On the way…

Sue’s Views

The valley of the shadow of death is not a place we would choose to walk through ….. but for most of us it will be a part of our journey. However ….. there is much to be learned there. Firstly ….. a valley is a low lying area between hills or mountains. It takes you through something that would otherwise be insurmountable. Secondly ….. it’s only a shadow of death. Shadows can be eerie ….. but they are not the real thing. They appear bigger than the real thing ….. but they have no substance. Shadows are also proof that there is light even though you can’t see it. Thirdly ….. it is a place where we are assured of God’s presence. He said ‘When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you. My rod and my staff will comfort you.’ If you are in that valley ….. look for the One who is with you every step of the journey!

Sue’s Views

We can always expect God to be great and do great things ….. that’s who He is! But we sometimes have to lower our expectations of people. They will let us down! In order to avoid living a life of resentment and offence ….. remember God is in control. Many things in life are painful ….. but purposeful! Look for God’s purpose and it will give meaning to your pain!

Sue’s Views

When your feet are firmly planted on the Rock ….. it doesn’t matter how big or small you are ….. or how weak or strong you are. It doesn’t matter how much you know ….. or what you’ve done in the past. The strength ….. wisdom and ability is all in the Rock! Jesus Christ is our Rock! He never fails ….. is always faithful ….. always present ….. always merciful. And He is always bigger than any problem you are going through. Don’t be tempted to fly away and find some other source of comfort. Hold fast to the Rock of Ages! He will never let you down!

Sue’s Views 

Life gives us plenty of opportunities to be anxious. How do we stay in peace through such times? The Bible gives us a wonderful step by step recipe. Philippians 4: 6-8 says ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.  Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.’ Have a blessed and peace filled Monday everyone!

Sue’s Views

Back home ….. and thankfully it’s nice and warm! I don’t think ….. no matter how many times I fly ….. I’ll ever lose that sense of relief when the plane touches down and finally comes to a halt! We are just so grateful to have been able to make this trip to Fiji ….. for the many reconnections with awesome people ….. for the precious memories relived ….. for Gods provision and protection ….. but most of all for having greater understanding of what God is doing. I see life as a great big jigsaw puzzle. After each new experience ….. a few more pieces are put into place ….. and the picture becomes clearer.

Sue’s Views

Today is our last day in Suva ….. and time to say our goodbyes to everyone here. It seems that life is filled with ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’! One thing I do know ….. is that one day ….. there will be no more ‘goodbyes’! Jesus is going to break through those clouds and take us to be with Him forever! What a reunion that will be!

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

Sue’s Views

One of the things I love about Fiji is the fresh, abundant and delicious fruits! The pawpaws ….. bananas ….. fresh from the tree and onto the table! I was looking at the third picture and wondering what kind of fruit is this? Then one of the ‘fruits’ flew away! Then I realized they were fruit bats ….. relaxing after a busy night’s work! Today is a public holiday ….. commemorating Ratu Sukuna who was known as the national father of the modern Fiji. There will be much festivity today as the previous government called a halt to it in 2010. It has now been reinstated!

Sue’s Views

I had a moment of déjà vu yesterday! Two of our nephews came walking up the drive after playing B ball with the neighbours’ kids. They are the new generation of the Le Hunte St Gang! Our boys were the originals ….. and played with the dad’s of the neighbours’ kids! One of the nephews gave me a tour of the house we used to live in. His room is where Jase & Tim used to sleep!  So many memories!