Settled Into Love

Kia Ora Friends,

I hope you are well and managing the lockdown drill. Thank you to our friends in Auckland who are doing this tough. We are thinking of you! This is a little ‘booster post’ as I have been writing more these days.

News

This post is also to let you know that Embody Hope is changing it’s name from today to Reviving Hope.

The website address for Reviving Hope is now http://www.revivinghope.life

The name and site address will change, but the logo will be the same. I’m pleased about the change as I feel Reviving Hope reflects of what this site is about; finding hope for life and a practical recovery, starting small and experiencing the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. I hope you like the name too.

Settled Into Love

A few weeks before lockdown we went for a drive around Banks Peninsula, further than our wheels had taken us before. It was an adventure for these townies. The photo above is from our trip.

Our season of staying home is a journey inward for many. It is also a massive juggling act for parents working at home with kids. In our house it’s a combination of teaching and learning online, sibling sucesses and bomb outs! My week’s highlights included a Nerf war, making candy, and connecting with whānau online. I found satisfaction in pruning our big nectarine tree – at times imagining myself on an ACC ad as I consider my foot placings! The ad works. The low-lights would mostly all be related to the fallout of kids having too much screen time, whilst being compassionate about keeping them connected to friends. And then there’s just plain eating too much. I’m back to utilising the garage for treat foods. The weather is still cold enough to deter us house rats from visiting the garage at night.

A calling

I was asked the question on a zoom call recently, “What do you feel God is saying or calling you to in this time?” I’ll share a couple of things I feel God moving me towards.

Firstly I am drawn to those who I know found the last lockdown hard. I feel to keep these family and friends in heart, mind and phone. I am thankful for having time make a short phone call, or simply text. Sometimes I walk and talk on the phone with a friend while we both out getting exercise.

Secondly I feel that this is a time to shake off the fear that so easily freezes or seizes our peace and joy. These two are gifts from God. I try to keep a healthy distance between the media releases and this sensitive soul. I know that too much brings on a sense of alert and worry. It also squelches creativity. Most of the time I feel settled into love. There are times I’ve felt unsettled. I can usually locate what I need to change. I know I need to come back to a place of sheltering under God’s wings and settle back into God’s love that casts out fear. I have been blessed to be able to find purpose in writing, creating my stamp on this time. Moving in your talents and abilities can help displace fear too.

Reflection

I thought I’d ask you a couple of questions to ponder:

What do you feel called to in this season? It may be to survive and pray for grace on the go! Or maybe something else?

Is there something you feel God speaking to you about? It may be something practical like taking care of your health and well-being. Or perhaps to rest in his love?

On another note, it was lovely receiving feedback on my last post about appreciating small flowers. Thank you to those who got in touch. I thought you might like this small bunch of violets from my neigbour. I have violets that are out now, but had never thought of picking them.

Sunday Services

If you would like to have a look at a church service online you can find Grace Vineyard’s Sunday services and kids videos here. The services are also on Shine TV 12pm-1pm every Sunday. I can vouch for the kids programmes being humorous and uplifting.

I pray that you would know God’s grace and peace in this time,

Bronnie