How do you solve a problem like Corona?

So if you didn't catch it, that's supposed to be sung to the melody from, "How do you solve a problem like Maria", from the sound of music, and I think Ive seen a group already do that.  

Well, this is the question that has gone through all our minds over and over since this thing started and now is seemingly being blown out of proportion.  When it all started in China, I listened with half an ear not really that interested thinking this was just another bird flu, swine flu, SARS thing that would blow in and out without too much fuss. 

When it his SA and they announced the lock down I was all for it, sounded like a solid plan.  I was even somewhat excited at the prospect, that for the first time in my life, I was going to actually be able to productively work from home and spend some very good quality time with my fur babies.  It's at times like these that I miss my Honey-Bear, but life must move on right and Topaz has joined my family to fill his place in the space but never my heart.  Ginger is supposed to be in his senior years, but boy does this cat keep me busy.  Topaz is her darling boisterous self. The time I have had with them has been special and precious!

SA wasn't ready and in many ways still isn't for dealing with this.  Many companies scrambled to enable work from home setup's and some companies due to the nature of their service, have just collapsed because they are not allowed to trade, something which I deeply disagree with.  

The changes necessary both internally and externally have been overwhelming.  Some things are easily resolved, a good shopping app can get me most of my needs but it cannot give me a hug or let me know that someone cares and understands. 

Despite everything, one thing I know is that God is not overwhelmed by what we are going through.  He knows exactly what we need and how to bring those things too pass.  Many thought the church would flownder under the pressure of not being able to have services but in many ways this has brought church right into our homes and the heart of our lives.  

If you have been struggling to adapt to what life is throwing at you, then pray and ask God for wisdom.  He has the power and abiltiy to turn every disaster into a miracle.  Stand firm in Him and believe, God has got a plan for every one of our lives and this virus is not going to stop God's plans, purposes or pursuits for you

COVID Who?

I have asked myself a thousand times why I have not been writing feverously since the start of this COVID-19 pandemic, after all this stuff is fodder for writers.  There are so many stories to tell and angles to cover.  The truth is that I have been overwhelmed by it all.  We have never experienced anything like this and it all seems like a crazy movie. 

I don't think I can begin to describe all the emotions.  Gobsmacked, stunned, bewildered, delighted about working from home, confused, frustrated, angry, heartbroken, sad, happy, annoyed, challenged......I could go on for quite a while.  

The myriad of beliefs, conspiracy theories, contradictory news reports, figures that don't add up, it all just doesn't make sense.  I think I've about had enough and I know I'm not the only one.  

Over the next few weeks I will try to unravel all the inner mysteries of the work that I see God doing through the midst of it all.  When all is said and done though, one thing is true....... God truly is working in the midst of all of this, but for the time being, we just can't see it yet.  

God made us many promises in His Word, and one promise I hold dear and cling too with all my strength right now is this:  He works all things together for good for those who LOVE the Lord and are called according to His purposes. 

Love Him, Hold onto Him and He will get you through this!  

Reno-gard-nio here we go

After a couple of weekends of rain, a bright and clear Saturday finally arrived.  The gardeners make quick work of clearing the site to be paved and laid it all out quite neatly.  The Jojo has now been moved into position and I can now make plans to have it connected. 

To my frustration though on the same day, my sleeper couch decided to give way and it's legs are finished. So time to look for something else.  

Well that brings me back to the garden.  If there is one thing I have learned from gardening, it is that life if fluid and changes constantly.  My garden has been through many evolutions now and some plants have stayed the course and grown with it , while others have been constantly changed or replaced. 

Embracing an ever changing landscape of life is the key to survival.  Spiritually we must be ready to embrace change as well. What worked for your spiritual walk a year ago may not work now.  You will need to constantly reevaluate your circumstances and adapt your habits to make your spiritual walk stronger. 

I encourage you today to accept life's ever changing landscape and reap the rewards of a renewed relationship with God. 

Time to clear its throat

Autumn is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year.  We had some rains over the weekend, but yesterday it rained almost non-stop.

So I decided that to celebrate the cooling weather it would be fun to crank up the fireplace and enjoy some warmth at home for the evening.  

Fire is my favorite earth element and watching the flames in action is just magical.  If you get the setup of a fireplace right the flames get going quickly.  Fires reduce the materials it burns to nothing but ash. 

The Bible talks about the Fire of the Holy Spirit working in us to burn away all impurities.  It separates the rock from the gold ore to produce pure gold. This is talking about producing goldly character in our lives.  This means that the character building process can be painful but that it produces qualities of great value in the end, one's that will earn us respect.  

Embracing these firy times is important in our spiritual growth, so I encourage you to let the Holy Spirit continue the great work He has begun in you. 

Just forget the world

"If I lay here, if I just lay here, will you lie with me and just forget the world." - Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

This week has been tough and on Tuesday night my body was just aching. I decided it was time for a long soak in the bath.  Once done and and with the body aches gone I was able to drift off to sleep peacefully. 

Sometimes when life is tough and demands are high we have to learn to take a step back, relax and just forget the world.  

Spiritually speaking this is possible too.  By taking time to soak in the presence of God and worship Him and let go of all our troubles, we are able to find peace and solace. 

We need to remember the words of Jesus when He said, "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." 

Trust your Prince if Peace to give you rest today. 

Reno-gard-nio

The last municipal water cut we had was so frustrating that I asked myself, "why suffer when you have the means to fix things so that you don't have to struggle to survive these difficulties" .  I bought a Jojo tank to solve the problem, but it isn't going to be a quick fix. 

The area where I plan to put it currently houses my herb garden and after much honesty and introspection I concluded that my energy for gardening isn't what it once was and I need to make changes to make the garden less hassle to work with. 

Hence it has been decided that a garden renovation is now required. At the same time as making space for the Jojo, I'll also make way for a garden shed to come when the time is right.

I have heard many sermons on prosperity, but the one definition that rings most true is that true Godly prosperity is the ability to meet any given NEED at any given time. 

With that in mind I'll plan carefully, keep what's needed and then make space for more important needs to be met. 

Thanks for the mess

There are times in life when you just have to say, "Thank you for the mess Lord!". Certain storms hit our lives and before we wipe our eyes out they have rearranged the furniture and we wonder what happened, only to realize as time goes by that the storm was a gift from God.

When the dust settles we see the reason for it all and we can be grateful.  God in His mercy will sometimes allow small disasters in our lives to protect us from bigger disasters down the road.  It is these acts of mercy and grace that baffle the mind and often leave us confused.

It is however a Devine act of trust on our part that will take us from a storm to a victory.  When we learn to surrender and learn to trust His timing, His saying No, His authority in our lives to do as he pleases, that we will one day see the reason for it all.... And it is usually good!

Learn to go with the flow with whatever God is doing in your life, surrender to Him, trust Him, love Him with all your heart and you will see the desires of your heart fulfilled.