at it. Big time. 

He gave us the greatest gift anyone could ask for, but mankind doesn't see its worth. Jesus chose to lay down His life, so we could live. But do we really get it? 

Tonight, as I sit in the cool night air with the night sounds in my ears, I offer up a prayer of repentance for my imperfect soul and a prayer for our 3-in-1 God to inhabit me and teach me of all things Godly. Because I know He's got me and because I know He's got this.

Lockdown 275

Lockdown Day 275 - 26 December 2020

For today I felt a need for funnies in anticipation of this past year that was like none other. Enjoy! 

#Ggt

Lockdown 274

Lockdown Day 274 - 25 December 2020

Christmas Day. 

Day 274 of Lockdown. Who would have thought. I never thought I would still be writing a Lockdown diary. 

We were spoilt with a cool wind most of the day and spent the morning attending our online church service, and enjoying some leftovers for brunch. We pretty much lazed from couch to armchair, eventually ending up having a good long afternoon nap. 

Charmiane came over and we chatted untill after 9 after having dinner al fresco. We went for a night stroll so the pooch could get out and were stunned by the decibels of croaking frog-choir as far as we went. 

Lying in bed I muse tonight over the incredible privilege of having someone, a person, your person. Be it a partner, bestie or family member, or all of them. So I offer up a prayer for those who have absolutely no one. Even those who choose to live alone. And I am grateful to God who blessed me with my closest. 

Near or far, you all know who you are, and a special shout out to Mom, the Landman and Smit families and the Van Staden newlyweds. We miss you all dearly and pray for a Christmas we could all be together! 

#Gbwy

#Ggt

https://youtu.be/uj1psts_qTc

Lockdown 273

Lockdown Day 273 - 24 December 2020

In preparation for Christamas eve and our visit with friends, we spent the day finishing house chores and errands after which we then spent the afternoon prepping salad ingredients and cooking slow roasted sweet potatoes and red onions for the dinner. 

All the time, my mind wandered through childhood memories of getting a proper fresh miniature pine tree, getting it set up in the living room and decorating it with baubles, tinsel and stars. And of course the excitement when the presents arrived at the foot of the tree. Every year had a theme, sometimes everything was white and green, sometimes everything was red and green. 

Christmas eve was the time when the family got together with grandpa leading the proceedings with a scripture reading and singing well known Christmas carols. The excitement built up to handing out the gifts after oupa prayed, followed by tea and specially baked christmas cookies, eats and treats.  

Although Jesus said we should remember his death and the salvation of the cross, I imagine it all started because someone wanted to remember His birth, His existence. To give acknowledgement of His life on earth, as it is written in Matthew 2:11:

"When they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, they were overcome. Falling to the ground at his feet they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure boxes full of gifts and presented him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

May this scripture take you to His death and subsequent resurrection which, if you accept Him as your saviour, can bring eternal redemption and eternal life. 

Revelation 7:11-12 gives a glimpse of things to come, " All the angels were standing in a circle around the throne with the elders and the four living creatures, and they all fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing: “Amen! Praise and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!” 

Now thát's what I see when it's Christmas. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 272

Lockdown Day 272 - 23 December 2020

While the clouds prevented us to see the great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, our evening turned out to be a masterclass and wonderful get-together all in one. Our new house sports a pizza oven built by the previous owners Hennie and Nicky. So we thought what better way to understand how to use this oven, than to have them over and present the Meyer Masterclass on the making of woodfired pizza. 

We ended up enjoying each other's company so much that we nearly forgot we had a curfew! Hennie has become a self-taught pizza master and Nicky the queen of pizza dough and a particularly delicious and spicy tomato base. We supplied the toppings and drinks. 

Throughout the evening, Hennie conveyed all his do's and don'ts coming from their hard-earned experience and many hours of trial and error. 

What amazed me was how hot the oven had to be and how it actually stayed. For the duration of our pizza making it hovered between 280 and 320°C. No wonder my attempts in a normal oven never made the cut. Thank you Hennie and Nicky, you guys rock! 

We retired, happy the oven won't be a white elephant but a wonderful addition to life on the green belt. With the clouds whisking by, showing the moon every now and again, I thanked the Lord for His providence and for new friends. For health and beautiful woodfired pizza. And for having us all firmly in the palm of His hands. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 271

Lockdown Day 271 - 22 December 2020

I recently read a book about fasting from words. How it spoke to my being. Have you ever tried keeping criticism, judgements, complaints, sarcasm and gossip (CJCSG) to yourself? 

These words are just as harmful to self (thoughts and inner mantras) as they are to others. All of them are driven by lack of gratitude.

Without gratitude these words quickly cause you to habitually become negative about anything or anybody. Protecting your heart by building a wall of negativity has the opposite effect. Gratitude and negativity both affect your relationships with everyone around you. 

To fast from CJCSG, teaches mindful silence in conversations with yourself and others. If you can hold out for 42 days, you might experience how these words are substituted with different forms of gratitude and thankfulness. 

Also, you start seeing the good in others first. Beginning with yourself. To love yourself with no holds barred is probably the most difficult thing to do. To be grateful for how and who you are, just as you are is the start of changing your words, which then changes your perspective, ultimately changing your relationships, be it with your friends, family or the lady at the supermaket till. 

2020 Was different. So why not edit the presents and the hoo-ha and give yourself the gift of self love and your closest the gift of being quiet together. Kind words will follow. Feel the Morning Star shine from inside and watch your different Christmas bloom. 

"When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive."

Proverbs 15:2a

Lockdown 270

Lockdown Day 270 - 21 December 2020

So with sunset tonight I sat on my stoep and looked at the clouds. I so hoped for clear skies so we can see the great Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn. And then I remembered the week we unpacked and I wrote about the clouds and got the distinct impression God was reminding me to trust Him. So I did. And wow, what a sighting it turned out to be! 

I was having supper when I heard a nessage come in from a friend to look, the clouds have lifted just enough. I ran to my balcony and there it was.... A stretch of blue sky between the horizon and the clouds. And proudly hanging just beneath the clouds were Jupiter and Saturn in their great conjunction, so close, the naked eye only sees a long blob. But after numerous photographs and watching with binoculars we could distinguish the two planets from each other. They set about 45minutes later. 

I couldn't help but think of the birth of Jesus Christ and how, just like the star of Bethlehem pointed out the whereabouts of the Saviour of the world, this conjunction (also called the Bethlehem star) is showing us something just as significant as His birth was. And so close to Christmas eve. 

I looked up and there, beneath the moon was a cloud resembling a dove/angel and got a good picture of it. A couple of minutes later it looked like an eagle coming in to land. 

I thought of Psalm 91:4‭-‬7‭, ‬9‭-‬11:

"He covers you with His feathers, And under His wings you take refuge; His truth is a shield and armour. 

You are not afraid of the dread by night, of the arrow that flies by day, of the pestilence that walks in darkness, of destruction that ravages at midday. 

A thousand fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it does not come near you. Because you have made יהוה – My refuge, the Most High – your dwelling place, 

No evil befalls you, And a plague does not come near your tent; For He commands His messengers concerning you, To guard you in all your ways."

As I watch the sky, I know, no matter what we are facing, this scripture confirms to me He most certainly has got this! 

#maranatha