Lockdown 560

Lockdown Day 560 - 7 October 2021

Today I dropped off my Schnauzie Roxy for an operation to remove a gland that became the size of a small ping pong ball. Driving away, my tears were unavoidable. This made me think about the close relationship people develop with their pets and the profound impact such a relationship has on the human psyche.

We believe they are going to live forever and see the kids grow up and grow old, we believe they are incomparable and invincible. And because we believe that, we forget their life span is about an seventh of ours (hence the age is roughly calculated by multiplying the pet's age with 7).

Having such a close companion to care for and enjoy life with, has been proven without a doubt to be better than living without pets. For us, Roxy is our therapist, playmate, life in a fluffy bundle and our best friend.

While repairing a chip in my windscreen, the vet calls with good news. Roxy's op went very well and she can be picked up as soon as she is is awake and ready to walk. Relief floods my heart and I whisper a prayer of thanks.

It is said the spirit of an animal doesn't exist. But I beg to differ. With her sitting on my lap, her eyes speak without words, straight to my heart, I know like I know her spirit is larger than life. So tonight I thank God for Roxy and her full recovery. Because I know He's got her. And because He's got this.

Lockdown 559

Lockdown Day 559 - 6 October 2021

With summer returning fast, I swop PE for Pretoria for a while to tend to a couple of things at our home. I literally walked out of winter into summer, finding the adjustment pleasant enough for now. (That is, if the temperature doesn't go above 30!)

From yesterday's scripture it is clear that God and man are not the same. Although we were created in His image, He still is the Creator and we are the created.

What is also clear are the promises of God for us to have an abundant life should we choose to walk with Him.

This life is not only meant to be lived on this earth, but is also meant to be lived after all is said and done.

The following video ties in with this. Tap the screen to see the time cursor and move it to 6:15 and watch the last 5 minutes of this 11 minute talk given by a very wise man of God. In a time such as this, we need to know how to go forward with God.

https://youtu.be/QG_60quUPow

#Ggt

Lockdown 558

Lockdown Day 558 - 5 October 2021

Today is day 558 and I felt I should share Isaiah 55:8. But when I looked up the Psalm I decided all 13 verses are a unit and needs to be read as such.

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.

Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people.

Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the Lord your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.”

Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

“For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Isaiah 55:1‭-‬13

God's got this.

Lockdown 557

Lockdown Day 557 - 4 October 2021

The sun eventually came to say hello today, affording us much needed drying time for our washing. Only a gentle breeze and an eventual maximum temperature of 22°C (real feel 18°C) did the trick after a couple of hours of dappled sunshine.

House cleaning, dishes, and errands were on the to-do list, during which a chance meeting and conversation with a mother of two really touched my heart. She had lost her husband (age 43) to this abominable virus which she had survived. Although well-qualified, finding a job proves an almost insurmountable challenge amidst the challenge to raise two little children who struggle to understand or come to terms with losing a father.

Driving home, I think about the effects of war that leaves mothers to raise children alone and a broken world in need of healing. We are in a war zone whether we like it or not, and just being willing to listen can make a difference to someone in need of healing. All of us are victims in one way or another, but together we can overcome. One good deed after another. Stepping out of our omfort zone to be present in a monent someone else needs to be acknowledged, can make the world of difference.

It's Hubby's birthday and the beautiful weather warranted a little time on the stoep in front of a fire. Thankful for the blessing of happiness in our relationship, I retire with a prayer of gratitude for my God who's got this.

Lockdown 556

Lockdown Day 556 - 3 October 2021

Sunday number 80.

Adverts part 2. Today I would like to share some mind blowing and innovative billboards. So here goes :

This last "billboard" is on the ground floor of a mall and the viewer is looking from the top floor down. I found this absolutely and incredibly clever:

#Ggt

Lockdown 555

Lockdown Day 555 - 2 October 2021

Still on the topic of the miracle of new life. I have watched a tree in my rental garden go from dead to alive the past month. Half the tree seemed lifeless when the other half was budding. Slowly but surely some of the "dry" twigs also showed life. I thought of the fig tree in the Bible that didn't bear fruit and died after Jesus cursed it for not bearing fruit.

The purpose for every tree is specific. For fruit trees it is the fruit. But what about trees without fruit? I look at this tree and the pure joy that comes from its beautiful white flower and its systematic revival and I know it is here in my life at this time to brighten my day.

This tree's flawed existence is testimony of God's perfection and the plans He has for us, and also a reminder of how precious life really is in a time such as this.

So tonight I vow to enjoy the moment of here and now and not to fret too much about what was or what is yet to come.  I embrace the miracle of every moment's arrival and feel blessed with the life coursing through my veins, knowing this life is firmly in God's hands and He's really got this.

Lockdown 554

Lockdown Day 554 - 1 October 2021

Friday. Yet another drizzle day. While Gauteng is clocking up between 45 mm and 58 mm in 24 hours, PE only saw a further 2 mm all day. Still, we are grateful for every drop and believe we'll get our miracle.

Speaking of which, new life in any form has a profound ripple effect on everyone around it. Looking at the reaction of people when they encounter any kind of baby - humans, animals and plants alike - there is always that "miracle gasp" you hear, followed by "aaaawww"!

The significance of spring and the new life that comes with it, is like a booster to those around them. We have survived a pandemic for 554 days. This in itself is a miracle, ushering us into new life and fresh perspectives everyday.

So tonight I share with you an uplifting video that was made a year ago to encourage us to learn from nature:

https://youtu.be/mxDx7EOnTHw

#Ggt