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by Graham MolOne thing that you will not find in this age of ubiquitous social media is a lack of opinions. They are everywhere, on news articles, Youtube videos, Facebook posts, comments at the workplace, that lengthy rant when you asked (and regretted asking) what someone thought about an issue. Don't get me wrong, it is good to think about and have an opinion about matters, but what seems to be the case is that "everyone" is now an "expert" on every matter. The deeper issue regarding the multitude of opinions can be seen in how everyone is insistent that their opinion is what matters most. There is an element of pride as people criticise, stating just how they would do things differently, or resort to bullying those who do not share their views. You get a sense of the discontentment people are experiencing as they react to the things of life, very often giving an opinion on things that, if they were honest, they know nothing about. This is not a pleasant way to live.The comments on pride by Charles Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher from the 1800s  are still relevant to the situation we find today as he says:This pride very often leads to haughtiness, domineering ways towards others, and contempt of them, as if they were not as good as we are; and if we see any errors and mistakes in them we conclude that they are very foolish, and that we should act much better if we were in their position. If they act nobly and well, this same pride of ours leads us to pick holes in them, and to detract from their excellence; and if we cannot get up as high as they are, we try to pull them down to our own level. This is a base thing to do, but the proud man is always mean, loftiness of looks and meanness of heart run in a leash like a couple of hounds.In contrast to this we find a simple psalm written by David. In it is a very different philosophy, that is a way of thinking, than we find in the world today.Psalm 1311 My heart is not proud, Lord,    my eyes are not haughty;I do not concern myself with great matters    or things too wonderful for me.2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,    I am like a weaned child with its mother;    like a weaned child I am content.3 Israel, put your hope in the Lordboth now and forevermore.How many of us experience the kind of contentment that David describes in his image of the child with his mother? Rather than trying ever so hard to make our own voices heard on every issue, let us rather listen for God's voice and trust in His unfailing ways. For He is the source of our contentment and hope. Now and forevermore.God BlessGraham 

by Caryl Moll My gift had travelled with us for over 600 kms. It lay on the back seat of our car – a plastic bag filled with all the dry ingredients to make up my special brand of “Bran muffins.” This package was intended for the Chef at our lodge. It was heart-felt and aimed at conveying our appreciation for the opportunity of spending time in the bush.  I’ve made these muffins for many years. They’re easy and my family love them. They’re large, chunky and yummy – ideal to fill the gap in ravenous tummies. They’re high in fibre too, so could pass as ‘healthy’. The package had all the ingredients that Chef needed to make the muffins. I hoped that he could perhaps have some fun too – a diversion from his busy day in the hot kitchen as he worked to serve his guests. He just had to add the wet stuff. Or so I thought… ---xXx--- “Thank you so much,” Chef Jonson smiled. I’d finally met him and he tipped his head in grateful thanks. “Enjoy it,” I beamed. It felt good to do something for someone else. At breakfast the next morning, the dining area looked pristine and tastefully decorated despite us being only one of two couples. The setting was exquisite. The lake around the lodge teamed with birds and game. A group of Egyptian geese squabbled loudly while a cool breeze fluttered the table cloths. Vases of wild flowers were placed elegantly amongst the tables. We sat down and waited for the other guests to arrive. The lodge was practically empty. Paradise! Chef Jonson came over to greet us. I noticed his pride as he took time to explain the menu. Then he smiled secretively and left briskly to the kitchen. He was soon back at our table – this time clutching a small, steaming basket. I recognised the aroma immediately. “My muffins?” I gasped. He nodded and smiled widely. “Made especially for you. I hope you like them.” Les and I looked at each other with surprise as Chef placed the basket in front of us. “But I meant them for you..?” I countered.  But Chef continued to smile. I gently peeled back the covers of the basket to peep inside. The aroma was all too familiar. It reminded me of home – practically bringing my family along into the lodge with us. Chef Jonson watched our reactions with keen interest. My muffins had never looked so good. Nor had they smelled so delicious. Somehow Chef had waved his magic spoon and produced something totally different. These muffins were small, delicate, perfectly risen and uniform in shape – quite unlike my own chunky efforts at home. “Wow!” I exclaimed. “These are amazing. Thank you so, so much. They look absolutely incredible!” “You are most welcome!” Chef continued to smile and then he made a quick, humble bow in front of me. We were being treated royally although there was no divide…

by Luke KincaidLast night Cammie and I sat in amazement as we watched a storm approaching from way in the distance. The lightning show on display was incredible and one which words cannot do any real justice. What we witnessed before our eyes put any form of entertainment to shame. This morning, while reading up on scripture references about lightning, I came across the following passage from Psalm 135:5-7: 5 For I know that the LORD is great;our Lord is greater than all gods.6 The LORD does whatever He pleasesin heaven and on earth,in the seas and all the depths.7 He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth.He makes lightning for the rainand brings the wind from His storehouses.I love this reminder that God is the greatest being in the universe and that His creation is subject to Him. So it's a short blog today. If you can, try and spend some time outside with God in "His office" as my brother likes to say and allow it to reveal just how majestic He truly is. Much love,Luke