Lockdown 283

Lockdown Day 283 - 3 January 2021

Today is the 41st Sunday of Lockdown. 

I thought to share an inspirational 6 minute video with you. It really made an impression on the heart. 

https://youtu.be/vY-BcbcL4e8

Time to start anew, think new and align your spirit with the Spirit of God. 

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Ruach Adonai is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory—just as from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17‭-‬18

#Ggt

.        fireflies in a forest

Lockdown 282

Lockdown Day 282 - 2 January 2021

The day started out on a cool 18 degrees, full cloud cover and promise of more rain. We took Roxy for a walk, exploring new routes and enjoying the cool windy conditions. Breathing consciously, listening to my every inhale and exhale, thanking God for my lungs, my limbs and every cell He created. 

For the first time in a long time a song randomly pops into my head, "By the rivers of Babylon......" and I wonder about the song and the words. It turns out it is based on the Scripture in Psalms 19 and 137 and refers to living in a repressive society and the longing for freedom, just like the Israelites in captivity. Suddenly that sounds all too familiar. Urban dictionary describes repressive as "especially of a social or political system, inhibiting or restraining personal freedom" (there's that no-control thing again). The word that comes to mind is Lockdown. 

The Israelites were captured and mocked by their captors who wanted them to sing one of their religious songs, and they said how can they sing the Lord's song in a strange land. 

In many ways we, children of God, find ourselves in a strange land. Because that's what Lockdown is. 

So should we nót sing the Lord's song for fear of being mocked or ridiculing God? Definitely no! We should dance before the Lord daily just as David did. Doesn't matter if the place we find ourselves in is "foreign". We should shout it from the rooftops! God is not ridiculed by worship in truth and spirit, but exalted on high, serving as a testimony for His love and grace. 

These words of Psalm 19:14 complete my 2021 resolutions and should be on our lips daily, "So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes, my only Redeemer, my Protector-God." 

https://youtu.be/vYK9iCRb7S4

#Ggt

Lockdown 281

Lockdown Day 281 - 1 January 2021

The year 2021.

New year's in our home is mostly spent celebrating Lukas' birthday, as well as recuperating from the late night on new year's eve. This morning we rose early to take my Bestie to the airport, from where she left for a well deserved holiday. Back home, we busied ourselves with a few chores after which we took an afternoon nap. 

Sitting on the stoep late 

afternoon, watching the clouds build up and hoping desperately for rain to break this heat wave, I thought a bit more about family and how God designed this unit to be the crown of His Kingdom. How mankind has grossly misunderstood God's plan for families. And how the worldly perspective came to replace Godly principles. 

On top of my dancing/singing resolution I decide to add the heart's desire God instilled into His creation: to walk with Him more, to listen to Him more and to live from His Word daily. 

As a dysfunctional human being I muse over the fragility of life, love and relationships. Between God and man and also amongst ourselves. About life in general and what we take forward with us in life. 

Like when you find yourself without your parents one day, you feel life touching you in a different way. You learn to forget the things that weren't so great or the things they did or say, and you remember how you were loved and how you knew they would lay down their lives for you no matter what. 

And that is how life should be lived. To discard the dysfunctionalities, flaws and niggly stuff and to love with all your might, forgive quickly and leave behind any and all ashes all the crashes and burns created. The moment you do that the wind of God's Spirit blows it away, making going forward easy and every step light. 

As I fall asleep with the rain falling and wind blowing outside, I know my ashes from 2020 are being washed away and each day I take a step forward into an unknown future with a known God, grateful for Love that conquers all. 

#Ggt

Lockdown 280

Lockdown Day 280 - 31 December 2020

Last day of 2020. Quite surreal to me.

After a whole day of entertaining visitors and friends, we settled down for dinner with Charmiane who stayed over. Our first pizza night turned out to be wonderful, nerve racking, challenging and fantastic all in one, and we learnt to work together in a different way. 

During our Masterclass we heard they too, as a family of three with an adult daughter, endured pizza nights that went from bickering to downright ugly fighting to absolute joy and elation over their pizza creations........ all in one night. They saw the best in each other and the worst, but their bond kept on getting stronger. 

We ended up having a great time, each pizza delicious and beautiful. As midnight approached, we sat on the balcony listening to the celebrations all around with fireworks in the distance popping up every few minutes. 

I retired blessed and happy to have people in my space whom I love dearly and who I know love me too. Fortunate to say I have a family, when so many people don't. 

Happy new year. God's got this. 

God's got 2021 too. God be with you.

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.