The dogs next door were going crazy this morning. A most unusual event so I went to check. A fox had somehow gotten into the hen house and killed ALL the chooks! The fox was still trapped inside. It still is as my neighbours await someone with a licence to come dispose of it.

It’s a sad event. Those chooks used to come into my yard and clean up around my garden. Then in the evening go back to their safe place. Unfortunately, their safe place was not so safe for them last night. The fox managed to climb up the door and squeeze in through a crack and then do its worst.

It reminded me that not all places we think are safe actually are. I’m reminded of something I wrote back in 2016 about safe places. Check it out. Do you have a safe place? A place that is safe from the “foxes” of this life?

Check out “Safe Places”

   

Knowing it would happen one day is one thing… for it to actually happen reaches deep into the heart. I well remember when her father died and she became Queen. I was almost 12 years old and in first year high school. We were in the playground when the news came that the King had died and Elizabeth was now Queen. We all experienced a deep grief, with most of us never having had any kind of encounter with death. That day is deeply etched in my memories.

Now, her home-going is also etched in the memories. She was a faithful lover of God, and her trust in Jesus profound. She was such a blessing to me. I’m glad to have lived through her reign. And glad she can now rest with God.

I pray we all may know Jesus too. And, take heart in the hope he gives us… sins forgiven, new life, and a home awaiting us when our time on Earth is done.

   

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. (NLT: Psalm 62:1)

Only in God is there certain victory. Somehow waiting quietly before God is essential. Is this a faith thing in that my faith grows by waiting quietly? I think so. There’s nothing I can do to change my circumstances or the situation in which I find myself.

I wrote the above in 2012 and it is still true for me today. No matter how much I may fret or fume, scheme or plan, victory comes from God alone. So whatever the circumstance, look for God, and wait on him. And, when it’s time to move or do something he will make it clear.

   

I have a lovely little app (called Presently) on my phone which daily in the evening reminds me to consider the things for which I’m grateful in that day. I’m finding this a good way to end the day.
With so much happening in the world which has such a depressing effect on us it is good to look at those things for which we can be grateful. It does lift the spirits!
It may be things such as:
It’s spring and the garden is full of colour, or I had a lovely chat with a friend over Skype today, or my bed is so comfy, or I finally got some good weeding done in the garden.
There is much for which we can be grateful… really the possibilities are endless.
A grateful heart is a healthy heart.
Be blessed today and think of the things for which you are grateful.

   

Since the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be showing no signs of abating, I guess this means our new normal is really just normal now.
How are you affected by it?
In Australia the push to be wearing face masks is growing since it looks as if we’re really moving into a second wave of infections. Too many people have been flouting the health recommendations. Rather sad. In NSW we were doing fairly well until some infected visitors from Victoria came north and have been spreading the virus as they go. Batemans Bay has become a latest casualty which means it spreading in all directions as so many Canberrans visit the Bay frequently.
So, if you’re in the group who feel the need for masking as a protection, why not go as fancy as you like?
Fine Art America has a lot of face masks from which to choose… so, go for it. Click the link below.
Masks at Fine Art America