Lynda's Blog

  I saw Him. Staggering down the street The rough timber of the cross Dragging against his whipped, beaten and bloody skin Embedding its splinters in pain upon pain. Anguished obedience Shadowed by weeping and wailing.   I saw Him. Nails pounded through hands and feet And deep into my heart. Bloodied bruised tatters and a crown of thorns The King of the Jews in the company of thieves. Anguished oppression … And inconceivable forgiveness.   I saw Him. Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani Parched lips, agonising torture, thirst. It is finished, He breaths His last. Despairing, I fall to my knees … I thirst Anguished confession Jesus I believe. And with amazing grace He saw me.

  We have spent the last week and a half stripping wallpaper. In that time we have completed our living room, study, dining room and kitchen. It was hard work and I am looking forward to a day off today, especially as my husband has been out of action for the last few days after hand surgery. My brother is bringing around sandpaper so we can start sanding the walls but I am hoping not today. As I reflected on the hard work we have completed over this time, it occurred to me that it is a little like stripping away all those unhelpful and sinful habits—now that is hard work! As I work with the Holy Spirit to strip away the old to make way for the new, I require constant ‘sanding’ to smooth out the rough places. Just as our living areas will be transformed with new paint and wallpaper, my life is transformed by God’s mercy and the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2) and I am being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). But it takes time and praise God, He is patient as He ...

  I was shopping yesterday and was pondering on the ‘target audience’ of the supermarket. I go to this supermarket as it has the best prices and I have shopped there for years. Indeed, when I retired I shopped around and found it still has the overall best bottom line for my weekly shop! However, the deli no longer serves salads or meats where you can choose the best size for you. Now they are sold in huge family packs! The fresh fish is also in packs rather than being able to select one fillet the size you require. They also often have great deals on the larger sizes of items such as soap powder, packs of soap and breakfast cereals. However, even though they may work out cheaper they are still beyond my budgeted amount for the item plus would take up too much room in the cupboards. I wonder with amusement how long it would take for us to get through them. I also wonder if the older demographic is simply not seen as important enough to cater to or are simply ‘unseen’. I guess t...

 I have started preparing for the renovations! I have packed up almost everything except the furniture, in our lounge. So pictures on the wall? Gone. Knick knacks on top of the rimu chest, mantle-pieces, hearth, piano and china cabinet? Gone. Albums out of the small cabinet and all two hundred books out of the floor to ceiling bookcase? Gone. Just the china cabinet in the lounge to do. I brought more cardboard cartons home and plan to do it in the next day or so.   Then I move on to the dining room. Last of all, I will have to empty all the cupboards in the kitchen. I am not looking forward to that!   So I have firmly told my husband and brother that we start to strip wallpaper NEXT WEEK. They are so far compliant but we will see what happens when the time comes.   I am looking at my diary and wondering how I will get everything done while packing up and stripping wallpaper. I have the household chores which will continue as washing and ironing still need...