STRENGTH

I promise myself

Sandpaper

What we sow is what we reap

My mind is like a garden...

I cannot sometimes control what gets sown or planted,

but I can always control what takes root and grows!

So can you....

 

Promise Yourself

Bouncers vs. Splatters

I have learnt that you get 2 types of people in the world:

 bouncers, when they hit rock bottom they pull together again and bounce right back up,

and then the splatters: when they hit rock bottom they will splat and fall apart.

In the end it is attitude that makes us.

There is always hope

Up until a few months ago I was still searching for answers, searching for peace of mind, but most of all searching for love! What I didn’t realize until recently, was that I desperately needed to be loved, not by someone else, but to be loved by myself for who I am and accept myself for who I am.




Over the last couple of years I’ve lost myself and had no idea who that person was that was staring back at me from the mirror. She was just a body, an empty shell with a broken soul. I am in my 40’s and still single. Don’t get me wrong. I am really glad that I am still single. I can do what I want and how I want to and when I want to. I don’t have to ask anybody’s permission or approval to be who I am destined to be. I don’t have to answer to anybody if I want to buy something for myself. I have literally unhooked that dreadful “Venter trailer” with all the unnecessary “baggage”  and I now travel lightly with only the necessary. I am satisfied with who I am.


My unusually high expectations are now fuelled by a passion for life and I now spread my wings further and stronger.


My faith carries me through my dreams; it forms my thoughts and gives birth to my deepest desires. I am soaring through life higher than I ever thought possible.

And I LOVE IT! I am lucky to have this second chance on life. I realize now that the colours of life are not just black and white. It is a bright and vibrant rainbow full of passionate colours. The pain of the past is just there... in the past.

Today I can stand on my soapbox full of experiences and shout out to all that THERE IS HOPE!

Malachi 3:3

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." 

This verse puzzledsome women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about
the character and nature of God.  One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.  That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her
interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.  As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.  

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier  of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.  

The man answered that yes, he not only had  to sit there holding the silver, but he had to  keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.  The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."  If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY.....

STARS DON'T STRUGGLE TO SHINE,

RIVERS DON'T STRUGGLE TO FLOW 

YOU WILL NEVER STRUGGLE TO EXCEL IN LIFE,
BECAUSE YOU DESERVE THE BEST,

HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAM AND

IT SHALL BE WELL WITH YOU...
 

AMEN
 

THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL,

THE HAND THAT WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO OTHERS SHALL

NOT LABOUR IN VAIN, THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER

SHALL LAUGH FOREVER, REMAIN IN GOD'S LOVE.
 

YOUR DREAM WILL NOT DIE,

YOUR PLANS WILL NOT FAIL,

YOUR DESTINY WILL NOT BE ABORTED,

THE DESIRE OF YOUR HEART WILL BE GRANTED IN JESUS' NAME.

SAY A BIG AMEN.
 

NO ONE GOES TO THE RIVER EARLY IN THE MORNING AND BRINGS DIRTY WATER.

AS YOU ARE UP THIS MORNING, MAY YOUR LIFE BE CLEAN, CALM AND CLEAR

LIKE THE EARLY MORNING WATER.
 

MAY THE GRACE OF THE ALMIGHTY SUPPORT, SUSTAIN AND

SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY. AMEN.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY IN JESUS' NAME, AMEN.
 

"THE WILL OF GOD WILL NEVER TAKE YOU WHERE

THE GRACE OF GOD WILL NOT PROTECT YOU".

The Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked,  'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital !'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.  Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,

So, ... Love the people who treat you right.
 

Pray for the ones who don't.
 

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it !
 

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

 

 

The Windsong by John Denver

The wind is the whisper of our mother the Earth.
The wind is the hand of our father the sky.
The wind watches over our struggles and pleasures.
The wind is the goddess who first learned to fly.

The wind is the bearer of bad and good tidings.
Weaver of darkness, bringer of dawn.
The wind gives the rain (yes), and builds us a rainbow.
The wind is the singer who sang the first song.
The wind is a twister of anger and warning.
The wind brings the fragrance of freshly mown hay.
The wind is the racer and the white stallion running.
And the sweet taste of love on a slow summer's day.

The wind knows the songs of cities and canyons,
Thunder of mountains, the roar of the sea.
The wind is the taker and giver of mornings.
The wind is the symbol of all that is free.

So welcome the wind and the wisdom she offers;
Follow her summons when she calls again.
In your heart and your spirit let the breezes surround you.
Lift up your voice then and sing with the wind.

What lies on the other side

Facing his own death a man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”   Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know”.  The dying man said “You  don’t know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”  

As the doctor was holding the handle of the door, from the other side came a sound of scratching and a dog whining, and as he opened the door, a golden retriever sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.  Turning to the patient, the doctor said,  “Did you notice my dog?  He’s never been in this room before.  He didn’t know what was inside.  He knew nothing except that his master was here and when the door  opened, he sprang in without fear.

You see, I don’t know what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing… I know my Master is there and that is enough.”

Heaven lies on the other side.

Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme definitive happiness.  What a beautiful place, a lasting resting place, where waiting for us is our Creator.

Psalm 147

I was not built for comfort

The sad part about conveniences are, although we view them as “good,” they actually work against us in many ways. They cause us to seek the easy way out when taking the more difficult way just might build something of worth in us. You will never face an obstacle God is not aware of. When your journey becomes difficult, remember that even though the world prefers “the easy road,” God did not build you for comfort. He designed and equipped you for adversity, whether you know it or not. He made you in such a way that the best comes out of you when you face hard situations and you experience joy and strength when you overcome them.

(from the book Never Give Up - Joyce Meyer)
 

ISAIAH 40:31

Native American Blessing

DUCKS

Why do Christians-especially active Christians-sometimes seem to

have more than their share of troubles?

This little story explains.

… John and Sam were friends. One day, John asked, “Sam, how come you’re a Christian and yet you have all these troubles and trials and tribulations? Here I don’t even believe in God, and yet I don’t have as nearly much trouble as you do!”
 

“Well, John, I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to think awhile before I can answer that one,” Sam answered.
 

A few days later the two went duck hunting. John shot into a flock of ducks, and several fell into the shallow water of the pond from where they had just flown. Some of them were dead, but others were just wounded. John knew from experience that sometimes the wounded ducks will get up and fly off again if you don’t grab them quickly. So, as Sam ran to the spot where the ducks had fallen, John called out, “Bag the live ones! Bag the live ones! Don’t worry about the dead ones! You can

collect them later!”
 

When Sam came back with the ducks, he had a smile on his face.

“I think I’ve got the answer to your question!” he said. “You see, I’m a live one! The Devil is afraid I’m going to get away, so he tries to bag me first. You … well, you’re a dead one. He’s already got you, so he’s not a bit worried about what you’re going to do!”
 

And that’s just the way it is with us. The Devil can’t get us back once we’re saved – we’re the Lord’s forever! But he sure tries hard to keep us from being active Christians. But don’t let his attacks slow

you down or hinder you, because if you keep persevering, you’ll win the battle and receive the reward that the Lord has waiting for you!

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Matthew 13:32

But of that day and hour no one knows,

not even the angels in heaven,

nor the Son, but only the Father.

 The Mayan calendar ends in 2012,

but Mayans never predicted the world would end.

Doomsdays come and go,

but conspiracy theories are forever.

Lady Gracious

If you want to achieve success in life, you must have a picture in your mind of who and what you want to be. This all starts with a dream and then it becomes clearer. Start dreaming today so that you can see a clear picture of your life and then choose to live your life according to it.

 

Every woman wants to improve herself. She wants to progress in different areas and take advantage of the opportunities offered by life. Good intentions are not enough to make you grow. In order for this you need a purpose, plan and actions. Only then will your dream come true...

Two Horses

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she, trusts that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this ……….

You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours.


Author Unknown

Vrugteboomvrou

Ek wil graag 'n vrou wees

Wie se takke swaar hang

Van die vrug van die Gees,

Ek wil liefde, vrede, blydskap

Lankmoedigheid en Vriendelikheid

Goedheid, getrouheid,

Sagmoedigheid en Selfbeheersing

Deel van my lewenswyse maak,

Sal U my asseblief help?

Want self, Here,

Is ek hoegenaamd nie

Daartoe in staat nie.

AMEN

Fillipense 4:13

Ek is tot alles in staat deur Hom wat my krag gee.

What Does Edward Cullen and a Chaste Person Have in Common?

Self-control.

In movie Twilight, the vampire family “Cullens” survives by drinking blood of animals instead of humans. Even though their hunger is not fully satisfied with animal blood, they chose to do so. “It is like a person survives only on tofu” as Edward puts it. Through the years the members of the Cullens have learned to control their lust for blood.

Why the choice? Because they value human life.

I like the scene of Edward and Bella in Bella’s room. Edward tried kissing Bella but realized that he could not handle his thirst for blood with such physical contact. Edwards suddenly backs off for Bella’s sake. There is a great lesson and principle in this scene. Know your weakness and do not go beyond it. And that is what a chaste person has in common with Edward Cullen.

The Cullens chose not to kill humans for their own sake. They chose a harder road of survival, drinking the blood of animals. The chaste person also chooses not to use people to satisfy their lust for physical pleasure. It is also a hard road.

In the heart of the Cullen’s choice to drink animal blood was there respect and value of human life.  It is the same value for a person that drives a chaste person to live a life of self-control.

For the love of Bella, Edward finds different ways to express his affection to her. There is always a sense of cautiousness in his actions, lest Bella’s life might be put in danger. The single chaste person does the same. He finds ways to express his affection in creative ways other than sex or foreplay.

Why the hard-work on self-control? Because Edward and the chaste person know what true love means. They are willing to make sacrifices for the good of their beloved.

Just be yourself

Most people these days have devoted their time, energy and money in showing off. Their lives revolve on being someone who they are not. They become so absorbed trying to live the lifestyle to which they do not belong. They love to be seen even though there is nothing to see (in them).


They love to be shocking to get attention. They are like colorful balloons. They look pretty on the outside but all air in the inside.


These people seem to have everything except themselves. In their pretending they have forgotten who they really are. They have come to be ashamed of their past life, friends and mostly their past selves. They will desperately protect their status quo even if their actual status is a big K.O.


But these pretenders cannot escape themselves in the end. Their shallow ways of life will soon evaporate. And then, they will only be left with themselves, their real selves. They will have to look at the man in the mirror whom they hate and deny.


On the contrary, a person of substance is a person who does not pretend. He knows who he is, no more no less. He is joyful of his strengths and aware of his weakness. He tries to improve himself, but he does it based on reality. He does not change his “acting”, but he changes his being. The more he changes himself for the better, the more people respect him. He does not need to pretend to be someone who is not because he knows it is useless.


A person of substance does not try to win the approval of others. But others try to win his approval. He does not have the desire to shock and awe others. He knows that silent waters run deep.


Stop pretending.


Be yourself.


Be your better self.

Die hart van ‘n vrou.

Wie verstaan die hart van ‘n vrou? Is daar nie tye wat ‘n mens sit en wonder hoe sou dit gewees het as dit anders was nie. Hoekom laat mens toe dat ander jou vertrap? Hoeveel seer moet een mens nog ervaar voor jy dalk net dalk weer gelukkig kan wees?
So baie vrae maar geen antwoorde nie, so baie nagte se trane duidelik op die gesig, gedurig moet jy hoor jou glimlag bereik nie jou oë nie, nou wie se glimlag bereik ooit hulle oë? Hoeveel keer moet ek nog hoor die ware jy skemer deur jou stukkende masker? Tyd vir ‘n nuwe masker?
Hoekom leef mens so afgesonder? Waarom bang, vir wie moet ek bang wees? Waarom die vrees dat ander op jou gesig kan lees dat jy ‘n groter seer dra as wat jy kan hanteer? Skouers hang, gesig raak kleiner, oë raak groter, soms loop ek soos ‘n masjien wat presies weet waarheen, omdat die masjien geprogrameer is, dit is hoekom.
Hoe ontsnap mens uit hierdie kokon wat jy vir jouself gemaak het? Ek voel veilig in my kokon, maar ek besef mens moet uit hierdie kokon kom en baie gou ook, anders gaan ek versmoor.
My hart sal niemand ooit kan verstaan nie, want ek verstaan my eie hart nie.

PENCIL & ERASER

PENCIL: I’m sorry
ERASER: For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.
PENCIL: I’m sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you’re always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
ERASER: That’s true. But I don’t really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I’ll be gone and you’ll replace me with a new one, I’m actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational. Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They’re always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way, they get hurt, and become smaller / older, and eventually pass on. Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.
All my life, I’ve been the pencil. And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day. For I know that one day, all that I’m left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have.

This is to all the parents out there.



It can only get better

You must constantly ask yourself these questions:

Who am I around?

What are they doing to me?

What have they got me reading?

What have they got me saying?

Where do they have me going?

What do they have me thinking?

And most important,what do they have me becoming?

Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay?

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.

(John Rohn)