Lockdown 445

Lockdown Day 445- 14 June 2021

While reading articles on boosting our immunity, I came across was an interesting section about rest cycles.

I decided to do some research and managed to find some credible opinions on the subject.

First, I need to explain that a rest cycle is not a sleep cycle. You have full control, unlike a sleep cycle which happens when your brain is not actively cognitive. Typically, a rest cycle happens in daylight hours, while a sleep cycle happens at night.

Rest cycles are mostly suggested for recovery following an illness. But rest cycles are definitely a thing of the future for all people, regardless of age, stature or health status. In fact, rest cycles are extremely important for optimal brain function. Nearly as important as sleep and water.

Rest cycles not only assist in boosting immunity, but also in spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

So, what does a rest cycle entail? Scheduling specific resting times during the day affords your being important down time the brain needs to re-group. How often is entirely up to you, just make sure you adhere to it.

According to nap researchers, you should not exceed 45 minutes, as this then becomes a disturbed sleep cycle. The perfect nap time is said to be 20 minutes. If you need more, 30-45 minutes are the max.

The perfect rest cycle is when you feel a difference after 5 days consistently doing the same thing.

Oh, and the rule of thumb is start with 20minutes and always set an alarm. If after 5 days you don't notice an improvement, start a new cycle and add 10 minutes. If you wake up before your alarm, make a note of the time you napped.

After two cycles you should know what works for you.

Happy immunity! God's got this.

Lockdown 444

Lockdown Day 444- 13 June 2021

Sunday number 64.

Tonight I would like to share real life weird, wonderful, magical and funny wildlife photographs over 6 Sundays to light up weeks 64-69 of Lockdown.  Enjoy Part 1:

#Ggt

Lockdown 443

Lockdown Day 443- 12 June 2021

This morning we drove to Schoenmakerskop for our first walk along the sea. The first part was along the rocks and the second part on the sea front road.

We saw one of the cannons of the Sacramento's lost cargo, perched at the end of the road, roughly marking the spot where it ran ashore. After our walk we settled down to breakfast and a Mastertons cappucino at Sacramento.

The decor is modern maritime infused with the personal touch of a legacy created by the generations who have lived there, proudly making a living in this secluded and very special spot on the coast.

My benedict was by far one of the best I have ever had and we felt at home and spoilt. Thank you Elzaan, Robert and family for a special experience, and a special mention goes to Desire the Barista who knows what good coffee should taste like.

After breakfast we walked back to the cannon and spent some time watching the sea. To our surprise we saw a very playful whale about a kilometre off-shore, but close enough to see clearly.

The whale, looking like the Southern Right Whale, surprised us by breaching (jumping clear out of the water) and lobtailing (hitting the water with the tail) a couple of times. It also looked like they were a group of whales. What a treat!

Ending the day with a braai, we sat outside, watching the weather turn and the clouds rolling in. Hoping for some real winter and a lot of rain, we talked about God's goodness and thanked Him for His great favour and grace. And for having this in His hands.

Lockdown 442

Lockdown Day 442- 11 June 2021

Today, while loadshedding was reshaping our day, I decided to use the down tine to go to the Schoenmakerskop part of the coastline near Cape Recife. I stopped at Sacramento Restaurant right on the sea front.

Their history includes the story of the ship Sacramento that ran ashore on 30 June 1647, carrying a cannon as coronation gift for the King of Portugal.

Many years later in 1977, David Allen and Gerry van Niekerk found around 40 cannons believed to have been part of the cargo of the Sacramento. Among these was a 4.7m long 3.5 ton bronze cannon which is still to be seen in the Port Elizabeth Museum along with the King's present.

Later, staring at the jagged rocks between the beach and the deep sea, it wasn't hard to imagine navigating such a heavily laden ship along a mostly unknown and wild coastline.

From sea swimming experience I know the sea isn't what it seems and one can never think you know all about it. It is more unpredictable and temperamental than a gypsey and stronger than the might of two male lions fighting to stay alive.

That is also why it lures adventurers and lovers of the ocean in a strange and inexplicable way. Any person who spends time out there will tell you that respect for the sea is the only qualification needed. My thoughts go to the Titanic and the ship's builder who said, "Not even God can sink this ship."

Tonight, as I lie in bed, I look at a little card I keep next to my bed, and I say the words as I drift off, "Dear God, I'm sailing on Thy wide, wide sea: please guard my little ship for me."

#Ggt

Lockdown 441

Lockdown Day 441- 10 June 2021

Today my friend from Addo was in town for a car service. We visited Remo's for an amazing and delicious breakfast and coffee, after which we spent the rest of the time at Something Good Roadhouse facing the spectacular glassy sea on this perfect and windless day.

I headed home while the sun threw it's bling on the water, still a little gobsmacked I am not a visitor, but actually live here.

I resolved to go swimming soon, so I could really experience the salt water on my skin and somehow activate my PE homing device.

I believe one's heart can be in many places at the same time and home is actually wherever your heart chooses to be at the time. For a free spirit like me, my God-connection is my root foundation. And because God is with me, I am home.

So tonight, just before loadshedding starts, I offer up a prayer for hearts searching to be found and hearts flattened by loneliness. I pray for God to show Himself to all who ask. He's definitely got this.

Lockdown 440

Lockdown Day 440- 9 June 2021

Day 440.

440 Days from today is 23 September 2022.

I was lead to look in the book of Luke. And sure enough there was a chapter 4:40.

Upon reading it I realised this is today's message for all of us. In no uncertain terms the only thing to do in this pandemic on this day and during this particular moment in time, is to pray for one another, just as Jesus did:

"At sunset, the people brought all those who were sick to Jesus to be healed. Jesus laid his hands on them one by one, and he healed them all of different illnesses."

Luke 4:40

He himself told us we can do what He did in John 14:12, "

“I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father!"

In terms of a pandemic, I'd say this is pretty radical. But in doing by Faith what He said, is owning the stewardship He has entrusted to us.

I recently started following The Chosen on Youtube, a radical series about Jesus. The Way, the Truth and the Life. If you want to refocus on who He really is, download the app and start watching, it is completely free, no subscriptions necessary. Here is a short clip for you to think on:

https://youtu.be/VL8DThllZAY

Yes, He said we were going to be able to do this. What do we need? Him, of course. And faith in Him : the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Now, knowing that He's got this, GO, BE DANGEROUS!

Lockdown 439

Lockdown Day 439- 8 June 2021

Mind benders and street art are on my mind today, as I saw a couple of graffiti walls today that inspired me to find more of this art form. Remember you need to challenge your grey matter every now and again with art. So here goes:

#Godlydesign

#Ggt