Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category

HE TOOK MY PLACE

16/04/2022

HE TOOK MY PLACE

“You’re free to go!”
Shouted the jailer.
For a moment there
I needed an inhaler.
I couldn’t breathe.
Can this be true?
I hear my name
Over and over again.
I’m not going to lie
I’m afraid to die
When I hear shouts
“Crucify! Crucify!”

Don’t you know?
I am Israel’s hero!
I lead a revolution
There is no confusion
Never mind the mistakes
A few men their lives I take
This is the hour
I am Israel’s saviour!
The other two are not so lucky
Only I got set free
They all must love me?

Walking past the prison gates
I catch a glimpse of the bloodied face
The Man who took my place.
Under a crown of thorns
Body bruised and torn
I cannot unsee.
I shiver and stare.

Suddenly
He turns and catches my hardened eyes
“Barabbas,” softly He cries
“Follow me.”

Staying Serene

05/11/2020

Have no anxiety about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,
which passes all understanding,

will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6,7

Overcoming Anxiety

02/11/2020

Taking our mind captive … Intentionally focusing … Initially it might require discipline.
An activity I used to do, and which I periodically return to, is to make a daily list of at least 20 things to be thankful for. It really does help… Check out this message at the 37th minute on the recent Skyline Online Sunday Service.
Today’s thanks then… Freshly picked home-grown mint.

Just a sprig… a few leaves in hot water… makes a welcoming drink any time of the day.

Great way to start and end a day.
A simple post in overcoming anxiety.
Thankful!

Untangling Knots

15/10/2020

It is easy to be tied down with a lot of negativity at this time.
Thoughts can twist everywhere.
Emotions can get snagged down.
Condemnation and hopelessness sets in.
We become immobilised and unable to proceed.
But condemnation is not conviction.
Condemnation is the dastardly enemy’s trademark.
Here is a prayer I have found helpful.

Amen!

Preparing to Paint

28/03/2020

“Do something new” we were encouraged. Well, even before the encouragement to do so, we had prepared to do so. Old folks getting down to some DIY. We have done this kind of thing before, but not at our present house. So when news came about impending restricted movement allowed, we got ready… Lots to do!

Here we are then. Two old(er) folks, going to attempt something we haven’t done in years…!

Some before and after photos in the next post… perhaps!

Lockdown Menu – Homemade Goodies

21/03/2020

Fourteen days of food to have to think about. For some it is just too daunting. They would rather have instant noodles daily… until the ingestion of this menu ends in hospitalisation!Whilst I love noodles, I still prefer variety.

I also enjoy simple meals. One simple one is a slice of home-made bread. I make this weekly. Packed with the goodies I like, like chia seeds, sunflower seeds, orange peel… Healthy stuff!

Then add some home-made mulberry jam… low sugar, perfect consistency, no additives. Always satisfying!

What about you? Any suggestions for menu during lockdown?

Integrity When No One Sees

18/03/2020

The virus has come to my nation, spreading itself speedily. To try and slow down the spread, a fortnight of restricted movement has begun. At the start of these two weeks, I am reminded to live (walk) in the midst of our abodes (within my house) with simplicity, uprightness, integrity, and from the inside out. That our conduct shown in our emotions, passions, is that of courage and boldness (perfect heart)

Start as we mean to continue, and number our days well.

BOLDness in Uncertain Times

15/03/2020

Panic buying. Empty shelves. Rise in racism. Heightened fears. Selfishness and selflessness being displayed. True colours being exhibited. Our hearts are so deceitful, we can fool ourselves.

More bad news than good news… but nothing new about that!

These are the times we live in right now. No place will be spared. It will get worse before it gets better.But it is not all doom and gloom. We have been warned of these increasing and impending calamities, disasters.

Hence this facebook post contains a timely message of hope. But more than that, it realigns perspective. For more, check this site and take courage, be wise, be emboldened.

Strategy for Stiff Shoulders

10/03/2020

When Hubby stood with his back to the wall (literally) he couldn’t raise his arms up. In fact he couldn’t even lift them past 45 degrees. After years of being hunched over a desk, his shoulders and back were THAT tight and stiff.

We started going to a fitness centre a few years ago. This centre, Avakas Fitness is known for strength and conditioning. “Avakas”, in the local language means strength. Their trained coaches will put you through tailor-made, low impact, full body yet targeted workouts. For a minimal fee, each session lasts an hour. The strategic, guided exercises and movements are rarely repeated. Their knowledge of the human body’s anatomy is amazing!

Coach will watch to ensure that you don’t do the exercise wrongly – a straight leg versus a bent knee while working the arms means that a different part of the body is being worked. Often, despite having up to 10 different people working out doing 10 different activities, Coach’s eagle eyes can spot when you are taking a little longer than you should… so we don’t try to cheat (ourselves)!

Oh what improvement we have seen! I have not only grown stronger – I am more flexible. And just take a look at Hubby! He can raise his elbows to shoulder level! 
P.S. It isn’t that bad! He was already done with his workout and doing some stretching when Coach decided to give him a hand.
We look forward to our next session soon…

Unspoken Unexpected

06/05/2019

Only a few knew of my disappointment at that event…
I had worked hard and was looking forward to tucking into a small slice of a special cake. There were many present but I still felt confident of having a taste because there were two decent sized ones. Alas, before the end of the evening, I went over to the table and found that there was not even a crumb left.

Lo and behold, more than a month later, out of the blue, I receive a special delivery, to say thanks for an unrelated matter. It was THAT special cake.

It is such a joy to know to such personal care. Every bite was worth the disappointment and wait. And no, this isn’t such a good photo of it! But I was so eager to tuck into it, I wasnt prepared to take much time on the photo!WhatsApp Image 2019-05-02 at 09.52.49