Lockdown 431

Lockdown Day 431- 31 May 2021

And so Mr Prez enforced Level2 Lockdown with adapted regulations. Everyone is mostly relieved things like alcohol sales aren't banned and I, for one, am glad the hard hit wine industry have been given the biggest economic breather yet.

Although I feel curfew could've started earlier, the restaurant industry, who have also had their fair share of economic problems, can also breathe a sigh of relief. Again, the stay-at-home request was reiterated with fair warning of isolation and quarantine regulations to be strictly adhered to.

Suddenly I am back to the movie scene feeling I so frequently had in early Lockdown when Level 5 was enforced. My world view returned to the sci-fi category, wondering about the unseen abominable virus and the new tricks it is up to. My thoughts involuntary go back to these two famous quotes by Corrie ten Boom:

• "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
• “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

So tonight I offer up a prayer for those who are worried about this virus and those who have fallen ill with it.

To stop worrying actually strengthens us to stand firm in the spirit and the healing that is available through the wounds Christ bore on the cross.

Our greatest weapon in this pandemic is not in a vaccination, but how faithful we are in our stewardship towards our own bodies, vaccinated or non-vaccinated. Stay close to God's heart. This is God's time. He's got this.

Lockdown 430

Lockdown Day 430- 30 May 2021

Tonight I share with you the profound scripture of Isaiah 45 in which God declares His status as unequalled no less than seven times.

Verses 2‭-‬8:

"I go before you and make the crooked places straight; I shatter the gates of bronze and cut down the bars of iron.

And I shall give you the treasures of darkness and hoarded wealth of secret places, so that you know that I, יהוה, who are calling you by your name, am the Elohim of Yisra’ĕl.

For the sake of Ya‛aqoḇ My servant, and of Yisra’ĕl My chosen, I also call you by your name, I give you a title, though you have not known Me. I am יהוה, and there is none else – there is no Elohim besides Me.

I gird you, though you have not known Me, so that they know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none but Me. I am יהוה, and there is none else, forming light and creating darkness, making peace and creating evil.

I, יהוה, do all these.’ “Rain down, O heavens, from above, and let clouds pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, let them bring forth deliverance, and let righteousness spring up together. I, יהוה, have created it."

#Gbwy #Ggt

      Jelly Australian Opal

Lockdown 429

Lockdown Day 429- 29 May 2021

We left the guest farm at 06h30, reaching Cradock at 8 where we revisited the Mooo se Lekke Farmstall (you'll find them on Google, remember there are three letter o's in the first word).

Mooo served a hearty breakfast which we wolfed down, hitting the road after the wonderful filter coffee with hot milk, padstal style.

The road sped by, boasting large patches of blooming Aloes along the roadside. On and off the drought showed its gnarling teeth in the arid ground between vegetation fighting for survival in this, one of the longest and toughest droughts in this region in a while.

We talked about my belief that we have also been sent to PE to pray for rain in the city as well as the Langkloof, which is their catchment area. Soon, we saw the sea as the prominent harbour came into view.

The off-loading and organising went fairly quickly.

This mini move's easiest part is undoubtedly unpacking the small number of containers, boxes and suitcases.

Bushed but satisfied, our bed invited us in, instantly making us feel at home.

Listening to the rain pouring down outside (YES, it started to rain☔ ), I thank God for His provision so perfect and the blessing this rain is bringing. I offer up a prayer for the rain to continue saturating this dry earth to the core, because I know God's got this.

Lockdown 428

Lockdown Day 428- 28 May 2021

We left home at 9 and cruised at a steady 100 km/h down the N1. This kind of goodbye is really just a see-you-soon kind of greeting. I imagine our path on earth like reading trough a thick book, with God opening up the spine and hinges and inserting a new chapter for us to explore.

For the first time in 4 weeks I am sitting down for the long haul, feeling satisfied that we had done all we could in this time to make all of our lives easier and better going forward.

I have to say the drive through the Free State brought back memories. We watched the sun travel from east to west, spreading out all the colours of the rainbow for us.

We even had a pair of cloud-wings for a couple of hours just hanging in the sky right in front of us. It felt as if God wanted to say, "Here I am, I've got you under my wings."

As the sun sank into the horizon we pulled into our overnight possie, tired but thankful for the safe kilometres behind us and God's presence with us.

As we drift off to sleep, the words of Deuteronomy 31:8 ring true:

"And it is יהוה who is going before you, He Himself is with you. He does not fail you nor forsake you. Do not fear nor be discouraged."

#Ggt

Lockdown 427

Lockdown Day 427- 27 May 2021

And so the last day arrived before we leave for PE. We busied ourselves with last minute organisation and loading the trailer. I have the utmost respect for anyone doing this for a job.

My housemates were well and truly the strong men today, you guys rock! 💪

As goodbye messages trickled in throughout the day, I was slowly wading through last minute washing and putting everything in its place after shuffling beds and furniture.

At sunset we had the trailer done and dusted and started finishing our last little things such as overnight bags and personal effects.

Someone asked if my heart is ready, and I realised I had actually started saying goodbye with every box and suitcase we packed and loaded.

So tonight I am sitting alone on my stoep, watching the full moon. Envious of all who saw the blood moon last night, I saw the moonshine spill into the garden. I silently thank God for His nearness and grace, putting our trip into His perfect care.

#Ggt

Lockdown 426

Lockdown Day 426- 26 May 2021

The fairway was beautiful on this sunny winter afternoon. I decided to join the two men for a short round of golf, to walk with them and enjoy some of the beautiful trees and nature scenery.

The late afternoon sun brushed over the green in long strokes and the local ducks on the pond started grooming before settling in for the night. Later, while the heat of a golden cappuccino warmed my hands, I watched as the treetops slowly went from green to sun-kissed. 

Back home, the ensuing packing jobs resumed, with last minute containers and suitcases ready for loading tomorrow.

This whole mini-move (albeit a temporary one) is a training session for downscaling our life to a more minimalistic approach.

Although it is a challenge, I suspect the ultimate reward will present itself soon enough. Lying in bed, watching the moon move into our room, I think of the pure white feather I found on the green this afternoon. I put it in my phone cover to remind me that God's got this.

Lockdown 425

Lockdown Day 425- 25 May 2021

Today I salute all multitasking women. People who juggle a million things, trying to keep all of them in the air. If you know what it feels like to be the cleaning- and washing service, dishwasher, cook, nurse, tidy-upper ánd butler while trying to be a proper person with a job, you're the multitasker I'm talking about.

Most of us go about our million things every day as if it's the most normal thing on earth. We don't stop. Ever. Resting doesn't come easy and time outs are few and far between. Without making light of it, I discovered a couple of funnies on the topic to lighted the load:

So tonight I offer up a prayer for all the multitaskers. As sure as the full moon comes around every month, God is there by your side, busy with your life. I pray you would stop to sit down to have a cuppa with Him. He gets you. And He's got this. 

Lockdown 424

Lockdown Day 424- 24 May 2021

Today I would like to share a song to celebrate a small personal victory.

This is confirmation that God's omnipotence and ever-providing favour is set into motion when we exhibit unwavering faith:

"I can't count the times I've called Your Name some broken night

And You showed up and patched me up like You do every time

I get amnesia, I forget that You keep coming around

Yeah, ain't no way You'll ever let me down

Good God Almighty

I hope You'll find me praising Your name no matter what comes

'Cause I know where I'd be without Your mercy

So I keep praising Your Name at the top of my lungs

Tell me is He good? (He's good)

Tell me is He God? (He's God)

He is good God Almighty

You say Your love goes on forever, that Your mercy never stops

So why would I assume You'd be somebody that You're not

Like sun in the morning, I know You're gonna be there every day

So what on earth could make me be afraid?

Good God Almighty 

I hope You'll find me praising Your name no matter what comes

'Cause I know where I'd be without Your mercy

So I keep praising Your Name at the top of my lungs

Tell me is He good? (He's good)

Tell me is He God? (He's God)

He is good God Almighty

Praise Him in the morning

Praise Him in the noontime

Praise Him when the sun goes down

Love Him in the morning

Love Him in the noontime

Love Him when the sun goes down"

https://youtu.be/k1YWv5FKrKc

#Ggt

Lockdown 423

Lockdown Day 423 - 23 May 2021

As with any merger there are loose ends that need to be tied up. These came in the form of additional storage items needed to be moved and the cleaner who canceled. So I muscled up en did it myself.  What a wonderful feeling leaving a place empty and clean.

The cold and cloudy weather made way for fluffy white clouds dotting the blue sky. Hubby prepared a fire and we spent lunch on the stoep in the winter sun.

I started thinking how life's curve balls can become golden nuggets on our journey, depending on how you handle them. I once read an anonymous quote saying, "When life throws you curve balls, pick up a bat and swing!"

If the curve ball upsets you, catch it and gain control. If it hits you unexpectedly, treat your wounds and change your position. And if the curve ball swishes past, breathe and shift your paradigm.

Whatever the ball, God gave us the tools and the brain to handle most everything that comes our way. So tonight I am grateful for today's curve ball and an aching body, because I am alive and healthy with the Creator of the universe walking right beside me. He's got this for sure.

Lockdown 422

Lockdown Day 422 - 22 May 2021

The merger is done! And just like that the student's furniture is waiting in the garage to be carted to PE.

A great release happened and it came in spiritual form. While I was hanging up the last washed bedding, I heard someone singing on the golf course just behind our green belt.

I stopped to zoom in on what he was singing and heard it was a worship song to the Lord. The chorus was, "pour Your Spirit out, pour Your Spirit out". I pitched in with the alto melody as loud as I could, throwing my arms up into the air, worshipping God for His goodness and love.

I am reminded anew to keep on singing high praises to God. No matter what is happening in our lives, to worship God is always the best idea. The release of having done what we set out to do is ginormous. It's as if an old hard layer was peeled off our very being to let the sun in.

The crystal hanging in my window cast a million little rainbows and purple dots dancing as the gentle breeze rocks the crystal to and fro.

When you know where you are rooted you are safe, secure and happy. Letting the Son in, causes us to radiate Him for the world to see.

#Ggt

Lockdown 421

Lockdown Day 421 - 21 May 2021

With the final furniture move out of the student accommodation waiting for us tomorrow, today saw the final boxes find their way to storage.

The day comprised of organising steel cabinets for travel and home storage, and lunch with my special friends Laurette and Janie.

The afternoon sped by while we were getting ready to have my Bestie and our friends from Warden for dinner and sleepover. On the menu was a winter family favourite: 'soft steak'. Accompanied by a butternut spinach and red onion bake with a ricotta bechamel. Tin Roof ice cream with my chocolate sauce was the perfect pud.

For a moment, sitting there at my dining room table, I watched and listened to everyone chatting away. The two young adults, the two men, and us three long time friends.

I pushed the "freeze frame" button in my head, wondering when this scene will repeat itself. The face time conversation everyone had when Bestie's special friend called was proof of just how close and special a friendship we have, taking him into our circle as one of us without reservation.

And later, in bed, the chorus of that song Friends played over and over in my mind as I drifted off, " Friends are friends forever when the Lord's the Lord of them".

God is good all the time.

All the time, GOD is good.

#Ggt

Lockdown 420

Lockdown Day 420 - 20 May 2021

Day 420.

420 Days from today is 14 July 2022.

That's how long we've been in Lockdown.

While the world associates 420 with a group of people in Oakland who smoked weed on April 20 1990 at 4:20 pm, I decided to associate 420 with my God.

I found a couple of 4:20 scriptures for this day and would like to share them because God's Word breathes life into our spirit when we read them.

“In whatever place you hear the voice of the shophar, join us there. Our Elohim fights for us.”

Nehemiah 4:20

"For the kingdom realm of God comes with power, not simply impressive words."

1 Corinthians 4:20

"My son, listen to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; Guard them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And healing to all their flesh. Watch over your heart with all diligence, For out of it are the sources of life."

Proverbs 4:20‭-‬23

"Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Philippians 4:20

Be blessed! 🤩 And never forget our God's got this.

Lockdown 419

Lockdown Day 419 - 19 May 2021

Moving anywhere, albeit temporary, is in itself a challenge. It is as if you go into another mode (no wait, try another personality for size).

It's like those days when you have 4 seasons in one day. You go through stages of grief, hatred, sadness and feelings of joy, accomplishment and release.

It's a lot like homeopathic medicine. It first gets worse before it gets better. So at some point you wallow through the purging and think you're never going to have joy. And then one day the release comes, and what a feeling that is.

So tonight I offer up a prayer for everyone in need of lightness in their being, for liberated spirits filled with Godly character. And for the earth God is holding in His hands. #Ggt

Lockdown 418

Lockdown Day 418 - 18 May 2021

Okay, so our good Lord (and hubby's Co) has decided temporarily send us to Port Elizabeth for work.

As it goes in our lives, we really believe everything happens for a reason. His plans are specific and custom fit for every person, and He doesn't spare any details.

Although we know and believe all that, humans are root-growing people, wanting to build relationships and settle down for the long haul.  So it stands to reason that change, albeit unexpected, can stretch the nerves and emotions.

With the decision made to leave our new little house intact and move Lukas out of his long standing student possie to come and look after the place and the pooch, the flat/house merger began.

After two weeks of steady sorting, purging and transporting we have finally managed to merge the two living spaces. Marie Kondo and "Pak reg, Pak weg" on channel 147 provided amazing tips and ideas and we are on the brink of minimal storage items and practical living issues sorted.

So tonight I am thankful for everything, a tired mind and body, a nearly sorted 'merger' and the love of my family. Also, God's nearness and provision and the fact that He's definitely got this.

Lockdown 417

Lockdown Day 417 - 17 May 2021

And so I got up at 6am. It was good and I got a lot done. 5am Used to be my thing, but lockdown somehow got that routine scrambled.

I also realised this morning the snooze button should be banned from all time. It is a no-no for a productive routine.

Speaking of no-no's, apart from hitting the snooze button, checking your social media and messages in the first 60 minutes is not only a time devourer (picture pac-man eating minutes), but robs you of utterly crucial recharching, conditioning and nourishing of your mind for your day ahead.

Another thing I noticed is how great that first glass of water tastes the minute you get up. After the night's sleep your body needs water rehydration before coffee. It boosts your memory and immune system.

Last but not least, never leave your bed unmade! Rather leave the dishes unwashed than your bed unmade. This is mandatory for happiness. And don't forget to smile! 🤩

Watching the quarter moon set over my window, I offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for a good night's sleep and God's fingerprint on us.

#Ggt

Lockdown 416

Lockdown Day 416 - 16 May 2021

Sunday number 60. We are in the 60th week of Lockdown. And still the end is not in sight amidst rumours of another speech from Mr Prez 

My next challenge for a daily routine is to add the 05 challenge.

It takes 42 days to change a habit, remember?

Wake up at 05h00,  5 days a week for 5 weeks. That's 35 days. For the last week you wake up early 6 days and on day 42 you break the rule and sleep in. Start on a Monday, so day 42 can be on a Sunday. Diarise and plan for that day.

The flip side of this to take into account is you need at least 7 hours sleep. So if 05h00 is too early, calculate your wake up time 90minutes before you have to leave for work or, if you work from home, 90 minutes before work starts.

Those 90 minutes are for "the routine" and should include quiet time and some form of exercise.

Spending this time paying attention to God and attention to yourself is an investment you will not regret, as it sets the tone for how the rest of the day goes.

We have been designed to live a productive life. Nurture and nourish your time and you will be blessed with all the benefits that come with it.

So tonight I plan ahead wirh God and thank Him for watching over me. He's got this!

Lockdown 415

Lockdown Day 415 - 15 May 2021

Still on the routine topic, the most important routine structure is provided by God, our Creator. He is a God of order and a God of peace. He builds you up and supports you.

Within His support is the safest and happiest place to be. Also this is where your best creativity stems from. This is your design.

Mucking it up is an insult to the omnipotent God whose Spirit is living inside you.

He designed you for so much more than the mundane. He is your structure and your foundation. And within His parameters the mundane daily grind becomes the magnificent, ever-changing and inspiring life He destined you for.

So tonight I challenge you to start creating a daily routine within which you are going to think outside the box. Tomorrow I will issue a second challenge that will enhance this daily grind.

God's got yóú and He's got this.

Lockdown 414

Lockdown Day 414 - 14 May 2021

Routine and order creates contented happiness. And the routine I'm talking about is not the boring same-old-same-old-stuff. Yes, you have to get up, make your bed, get dressed have coffee and something to eat, but inside of that there's the non-routine routine.

Let me explain. Picture this daily morning routine:

1. Alarm clock goes off
2. Simmer for 10 minutes to wake up, SMILE☺ 
3. Get up, put on the coffee and take a shower
4. Get dressed and pressed
5. Sit down with coffee and whatever
6. Quiet time and visualise your day
7. Start working

Imagine every point with a twist:

1. Alarm clock goes off

Get up and open the

window

2. Simmer for 10 minutes to wake up

Sit up and pay special

attention to the morning

sounds coming in

3. Get up, put on the coffee and take a shower

Open that new coffee you've

been saving and start your

shower as cold as possible

4. Get dressed and pressed

Opt for funky socks or a

shirt you only reserve for

special days

5. Sit down with coffee and whatever

Add a dollop of cream to

the coffee or swop your

regular cerial for honey and

peanut butter on a cracker

ór sit in a different spot

while having it.

6. Quiet time and visualise

your day

Write a letter to God

Diarise what you want to

have done before sunset

7. Start working

Drive a different route or

Listen to a different radio

station on your way

You catch my drift. Routine. You still get it done but changing up the how and where can infuse life and interest into the mundane. The possibilities are endless. JUST NEVER CHANGE THE ROUTINE STRUCTURE.

It's much like when a building is constructed: if there isn't a good foundation and skeleton structure, the rest will tumble down into a heap, creating chaos and destruction.

Try it, you won't be disappointed. God's got this.

Lockdown 413

Lockdown Day 413 - 13 May 2021

Now that we're in autumn and the leaves are turning red, yellow and orange, I realise just being more attentive to how amazing it looks is already therapy in itself. 

So the last forest videos I would like to share with you for now, are autumn walks. One is completely silent and the other has the original natural sounds of the very forest you "walk" in.

While doing these virtual walks, tune in to God and the direction of His Spirit. Give Him permission to permeate your being. Everything in Nature has His fingerprint on it. Learn to discern the difference and take it into your daily routine, weave it into your fibre and trust Him with everything you've got.

https://youtu.be/MN5078r0ezk

https://youtu.be/z6Gna1wY_8g

Because He's got this. 

Lockdown 412

Lockdown Day 412 - 12 May 2021

Still on the topic of Forest Bathing, the quiet interaction of oxygen producing green with human oxygen dependants is largely underestimated and regarded as a fanatic trait.

Not only do plants supply our life air, they can exist without us. Sometimes I wonder if humankind's global disregard for God's design is maybe the reason for this world-gripping state of affairs.

Regardless, we who know better, have a responsibility to showcase Godly design and restore balance where it is needed.But for it to work we need to be strong and healthy. 

Forest bathing can be done anywhere. All you need is green. And of course, quiet or peaceful. Finding a spot where you can breathe and practice your nature anointing is the first step.

For a different kind of forest bathing, here are videos of the Northern lights. Look out for the cellphone icon on your screen in the second video. This means you can use your phone to "see" 360°! (make sure your auto rotation is on so you can watch full screen)

https://youtu.be/Lc3FxNXjBs0

https://youtu.be/ehJg_OlcjpE

#Ggt

Lockdown 411

Lockdown Day 411 - 11 May 2021

Today I was mesmerised by the concrete jungle humankind created. And I wondered about our health and well-being and how we can reconnect with the real jungle.

So tonight I share with you forest bathing and why it is good for us. And I thank God for His Creation, especially in times such as these.

https://youtu.be/y-wHq6yY2CI

#Ggt

Lockdown 410

Lockdown Day 410 - 10 May 2021

Jean's Diamond:  epilogue.

This morning we had to go to the bank to get a new card for Lukas as the existing one was faulty. We ended up spending

90 minutes with the consultant after which we went to have our usual Monday coffee.

The new card failed the test so we went back to the bank, dreading the now extra-long queue at customer services.

Upon deciding to try the autobank first, our consultant appeared out of nowhere at the ATM next to us. 😇 She whisked Lukas back to her station, sorting out the problem in a flash.

How amazing....... and perfect timing; proof that God has every minute of our day in perfect control.

I believe I had to write Jean"s Diamond for people like the bank lady (it's also her birthday today) to illustrate the worth of people in the workplace and life in general.

Be careful how you treat people on your journey through life. They might be the flawed diamond you step on or throw aside because you think they have no value or pose a threat.

You don't have to be everyone's best pal, but you can try to handle them with care. Look for their light and wait for the multifaceted blessing their flaws might reflect. Who knows, you might receive healing yourself!

So tonight I offer up a prayer for all those feeling devalued and unworthy. You are enough. Because God says so. And He is eternally faithful and graceful in His walk with you. He will acknowledge your obedience and use you to radiate His omnipotent healing power wherever He takes you.

Yes, He's really got you. And He's most certainly got this.

Lockdown 409

Lockdown Day 409 - 9 May 2021

Jean's Diamond: Part 3.

Suddenly the room erupted with a cascade of colours. Jean couldn't believe her eyes, wiping them to make sure what she is seeing is real. There was a slow moving kaleidoscope filling the room, boasting hues across the spectrum. Jean felt dizzy and had trouble standing.

Hours later, Jean wakes up as the sun is sinking beneath the horizon. The sky is red and the room dark. She feels the familiar deep, soft upholstery of her favourite chair against her cheek. She tried to remember how she got there, convinced she had passed out somehow.

Looking around, her eyes getting used to the dark, she saw the terrarium in the bay window. She remembered the colours dancing from within the diamond and instantly knew in that moment her lifetime scoliosis had been healed. She could never sleep curled up in the chair because of it.

Jean jumped up out of the chair, touched her toes with ease and started laughing out loud. She felt like the happiest person in the world. She knew she had to visit the doctor to confirm, if only to have it on paper.

The best part was her spirit felt light and tingling. After she got the coffee brewing, Jean settles down with her journal and Bible, knowing her Creator has been waiting for this moment.

While Jean was lost in their conversation, the diamond issues a drop of waning moonshine on its glass container. ✨

The End (epilogue to follow)

"And my Elohim shall fill all your need according to His riches in esteem by Messiah יהושע."

Philippians 4:19

#Ggt