Author: Sue Wilson

Sue’s Views 

Today has been declared a public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II in NZ. Her ledger stone is very simple ….. with just her name and the names of her parents and husband. Just one week since her funeral ….. for most people ….. life goes on. The fact is ….. our time here on earth is short. Once we are gone ….. life will go on. It’s how we live the time allotted to us that counts. It’s not about how famous ….. wealthy ….. or charismatic we are. It’s about the investment we make into the lives of others. Queen Elizabeth knew that she couldn’t take her jewels ….. palaces ….. or gowns with her. But she has swapped her crown for the crown of life which will last for all eternity! 

“But we must each be careful how we build, because Christ is the only foundation. Whatever we build on this foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw.” 1 Cor 3:10-13

Sue’s Views 

The situation in Ukraine is a great example of what happens when we stand up in unity against the enemy. Six months ago when Putin planned a takeover ….. he probably thought it would be a walk in the park. He didn’t take into consideration the tenacity and passion of a people who were going to fight for what was theirs! It has come at a tremendous cost for both nations. Families have been torn apart ….. homes annihilated ….. young men have given their lives for their country. It reminds me of the constant battle we are in as God’s people. Our enemy, the devil, wants to take over everything that belongs to us. Our families, our homes, our freedoms, our health, our territory! Jesus paid for all this with His life on the Cross. We can’t stand back and allow the devil to take what’s ours. We must fight back and we can only do that when we fight together. Our weapons are our prayers and the Word of God which is ‘sharper than any two edged sword.’ When brothers and sisters stand together in unity ….. God commands a blessing!

Sue’s Views

While watching the Queen’s funeral last night ….. I couldn’t help wondering what it was like for her on the other side. We probably saw the very best of man’s effort. Precision timing ….. perfect execution of an event that was years in the making ….. everything sparkling clean from the streets down to each brass button ….. everyone playing their part with absolute finesse. It was a sight to behold! But as we said our goodbyes ….. my mind kept going to the welcome home she was enjoying. My mind cannot imagine what Heaven’s celebration would be like in comparison. I read somewhere that the Queen was looking forward to casting her crown before the King of Kings! She has been commended for her faithful service here on earth ….. but it was her faithful service to God first and foremost that kept her going. This life is our testing ground for what lies ahead. Thank you, Ma’am, for being such a wonderful example of faith and service.

Sue’s Views

A few highlights from the weekend. We celebrated Judah’s rugby prize giving. Great effort on the field ….. but before we went ….. I found him doing some great work off the field as well! I love how the coaches are intent on building character and teamwork as well as rugby skills. Thanks Judah for spreading the cuzzie love!

Sue’s Views

One thing I love about FB is the memories that come up each day! This photo popped up this morning ….. and with it came a whole mixture of emotions! It was just a year ago ….. but seems like a world away. So much has happened since then. I remember the tension around the whole Covid thing ….. the anxiety about the future ….. and the decisions having to be made. But it also made me thankful for the wonderful people I’d worked with  ….. and met over the years. Also for the blessing of having employment. It can be hard leaving something so familiar and comfortable. I’ve discovered that retirement brings a whole new pathway of opportunities. There’s never a dull moment!

Sue’s Views 

Have you ever noticed how nothing in creation is perfectly symmetrical? No two petals are exactly the same ….. no two blades of grass ….. no two people! And yet ….. on creating a man and a woman ….. God said His creation was very good! To Him ….. it’s the differences that make us unique. And uniqueness makes us valuable. So celebrate those flaws that stand out so obviously to you. They make you who you are!

Sue’s Views

Some of the most successful and innovative people whom we admire ….. didn’t have a very good start in life. People like Albert Einstein who didn’t speak a word until he was 4 years old and was considered stupid by his teachers. Benjamin Franklin dropped out of elementary school because his parents couldn’t afford his education. Thomas Edison failed thousands of attempts to invent the light bulb and said,  “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” These and so many others refused to give up! They fought through the rejection and humiliation because they had a dream. Every God given dream will face opposition. Maybe you have one that seems impossible? Others may give up on you but God never will!

Sue’s Views

How’s your marriage? A strong and healthy marriage is not about romance and seeing eye to eye. It’s about two flawed people who choose to meet the needs and interests of the other. The vows we make are not just sentimental words. They speak of perseverance through the hard times ….. times of sickness ….. times of lack ….. times of regret. There’s a reason why it ends with ‘Till death do us part’. It will take a whole lifetime for two to become one! It has to be worked at. So many give up when things get a little tough. So hang in there! You are building a strong foundation for future generations!