On the way…

Sue’s Views

If you’re anything like me ….. you love starting new projects ….. whether it’s a craft ….. an exercise regime ….. a healthy eating plan ….. but a couple of weeks into it ….. the novelty wears off and it loses it’s appeal. I’m so glad Jesus didn’t feel that way about me! If He hadn’t completed what He set out to do ….. where would that leave me ….. and you? That’s enough inspiration to see things through to the end! Let’s be good finishers!

Sue’s Views

Shame is one of the most debilitating emotions because it makes you feel hopeless. Shame doesn’t only accuse you for what you did ….. but also for who you are. It may help to know that Jesus took all our shame as well as our guilt to the cross. He hung there ….. naked and helpless ….. while passers by ridiculed him. And He did it so that you and I would be freed from shame. If you feel like you’re at rock bottom ….. look up to the One who paid the price to lift you up to where He is now seated.

Sue’s Views

These 2 photos were taken only 2 weeks apart ….. and yet the difference is amazing! Change is something that is not always evident as it happens. It’s not until we look back that we see the difference. Sometimes we may feel like nothing is happening. We still make the same mistakes ….. still fail in the same areas ….. still let ourselves ….. and others down. But if we are open and willing to change ….. others will see the evidence. In the trees ….. the change happens on the inside as a result of the climate. In us ….. the change happens on the inside as we allow God’s presence to surround us and His Word to feed us. Here’s to the new ‘us’ we are becoming! 

Sue’s Views

Are you wondering what your purpose is ….. or why you are here? God rarely gives us the whole picture ….. knowing His will is usually more about discovery! He shows us the first few steps ….. and then reveals the next part of the journey. The thing is ….. if you don’t take those first steps ….. you may never find the treasures He has stored up for you!

Sue’s Views

How are you holding up? This tree looks fine from the side where most people walk by. It seems stable and strong. But from the other side …..  we can see it is crumbling under the pressure. Many of us are like that tree. We show a side to others that appears we have it all together ….. while we are actually not doing so well. The challenges of the last few years have affected us all. Some have gone through a storm that was sudden and fierce. But for most ….. it has been a slow process of erosion. One thing after another with little time to process in between. We keep going because we have to …..but the weight we are carrying makes us tired. If you relate ….. know that you are not alone. Sharing your burdens with a friend or someone you can trust is a big part of your recovery. But talking to Jesus is the best medicine. He understands more than anyone. He doesn’t promise to take the trials away ….. but to help us overcome them.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Sue’s Views

What is true beauty? Is it a flawless complexion ….. a ‘perfect’ figure ….. or a ‘just stepped out of the salon’ hairdo? These are nice but temporary. To me ….. true beauty bears the scars of life with dignity. It’s a confident ‘knowing’ that you don’t have to measure up to some magazine image. It’s allowing life’s lessons to shine through your eyes ….. and communicate through your smile that beauty is something that’s developed through trials and tribulations.

Sue’s Views

Don’t be surprised if the person you are closest to is very different to you. Opposites attract ….. and also balance each other out. It teaches us to put the interests of others before our own ….. and to see things from their perspective. There’s no room for selfishness or pride! It’s so brilliant ….. only God could have thought of it!

Sue’s Views 

Our past experiences make a pathway for our future. They can take us up to new heights of expectation ….. or down to old feelings of failure or shame. Why is it that some who have had an abysmal past become world changers ….. while others repeat the cycle? They make a decision whilst at the crossroads. They see clearly the two choices laid out before them and they choose the higher road. They see their God given potential and don’t want to waste it. They realise that ….. with His help ….. nothing is impossible!

Sue’s Views

I hope all the Mums out there had a blessed day yesterday. Being a Mum is my greatest achievement so far! I don’t have enough words to say how thankful I am for these guys. I can honestly say the world is a better place for having them in it!  I can also say they are my best friends as well! There’s nothing better than having a conversation with my adult kids! They are all sold out for Jesus and living for Him every day. In fact it was an effort to get this photo because they were all busy serving but thanks guys for being willing to have a photo with Mum! You made my day special!

Sue’s Views

No matter what stage you are at in life ….. you have an important part to play. The sunflower is a great illustration. We all love the beauty and freshness of the young bright yellow flowers! They bring joy and vitality just being around them. But their most productive season is when they age! They don’t look so good ….. and they can no longer lift their heads to the sun ….. but this is the time they have the most to give. This is when they are harvested for their seeds and oil which live on to be used for many other products. The glorious seeds of lessons learned from experience and time can be of benefit when shared with others. You may not have the energy you once had ….. but the treasures within you are priceless!