He Did It!

I have been reading the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel and I have been awed again and again by David. When it came to God, he did not play. He loved God – no doubt about that. Through the good times and the not so good times His love for God always shone through. For instance, in 2 Samuel 5:20 after winning a battle he had been fighting against the Philistines he exclaimed, ‘The LORD did it.’ That seemingly short and ordinary phrase got me. Here was a simple acknowledgement that God had brought him victory. It made me think of myself and how I usually act when something good happens to me. Am I quick to declare that my success was because of God or do I give myself the props and tell whoever will listen how hard I worked, the connections I used and the risk I took etc. Even after praying about something, begging and crying before God it is so easy to claim the victory as our own. We are quick to forget and put God in the background.

There is nothing wrong in boasting in the Lord – in fact it is a form of offering, praise and thanksgiving – which opens the door to even greater things (Paul and Silas can testify to the power of praise and worship: Acts 16. 23-30). Yep, let God be the first person you give the 1^st credit for your success – every time. I intend to, David’s good example really inspired me. 

Minding Your Own Business

David and Saul in the Bible couldn’t have been more different kings. Saul was the 1^st king of Israel and he was rejected by God because of his disobedience. Samuel asked him to wait for him so that they could sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord together but because Saul became impatient he ended up not waiting for Samuel and he made the offering himself. This move cost him, because he lost the right of the continuation of the kingship in his family (1 Samuel 13:7 -14). David on the other hand was referred to as a ‘man after God’s heart’ (1 Sam 13:13) and a reading of the book of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel reveals why. David strived to walked in obedience to God. For instance, even when he had the opportunities, he refused to kill Saul (who had made it his mission to kill David because he was jealous of him) and proclaimed he would not touch God’s anointed (1 Samuel 24 & 27). So faithful to his words was he that he was angry and killed the man who killed Saul calling him condemned because he had dared touch God’s anointed (2 Samuel 1:16).

But one thing which hit me right in the face was how both David and Saul were called to kingship. Both of them were busy living their lives, minding their own business that is. Saul was busy looking for and worrying about his father’s lost donkeys. When Samuel invited him to join him to the place of worship and spoke some positive words about his father’s house, he was surprised, confused (and probably annoyed too) and asked Samuel why he spoke to him in the way that he did when he was from the least tribe and the least clan in that tribe (1 Samuel 9: 18-21). As for David, when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel in Jesse’s house he was not even present. He was out keeping his father’s sheep and he only came as an afterthought when Samuel asked if Jesse had any other sons after God revealed to him that none of the present sons was the chosen one (1 Samuel 16:11 -12). Imagine this, probably David actually had no idea what was happening at home – could there be any more minding your own business than that?

These two stories, of these two very different men remind me that sometimes the best of things happen to us when you are not looking, searching or trying. As God says in Jeremiah 29:11 He has plans for us, plans for wholeness, to give us a future and hope. We don’t always know these plans but when the time is right things will fall into place. I just love those instances when I am minding my own business and then something absolutely amazing happens to me. 

When People Don’t Get It

Sometimes, people just don’t get it. They don’t understand why you want something so bad or why that dream matters to you. They tell you that at least you have other things to be grateful for and that it’s not so bad. This was Hannah’s situation (1 Samuel 1). Here was Elkanah her husband who was always asking her why she was so downcast about not having children, pointing out that she had him – something he alluded to being better than having 10 sons. He simply didn’t get it.

Despite a seemingly unchanging situation Hannah did not give up. She could have but she made the decision not to. Just because no none seems to understand doesn’t mean that God doesn’t and she understood that. That is why she kept knocking and she refused to give up on what she wanted. Honestly, sometimes giving up seems the better option especially when all attempts to make headway seem not to be working. Haven’t we all been there? Hannah is a real inspiration. Instead of giving up she took it notches higher. So fervent in prayer was she that Eli the priest though she was drunk (1 Samuel 1: 13 -14). So determined was she that she made a vow with God ... if you give me a son I will give him back to you. Wow! This woman was determined and there was no stopping her. In my mind's eye I can see God nodding and saying, 'Yes, Hannah my daughter yes. How can I deny you your request?'

Some dreams are easily achieved but some … take stamina and grit and they are not for the quitters. Just because people don’t get it doesn’t mean a dream is not worth pursuing. Anything is possible with God.  Stories like this story of Hannah never fail to inspire me and keep me going when the chips are down. With God the possibilities are endless and like I always like to say He is always listening and sometimes when we least expect it, things begin to happen.

Fear of Being Average

I saw this saying somewhere some time ago and if I am not mistaken it was at the campus of the University of Pretoria.

I agree average is not good enough, I want more than average in my life. Like someone said there will only ever be one me. Hence the more reason that I should be an exceptional and unique me. Being average is not a part of it. Here is to everyone who desires to be more than average.

Cool Bosses Exist

I believe we have one of the coolest bosses. I mean hey rock stars always are.

Yep. These arrived at our office on Friday morning, with a note attched. Cupcakes for valentines. He is so sweet. Guess what he sent us for Christmas last year? Irish beer (Guinness). I told you ourr boss is so cool.

The One I Missed

I was of the view that I had read all of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency book series but I was wrong. I came across this one in the local library and of course I couldn't resist. I knew I was in for a good laugh. At some point I had to stop reading it in the bus because I kept giggling behind the and I was in serious danger of busting out in laughter. Mr. Smith you never fail to get me with Mma Ramotswe and crew. This is one collection I have to have in my personal library so that I can read again and again if I want some cheering up.

Here is an excerpt from The Double Comfort Safari Club, but to really get it I would recommend just reading the whole book or better still the whole series:

Side Note: Mma Ramotswe is the main character and the owner of the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency and Mma Makutsi her secretary (she is a riot).

'In the place which she always occupied, halfway down and at the end of the pew, a good spot to observe, Mma Ramotswe cast an eye over the congregation. There were no surprises, although she did not recognize one couple sitting towards the back, the man heavy-jowled, the woman wearing a blue hat and a shawl in a clashing pink colour – not a good combination, thought Mma Ramotswe, even if well intentioned. The Mma Makutsi School of fashion, she thought wryly, and then immediately took back the uncharitable observation, remembering where she was. But it was true: Mma Makutsi did not have a good color sense, and should not wear spots. Mma Ramotswe had been thinking for some years of saying something to her about that, but it was difficult. You could not say, A lady who has blotchy skin, Mma should not wear spotted blouses. You could not. And even if you were more tactful, saying something like, Spots are nice, Mma, but I think that in your case stripes might be better, there would still be a chance that the person to whom the advice was offered might ask why. Then, if you were truthful, you would have to explain. If you were truthful…'

It is scenes like this which get me laughing. Mr. Smith I hope you are penning another book in this series. 

Feeshing for Love

This was supposedly to be a post about ranting about how challenging being single is especially when you have been waiting for a long long time, but it won't be anymore. I saw this on the board in one Ocean Basket Restaurant and I liked it so just had to share.

Laughter Therapy

It has bee crazy crazy hectic at work (today is supposed to be a national holiday - Heritage Day but I went to work, that is how busy it has been) so I thought it would be nice to share some funny things I have come across of late. Laughing is good for the soul.

This is one scenario I would not want to imagine ... at all.

Got ya!

Lol!

The Twelve, Bosses and Shoes

Sometimes life can be stressful, crazy and exhausting such that laughing becomes a distant memory. I enjoying laughing and hence am always on the look out for funny things which can make me laugh and be relaxed. Here are some jokes and pictures I came across and found too funny not to share.

A modern day take on Judas's betrayal. So funny!

Oops to think that I had got away with it. 

One can never have too many shoes. That's our story and we are sticking to it. 

Wednesday Inspiration

Powerful words indeed. Because I want amazing things to happen in my life I refuse to lounge around in my comfort zone. 

Always Better Than Imagined

What more can I say. This is beautifully said.

Stumbling Upon Some Encouragement

What a timely reminder because I needed to be reminded of this. I am glad I took a walk which took me through this particular park.

A new year symbolizes new beginnings. It usually also comes with renewed determination, new plans and the excitement of starting over again. For me I had a jumpy start. I have been feeling somewhat overwhelmed and discouraged. Waiting is so hard especially when it feels like nothing is changing. One year ends and another begins and just the thought of it ending the same way is a dread.  I am very grateful though for encouraging friends who are always there to pick me when I am down.

Message on a Bus

 

 If your name is Sandile born 29 Sept 84. Just know someone cares abt u. Mo luv.

Saw this in the bus yesterday. It was one of those old old double decker Metro buses. It was written at the back of the seat in front of me. So so sweet. I wonder is the recipient ever got to read this and how long ago it was written? This person was/is very much liked/loved indeed.

On Being Beautiful

 

I knew it! I knew I was beautiful! This just confirmed it :) I saw this in the ladies of one of the local shopping malls, it made my day. If I went in sad and grumpy surely I came out smiling - of course!

I love seafood. It is one of my favorite foods. I grew up in a land locked country so I only got to eat seafood when I was an adult. From the moment that I 1st ate it I fell madly in love. I am craving some seafood like crazy so I think it's time to head out to Ocean Basket - their platter for 1 is mwaaaah. Happy weekend to everyone!

Pearly Delights

Back when I was an active blogger I had Pearly Delights a series where I shared a picture of something which grabbed my attention every day. I am going to continue with Pearly Delights but this time I won’t be sharing a picture for each day but I will be sharing pictures as and when possible. First up are some posters that I loved when I went to Rivers Church with a friend who worships there:

Anybody meets these requirement? Please apply fast for consideration :) I wonder who will give birth to those 6 children though?

Aha looks like the decison has been made for me. A Porsche it is then.

Just Love Me

WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST - TUESDAY 23 AUGUST

In one of my previous posts I mentioned helping out a friend at their allotment. Well, my friend and her family were away on holiday and I went to water their allotment and I found this huge courgette. I know that in the picture it doesn't look that big but in real life it was huge, bigger that normal sized courgettes.



This was a poem written by one of my friends children. He is only 10 but wow I thought it was very good.



What to wear? What to wear? I was going to go to a friend's wedding the next day and I managed to narrow down to 3 possible dresses I could wear. I ended up wearing the purple one in the middle.

The day of the wedding. The wedding had a sunflower theme. The bridesmaids where wearing turquoise blue. I never imagined that blue and yellow could go so well. It was a small wedding less than 50 guests I think.

Little feet, big feet. This is a picture of Anna aged 3 months and Miah aged 7.

I always pass this hedge and always wonder if these berries are edible or not. I can never tell and I have never been brave enough to find out if they are the normal black berries.

This church is near my work place and hence I pass it twice almost everyday. On this day I decided to take a picture. I have never attended a service there though or even been inside. One day ...

Another of those funny cool t-shirts. This young man was nice enough to agree to pose for this picture. By the way - what are you staring at!?!? :)

I was listening to Martina McBride's Love is the only house and then I saw this and I could not help but agree that love is the answer to a lot of things. Sometimes we don't have to understand in order to love.

Lovely movie and very very funny. I really enjoyed watching it.

A night of snuggling with a blanket on the sofa with a very interesting book and ice cream.

I was coming from church when I saw this band performing in town. Not my type of music but they still sounded good.

Tomatoes. We are growing tomatoes at the house I live. This picture was taken just before I started watering the plants. There are already a lot of green tomatoes, very soon they will be ready for the picking.

You Can't Catch Me

WEDNESDAY 27 JULY -  TUESDAY 9 AUGUST

Barbeque fire gone mad. We had a social night for our church home group and the guys where barbequing the meat when the fire went crazy. At least most of the meat was already done.

This is a friend's allotment. I went over to help with the watering. They have planted some onions, courgettes , beans and sweet corn.

I moved to a new place. This is most of my stuff scattered in my new room. I am going to miss my old home :(

This is a picture of my empty old room. I went back to clean it up. It was sad to say good bye since I had been staying there for more than a year.

There was a carnival in our town and one of the stands there was a Prayer tent. In it there was a huge board where people were writing questions they had about God and to Him One of the questions was ' Why did you let all those young people die in Norway?' Yeah, we all have questions I am sure. I know I do.

Street art. Indeed whoever did this was not caught (l think). I thought this was a good drawing and funny too.

A wiggly plain worm it starts out until it is changed into a beautiful butterfly. The process is painful but I still look forward to the day that this phase passes and I am turned into a beautiful butterfly and shine for You Lord.

A day at the beach. It was such a beautiful day. We don't get many of them so when one  comes along its better to make the best of it.

This is me with my natural  hair before having it braided. My hair is growing nicely after I cut it and started plaiting it again a year ago.

I could not resist taking a picture of this. Check out the smile.

There was a celebration at work and so we had balloons hanging everywhere and of course loads of food.

This is Fishy. He lives in my new house. He doesn't really have a name and so I decided to call him Fishy. I had just dropped in his food. Doesn't he look excited.

This is the view from my new room. One of the windows faces the neighbor's garden where they have a fountain. I find the sound of flowing water ever soothing.

I gotta believe. I gotta keep holding on. My God is Able.

Afternoon Tea At Vigo

HELLO my blog friends. Oh no!!! I am behind again with my posts but I am planning to catch up. I have worked on posts already so another one should be up tomorrow. Thank you all for being patient and for continuing to read my blog.

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY - TUESDAY 26 JULY

Saw this at a friends house and thought it strange but funny at the same time. I am sure this was meant to be humorous. I hope so anyway lol!

Another of those saying which are scattered all around town. Lovely.

I sat for a while looking out side the window from the house just watching the world go by. It was a rainy day and so there wasn't much activity outside but it was still lovely to just sit and gaze outside.

A craving for these donuts hit me. As you probably know by now once I get a craving I am rarely able to resist. These go down well with a cup of tea.

This was the teaching at church. I am significant. God has made me worthy.

Earlier on in the year I was asked to give a small talk to one of the classes at one of the local schools. It was a pleasant surprise to get this invitation in the post. I hope I am asked to give another small talk next time :)

Nice. A handbag this big would be wonderful if only it could be portable. All my stuff would fit in nicely. Maybe I should 'borrow' this one and give it a trial ha!

Visited Birmingham and it was my first time there. I found it a very interesting city and way bigger than I anticipated.

Awwwww! Sunflowers are so pretty. They remind me of sunshine, happiness and laughter. They also bring memories of the sunflowers that my grandparents used to grow and we would help to pick them up.

Friday 22 July at the O2 in London. I had the privilege of attending the Hillsong Conference. It was packed, the praise and worship was wow and the preaching great. I didn't want it to end.

Last day of the conference. I think this was Bishop TD Jakes preaching - he was on fire. I left my camera at home and had to rely on my phone to take pictures - not good.

After the awesome time at the Hillsong Conference it was time to say good-bye to my friend Achel who had invited me to the conference. She was flying back to Norway.

This was one delicious lunch. The Spurs ribs are yummy and are one of the best.  Give me Spurs ribs anytime.

Isn't it said that one is as old as they feel? Well, this is what Pam Gidney seems to be saying here. And yes I agree life is unending - we as children of God shall be with Him forever and ever.