Current Idee Fixe

This is my song of the moment. 

Indeed,  when He speaks, moves and does what He only can do, it changes us completely. I enjoy and welcome all such times because only good comes from those encounters. 

I love Him, Its that Simple

I love April. It is one of my favorite months because Easter my favorite holiday usually falls in that month. Easter is special right...I am always reminded about God's deep and unconditional love for me and the beautiful gift of grace which came with his death on the cross. I love Him so much and I feel blessed to know Him and that He is my God. Either way, when the chips are down or up, I know  I can always count on Him. He gives meaning to my life, take Him out of the equation and I would be lost. Thankfully, that will never happen.

So I have two songs which have been on repeat on my playlist of late. These songs take the words out of my mouth and are currently acting as my prayers as I sing along.

Jekalyn Carr with You are Bigger. This young woman is amazing!!!She started singing when she was 13 and she is only 19 now.

Dr. Tumi with Without You. Can you believe that he is also a medical doctor. I wouldn't have imagined that a medical doctor could sing so beautifully... but here he is.

I smitten by these two songs. What do you think?

Why This Season Makes Me Sad In A Way

I love the season of Christmas. There is always something exciting going on - talk about events, parties, markets and so much more. One of the things I also look forward to are the Christmas movies. However, (I bet you saw that coming) each year something always bothers me. It feels like Christmas has been hijacked. Santa Claus/Father Christmas and the commercialization of the day being some of the culprits. Honestly, I don't think many people know what Christmas is all about. The focus is no longer on Jesus as it should be but its on other things which have taken the focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

I remember watching a programme sometime ago where they were asking people what Christmas was all about. Shockingly very few people even mentioned Jesus. I was hurt, yes hurt and saddened. One person even mentioned that Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus because if he really ever existed he wasn't even born in December. This person just had to miss the point...

Anyway, so what does Christmas mean to me. Whilst I agree it is also about spending time with family and giving gifts, those are just side events which are done to share and show each other the love which the Lord Jesus Himself showed all of us by coming down to earth, living as a human and dying for us in order to give us life abundantly and bridge the chasm which had been created between us and God because of sin.He didn't have to but he did it anyway because He loves us so much. Christmas to me is about remembering how much God loves me and how He was willing to humble himself although He is God. His very birth changed the fate of mankind and human life was forever changed.  I am glad that Jesus came and died for me, I am because of Him and I cannot imagine life without Him. He is my everything.  One day when I have children I am going to make sure they know the real story behind Christmas.

Here is my current idee fixe. I love Lauren Daigle, I think she has an awesome voice and this song is really awesome. Love it and it is on repeat on my play list.

In other news - I have also been doing the rounds visiting Christmas markets. I am always on the look out for interesting and unique staff and general markets always deliver. Here are a few pictures.

The Christmas Village at Monte Casino was one of the places I couldnt miss.

You can just tell its Christmas.

There was even a cool fountain place where the children could cool off and have fun.

They even has movies showing every evening. 

I got this gorgeous bag which is perfect as an over night bag or an office bag where I can put in my laptop and work stuff.

 So what have you been up to this festive season and whet does Christmas mean to you? Just curious:).

What Happened in October

Hello World! Yes, it’s me. I have been on some kind of hiatus, not because I wanted to, but because so much has been happening and I simply couldn’t find time to blog. October has been the most hectic month for me this year – it was a month of travelling and adventure but honestly…I am so so glad to be back home. At the end of my globe trotting I ended up missing home. The good news though is that I owe a number of blog spots! Watch this space for several blog posts – am so excited to share the recent happenings in my life.

First up…beginning of October my sister and nephew Baby A came to Johannesburg for a visit. I was so excited to have them over and it was an opportunity to see and spend time with my fast growing nephew. I tell you, every time I see him he would have changed a whole lot. For some reason though, the first few days he was clinging to his mum and wouldn’t come to me and would just watch me from afar. He would follow his mum everywhere – including in the toilet and when she was bathing. It was only towards the end of their visit that he started warming up to me. My nephew is 1 year 8 months but I think the famous terrible twos have come early J. We went shopping on one of the days and wow did he throw tantrums. In one shop he was screaming and rolling on the floor, I didn’t know what to do. My sister was also at a loss as he has never done it before – gotta love kids, you never know what to expect. Here are a few pictures from their visit:

After a long day of shopping, at least someone was smiling.

This car was a huge hit with Baby A. He refused to get out and even had his dinner whist sitting in that car :)

Look at they 2 Baby E and Baby A - the two met for the first time and they got on well too. Baby E was gracious to let Baby A  go crazy in his car. He actually pushed him around.

Baby A loves phones - but then which baby doesn't? His mum and I always had to sneak away to read messages or send some out because the moment you touched the phone he would grab it away and start playing with it. He is really smart because he knows his was around a phone - knowing where his favorite songs and videos are. I was impressed.

Talk about a busy person - this young man is pretty busy. He is always up to something.

Yes, we finally became friends. Look at us - I don't remember what was happening.

Isn’t he the cutest? Even when he has been naughty, my heart never fails to melt. Yes, he still my all-time idee fixe. I can’t wait to see him in December and I am sure he would have grown a bit and will look different and I also hope that we will become fast friends. I am an Aunt, I can't help myself.

I Found It!

In a post a while back I shared how I was hunting searching for a couch. I am glad to tell you that the search is over. Just when I was getting weary because I kept seeing more or less the same ones, I walked into this one shop and wham! I fell in love.

I have been particularly looking for a sleeper couch because I live in a 1 bed place and I want visitors to have somewhere reasonably comfortable to sleep on. I love this couch because it is different. It is unlike all the other sleeper couches I was coming across. It is also quite comfortable (yes I tried it for a night), easy to transform, is very strong and looks good both as a couch and bed. I am excited. Now I will be accessorizing and I am moving on to my next buy. House furnishing and decorating can be stressful but is exciting all the same.

An Empty Lounge Area. It had been like this for over 2 months. 

Assembling the Sleeper Couch.

Making progress.

All done. I am in love with this Couch.

Couch turned into bed.

Look at that - it looks like a real bed doesn't it?

   Great weekend everyone.

My All Time Idée Fixe

I have been feeling rather lazy of late. Posting on this blog has been on my to do list  for a while now but it has taken me this long to finally post.
Last month I took a trip home to see my family. I wasn't able to go in December and so I wanted to make up for lost time and also see my nephew who I saw when he was just a baby. I was beyond excited and the days wouldn't move fast enough. Finally the day arrived and I was off. Here are a few pictures from my trip. My nephew has grown up I tell. These kids seem to grow over night and I am sure the next time I see him he will be a whole lot different.

Just after take off. I was able to take this picture as we flew over Joburg. I like taking pictures from the air. Its a different view up there altogether.

I love this picture. Can you that meandering pattern. It must be a dry river or something. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a drought in Southern Africa and hence our rivers are running dry.

Just after landing (whew!). That is the national airline which hasn't been doing so well for a while now.

Aaah there he is. My sister and nephew arrived the next day and we went to the airport to pick them up. This picture was taken just after they had come out of arrivals. He wasn't letting anybody take him from his mama :(

One of my friends has an office which has a great view of Harare. This is what she seeing everyday. Not bad neh?

There he is - my forever idee fix. He was just a tiny baby just yesterday. Not anymore. He is now a hyper and very busy toddler.  Kept all of us on our feet the whole time.

Look at that smile. Priceless.

 Little dude wanted his freedom and all aunt wanted was to have some pictures taken with him.

Do you remember these kind of radios? I love it so much and I am planning to convince my parents to give it to me. This is a gem and you don't see such these days. 

Hey little dude. What are you on about?

Finally warming up to me. We sure had fun together. Can't wait to see you again buddy. 

I miss baby AA already. I can't wait to see him again. I hope that the next time I see him he will remember me. I see him running towards me calling out my name... well one can only dream and hope.

Current Idée Fixe

This is my song of the moment. This song makes my heart fill up with love for Jesus. It makes me realize the depth of what He did for me on the cross. Happy Sunday! I love Him so much!

Jolly good show!

Jolly good show indeed! The title of this post is a quote from Pops one of the characters from my idée fixe of the moment - the Regular Show. I am crazy about this cartoon and I always have a good laugh when watching it. My favorite characters got to be Rigby and Benson. Rigby is mental and Benson - you should see Benson when he is upset.  Remember some of my favorite cartoons I have shared before? Courage the Cowardly Dog and Phineas and Ferb make part of the list and now this show has made it into the list
I wonder if I will ever outgrow cartoons.

Flawless

This is my current Idée Fixe. I simply cannot get  enough of this song.  God's grace is something which never ceases to amaze me. I am so undeserving and yet there He is telling me its not about what I have done or should do but that the cross is enough and that His grace is a gift. This song puts its across so well. I feel so humbled and honored to belong to God and to experience His unconditional love.

Idée Fixe of the Moment

A God who neither sleeps nor slumber... I can sleep peacefully knowing he is awake and has my back.

 

A God who has committed Himself to watching over me day and night... I can rest and not panic because in my going out and coming in He is with me through and through.

 

Psalm 121 - Good News Translation (GNT)

1 I look to the mountains;
where will my help come from?
² My help will come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not let you fall;
your protector is always awake.

⁴ The protector of Israel
never dozes or sleeps.
⁵ The Lord will guard you;
he is by your side to protect you.
⁶ The sun will not hurt you during the day,
nor the moon during the night.

⁷ The Lord will protect you from all danger;
he will keep you safe.
⁸ He will protect you as you come and go
now and forever. 

 

I simply cannot get enough of this scripture at the moment. It gives me so much hope, reassurance and comfort.

Dedicating Baby E

Yesterday, I went to the dedication of Baby E. It was so good to see him again and this time I had lots of time because I slept over. By the way Baby E is still my Idée Fixe of the moment, a hard one to knock off I tell you. The little man is just so adorable. My goodness, he loves starring and observing. He is one clever boy, this one.

 Come on Aunty. I just woke up. At least give me time to freshen up.

 Aaaah! What to do. Can't you at least focus on one thing Aunty. Give me my milk first then we can have a photo session.



Ok. You can take one now. I am ready and am on my way my dedication. Might as well capture the moment.

Baby E's parents are the one on the left, the ones in matching outfits. There was another baby alsobeing dedicated and she was also a miracle baby who came after much trying and prayers.

 

 The moment of dedication whilst the parents watch on.



Another moment. Looks like baby E is wondering what is happening.

 

 Baby E now being handed back to his parents. He was so good. He didn't cry at all through the whole dedication process..

Random picture. The shoe of the guy who was sitting next to me and part of my leg in stockings. 

 

It was Baby E's first time to go to church and I was really surprised he was unfazed by the noise and the many new faces. He kept smiling and stealing more hearts.  It was an honour to see him being dedicated.

Idée Fixe of the Moment

Out with you Hunter Hayes and in comes Baby E. He is my nephew, the baby of one of my very good friends. He is so special and a miracle baby. What a celebration and blessing it is to have him in our lives.

Come on who can compete with this. Hunter Hayes you never stood a chance.

You should see that smile fully tuned onto high, coupled with with the most adorable look my heart
just melts.

Look at him so content and happy to be laying on mummy's chest. I couldn't help but take this one.

 

Oh baby E you are growing up so fast. You have such wonderful parents, God fearing and you are much loved. We waited for you, we prayed for you and now that you are here oh what joy! It will be wonderful seeing you grow and hearing you calling me aunty. You are in danger of being spoiled  by this aunt young man, it will be my pleasure to do so.

Idée Fixe of the Moment

Picture from here.

I am so loving Hunter Hayes at the moment. I have been listening a lot to his music and I have to say with some of his songs it's like he has been in my mind or he knows my life or some of the things I have gone through. Here are a few select words from two of his songs which get me:

Every heart has got a rhythm,
Let yours beat out so loudly that everyone can hear it - Words from his song Invisible.

But I don't want good,
And I don't want good enough,
I want can't sleep can't breathe without your love,
Front porch and one more kiss,
Doesn't make sense to anyone,
Who cares if you're all I think about,
I've searched the world and I know now,
It ain't right if you ain't lost your mind,
Yeah, I don't want easy, I want crazy - Words from his song I Want Crazy

Who doesn't want to experience the crazy kind of love, were you absolutely love each other with your significant other? I want to experience that of course!
Okay, no need to get carried carried away (note to self). Back to work and more Hunter Hayes.