We all know the usual case of Murphy's law. It often shadows our lives creating unexpected events and havoc.
But then there are the days where you, yourself, are on rare form at doing silly things and in effect Murphy takes a back seat because you are doing his job for him.
I had one of those days this week, where Murphy could happily take the day off or plague somebody else's life.
This is how it started . . . I am up and about early, having had a horrible nights sleep, because of a sinus migraine. But I proudly manage to pull myself together and get ready in record time. I head out the door, early, hop into the car and I'm off.
Just as I start driving up my road, I realise things are looking slightly blurry. I spray my windscreen with water and swish the wipers. But its still blurry. So I take my sun glasses off, they are a bit dirty. I wipe them and put them back on. Still blurry. Remove glasses. Repeat process. Same thing. Repeat glasses cleaning one more time. Repeat windscreen washing. By now I am at the end of my road and at the stop sign. It suddenly dawns on me, I had not put my contact lenses it, hence the blurry vision.
I dash home, grab my spare prescription glasses and head off to work, by now I am running on time. I am back on the road, dodging pedestrians and marveling at how quiet the traffic is. No, it wasn't a weekend but it is school holidays which means no traffic, which means I could have left home half an hour later and still been on time for work.
So that is how my day started, and I can honestly say it continued in the same frame, with no help from Murphy at all. Driving home, I was musing at what a day it had been, and an old favorite song came on...immediately I start singing, "Jackie" but no, the name in the song wasnt "Jackie" it was "Marvin". Perfect way to end the day, I thought, by completely butchering a classic song. I mean how did I confuse those two names, they are nowhere near similar.
Of course by the time I had finished lambasting myself, the second verse started with the word "Jackie"..... ha ha ha ha.... so in the end I was right.
We all have those days. They make for silly stories and we can choose to either have a good giggle about it, and share it with others so they can laugh at/with us. Or we can choose to be grumpy and frustrated.
But one thing I did learn in the early morning blurriness. . . sometimes the external circumstances are not the problem, but the way you view/see is.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Inspiration
Last night I am curled up on the couch, chips in hand, snuggled in a blanket ready to enjoy a good movie. What a great movie it turned out to be, good acting, good story line, wonderful action but it left me gutted.
You see, the story line was exactly the same as a story line I had created in my mind 2 weeks ago. What are the chances? Quite high actually, but more on that later. I really want to work more on my writing. I have one story that is almost finished, but I am also exploring ideas for new stories. So I have been sitting and brain storming a few ideas. When I watched last nights movie and the storyline was the same, I wondered if I had seen the movie before, and if that had inspired my story line.. But I had never seen this movie before. It just so turned out that myself and the script writer had the exact same idea, years apart. They unfortunately had their idea first, and instead of it being a book, it became a movie. So that will be one story that will be on my scrap pile, one story that I wont be writing.
Honestly the chances of this is very high. The truth is that there is nothing new under the sun. No matter how brilliant we are, or think we are. No matter how creative we are. No matter how much imagination we have. No amount of money or influence or genius will ever allow us as human beings to create something new. God alone is the creator, so that function, that role has already been taken. But beyond that, the bible even tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. [Ecc 1:9]
So does that mean we hang up our hats and just give up. On the contrary, instead we need to find the thing that sets us apart. The thing that makes our story, our song, our art, our invention, our medical discovery apart. The thing that takes it and infuses it with the power to bring life, hope, change. The thing that sets it apart.
We need to find inspiration!
I will never forget when I had the idea for my first novel. I was sitting on the stairs in Albania, enjoying some spring sunshine whilst cherry blossoms danced in a breeze when out of nowhere my mind was assaulted with this image and story line that haunted me for days. It even haunted my sleep. I tried to ignore it but it stuck with me, for years before one day I sat down and it literally poured out of me. It was true inspiration, not pre-meditated or work shopped. It was an idea that formed in my brain in completion in an instant. It was like God dropped a pearl into my mind and would not let me forget about it until I did something with it.
What is inspiration.
Some dictionary definitions define inspiration as:
You see, the story line was exactly the same as a story line I had created in my mind 2 weeks ago. What are the chances? Quite high actually, but more on that later. I really want to work more on my writing. I have one story that is almost finished, but I am also exploring ideas for new stories. So I have been sitting and brain storming a few ideas. When I watched last nights movie and the storyline was the same, I wondered if I had seen the movie before, and if that had inspired my story line.. But I had never seen this movie before. It just so turned out that myself and the script writer had the exact same idea, years apart. They unfortunately had their idea first, and instead of it being a book, it became a movie. So that will be one story that will be on my scrap pile, one story that I wont be writing.
Honestly the chances of this is very high. The truth is that there is nothing new under the sun. No matter how brilliant we are, or think we are. No matter how creative we are. No matter how much imagination we have. No amount of money or influence or genius will ever allow us as human beings to create something new. God alone is the creator, so that function, that role has already been taken. But beyond that, the bible even tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. [Ecc 1:9]
So does that mean we hang up our hats and just give up. On the contrary, instead we need to find the thing that sets us apart. The thing that makes our story, our song, our art, our invention, our medical discovery apart. The thing that takes it and infuses it with the power to bring life, hope, change. The thing that sets it apart.
We need to find inspiration!
I will never forget when I had the idea for my first novel. I was sitting on the stairs in Albania, enjoying some spring sunshine whilst cherry blossoms danced in a breeze when out of nowhere my mind was assaulted with this image and story line that haunted me for days. It even haunted my sleep. I tried to ignore it but it stuck with me, for years before one day I sat down and it literally poured out of me. It was true inspiration, not pre-meditated or work shopped. It was an idea that formed in my brain in completion in an instant. It was like God dropped a pearl into my mind and would not let me forget about it until I did something with it.
What is inspiration.
Some dictionary definitions define inspiration as:
- a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation
- the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
- someone or something that gives you ideas for doing something
- immediate influence of God or a god
- to inspire - or breath in
One writer puts it this way, "to be in the flow or zone. In-Spirit-tation. To be in the Spirit."
Inspiration!
We need those God inspired ideas. We need to be hearing his thoughts and ideas. That is what sets it apart. This is the thing that will cause what we "create" to have life.
The word inspiration also comes from the noun to inspire. Which means to breathe in. Think about when God created man, what did he do? He breathed life into them. Inspired. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into his disciples. God is ready and waiting to inspire, to breath life into you, to infuse you with creativity and ideas. You need to take time to meet with him, and breath it in, soak it in and from that point you can create something that is not just carbon copied and lifeless.
Your idea might not be new [realistically it cant be a new idea] but under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it will be good. Whenever God creates He looks at his creation and says it is good, and His creation always reflects Him and His goodness. No matter how great you are, and how great your idea is, it is nothing without Him, without God. The thing that will set you apart is Him, God.
It doesn't absolve you from your part in the process just because God inspired you. You still have to put the work in. God was not going to actually write the book for me, and he waited years for me to do my part.. But the plus side is God will give you the grace, ability and anointing to accomplish it so that He is infused in every part of it, so that life can be brought forth and lives can be touched.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Travels and Travelations
I need to state here a very real truth: I love travelling!
wait let me say it again. I LOVE TRAVELING!
But as I sit here, sleepy eyed, body ached this morning with a huge cup of a coffee in my hand, I am also reminded of aspects of travelling that I sincerely despise. Time Zone changes are one of them. I wish my brain would get the memo already that I am back in South Africa. My physical body has been great, it gets tired at the correct time for sleep. In fact my physical body was marvelous on my first night back and bullied my brain into submission and allowed me 16 hrs sleep! [fantabulistic] but the next two nights, staring at the ceiling at 1am, my brain was wide awake and in charge.
But like all travelations, this too shall pass.
I truly enjoy exploring new places and being surrounded by different cultures. I continuously have "itchy feet" and want to go somewhere new or simply just go somewhere. And I absolutely love people watching. Sitting in an airport, surrounded by the ocean of humanity, not a single one the same, wondering where they are going to, where they came from. Simply seeing the diversity in life. What wonder to sit and ponder it all. Ponderful it truly is.
But these very people can also be the source of travelation too.
You know when you are tired and have a long flight ahead of you, if you could only make it through the security check point. So standing in the line for what seems like hours, even though the sign only says 15 minutes till the end] feet aching, back complaining, you are not in the best frame of minds at the point. Travelation threatens to sour your mood and then it happens. Someone jumps the queue and pushes in front of you. In this instance it was a young gentleman, easily 15 years younger than me. He pushes in, looking like someone that has just stepped of the fashion page for a top modeling agency, pretending to be complete absorbed in his phone and ignoring the complaints of all behind him. Now I can be loud and obnoxious when I need to be, so trust me I know that he heard my complaints but he just stood there with a huge smug look on his face. If that wasn't bad enough he farted, not once but frequently for the duration of our time in that queue. My poor assaulted nostrils and I were less than impressed with this travelation. Its amazing how you can be one of the most handsome people on the planet but your behavior can instantly make you unattractive. Smug, Arrogant and Fartazillion is not a winning combination.
PS I managed to get ahead of him at the actual security check point, and was one of those incredibly slow people in putting my shoes on, causing him to have to wait for a while. [side note: i was wearing flip flops]. Petty I know, but I can't be the mature adult all the time.
Now airplanes are my worst. My absolute worst. I am not scared of flying. I love the take off and landing. I actually enjoy mild turbulence. But sitting in a hard seat [especially on long international flights] while every part of my body protests in pain, and my ankles swell and boredom threatens to consume me. . . that is almost enough to put my off ever going anywhere. Almost. It actually puts me in the foulest mood, especially because even if I am medicated, I seldom get any sleep on a plane.
Thankfully you sometimes get to meet some more colorful interesting people, who help bring a moment of humor to the travelation of flying. Drunken yoga girl is one such interesting character.
I had wondered to the galley to obtain some water in the middle of the sleep time of the flight. You know when everyone else is sleeping, and all the lights have been turned off? Whilst standing in the galley area, a blonde lady, probably in her early 30s staggers by and makes eye contact. I know right? I almost wish I had managed to look at the floor and avoid this because eye contact alone was like an open invitation to her. She staggers in my direction and I find myself trapped between her and the airplane door behind me. [Don't think anyone would have been impressed if I had used the door as my exit plan.] Standing in front of me she does the drunken stance, we all know the one where the person has to lean too far forward whilst sticking their bums too far backward in an attempt to not fall over. The whole time dangerously swaying and invading your personal space. Yup the drunken stance.
Swaying and slurring she decides to befriend me. Asking me to locate a certain flight attendant so that she can thank him for helping her earlier. According to her, the ground crew and other stewards had fought with her because she arrived drunk for the flight and were threatening to have her removed from the flight for drunken misconduct but this knight in shining armor, this particular steward had calmed her down and managed to keep her on the flight. [Remind me to thank him later - not!]. She then continues to ramble on about how she spent 6 weeks in Mexico learning a new Yoga technique. Further rambling she has a quiet moment and her eyes get almost sparkly and she suddenly says, "I know what I can do, I can reset your energy and teach you some yoga, lets just step into the aisle" All the while she is still swaying and over leaning.
I am trying my hardest not to burst into laughter, partly from frustration and partly because of the hilarious image flitting through my mind. I mean airplane aisles are not the widest, too the point sometimes you have to walk sideways to pass by the legs and bodies spilling over their seats into the aisles. So yoga in a sober person in the aisle would be a contortionistic adventure at best but when the person is drunk on top of it, can you just picture the hilarity of it??? It would be the next youtube sensation. I was tempted to say yes, just to witness it but am not one who is into yoga in anyway shape or form and I was starting to feel claustrophobic, and trapped by the blonde drunk and her boozy breath. So I leant a fraction forward into her space causing her balance to shift, whilst she staggered and swayed to regain her balance I made a quick dash over the limbs in the aisle back to my uncomfortable seat. Thus escaping the Boozy Blonde Yoga instructor.
That is where I think I'll leave my current tales of travel and travelations, along with a few other made up words [just for fun]. It is more than worth the pain of the journey to get to your destination and enjoy something different...especially this time because it was a journey to spend time with some of my favorite people - commonly referred to as my family.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Random Ramblings
Hi all of you wonderful people out there... I know its been forever since I have blogged. I have been working my finger to the bone, crocheting up a storm because I will be selling my creations at a market for the first time ever....super daunting and exciting all at once.
You can find pics of my stock here...
smudge designs
The name smudge has been in my brain and heart for years. I am/was a perfectionist by nature, and this has often hindered my creativity. Even as a young kid my parents would hide the crayons because I would get so angry and full on tantrum when what I was trying to draw was imperfect or didn't match how it looked inside my head.
Smudge is the antidote to all of that. . . it is the joy of imperfection which leads you to find imperfect joy....or maybe that should be perfect joy. . . its making peace with the flaws and realising that is what makes something unique and ultimately beautiful.
So its a big step for me to put my creativity out there in public but its one I am taking regardless of the risks.
So this has kept me from writing for a while . . . but I am back....finally.
There really isnt a theme to today's blog, its just random ramblings to touch base again. My brain is constantly full and constantly thinks of random stories and sayings and insights. In face I think that I possibly need to start carrying around a notebook to record them because within an hour another insight will take hold of my mind, kicking the first one into the folder of forgetfulness.
In South Africa, we have had the privilege of many public holidays recently. In fact this is the 4th short working week in a row. It has been great on one hand but also, truthfully not great for work itself. Let's be honest its one less day to get done what needs doing, and has left me quite far behind on admin. Then on top of it, due to some weight gain. . . and by some, i mean 12 kilograms in a year, my clothes don't necessarily fit the way that they did before. Today was such a day, when I realised - only after I had arrived at work - that my top was too tight and uncomfortable. It literally felt like it was cutting into my armpits. Plus I was wearing heels, so it made for an all together, constantly uncomfortable, working day. I was clock watching, constantly fidgeting, desperate for the minutes to pass so that I could get home and get into some comfortable clothes. When the day was finally over I almost wanted to shout "Freedom" as I dashed toward the parking lot, knowing comfort was just a short drive away.
Now I am privileged because at least I love my job and even when dressed in uncomfortable attire I can enjoy being there, and my cry for freedom really was an over-reaction today. But I remember a time gone by when I was in a terrible job, where everyday I literally felt a rush of joy and freedom as my hand turned the doorknob to leave and go home. It was horrendous and soul crushing, but it taught me a lesson that was well worth learning . . . stay true to yourself, and do what you enjoy . . . a paycheck is not worth staying in a job that makes you miserable.
So currently I am in a job that is not necessarily at my skill level but its one I enjoy and it has the added bonus of meeting my needs, and I leave at the end of the day happy for having been there . . . this is priceless because my job . . . my career....even my calling....do not define WHO I AM! If it did I would have no identity whilst being a scholar and no identity after retirement. A job, even a calling, is merely something I do. It might include aspects/skills/talents that are part of who I am. . . but it isn't who I am. . . It doesn't own me, nor control me nor define me. . . and if it ever did, then maybe it would be time to look elsewhere for something that was beneficial to me.
You have to not just follow your heart but you need to remain true to yourself. I was, for a long time, in an environment that was exactly where I was meant to be and it was true to me and true to my desires, and I believe was a calling from God. Unfortunately others didn't agree. Constantly they added their side of things. "you cant do this single, go home and get married and then come back." "God couldnt have called you because you are single." "God couldnt have called you because you are a woman." "You dont fit the culture here." "It would have been better if you were older and more conservative." and on and on the degradation of who I am was thrown at me. But I stood, even though it eroded at my confidence and bruised my heart, for almost 10 years I stood because it wasn't about their opinion, I was right where I knew I needed to be.
Wow, the ramblings went deep . . . I am not sure why all of that surfaced, but it did. My heart and head, as I have said, are constantly full. There is so much life still to be had, I might not be living it according to what society dictates nor the accepted norm. . . But I know who I am, because I know who created me and he is helping me see, and to this one thing, I will remain true because, in light of his great sacrifice, its the least that I can do.
You can find pics of my stock here...
smudge designs
The name smudge has been in my brain and heart for years. I am/was a perfectionist by nature, and this has often hindered my creativity. Even as a young kid my parents would hide the crayons because I would get so angry and full on tantrum when what I was trying to draw was imperfect or didn't match how it looked inside my head.
Smudge is the antidote to all of that. . . it is the joy of imperfection which leads you to find imperfect joy....or maybe that should be perfect joy. . . its making peace with the flaws and realising that is what makes something unique and ultimately beautiful.
So its a big step for me to put my creativity out there in public but its one I am taking regardless of the risks.
So this has kept me from writing for a while . . . but I am back....finally.
There really isnt a theme to today's blog, its just random ramblings to touch base again. My brain is constantly full and constantly thinks of random stories and sayings and insights. In face I think that I possibly need to start carrying around a notebook to record them because within an hour another insight will take hold of my mind, kicking the first one into the folder of forgetfulness.
In South Africa, we have had the privilege of many public holidays recently. In fact this is the 4th short working week in a row. It has been great on one hand but also, truthfully not great for work itself. Let's be honest its one less day to get done what needs doing, and has left me quite far behind on admin. Then on top of it, due to some weight gain. . . and by some, i mean 12 kilograms in a year, my clothes don't necessarily fit the way that they did before. Today was such a day, when I realised - only after I had arrived at work - that my top was too tight and uncomfortable. It literally felt like it was cutting into my armpits. Plus I was wearing heels, so it made for an all together, constantly uncomfortable, working day. I was clock watching, constantly fidgeting, desperate for the minutes to pass so that I could get home and get into some comfortable clothes. When the day was finally over I almost wanted to shout "Freedom" as I dashed toward the parking lot, knowing comfort was just a short drive away.
Now I am privileged because at least I love my job and even when dressed in uncomfortable attire I can enjoy being there, and my cry for freedom really was an over-reaction today. But I remember a time gone by when I was in a terrible job, where everyday I literally felt a rush of joy and freedom as my hand turned the doorknob to leave and go home. It was horrendous and soul crushing, but it taught me a lesson that was well worth learning . . . stay true to yourself, and do what you enjoy . . . a paycheck is not worth staying in a job that makes you miserable.
So currently I am in a job that is not necessarily at my skill level but its one I enjoy and it has the added bonus of meeting my needs, and I leave at the end of the day happy for having been there . . . this is priceless because my job . . . my career....even my calling....do not define WHO I AM! If it did I would have no identity whilst being a scholar and no identity after retirement. A job, even a calling, is merely something I do. It might include aspects/skills/talents that are part of who I am. . . but it isn't who I am. . . It doesn't own me, nor control me nor define me. . . and if it ever did, then maybe it would be time to look elsewhere for something that was beneficial to me.
You have to not just follow your heart but you need to remain true to yourself. I was, for a long time, in an environment that was exactly where I was meant to be and it was true to me and true to my desires, and I believe was a calling from God. Unfortunately others didn't agree. Constantly they added their side of things. "you cant do this single, go home and get married and then come back." "God couldnt have called you because you are single." "God couldnt have called you because you are a woman." "You dont fit the culture here." "It would have been better if you were older and more conservative." and on and on the degradation of who I am was thrown at me. But I stood, even though it eroded at my confidence and bruised my heart, for almost 10 years I stood because it wasn't about their opinion, I was right where I knew I needed to be.
Wow, the ramblings went deep . . . I am not sure why all of that surfaced, but it did. My heart and head, as I have said, are constantly full. There is so much life still to be had, I might not be living it according to what society dictates nor the accepted norm. . . But I know who I am, because I know who created me and he is helping me see, and to this one thing, I will remain true because, in light of his great sacrifice, its the least that I can do.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Time to cut the Fake...
Nope, again, not a typo. . . I did not mean to write cake and mistakenly wrote fake . . . in fact if you truly knew me, you would know that cake is not big in my life. My mom used to have to make fake cake for my birthday parties, otherwise known as ice-cream cake. Real cake, is not something I really enjoy. . . ironic because I really enjoy baking.
And for those who don't really know me, now you know a little bit more about me. . . no where was I? Oh, YES!
TIME TO CUT THE FAKE...
I had two bad experiences over the Easter weekend. The first was on Good Friday, I went out, after church with a friend in search of breakfast. We entered a shopping mall not in our normal area and where shocked to notice that 5 restaurants served Macon. Come on! There is no faking when it comes to Bacon. Just say no to Macon. This has nothing to do with religion, in this instance....I don't like the taste of Macon because I have had the real thing before. So I can't tolerate a fake. Thankfully we managed to find a restaurant that did serve bacon, after irritating 5 different restaurants' staff by walking out. And all was well in my world again.
Then later on in the weekend I was watching one of my favorite tv shows, and they based a character in the show on a South African. It has the be the worst fake South African accent that I have ever heard. It was so bad, so fake that it almost made my ears bleed. I was horrified, in fact I still don't think that I have quite recovered yet. There is nothing worse than something butchering your own accent with a bad fake.
Fake is False and therefore it is deceitful. It is not true, nor correct. It is erroneous. Now we can laugh about the funny fake experiences we encounter, like mine over the weekend, but how much of our lives are we presenting a false us?
I know that I often do it at work, and then justify it with the word "professionalism" but honestly sometimes I am faking it. Fake becomes normal in our world as we desperately try to defend ourselves, or protect ourselves. But as Christians, we are not called to walk in deceit, so where do we draw the line?
Truthfully this is a new thought for me, one that I want to explore further, but one thing that I can take heart in, is this. . . there is no deceitfulness in my God, nothing false can be found in Him . . . He is the real deal. So while we are learning to cut the fake out of our lives, lets keep pushing in to know him more, so that we can become more like him.
And for those who don't really know me, now you know a little bit more about me. . . no where was I? Oh, YES!
TIME TO CUT THE FAKE...
I had two bad experiences over the Easter weekend. The first was on Good Friday, I went out, after church with a friend in search of breakfast. We entered a shopping mall not in our normal area and where shocked to notice that 5 restaurants served Macon. Come on! There is no faking when it comes to Bacon. Just say no to Macon. This has nothing to do with religion, in this instance....I don't like the taste of Macon because I have had the real thing before. So I can't tolerate a fake. Thankfully we managed to find a restaurant that did serve bacon, after irritating 5 different restaurants' staff by walking out. And all was well in my world again.
Then later on in the weekend I was watching one of my favorite tv shows, and they based a character in the show on a South African. It has the be the worst fake South African accent that I have ever heard. It was so bad, so fake that it almost made my ears bleed. I was horrified, in fact I still don't think that I have quite recovered yet. There is nothing worse than something butchering your own accent with a bad fake.
Fake is False and therefore it is deceitful. It is not true, nor correct. It is erroneous. Now we can laugh about the funny fake experiences we encounter, like mine over the weekend, but how much of our lives are we presenting a false us?
I know that I often do it at work, and then justify it with the word "professionalism" but honestly sometimes I am faking it. Fake becomes normal in our world as we desperately try to defend ourselves, or protect ourselves. But as Christians, we are not called to walk in deceit, so where do we draw the line?
Truthfully this is a new thought for me, one that I want to explore further, but one thing that I can take heart in, is this. . . there is no deceitfulness in my God, nothing false can be found in Him . . . He is the real deal. So while we are learning to cut the fake out of our lives, lets keep pushing in to know him more, so that we can become more like him.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
The day South African's took a stand - again
I am sure many of you follow the news, and have heard the rumblings about South Africa and its current situation. Some of you might have glossed over it and not paid much heed to it because it is a nation known for its protests, so what is one more? and sadly it is a nation who's president has frequented the news with embarrassing blunders and bad choices...so what's one more?
But it was one more too many for our nation . . . our whole nation, not just a demographic . . . so I ask you not to gloss over and carry on with your lives but take a stand on behalf of South Africa, because the time for change has to come, and SOON.
I am not necessarily debating politics here, nor am I excluding it. I am also not opening up a discussion as to whether protesting is right or wrong . . .what I am saying is our nation is in trouble, and has been for a very long time. Corruption, Crime, Bloodshed, and Chaos have ruled for too long.
What is interesting is too see that the people of the land have finally had enough. As I mentioned it was not just one demographic but the nation, the people of this land from all walks of life, races and ages took a stand. Some say 60 000 took to the streets, and others say 100 000. the number is irrelevant because many more added their voice even if they couldn't add their presence. I think it is the first time in our nation's history where it was all people from all walks of life joining together, finally the divide of racism and other factors fell and they took a stand as a nation. You will only have to google search and glance through the images to see the truth in this. This is a huge milestone in our nation, regardless of the outcome, something has finally shifted and a unity is being forged.
Another thing stood out to me, sadly not in a good way. In Durban a certain group of people decided to march on the same day as the anti Zuma protests. [actually Durban had 3 marches on the same day]. This particular group didn't need to march on the same day, and claimed it had nothing to do with the other marches, it was simply a co-incidence that it was planned for the same day. YES, none of us believed them. Regardless they were allowed to march on the same day, but in a different route and direction. Truthfully, and not to be prophets of gloom but everyone I spoke to, myself included, felt it would end badly. And it did.
As predicted this group of people arrived to march armed with sticks, golf clubs, and half bricks. Still stating they intend no harm and had no agenda against the other protesters. True to prediction, the changed course and marched in the direction of the other protest, upon arrival they proceeded to attack a small group of protesters who were still gathered. Firstly, why were they not stopped at the point they changed course? secondly why were they allowed to march armed? But its a glimpse into the corruption in this nation that is the root cause of the violence and the crime. One of their leaders was on the news saying that just because they marched with sticks doesn't show that they had any intention of being violent, that they could not have predicted it happening. this comment was closely followed by saying that regardless its not illegal to march carrying sticks.
In contrast the majority of the country marched without weapons and without causing violence, on the whole. I am sure like anywhere, there might have been a few hotheads. but on the whole a nation took a stand in peace and unity.
But the end is not in sight, there is still a long road ahead. We are all disillusioned but pro-active. No more hiding or grumbling or running, South Africa is taking a stand on behalf of our land. So I ask you to join in, in the way that is the most powerful....Stand up for South Africa by taking a stand in prayer.
But it was one more too many for our nation . . . our whole nation, not just a demographic . . . so I ask you not to gloss over and carry on with your lives but take a stand on behalf of South Africa, because the time for change has to come, and SOON.
I am not necessarily debating politics here, nor am I excluding it. I am also not opening up a discussion as to whether protesting is right or wrong . . .what I am saying is our nation is in trouble, and has been for a very long time. Corruption, Crime, Bloodshed, and Chaos have ruled for too long.
What is interesting is too see that the people of the land have finally had enough. As I mentioned it was not just one demographic but the nation, the people of this land from all walks of life, races and ages took a stand. Some say 60 000 took to the streets, and others say 100 000. the number is irrelevant because many more added their voice even if they couldn't add their presence. I think it is the first time in our nation's history where it was all people from all walks of life joining together, finally the divide of racism and other factors fell and they took a stand as a nation. You will only have to google search and glance through the images to see the truth in this. This is a huge milestone in our nation, regardless of the outcome, something has finally shifted and a unity is being forged.
Another thing stood out to me, sadly not in a good way. In Durban a certain group of people decided to march on the same day as the anti Zuma protests. [actually Durban had 3 marches on the same day]. This particular group didn't need to march on the same day, and claimed it had nothing to do with the other marches, it was simply a co-incidence that it was planned for the same day. YES, none of us believed them. Regardless they were allowed to march on the same day, but in a different route and direction. Truthfully, and not to be prophets of gloom but everyone I spoke to, myself included, felt it would end badly. And it did.
As predicted this group of people arrived to march armed with sticks, golf clubs, and half bricks. Still stating they intend no harm and had no agenda against the other protesters. True to prediction, the changed course and marched in the direction of the other protest, upon arrival they proceeded to attack a small group of protesters who were still gathered. Firstly, why were they not stopped at the point they changed course? secondly why were they allowed to march armed? But its a glimpse into the corruption in this nation that is the root cause of the violence and the crime. One of their leaders was on the news saying that just because they marched with sticks doesn't show that they had any intention of being violent, that they could not have predicted it happening. this comment was closely followed by saying that regardless its not illegal to march carrying sticks.
In contrast the majority of the country marched without weapons and without causing violence, on the whole. I am sure like anywhere, there might have been a few hotheads. but on the whole a nation took a stand in peace and unity.
But the end is not in sight, there is still a long road ahead. We are all disillusioned but pro-active. No more hiding or grumbling or running, South Africa is taking a stand on behalf of our land. So I ask you to join in, in the way that is the most powerful....Stand up for South Africa by taking a stand in prayer.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
a sketch in time - 3
Sunday Afternoons, I like to put on a podcast of something that is encouraging to my soul, and spirit... I then pull out some paper and do a quick drawing whilst listening. Nothing intense or overly detailed, in essence it is just a giant imperfect doodle . . . but it is one of my favorite ways to relax. Here are a few of my Sunday quick sketches.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
When the poopoo hits the fan
As a South African, at the moment, it is a chaotic time in my nation. I love this nation I love its people but there are aspects of life [currently] that are not likable. In fact they are downright detestable. One of those aspects is the terrible crime levels in my nation. I can't tell you how many people I personally know who have been victims of crime, or had a close neighbor/friend/family member be a victim of crime. And crime, much like disease, is not partial to one group and not another. It doesnt care about your race or even your religion. So many Christians wish it did, that we are automatically deleted from a criminals attack list just because we are Christian. But sadly this is not always the case.
For those who don't keep trend of crime in South Africa, we are not just talking smash and grabs, its violent crime, hijackings and home invasions. This nation also sadly has a high abuse rate. As beautiful as its nature is and as beautiful as most of its people are and as rich as it is in colorful culture....crime is a stain on the face of South Africa.
Our politics . . . well, what can even be said? Especially this week with so much change and upheaval caused in the ranks? if you are not from South Africa go and browse the news sights, see what happened. overnight many of our ministers where removed and replaced. it happened so close to April fools day that some possibly wondered if it was a joke. our economy is in a downward spiral as a result, our people are confused and concerned. It has sent waves of uncertainty through the land.
Durban has had its share of rubbish lately as well. The sea bit back and caused damage to local businesses on our beach front as a massive wave swept over the sands, over the promenade and into the restaurants situated there. Then a factory caught on fire, that burned for days, with a massive black pollutant cloud hovering over the city for days, affecting our environment and health. Up the hill near where i work there is a constant smell of decay, rot, sewerage and toxic fumes from a landfill.
My life itself is not a walk in the park right now. There are situations beyond my control that are causing anxiety, stress and affecting even my health. The more I try do right in these situations, the more wrong seems to happen.
There is so much that can and does happen, so much beyond our control. I work for a doctor, so often we see patients have life slap them in the face unexpectedly.
So what do we do in the midst of it?
We stand!
I know its not what we want to do, I know many of us want to either give up or run from it. But sometimes when all is said and done, all you can do is stand!
Ephesians 6: 13b .... "and after you have done everything, to stand."
And then it goes on to list the armor with which we stand firm in. Now I am not going to regurgitate a sermon we have often heard about the armor of God. But note that it mentions these word; truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, Word of God.
What I encourage you in, as the poop hits the fan and life happens, don't let it affect the things list above. Rather let the things listed above affect your circumstances. So many times we allow our circumstances to cause us to act in ways that are not righteous. We allow our circumstances to erode our faith. Taint our view of God. In our desperation to strike back and defend sometimes we taint the truth. We turn to opinion instead of His word. We are so caught up in ourselves that we stop sharing our faith, the Gospel.
Far too often we react to our situations, and allow them to consume us, instead of standing firm in what God has given us. Trust me I know that it is difficult. Life has been extremely unkind and downright horrid to me at times, to the point that PTSD took hold. but it doesn't change who God is, and what God has done for me.
When you feel like you cant stand, that is ok. That is why God is always with us. That is also why [and when] friends come into play. Don't be so proud that you don't reach out for help that is always readily available.
We all love the promises of God. Especially the nice ones. But one of those promises found in John 16:33 says, "In this world you WILL have trouble..." None of us like this promise. We kind of want to delete it. . . but Jesus doesn't stop there, he finishes it off with the best part of the promise, "...BUT TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
For all those struggling at the moment, including myself. I encourage you to stand firm! and take heart!
For those who don't keep trend of crime in South Africa, we are not just talking smash and grabs, its violent crime, hijackings and home invasions. This nation also sadly has a high abuse rate. As beautiful as its nature is and as beautiful as most of its people are and as rich as it is in colorful culture....crime is a stain on the face of South Africa.
Our politics . . . well, what can even be said? Especially this week with so much change and upheaval caused in the ranks? if you are not from South Africa go and browse the news sights, see what happened. overnight many of our ministers where removed and replaced. it happened so close to April fools day that some possibly wondered if it was a joke. our economy is in a downward spiral as a result, our people are confused and concerned. It has sent waves of uncertainty through the land.
Durban has had its share of rubbish lately as well. The sea bit back and caused damage to local businesses on our beach front as a massive wave swept over the sands, over the promenade and into the restaurants situated there. Then a factory caught on fire, that burned for days, with a massive black pollutant cloud hovering over the city for days, affecting our environment and health. Up the hill near where i work there is a constant smell of decay, rot, sewerage and toxic fumes from a landfill.
My life itself is not a walk in the park right now. There are situations beyond my control that are causing anxiety, stress and affecting even my health. The more I try do right in these situations, the more wrong seems to happen.
There is so much that can and does happen, so much beyond our control. I work for a doctor, so often we see patients have life slap them in the face unexpectedly.
So what do we do in the midst of it?
We stand!
I know its not what we want to do, I know many of us want to either give up or run from it. But sometimes when all is said and done, all you can do is stand!
Ephesians 6: 13b .... "and after you have done everything, to stand."
And then it goes on to list the armor with which we stand firm in. Now I am not going to regurgitate a sermon we have often heard about the armor of God. But note that it mentions these word; truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, Word of God.
What I encourage you in, as the poop hits the fan and life happens, don't let it affect the things list above. Rather let the things listed above affect your circumstances. So many times we allow our circumstances to cause us to act in ways that are not righteous. We allow our circumstances to erode our faith. Taint our view of God. In our desperation to strike back and defend sometimes we taint the truth. We turn to opinion instead of His word. We are so caught up in ourselves that we stop sharing our faith, the Gospel.
Far too often we react to our situations, and allow them to consume us, instead of standing firm in what God has given us. Trust me I know that it is difficult. Life has been extremely unkind and downright horrid to me at times, to the point that PTSD took hold. but it doesn't change who God is, and what God has done for me.
When you feel like you cant stand, that is ok. That is why God is always with us. That is also why [and when] friends come into play. Don't be so proud that you don't reach out for help that is always readily available.
We all love the promises of God. Especially the nice ones. But one of those promises found in John 16:33 says, "In this world you WILL have trouble..." None of us like this promise. We kind of want to delete it. . . but Jesus doesn't stop there, he finishes it off with the best part of the promise, "...BUT TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
For all those struggling at the moment, including myself. I encourage you to stand firm! and take heart!
Thursday, March 23, 2017
A sketch in time -2
As promised, from time to time I will share some pics of creative projects that I am working on. . .
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
When God is silent.
I think one of the most common human experiences shared by all, is a time when we desperately need God to answer us, to move on our behalf and yet it feels like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and it feels like God is remaining silent.
It can be the most heartbreaking thing to endure, when life is falling apart, a miracle is desperately needed and God is seemingly silent.
I have often wrestled with a certain passage of scripture because the whole scene doesn't make sense to me, truthfully it still doesn't make sense to me. . . and honestly many times God's silence does not make sense to me. I know that God not only CAN answer my prayers but WANTS TOO answer them...so why the silence?
I may not be able to answer that question this morning but I do want to share a person's response in God's silence to help encourage us and even challenge us a bit. Here are a few points that jump out at me.
Matt 15:22-28 is the story of a Canaanite woman asking Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter.
Ditch the self-pity
This woman didn't wail on and on about how terrible life was, and how bad things were. She didn't sit listing event after event of things that had happened because of her demon possessed daughter. She didn't sulk about how unfair it was that her daughter was demon possessed. She didn't try manipulate Jesus with her pain and despair [as real and true as they were]. But what she did do was persistently ask Jesus for help.
Be Honest
She didn't fake it, pretend all was well and call it faith. She didn't lie and say the healing was already done. She was open in her request and stated the facts. As I said before she didn't lament in self-pity when approaching Jesus, but she also didn't pretend the issue wasn't there. She was honest and open in sharing the facts. My daughter is demon possessed and it afflicts her severely. How often do we approach God with a lie, and call it faith. Professing that we are healed when we aren't yet? God knows our bodies. God knows our situations. He isn't scared of us approaching in truth and saying, this is what is going on, please help. We don't have to fake it, in pretense of faith in the hope to twist His arm to do it.
She was persistent
She did not give up. She overcame culture to push in for help. in those days a non-Jewish woman approaching a Jewish man was against culture. It was taboo. But she took the risk of punishment, ridicule and rejection because she was desperate. Now imagine this, she has overcome all these cultural barricades, and gathered her faith and her courage whilst trying to silence her fears that her daughter would be like this forever and she has approached Jesus, the only solution and His response....silence....
I would have burst into tears or walked away ashamed.
Jesus did not answer. not a word. [vs 23]. Stop and think about your responses when God seems silent? But this woman didn't give up. She kept asking. She didn't get angry or vent at God. She didn't fall into self-pity. She kept asking. Her persistence attracting the attention of the disciples and they begged Jesus to send her away. but even in the face of rejection and other pressurizing her to give up, she kept on asking. Jesus then appears to say no. I don't even have to ask you to imagine this. We have all had moments when God appears silent or appears to say no. And sometimes, God does say no. And our worlds are rocked and crumble beneath us. We all know what this desperate woman would be feeling in this situation. But her response.....worship and submission!
Worship and submission.
Not only did this woman not give up in the face of God's silence. Not only did she not vent and sulk but in response to His silence and apparent NO, she worshiped. in the New Living Translation it says this in verse 25
But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”
Other translations say that she bowed down. So that tells us when she first approached Jesus she was not groveling at his feet. Yes she was begging/pleading but she was bold. But despite His responses, she knew who Jesus was and came low, bowed to His will, even though it wasn't the answer she was looking for and worshiped. This is not the way I generally respond in situations like these. Now note here, submitting and worshiping didn't mean she gave up. She still asked for his help.
She engaged in conversation
She was open to hearing God and speaking to Him. Many of us pray at God, and throw our requests at him but we don't speak with Him. Yes sometimes we get silence initially and we give up. But I think that sometimes we perceive silence because we haven't actually engaged in conversation with God. We look for an outward sign, as the answer. We wait for the change in situation to be the answer. We don't approach expecting to hear His will, His word as the answer. Our faith is built on results not on WHO God is, and time and time again we walk away disappointed and empty handed.
God responds to Faith. without Faith it is impossible to please God. But often, now days what we think is Faith isn't really faith at all. This bold non-Jewish woman approaching Jesus was commended for having great Faith. and as an added bonus her daughter was healed. I believe it is because she genuinely knew God, and had Faith IN HIM not the outcome.
I believe this is the faith that gave her boldness to approach in the first place because she knew that a loving God would not reject her based on prejudice and race and difference in culture.
I believe that this faith in Him, gave her the boldness to ask for the miracle. She knew his character, knew that He was loving. knew that he had compassion. knew that he desired to show mercy. Knew that He wanted to help.
She knew who Jesus was, who God is. Son of David. Lord! Master! These phrases show us that she knew him, that she knew he was sovereign. The fact that she worshiped him, and bowed to Him, even though she had not yet received the answer she wanted nor the miracle she sought. These things all show us her heart. It shows us that her heart knew Him, and trusted in Him. and He, seeing her heart, engaged with her, talking to her in a way he had never [as written in the gospels] interacted with anyone else before. He responded to her faith. and then he commended her faith.
I am so challenged by this woman's heart and story, but I am equally encouraged to know God more because of it.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
The Art of The Matter
Nope you didn't read wrong . . . I would like to take a moment to talk about The Art of The Matter ....or maybe I should says, The Matter of Art.
Now by Art, I don't mean a fixed term limited to someone who can sketch or paint, I really am talking about all forms of CREATIVITY.
Again, don't get stuck in a box with a definition of what CREATIVITY is or isn't because one of its key factors is that CREATIVITY is not stuck in a box!!!
I have shared this story more times than I can count. It is long-winded, spanning more than 15 years....and in fact is still continuing. Let me re-share it, but in a shorter form.
Girl has vision of art center. A LITERAL VISION!
Girl panics, at the size of vision. No doors open. Girl shelves vision and continues with life.
The place: Elbasan, Albania.
Girl randomly remembers long lost art vision.
Girl is approached by local artist, who whilst praying was shown her name to join in a vision he had.
The vision was identical to the girl's vision.
Girl agrees.
Girl packs her bag and returns to South Africa for first visit in over 4 years. Her only visit home, in all her years full time on the mission field in Albania.
The place: Durban, South Africa.
Girl experiences random coincidence.
Girl meets a South African who has ministered in Kosovo [bordering Albania] with an American who has same art vision but is 3 years ahead of the game, in the same culture. Girl obtains contact details.
Girl packs bag and heads back to Albania.
No! Wait a moment! It is far from the end. I am back in South Africa, and still connecting with many people with similar vision and heart for what God can and does do through creativity and creative ministry. The End is a long way away, and I know one day that I will be back full time in this type of field, somewhere on this earth.
Now many of you might be wondering what the point of all of this was???
Well....keep reading....
As I have said, I am a firm believer in the power of Creativity. Obviously I am an even firmer believer in what God can do in and through creativity. If you look both in the "secular" world and the "christian" world, you will see many great examples of this. Art is used in counseling the traumatized, helping to bring physical rehabilitation. It's a good way to release stress. Music can help us mourn or help us celebrate. where ever you look in life there is Art, from the colour we paint our walls in our houses to the trees we drive past on the way to work. There is not a place or space void of some form of creativity that you live life in.
Now when that Creativity is infused with the power of the Creator, imagine what possible results there could be? Because ultimately God alone can create, and ultimately God created creativity, so when the very source, the very life breath of all that is, infuses and oozes out of our creativity and into our lives, it creates a God spaced atmosphere for the impossible. A place to connect with our CREATOR!
I believe creativity is crucial because it is something that ministers directly to the soul of a person. It can bypass out logical arguments and hit our emotional nerve center. I believe God has designed it for this, but also for us to enjoy. Think of the delight you feel when you do something you love, or listen to your favorite artist etc. God knows that our souls will get weary in a world fraught with anguish... He's given us glimpses of beauty and hope and joy for our souls, through creativity.
It is something that I am passionate about, and just because I am not currently on the field, full time in the creative ministry capacity does not mean that I am not involved. One of the ways that I am involved is by creating awareness of others who are doing this type of ministry.
For eg, The American mentioned in my story. As I said, it was a God ordained connection that God took 15 years behind the scenes connecting the dots together. But through that connection I gained a wealth of knowledge and a good friend. I have watched this man go through many trials and tribulations, and yet remain faithful. He is now embarking on the next step, the next Act in his own play of life. He is moving to Colorado, after many years of patiently waiting for this door to open, to begin yet another arts ministry.
So I ask that you take a moment to view his video, and consider if there is any way you can be involved. Whether it is to pray for his ministry, drop him a word of encouragement, support him financially or simply share his video to encourage others in their creative pursuit of God. So without further delay.... go and have a look see what all this is about, just click on the link below.
Colorado Art Ministry
Now by Art, I don't mean a fixed term limited to someone who can sketch or paint, I really am talking about all forms of CREATIVITY.
Again, don't get stuck in a box with a definition of what CREATIVITY is or isn't because one of its key factors is that CREATIVITY is not stuck in a box!!!
I have shared this story more times than I can count. It is long-winded, spanning more than 15 years....and in fact is still continuing. Let me re-share it, but in a shorter form.
ACT 1
The year: 1997.
The place: Durban South Africa
Girl [that would be me] is introduced to an epic concept of art/drama/creativity/music combined in spreading the gospel. cue No Longer Music's video and book.Girl has vision of art center. A LITERAL VISION!
Girl panics, at the size of vision. No doors open. Girl shelves vision and continues with life.
ACT 2
The year: 2012.The place: Elbasan, Albania.
Girl randomly remembers long lost art vision.
Girl is approached by local artist, who whilst praying was shown her name to join in a vision he had.
The vision was identical to the girl's vision.
Girl agrees.
Girl packs her bag and returns to South Africa for first visit in over 4 years. Her only visit home, in all her years full time on the mission field in Albania.
ACT 3
The year: 2012.The place: Durban, South Africa.
Girl experiences random coincidence.
Girl meets a South African who has ministered in Kosovo [bordering Albania] with an American who has same art vision but is 3 years ahead of the game, in the same culture. Girl obtains contact details.
Girl packs bag and heads back to Albania.
ACT 4
The Year: 2012-2014
The Place: Elbasan, Albania [with a few visits to Kosovo]
Girl and American meet. Similar vision shared. Much help given in starting an arts ministry. Great insight gained from the American's experience and knowledge. Events organised, including one that hosted No Longer Music.
The end.
No! Wait a moment! It is far from the end. I am back in South Africa, and still connecting with many people with similar vision and heart for what God can and does do through creativity and creative ministry. The End is a long way away, and I know one day that I will be back full time in this type of field, somewhere on this earth.
Now many of you might be wondering what the point of all of this was???
Well....keep reading....
As I have said, I am a firm believer in the power of Creativity. Obviously I am an even firmer believer in what God can do in and through creativity. If you look both in the "secular" world and the "christian" world, you will see many great examples of this. Art is used in counseling the traumatized, helping to bring physical rehabilitation. It's a good way to release stress. Music can help us mourn or help us celebrate. where ever you look in life there is Art, from the colour we paint our walls in our houses to the trees we drive past on the way to work. There is not a place or space void of some form of creativity that you live life in.
Now when that Creativity is infused with the power of the Creator, imagine what possible results there could be? Because ultimately God alone can create, and ultimately God created creativity, so when the very source, the very life breath of all that is, infuses and oozes out of our creativity and into our lives, it creates a God spaced atmosphere for the impossible. A place to connect with our CREATOR!
I believe creativity is crucial because it is something that ministers directly to the soul of a person. It can bypass out logical arguments and hit our emotional nerve center. I believe God has designed it for this, but also for us to enjoy. Think of the delight you feel when you do something you love, or listen to your favorite artist etc. God knows that our souls will get weary in a world fraught with anguish... He's given us glimpses of beauty and hope and joy for our souls, through creativity.
It is something that I am passionate about, and just because I am not currently on the field, full time in the creative ministry capacity does not mean that I am not involved. One of the ways that I am involved is by creating awareness of others who are doing this type of ministry.
For eg, The American mentioned in my story. As I said, it was a God ordained connection that God took 15 years behind the scenes connecting the dots together. But through that connection I gained a wealth of knowledge and a good friend. I have watched this man go through many trials and tribulations, and yet remain faithful. He is now embarking on the next step, the next Act in his own play of life. He is moving to Colorado, after many years of patiently waiting for this door to open, to begin yet another arts ministry.
So I ask that you take a moment to view his video, and consider if there is any way you can be involved. Whether it is to pray for his ministry, drop him a word of encouragement, support him financially or simply share his video to encourage others in their creative pursuit of God. So without further delay.... go and have a look see what all this is about, just click on the link below.
Colorado Art Ministry
Monday, March 13, 2017
in other news....
I don't normally do this, and this is not my normal type of blog . . . but there has been so many "interesting" things occurring in the news over the last few days, that I feel the news to touch base on some of it.
First was the hi-jacking saga. Tragic. I don't know if any other world can really be use. Living in South Africa, crime is a sad reality. I have heard people say that when you hear South African's speaking the question isn't, "have you ever been a victim of crime?" but rather, "How often have you been a victim of crime?" don't get me wrong. I love this nation, and it's people, but crime is a reality that I have personally experienced, and know many others who too have walked through it. . . So when the news breaks that a hijacking occurred and that a 1 month old baby was in the car, our province and our nation, who are normally desensitized by crime, came to a standstill and a rallied together to try help.
Every shop you walked into, every group of people you walked passed, the situation was on their lips and being forwarded on every media and social media avenue possible. A nation stopped and prayed and comforted.
This is the spirit of South Africa, where a nation gathers together to help one another in times of trouble.
Fortunately the baby was recovered, sadly the mother was involved and it was not the hijacking that it first appeared to be. . . but regardless of how tragic a story it is, well done South Africa for showing your support and your true nature.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2017/03/12/BREAKING-BabySiwaphiwes-mom-arrested
The weather in our nation can be beautiful and glorious but also a challenge. Some of you may know that I don't like cycling and think of "bike" or "bicycle" as a bit of a swear word. . . It seems that Cape Town winds agreed with my opinion as they literally brought the annual Argus to a grinding halt with winds reaching 100km an hour [roughly 62 miles per hour - i think]. As much as I don't like cycling, I wouldn't wish harm on any poor soul who does favour the sport....here is a glimpse of what chaos the Cape Doctor created.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93sx0lpxqI4
Durban didn't want to be left out of the action. You never know when things can change, one sunny Saturday morning you speeding down the beach promenade with masses of people all trying to get some exercise in. [i did 5km, by the way - *pats herself on the back*] ...as you briskly walk with your friend, you remember to glance out to sea and take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. "Waves look big today. Actually the sea looks quite rough." you remark and you continue on your way....Sunday comes....and this happens....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p5YNowdZHc
same beachfront ...one day later!!!! Man, that makes Saturday's big waves seem minute in comparison. Am grateful I had chosen to walk on Saturday and not Sunday!!! feel really sorry for all the damaged restaurants etc. Thankfully not many injuries.
what a week news wise. . . .and when you can't think of anything else.... you get the updated list of countries that you can visit without a visa, as a South African....Good news at last! even better news is that Ireland, Grenada and Barbados are on that list.... I have places to stay and friends to visit in all those countries....so now all I need is the airfare - HINT! HINT! NUDGE NUDGE!
https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/150789/south-africans-can-visit-these-90-countries-without-a-visa-in-2017/
and then you scroll through facebook, and this catches your eye....
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/charity-worker-jailed-child-abuse-10009633
Now, I am not sharing this latest bit of news to spark a debate or get inundated with your opinions. But this is a significant story that had indirectly affected many areas of my life whilst I ministered in Albania. It was a constant thought in my mind to be cautious and aware and keep safe guards in place, especially because I worked with street boys and Roma children. It had a huge impact on how I did ministry. It had a huge ripple effect, even though I had never met the man, many people were not open to the gospel because they associated Christianity with the accused, even though they too had not met the man. I know many missionaries who had suspicion and false accusations cast over them, even to the point of enduring court cases, because of this case. It did a lot of damage and effected a lot of work and missionaries and ministries. It made me even more cautious because I knew a local Albanian who was caught [and who confessed] to abusing an orphan, who simply received a warning, but yet a foreigner who was accused received 20 years in prison, This was a deciding factor in me pulling out of working with street kids because I knew just one accusation, false and unsubstantiated would land me in jail for a long time more so because I was foreign than anything else. So it was interest that I noted an update on this story cross the facebook news feed today.
and last and not least, because a lot of what was shared today has been way to serious and tragic....and because I need to uphold my reputation of always taking things to the toilet...here is a link to some toilet's that I would love to visit. . . .have a great day....keep watching this space for more blog updates.
https://www.wheretraveler.com/king-thrones-14-worlds-most-intriguing-public-toilets?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=kw&kwp_0=319998&kwp_4=1291794&kwp_1=574149#slide-1
First was the hi-jacking saga. Tragic. I don't know if any other world can really be use. Living in South Africa, crime is a sad reality. I have heard people say that when you hear South African's speaking the question isn't, "have you ever been a victim of crime?" but rather, "How often have you been a victim of crime?" don't get me wrong. I love this nation, and it's people, but crime is a reality that I have personally experienced, and know many others who too have walked through it. . . So when the news breaks that a hijacking occurred and that a 1 month old baby was in the car, our province and our nation, who are normally desensitized by crime, came to a standstill and a rallied together to try help.
Every shop you walked into, every group of people you walked passed, the situation was on their lips and being forwarded on every media and social media avenue possible. A nation stopped and prayed and comforted.
This is the spirit of South Africa, where a nation gathers together to help one another in times of trouble.
Fortunately the baby was recovered, sadly the mother was involved and it was not the hijacking that it first appeared to be. . . but regardless of how tragic a story it is, well done South Africa for showing your support and your true nature.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2017/03/12/BREAKING-BabySiwaphiwes-mom-arrested
The weather in our nation can be beautiful and glorious but also a challenge. Some of you may know that I don't like cycling and think of "bike" or "bicycle" as a bit of a swear word. . . It seems that Cape Town winds agreed with my opinion as they literally brought the annual Argus to a grinding halt with winds reaching 100km an hour [roughly 62 miles per hour - i think]. As much as I don't like cycling, I wouldn't wish harm on any poor soul who does favour the sport....here is a glimpse of what chaos the Cape Doctor created.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93sx0lpxqI4
Durban didn't want to be left out of the action. You never know when things can change, one sunny Saturday morning you speeding down the beach promenade with masses of people all trying to get some exercise in. [i did 5km, by the way - *pats herself on the back*] ...as you briskly walk with your friend, you remember to glance out to sea and take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. "Waves look big today. Actually the sea looks quite rough." you remark and you continue on your way....Sunday comes....and this happens....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p5YNowdZHc
same beachfront ...one day later!!!! Man, that makes Saturday's big waves seem minute in comparison. Am grateful I had chosen to walk on Saturday and not Sunday!!! feel really sorry for all the damaged restaurants etc. Thankfully not many injuries.
what a week news wise. . . .and when you can't think of anything else.... you get the updated list of countries that you can visit without a visa, as a South African....Good news at last! even better news is that Ireland, Grenada and Barbados are on that list.... I have places to stay and friends to visit in all those countries....so now all I need is the airfare - HINT! HINT! NUDGE NUDGE!
https://businesstech.co.za/news/wealth/150789/south-africans-can-visit-these-90-countries-without-a-visa-in-2017/
and then you scroll through facebook, and this catches your eye....
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/charity-worker-jailed-child-abuse-10009633
Now, I am not sharing this latest bit of news to spark a debate or get inundated with your opinions. But this is a significant story that had indirectly affected many areas of my life whilst I ministered in Albania. It was a constant thought in my mind to be cautious and aware and keep safe guards in place, especially because I worked with street boys and Roma children. It had a huge impact on how I did ministry. It had a huge ripple effect, even though I had never met the man, many people were not open to the gospel because they associated Christianity with the accused, even though they too had not met the man. I know many missionaries who had suspicion and false accusations cast over them, even to the point of enduring court cases, because of this case. It did a lot of damage and effected a lot of work and missionaries and ministries. It made me even more cautious because I knew a local Albanian who was caught [and who confessed] to abusing an orphan, who simply received a warning, but yet a foreigner who was accused received 20 years in prison, This was a deciding factor in me pulling out of working with street kids because I knew just one accusation, false and unsubstantiated would land me in jail for a long time more so because I was foreign than anything else. So it was interest that I noted an update on this story cross the facebook news feed today.
and last and not least, because a lot of what was shared today has been way to serious and tragic....and because I need to uphold my reputation of always taking things to the toilet...here is a link to some toilet's that I would love to visit. . . .have a great day....keep watching this space for more blog updates.
https://www.wheretraveler.com/king-thrones-14-worlds-most-intriguing-public-toilets?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=kw&kwp_0=319998&kwp_4=1291794&kwp_1=574149#slide-1
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
sunrise . . . .sunset. . . sunrise
There are not many things we can depend on in life. Life is always full of change and transition and curve-balls. . . but we do know, that no matter how dark our night gets we can always be sure of tomorrow's sunrise. . . until this world passes away the sun will always rise.
We all hope for a easy going life with no challenges and no trauma. It doesn't exist. In fact Jesus was confident in telling us that in this world we will have troubles. Thank God Jesus remains with us and thank God that He has over come the world. but these two things are not a magic wand that removes troubled time, its the assurance of God with us in the storms, helping us pass through them. Thankfully we are not alone.
And if life itself is not enough, we [as humans] also have a special tendency of screwing it up. Even when we don't want to, even when we have the best intentions in the world and the purest motives, we don't often don't get it right.
For example yesterday was a manic day at work, and my boss was exhausted. She'd been busy with emergencies the night before till midnight. We had a fully booked day, but then we had some urgent walk-in patients added to the list. I knew she had to perform surgery after hours again that night. It was one of those crazy busy days where you don't even know if you are coming or going. At one point we were running an hour late and had a room full of patients, then the call came asking if she was busy or if she could help out another doctor. Me, with all my best intentions immediately said no because we were busy, and I knew she was exhausted and it seemed impossible. my heart and intentions were good, I was keeping the day together, thinking of not keeping our patients any longer than they already were, protecting my boss' schedule etc and honestly not wanting to overwhelm her. nothing bad in my decision. . . .but it was not the correct decision. and even though it wasn't a big deal at all. . . I still had to face the fact that it was not the right decision. Even though my intentions were great. . . it was not the right decision.
So as humans, intentionally or not, we screw up and make mistakes and then on top of all of the above, we need to factor in sin. ..
almost makes us want to exhale and wonder if there is any chance? any hope? .... and that is where this comes in.
Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT]
The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a]
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Just as surely as the sun will rise, we can be confident in this. . . Our God, the compassionate, all loving Father, will show compassion and His mercy is available new each day. Almost as if it rises with the sun at dawn. Don't be shy to embrace this fact, lean on Him and seek forgiveness for it is freely available. And even if you already did this, yesterday and the day before, it doesn't run out. As surely as the sun will rise, His mercy is available too, no matter how dark the night.
I love how in the Voice translation it says it this way...
the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion.
Don't run from Him, run too Him.... and embrace the start of a new day.
We all hope for a easy going life with no challenges and no trauma. It doesn't exist. In fact Jesus was confident in telling us that in this world we will have troubles. Thank God Jesus remains with us and thank God that He has over come the world. but these two things are not a magic wand that removes troubled time, its the assurance of God with us in the storms, helping us pass through them. Thankfully we are not alone.
And if life itself is not enough, we [as humans] also have a special tendency of screwing it up. Even when we don't want to, even when we have the best intentions in the world and the purest motives, we don't often don't get it right.
For example yesterday was a manic day at work, and my boss was exhausted. She'd been busy with emergencies the night before till midnight. We had a fully booked day, but then we had some urgent walk-in patients added to the list. I knew she had to perform surgery after hours again that night. It was one of those crazy busy days where you don't even know if you are coming or going. At one point we were running an hour late and had a room full of patients, then the call came asking if she was busy or if she could help out another doctor. Me, with all my best intentions immediately said no because we were busy, and I knew she was exhausted and it seemed impossible. my heart and intentions were good, I was keeping the day together, thinking of not keeping our patients any longer than they already were, protecting my boss' schedule etc and honestly not wanting to overwhelm her. nothing bad in my decision. . . .but it was not the correct decision. and even though it wasn't a big deal at all. . . I still had to face the fact that it was not the right decision. Even though my intentions were great. . . it was not the right decision.
So as humans, intentionally or not, we screw up and make mistakes and then on top of all of the above, we need to factor in sin. ..
almost makes us want to exhale and wonder if there is any chance? any hope? .... and that is where this comes in.
Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT]
The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a]
His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Just as surely as the sun will rise, we can be confident in this. . . Our God, the compassionate, all loving Father, will show compassion and His mercy is available new each day. Almost as if it rises with the sun at dawn. Don't be shy to embrace this fact, lean on Him and seek forgiveness for it is freely available. And even if you already did this, yesterday and the day before, it doesn't run out. As surely as the sun will rise, His mercy is available too, no matter how dark the night.
I love how in the Voice translation it says it this way...
the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion.
Don't run from Him, run too Him.... and embrace the start of a new day.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Sketch In Time #Smudge
So in the effort to be a bit more vulnerable, and force myself to focus more on my art....and bring in more creativity in my life. . . once a week I will post a Sketch In Time blog....
It will simply be art/creative projects that I am currently working on, unfinished, raw and in progress. . . they might never get finished . . . or they might turn out to be duds.... thats ok....my focus is feeding my creativity and growing little by little . . . I often tag my designs or creativity with #Smudge #TheJoyOfImperfection.
That is what I have made peace with. I am not perfect and I am ok with that . . . part of learning is not getting it right....and that is also ok....The important thing is being true to who I am created to be, and embracing and enjoying all that that is, because in doing that I honour my Creator.
so here is my current work in progress. Feel free to click on the photos to see a larger image.
[for those who need something different, feel free to read my blog on creativity and order posted yesterday
http://kerrialb.blogspot.co.za/2017/03/chaotic-creativity.html
It will simply be art/creative projects that I am currently working on, unfinished, raw and in progress. . . they might never get finished . . . or they might turn out to be duds.... thats ok....my focus is feeding my creativity and growing little by little . . . I often tag my designs or creativity with #Smudge #TheJoyOfImperfection.
That is what I have made peace with. I am not perfect and I am ok with that . . . part of learning is not getting it right....and that is also ok....The important thing is being true to who I am created to be, and embracing and enjoying all that that is, because in doing that I honour my Creator.
so here is my current work in progress. Feel free to click on the photos to see a larger image.
[for those who need something different, feel free to read my blog on creativity and order posted yesterday
http://kerrialb.blogspot.co.za/2017/03/chaotic-creativity.html
Monday, March 6, 2017
Chaotic Creativity
I've often heard this expression in the church, "God is not a God of chaos but a God of order." It makes sense, my rebellious creativity side wrestles to embrace it and truthfully even though it sounds like a good solid notion, it held no weight in my life. It really didn't impact me at all....
Then out of nowhere like a voice in the darkness....
Light has started shining over this expression, and I am starting to see things in a new way.
I have recently read an article on depression, and how people with severe depressive/anxiety disorders often live in homes full of clutter and disorder. An extreme version of this would be people who are hoarders.
The article was speaking on ways to ease your depression by simplifying your living space and getting rid of the excess. Now I naturally tend towards mess and clutter. . . always have done so. But when I was struggling with depression it was far worse, and beyond that, the worse it got the more it depressed me but I simply didn't have the energy to deal with it.
Another area that was greatly effected was my creativity, it was near impossible to bring forth any creativity from this state. Which is ironic because I firmly believe that creativity is key in comforting and nurturing the soul and bringing forth healing to the soul. It was counter-productive really.
Then this weekend my brain started flitting across the beginning of it all....Genesis 1. . . and I realized that before God created, He first brought forth order. It was only from the place of order that He moved into creativity. I don't know why I hadn't seen it before.
Now this is still a thought forming, and definitely not a doctrine or firm opinion....but if you look at certain versions they lean towards this statement. . .
Genesis 1:1-2 in the living bible says it this way....
When God began creating[a] the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was[b] a shapeless, chaotic mass,* with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.*
and in the Jubilee bible it says [emphasis mine]
The narrative in the Voice bible translation leading into Genesis one says such a beautiful thing.....
With the utterance of His voice, creation takes form, chaos yields to order, light eclipses darkness, and emptiness fills with life.
Perhaps God truly is, as the preachers keep saying, a God of order after all. Perhaps order truly is key in releasing creativity too. I always thought that order would cramp my creative style and put a restriction on the ability to flow. But the more I bring order not just into my life but into my living space, the more I see a surge in creative inspiration and the more I see a place to bring forth beauty, instead of my eyes constantly feasting on chaotic mess. And so strangely, for me, order seems to be taking me against what I had imagined. Instead of stifling my creativity, its releasing and fueling it.
Now never fear, I will never be obsessive compulsive minimalist type. I will always have a slightly messy nature, its part of me. . . but I am appreciating protecting my creative space, so that its pleasing to the soul, nurturing to the soul and restful. Let me know what you think about this theory...[no mom, that is not a licence to talk about fighting with me to clean my room as a child :) ]
Then out of nowhere like a voice in the darkness....
Light has started shining over this expression, and I am starting to see things in a new way.
I have recently read an article on depression, and how people with severe depressive/anxiety disorders often live in homes full of clutter and disorder. An extreme version of this would be people who are hoarders.
The article was speaking on ways to ease your depression by simplifying your living space and getting rid of the excess. Now I naturally tend towards mess and clutter. . . always have done so. But when I was struggling with depression it was far worse, and beyond that, the worse it got the more it depressed me but I simply didn't have the energy to deal with it.
Another area that was greatly effected was my creativity, it was near impossible to bring forth any creativity from this state. Which is ironic because I firmly believe that creativity is key in comforting and nurturing the soul and bringing forth healing to the soul. It was counter-productive really.
Then this weekend my brain started flitting across the beginning of it all....Genesis 1. . . and I realized that before God created, He first brought forth order. It was only from the place of order that He moved into creativity. I don't know why I hadn't seen it before.
Now this is still a thought forming, and definitely not a doctrine or firm opinion....but if you look at certain versions they lean towards this statement. . .
Genesis 1:1-2 in the living bible says it this way....
When God began creating[a] the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was[b] a shapeless, chaotic mass,* with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.*
and in the Jubilee bible it says [emphasis mine]
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 And the earth was without order, and empty; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
The narrative in the Voice bible translation leading into Genesis one says such a beautiful thing.....
With the utterance of His voice, creation takes form, chaos yields to order, light eclipses darkness, and emptiness fills with life.
Perhaps God truly is, as the preachers keep saying, a God of order after all. Perhaps order truly is key in releasing creativity too. I always thought that order would cramp my creative style and put a restriction on the ability to flow. But the more I bring order not just into my life but into my living space, the more I see a surge in creative inspiration and the more I see a place to bring forth beauty, instead of my eyes constantly feasting on chaotic mess. And so strangely, for me, order seems to be taking me against what I had imagined. Instead of stifling my creativity, its releasing and fueling it.
Now never fear, I will never be obsessive compulsive minimalist type. I will always have a slightly messy nature, its part of me. . . but I am appreciating protecting my creative space, so that its pleasing to the soul, nurturing to the soul and restful. Let me know what you think about this theory...[no mom, that is not a licence to talk about fighting with me to clean my room as a child :) ]
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Turning up the Volume Again
When did we allow the music too fade? Recently I had a moment, that my adult conformist brain shuddered at. . . I was driving home from work, and I turned the volume up really loud in my car AND then I started to sing along with a good old song really loudly. Loud enough to strain my voice. . . and YES, my windows were down....and NO, I cant sing. . . but let me tell you....IT FELT GOOD.
But it made me wonder . . . when did we turn down the volume? when did we let the music fade? when did i become a typical cliche of an ""old person"? and wouldn't life be more colourful and fun if we turned the volume back up again?
I don't remember myself as a small child in this aspect . . . but some of my nephews and a ton of youtube videos will show ...small children have no inhibitions when their favorite song comes on. I remember my one nephew would literally jump off the med and bounce of the walls when his favorite song came on. They dance their hearts out enjoying the moment and the music full regardless of whether they can dance or not.
I do remember my teen years. . . Music was almost as constant as oxygen. It was also being played, and always on. . . even when studying for exams, music was blaring. obviously older people would question whether we could study with that noise on . . . but we could and we did. I was a groupie, always at local gigs and around band practices, music was life back then. I was first on the dancefloor [with another friend of mine].... now i'm not a great dancer but it didnt matter. . . Sometimes it was only us 2 on the dance floor...but it didnt matter, we lost ourselves in the enjoyment of the moment and the music.
And now? when did it fade? I still enjoy music, I do . . . usually as background noise when i'm driving or when i'm drawing/painting etc or cleaning house. . . but i have stopped enjoying it, i have stopped dancing my heart out or belting out the lyrics at the top of my voice.
Now i know, sadly, we dont live in a musical . . . though my family and i did have a rare moment on Christmas morning when opening presents that somehow ended up with all of us loudly and happily, and somewhat spontaneously singing, "when a moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie....that's amorer" . . . but we don't live in a musical....but sadly in my own life, and i would hazard a guess in a lot of people's lives.... we have turned down the volume.
imagine how much less gym we'd need if we randomly had bursts of song and dance in our homes . . . imagine how much better our souls would feel if we started to create moments that bring song, dance and enjoyment back into our lives again? i think its time to turn up the volume again, not because i have to but because its FUN!
But it made me wonder . . . when did we turn down the volume? when did we let the music fade? when did i become a typical cliche of an ""old person"? and wouldn't life be more colourful and fun if we turned the volume back up again?
I don't remember myself as a small child in this aspect . . . but some of my nephews and a ton of youtube videos will show ...small children have no inhibitions when their favorite song comes on. I remember my one nephew would literally jump off the med and bounce of the walls when his favorite song came on. They dance their hearts out enjoying the moment and the music full regardless of whether they can dance or not.
I do remember my teen years. . . Music was almost as constant as oxygen. It was also being played, and always on. . . even when studying for exams, music was blaring. obviously older people would question whether we could study with that noise on . . . but we could and we did. I was a groupie, always at local gigs and around band practices, music was life back then. I was first on the dancefloor [with another friend of mine].... now i'm not a great dancer but it didnt matter. . . Sometimes it was only us 2 on the dance floor...but it didnt matter, we lost ourselves in the enjoyment of the moment and the music.
And now? when did it fade? I still enjoy music, I do . . . usually as background noise when i'm driving or when i'm drawing/painting etc or cleaning house. . . but i have stopped enjoying it, i have stopped dancing my heart out or belting out the lyrics at the top of my voice.
Now i know, sadly, we dont live in a musical . . . though my family and i did have a rare moment on Christmas morning when opening presents that somehow ended up with all of us loudly and happily, and somewhat spontaneously singing, "when a moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie....that's amorer" . . . but we don't live in a musical....but sadly in my own life, and i would hazard a guess in a lot of people's lives.... we have turned down the volume.
imagine how much less gym we'd need if we randomly had bursts of song and dance in our homes . . . imagine how much better our souls would feel if we started to create moments that bring song, dance and enjoyment back into our lives again? i think its time to turn up the volume again, not because i have to but because its FUN!
Monday, February 27, 2017
Bringing Colour Back
At church yesterday, as the preacher was winding down, they made an interesting side comment... which truthfully hit me more than the entire sermon [and had nothing to do with the sermon].
The were talking about survivors, and how their life becomes black and white. [not black and white as in wrong or right... but as in lacking in colour]. And how God wants us to be a palette ...How He wants to restore colour to our lives.
Selah.
Pause.
Take a Moment.
Think about this.
I remember decades ago, someone once described me as "effervescent." At the time I laughed, I was so insecure and broken that I felt more like a wallflower than "effervescent".
But then life moved forward, and I got chewed up and beaten up and spat out. and it took all my energy to just get up and face the day. PTSD and anxiety was a war I was waging against, after spending many years on the ministry front line in a war of another kind. . . and honestly when you are surviving things, beauty and joy and colour are usually the last things on your mind, and you don't have energy to pursue them. Life and colour does drain out of you leaving just the basic [black and white] structure holding you together. . .
But restoration always comes, when the Creator, The Restorer, the Great artist, God...and He gently starts to dust you off and hold you close and ooze colour back into your life. . .isn't that a beautiful thing? Take a moment, and get into the presence of God and let Him ooze back some colour, some life into the broken barrenness that life has left you with.
it stirred me enough to warrant a quick mixed medium piece of work that i started working on tonight....
The were talking about survivors, and how their life becomes black and white. [not black and white as in wrong or right... but as in lacking in colour]. And how God wants us to be a palette ...How He wants to restore colour to our lives.
Selah.
Pause.
Take a Moment.
Think about this.
I remember decades ago, someone once described me as "effervescent." At the time I laughed, I was so insecure and broken that I felt more like a wallflower than "effervescent".
But then life moved forward, and I got chewed up and beaten up and spat out. and it took all my energy to just get up and face the day. PTSD and anxiety was a war I was waging against, after spending many years on the ministry front line in a war of another kind. . . and honestly when you are surviving things, beauty and joy and colour are usually the last things on your mind, and you don't have energy to pursue them. Life and colour does drain out of you leaving just the basic [black and white] structure holding you together. . .
But restoration always comes, when the Creator, The Restorer, the Great artist, God...and He gently starts to dust you off and hold you close and ooze colour back into your life. . .isn't that a beautiful thing? Take a moment, and get into the presence of God and let Him ooze back some colour, some life into the broken barrenness that life has left you with.
it stirred me enough to warrant a quick mixed medium piece of work that i started working on tonight....
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Purr-fect moments
So as most know, I am a cat person. Actually I am an animal person . . . but where I currently live, I can only have a cat. . . Hence my current stories often involve my cat.
I adore my current cat, his name is Jojo. I didn't name him, the shelter where he lived for 3 years had named him. He is my purr-fect companion. He is a unique cat, affectionately called "not-so-bright" because ...we... he really is not so bright. There are countless stories I could share about his not so bright moments but that is not the purr-pose of today's blog.
He is super affectionate. Overly affectionate. He has a tendency to run towards your car when you arrive and flop down, belly up for a some love. Being not so bright, that sometimes means he flops down behind your car whilst you are reversing. He also comes running if you call him, just like a dog would.
If I am home, he is my shadow. There is no place that I can go that he wont follow. He is manipulatively affectionate too. I always know when he wants something because then he turns on the charm full blast. He will persistently purr and rub against you and follow you and paw at you and demand attention when he wants something. And that something could be anything from fresh food in his bowl [even though you fed him fresh food 5 minutes before. . . it is now no longer fresh and he demands new food. . . ironically in the day when i am at work he eats the stale food.]. It could mean fresh water. or it could mean, "Go back to bed so that I can lie on your lap." its a process of elimination till you discover what he is affectionately demanding.
But then there are the moments when he is full of delights and purrs not to get his own way but simply because he adores his human. These are the best moments ever. It does wonders for my heart when he is curled up, fast asleep on the bed or couch next to me and the minute he hears my voice, he starts to purr in his sleep. Or if I am napping and he jumps up on the bed and the minute he finds me, he instantly starts purring in acknowledgement as if to say, "Yay! I found my human that I adore."
These are my purr-fect moments, the ones that warm and melt my heart because its moments like these where I am loved by my fur-baby for no reason whatsoever except because he loves me.
It's something in my own life, that is shifting this year. I realise how often my relationship with God has undertones of expectation [not necessarily faith based] that is a hidden motive/incentive to my time with him or service/worship to him. Not intentionally, and not the loud blaring motive. And sometimes it is from a genuine need, just like my cat's need for food. . . but its still there. I long for the moments, like when I first became Christian where I was so in awe of God and so besotted with Him that it didn't matter if He did something in response or didnt do anything because it was enough to know Him and be with Him
One of the words for worship is "proskuneo" and it means... to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand), to fawn or crouch to, homage (do reverence to, adore): worship."
A reverend, intimate love. A bit like a dog's unconditional, non-manipulative love or the rare impromptu purr-fect moment when a cat appreciate's its owner. A love that is not self-seeking, but lavish. Let's spend time this week, in true worship and rediscover not just God's love for us, but our love for Him.
I adore my current cat, his name is Jojo. I didn't name him, the shelter where he lived for 3 years had named him. He is my purr-fect companion. He is a unique cat, affectionately called "not-so-bright" because ...we... he really is not so bright. There are countless stories I could share about his not so bright moments but that is not the purr-pose of today's blog.
He is super affectionate. Overly affectionate. He has a tendency to run towards your car when you arrive and flop down, belly up for a some love. Being not so bright, that sometimes means he flops down behind your car whilst you are reversing. He also comes running if you call him, just like a dog would.
If I am home, he is my shadow. There is no place that I can go that he wont follow. He is manipulatively affectionate too. I always know when he wants something because then he turns on the charm full blast. He will persistently purr and rub against you and follow you and paw at you and demand attention when he wants something. And that something could be anything from fresh food in his bowl [even though you fed him fresh food 5 minutes before. . . it is now no longer fresh and he demands new food. . . ironically in the day when i am at work he eats the stale food.]. It could mean fresh water. or it could mean, "Go back to bed so that I can lie on your lap." its a process of elimination till you discover what he is affectionately demanding.
But then there are the moments when he is full of delights and purrs not to get his own way but simply because he adores his human. These are the best moments ever. It does wonders for my heart when he is curled up, fast asleep on the bed or couch next to me and the minute he hears my voice, he starts to purr in his sleep. Or if I am napping and he jumps up on the bed and the minute he finds me, he instantly starts purring in acknowledgement as if to say, "Yay! I found my human that I adore."
These are my purr-fect moments, the ones that warm and melt my heart because its moments like these where I am loved by my fur-baby for no reason whatsoever except because he loves me.
It's something in my own life, that is shifting this year. I realise how often my relationship with God has undertones of expectation [not necessarily faith based] that is a hidden motive/incentive to my time with him or service/worship to him. Not intentionally, and not the loud blaring motive. And sometimes it is from a genuine need, just like my cat's need for food. . . but its still there. I long for the moments, like when I first became Christian where I was so in awe of God and so besotted with Him that it didn't matter if He did something in response or didnt do anything because it was enough to know Him and be with Him
One of the words for worship is "proskuneo" and it means... to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand), to fawn or crouch to, homage (do reverence to, adore): worship."
A reverend, intimate love. A bit like a dog's unconditional, non-manipulative love or the rare impromptu purr-fect moment when a cat appreciate's its owner. A love that is not self-seeking, but lavish. Let's spend time this week, in true worship and rediscover not just God's love for us, but our love for Him.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Professional Corpse For Hire
Whilst watching some of my favorite crime series I had a stroke of genius. . . I am going to move to Hollywood and become a professional corpse.
Come on, its a genius profession.
Movies and sitcoms always need a dead body. .. imagine being paid to lie down and act dead? that is pretty awesome. And no lines to memorize nor practice how to articulate and enunciate properly. . . is an epic job and you get to hang out with sometimes famous actors. . . its truly awesome.
It might be taxing and take some practice to lie there and limit how visible my breathing is but I am pretty sure I can learn to play dead. I mean if my dog can be taught to play dead, surely I can master the art. Oh wait, I don't own a dog anymore. . . and my cat, well lets just say he sleeps in his litter box instead of pooping in it....so that would render him unteachable.
But it sounded great in my mind, perfect job opportunity. The reality of long hours lying still, lame limbs, sore ribs from restrained breathing and acne from thick stage make-up might be a different story.
It's never as easy as it seems, is it?
Kind of like in Christianity. We all share the over-shared saying, "the problem with living sacrifices is that they keep crawling off the altar." but truthfully we all struggle. We have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live but Christ in me. My old man is dead and I am alive in Christ, living by the Spirit. . . the problem is my old man hasn't received the memo or if he has, he is truly an awful actor and would never get hired as a corpse.
But thank God for His grace, patience and forgiveness.
Maybe my next role shoulder rather be for the walking dead, than a corpse?
Come on, its a genius profession.
Movies and sitcoms always need a dead body. .. imagine being paid to lie down and act dead? that is pretty awesome. And no lines to memorize nor practice how to articulate and enunciate properly. . . is an epic job and you get to hang out with sometimes famous actors. . . its truly awesome.
It might be taxing and take some practice to lie there and limit how visible my breathing is but I am pretty sure I can learn to play dead. I mean if my dog can be taught to play dead, surely I can master the art. Oh wait, I don't own a dog anymore. . . and my cat, well lets just say he sleeps in his litter box instead of pooping in it....so that would render him unteachable.
But it sounded great in my mind, perfect job opportunity. The reality of long hours lying still, lame limbs, sore ribs from restrained breathing and acne from thick stage make-up might be a different story.
It's never as easy as it seems, is it?
Kind of like in Christianity. We all share the over-shared saying, "the problem with living sacrifices is that they keep crawling off the altar." but truthfully we all struggle. We have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live but Christ in me. My old man is dead and I am alive in Christ, living by the Spirit. . . the problem is my old man hasn't received the memo or if he has, he is truly an awful actor and would never get hired as a corpse.
But thank God for His grace, patience and forgiveness.
Maybe my next role shoulder rather be for the walking dead, than a corpse?
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Timing is everything
It is funny, both funny "ha ha" and funny peculiar how timing can affect and effect everything. We as finite earthly beings are completely governed by time, and schedules and our watches. On the flip side, God is completely outside of time, knowing the beginning from the end and operating in ways the are greater than yet woven into our concept of time....confusing...most of the time, yes! awe-inspiring, for sure!
As I said we are completely governed by time. We have our days planned, usually starting with an alarm clock to announce that it is "time" to get up. Our morning schedule is governed by keeping an eye on the time to ensure we are out the door and heading to work on time. Our work schedule is governed by time, even if it is longingly eyeing the clock waiting for our lunch hour. We complain that we don't have enough time to do xyz or meet with so-and-so. We are always wanting more time, more hours in the day or longing for our leave time, when we have hours of doing nothing. We grumble when things happen at an inopportune time for us. If we don't grumble about it, we laugh about it, sprouting cliched sayings like, "Murphy's law" when bad things happen at bad times.
Recently my toilet has been struggling to flush because somebody had thrown cement down it a few months ago, just before I moved in. It is a frustrating situation that keeps recurring. I had just lodged a complaint with my landlord again, only to be informed that the maintenance person was on leave and it would be attended to in a week's time. typical bad timing, toilet starts to clog when maintenance is not available to deal with it. and of course because bad things happening at bad/inopportune times seem to trend in life, in general....I also, during this week of waiting, caught a stomach bug that left me with the worst diarrhea that I have ever encountered in me life....Murphy's law.
The word of God speaks about how there is a time for everything, in Ecclesiastes 3. Time defines so much.
The good news as I stated before is that God has this, He knows the beginning from the end. He is outside of time and not governed by time YET he is able to move within time to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives. And I can honestly say from many different experiences, when God steps into our time zone and connects the dots in His perfect timing [not in what we think the perfect timing should be], it is miraculous, awe-inspiring and leaves us stunned but incredibly grateful that we chose to wait on His timing. For not only is He good, not only is He loving and all He does is motivated out of these attributes, BUT He is timeless and therefor knows when perfect timing truly is.
So my encouragement for all of you heading into 2017 is this . . . stay in step with His Spirit....don't run ahead or lag behind, take His hand and walk by His side.
Galatians 5:25 [The Voice]
Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit.
As I said we are completely governed by time. We have our days planned, usually starting with an alarm clock to announce that it is "time" to get up. Our morning schedule is governed by keeping an eye on the time to ensure we are out the door and heading to work on time. Our work schedule is governed by time, even if it is longingly eyeing the clock waiting for our lunch hour. We complain that we don't have enough time to do xyz or meet with so-and-so. We are always wanting more time, more hours in the day or longing for our leave time, when we have hours of doing nothing. We grumble when things happen at an inopportune time for us. If we don't grumble about it, we laugh about it, sprouting cliched sayings like, "Murphy's law" when bad things happen at bad times.
Recently my toilet has been struggling to flush because somebody had thrown cement down it a few months ago, just before I moved in. It is a frustrating situation that keeps recurring. I had just lodged a complaint with my landlord again, only to be informed that the maintenance person was on leave and it would be attended to in a week's time. typical bad timing, toilet starts to clog when maintenance is not available to deal with it. and of course because bad things happening at bad/inopportune times seem to trend in life, in general....I also, during this week of waiting, caught a stomach bug that left me with the worst diarrhea that I have ever encountered in me life....Murphy's law.
The word of God speaks about how there is a time for everything, in Ecclesiastes 3. Time defines so much.
The good news as I stated before is that God has this, He knows the beginning from the end. He is outside of time and not governed by time YET he is able to move within time to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives. And I can honestly say from many different experiences, when God steps into our time zone and connects the dots in His perfect timing [not in what we think the perfect timing should be], it is miraculous, awe-inspiring and leaves us stunned but incredibly grateful that we chose to wait on His timing. For not only is He good, not only is He loving and all He does is motivated out of these attributes, BUT He is timeless and therefor knows when perfect timing truly is.
So my encouragement for all of you heading into 2017 is this . . . stay in step with His Spirit....don't run ahead or lag behind, take His hand and walk by His side.
Galatians 5:25 [The Voice]
Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
What is age? just a number?
Today is a significant day in my life. It was on the 8 January 1995 that I decided to commit my life to Jesus, and submit to His Lordship. 22 years ago.
As I inch/crawl near to the 40-year-old mark [it is looming a few short years away]. I am tempted to start telling people my age not in relation to how long I have drawn breath but in relation to when i truly started living life in abundance, the day I committed my life to Jesus.
It's a more flattering number to vocalize.
Truthfully, even though I was drawing breath before then, I truly only came alive at this moment. Not in a cliched over-quoted phrase type of way. But in a genuine, my life was never the same again type of way. It has been an adventure and a half.
In our physical years, and in our spiritual years we all have expectations and milestones we hope to achieve. In the family culture that I grew up in, 21 was a coming of age, finally old enough to fully be considered an adult, to hold the keys to the house etc. It was a milestone and a mark of growing up.
The older I get, the more I am aware that just because technically I was an adult, that didn't make me mature. The same expectation spills over year in and year out in my spiritual growth and walk with God.
I expect to be more at peace, or more blessed/prosperous. I expect to be more mature. I expect to be more whole, have less issues. Have my issues effect me less. I expect to be mature in Christ, and displaying godly character. [if you drive with me and witness my road rage, you will know that Christ like character is not always my strong point.]
Depending on which church you attend and which doctrine's you have been exposed to along with you own thoughts and ideals . . . these expectations bombard us, and truthfully usually deplete our faith instead of building it up.
What I have realized is this and simply this . . . I Am His. I Belong to Christ and His desire/love is for me and He is always with me.
I am so glad that true biblical values are not shaped by society, social media, self expectations nor the expectations of leaders or family or friends. Everything God ordained for us is simply rooted and based in love.
So I stand a 22-year-old Christian, who will love him and serve him with all my imperfections because He loves me with all my imperfections. . . as for maturity.... its over-rated... but wisdom is a pearl to search for and treasure.... Here's to another new love filled, adventure packed year of knowing Christ.
As I inch/crawl near to the 40-year-old mark [it is looming a few short years away]. I am tempted to start telling people my age not in relation to how long I have drawn breath but in relation to when i truly started living life in abundance, the day I committed my life to Jesus.
It's a more flattering number to vocalize.
Truthfully, even though I was drawing breath before then, I truly only came alive at this moment. Not in a cliched over-quoted phrase type of way. But in a genuine, my life was never the same again type of way. It has been an adventure and a half.
In our physical years, and in our spiritual years we all have expectations and milestones we hope to achieve. In the family culture that I grew up in, 21 was a coming of age, finally old enough to fully be considered an adult, to hold the keys to the house etc. It was a milestone and a mark of growing up.
The older I get, the more I am aware that just because technically I was an adult, that didn't make me mature. The same expectation spills over year in and year out in my spiritual growth and walk with God.
I expect to be more at peace, or more blessed/prosperous. I expect to be more mature. I expect to be more whole, have less issues. Have my issues effect me less. I expect to be mature in Christ, and displaying godly character. [if you drive with me and witness my road rage, you will know that Christ like character is not always my strong point.]
Depending on which church you attend and which doctrine's you have been exposed to along with you own thoughts and ideals . . . these expectations bombard us, and truthfully usually deplete our faith instead of building it up.
What I have realized is this and simply this . . . I Am His. I Belong to Christ and His desire/love is for me and He is always with me.
I am so glad that true biblical values are not shaped by society, social media, self expectations nor the expectations of leaders or family or friends. Everything God ordained for us is simply rooted and based in love.
So I stand a 22-year-old Christian, who will love him and serve him with all my imperfections because He loves me with all my imperfections. . . as for maturity.... its over-rated... but wisdom is a pearl to search for and treasure.... Here's to another new love filled, adventure packed year of knowing Christ.
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