Passionfruit & Positivity

Autumn Collection

Dear Friends,

I hope you are well, or are steadily recovering if you have been sick. Last month I posted an audio message on being ‘Calmed and Quieted‘ in God’s presence. You may like to go back and listen if you missed it. These are such challenging times. I thought you could do with a drop of ‘passionfruit positivity’ – more on that to come.

Many people are feeling disturbed by the situation in the Ukraine. If you want to find out about something you can do, go to Grace Vineyard to pray and see how Vineyard churches in Eastern Europe are supplying essential goods and care to those in need. There are details for supporting their efforts financially. TEAR Fund is also a great organisation making a difference there. It is helpful to think we can do something that has some effect.

Amidst this chaotic time I have had my dips where I have felt somewhat anxious but then been steadied by God’s reassuring Word, as well as time talking and praying with friends. Being part of a small group is a nice support during the week. For those of us prone to anxiety, we need to guard our peace right now.

I am also longing for the Holy Spirit to be felt by people. He fills us so we know we are loved by God and gives us the power we need to live for Jesus. There is nothing more refreshing than being saved, forgiven and given a new purpose. We all need a strength that is far greater than our own. As the world has darkened the eternal light of Jesus appears only brighter. Feel free to contact with me if you would like to know more about this hope.

“I am the the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”- Jesus

John 8:12

Magnify the Beautiful

These days call for magnifying the beautiful, watching for what God is doing in our lives and in those around us. God’s work in the world and in our lives is not on pause. This past week I told a friend about answered prayers for my family and friends. We then we prayed together giving thanks to God. It was satisfying to pause and consider the goodness of God and so nice to do this with a friend.

Every now and again I take the small things you can grow, eat or drink and feature them in my blog. I garden and take much pleasure in eating something homegrown. Non-alcoholic and caffeine free hot and cold drinks are of interest as they don’t rock the mood. I’m sure you can feel the flow between my garden and mental health! This post I’m going to run with the tendrils of passionfruit.

Passionfruit Positivity

Passionfruit are in season and are one of my favourite fruits. I like scooping them out in their pure state and smelling the shells. I gravitate towards drinks and products with this distinct flavour. For a treat I put a dollop of passionfruit syrup on unsweetened yogurt. Passionfruit are native to the Amazon region in Brazil. They are highly nutritious containing vitamin C, E, iron, magnesium and fibre. I know they are almost a weed up north but down south we pay $30 a kg in season for these purple eggs! ‘Keeping it real’ in the garden, I have to admit the passionfruit at the top was grown by me but was fifty percent of the crop that year. Everyone was present for a great ceremony involved in the fruit gathering and eating. Luckily there are only four of us in the family. We get ‘fruit-tense’ here over small crops.

I’m growing my ‘Black Beauty’ passion fruit mostly for the pretty evergreen vine that grows up and over a window. Getting flowers and the odd fruit is a bonus. I have planted our passionfruit in a big plastic pot in the sun under the eaves of the house. As you can see it’s flower is exquisite. Our Creator is amazing! I’d love to get more fruit but this far south I think it needs to be planted in the ground in a sunny spot with shelter from the frost. I know someone who lives near the beach (less frost) in Christchurch who grows hundreds of passionfruit. Her vine thrives against her garage wall basking in the sunniest position along with shelter from the guttering. Passionfruit plants aren’t expensive – you can have your own for around $10 and put it on a list for spring planting. For more on growing passion fruit in New Zealand go to ‘Tui Growing Guide.

Red Seal’s ‘passionfruit and vanilla’ is my new pick of hot and cold tea. I’ve made it strong in this little pot and once cooled put the whole teapot in the fridge and pour as desired for cold drinks. It’s a hit with friends too. As you can see this box was broken into before photographing. You have to taste before recommending!

Someone should be paying me for this advertisement! This is my favourite kombucha surrounded by the last of summer dahlias and strawflowers. I’ve got into a recent habit of having a ‘cold one’ while making dinner. It’s very sweet tasting but without the sugar.

From zero sugar to total treat. A week ago we discovered the goldmine of gelato and pizza at this store on the main street of Lyttelton. It was a spectacular day and their tangy passion fruit gelato was as good as it looks. The hand model is small in size but the sorbet was still a big single! The pizza was also worth stopping for. The aroma brought us back in after our walk to the wharf.

Telling a child they can have screen time after finishing a job can lead to this… I just had to put this pic in somewhere. I’m not sure how he thought quality control wouldn’t notice!

I’ll leave you with a song below to soak in. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little collection. Please do comment below with anything about passionfruit or what’s inspiring you at this time.

Arohanui,

Bronnie

email: bronnie@revivinghope.life

1. 

   Nice Jean! 😊

2. 

   Yes, I’m asking Him for this ! Jean

3. 

   Hi Sarah, thank you for reaching out with your message. 😊 Yes Anne really was a treasure! God bless you.

4. 

   Thank you for your thoughtful message Karen. God painting people into our lives, is a neat way of thinking about…

5. 

   Kia Ora Jean. Thank you for sharing in your message. It sounds like a big transition you have made coming…