Lynda's Blog

  I wonder if you are like me, and tend to grumble and complain without thinking? I might get up in the morning, open the curtains, and say, “Oh raining again! When will this rain stop, I’m fed up with it.” Or I might see sunshine and instead of rejoicing moan to God that I am sick of being stiff and in pain first thing in the morning. Scripture tells us in Philippians 2:14 and 15 that we should do everything without grumbling and complaining. Having the right attitude not only provides a witness to non-Christians but enables the development of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. I am collaborating with the Holy Spirit to change my attitude. I have so much to be thankful for, and listing some of these things does indeed change my outlook. So, I am attempting to be glad for the rain in the morning, focus on other things than how I feel and as the saying goes, ‘foster an attitude of gratitude’. God is good. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I encourage you all to have...

  It became apparent that we needed to do something about the rust on our corrugated iron roof. So, we had a couple of companies come to have a look at it and give quotes. It turned out our house roof needed repairs to the ridge-cap, rust removed and various rust proofing, mildew and moss cleaning, and painting. Our garage roof needed replacing. The quote we accepted was dearer than the other, but they also did a great deal more to future proof our house roof. In fact, even though it is fifty years old they guaranteed at least another ten to fifteen years, so it seemed worth the extra cost. Then came the frustrating part. They put us in a queue, but due to inclement weather, jobs were having to wait longer. Finally, they came and repaired the house roof. I quickly phoned the insurance company and arranged the extra cover (at a horrendous cost), that we needed while the work was being completed. However, they did not come back next day for the garage! The painter arrived and start...

  Over the years, I have read the Bible through many times, the New Testament more than the old. I have read a chapter, or number of chapters each day, trying to see what God requires of me. I have studied certain books of the Bible in a deeper way with a study guide, which has been helpful and given me a better understanding. I attend a Bible study group which has also been helpful. But the Old Testament has never gripped me, and I often skipped over all the information in Leviticus and Numbers especially. This year, I decided to really study the Old Testament. In January I began with Genesis. I let all the questions come. Some days it takes an hour just to study a few verses; other days I might get a chapter or two read. I spend more time finding the background, or the meaning of a verse on reputable websites than the number of verses read. I make notes in my Bible for reference. I am up to Deuteronomy and am finding a new richness in what I am reading. I read Leviticus and Num...

  Already, we have had many severe weather events this year, many of which were throughout the summer. We all know about the devastating effects of climate change and what it is like to experience these. I find it frustrating that so many Governments throughout the world are slow in doing anything about reducing fossil fuel use (the main contributor to climate change) or are even refusing to do anything about it. The people in their countries suffer just as much as those in other countries. That’s my little grumble today. A week ago, we were waiting for a cyclone to pass over our country. Many communities were still reeling from previous flooding. I prayed frequently that God would reduce the severity and keep people safe, particularly for the city my children live in, and my city. We had very strong winds and rain, but nowhere near what we were expecting. There were, of course, some areas that were severely affected by flooding and landslides, with hundreds of people evacuatin...

  I was thinking about boundaries yesterday. I am so glad that God sets boundaries around us at times. I am finding, as I grow older, that I am still trying to do everything I have always done but struggle with energy and strength. I have tried to let go of a couple of less important things but have stressed over the fact that I cannot seem to keep up with everything else, as I simply run out of gas! As I was praying and thinking about this last night, feeling exhausted after having had a busy day, it came to me that I was feeling peaceful about the things I can no longer do. God has set some boundaries around me and given me peace about those things I was struggling to do and feeling so overwhelmed by. They were important to me for various reasons but letting them go has given me freedom. God doesn’t expect us to be superman (or superwoman), He simply wants us to do what he calls and equips us to do, the rest is just icing. It’s not necessary and He has never called us to feel con...

  This morning, I met with a group of eleven ladies from church, at the local Coffee Club, for morning tea. What a sweet time of fellowship followed. We spent the next hour or so catching up on each other’s lives, discussing spiritual matters, and having a laugh. So precious! I followed this with a regular commitment to lunch with two more friends from our church. These times are precious. As an introvert, I love solitude and indeed crave it at times. However, I do enjoy social contact although I can find it exhausting if there is a great deal of chatter. The Bible tells us not to neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25) and indeed encourages it for building up, encouraging others, teaching, and fellowship. Attending church is particularly important in the Christian life, and sweet fellowship outside of the church building is also important. This can be the time we share personal struggle and issues, pray for each other, and discuss Biblical revelation. It is can also be a gre...