My favoutites

Wow!

Although I enjoyed being spoiled by various folk - two of my gifts stood out!

I knew the first would be good since it was wrapped as a tiny flat parcel. Often these hold jewelry but this one was even BETTER. My little friend Zoe had written me  poem. One too good to keep for myself:

"Every year at Christmas time
There's not a sign of snow,
Instead we spend our Yuletide days
In the sun's warm, cheery glow.


We have the best of Christmas things
The lights, the gifts, the bells
And "snowbirds" who come en masse
To fill our beach hotels.


The glorious weather fits right in
With our happy Christmas mood
And we can also walk and run
Without having to be snow-shooed!


So don't feel bad for your 'location' for
We have no snow or ice,
We think our sunny Christmas here
Is a holiday paradise!"


The second favorite was left for me by my friend, Gill, who is celebrating Christmas with her son and his family in America. It is a HUGE baking book. I think it will take the rest of my life to work through it and discover all its treats. It is amazing!

Thanks to all who made my Christmas so special!(Just because your gift hasn't featured here does NOT mean I don't appreciate it!!)

The true con artist

I've heard that criminals don't look like they are criminals. I experienced this first hand recently.
My boxer, Gideon rushed outside followed closely by his sister, Bella and they made an incredible noise. I figured I'd better check on them.. Somehow Gideon must have passed me on his way back and while I was looking for him outside he had toppled the tin with the reject biscuits in an had begun tucking in. Sneaky is not the word. What could I say - I'd been an idiot thinking anything edible was safe around Gideon!

These feet were made for walking...

.. but enough is enough! 


Friday saw some friends and I walking, climbing and descending hills of the Suikerbosrand reserve. 17km doesn't seem that bad - until you try with the wrong shoes on.
Three quarters of the way my feet began feeling every stone and believe me there were plenty stones everywhere!!


The best bit was when I almost lost my left shoe in a muddy stream. I snatched it just as it was about to disappear in the mud. Can you imagine how I would have coped without it?! Considering this I was oh too grateful to listen to the squishing sound and feel the mud on my socks..


Eventually, we all made it to camp alive. I have never been so glad to drink water in my life!


It wasn't all bad, though. The scenery and the sounds were amazing..

                                                       Heidi - one of the fittest in our group.

Trust

Today I'm trusting that Gill has arrived safely and had a good rest so she can really ENJOY this time with her family!


Such a long trip is testing for anyone but for someone with back issues... it must be bad.


I'm also trusting that my friends can sell their house in order for them to move on in the things God has for them.
I'm a bit baffled since I think the house is lovely. All in God's time I suppose...


I know Gill is trusting me to water her beautiful garden so off  I go.....

Jesus

The best news is that He rose again and is very much ALIVE!

May we individually experience His life, His love and His joy daily!!

All is well..

"The Lord will either
                              
                               calm the storm or

            
                                                                let it rage while He calms you."
                                                                                                                      Anonymous

Change

Since I am about to loose my job really soon I am beginning to feel a twinge of anxiety I never had before.
Yes, I know I wasn't very happy but at least I had a steady income to erase the pile of bills I accumulated each month. I suppose it sometimes takes a "kick up the bum" to get me moving....


I do have an excitement and a sense that God has great things in store for me. 
If only He would tell me - and clearly!


I guess faith is required then He will allow me to catch my breathe and He'll show me in the right direction.

What a wonderful day...!

Our potjie competition turned out to be far more relaxing and pleasurable than I thought.
The sun shon, the wind blew and the guys cooked. 


Good company and delicious food - what more could a person ask for?

The small things in life..

The small things in life make or break. The other day I wrote a short note to a colleague and was amazed at the response I received. She was truly happy and thankful. Such a small thing...such a reward!
Nothing can be too small or insignificant if it is done in love.

One month from now...

In a month's time my friend Gill flies to America! I don't know who is more excited - her or me?!
She so deserves a break and to see her family again.


God is so good to have made this possible!!

Though I walk through the valley of death...

My sister has been going through some things.Things I do not understand. This makes some of her actions seem odd - if not strange.
I am powerless to address anything since I know very little. I do know that our dad loves and cares for her and wishes her only the best. She, I'm afraid does not believe this. What can I say or do?!

I pray that she will be able to open up to someone trustworthy and that she can be bold enough to deal with whatever surfaces so as to come through victorious and free.

Review

At the end of a busy week it is probably a good idea to review how the week went.
Due to a lingering cough and general lack of energy the week felt awfully long.
My dad went into hospital for tests which really didn't help my state.
He seems to be okay but it is concerning that the doctors haven't figured what is wrong - even after all those tests!!


I have decided to take one day at a time since I seriously cannot handle any more at the moment..


I survived the week but I definitely did not see or maximize opportunities  to speak about Him.
What a waste!


I pray I feel 100% and that  can change this trend!

Though the sorrow may last thru the night..

... His joy comes in the morning!


Just as the sun rises each day His mercies and grace are new and sufficient for that day.
Thank You Lord for giving us this life every day.

Bittersweet

Now there is an oxymoron for you - bittersweet. It seems as though everything these days has that bittersweet quality about it..


Take today for example. A beautiful day for a beautiful wedding. The bride looked stunning. The groom suitably nervous and dapper. What a celebration! (sweet)


The (bitter) pill to swallow is that I have never loved in that way and if things carry on like they have -
 I never will.
Maybe some of us are just not meant to get married.


Either way it was a lovely day marred by a short time of self-pity and an embarrassing exit from the church gardens. Everything seemed to overwhelm me. The fact that I haven't been physically well all week didn't help. But - it was more than that. A deep sense of rejection and of being  overlooked grabbed me and I just had to get out of there! I hate it when I loose it since I tend to do a good job of it! Thankfully I took a deep breathe and managed to pull my self together to return and later enjoy the reception.(Thanks to Lauren's coaxing)


They say God knows the right man, time and place. I so wish he would show me even 1 of these mysteries.
If  it is not to be I'd appreciate a clear sign for that too!

God gives life.

We have been receiving so much at the EQUIP time at Cornerstone in Johannesburg.
Each session has delivered incredibly powerful truths and tools so we-the church- can grow and advance His Kingdom. I so loved the worship which brings one to a place of commissioning (calling) where all things seem possible since He is with one and He is very much ALIVE!


One more session and then it is time to put all we have received and gained into practice for His glory!


What an exciting life we have been given!

For Him.

Each day passes faster than the previous one. I seem to be rushing from one event to the next and sometimes feel as though I don't have time to breathe! Even though the functions/ tasks are actually enjoyable - enough is enough. I seriously need to stop this bus and get off...


A good night's sleep should help.


I have just quoted for a short translating job. I should know by Monday if I've made it.
I cannot wait to get my pen into translating..!


I need to figure how to make Evangelism real/ exciting to children by Sunday night = challenge!


I think I might be able to think better in a foamy, hot bath...

Dolce Vitae

What a weekend! 
Last night went to a farewell dinner for our friends who are moving to Canada in a few weeks.
Lovely food and great company made for a lovely evening.
Early this morning we rose to prepare for an outreach into our community  and we were part of the tea and eats stand. It went so well! I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. 
We pray that many encountered Jesus is some way this morning.

God help!?

Today I was asked  for help by a relatively new friend.
I just don't see or know how I can possibly help.
I pray God will give me wisdom and courage to deliver this help.
I need to settle this before it robs me of my own peace of mind.
God knows..

Humility

Today was an example of the necessity to humble oneself at times.
I had made an awful mistake last week due to something I did in a "blonde" moment and there was just no way of getting round it - I was a twit and I let some folk down. So...


Today I realized I needed to apologize and fulfill the task (even if it is a week late)!
I was so relieved at the reaction! It could have been a lot worse.

Thank you Lord that you enable us to do what is right - even if it isn't pleasant.

His mercy is new every morning!

After my hectic, imperfect day yesterday it was wonderful to have a day where almost everything went well.
I suppose a good night's sleep helped... Most of all I believe God heard my desperate prayer this morning and took pity on me.He is good!

My first..

I just finished my first "on-line" interview with a translations company in America.
It was long and difficult but I am hoping to translate documents from German or Afrikaans into English and vice versa soon!


I really do feel quite tired as I battled to sleep last night and then I had a rather hectic day at work.
I did survive (obviously)!

A perfect Saturday.

Today is one I would like to bottle 
and have at hand when things get too hectic.
It is bright but not too hot. 
Full of beauty and pleasant bird sounds.
Relaxation is the order of the day. 
Pure, simple relaxation.
No baking, no major cleaning....
nothing too exerting at all.

The long and the short of it.

Today was meant to be "Shorts day" to welcome in spring.
Turns out I was the only courageous person to wear shorts!?
Fortunately I had a back-up pair of longs since my boss immediately 
pointed out to me that wearing shorts in a chemical lab is totally unsafe...
Everyone had a good laugh though!
Yes , my legs are rather laughable. White and marked - but they do still work amazingly.


I learnt a valuable lesson from this. If acting a little silly is all it takes - the laughter is worth it!!

Tired

After a slightly frustrating day at work I realized that I really felt tired. Not just a little - a lot!
I suppose an early night is called for....Z
                                                            Z
                                                              Z

Kingdom living

Dion spoke on Kingdom living today.
It sounds much easier than it actually is to do.
It is the only worthwhile way of life though.
Allowing the Holy Spirit lead and His grace to enable.
One of the most challenging requirements of living in His Kingdom is:
Love your enemies!

What a day!

It began with an emotional trip around my friend, Lisa's garden. They are moving to Canada and need to clear their house. Most of the goods were FAR too cheap. I found some lovely items and felt a bit guilty paying so little for them - I will cherish them.


The afternoon was spent at my brother's. We celebrated my dad's 81st birthday. We had lovely weather and a great time was has had by all. The boys even ventured onto the step of the swimming pool. At 13C I'm not sure if they were acting stupid or brave?

In His hands...

                                           My dad's fingers next to Jorja-lee's

How huge God's hands must be!
May I leave certain things in His capable and loving hands
 and 
NOT try and snatch them back again!

Obedience is better than sacrifice

Last night truly is an example of "Obedience is better than sacrifice".
I could have stayed home, watched "Masterchef Australia's" final and gone to bed early...


INSTEAD I went through to our local Provincial hospital with some friends.
We casually visit folk and try to encourage them, introduce them to Jesus and pray for their healing.
God is good and He answered our prayers!


My friend Gill, an avid "Masterchef Australia" fan filled me in on all the action so I win on all counts!

God is GREAT!

Went hospital visiting tonight.
Shared with 4 ladies.
2 salvations and the 2 who are already believers were encouraged - but how!
I SO enjoyed this time!!

To God be the glory!

They worked!

Today I had to redo some titrations which I haven't done in a while and they checked - Thank Goodness!
They really are touchy things so I am SO grateful I don't have to redo them. I am also glad that I only have another 3 - 4 months of  lab work. I sure won't miss it!!!

It is well with my soul..

With all the changes happening around me I'm a little surprised that I haven't freaked out.
I suppose God's grace is working again.


I am still trusting Him to direct and lead me into something totally different. I cannot wait for the day when I finally realize what that is!

                                                      My neice, Jorja-lee at complete peace

Spring day!

What a day for spoiling. Beautiful weather, good company and good food. Beat that!
I went to see my dad who recently turned 81. He is doing really well and we had a lovely visit.
I spent the evening with good friends who will be leaving us soon. We'll enjoy whatever time we have left...
Had a wonderful evening chatting and relaxing together.

                                  
                                                                     My dad and I

                                                                Primulas this morning

What a difference!?

What a difference 1 day can make. 
Yesterday I was having the most irritating and frustrating day!
Today - only hours later - and the sun shines, new blossoms are out , 
my hair is cut and - believe it or not - my car is washed!!!


Thank you LORD for new mercies EACH day!

What goes up must come down!

Lately I've been feeling well and upbeat. Somehow I haven't had enough sleep or something since I was an absolute rat at work today. I saw myself acting obnoxious and rude and childish BUT I could NOT pull myself together. Thank goodness it was eventually home time (for everyone's sake!)


I'll be sure to tuck in on time tonight to avoid a repeat performance..


Sleep is an amazing refresher and mender of minds. 


ZZZZZZ

Waiting....

Today the folk on the plant (at my work) are starting it up again after a shut. 
The quality is NOT up to scratch and - since I have the privilege of being on standby this week - I am expected to listen out for a call at ANY time - day or night. 
Please don't let it be too late as I love my sleep and usually MUST have 8hrs!
Not to mention the FREEZING weather!!


I hate sleeping knowing I could be called. I always wake unrefreshed and irritable.
Anyway.. what can I do?


Good news: It is probably the last standby duty I will ever do!!!!! Yippee!!!
(Our company is closing down in December)

Quote of the week

Every now and again I come across a gem.
I was going through my notes of previous preaches and came across this in one of them:
"Not many of us will have to die for Jesus
BUT we are ALL expected to LIVE for  HIM!
Isn't that the truth!

Spring is on its way!!

What  a beautiful day! (Not only because we came out of work early)
The sky is blue and the sun is shining. It is actually pleasant outside..
There are tiny buds on the Quince tree - which Gill pruned on Tuesday.
Welcome. Welcome Spring!

Not in vain..

Today I came across a website where I can translate documents, books, letters etc and be paid for it.
Awesome.
All those years studying German were not in vain.

Seek!

Seeking is an active thing. 
It requires intent and persistence.
Seeking His will in my life is no different. 
Action is needed. 
Pray, seek and rely on Him.

Focus

It is sometimes difficult to keep focused on what really matters.
Matthew tells us to look to things above but there seems to be so much obscuring the view..
I suppose it is a decision in the end - to stay focused....

Happy Birthday Jonathan!!

Jonathan, my nephew, turns 29 today! I can remember his birth clearly. He was born the day before my class hosted  the Matric Farewell. A group of us were so wrapped up in the preparations. This, however, interrupted them briefly. He was beautiful from the start.


One of my favourite memories of Jonathan involve my "little" brother, Stefan. The two of us often had to take care of Jonathan after school as my sister worked. Jonathan was never the type to rest in the day. Sometimes he wore his care-giver out...

The unexpected..

How often have I heard the words:"Expect the unexpected" lately?
Too many for it to be a coincidence.
I recently found a picture of my two precious nephews - Christopher and Gregory. Gregory had been wielding a toy golf club like a sword and approached his brother as if to hit him over the head. 


To my amazement he did something totally unexpected....

Joy!

"..for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
                                               Neh 8:10

Today I was reminded that "joy" does exist. It was a tedious and long day BUT we all came through it fine.
His joy IS our strength and we must never forget how REAL it is.

Freedom

"It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.."
                                                           Gal 5:1

With freedom comes responsibility. The wrong sense of responsibility can and does hinder freedom when it shouldn't. The key lies in which responsibilities to honour.. Prayer needed for wisdom and discernment in this area.

First day back..

My first day back was extraordinarily quiet. In stark contrast to the normally hectic, pressurized pace we are used to. It was eerie. All our lives thrown into uncertainty. 


Personally, I know it is a kick in the butt to make changes I should have made a while ago. One of the areas I love to procrastinate in. Rather be miserably comfortable than uncomfortably progressing - change can be so hard! It is happening. I'd better get my act together and find out what God's plans are for me.


I guess it wouldn't harm to update the dusty old CV and put it out. Lab positions, I'm afraid , are out. I have had enough of closing the doors to a lab. Ergo was bad. The next few months are not going to be pleasant BUT God knows. I pray for Springs that God will intervene into our economic situation as my company (800 people) and another (also over 100 folk) are closing. More closures to come.This is bound to have a huge impact on our town - once a successful industrial hub.


My big brother agreed that it is probably a good time for a complete change. Coming from him that is big.

WOW!

What a wonderful time of worship we had this evening!
God came.All things are possible when God comes.


It's back to work tomorrow.
Temporary as it is I need to focus on doing my best.
A month's leave kind of breaks the momentum stress builds but I guess
I'll feel as though I never had leave by the end of tomorrow..
God's grace can and will carry me.


What, when and where are questions ask about myself and I know God will answer
if I listen out for Him.


I look forward to ALL He has in store for me.

A time for everything..

"There is a time for everything,
 and a season for every activity under heaven.."
                                                           Eccl 3:1

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, 
   what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. 
   Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 
                                                                                                       Matt 6:25


Yesterday I heard that the company I work for is closing down at the end of the year.
Normally this news would throw me into a monumental twist but I was kind of expecting it.
We are not doing well as a company and - more importantly- I feel God is moving in my life. Every area seems to be affected.

I pray for wisdom and insight to make the best decisions. About what?
1. What I should be doing in His Kingdom.
2. What needs to change in my life to facilitate the next phase in my life in Him.
3. Practically - what kind of work should I put my hand to (I cannot face another lab)

Thankfully my God knows the answers to all and He can show me by His Spirit..
It's a time for growth - uncomfortable but good.

God's favour

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me 

      to preach good news to the poor.

        He has sent me to bind up 

           the broken-hearted,

             to proclaim freedom

                for the captives

                   and release from darkness

                       for the prisoners,

                           to proclaim the year 

                               of the Lord's favour

                                   and the day of vengeance

                                        of our God,

                                            to comfort all who mourn,

                                          and provide for those 

                                      who grieve in Zion-

                                   to bestow on them 

                                a crown of beauty

                             instead of ashes,

                          the oil of gladness

                        instead of mourning,

                     and a garment of praise

                   instead of a spirit of despair.

                 They will be called

               oaks of righteousness,

             a planting of the Lord

          for the display of His splendour"

                                            Isaiah 61:1-3

These words hold new meaning for me due to events recently in Mozambique - where God's splendour was shown in the areas of healing and deliverance. Those folk will never be the same again! He moved there - He can move here at home! Why not?

Gill, my friend and house-mate, has a prophetic edge and she recently shared that she has two words for me:
"Ointment" and "Bandages". What exactly this means I'm not yet sure BUT I know it will be revealed to me in time...

I also found a scripture a young  friend, Jenny, gave:
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."
                                                                                                    Prov 31v26


I pray the Holy Spirit breathes life into me and sends power to apply these things in my everyday life.
May I never limit Him or doubt my authority in Him.

New beginnings..

My young friend Zoe (She is a bit older now)

What a delight she has been to me! 

Full of energy and  plenty of love.

I don't know many folk who can hug quite as well.

I am reminded that special people are sometimes placed into our lives  for only a while

 and we should be thankful for that time. 

Some, however, will always claim a part of our hearts..

Zoe, I feel is one of those for me. 

I pray she will be blessed with lovely friends and every good thing in Canada!

May she always look to Jesus for strength, courage and comfort.

Love you Zoe!

What chocolate dad?

                                           Stefan and Gregory (the chocoholic)

The first of many... I hope

I am generally the persevering type. When it comes to journaling ,however, I begin enthusiastically and slack off after a couple of days or weeks. It then takes some huge joy or major disaster to bring me back to writing. I'll see how this goes....

Having coffee with ,my good friend, Sue this morning so special. I don't know what I'd do without her. She is one of those practical, compassionate and attentive listeners. It was a rare treat since I would normally be slaving away in the salt-mines. I am, fortunately, in the last week of my leave so I can drop in on her anytime!

I had to use my brain this morning when I bought some gravel to fill in a section of our driveway. (My mechanic is tired of fixing my bashed oil sump.) I measured the area, Mr. Bean style, and worked out the required gravel. Well the figure I arrived at looked way to large so I humbly asked the lady at the hardware store to calculate the amount using my measurements. It took exactly 30s. Talk about embarrassing!
Anyway, the gravel has arrived and I have begun the filling process. I felt really tired after a while and decided "Tomorrow is another day!" Not usually my attitude although I have been known to procrastinate on various occasions

I suppose the weather is going to be much the same tomorrow
Thank God for coffee!

.