From Glory to Glory

Father's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the love and influence of fathers, can be a bittersweet occasion for those whose relationships with their fathers were marked by difficulty or abuse. Yet, amidst the longing for a loving father and the sad reality that it will never be, there is room for healing and the discovery of an unexpected Father figure. In this blog, I reflect on the paradox of needing a father's love while simultaneously being grateful that my own is no longer present. I delve into the transformative power of finding solace in a loving God, who stepped into my life to save me from the inevitable disaster it could have been. The Absence of a Loving Father: "So on this Father's Day, I remember what's true, That the absence of a loving father is not my due." Fatherhood is supposed to be a sanctuary of love, guidance, and unwavering support. However, some of us find ourselves in the unfortunate circumstance of having fathers who are distant, di...

  We live in a world where busyness is often celebrated, and rest is seen as laziness. As a result, many of us are constantly on the go, trying to do too much, and juggling multiple responsibilities. However, as Christians, we are called to prioritize rest and self-care. Jesus himself recognized the importance of rest, taking time away from his ministry to pray and recharge. The dangers of burnout are not limited to our physical and mental health but can also affect our spiritual well-being. Burnout can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased productivity, and a sense of detachment from our faith. So how do we know if we are heading for burnout? Here are some common signs to look out for: Feeling exhausted all the time: Burnout can cause physical and emotional fatigue, making it difficult to find energy for daily tasks. Increased cynicism and negativity: Burnout can also lead to a sense of negativity, cynicism, and a lack of joy. Decreased productivity: Burnout...

The Work of Covenant: Why "Once Saved, Always Saved" Falls Short Introduction The belief of "once saved, always saved" is a doctrine held by certain Christian denominations, suggesting that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as their savior, their salvation is eternally secure, regardless of their subsequent actions. However, using the analogy of marriage, we can shed light on the importance of intentional commitment and ongoing effort within a covenant relationship. By examining the responsibilities and work required in a marriage covenant, we can gain insights into why the "once saved, always saved" belief may not be doctrinally sound. The Commitment of Marriage Marriage is a sacred covenant, a vow made between two individuals to love, honor, and remain faithful to each other for a lifetime. It involves a genuine commitment to build a life together, to prioritize the well-being of one's spouse, and to continually invest in the relationship. S...

  Midlife is often viewed as a time of crisis, but it can also be seen as an adjustment, a time of growth, and a time for reflection. As Christians, we believe that every stage of life is an opportunity for spiritual growth and service to God. So how can we approach midlife with a positive mindset and a Christian perspective? Embrace God's plan for your life In midlife, it's easy to become disillusioned with our plans and dreams, but we can take comfort in knowing that God has a plan for our lives. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace and a sense of purpose, even when things don't go as we expect. Seek God's wisdom As we navigate the challenges and changes of midlife, it's important to seek God's wisdom and guidance. This can be done through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking advice from wise Christian mentors. Prioritize spiritual growth Midlife is a great time to prioritize our spiritual growth. This can include attending church regularly, participat...

    **The glorious Butterfly Brightly coloured Shimmering Stardust On its elusive Wings Recall Childhood days loving this Creature Every girl's Heart Covets this Wonder Only to Capture Its Flighty Beauty In Glass jars... Now Trapped My own Heart Now Saddened By my own Desire Touching its Glitter Rubbing off On Guilty hands Owning its Prey Dying Slowly The Once Free Now a Slave To Selfish Whims ** Tanya (Potts) Arendse (2009) Words cannot express how much I miss my sister. She was such a huge part of my life, such a huge part of me. Three years ago today she went to be with the Lord. I take heart and know that I will be united with her one day, for eternity, but until that day comes I will always miss her sweet presence in my life… Tanya I still grieve the loss of your presence in our lives. I miss our chats on the couch, your chocolate muffins, your good advice, your sarcastic jokes and glorious intellect. I miss your beautiful face and smile. I m...

  Some people touch our lives only briefly While others leave a lasting impression and are never forgotten One of our most beloved television and radio personalities passed away, at the age of 46, on the morning of Sunday 19 May 2013, due to a heart attack. As South Africa mourns, I fondly remember how every morning getting ready for work used to be such a pleasure due in part to his breakfast news show co hosted with Leanne Manas. With his infectious laugh and awesome fun personality he made the breakfast show enjoyable. The lovely chemistry of fun and respect between him and Leanne was always a pleasure to watch. We will miss the “sharp sharp eita da” at the end of each show as well as the funny way he used to say “goeie genade”… Rest in peace Vuyo Mbuli you will be forever loved and remembered and sorely missed.  

I have been in a strange sort of mood, a sad grieving kind of mood… Every moment of every day the obvious void screams loud and louder still… Time will heal; they say… it will get better with every day… True lie THAT is, it does not, it does not fade away… It remains strong and stronger still, overwhelms and overpowers, this grief I feel… Maybe I will get better in living with it, maybe… Maybe I will be stronger in holding it, maybe… Today real and now, I grieve and grieve and grieve… Yes God fills my life with love and strength yet from this holed heart it seeps and I am empty once again… I am in a strange mood, a grieving kind of mood…   Vanessa Fortune 7/5/2013   She is a friend of mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind. Toni Morrison Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/...

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 .

" The day is a chase after ghost duties; at evening you are exhausted. A day is over, and so much of it was wasted on things that meant so little to you, duties and meetings from which your heart was absent. Months and years pass, and you fumble on, still incapable of finding a foothold on the path of time you walk. A large proportion of your activity distracts you from remembering that you are a guest of the universe, to whom one life has been given. You mistake the insistent pressure of daily demands for reality, and your more delicate and intuitive nature wilts... Your way of life has little to do with what you feel and love in the world but because of the many demands on you and responsibilities you have, you feel helpless to gather your self; you are dragged in so many directions away from true belonging. " So wrote John O'Donohue in his book Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong I have always loved the practice of keeping a journal. I used to ...