Lockdown 513

Lockdown Day 513 - 21 August 2021

With this virus it seems we are permanently in fight or flight mode. We are in a war and the question is in whose army are you fighting and what are you fighting for.

The way I see it, the world's critical thinking is being hijacked by the infodemic which in turn is governed by fear. Fear of death, infirmity and the like. Lifestyle fears such as the fear of missing out or feeling left out are particularly rampant with the time spent on social media.

Thinking critically is a complex process, which means :

✨the facts are analysed to form a judgement.

✨it includes rational, skeptical and unbiased evaluation of factual evidence.

✨involves the self-correcting process of directing oneself in a disciplined and monitored thought process, taking care to adhere to a high standard of excellence and mindful use of those standards.

✨you have to discard your self-view and social status to commit to effective problem-solving.

If you are following a mantra you yourself have not logically concluded to do on the back of extensive research, you are already in self-betrayal mode.

Don't let a virus and infodemic hijack your critical thinking. Stop all the voices you're listening to and find your own. God's voice is the one your own will resonate with the most.

And His Word is clear:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

I John 4:1‭-‬6

" Think over what I say, for the Master shall give you understanding into all this."

2 Timothy 2:7

God really has got this.

Lockdown 512

Lockdown Day 512 - 20 August 2021

Today I had the privilege of being part of Charmiane and Cor's lighthouse quest. We visited two lighthouses (number 15 and 16 of the lighthouse quest) here on our doorstep. I felt like I was part of past history and history in the making.

First up was Donkin Lighthouse in the middle of town close to the harbour. Decommissioned, this lighthouse is no longer functioning and shares its space with a stone pyramid, both dating back to 1861.

A number of recent art pieces can be seen there as well, such as  a sculpture of Nelson Mandela and a beautiful floor mosaic.

The lighthouse site was proclaimed as public space by Sir Rufane Donkin, where he also erected the pyramid in honour of his wife Elizabeth, after whom the city was named.

The second lighthouse was Cape Recife, on the peninsula. Wow, that was absolutely beautiful. The drive into the 366 ha nature reserve took us along the northern side of the peninsula. The lighthouse was built in 1851 and the reserve proclaimed in 1973, which has since become a reserve fiercely protecting its beaches, indigenous vegetation and wildlife, of which the African Penguin is one.

The weather was heavenly and absolutely perfect for the photographs and videos. The time had come to say goodbye, and they left to continue their journey down the sushine coast to their next destination.

So tonight I offer up a prayer for friends of the heart, those closest to your very core. For friends who became like family and family who became like friends and those far and wide (you know who you are), I pray for peace that surpasses all understanding and for the Truth to walk alongside you.

#Gbwy

#Ggt

Lockdown 511

Lockdown Day 511 - 19 August 2021

Today is a good day. We had 35mm of heavy rain in one go, and the skies are dark with more on the way. Because I like the cold weather, I feel I can do more and my brain can produce more.

According to YR we can expect flooding all along the coast and also in and around the Langkloof, so let's keep praying.

The good day became better with lovely pics I received. Being a Mom, I love seeing my kids, and what they are up to. Lukas sent me one of himself and our freshly groomed mini Schnauzie Roxy. And Sabrina posted a picture of Pepper, their doggie daughter on Instagram.

The day ended on a special note with my Bestie and her new love visiting for the last part of the afternoon and evening. We took them to Schoenmakerskop in the last light of the day. Although chilly, the dark clouds accentuated the almost indigo ocean.

We spent the evening catching up on valuable Bestie time, laughing a lot and eating too much. This contact time was priceless, strengthening our friendship on a new level and going to bed knowing that friends are friends forever when the Lord's the Lord of them.

#Ggt

Lockdown 510

Lockdown Day 510 - 18 August 2021

Day 510. For the first time in a long time I had the opportunity to share my work testimony with a new acquaintance today, sharing our stories and faith. I realised how we as people have become distanced from each other through the pandemic.

Talking about Jesus's life on earth, we mused over how Jesus would have done things differently had there been social media and the internet. We concluded He would've chosen to do signs and wonders in person, having human contact.

I realised how far technology has already pushed the world to reduce human contact significantly. So, when the virus landed, this unseen force just amped up the odds.

So tonight my prayer is for us all to defy the odds and do as Jesus did as far as possible in person, to make Him known in our daily walk. To become sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and to make contact when that happens! And above all, to share your story with people. No matter how boring you think yours is, to someone else it may just be that pick-me-up they needed.

#Ggt

Lockdown 509

Lockdown Day 509 - 17 August 2021

Watching an interview presented by PSG this morning with Charlize Theron, I was reminded of something she said earlier in her career:

"I dont think you can create anything interesting from a comfort zone. You have to work from a place of fear and failure."

She inspired just by being a normal fallible person with the same challenges as any other person in lockdown, also struggling with the overwhelming nature of it all. Just by showing up, giving some of her time and showing her vulnerability as a human being, also being hopeful in this uncertain time.

Working towards a goal means you work from fear and failure toward possibilities and a place of peace.

Through this, the little victories along the way open the gateway for God's power to work in you and His wisdom to lift up your journey to another level.

So if you are down, get creative and brainstorm with someone you know. If you are not in need of a pick-me-up, why not be someone else's pick-me-up!

All of us can do with support and knowing others have battled and won those little victories. One by one, those victories will stack up to form the staircase to reach wherever it is we are going.

And remember: God's got this!

Lockdown 508

Lockdown Day 508 - 16 August 2021

The topic of brain and art seems to stick after those inspiring street art pictures. This translates to our will to beautify our life with anything that inspires.

It doesn't have to be an expensive acquisition, it can be a colourful garden or a composition of those little things that make life worthwhile. It can be a skill to develop, be done in a day or keep us busy for a lifetime, just as long as we draw inspiration from it.

Apart from blood flow to the brain, being creative can bring about healing, because of it's wow factor. Not only does different art forms and creativity /skills transform a space, it brings about transformation of the mind and can literally save a life.

It can also reduce stress, and every  "aha-moment" that is truly understood, induces a chain reaction through which the final product comes to life. This process helps with decision making and reduces stress regarding an unknown future (what's going to happen next).

When talking pandemic and lockdown, maybe we should really get creative. Less stress and hope for the future sounds like just the thing and what better way to get there than throught art and creativity.

If you don't feel inspired, go sit at the feet of the One who created you, who instilled into your spirit everything you need to live this life with. He has the answers and will show you the way. Because He gets you. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 507

Lockdown Day 507 - 15 August 2021

Because of our Kgalagadi week I skipped last Sunday's image focus. Today is Sunday number 73 and I share with you Surreal Street Art. Enjoy:

#Ggt