Month: June 2022

Sue’s Views

What does God’s plan for our lives look like? Probably very different to what we’d expect! I would have chosen a nice straight path with few obstacles. But ….. in all honesty ….. it probably looks more like this picture! Winding roads ….. traffic ….. and mountains! Part of the reason for that is the choices I make. I don’t always follow the A road! Therefore ….. in His mercy ….. God has to open up the B road! Then there are other peoples choices. They don’t always follow plan A either and their choices may clash with mine. But I also believe that God is more interested in my character than in my comfort. It’s the winding roads that develop prudence ….. the traffic patience ….. and the mountains strength and perseverance. His ways are higher than mine!

Sue’s Views

I like to find out the origin of some of the sayings that are commonly used. When I took this photo ….. ‘having your ducks in a row’ came to mind! I discovered there are many different stories as to where it comes from. Mostly sporting terms from ten pin bowling ….. to pool ….. to actual duck shooting. But the common thought seems to be to be prepared and organised before tackling a project. Great advice! It’s always good to be prepared and to count the cost. It reminds me of this passage from the Bible:

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?” Luke 14:28-31

Sue’s Views

I love this pic of Asaph holding on tight to his Daddy. He looks like a koala hugging a eucalyptus tree! It’s an illustration of our attempts to ‘help God’. We say we trust Him ….. but then we arrange a safety net ‘just in case’. We plan for all the possible scenarios. Sometimes we hold on for dear life ….. not realising that He is holding on to us ….. and will never let us go! Put yourself in this picture. Your Father is looking lovingly at you. He’s got you!

Sue’s Views

As a child ….. I remember going to a fun park where there was a ‘maze of mirrors’. You had to find your way through pathways lined with distorted mirrors! Some made you look tall and thin ….. others made you look short and fat ….. and then there were mirrors that made you look wavy or deformed. It’s said that ‘the mirror never lies’ ….. and that’s true as long as the mirror is genuine. The Bible is likened to a mirror. When we read it ….. it gives us a true reflection. Not of our outward appearance ….. but of our inner person. It reveals bad attitudes ….. wrong behaviour ….. and sinful desires. It’s purpose is not only to show us what’s wrong ….. but how to make it right. Just as a mirror tells us our hair is out of place or our face is dirty …..  the Bible tells us when our thoughts are out of line. We would do well to fix the problem before leaving the house. If we don’t we will start to accept the distorted image as normal. There are many concepts prevalent in our world today that we have come to accept as normal. But they are way off the truth! I recently watched the podcast called ‘What is a Woman’! It’s unbelievable to think how deceived our world has become. But it didn’t happen overnight! It happened over time as we accept what we see in the mirror as normal!

Sue’s Views

It was great to catch up with my workmates last night! I worked with these lovely ( and a little crazy) ladies over the past fifteen years. We’ve seen each other go through the highs and lows of life. Some have moved on ….. others have joined the team ….. but we have remained friends. Most of the conversations were not about work ….. but about grandchildren and plans for the future. I’m thankful for every one of these women. When you spend a lot of time with people ….. their lives impact you. Looking forward to the next get together, Girls!

Sue’s Views 

One thing the last couple of years has taught us is the importance of connection. Words like ‘isolation’ ….. ‘social distancing’ ….. and ‘mandatory mask wearing’ ….. have crept into our everyday life. We’ve become more used to being alone or communicating via social media. But there’s nothing like talking to someone face to face! There’s so much more to communication than just our voices. Our body language ….. and especially our eyes ….. bring communication to life! It’s true we’ve all changed ….. and that things will never be the same ….. but there are some things worth restoring. Whether it’s a chat over coffee ….. a walk in the park ….. or a gathering around a meal ….. let’s rebuild some broken bridges.

Sue’s Views

I feel like I’ve known the Queen all my life! Today would have been my parents 69th wedding anniversary. They were married the same week as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ….. and were given several wedding gifts commemorating the event. I especially remember a beautiful blue leather Bible with the Queen’s crest on the cover. As a child ….. my parents took me to ‘see the Queen’ at various events like the Changing of the Guard and the Trooping of the Colour. All very exciting for a little girl! It was like stepping into a magical world of wonder! Of course ….. all these years later ….. I’m aware of the fact that she ….. like any other mother ….. has had more than her share of heartache and shame. In many ways ….. that makes me all the more filled with admiration. She has not only been a figure head ….. but also a wonderful example of faith in the God she so openly shares at every opportunity. To me ….. she is a true leader! And an inspiration! I heard her say in her recent documentary that the word ‘inspire’ has two meanings. 1. To encourage someone to do something great. 2. To breathe in. I wonder how many times she has had to take in a deep breath over the years! But it’s wonderful advice to us all. When you are faced with a challenge ….. bad news ….. something beyond your ability ….. stop and take a deep breath. And remember to invite God into the situation. He is the King of Kings ….. and He wants to be your King too! Congratulations Queen Elizabeth on your 70th Jublilee. May God continue to bless and guide you through the coming years!

Sue’s Views

We had a wee visitor on our front door step yesterday. I happened to see him through the window ….. and managed to take a picture ….. but when I came back a few minutes later ….. he was gone! I had gone to find out what hedgehogs like to eat ….. but maybe I scared him away! I wonder how often we ‘visit’ God and get to His doorstep ….. but when He opens the door ….. we scuttle off in fear ….. when all He wants is to spend time with us and give us something to eat. We might think we are not good enough ….. or He doesn’t have time for us. Don’t let guilt or fear or low self esteem stop you from spending time and entering into His house. He will welcome you ….. take care of you ….. and clean you up. You will leave a different person! 

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.” Matthew 11:28-39

Sue’s Views

The word ‘conception’ has two meanings ….. the formation of an idea or plan ….. and the moment you began to be formed in your mother’s womb. Both apply to each one of us. God planned every detail of our lives ….. gender ….. race ….. gifting ….. place of birth ….. time of birth ….. characteristics etc. Many have difficulty accepting who they are. That’s why it’s important to know you started in the heart of God. You are not a product of your parents choices or mistakes. You were lovingly and thoughtfully crafted by the Creator. You are a masterpiece! And so is everyone of God’s creations. Therefore ….. we need to treat everyone with the love and respect they deserve. There is no place for prejudice ….. supremacy ….. or low self esteem in God’s amazing family!