Lockdown 209

Lockdown Day 209 - 21 October 2020

The unknown chambers of the mind is an enigma. Has been for centuries. Many movies have been made about it and many more books have been written on the topic. And yet, it is like the abyss in the deepest parts of the ocean where man has not yet gone; much speculated about but still frustratingly unknown. 

The fateful flight of Malaysia Airlines, Flight MH370 that disappeared in March 2014 is said to have suffered an extremely deep water death in a seabed abyss where all searches were eventually called off after 4 years, only finding very few washed up pieces of scattered debris that could be identified as parts of the aeroplane.  

In my mind I see this 'hidden' crash site as an example of how deep and intricate the brain integrative functions are, most of which have not yet been researched or identified. So, in a way, humankind are still in the dark when it comes to discovering ALL the brain has to offer; much like the search for MH370, which was conducted in the dark, leaving everyone in the dark as to the what, why and how it all happened.

To me, in a way, being in the dark is not necessarily a bad place to be. Being in the dark physically in terms of finding something tangible to work with is one thing, but being in the dark in terms of 'not knowing' spiritually, is sometimes a blessing. 

Who knows what the MH370 team would've found, had their physical search been successful. Maybe not knowing is better in this case. Or maybe humankind will only be ready for it in 10 years. Who knows.

Rod Serling said, “There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there when the lights are on.” 

To discover or explore, means a certain time will be spent in the dark, before the lights are switched on. This applies to physical darkness as well as spiritual darkness. Truth is, Rod Serling was right. Things that can be seen are there, regardless if it's dark or not. This is also true for us followers of God. We may not be able to see Him, but we know He's there. 

In 1John1:5b it is written, "God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in Him." 

In Him, there is no darkness at all. Where He is, there is Light, enlightenment and Truth to be found. So, if we say we follow Him, we should know that being in the dark is merely an earth-bound place where we need to Trust wholly and completely in His will to lead us where we need to go. 

So let us follow Him wholeheartedly so we can posess this Light to the full. Jesus said, "“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall by no means walk in darkness, but possess the light of life.” 

#Ggt

Lockdown 208

Lockdown Day 208 - 20 October 2020

Today I did week 4 of a Deep Impact Learning Course. One of the things said about being a better learner (this included non students who for instance want to learn a language or skill too) is exercise! You heard right, exercise is better than any other way to enhance concentration. It is the catalyst for brain and body wiring not only on a soul level but is governed by our spirit as well. 

Furthermore, exercise has a profound impact on happy hormone secretion as well as general brain fitness. When your brain is fit, it has the ability to access and actively engage both your left analytical and right big picture hemispheres simultaneously. 

This makes for super neuron development and interaction which in turn optimises brain performance. 

Your eat life, sleep life and thought life impact the way your body soul and spirit is wired and together it is possible to achieve the peace that is talked of in Phillipians 4:6-9. And I share The Passion Translation with you tonight as a prayer and a blessing:

"Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. 

Tell Him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. 

So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. 

And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

#Ggt

Lockdown 207

Lockdown Day 207 - 19 October 2020

Another heat wave day. Cleaning house was particularly challenging, and I ended up feeling as though I have been in a long sauna session. Fortunately the weather forecast had some talk of a cooler night temperature. Thank goodness. 

Catching up on my reading, I came across an article about a man who has mastered control over his autonomous nervous system and became the well known "Ice Man". Now that was an awesome article to read on a hot day!  

His name is Wim Hof . Born in the Netherlands, at the age of 17 he decided to jump into the freezing Beatrixpark Canal in Amsterdam, where he experienced a clarity of mind that changed his life. He developed a breathing method that activates the body's inner heat. It comprises a series of inhale/exhale exercises to kick start a biochemical cascade of reactions in the body, after which air is withheld which then triggers all kinds of survival mechanisms. 

I can identify with the method, although I have only survived surfing in 10°C water for a couple of hours. 

In Lockdown this is exactly what we need: survival mechanisms tailored to help us in our own unique way to get through this. Ultimately the answer lies within ourselves. How much we want to survive and thrive in the face of this adversity we face. Being the masters of our own destiny is sometimes the very reason we get stuck. To become unstuck, we need life support that gives the trigger to will our survival. And of course, to believe in our God who has a plan. Our God who's got this.

Lockdown 206

Lockdown Day 206 - 18 October 2020

Yesterday, hubby and I were blessed by a couple of friends with a belated and birthday lunch, complete with a cake and flowers! In the really hot heat wave central South Africa is currently experiencing, the wind atop Naval Hill was welcome and the cool gin made the the heat disappear. We were once again reminded of the value of people in our own world we move and live in. Of the blessing of the goodness and richness of joy they bring to this Lockdown life in particular. 

Today, after yesterday's 38°C, we saw the thermometer climb once again to 38. With a mean cloud cover by nightfall, no cooling down is expected. This is when I am so thankful for our matchbox that has a little aircon in our room. Continuous heat like this makes for a tired me at night, and can I look forward to sleeping in a cool room. 

What does not help, are rowdy neighours not keeping to curfew regulations. These people are not in the matchboxes adjacent to ours, there is a road and empty property between us. So they are not nearby. 

This means they are really really loud if we are woken up by the noise they make. Our Estate rules state no disturbance to neigbours allowed after 23h00. Also curfew demands everyone in their own homes by 12 midnight. 

We fell asleep with the noise in our ears somewhere around 23h00 thinking they will stop after 12. You know that feeling when you sleep but you still hear the noise on and off. The first time we were really awake was at 02h00. 

We called security, who went to tell them to stop. But they just got louder after that, and we couldn't sleep at all. At 04h00 the screaming was the last straw and we called security again who went and forced them to stop and the guests to leave the premises. 

What gets me is their lack of respect and consideration for their fellow man, and the self righteous way they go about displaying it. What stark contrast to the people I know and love and call my friends. 

Such is life: for every good choice there is a bad choice too. For every right also a wrong. And the attitude with which we approach  everything makes for blessing or adversity. The choice is ours. 

Tonight I pray that God will never allow me to become so important in my own eyes that I become blind for the silent witness of my own self-degradation. That He would instead inhabit me with His fullness so I can be a loud witness to His abounding grace and unending peace. 

"Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you."

Ephesians 3:20 TPT

God's got this. 

Lockdown 205

Lockdown Day 205 - 17 October 2020

Wow, what a wonderful experience I had this past week to write ©ellie's story! This story had been writing itself for some time now. It is definitely fiction, but inspired by the wedding last weekend and the lives of the people around me. 

And so it is for all of us doing life at this moment. In Lockdown. Worldwide. We have been through ups and downs but learnt to appreciate the value people bring to our lives and how their stories enrich and inspire our own. 

News reports from all over are confirming some or other form of isolation or lockdown for a second or third wave of this abominable virus both in summer and winter regions. South Africa is bracing itself once again for the forecast of an 'epicenter' in November. Today we also heard of some MSC cruises that are being canceled off the West coast of the country. The rising numbers worldwide is a stark reminder of the reality we are still very much weathering the storm. 

Weathering a storm actually means to get through it, that there is definitely a and end to it. So tonight I offer up a word of praise for all us storm weatherers who see that it will end, who help others see it too and who follows close behind the Lion of Judah in obedience to the Word. May we attract the wayward and the lost so they too can experience His redeeming love first hand. 

Smile! 🤩 Because God's got this.

Lockdown 204

Lockdown Day 204 - 16 October 2020

Ellie's Epilogue (5 Years later)

Ellie feels the wet sand between her toes as she walks along Kits Beach close to where she lives on Davie street in Vancouver's West End. Just after the ministry tour, she landed her dream job as the Lifestyle Modification Counselor at Wellness Collective, a short 14min drive over the Lion's Gate Bridge. 

In the opposite direction, Kits Beach is an 8 minute drive from her house via Burrard Street Bridge, and it is here where she loves to walk and swim on her off days. English Bay Beach is right on her doorstep for quick after work walks with a cup of freshly brewed JJ Bean coffee at the end of Davie street.

Today, Ellie has something to celebrate. She has just heard her application for Canadian citizenship has been successful. She felt the roots growing under her feet ever since she could afford one of the little vintage houses on Davie street. And now, for the first time, she could look up and call this beautiful spot of earth 'home'.  

And what better way to celebrate than with a swim and walk at Kits Beach, followed by a Crab and Shrimp omelette for brunch at The Boathouse. Donned in marine blue 7/8 H&M pants and grey RipCurl top, she walked into The Boathouse, her hair wet and salty from the swim. She chose a seat at the window and ordered coffee with her omelette. Just open, the restaurant was still empty, the staff busying themselves with cleaning and setting of tables. Ellie's thoughts were drifting out to sea, her body warming up after the cool swim. 

She didn't notice her cup of coffee was already delivered. When the Omelette arrived, it was the new owner delivering it himself. "Hi, good morning", he smiled, held out his hand while introducing himself, "I'm Colby. My staff tells me you are a regular." "Hi, I'm Ellie. Yes, I come here on my off days. " Ellie looks into his eyes, thinking Azure like mine..., straining to look away, surprised by her inner voice , I could get lost in them. After offering to reheat her coffee, Colby returns to the kitchen. Her eyes following him, Ellie was thinking he could maybe be an athlete, judging by his sleek build. The subtle grey streaks in his hair reveal his age group. Upon his return, Ellie had already finished half of her omelette. He left her to have her coffee in peace. 

Back at his counter, Colby had to gather himself. This woman reached into his soul with one single gaze. He felt a tingling he had forgotten. Ever since the love of his life died in a tragic accident just before they got married, he could never commit to anyone again. After many years of good friends and one or two broken relationships, he decided to work as a chef until the pain left. And after that he just kept going. Buying the restaurant was his way of filling his life with people without having to get too close to them. But today, this woman walked in and stirred his soul. 

He owed it to himself to at least get to know her better. After sorting out a problem in the kitchen, he decided to go and talk to her. But she had already left after paying her bill at the cashier. He exhaled, and was just about to turn around, when he spotted her walking on the beach. Without a second thought, her ran after her, thinking this doesn't look good, maybe you should wait. But an unseen hand willed him to go faster.

Ellie heard someone running and looked over her shoulder. She called out, "Did I forget something?" Out of breath, Colby whispered, "No, I just....phew, not as fit as I used to be" and flopped onto the sand, smiling sheepishly. Ellie laughed deep from within her soul, Colby hearing little bells in her voice. She sat down opposite him. Their eyes met. In that moment their spirits connected, sitting in silence, the sea crashing behind them. Ellie knew, her new life had begun. She knew God had brought her here. Talking was unnecessary.  

Feeling their spirits acknowledging God's Spirit in each other. They both looked up at the same time, silently waiting upon God's approval. And then the joy came. They both bubbled over with a joyous laughter while throwing their hands in the air as a praise offering. Ellie threw herself on her back as Colby did the same in the opposite direction, their feet touching slightly. 

They woke a little more than an hour later joined at the hip as if they were never alone. God has started a relationship between them without them lifting a finger. That evening after closing time, Ellie and Colbyn sat on the beach under the West End night sky, in awe of a God Who's got them. 

And that's all for now. 

(Sidenote: maybe this story will also sometime write itself.) 

#Ggt

©ellie's story 

Lockdown 203

Lockdown Day 203 - 15 October 2020

A story of hope Part 5.

Ellie decided to walk to the venue from the self-catering cottages they were staying in. Though still an hour and a half away, she felt drawn to the nook in Candice's tea garden. Her nook. Her full-circle spot on mother earth. She walked through the conference room, out to the garden. She was alone. Kicking off her shoes, she allowed the grass under her feet to bring her whole being into balance. Passing the nook where Amy was , she stopped, seeing someone was sitting in 'her' armchair. The shoes looked like one of the ministry team's shoes. She slipped her sandals back on and decided to ask for privacy, knowing whoever it was, would understand. 

Walking around the pergola screen, she could barely breathe at what she saw. It was Guy. Inside her, everything was screaming, "Run!" But an unseen hand ushered her into the second chair. All she could do was lift her hand in a small wave as he spoke. "Hello Ellie. I know......" 

"You don't know, Guy", she said, surprised at how soft and sweet she sounded.  He continued, " ....I knew I had to see you before the first session." She interrupted him again, " Wait, are you on the registration list?" He answered, "No, we are the exercise and warm-up group your team hired to assist with physical and ice-breaker activities." Ellie was stunned, but also in a sense relieved. What an ice-breaker this was. She just looked at him, trying to process seeing him after all this time. Trying to work out why he felt the need. As he read her mind, he kept going, "I just wanted to see if you were okay", he said and before she could react, he touched her knee, quickly retracting his hand. "I'm okay", she said, hearing her inner voice say, Really, you can't even say sorry? 

"I hope your presentation goes well, we won't be here after our work is done." Guy sounded like he genuinely meant what he said, as if he really cared.

Her inner voice asked, "Wait a second, he said we twice. She asked, "We?" He looked down. "Yes, we. It's Amy. We got married just after our divorce.." Ellie was stunned again. Caught off-guard, her whole being wanted to scream a deep guttural scream. But she kept quiet. Ellie drew in her breath and spoke in a soft tone, utterly surprised by her own words, " Congratulations. Hope you'll be happy together." Did she just say that? Her inner voice said nothing. She also felt nothing. 

Ellie got up, walked to the ladies' room and hung over the basin. "Inhale, exhale...... inhale, exhale", she said over and over. She felt a prescence surround her in that moment. She knew God was there, and that He was her vindicator. She laid down all the revenge and vengeance she had felt only moments ago. When she looked up, Ellie thought she saw a little light in her blue eyes. 

After welcoming the attendees, Guy and Amy were welcomed by the head of the ministry team, and the proceeded with a warm up and ice-braking session of fast paced activities. Ellie stood in the wings, watching them. Noticing their mutual looks at each other and the touching of hands throughout their presentation, Ellie spoke with God from her heart. "Was the light in my eyes from You?" She felt acknowledgement settle her being. Watching Guy and Amy hold opposite sides of a skipping rope, the Spirit showed her they chose to bound themselves to each other. In that moment she felt no emotion, just the peace that surpasses all. She realised she needed to go back there so the final curtain could close on this chapter of her life. Although they share 4 children, Ellie knew she was finally free. 

The rest of the weekend was blessed with a powerful anointing and the team as well as the attendees left as changed people. Ellie became unquestionably free in the weeks to follow, with the counseling she offered on their tour becoming the center focal point of God's anointing. Not only did He save her from a worse fate, He released her into His Kingdom through His impeccable timing .

The End. (Side note: Read tomorrow's epilogue about Ellie's future.)

©ellie's story 

"So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free." John 8:36

#Ggt