Lockdown 704

Lockdown Day 704- 28 February 2022

Every time I see the Russian Invasion on the news, I wonder about the pandemic regulations and how insignificant they look in the face of war.

Watching how refugees spill into  Poland carrying belongings, I try to imagine the despair of mothers and children whose fathers and brothers have been forcefully ripped from their families to help the army protect their country.

Many people will have nothing to return to, making the pandemic look like a walk in the park. This invasion has made us realise how important our planet's resources are, and protecting them at all costs even more.

Ukraine is targeted because of its rich array of resources, being Europe's number one in arable land (best suited for crops) and first in world export of sunflower and sunflower oil. The country is also Europe's number one ammonia producer as well as in recoverable uranium reserves. The list goes on.

So tonight I offer up a prayer for Ukranian refugees from all over the world, for God to show Himself to those who haven't yet found Him.

For salvation amidst the chaos and Jesus to be their Light.

For the Holy Spirit to walk with the helpers and the front line workers. And for all of us too. No matter what we are going through, know He is there, we need to just invite Him in.

Because I genuinely believe He's definitely got this.

Lockdown 703

Lockdown Day 703- 27 February 2022

Sunday number 99. Today's image focus is on incredible photography celebrating attention to detail and being in the right place at the right time:

Wood carved octopus before and after:

See the '8' between the diamonds? :

Real live starfish, beautiful! :

Beware the Coffee stain is keeping an eye on you:

This is what happens when lightning strikes a hole-in-one:

Having fun in Bora-Bora:

Look, a bear in the clouds:

Street art in Australia, almost looks surreal:

Street shadow art. 

Artist: the Sun:

Ice patterns on car:

Plane vs fog:

Tornado and rainbow at the same time:

Huge wave:

#Ggt

Lockdown 702

Lockdown Day 702- 26 February 2022

Our long walk along the promenande was wonderful in the cool east wind. We did a section on the beach too which Roxy absolutely loved.

I have come to learn when the ocean is swimmable and what temperatures to expect just by looking at the wind. On the beach we saw many bluebottles on the line left by the high tide.

This is the way it goes:

East Wind is the beast.

West wind is the best.

East blows in from the ocean, the water turns rough and green, meaning it is cold and murky and not swimmable. Bluebottles are often a sign of east wind to come.

Another sign is the aeroplanes take off into the wind over the bay.

Inland, where we live, we can see when the wind turns west, as the aeroplanes take off  and fly over our townhouse.

So tonight with the east beast flooding our place with crisp night air, I offer up a prayer for rain in our area, still trusting God can fill the Kouga dam to the brim. Because He's got us. And He's got this.

Lockdown 701

Lockdown Day 701- 25 February 2022

701 days of Lockdown.

701 days from today is Saturday 27 January 2024.

If there is one thing Lockdown has taught us all, it is to value life and live in the moment.

According to many research platforms, this pandemic has highlighted the importance of human contact, showing gratitude, living more simply

and supporting each other.

Something else we've also learnt was finding hope even in dark times. The human spirit has been kitted out with everything it needs to live this life in these times. How awesome is that!

Lockdown has also taught us to not take life so seriously, but rather to take God seriously. After all is said and done, God and His Word will be the last One standing.

Not any political or spiritual leader, the health authorities or even the strongest army. Only God and His Heavely host. And of course, all the saints who accepted His Son Jesus as Saviour.

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 700

Lockdown Day 700- 24 February 2022

Day 700. This calls for a celebration. As if Two'sday wasn't enough, the Bay was blessed with a little rain and a cool morning. Even though our swim was cut short by the mist rolling in, the blessing of rain was worth it.

Unfortunately it didn't last for long, diminishing the hope of heavy rain as forecast. However, the hope remains for a 100% full Kouga dam. The rest of the day was very clammy and humid, with a late east wind blowing in clouds at sunset.

As I watch the news of Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, the need for celebrating the gift of life wells up inside my spirit.

So tonight I share a song of praise, please join me in lifting your hands and eyes to the heavens🙌 while remaining prayerful for those in the war-zone:

https://youtu.be/akMHyFeLE34

#Godsgotthis

Lockdown 699

Lockdown Day 699- 23 February 2022

As promised, I am continuing my post I started yesterday on two'sday.

The ocean tribe posted early yesterday about the perfect swimming conditions. I only got there at about 10:00. It was the second wind still day in a row and they were right- the ocean was flat and clear. The flattest and clearest I've seen since arriving here last year.

It seemed as if everyone who could swim, was in the water. The clarity of the water was astounding. Exactly like on a tropical island. The normal swell was gone and the ocean was displaying its aquatic prowess in a completely different way.

I could see every ripple of sand on the ocean bed and the fish! All sizes and colours, stripes and dots, drifting along, swimming around the rocks on the sea bed. The schools of teeny tiny silver fish and larger yellow coloured ones stood out.

And then, when I stopped at the six pack to take a breather, there it was. A white feather, lying on the water right in front of me! I looked around and took in the absolute awesomeness and stillness around me.

So it stands to reason that I just had  to swim a second time around sunset to see the ocean's "aquarium" again. This time I went in at the six pack and swam aroud the pier to get out at Hobie beach where hubby and Roxy were waiting.

Once again, the water was crystal clear with a sunset hue seeping onto the rocks, highlighting the fish in an iridescent kind of way. Two'sday could not have ended better. 

This morning, the windless day and clear water continued astounding us as we glided through the cool glossy water, feeling a slight swell coming in. We stopped midway between six pack and the pier, caught our breath and turned back. 

And just like that, the water returned to its "normal" hazy look, signaling a change in the tide and the east wind in the air. 

A strong current also afforded us good exercise as we came into King's Beach to wrap up our 1.65km swim. 

So tonight I feel extraordinarily blessed by an extraordinary God who showed us the wonder of His creation. I fall asleep feeling safe in His capable hands, knowing He's got this.

Lockdown 698

Lockdown Day 698- 22 February 2022

Today is 22-02-2022. It is Tuesday and is dubbed "Twosday". This number is a palindrome, which means it reads the same from the left and right. It is also an ambigram which means it reads the same upside down too.

To me it is a very special date because I have found a couple of answers to my O2 year questions about the two's in the number.

In the Bible there are a few 22's of note:

✨Revelation 22. The Greek numerical translation throughout these chapters spell out: Here is Jesus.

✨The word Light is used 22 times in the book of John, of which one is in John 8:12b where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

✨In Isaiah 22:22 it is written of Jesus, "I will set the key of the house of David upon His shoulder—what He opens, no one can shut; what He shuts, and no one can open."

So tonight I go to bed grateful for another piece in my O2 puzzle. Tomorrow I tell more about the exquisite day I had today.

Sleep well and remember God's got this.

Lockdown 697

Lockdown Day 697- 21 February 2022

Having a story or testimony to tell is super important. Even more so is sharing that story when prompted. The blessing it carries is extraordinary.

It empowers, strengthens and motivates. It edifies the spirit and infuses our faith. Both ways.

Don't ever think your story isn't  "wow" enough. When you feel you need to tell it, just do it! Trust the Holy Spirit to be the vehicle to the hearer's heart.

Today my spirit was edified and fed in a profound way. I had the privelege of sharing one of my closest Christ-friends' testimony with someone else. What a blessing it was!

If you wonder about your purpose here on earth, or maybe think there's nothing special you can do, think again. Ask God to use you. Ask God to show you. Ask God for your own story.

So tonight I thank God for blessing me today through another's testimony and for inspiring me through her story. And I offer up a prayer for everyone who haven't found theirs yet. Look for it, you will find it. Because God's got you. And He's got this.

Lockdown 696

Lockdown Day 696- 20 February 2022

Sunday number 98. Tonight's image focus is in honour of the Beijing Winter Olympics. There are two slideshows of the incredible scenes from the past two weeks. The first is a slideshow of the figure skating exhibition gala and the second of the closing ceremony. Be inspired!

https://youtu.be/XjNXoerE1Dk

https://youtu.be/p8ew6UNWteo

#Ggt

Lockdown 695

Lockdown Day 695- 19 February 2022

Saturday. Lazy day. We did our long walk along the promenade, enjoying the cool wind from the east.

Today, I share a video with weekend vibe. Enjoy!!

https://youtu.be/QUQsqBqxoR4

#Ggt

Lockdown 694

Lockdown Day 694- 18 February 2022

Today is one of those heaven-touching-earth days where God's fingerprint is shining so bright! 🔆

That moment when a pink new little human is born is a Godly moment. This original design belongs to our Creator who knows exactly who He was creating and how many hairs will be on its head one day.

Today, at 5 minutes past midnight little Noah was born to a family who had lost Noah's father's sister more than 20 years ago when she was a little girl. Today would have been her 30th earthly birthday.

The birth of a butterfly comes to mind, because it is in many ways such a blessing and promise from God of an anointed life.

So it is with your and my part in this life. It is not about the painful birth process, but rather about where God places you and what you do with the beautiful gift this new life has brought, that matters.

Every day the Light anounces a new day, is another opportunity to leave the past where it should stay and look ahead to where God is taking you.

Life is like running the 100m sprint. If you look back or to the sides, you'll lose momentum and take your eye off the prize.

So tonight I say a prayer of thanks for this day, I ask God to still run before me so I know where to follow. Because He's got this.

Lockdown 693

Lockdown Day 693- 17 February 2022

The word revive means to regain life, consciousness or strength or to give new energy or strength. It also means different things to different people.

To some, being revived is a glass of ice cold homemade lemonade on a hot day, and to others it can be an activity that revives them.

The human body, soul and spirit are also revived by different things, but the effect is always energising. 

For me, today's swim in the ultra flat 13°C ocean revived me on all levels. My body cooled down and fell into a rhythm, my mind(soul) was fed while watching a huge school of shiny fish and my spirit soared because I felt alive and stronger than ever.

It made me think about spiritual revival. The kind believers hope for and talk about. Essentially a spiritual revival is something the mind, body and spirit can benefit from. Just like exercise improves heart-lung health, spiritual revival strengthens the breath the Almighty breathed into our lungs.

Choosing revival in your own life may mean an extra 5 minutes of quiet time, getting up earlier or making an effort to look up the presence of God a little earlier in the morning.

So make the decision to regain life by engaging the Giver and Creator of life, the strong One who strengthens our spirit, mind and body. Because He's our original Source. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 692

Lockdown Day 692- 16 February 2022

So today the wind turned into a vicious West wind which flattened the ocean and allowed us a swim. It was however far choppier than we initially experienced, especially on the way back from the six pack.

We hugged the coast because of the wind which could potentially sweep anyone into the bay, which shortened the swim by about 150 metres.

I took to swimming long underwater breast stroke pulls, alternating with a known navy seal energy saver in choppy water, combining underwater freestyle pulls sideways, followed by a short glide and a strong breast stroke kick.

Swimming into the waves breaking on King's Beach felt good and as I walked along the shore, the clouds just became a spectacular frame for the Bay.

Later, the clouds gave way to the sun for the rest of the day. My ocean experience also had to give way to experiencing utter incompetency from professional people (again). People who don't stop to think about us "normal" people just doing our best to survive. Not considering the consequences of their actions.

But in all this there was an angel who made me realise I have much to be thankful for and reminded me of the blessings of God I failed to see. So tonight I am grateful people who are angels sent by God and for the little things I missed. And because God's got this. All the time.

Lockdown 691

Lockdown Day 691- 15 February 2022

The East wind churned up the ocean this morning so swimming was out and I took Roxy for a walk along the promenade.

The rest of the day was spent wading through the washing from our wedding weekend. While ironing, I decided to catch up on the Winter Olympics and watched the Ladies Figure Skating.

I was surprised to hear some the athletes were as young as 15 years old and the reigning champion 17 years of age!

As they glided, twirled and jumped on the ice, I wondered what this maximum exertion had possibly already done to the growth and development. It was evident they have been doing this from a very young age.

In my line of work this kind of stress and strain on motor development can cause a road block later in life.

But this kind of exertion is synonymous with the human spirit and people will always push boundaries on all levels.

In everyday life people also just keep going no matter the cost. This is the human spirit defying all odds. In a sense it is what makes us feel alive, and oddly enough what gives us the motivation and inspiration to live our life.

It is our spirit connecting with God without realising it. Maybe that's why we just keep going. So tonight I praise God for my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and offer up a prayer for wisdom how to balance living life. Because I know He's got me. And He's got this.

Lockdown 690

Lockdown Day 690- 14 February 2022

Love has many colours. And every colour represents something different for every person. Love also sometimes moves unseen.

But the effect of it is a work of art. A beauty no man has ever had words to describe. It is unparalleled in all it's worth and indestructable as a diamond.

When asked to define eternity, a wise man once said if you imagine planet earth was a flawless diamond and a Galapagos large ground finch flew past once a day, sharpening its hard beak on the diamond. Eternity is the time it will take the finch to completely use up the diamond.

God is Love. He is an eternity of Love. He has many colours and sometimes moves unseen. As Creator, everything about Him is a work of art and a beauty no man has ever had words to describe. His worth is unparalleled, omnipresent and immortal.

Loving Him should be our heart's desire and praising Him for loving us first should be our daily offer. But most of all our gratitude towards Him, for offering up the life of His own Son because He loves us so deeply He can't bear to see us lost, should be our crown.

#Ggt

Lockdown 689

Lockdown Day 689- 13 February 2022

Sunday number 98. The wedding weekend cocluded  with a glorious breakfast and we left with happy hearts. So tonight I share an image through the music the bride and groom danced to. It touches the heart and brings hope and inspiration:

https://youtu.be/-kJL_Cffa3Y

https://youtu.be/Rs94SiiPeRU

So tonight I offer up a prayer for all of us to focus on God first so He can be our source. Out of this faith flow the wellsprings of life. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 688

Lockdown Day 688- 12 February 2022

We woke up to loadshedding, and with no cellular reception it meant wifi was off too. We decided to drive with Marius and Ria to the nearby town and found a wonderful eatery with top class coffee, what a joy!

After checking out all the town has to offer, we went to greet old friends from our Harrismith days and were back at the venue for lunch.

Ria and I dropped by the bride's make-up and hair hub where all the girls of the family were in the process of beautification for this special occasion. And our Bestie was of course the epitomy of calm, happy and relaxed, ready for this new chapter in her life.

Afternoon siesta was the next on the agenda, followed by our own dress/make-up session. The four of us walked to the chapel, ready to bear witness as Cor and Charmiane betrothe themselves to each other. 

She walked in looking like a vision, every little detail attended to with much loving care, her flowing dress complimenting the lavender all around us.

As the tears flowed, and the Word of God was preached, the ceremony became an intertwined symphony of peace and harmony accompanied by the ocean as a backdrop.

I was reminded of the wonder of God's love and His plan to bring two people together. We had a good time celebrating their happy unity well into tbe night.

As I get in bed I think about the losses both bride and groom had endured, but also the gains, and remember the scripture in Job 1:21b the groom shared with heartfelt emotion, and I know God's got this:

Lockdown 687

Lockdown Day 687- 11 February 2022

Our visit with Louis and Nina was as always just wonderful and heartwarming  After chatting into the night and breakfast this morning, we left for a couple of errands in Mossel Bay and on southward down the coast to the wedding venue.

We arrived just after lunch and settled into our absolutely amazing 2 bedroom cottage we are sharing with our friends Ria and Marius whom we saw on Monday.

The view is spectacular and the ocean a mere 50 m from the stoep. After greeting my Bestie and her hubby to be, we retired for a pre-braai afternoon nap with the sound of the waves pounding the rocks in our ears.

To see the familiar people and meet new ones was great and after a blessed prayer session with the bride, we went to bed with an awesome expectation of the wedding day✨

#Ggt

Lockdown 686

Lockdown Day 686- 10 February 2022

Today was a special day in many ways. And when things happen in unplanned synchronisation, well, that is just a touch from heaven.

The wedding weekend is upon us and we left PE for Groot Brak, stopping in Kareedouw in the Langkloof. While hubby was in a meeting, I decided to check out The Sweaty Dutchman, a local coffee shop owned by a Dutchman Hans Pragt.

Their self-roasted coffee was smooth and aromatic. When my order arrived, I had that touch from heaven. I ordered an Uitsmijter which consists of a slice of toast with ham, egg, cheese amd mustard.

Today is my father's birthday. Sitting there with the Uitsmijter in front of me instantly triggered the memories of the stories he told of his student days.

So there I was, eating my Dad's fave on his birthday, drinking in this wonderful moment filled with great memories.

Later, as we were moving on through the Langkloof to get in Groot Brak before dark, the second touch of heaven appeared.

All around us white cloud banks rolled in over the mountains, looking like a scene from Switzerland with snow capped mountains on a summer's day.

The mist filled the Langkloof slowly and by the time we reached the Outeniqua pass we were shrouded in the clouds.

It felt like a wonderland and when Carman's Kingdom Suite started playing on the playlist, well, it became a touch of heaven. And somewhere in all this I knew my Dad was watching.

So tonight, I talk with my heavenly Father about my earthly one and asked Him to say hello.

After today I know for sure God's got this.