The winding hound

My trip down to Durban on Greyhound on Sunday was relatively relaxed and enjoyable but always just a bit long.  My favourite part by far is noticing the change in the landscape as the hound winds its way through the escarpment and on to the rolling hills of Kwazulu Natal.  The trees are all greener and in the distance you can see the Drakensberg mountains beaconing your attention.

In life we will go on many journey's and traverse many different landscapes.  Some journey's will take us through deserts, others through lush mountain valleys and beautiful waterfalls and others over the hills and mountain tops. Yes the landscapes change often and learning to navigate through them and stay spiritually strong can and will be challenging. 

This is where staying rooted and grounded in Christ becomes so important for was it not Jesus himself who said, "Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden," or, "Come to me and I will give you living water," or yet still, "Follow me." Yes Jesus will walk with us through every journey, guide every step and supply every need along the way. 

So now all we need to do is trust His leading and guidance and embrace every new journey of life.

Senseless murder

As another senseless murder of a school teacher takes place, we are enraged and angry at the absolute depravity of it all!  The thought that crossed my mind is, what gives people the thought that they have the right to just take what they want?  They take sex, they take money, they take lives with zero conscience or thought to the wake of destruction they leave behind!  Heck I'm sure they even enjoy it!

The rampant crime we live with is enough to drive you insane and leave you depressed for days!  But that's exactly what the devil wants, he keeps us circling around in a negative spiral that simply destroys the soul, making it almost impossible to lift your emotions. 

That is why Paul admonishes us to live a different way. 

Philippians 4:8 (KJV):  

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

To put that in other words, change the direction and focus of your thoughts.   

So - when you are angry at another senseless murder - thank God that he is a God of justice and that His word says, "vengeance is mine."
When you are angry that people lie, cheat and steal - thank God that there are many, many wonderful people who give and bless others far beyond what we can comprehend. 
When you are angry that life makes not sense - thank God that He is the one who directs your path and that He will make all things work together for your good.  

Yes, think on these wonderful and amazing things!

What's your skill set?

I've been known to get a little impatient with people who just don't get it!  They are just not as good at doing something that I'm real good at and that can frustrate me no end, because it seems as if they do not understand the consequences if things go wrong.  This week I've been challenged to see things a little differently.  I realize now that I'm wrong and I need to exercise patience, understanding and grace and at times that may mean that I have to do a little more work. 

That may mean helping a colleague at work, getting involved in a group that needs my financial skills or just playing a support role.  The really difficult part is learning to do so in a way that will build up the other person and let them shine and admittedly that can be difficult because our ego's get in the way. 

The body of Christ is no different though.  In fields of ministry there are things that some people are naturally talented at and other things not so much.  Firstly we need to make sure we take up our place and play our part and then we need to help others to fulfill their calling or gifting and allow them to experience the joy of service to God in a positive way. 

So what is your skill set and how are you using it to build the kingdom of God? 

Who's house is it anyway?

I have often joked that my cats own my house and I just maintain it for them.  Lol!  After all they get to enjoy my bed, warm house, blankets, couches, food and water for a solid 24 hours a day.  Me?  I get a measly 8 hours on week days, give or take, and a couple more hours on weekends. 

That begs the question, am I the master or the servant? 

Well we go to church on Sundays to do what?  Worship God of course, so you could say we are the servant.  But...we go there to get ministered too by the five fold ministry and these ministers feed and minister into our lives, so does that not make them servants too?  Yip I'd say that. 

But what about God?  We said we go to church to worship God, but what does God do in return?  He pours out his love, healing power and grace to us, so is He not serving us when He does so?  Quite right, yes he does! 

So who's house is the church then anyway?  I don't know.... (wink), you tell me? 

Daunted

After my  bold announcement on Christmas eve that I was going to seriously look into adopting I had made some ground in the first few months of the year.  I'd read a book, done some research and reached out to a few contacts.  At some stage though fear started to creep in and I just felt I wasn't going to be able to do it.  On top of that it is amazing that when you have a clear goal time just flies and I've never felt a year fly by so quickly as this one is going.  I'll admit it has been totally daunting. 

One thing I've learned over the years is to sometimes just let things take a pause, even if it feels as though you are wasting time, you get the sense that God is busy doing something and you just need to hang 10 a bit.  Doing that, trusting God and comitting your plans to Him can only result in one thing.....

God will confirm His word!

Out of the blue I had an sms from someone I'd been trying to meet with to learn about her experience of adoption and a hurried meeting was scheduled for tonight.  Over coffee I learned that all of the fears I have are normal and that having a child, by birth or adoption, is done in God's time not in ours....

And so it is with most things in life!  :-)

Dig, dig, dig and dig some more!

This weekend marked the real beginning of the front garden re-modelling project.  I'm anticipating this will take at least the next 8 months, winter stop off included.  The first and probably most ugly phase is getting stuck into the removal of all unwanted plants. 

Now in the past I've made the mistake of rushing things.  I would dig up an old plant or even the grass and immediately plant the new plants.  This was a big mistake as any old roots left behind just sprung up again.  Therefore this time I have decided it must be done right.  I have to make sure that I dig it all up properly....that's going to take a lot of work. 

When God works in our lives it is often with similar result.  There may be times when we are not ready to do more than dig up the surface, but when we are ready and willing to allow God to do so, He will dig up absolutely everything, all the bad roots and all. 

There are times when this process will be painful, but thankfully there are also times when our soul is ready and although it takes work, the process can run quite smoothly.  I guess it all depends on how ready we are to let God do the work He needs to do in us. 

So if you are in a place right now where you feel God is really digging through your soul, allow Him room to work.  God has a wonderful plan for your life and He sees the end picture of what the garden of your heart will look like once He is done. 

Simply sublime

Yesterday was just one of those days that had me stressed out.  By the time I got home the only thing I could think of was getting into a hot bubble bath and soaking all the stress away.  The funny thing is that for the three months I was camping downstairs last year, I HAD to use the bath, so it had lost its enjoyment factor but since moving upstairs, my divine new shower has just been bliss.  Last night though, bathing took on its old world charm of being the most relaxing thing I could do. 

Some times all we need is a little comfort to ease our soul and refresh the mind.  In our spiritual walk that is no different.  There are times when our spirit can feel battered and bruised and we could use some spiritual comfort.  So how about we put together a spiritual bubble bath and soak in the word of God???

Stressed about finances:  Phil 4:19 - My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
Stressed about health:  1 Pet 2:24 -  who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Feeling emotionally wounded: Col 2:10 - and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Feeling lost and have no direction:  Prov 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Needing peace in a difficult situation:  Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Yes, a good soak in the word of God can melt away all kinds of stress, so put your faith and trust in Him!

They call it Xenophobia

They call it Xenophobia when nationals turn on foreigners and attack them for living in their country and feeding off their land.  I ask myself, how is this different to apartheid?  Quite frankly, I don't care what you call it, one nation, people or language group asserting dominance over another, is evil beyond words. 

Galatians 3:28 tells us how we should view our fellow man/christian, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."


The ethics of this should remain the same whether we are dealing with Christians or non-Christians, for God has called us to show love and compassion on all of mankind.  Let us choose to treat mankind, or even all of God's creatures, with love, compassion and kindness. 

Yesterday's lies

None of us go through life without scars.  Along life's path we face many situations in which we are wounded and hurt.  The really sad part about this is that this is fodder for Satan.  He absolutely loves to take our past wounds and use them time and time again to remind us of our hurts, our failures and our pain and in so doing he manages to keep us spiraling round and round, stuck and trapped by yesterday's lies.

We need to remind ourselves that life is hard and tough and things will go wrong and we will get hurt but we do not need to absorb all of that as part of our identity.  We can choose to forgive and choose to let go of all of that.  It will not be easy but as we let go of our grip, we release the power of God to be able to come into that situation and heal us. 

God desires us to be whole and healed and functioning from our strengths and not our weaknesses, so go back to those situations and think about the good messages, there always is one that the devil would like us to forget.  Remember the good and hold fast onto that and see God build your life from strength to strength. 

Part of the family

I attended a baby shower of a good friend, Nishara Siebani, on Saturday.  Being a large Indian family, they clubbed together and turned it into a wonderful party.  It was great to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a long while. 

What really stood out for me was all the wonderful memories I have had with this family, both sad and happy.  I met the first sister, Ashani Sieberts, when she joined my home fellowship group that I had while at Rhema many years ago.  Over the years they have welcomed me into the family not only as a friend but almost more like a cousin, or dare I say another sister :-)

Family isn't only blood but can span break the boundaries of race and ethnicity.  Isn't that exactly what God did for us?  He adopted us into His family and make us joint heirs with Christ.  Did God not also declare that we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation?  We are His amazing and peculiar people and I thank God for the many wonderful members of His family that I have the privilege of knowing.  

Haul out the woolies

As the temperatures start to drop the wardrobe usually needs some rearranging.  Long sleeve shirts that haven't been worn for a while need a wash and refresh, but don't pack away those short sleeves just yet as I'm sure we'll have another warm spell before we can kiss the warmer weather good bye for a few months. 

As a gardening enthusiast this is good news.  The heavy digging you've been putting off for weeks can now be planned without threat of passing out from heat exhaustion.  Yes, each season definitely has its perks. 

When last did you change things up in your life and discover something new or fun?  I know my new art group has been the best thing for me.  Those two hours have become a precious, time to unwind the mind and focus on the beauty of art.

In our faith walk we certainly need to mix things up too.  We cannot afford to stagnate or get into a rut.  That is where being part of a home fellowship group can be so important.  It is a vital time where you can exchange thoughts and opinions on our life with Christ and gain new insights.

Are you currently part of a fellowship group of some kind?  If not, let me encourage to make the effort.  It truly is a rewarding effort and the relationships built will be priceless! 

Three in bed...

I woke up in the middle of the night, I wasn't lying in my 'usual spot' and boy was I sweating!  Thoughts of menopause ran through my head until my hand glided across the bed and there I felt my two little fur balls lying cuddled up to each other and to me, Lol!  I guess the seasons they are a changing.  Well now I have to figure out just the right temperature to keep them snug. 

Cats love being warm and snug an are attracted to warm, soft and cuddly fabrics and objects.  Want to know a secret?  As human beings we aren't any different.  We are attracted to people that make us feel loved and valued and as Christians should this not be our motto...to be a little bit more cuddly? 

I hear you say, we've just commemorated the crucifixion of our Lord, salvation is about thorns not being cute and lovable.  To a point yes, but how did Jesus restore Peter after His resurrection?  Around the warmth of a camp fire. 

So can I challenge you to let Jesus love shine through you, by being warm and loving to those around you today? 

Don't forget about autumn

Why is it that the moment the weather starts to get cooler that people talk about winter arriving.  Sorry folks, but what about autumn?  Autumn has a very important function and that is to slow down all development and prepare that land for the cold winter months. 

In my garden I have learned now that it is better to trim back your fruit bearing plants in early autumn so that all the stumps and stalks have time to seal properly so that the cold does not kill the plants.  If you only cut back plants in early spring you cause the plant to flower late and thus bare fruit to late.  It is also a good time to remove the marigolds as no pollination is necessary and I have to make space for much needed compost to keep the plants roots well fed throughout the dormant months. 

And of course if we rush past autumn we miss an opportunity to look at all the pretty trees turning their various shades of red, yellow and brown, we wouldn't want to miss such a beautiful season.  I usually reflect back to my time living in Parkhurst and the beautiful avenues of oaks that lined the roads....spectacular!

There is much to cherish about each season of life and the same is true about our faith as well, so let's not race through the seasons, let's enjoy the crackling leaves and beautiful colours of autumn and rejoice in the time we have to prepare for the colder season. 

An Esther for THE King of Kings

Get your popcorn and coke ready but be prepared, this movie is going to be shown in fast forward.  King Ahesuerus has a party and wants to display his lovely queen Vashti, she refuses and is caste out.  The king gets lonely, there's a pageant of sorts, Esther wins and is crowned the next queen.  

Screeeaaach! Okay sorry need to rewind for just a minute.  Have you thought about the year of treatment (every girls dream) the pampering and the beautifying?  It took a lot of preparation to prepare these young women to be worthy of being shown to a King.  Amidst all that, the rules, the do's the don’ts were all explained in detail so that the new young queen would never disgrace the king again. 

Back to fast forward, a plot it hatched by Haman to kill the Jews, all because Mordecai wouldn’t worship him.  Mordecai pleads with Esther to beg the King for their salvation.  With grace, poise and strength Esther doesn’t rush into things.  She makes sure the King is well fed and happy before she makes her request and Mordecai’s words are entrenched in the history of the Jewish nation forever, “And who knows if you have not come into the Kingdom for such a time as this.”  You see Esther's grace, compassion and beauty won the King's heart and he spared her people from annihilation.

In our modern society many have questioned the role of beauty pageants in our society, calling them sexist, demeaning and anti-typical of women’s rights.  I beg to differ for today more than ever these queens have opportunities to have an ‘audience with the king’, or shall we say political and business leaders.  Their influence is never more crucial now than ever with the crimes that happen against women and children in both war torn countries and civil society alike. 

It was therefore my absolute privilege and honour to meet one such contestant, entrant into this year’s Mrs South Africa beauty pageant, Sugnét Cornelius.  Within seconds of meeting Sugnét I knew that the same spirit that dwelt in Esther resonated through Sugnét in every way.  Her qualities of a gentle quiet confidence make her instantly likable, but much more than that, her heart for helping others shines through immediately. 

In her profession as a stylist Sugnét uses every client interaction to build their self-esteem and she takes great joy in reaching women and children in her community in any way she can.  Sugnét has a heart for serving and supporting others in need and takes every opportunity to do so.  These are just some of the many reasons why I have chosen to support Sugnét in her bid to become the next........

Mrs South Africa....

And I am asking you to join me in supporting her with his endeavour.  We need Godly women to take on these roles and Sugnét is ready for the challenge.

You can support Sugnét in her Mrs SA journey by doing the following:

SMS  - Send a sms quoting “Sugnét Cornelius” to 35959. You can vote as many times as you like and sms' are charged @ R3 per sms.

FACEBOOK -  

Firstly Like the Mrs SA page.

https://m.facebook.com/MrsSouthAfrica

https://www.facebook.com/MrsSouthAfrica

Then click on the link below and Like the picture of Sugnet

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=944444298907616&id=171133282905392&set=a.944428062242573.1073741896.171133282905392&source=49