Lockdown 644

Lockdown Day 644- 30 December 2021

In contemplating strategy for the new year and hearing people all around me talking about 2022, I know for sure we can never plan ahead like we used to or make resolutions of a futuristic nature, but rather live in every moment, being mindful of every breath. 

The government announced curfew has been lifted with immediate effect and indoor gatherings may number up to a thousand, providing social distancing is adhered to, so the country is still on an Adjusted Alert Level 1 of Lockdown.

So our resolutions for this coming year should be of a faith-based nature in stead of fear-based. Allow peace in, so uncertainty van leave. Allow the flow of oxygen into your body tissue so all toxins can leave.

2O²2 Needs to be the Oxygen of the future. We need to learn to breathe anew. Live like the front door has been opened wide.

Milton Berle said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Let us be builders of doors. Doors to the Kingdom of heaven. In doing that, we may create a flicker of hope for an unknown future with a known God who's got this under control.

Lockdown 643

Lockdown Day 643- 29 December 2021

With the year running out and our short holiday also nearing its end, the list of "lasts" kicks in. Our long walk to Onrus becomes a joyful trek with Roxy the Schnauzie. I decide to haul along my swimming cozzie in case a dip was called for.

The cold wind from the ocean was beckoning with the promise of no one in the water except a few surfers waiting for the waves. And so it was. I quickly donned my "normal" cozzie and took a dip, taking care not to lose half a leg in the potholes.

Soon we were on our way again, taking our time with little detours among the mangroves, watering Roxy regularly.

Mom and I went for a cuppa in town and some shopping. Later, after cooking up a storm with everyone pitching in, a clean kitchen and the aroma of extra special mash and amazing stew, my cousin arrived for tea.

Seeing them after many years brought back many memories from way back, we talked about how the kids have grown and what everyone was up to in the last two years.

After obliterating dinner, we retired, enjoying the quiet. Pensive about the hourglass of 2021 running out, I fall asleep with many conversations in my head.

#Ggt

Lockdown 642

Lockdown Day 642- 28 December 2021

After a wonderful evening in the inspiring company of long time friends in Somerset West, we left this morning to drive back to Hermanus via Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The morning was crisp with clear haze-free vistas all around after rain had fallen overnight. 

Driving through Stellenbosch, we reminisced about the good old times and how we met and fell in love. The drive from Jonkershoek to Franschhoek was a scenic route we haven't seen in a while, and the descent after Franschoek into the Theewaterskloof valley equally beautiful.

Seeing the 97.5% full Theewaterskloof dam was a goosebump moment. It was a sight to behold and we found ourselves wishing the same for the Kouga dam.

Back in Hermanus, Lukas and I went for a quick surf at Voëlklip, what an absolute joy. And no "potholes"! The water was 11°C and the waves were easy.

Later, while finishing up after dinner, I heard about the purple lights on Table Mountain in honour of Desmond Tutu's passing on Sunday. I thought of the significance of the colour, symbolising sovereignty, creativity and faith.

As a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and affectionately referred to as our country's moral compass, Tutu was indeed looked up to across the board of all religions.

What I know for sure is the testimony of his life as a peace broker has spoken to the hearts of many people. So tomorrow I shall also put up a purple light to testify that God is real, our sovereign Creator and perfector of our faith. Because that is what I believe Tutu stood for. And because God's got this.

Lockdown 641

Lockdown Day 641- 27 December 2021

Week 91. Time for Psalm 91.

In a time of hidden dangers and unknown territory, this Psalm is as real as the device you are currently holding while reading this. It is a tangible Psalm of protection for everyone. It also introduces those not so familiar with God, to His Word and His Omnipotence. 

Nothing about this is negative and only brings positive outcomes on the back of one requirement: unabashed faith in God. 

Here then, the Message translation in conversational English of Psalm 91:

"You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.

His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.

Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.

Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.

You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.

If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”

Psalm 91:1‭-‬16

#Ggt

#joytotheworld

Lockdown 640

Lockdown Day 640- 26 December 2021

Boxing day. Sunday number 91. After sleeping a little later than usual, we decided to do a long walk to Onrus beach with Roxy the Schnauzie. The wind was cool, signifying a cool ocean. Lukas joined us at the beach where we enjoyed the 10°C water for a quick surf.

I was once again reminded why Voëlklip beach is my choice for a good surf. The "potholes" in the seabed on the way in really are ankle destroyers when you are wearing short fins. Other than that, the icy water was wonderful and the couple of waves I did manage to get were great!

Still searching for many lights, I decided share a video as tonight's image focus of the top 10 tallest or biggest Christmas trees of the world. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/zAVBRe0JbZ8

May these impressive lights around the world speak to the hearts of the lost and be translated by the Holy Spirit of God as the Light of the world, namely Jesus Christ in whom there is no darkness at all.

#Ggt

Lockdown 639

Lockdown Day 639- 25 December 2021

Christmas Day. We rose early to leave for Yzerfontein, where we spent time with my sister and her family. The drive took us approximately two and a half hours over the Sir Lowry's Pass into Cape Town where we took the N7 to Melkbosstrand and another road to our destination.

In the Yzerfontein Caravan Park everyone was busy with their Christmas lunch preparations, with many fires already cooking with anything from gammon to potjiekos, with a touch of tinsel and lights on the side.

We took a walk over the dune to the beach, one of the most beautiful stretches along the Benguela channel coastline. The cold wind was testiminy to this channel's cold water, providing welcome relief to all the holiday makers on this hot day.

Our lunch was a spectacular feast, all wood fired. From fabulous roast potatoes to yum veggie skewers accompanied by fall-off-the-bone roasts. Thank you Bennie and Liesl!!! After our mini pavlova puds we had to say goodbye to head home where Roxy the Schnauzie was waiting.

Later, after a very late afternoon siesta, we took a drive to see the town lights. Apart from a park which was gloriously lit up, there were very few lights to be seen. As we drove through the quiet streets, I noticed how very few houses had lights or any hint of festivity on display in comparison with two years ago.

So tonight I am thankful for family time and the wonder Jesus brought to this world, offering up a prayer that I would never ever forget the reason for this day. God triune knew what He was doing then and most definitely knows what He is doing now.

#Ggt

Lockdown 638

Lockdown Day 638- 24 December 2021

Christmas Eve. 

Tonight I would like to share the scripture of Jesus healing the 10 lepers. After He had healed them, He told them to go and show themselves to the priest so they could be reintroduced into society. Here is the rest of the scripture:

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” "

Luke 17:15‭-‬19

I am sure all 10 were extremely grateful, but still only one took the time to thank Jesus and praise God. Although all of them were healed, the one who came back, was completely whole. He had no limp, visible lesions or missing limbs. No sign he was a leper. Complete restoration had taken place.

So tonight, take the time to give a thankful heart in praise to our Creator. If you are in need of healing, begin with thankfulness toward Jesus for the salvation He gave you on the cross. Healing and Restoration will come and you will becone whole again. And all you have to do is thank Jesus and praise God.

Simple.

I wish you love, joy and peace this Christmas. God's definitely got this.

Lockdown 637

Lockdown Day 637- 23 December 2021

Living in the moment after the last two years have touched our souls in many ways, has proved to be the one thing we could actually learn from it all. 

A wise and experienced heart-friend said, "Living in the moment also constitutes being comfortable with being uncomfortable" (thanks M! ✨).

How very true these words are. Whether you are a mother, father, grandparent or a child lucky enough to still have a parent around. Or whether you are alone without family or only have a sibling left, every single person experiences the uncomfortable from time to time.

The trick is to be grateful and filled with thanks for whatever uncomfortable position you are in. There is always something to be thankful for.

Seeing two deserving people receive a Christmas package and reacting totally different, proved my point. The one took the gift without even looking grateful or saying thank you. The other could not stop smiling or saying thanks. Both the givers gave unconditionally, going about their way.

So which of the two receivers was really most blessed in that moment? I suppose both were physically blessed but only one could benefit wholly, and that is the one who said thank you.

Showing thankfulness to the giver is not always possible, but living it, is indeed. True thankfulness puts God's perfect healing in motion. Is that not also the spirit of Christmas?

So let us pay it forward in the humblest of ways and see others the way Christ would.

#Ggt

#WWJD

Lockdown 636

Lockdown Day 636- 22 December 2021

Beach Day turned out to be overcast, cold and rainy. Perfect weather for me to swim. And perfect weather for the rest of Hermanus to shop. 

On our way to Voëlklip beach, we passed many die-hard runners and walkers doing their thing in the rain. At the beach there were a couple of surfing instructors with their pupils getting ready for the water. A couple with their Retriever were having coffee at the new mini Ola bar, while the life savers on duty were getting ready for the day.

The water was 12°C and nearly completely covered by the mist rolling in. We decided to make it a dipping session, diving into a couple of on-coming waves untill the brain freeze set in.

This quick taste of salty water was a far cry from Sunday's diving expedition in 11°C mirror-like water under the hot South African sun for a couple of hours.

On the way back we passed the Whale Coast Mall and saw almost every parking space taken. Glad for the retailers, but relieved our shopping is done, we settled for a cuppa at Milkwood in Onrus.

Thankful for the rain, we retire after dinner and tea, loving the cool weather. As the night sounds from the ocean drift into the window while the town is getting ready for curfew, I offer up a prayer for those who are alone, mourning loved ones with no hope of being with family this Christmas. And I thank God for the hope we have in Him. Because He is our Comforter and Father, Saviour and Friend. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 635

Lockdown Day 635- 21 December 2021

Today was town day. First, we had a couple of errands to tend to , after which Mom and I took to the streets for our Christmas list.

I was surprised at how pretty the town looked and enjoyed the freshly spruced up streets and alleys dotted with restaurant tables, art work and more.

We had coffee with a view over Walker Bay whilst discussing the gift options we had seen and doing a little people watching on the side. Finishing up with our grocery list, we headed home for tea.

Talking about the silent and unseen effect the last two years had on everyone, I wondered about how we all seem to be in limbo one way or another and how there is a definite spiritual component at work in all of this.

Oprah once said, "Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.”

So tonight I offer up a prayer of thanks for today's moments of joy, laughter, sadness, stillness and enjoyment. And for family moments of arguing, loving, having dinner together. For the sparkle on the ocean late afternoon, the orange hues that moment the sun sets and the rustling of the trees that moment when the wind starts blowing.

#Ggt

Lockdown 634

Lockdown Day 634- 20 December 2021

Cape Town day. We visited Cape Town today just to see the city in all its splendour. Lukas joined us for an early visit to the factory shops just off the M5, where we enjoyed a Vida-e smorgasbord of coffee, their famous tiny choccies and some really delicious breakfast treats. The 4-cheese herb muffin definitely deserves a mention.

We took the scenic drive through the old and beautiful Newlands, Rondebosch and Rosebank, taking Nelson Mandela Boulevard past Groote Schuur  and into the city via Buitengracht street.

Stopping at Origin Coffee Roasters just off Buitengracht was just like a cup full of memories. We remembered our coffee loving family now living in the Netherlands and Czech, who introduced us to the world of coffee at Origin. It was where I had my very first flat white and knew it was going to make a coffee snob out of me.

With the smooth Origin bean taste still lingering, we drove all along the sea front and turned back just before Hout Bay. We drove up to the Table Mountain Cableway to get a good view of Table Bay. What a sight to behold. No wonder it is one of the seven wonders of the Natural World.

Back home, we celebrate life in the wake of Mom's elder sister's passing early this morning. So tonight I dedicate her life and the incredible difference she made during her career as an educator and intellectual. We salute you Ami! #Gbwy

#Ggt

Lockdown 633

Lockdown Day 633- 19 December 2021

Sunday number 90. This week's image focus is on waterfalls of the world that could make an impressive bucket list.

Metamorphosis by Czech David Černý, a rotating mirror sculpture fountain in Charlotte, North Carolina :

La Joute in Montreal, Canada is a fire and water installation by Jean-Paul Riopelle, representing all the stages of the water cycle:

900ft Long Dubai Fountain is a musical fountain / water organ dancing its way through a massive playlist and boasting jets as high as a 45 story-building:

The Waterfall in Dubai Mall is a 30m wide and 24m high waterfall specked with fibreglass human divers:

The Giant at Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal World) in Wattens, Austria:

Jet d'Eau is a 45m high jet in Lake Geneva, Switzerland:

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain in Seoul, South Korea is illuminated by 200 lights at night from April to October:

Tap Fountain in Menorca, Spain, is an optical illusion:

El Alamein Fountain in Sydney was installed in 1961 to honour soldiers who died in the battle of El Alamein in World War 2:

The Magic Fountain in Lima Peru is an impressive interactive 13-fountain experience. Below is a photograph as well as a video:

https://youtu.be/PsgttoSzgNw

#Ggt

Lockdown 632

Lockdown Day 632- 18 December 2021

December weather pitched in full, we went for a late morning walk along the ocean in Onrus and stopped at the local mini supermarket for a few things.

Lukas and Roxy arived a little after 11.  With her typical Schnauzie hello-growl Roxy announced her happiness with being here between us all.

We had an impromptu coffee with friends who were here for the day and the rest of the day ambled by as 2021 fatigue set in, a local power failure not helping at all.

Dinner outside while the sun was setting, brought its own beauty, reminding us of God's presence in all of this.

We retire with minimum of light, my patience with Eskom reaching an all time low. Somewhere deep in my spirit the Light of the World is residing and I fall asleep knowing He's got this.

Lockdown 631

Lockdown Day 631- 17 December 2021

So today we left Groot Brak after breakfast with Louis and Nina, Lukas and Roxy the Schnauzie went to Stilbaai to visit a friend and we continued on to Hermanus. The wind was out of the ordinary, ushering in warmer weather on the Southern part of the coast.

Mom arrived about an hour later from an 80th birthday lunch and we spent the rest of the day having tea and catching up. My sister and her daughter also stopped by to say hello before they leave tomorrow for Yzerfontein.

Again, I felt that sense of normal or should I say, "at last normal" and the hope become stronger, feeding my faith. Knowing that God is the source, I look forward to see what He has in store for this world, His creation.

I look up to never lose sight of His provision and presence, thanking Him for His eternal plan A that always works. That He is in the details, yes that He's got this.

Lockdown 630

Lockdown Day 630- 16 December 2021

After a cold windy night yielding about 7mm of rain, we left to take the scenic route to Groot Brak via Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay.

We activated our live location on our Whatsapp group with Lukas who is on his way with Roxy the Schnauzie from Bloemfontein via Meiringspoort to meet up with us in Groot Brak tonight.

Driving through the rest of the Langkloof, the temperature plummeted to 8 °C. To me this was a surreal experience, this was the very thing we had been praying for so fervently.

And then, a rainbow appeared.... looking like it was touching the ground. It was a God-speak moment confirming He's got this.

Arriving at Groot Brak at Louis and Nina's place, brought back such amazing memories. Lukas and Roxy arrived late afternoon and the reunion was sweet. We spoke about how, two years ago in 2019, we had absolutely no inkling of what was to come.

But tonight, for the first time in a long time, life felt normal again and as I get into bed, I offer up a prayer of hope that this is the beginning of the end for this abominable virus. And a prayer of faith for the restoration of the remnant of God's people. As the rain comes down once again, I drift off with a sense of wonder for our Creator in whom we trust. #Ggt

Lockdown 629

Lockdown Day 629- 15 December 2021

And so our road trip to Hermanus kicks off and for the first time in two years we will be spending Christmas there, just like always.

After leaving just after lunch, we took the road through the Langkloof to Joubertina, our first overnight stop.

Apart from winds between 35 and 45 km per hour, rain was on its way, the now green Langkloof

eagerly awaiting the welcome precipitation.

With dam levels rising slowly, we thank God for His wonderful provision as we sit down to a dinner for the hungry with Johan and Marjorie. The wind and cold sent us to our quarters where we settled in for the night, lulled to sleep by the soft patter of rain on the roof.

Pausing in His presence I offer up a prayer of thanks for 100% full dams and gratitude for safe travels. And of course that He's got this.

Lockdown 628

Lockdown Day 628- 14 December 2021

After struggling through umpteen house chores and a mountain of washing, I was treated to lunch by my varsity pal Riëtte, as a belated bday prezzie. This was a welcome pause-moment in my week.

I realised how very few pause moments we allow ourselves in our 'busy-ness' of going about life. Our time is often hijacked by others unintentionally, and also many times by ourselves because we can't say no and fail to press the pause button.

Today on day 628, I am sharing Psalm 62:8 from The Passion Translation:

"Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to Him. Believe me when I tell you—He will help you! Pause in his presence "

How utterly awesome and comforting is this Word for us in a time such as this, when we are speeding towards Christmas, in need of a reminder to stop and look up. To know He is our Companion who walks with us, our Teacher who guides us, the Author and Perfector of our faith. And of course, the One who's got this.

Lockdown 627

Lockdown Day 627- 13 December 2021

A simple little dance of a little girl on the beach, inspired me just because of the simplicity of dance as a life hack. The kind that breaks open boundaries and triggers life to flow right through to expel all toxins.

When music plays, we have the ability to tune into the rhythm and feel it in our core. All cultures have some connection to music as a form of worship, entertainment and ritual. Music is a universal language proven over and over to communicate across boundaries.

Dancing at least twice a week has also proven to reduce anxiety, depression and stress, resulting in a more positive attitude, happiness and a sense of peace and tranquility.

In my world, dance is extremely profound in its ability to shift the mind into a positive gear. Toxic build up as a result of a fear-based life can be effectively expelled from the body through letting go in dance.

Where and when you choose to catch the rhythm, even if you're alone, moving to the beat activates a process to release neural pathways stuck in a negative rut.

David danced before the Lord. Spiritually, healing and restoration happens in our mind, body and soul when dancing before the Lord. Just do it. And see how you transform. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 626

Lockdown Day 626- 12 December 2021

Sunday number 89. Today's image focus is on fun shadows of ordinary people, animals and things:

Dust on car window's shadow looks like a mountain range:

Container ship cityscape:

Wolf pooch:

Cat window:

Labrador golfer:

Unicorn giraffe :

Toothbrush knows its job:

Water bottle pen:

Window labels dog:

Pegs on a line dance:

Friendly chevron:

Fishy swim:

Leafy giraffe:

Bat-cat and bat-crab:

Birdy shoot:

Artsy steps:

Town shows its true colours:

#Ggt