Category: Sue’s Views

Sue’s Views

It can sometimes feel like the heavens are made of brass! Our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and go no further. But the truth is ….. God does hear all our prayers! If there is a hindrance ….. it’s on our part. Unconfessed sin ….. unforgiveness ….. unbelief are possible barriers. But when we come boldly and in faith ….. we can be sure He not only hears but answers. His timing is not always ours ….. but it is always perfect!

Sue’s Views

Something amazing happened in our community last night. The local board asked the local churches to join them in a prayer vigil for Manurewa. In recent months there have been some serious crimes in our community. Churches ….. councillors ….. police ….. and community workers came together in recognition of our need for God if things are to change. And change it will! But only as we return to His ways. We ended the night with our amazing National Anthem and The Kiwi version of ‘The Blessing’. A huge thanks to all who worked so hard to make this happen.

Sue’s Views

Water lillies can teach us some wonderful lessons. Even though their roots are at the bottom of the pond ….. they always rise to the top and float above the water. They make use of the nutrients from the mud to blossom and beautify their environment. Sometimes ….. we can be ashamed of our roots. Maybe we come from a dysfunctional family. Maybe we have roots of rejection or feel unwanted. Maybe we are uneducated ….. or maybe we have made mistakes in the past. We can let that drag us down or ….. like the water lilies ….. we can use it to make us rise to the top.

Sue’s Views

2020 has been a difficult year without a doubt ….. but one thing it has taught us is that life is unpredictable. Many plans this year have had to be cancelled. Hopes have been dashed as small businesses have gone under. Families have been separated because of closed borders. But it has also made way for new ideas that would have gone undiscovered if not for Covid. Like this fern ….. there are many branches yet to be unfurled. Who knows what opportunities lie ahead? So don’t give up! Keep moving forward. Pray for greater understanding ….. and be ready to receive new revelation of God’s purpose in your life!

Sue’s Views

The fresh and vibrant colours of spring always remind me of God’s mercies that are ‘new every morning’. The word ‘mercy’ means undeserved favour. It means being spared of the punishment I deserve ….. and instead being given forgiveness. It’s not something to take for granted ….. but to be thankful for each and every day. Each new morning comes with the opportunity to start over with a clean slate. Now that is something to celebrate!

Sue’s Views

As the family grows there are more and more birthdays to celebrate. This month has been Israel’s ….. and today is Frank’s! Birthdays are a wonderful opportunity to thank God for family ….. friends ….. and the life He gave us. It’s an opportunity to tell out loved ones how much they mean to us. It’s also a great opportunity to eat cake! 🎂🎉

Sue’s Views

Are you feeling weighed down by your circumstances? Life has a way of throwing things at you and it’s easy to let them pile up. I experienced a bit of that this weekend. I decide to go for a walk and a talk with God about it! As I poured my heart out ….. this beautiful kereru flew onto a branch in front of me and just sat there. This has happened to me a few times now and I believe it’s God telling me He is with me. The bird always reminds me of the Holy Spirit. He is gentle and yet powerful. His presence changes the atmosphere. He diffuses anxiety ….. and brings peace and assurance. He is the best companion anyone could ask for. And He is always there ….. never too busy to hang out. He not only listens ….. but He is also a great Counsellor! He’ll show you what’s going on ….. and how to move forward. He’s there for you too!

Sue’s Views

It’s Labour Weekend in NZ and many will be enjoying a break. It was founded in 1840 when a carpenter won an eight hour working day for NZers. It was decided that we need to rest for eight hours ….. have eight hours of family time and recreation ….. and work for 8 hours. I wonder how many of us live that way now! Balance is very important for a healthy life. Do you need to make some changes? Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!

Sue’s Views

Do you sometimes feel dissatisfied with where you are? Do you feel like you were born for more? Does it seem like you are going down when everything in you wants to fly? Welcome to the life of the caterpillar! He dreams of spreading his wings ….. but finds himself more and more confined. Dreams usually take time and patience to be fulfilled. Just when it seems like it will never happen ….. your dream will be fulfilled. You’ll realise that the process was as important as the end result!

Sue’s Views

Work is a necessary part of life ….. and we can teach our children good work ethics from a very young age! By giving them age suitable tasks we can prepare them for something they will spend a lifetime doing. Things like making their bed before school ….. tidying up before using technology ….. helping with daily tasks ….. can help them become self disciplined. It’s often easier to do it yourself ….. but the long term results are worth the time and effort!