Lockdown 506

Lockdown Day 506 - 14 August 2021

Saturday, mid-August and the snow reports are rolling in. Light but widespread snow mainly over the eastern parts of the country. Although we don't have snow here, we can most definitely feel it in the icy cold wind and low temperatures, the max only 17°C.

We decided to take our walk to the promenade, walking from the roadhouse to Boardwalk pier. We saw how the wind came up and started hurrying along the waves, calling the ocean to come out and play.

We also passed the Sun International Hotel where the Springbok Rugby Team's buses were parked outside. They are in The Bay to play against Argentina  tonight. I felt a pang of remorse for not bringing my supporter jacket to PE as we saw people also walking the promenade proudly sporting their green and gold attire.

Tonight, as in the Kgalagadi, the fires are lit in many houses, and loud voices can be heard far and wide, as the "crowd" will still be there, albeit in front of home tellies and the odd pub or two. The points accumulate and the Boks win 32 points to 12.

Again, the empty seats in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium attract my attention, and I wonder how long this is going to go on. How long is the world going to believe this virus is worse than the normal flu, when the numbers still prove the opposite. How long is the world going to believe people and organisations in stead of serving God alone. How long is the world going to show God how little it thinks of Him and His power.

So tonight I confirm my alliance with the Rock of all ages, my faith in the omnipotent Creator of the world to whom I owe my deepest gratitude and fervent obedience for His salvation He so freely gave. He is bigger than all this and He's got this.

Lockdown 505

Lockdown Day 505 - 13 August 2021

Having conversations with strong people is always inspiring, because they instill a sense of invincibility that draws you in and convinces you anything is possible.

I am fortunate to know many strong people who have collectively survived disease, abuse, malicious harassment and degradation of the strongest degree. I have seen them get up out of the dust, shake off the abusers and disease, walking out victoriously with heads held high.

All of them share one thing: a firm faith in, and deep relationship with Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. They realised He is imprinted into their spirit through their Godly design. They shook a fist at the enemy and shouted, "God is my vindicator!"

These people are not afraid anymore, they have learned the implicit and fearless trust of the Lion of Judah who carries the consequences of their obedience to Him. They are our muses, our earthly testimony of the physical presence and protection of God.

I salute you all (you know who you are), thankful for teaching all of us around you how to hold on, persevere and hold onto our Redeemer's hand no matter what. Thank you for showing us what the bill of human rights really looks like. Thank you for showing who TRUTH really is. And for being living proof God's got this.

Lockdown 504

Lockdown Day 504 - 12 August 2021

Today was an epic surprise day. I was contacted by a very special colleague and friend asking me to check out a business for marketing probabilities. I walked in and there she was, in person, all the way from the Free State!

The business was a wellness spa and not only was she there in person, but we were booked for a hot stone massage! No business to "check out", just an epic girly spa experience!

It was at Shambala Wellness Spa and we were royally treated by all, specifically our masseurs Coco and Candice. Glorious does not begin to describe their healing hands.

The hot stones were just short of too hot, instantly relaxing all the muscles on your back. According to Candice these are specific stones used in conjunction with specific oils to release all tension and inflammation there may be. Thank you C&C, you guys rock!

It was like Christmas, New Year's, birthdays and high days all together in one. All because she decided to surprise me. I felt special and spoiled and we had a great time catching up. Riatha, a heartfelt thanks for your awesomeness today!

I also have to report that it rained most of the day today, our gauge measuring  35mm. Snow reports are also coming in and we can expect icy weather this weekend.

With the blessing of rain still pattering against the window outside, I thank my Father Creator for the blessings He brought over my path. For the gift and blessing of a friend's unexpected visit, warming up my world on this cold day!

Most of all, the koinonia we shared as children of the Most High, was inspiring and touching. He is indeed in control. And He's most certainly got this.

Lockdown 503

Lockdown Day 503 - 11 August 2021

Still on the creativity topic: it's not just about work, it's about framing and solving problems in your everyday life as well as spicing up the daily grind.

Another way to get inspired is through incidental creativity, through things we have become used to or even take for granted. Here are a few to try on-the-go:

1. Cloud gazing - the trick is to try and see what's in the clouds, as in shapes or colours and what they make you think of.
2. Box it - Make or buy an activity box or brain teaser from any toy store, such as metal puzzles etc.
3. Note it - Keep a small notebook for random ideas. If you're not the scribble type, try a note taking app on your phone. Jotting down random things can become future topics or ideas.
4. Seeing is the new muse - use your scrap time (waiting in the car for the kids, standing in line at a shop, etc) to draw a sketch, diagram or picture of what you see in front of you.
5. Tech fast management - decide to fast from all technology on at least two days in a month, then stick to it!
6. Circles to aha! - This exercise I found particularly entertaining. Draw 30 circles on an A4 paper. Then, as fast as you can, draw as many of the circles into something before a minute has passed.
7. Get crafty - using your hands is always a good idea. Build something like Lego or create a new dish or change your garden. Hands on switches the brain on.

Framing and solving problems is critical thinking. This triggers creativity. And it all was placed inside our spirit by most creative One of all. How amazing to know God's got this.

Have fun!

Lockdown 502

Lockdown Day 502 - 10 August 2021

Back in the daily grind, our morning walk was met by a crisp wind eventually joined by the warm sun. I stopped to smell the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow in our complex's gardens and it felt like I was smelling juniper, raspberries and a touch of jasmin all at once.

I am currently doing research on what sparks creativity after seeing the craziest airline advertisement made in Dubai. Wondering what would spark my creativity the most I uncovered a few blogs and articles with ideas I resonate with:

1. Sound - turn up the volume and add sound to your life in bite sized portions. Distraction can be good. It's a lot like taking naps. Too much, and you're adding toxins, too few and you are deprived.
2. Odd one out wisdom - always look for what others miss. Ask: what don't they see?
3. Left hand synergy - Get a squishy ball or something soft to hold in your Left hand. Now squeeze. If you're touch-defensive, merely clench your fist. Your left hand is controlled by the right brain hemisphere, and this hemisphere sparks creative juices.
4. Aerobics? Not so old school. 30 Minutes and a little sweat goes a long way, giving you at least 2 hours of boodted creativity.
5. Brows can talk - if you feel somewhat drained while working creatively, lifting your eyebrows increases your visual field, which in turn feeds your idea-factory.
6. Morning Gold - aaahh the sleep issue again. The earlier you get creative the better. A rested brain is a whizz.

To be continued....

#Ggt

Lockdown 501

Lockdown Day 501 - 9 August 2021

Today is a public holiday, Women's day. We spent the day recouperating from our 1200km day trip yesterday, feeling it on our tired bodies, relieved we are home to adjust before the daily grind resumes tomorrow.

It rained for most of the day with a few hours' break in the clouds over midday. We drove out to Sea View's Barnacles Restaurant for breakfast with friends. Our first time there, the spectacular view over a dark stormy sea was breathtaking, especially when we saw the rain coming in from over the ocean.

We measured 10mm of rain today and came home to 20mm when we were away (and Langkloof also had a further 15mm). According to the weather gurus we can expect more by the weekend. Fortunately I am trusting the only God who can make rain and believe with all my heart He can fill all the dams.

Seeing the ocean again reminded me of the importance of our faith in our God for who nothing is impossible. In a sense the stormy sea shows God's power where man has absolutely no control whatsoever. The sea just rolls on, dancing to the tune of the moon, just as God designed it to do from the foundation of the earth. No man has ever had that kind of power, except to destroy what God has made.

So watching the ocean move, is added into my spirit together with the meteor shower experience. Also something man has absolutely no control over.

So tonight I release all sense of power I might have thought I had to the God who loved us first. What a relief to know He's got this.

Lockdown 500

Lockdown Day 500 - 8 August 2021

Day 500. 

Leaving the Kgalagadi is never a happy moment, but one has to leave the lovely to see what other lovelies are next. Today is our 39th date anniversary, what better way to spend the day than road-tripping home after a glorious Kgalagadi break-away.

The road home saw quiet roads and a monster wind constantly plucking at the bakkie (really bad), but with the upside of excellent fuel consumption. As a result, we arrived home just after dark.

Musing over our wish list, lamenting over the Kalahari Lion and Leopard of which we only saw their spoor in the sandy roads. In the end we concluded that this was the year of celebrating the good rains the Kgalagadi had and the unusual sights we saw, some of them for the first time. And of course the unparalleled night sky.

With the Kgalagadi sunset still fresh in our minds we had coffee and custard biscuits from Askham, a little town about 80km from the park. The panoramic sunsets and sunrises completed our wish list, more than making up for what we didn't see. The memory will linger in our hearts untill we go again.

With the meteor sky in mind, my conversations with God takes on a new depth I cannot even explain. So tonight, in my own bed I say a prayer of thanks for our safety, health and protection and wish upon a shooting star the best for all of us in our walk with God.

Keep looking up, He's got this!