Tired

After a slightly frustrating day at work I realized that I really felt tired. Not just a little - a lot!
I suppose an early night is called for....Z
                                                            Z
                                                              Z

Kingdom living

Dion spoke on Kingdom living today.
It sounds much easier than it actually is to do.
It is the only worthwhile way of life though.
Allowing the Holy Spirit lead and His grace to enable.
One of the most challenging requirements of living in His Kingdom is:
Love your enemies!

What a day!

It began with an emotional trip around my friend, Lisa's garden. They are moving to Canada and need to clear their house. Most of the goods were FAR too cheap. I found some lovely items and felt a bit guilty paying so little for them - I will cherish them.


The afternoon was spent at my brother's. We celebrated my dad's 81st birthday. We had lovely weather and a great time was has had by all. The boys even ventured onto the step of the swimming pool. At 13C I'm not sure if they were acting stupid or brave?

In His hands...

                                           My dad's fingers next to Jorja-lee's

How huge God's hands must be!
May I leave certain things in His capable and loving hands
 and 
NOT try and snatch them back again!

Obedience is better than sacrifice

Last night truly is an example of "Obedience is better than sacrifice".
I could have stayed home, watched "Masterchef Australia's" final and gone to bed early...


INSTEAD I went through to our local Provincial hospital with some friends.
We casually visit folk and try to encourage them, introduce them to Jesus and pray for their healing.
God is good and He answered our prayers!


My friend Gill, an avid "Masterchef Australia" fan filled me in on all the action so I win on all counts!

God is GREAT!

Went hospital visiting tonight.
Shared with 4 ladies.
2 salvations and the 2 who are already believers were encouraged - but how!
I SO enjoyed this time!!

To God be the glory!

They worked!

Today I had to redo some titrations which I haven't done in a while and they checked - Thank Goodness!
They really are touchy things so I am SO grateful I don't have to redo them. I am also glad that I only have another 3 - 4 months of  lab work. I sure won't miss it!!!

It is well with my soul..

With all the changes happening around me I'm a little surprised that I haven't freaked out.
I suppose God's grace is working again.


I am still trusting Him to direct and lead me into something totally different. I cannot wait for the day when I finally realize what that is!

                                                      My neice, Jorja-lee at complete peace

Spring day!

What a day for spoiling. Beautiful weather, good company and good food. Beat that!
I went to see my dad who recently turned 81. He is doing really well and we had a lovely visit.
I spent the evening with good friends who will be leaving us soon. We'll enjoy whatever time we have left...
Had a wonderful evening chatting and relaxing together.

                                  
                                                                     My dad and I

                                                                Primulas this morning

What a difference!?

What a difference 1 day can make. 
Yesterday I was having the most irritating and frustrating day!
Today - only hours later - and the sun shines, new blossoms are out , 
my hair is cut and - believe it or not - my car is washed!!!


Thank you LORD for new mercies EACH day!

What goes up must come down!

Lately I've been feeling well and upbeat. Somehow I haven't had enough sleep or something since I was an absolute rat at work today. I saw myself acting obnoxious and rude and childish BUT I could NOT pull myself together. Thank goodness it was eventually home time (for everyone's sake!)


I'll be sure to tuck in on time tonight to avoid a repeat performance..


Sleep is an amazing refresher and mender of minds. 


ZZZZZZ

Waiting....

Today the folk on the plant (at my work) are starting it up again after a shut. 
The quality is NOT up to scratch and - since I have the privilege of being on standby this week - I am expected to listen out for a call at ANY time - day or night. 
Please don't let it be too late as I love my sleep and usually MUST have 8hrs!
Not to mention the FREEZING weather!!


I hate sleeping knowing I could be called. I always wake unrefreshed and irritable.
Anyway.. what can I do?


Good news: It is probably the last standby duty I will ever do!!!!! Yippee!!!
(Our company is closing down in December)

Quote of the week

Every now and again I come across a gem.
I was going through my notes of previous preaches and came across this in one of them:
"Not many of us will have to die for Jesus
BUT we are ALL expected to LIVE for  HIM!
Isn't that the truth!

Spring is on its way!!

What  a beautiful day! (Not only because we came out of work early)
The sky is blue and the sun is shining. It is actually pleasant outside..
There are tiny buds on the Quince tree - which Gill pruned on Tuesday.
Welcome. Welcome Spring!

Not in vain..

Today I came across a website where I can translate documents, books, letters etc and be paid for it.
Awesome.
All those years studying German were not in vain.

Seek!

Seeking is an active thing. 
It requires intent and persistence.
Seeking His will in my life is no different. 
Action is needed. 
Pray, seek and rely on Him.

Focus

It is sometimes difficult to keep focused on what really matters.
Matthew tells us to look to things above but there seems to be so much obscuring the view..
I suppose it is a decision in the end - to stay focused....

Happy Birthday Jonathan!!

Jonathan, my nephew, turns 29 today! I can remember his birth clearly. He was born the day before my class hosted  the Matric Farewell. A group of us were so wrapped up in the preparations. This, however, interrupted them briefly. He was beautiful from the start.


One of my favourite memories of Jonathan involve my "little" brother, Stefan. The two of us often had to take care of Jonathan after school as my sister worked. Jonathan was never the type to rest in the day. Sometimes he wore his care-giver out...

The unexpected..

How often have I heard the words:"Expect the unexpected" lately?
Too many for it to be a coincidence.
I recently found a picture of my two precious nephews - Christopher and Gregory. Gregory had been wielding a toy golf club like a sword and approached his brother as if to hit him over the head. 


To my amazement he did something totally unexpected....

Joy!

"..for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
                                               Neh 8:10

Today I was reminded that "joy" does exist. It was a tedious and long day BUT we all came through it fine.
His joy IS our strength and we must never forget how REAL it is.

Freedom

"It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.."
                                                           Gal 5:1

With freedom comes responsibility. The wrong sense of responsibility can and does hinder freedom when it shouldn't. The key lies in which responsibilities to honour.. Prayer needed for wisdom and discernment in this area.

First day back..

My first day back was extraordinarily quiet. In stark contrast to the normally hectic, pressurized pace we are used to. It was eerie. All our lives thrown into uncertainty. 


Personally, I know it is a kick in the butt to make changes I should have made a while ago. One of the areas I love to procrastinate in. Rather be miserably comfortable than uncomfortably progressing - change can be so hard! It is happening. I'd better get my act together and find out what God's plans are for me.


I guess it wouldn't harm to update the dusty old CV and put it out. Lab positions, I'm afraid , are out. I have had enough of closing the doors to a lab. Ergo was bad. The next few months are not going to be pleasant BUT God knows. I pray for Springs that God will intervene into our economic situation as my company (800 people) and another (also over 100 folk) are closing. More closures to come.This is bound to have a huge impact on our town - once a successful industrial hub.


My big brother agreed that it is probably a good time for a complete change. Coming from him that is big.