On the way…

Sue’s Views

I love the way seasons flow into one another. We are in the middle of winter ….. and yet there are still autumn leaves on the ground ….. and signs of spring everywhere. The season you are in right now may be harsh and barren. Maybe you are plagued with unpleasant memories and regrets from another season. Or maybe you have longings for a past season that is no longer. Well I’m here to remind you that a new season is coming ….. one that will be full of new challenges ….. but also opportunities to move forward. Take the steps you need to take to settle the past ….. so you can move on.

Sue’s Views

It’s school holidays and we had a lovely outing yesterday to Kelly Tarltons. We found Nemo ….. Dory ….. Bruce ….. and the Happy Feet gang! Mavy and Asaph got swallowed by a very big fish …..  but they survived! My favourites were the penguins. The boys were worried that they would be cold ….. but we explained that God made them for a cold environment. So many different creatures ….. all uniquely designed. What an amazing display of God’s creation! 

Sue’s Views

Yes! It has been one year since we moved into our new home! Much has taken place since then. It looks much more ‘lived in’ now ….. with pictures on the walls ….. fences up and gardens in ….. and everything in its place. But the best memories of the past year have been the people who have visited ….. meals around the table ….. family get togethers ….. and new friends made. Thanks to all who have helped make it go from being a house to a home! And we’re loving it!

Sue’s Views

Opportunity often comes in disguise. It may take the form of a closed door ….. a disappointment ….. a negative report. These situations can either cause us to give up ….. or to dig deeper in order to find another way. The big picture usually becomes clearer only on reflection. We discover that the ‘plan B’ ….. though inconvenient at the time ….. was actually much better.

Sue’s Views

Is there someone you would rather not face? Someone who has hurt you ….. or is it someone you have mistreated and feel ashamed? Two of the main pillars of the Gospel are forgiveness and repentance. We all need to forgive those who have wronged us. It sets us free and allows God to deal with the perpetrator. And we all need to acknowledge our own wrongdoing to others. Don’t let pride stand in your way! Humility will open the door for the relationship to be reconciled. ‘I’m sorry!’ ….. and ‘I forgive you’ ….. are two phrases to keep at the front of our minds.

Sue’s Views

These trees may look lifeless and not very attractive ….. but you wait a few more months and you’ll be amazed by their abundant life and beauty! There are seasons in life when we feel dry ….. when not much seems to be happening. But so much is happening on the inside! In fact ….. you could say this is the most fruitful season. It’s when the fruit is being produced. You can’t see it yet ….. but it’s coming!

Sue’s Views

Communication is becoming a lost art. Texting ….. Messaging ….. Snapchatting ….. are convenient for some things. Sometimes a ‘yup’ or a ‘K’ is enough. But true communication still requires face to face time. It’s not only our words that express our thoughts and feelings. It’s also our tone and our facial expressions. It’s about listening and being heard. It’s not easy in our fast paced lifestyle ….. but it’s essential to healthy relationships. Who are you going to practice on this week?

Sue’s Views

When everything you hoped for is stripped away ….. there are two ways you can look at it. 1. It’s over ….. 2. It’s a new beginning. It may be the end of a chapter but it’s not the end of the story. The oak tree looses its foliage in order to reproduce. It may look like it’s over ….. but it is teeming with new life and opportunity. So are you!

Sue’s Views

Well ….. half the year has passed! How is yours going? Before we allow the second half to carry us away ….. it might be a good time to pause and revisit those goals we set at the beginning of the year. You know ….. all those things we vowed we would do better ….. or stop doing! Don’t feel condemned! God is a God of new beginnings. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking ” I’ve messed up so I may as well give up!” No way! Acknowledge where you’re at and start afresh. The game is won or lost in the second half!

Sue’s Views

Love is in the air! Love is not always about the feelings! Often ….. it’s looking up to heaven and wondering ‘who is this person beside me?’ ….. while that person beside you has no idea what you’re thinking. But ….. it’s about sticking together in the good times …..  and the not so good. It’s about agreeing to disagree at times. It’s about having each other’s back ….. and balancing each other out. That’s true love!