Homeward Bound

Sue’s Views
The final leg of our journey took us back to Christchurch. We awoke to a frosty morning and a fresh sprinkling of snow on the mountains. We stopped in Amberley to spend time with some old friends ….. and then on to Christchurch. We walked to the Botanic Gardens  but soon returned to the warmth of our room for the night. Thanks for coming on this trip with us! We have so enjoyed seeing this beautiful part of our country. But it’s time to return home ….. hopefully with a fresh appreciation and outlook. Love to all!

Reminiscing

Sue’s Views
Today started with an early morning walk to the beach across the road. We then visited the Kaikoura Museum which was awesome! Lots of information about the earthquake. We hear about these things on the news but It’s amazing to hear individual stories from people who lived through it. Also lots of reminiscing over days gone by. Our journey then took us to Hanmer Springs! What a beautiful place. The warm water was very welcome and very relaxing. A bit cold getting out ….. but we fixed that with a great Indian curry!

Earthquake!

Sue’s Views
Another day of new experiences! We left the vineyards of Marlborough and travelled south along the rugged coast road towards Kaikoura. Today’s highlight was seeing the seal colonies where masses of seals of all ages were basking in the sun! We got to talk to some local business owners about the effects of the earthquake 6 years ago. That ….. plus Covid ….. has affected their businesses tremendously. Apparently the earthquake also rearranged some of the coastline. The seals don’t seem to mind!

Pioneering

Sue’s Views
We are now on day 5 of our Top of the South Trip. Yesterday’s leg was from Nelson to Blenheim via Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton. This journey has really made me appreciate the early settlers who paved the way for us to be able to drive on good roads ….. and have towns to stay in. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been for them. Pioneering is never easy ….. but someone has to be the first to do something new. We might not be called to go to an uninhabited place ….. but God might be calling us to start something new ….. a new business ….. outreach ….. creative idea. Don’t wait for someone else ….. you might be that someone!

Comeback Story

Sue’s Views
A sprinkling from day 2. We drove back to Christchurch and had a walk around the city centre. We all love ‘comeback stories’ ….. and Christchurch is a great example. After the earthquakes 11 years ago ….. it was a city that was broken ….. grieving ….. and without hope. It is now beautiful ….. bustling ….. and filled with new ventures. If you relate to this in any way ….. you too have a ‘comeback story’. The memories still remain ….. but they also serve as a reminder of the miracles God has done.

Day 1 – Akaroa

Sue’s Views
Here’s a taste of day one of our trip down south. From Christchurch airport we drove to Akaroa via Lyttleton. There was a picture around every bend! What an idyllic little town Akaroa is. Standing on our balcony overlooking the harbour ….. I felt so thankful. Beautiful weather ….. beautiful scenery ….. with beautiful people. Even if this is the only fine day we have ….. my tank is full!

Holiday Time!

Sue’s Views
Our first ‘overseas’ trip for 3 years! At least we are crossing the Channel! I’m guessing we are over the Marlborough Sounds and heading to Christchurch. Lovely day for flying ….. at least up here! Not sure what awaits us but we’ve come prepared for anything. So looking forward to seeing more of our beautiful country. Will keep you ‘posted’!

Seeds of Greatness

Sue’s Views
Our hibiscus never ceases to produce beautiful flowers. No matter what season ….. they are either budding or in full bloom! You might say ….. ‘That’s what hibiscus trees do!’ Well, do you know that you too were created to be productive? When God designed you ….. He put in all the ingredients and potential for you to become that unique ….. one off ….. incredible person He planned you to be. Like the hibiscus ….. He gave you roots that would hold you securely and give you sustenance. He gave you a place to grow and develop ….. with the nutrients you would need. He provided the sun and rain to give you a balanced environment because we need the bad times as well as the good times to become stronger. There’s no need to struggle and strive ….. just yield to what is already in you!
“You are designed for accomplishment ….. engineered for success ….. and endowed with seeds of greatness.” Zig Ziglar

Despising the Shame!

Sue’s Views
One of the enemy’s favourite weapons is shame. One of my worst childhood memories is when my sewing teacher held my ‘handiwork’ up in front of the class and said ‘Look at what Susan’s done’! I was the only one who completely messed up ….. and everyone laughed! Moments like that tend to stick in your memory. We’ve all had embarrassing experiences. Those times when you wish the ground would open up and swallow you. One of the amazing exchanges that took place on the Cross is that Jesus bore our shame and exchanged it for His glory. He was stripped of all His clothing and hung on the cross naked for three hours while passers by mocked and humiliated Him. He understands our shame! He experienced it! Those painful memories no longer need to haunt us. We are in good company! The great news is that Jesus overcame shame when He rose again. The devil wants you to crawl under the carpet ….. but Jesus offers you a place with Him on His throne! 
‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ Hebrews 12: 1-3

Signs

Sue’s Views
Have you ever asked God for a sign? Maybe you come up with a plan but want His approval. Or you have a choice to make and want His guidance. There’s nothing wrong with that ….. as long as we heed the sign He gives us! The problem is when we have already decided what we want God to say! I remember as a young Christian disagreeing with my husband about a decision we had to make. I desperately asked God for a scripture and opened my Bible to Ephesians 5:22 22 ‘Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.’ I decided that was a dumb way to get advice so I called a friend who gave me the same scripture! After three attempts ….. and receiving the same verse …..I decided to heed the advice and it turned out to be the right thing to do. He really does know what’s best for us!