From Glory to Glory

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J53nf0f-nxj7R-joLVoElz1Soq3cVXlaqamr1viM38JjWAfwFwkXiOVL4wWNGfeTWx5DdcEwACC3RSmWIkIGo-QNiowahXiJuMIBBTa4pC1uTvXDlAeb95HvQ0W0btAOExwkxX4M-HI/s1600/bird+cage+013.JPG I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings The free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wings in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky. But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing. The caged bird sings with fearful trill of the things unknown but longed for still and its tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom The free bird thinks of another breeze and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own. But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams his shadow...

  This morning I am feeling so overwhelmed with the love and peace of God which in itself is amazing because only just yesterday I was overwhelmed by circumstances I found myself in. Feelings of doubt and fear started creeping in, thoughts of doom and disaster ran a marathon through my mind and panic set in. God gently whispered “Be STILL… and KNOW that I am GOD”… Instantly and inexplicably a peace that no rational or logic could explain flooded my mind, heart and situation. The Spirit of God quieted my soul within me and my mind followed… I spontaneously began to worship God. I praised HIM… and in my praising and my worshipping, He began to reveal the truth about my situation. With the words from a song written and performed by Israel Houghton and New Breed, God ministered peace and hope to my heart… If you find yourself confused, panicked and overwhelmed by your own thoughts of doubt and fear, or by what you see in your circumstances, sing a song of praise. Praise and ...

  Growing up I used to be, what would be considered, a plain Jane (never really liked make-up or dressing up). I would only make the effort for special occasions. My sister on the other hand NEVER went out the door without first "making the effort" to dress properly, put on make-up, accessorize appropriately, hair always perfect. She was well known and sometimes even teased by friends and family about her need to always be perfectly coiffed...   When Tanya died in 2010 of Ovarian Cancer, my life changed significantly and permanently... Not long after she passed on, I looked at my pale face in the mirror and decided as an "ode to Tanya" I would "make the EFFORT" to look better...    Now as I go through my morning ritual of getting dressed and putting on make-up etc I am always thinking of her, and feel her approving... Although there are far more profound lessons and memories my sisters life and existance has brought to my life... This...

Today I am celebrating the life of my sister Tanya Potts Arendse, she died just days before her 36 th birthday on 22 May 2010. She fought a brave battle against ovarian cancer and finally was taken to glory and victory in Jesus on Saturday the 22 nd of May 2010. I miss my sister dearly; I have so many memories that brings’ me joy and comfort. I found this beautiful poem by William Blake called On Another’s Sorrow that I would like to share here as a dedication to Tanya and also as an encouragement to everyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. This poem was published in Songs of Innocence in 1789. The innocence suggested within the poem is that sympathy alone can comfort and heal.   On Another's Sorrow - William Blake   Can I see another's woe,   And not be in sorrow too?   Can I see another's grief,   And not seek for kind relief? Can I see a falling tear, ...

With a strong affirmation of our goodness and a gentle understanding of our weakness, God is loving us --you and me-- this moment, just as we are and not as we should be. --Brennan Manning (Ruthless Trust) I think that God’s love is amazing. How many times have I found myself in a place where I would rather just be angry at the disloyalty and disrespect of family and friends. My first reaction would be to “cut them off”... because after all loyalty requires loyalty right? Well according to Jesus, not so... The more unfaithful we are towards God the more faithful He remains towards us because that is just His nature, to be faithful, and He cannot be any other way. We have been called to be Christlike, the Word of God invites us to be imitators of Christ, and if we are invited to do so then it stands to reason that we are able to do exactly that. For a long time now I bought into the lie that in order for me to love those around me I need for them to love me first and to be loyal toward...

I begin to love this creature, and to anticipate her birth as a fresh twist to a knot, which I do not wish to untie. - Mary Wollstonecraft On Tuesday, 8 December 2009, we went for a 4D Ultrasound Scan at Peek-a-Babe in Goodwood (Mel is the most amazing person). This was our baby's first "television" debut to an audience of 5. My husband, mother in-law, sister, myself and the sonographer (of course) was there to witness it. I felt a little anxious because we were to learn whether our little one was a girl or a boy. We were certain that we were having a boy, until my husband had a dream, a week before the scan. He dreamt that our baby was born (we were in a pink room) and my youngest daughter came in to see her sibling and picked the baby up and that was when he saw that the baby was a girl. She was very strong and had long legs. So God pretty much prepared us for the fact that we were expecting a girl and that she will be born strong and healthy. But of course like anyone ...

But try if you can to support, whether it's AIDS or the cancer foundation, so that someone else might survive, might prosper, and might actually be cured of this dreaded disease. Jim Valvano Today is world Aids Day… Let us reflect on what that means for all of us who are affected and those infected by HIV and Aids. Aids, does not have to be a death sentence. You could live for many years being HIV positive and with right lifestyle changes it is possible. Go and get tested if you have not been and take responsibility for yourself and those around you. May God bless you all with health and life today .