Expectations v Reality

Sue’s Views
Well it’s officially the first day of summer ….. but it’s not looking very summery where I am! Heavy rain and howling wind. But I learned a long time ago not to allow the weather to change my outlook. So often ….. our expectations are very different to our reality. Does that mean we should lower our expectations so we won’t be disappointed? Sometimes our expectations are unreal. We don’t live in an ideal world. Sin has corrupted it. I believe the answer lies in how we look at our reality. Instead of comparing it to our ideal expectations ….. we should be thankful for the positives. Despite the wind and rain ….. I still have a roof and no leaks! Others may not be as fortunate.  When we put our hope in God ….. we will never be disappointed!
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:5

Lessons From Bees

Sue’s Views
Here are a few things to learn about bees. All worker bees are female! A bee produces about one teaspoon of honey in her lifetime. To produce a kilogram of honey, bees fly the equivalent of three times around the world in air miles The type of flower the bees take their nectar from determines the honey’s flavour. Bees don’t want to sting you because they die. So ladies ….. if you think you have it tough ….. spare a thought for the bee as you spread honey on your toast! But seriously ….. your hard work does not go unnoticed. You definitely make the world a sweeter place!

Bad News!

Sue’s Views
“Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
This was written 2000 years ago ….. and yet it could be today’s headlines! It defines what life is like without God at the centre! We are all basically self centered ….. but left to ourselves ….. we are on a slippery slope. I know that without Him ….. I would fit right into that list. I need Him every minute of every day. And so do you! ❤️

Peace Not Pressure!

Sue’s Views
As the end of the year fast approaches ….. the pressure is on! But we don’t have to be driven by it. It’s amazing how one day in the year has everyone running around like frantic chooks ….. spending money they don’t have. It’s called the ‘silly season’ for a reason! And it’s all designed to distract us from the Prince of Peace! Let’s choose to put Him first.

Contentment

Sue’s Views
Are you content? Most of us know that ‘things’ don’t make us happy …… but true contentment can only come when we know we are loved. God’s unconditional love casts out all fear ….. satisfies our deepest needs ….. and determines our identity and value. What more do we need? Sit awhile with Him today ….. and let Him tell you how much He loves you!

Good V Evil

Sue’s Views
Most good movies have a good v evil theme! We all love it when ….. after scenes of destruction and seeming defeat ….. the goodies come through to victory in the last scene! Our world is going through its most vicious conflict so far ….. but are you aware of the spiritual battle that is behind it all? Some of the devils most effective weapons are deceit ….. and manipulation. He pits one against another. Husband against wife ….. sibling against sibling ….. race against race ….. nation against nation ….. when he is the enemy all the time. This will also end well ….. but make sure you are on the winning team!

Goodbyes and Happy Birthdays!

Sue’s Views
Mixed emotions today! Our nephew is leaving us for home in Perth after a brief but fulfilling few days. Family time is precious when you live so far apart ….. and we have valued every moment. Till next time Keon! Love you heaps! On a brighter note ….. it’s Asaph 1st birthday! Where did that year go? After a rocky start in life ….. he is such a happy little chappie and brings us so much joy! He is named after a worship leader who wrote several of the Psalms in the Bible. I wonder what God has for him! Happy Birthday precious one!

Good Morning Lord!

Sue’s Views
How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? Is it ‘Good morning Lord!’ …… or is it ‘O Lord! It’s morning!’ For some ….. a new day is a new opportunity. For others ….. it means another day of facing the same old challenges. The Bible assures us that God’s mercies are new every morning. Each new day offers a fresh perspective ….. and new hope. Expect Him to show you a new way ….. a greater understanding ….. and a closer walk with Him. God paints a different ‘skyscape’ every morning! He only has to speak and new things are created. Ask Him to speak some new things into your life! Have a blessed day everyone!

is Something Missing?

Sue’s Views
However insignificant you are feeling ….. however inadequate ….. however alone ….. the God of the Universe sees you ….. enables you ….. and walks beside you every moment of every day. He has protected you from dangers and disasters you didn’t even know about. He longs for you to know Him and talk to Him. You were made for a relationship with Him. That’s what’s missing. Call upon His Name today ….. He is waiting!

Cloudy Days

Sue’s Views
I don’t know about you but I seem to feel better when the sun is shining! Everything looks more vibrant ….. and I feel more energetic. Our moods ….. like the weather ….. are apt to change. Negative thoughts are like clouds. They block the sunlight from coming in and make our outlook gloomier. The more we focus on them ….. the darker it gets like gathering clouds on a rainy day. But ….. like those clouds ….. those thoughts are temporary. Behind the dark clouds is a blue sky and a shining sun. They don’t come and go ….. they are always there! So next time you feel depressed or anxious ….. look beyond the negative thoughts to the One who is always there and always the same. Let His truth and assurance shine through!