On the way…

Sue’s Views

I heard these tuis before I saw them! Their unique and distinct song drew my attention. I learned that a group of tuis is called an ‘ecstasy’! It seems appropriate as ecstasy means ‘an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.’ Some may associate it with a drug by the same name. It’s sad that so many have turned to artificial means to find this kind of happiness ….. which is temporary and leads to addiction and all the complications that go with it. This world can overwhelm us at times but Jesus has overcome the world. He came to give us abundant life. In Him we have everything we need ….. including joy!

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Jn 15:10-11

Sue’s Views

Proverbs 3:5-6 has become my go to scripture of late. It says:

  

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

There is so much treasure in those two verses. First we are to trust God wholeheartedly. That alone is a challenge! We are so used to being in control. And then to stop relying on what we know can sound irresponsible! But we need to realise that our understanding is limited and fallible whereas God knows everything and is totally reliable. He sees all the pitfalls and hidden agendas. Lastly we are to acknowledge Him in every situation ….. whether on the mountain top of exhilaration or in the depths of despair. Remember ….. it’s not about what we feel or see. It’s about Who He is! He is able to lead you through to where He wants you to be. ‘Making your paths straight’ suggests to me that He will help us practically as well as spiritually.

Sue’s Views

Have you ever been on a mystery tour ….. when you’re given a series of clues which lead you to the next clue? You have no idea where you will end up but you enjoy the different stages of the journey knowing there’s a prize at the end. You trust the person who designed the course because you know he has already been there and prepared the way. God has designed your journey! He has gone before you and knows you can do it!

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

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Even though a good mirror reflects a true image ….. we often see ourselves through a filter. It may be a filter of shame ….. a filter of comparison ….. or a filter of a label from the past. These filters distort the image we see. The purpose of a mirror is to help us see the hair out of place ….. or the things we can change. It’s not to define us. So next time you look in the mirror ….. thank God for the amazing miracle looking back at you!

Sue’s Views

How come some people thrive in challenging circumstances ….. while others are defeated. I believe it’s about what you are focussing on. If you focus on your circumstances ….. they will overwhelm you. But if you focus on the potential within you ….. you will push through and see your situation give way. Nothing and no one can stop God’s purpose from being fulfilled ….. except for you!

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

The most valuable treasures are never on the surface. Gold ….. precious stones ….. minerals are hidden underground.  They have to be dug for! The same can be said for people. We have to dig down deep sometimes to find the true character and beauty that is hidden there. But we can help them discover it by getting to know them and taking an interest in them. The most valuable treasures though are found in the pages of the Bible. Again ….. we have to dig for them. We do that by reading ….. asking questions like ‘who’ ‘when’ ‘where’ and ‘why’? ….. applying it to our situation ….. and by chewing it over several times. Like a cow chewing the grass ….. it takes time to make it become part of us. But once it does ….. we will be changed forever!

Sue’s Views

Mental health is something we hear a lot about these days ….. but it’s nothing new. The soul is part of who we are along with the body and spirit. The soul consists of our  mind ….. our will ….. and our emotions. This is where the battle takes place. It begins with a thought. That thought can take us on a journey. Have you ever been driving in unfamiliar territory with a GPS that tells you to ‘Make a u-turn as soon as possible!’ You would be wise to heed that advice or you will wind up somewhere you don’t want to be. We have the power to change direction. That’s what the word ‘repent’ means ….. to change the way you think. When those thoughts come ….. ask yourself ‘Is it true?’ Not everything we think is true. If it’s not ….. reject it ….. before it takes you in the wrong direction. ❤️

Sue’s Views

Two things come to mind when I look at this photo ….. 1. ‘It’s water under the bridge’….. meaning let go of the past ….. and 2. ‘It’s like water off a duck’s back’ ….. meaning don’t take offence from others. Both great advice to be take on board. Both will bring peace and freedom!