Madiba... Man of Wisdom

I was so inspired on a recent trip to Robben Island. I have wanted to visit there many times but I don’t think there has been a more perfect moment than now, while Madiba is in hospital.

You hear about the great things people do – but from a distance. We’ve only seen the end result of many years of struggle. But I am amazed at how God works. He is precise in his decision making and selection of those called according to HIS purpose. Whether you believe in God or that He has a purpose for you or not, He has anyway – because he loves us so much. What would our lives be like if we never had a purpose or dream – if we never had something bigger than us to move us forward?

I am no expert on Nelson Mandela, and I am really only on chapter 3 of his book, “Long Walk to Freedom”, but I caught a glimpse of his heart when we stopped the tour bus on Robben Island at the Limestone mine. My heart was moved as the tour guide spoke about certain events that took place right there at that mine.

Lime Stone Quarry on Robben Island

Madiba had much time to think – and he was certainly a man who was wise and thought in depth about many things regarding life. The part of the story that touched my heart so much was a very simple thing – but more powerful than anyone can ever put in words. It’s all about restoration, bringing people everywhere together, fighting for UNITY and healing.

Many of the Freedom fighters were against the whites completely and I can only assume that even though he wanted freedom like they did his heart was different. Madiba had seen things through his life, and I just feel in my heart that God led him through circumstances in life to equip him for the change he would make in South Africa – and the impact it would have on the world. Madiba did not stand for anything but to bring unity. He realized that the only way to bring change was to teach. So he started there, in prison, building relationships with the white officers/wardens – starting a revolution in Prison. There was much restoration that took place before he left prison. He knew that the white Afrikaner only acted the way they did because they were taught that way. He wanted to change their thinking and help teach them the right way. And he succeeded. That’s what made him so great… He brought everyone together – and for those who didn’t understand – he taught through his influence – he even encouraged his comrades to join him in being a positive influence.

Mandela with his Government of National Unity cabinet ministers 

- The Mandela government was a Government of National Unity and his cabinet included ministers from other political parties.

What a great example he is! Of how to bring unity – how to reach out a hand to those who do not understand, to help them cross over the boundaries of indifference and to be of the same mind and heart.

As a white South African I have been ashamed of my people’s behavior in the past – but I couldn’t be more proud of my parents who have brought me up to not see colour or treat people indifferently. I am so honoured to be a South African – to be part of a generation who didn’t grow up angry and hateful – who wasn’t brainwashed or influenced to see others as different.

Madiba! Our hero and great example! Thank-you for being such an amazing Role Model!

A God who makes dreams come true...

I remember when growing up having to do speeches for english or Afrikaans. I hated standing in front of the class and giving a speech because I lacked so much confidence and feared failure so badly. It was most certainly not my scene talking in front of people. There were times however we were asked to do speeches on what we'd like to become one day. Having attended 2 primary and 3 high-school's I got to deliver this special speech at least 5 times with all the confidence in the world because, since I was really young I always knew... "One day when I grow up I am gonna sing for Jesus". 

No one knew I could sing. I never entered competitions at school (until I was in matric where my mom and aunt entered me in one) nor took part in plays. My gift was for Jesus - and Jesus alone. My teachers must have thought... "Uuuhhhh Sure... This strange little girl, who smells funny wants to sing for Jesus... She has no confidence and she doesn't have what it takes!"  That may have been true, and in hind-sight may even have been wiser for me to take part in play or two to work the confidence a bit. But I suppose that's what makes this testimony a greater one. 

We always read in Habakuk 2:3 "for the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

Ever since my first speech its been at least 25 years of more dreaming and more speaking. In my "waiting" I have been waiting forward... towards the dream without realizing it. I have written many songs... Over 50 have been recorded on voice notes to my phone. 

I have recently started recording my first album... I am so excited to see this dream come true. There were times I had wondered if it would even happen and for those close to me - they will know I have been talking about this for a number of years... I am sure they got tired hearing about it.

I find that most of the songs I had written are outdated and their season has come and gone... But they were excellent opportunities to craft the gift God has placed inside of me. I am realizing more and more that exercising the gifts God has given us behind closed doors where no man can praise the artist or his work is "waiting" on the fulfillment of the dream. Waiting (as in serving) is still a form of spending time yes? So I "waited" on God with my gift for many years... And the appointed time has come. 

I cannot wait to get these songs out there. My heart rejoices in God's faithfulness - I am in awe really at how things are coming together. The greatest prayer of my heart is that each song will touch somebody's heart the same way God has spoken to me through some of these... I am continually writing more and developing my style into the direction God will lead me into. But more than that... Cultivating a message deep in the heart of each song that sings of Jesus and who He is.... How he loves us... How he'll never disappoint us nor give on us!

May every soul that has ever doubted God's love for them be awakened to The extravagant dimensions of His love. May every wounded heart be rescued from its despair, every lost son and daughter be restored to God our Father who loves each and every single one of His creations so dearly.... That is my prayer for this entire world... And that's my heart for this album....

God does make our dreams come true... Because most of the time he has someone else in mind... Though it tarries... Wait for it... It's coming...

Green with Envy...?

I have really enjoyed Bible School this year. And I am so glad that I have been able to learn everything that I have learned.

Pastor Shaun has been teaching on a subject titled "financial fitness". And in this subject he covers envy. Initially I thought wow... Interesting perspective until I realized there was something in this teaching the Holy Spirit wanted me to see in a specific area of my life.

Envy can only take root in the heart of some one who has become ungrateful. We all start out being very grateful for everything in life. Grateful to have a bed to sleep in, grateful to have a nice warm house... Grateful for friends and family - and the list goes on. Until we see someone who has something we don't have and feel that we deserve to have that same thing too. Thats where the little seed of starts to grow... What should be a privilege becomes what we are "entitled to". And trust me... one sure negative sign is when you find yourself saying "but Lord, I have served you and honored you with my life...". I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have pulled that stunt on God... And if there is something that God does not fall for its manipulation.

God would love to give us everything our hearts desire. If only we'd ask him. And perhaps before asking, consider our motive for wanting what we desire so badly to have. He knows us best and will give us only good gifts.

If you have a little "envy fever" and don't know how to stop that ugly green monster from rearing its head... make a nice long list of all you DO have and start with things like, eye sight, the ability to even hear sound. I have made a list... It really puts things in perspective... Plus... How many times would someone not desire what you have... So... Fully Enjoy what you have on behalf of others!

Memories... Canada 2012

Just a couple things from my trip to Canada in June last year - I'll be going back there this year - except for this time... in the Winter... If you ever go there, try some of these places and eats...

Ps... For those who wanna know places to shop at? I'll bring that info later...



Top Left hand corner is Taco Bell - loads of unhealthy stuff - if you google Taco Bell you'll find many people make fun of this place...

 




Road Signs and Street Names...



Niagara falls - Promenade



Niagara falls - Promenade



Harley Davidson & Guinness World of Records - Nagara Falls Promenade



SkyWheel at Niagara Falls Promenade

  

Madame Tussaud - Niagara Falls Promenade - Most probably the worst Madame Tussaud in the world - but still a fun experience



China Town - Toronto



China Town - Toronto



Underground Trains - Toronto



Toronto




Toronto



Toronto



Lake Champlain - it looks like an ocean - the locals call this the beach.





St. Jacobs - Armenain Town



Stampede Ranch - Bull Rides, Line Dancing, Eating and loads of fun

 
Visit Toronto if you get a chance! It's great fun... Besides... for those woh love New York... You just need to cross Niagara Falls to get to America... with a couple hours worth of driving you'll hit NEW YORK!

Super Basic tips on general song-writing…

For those of you keen on writing songs… I thought I would share some tips on where to start… Each person would write differently – so don’t follow the rules here too strictly. Your style will develop over time…

1.       Find a topic that you can relate to emotionally – if it’s not real to you, it won’t work – usually a life changing event is the greatest to write about – your words will express what others feel but cannot express themselves – and if they can relate the song will grab them. Vulnerability is key.

2.       Write down lines or expressions and words that make that experience come to life and evoke emotions.

3.       Not everything has to rhyme.

4.       Get a great “hook” going… a hook is the part that catches everyone’s attention… usually a riff or the chorus part of a song. I just recorded a song for my album where the chorus is the 2^nd hook. The biggest hook in the song is a vocal doing a repetitive rhythm… “too-doo-too-doo”... it’s incredibly catchy and up-beat.

5.       Decided which tense you are going to write the song in… there are times in which you can change tenses in a song – this works well in story songs. (Country songwriting is genius for this) PAST: “You did me wrong…” change to PRESENT: “Now I wait…” FUTURE/RESOLUTION: “I Will never again…”

6.       Try not to repeat the same words… get a good thesaurus and find a new word – avoid cheesy, predictable lines…  Every line can be expressed in more than one way… eg. “I love how you make me feel” vs. “I delight in how you move me” …

7.       Perspective… Who is telling the story? 1^st person? 3^rd Person? – it is important to keep this person the same way through-out unless you are writing a duet.

8.       Make sure the melody line is easy. If you aren’t a musician – you could always sing it onto your phone and ask a friend to help you work out the chords.

9.       Remember to set the scene in the opening verse (or perhaps opening with the chorus can do that), middle part of the story in your second verse… and close with the chorus or ending of a verse to seal the song and bring closure to the listener.

10.   The Bridge of the song is exactly what it says it is… It bridges main part of the song to introduce the end… It can build up into a key change or build and taper down into a low key chorus which then lifts up again.

11.   Don’t be afraid to have someone crit your songwriting… you are writing for the audience and if they see areas in which you can improve listen with an open mind – try their suggestions… It will grow you as a song-writer – and ill do your character a lot of good!

Hope this helps a little… There are plenty more… but we’ll save those for later…

But...those pieces don’t even match!

I am not a fashion blogger and most probably will never be one… But I thought I’d share this interesting experience I had regarding shopping for an outfit for my album cover and web shoot.

Growing up – if it matched – that’s what worked… A yellow top with jeans and yellow shoes, with yellow bangles and yellow hair goodies – and a yellow bag... with yellow socks! My worst was the frilly dresses my ouma always wanted to buy for me – and I she can testify to this… I hardly wore those dresses! I may have looked pretty – but I was about to get ready to set those on fire…

 I think I got left behind in the early 90’s! My mama is one of the most amazing people I know… a godly woman with strong heart and the greatest personality ever… anyone can get on with her… that’s where my brother, Emil, got his “awesomeness” from. But as beautiful as my mama is – inside and out – I was never really brought up to be concerned about fashion. So here I am… stuck in neutral. Jeans, t-shirt, tekkies… and big dreams of hitting the stage!

I am currently starting a personal CD project which requires me to have a certain image… So I called up a friend of mine, MrsRogero, for some assistance. She helped me by sending me pictures and even wrote out what each “look” should be made up of. I was super excited and decided to tackle SANDTON CITY all by my confident self. She had given me what I can totally see myself in and couldn’t wait to look THAT way!

It was most probably the worst shopping experiences of my life. I kept sending pictures back and forth to her and kept getting colours and things wrong… I walked out of there after 6 hours of shopping in Mr. Price, Cotton-on and Jay Jays… 6 HOURS!!!! By the time I got to Trutworths I just burst into tears and made my way back home – absolutely discouraged. I couldn’t even buy clothes looking at pictures and following written instructions… And I am a seriously visually motivated person! (I most probably gained an extra 5kg’s after all the comfort food from Ocean Basket)…

So I decided to get even more help… Along with my 6 page instruction manual and colours from MrsRogero, I borrowed a friend of mine’s 16 year old daughter and took her to the shops with me… It took her 10min to find 3 outfits for me to try on… I don’t know how she did it… NOTHING matched but EVERYTHING worked (not in my mind – but according to fashion rules… yes!)…

I felt hopeful again! It was then that I realized that it won’t be a bad idea to ask someone who has an eye for these things to jump in and help… like their strength is my weakness – so my strength is their weakness.  And this is where I’d like to apologize to every fashion-blogger and well dressed person I have ever looked down on… I may have thought what you had to say was insignificant in the bigger scheme of life. May you all continue to write and blog regarding the things I am ignorant of!

I’d like to give a huge shout-out to my dear friend Arlene August  with whom I seriously enjoyed this past Saturday’s shopping experience at Sandton City (using MrsRogero's instruction manual). We found the cutest outfit for the big photo-shoot that I am doing this coming weekend… and I could never have done that without her… all under 4 hours of shopping with time for lunch included! J My heart is grateful for fashion savvy people… I NEED YOU! And might I add… We managed to walk away from Sandton City with around R3 from the budget to spare!

Thanks to everyone who made the past 3 weeks of image consulting and shopping an educational experience! I will upload photo's of the "look" soon!

Have a fab week!

Understanding the “Server”…

I have been doing a lot of thinking about people who serve. I am surrounded by them and I most certainly am one myself.

I was having a conversation with a friend this week saying how much I admire my brother and a friend of ours, who no matter what the request are always willing to help out with the greatest of attitudes!  At times they even jump up to serve even when you haven’t asked them to – volunteering their services because serving is a part of who they are. They hear you like a certain type of meal – so they prepare it for you to bless you. They hear that you like a certain band, so they download the album and make a copy of it so you can enjoy it. You ask if they can quickly go to the store and get you something to eat and they do it!

But there is a side of the server that people don’t understand – it’s the same side they themselves don't even understand! So for the uneducated, frustrated and confused person who don’t understand their own behavior let’s take a closer look.

Nature of a server:

Someone who serves loves to know you appreciate their service. Not because they want praise or to be noticed – but because they like to know how they are serving you with adds value to your life. Jesus was an amazing server – Phil 2:7 “But (Jesus) made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men”.

When a server feels like you just expect service from them or don’t appreciate their gift of service they will most certainly stop serving you. Serving is a part of who they are and if they don’t feel appreciate they feel rejected. They do after all serve you with things that cost them… such as their time or material things.

For the server:

One thing servers need to perhaps take into consideration is their motive to serve. This will alleviate a lot of funny business and hurt feelings. Always ask yourself important questions like… Why am I serving this person this way? Where are my boundaries for myself and this person?  How will this act of service impact my life and can I afford it? (Financially or time wise) Is Jesus my inspiration for serving or do I serve man for his approval? and if it is something big… Did God really instruct me to do this or am I acting out of an emotional desire to serve? Eph 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.

It’s always easier to serve someone when your heart is to please God and not man because you know He is the rewarder and that He appreciates your service. As servers we can sometimes expect as much from people as we are willing to give them – but it would be unwise to. Remember that not everyone is the same or even as willing to serve you in return. All our giftings are different.

One thing I have seen lacking in myself as a server has been boundaries. I’ll give and share and do things for people until I am empty and realize it’s unappreciated and then all of a sudden set a tight boundary that puzzles the other person and makes them feel rejected. Setting boundaries earlier will definitely help you to not give out more than you can. It’s up to you as a server to teach people what they can and cannot expect from you. They will respect you more if you have healthy boundaries.

I most certainly do not have all the answers, but I do know this – appreciate the person who always serves you and let them know what they contribute is appreciated because they do take inventory to see if the price is worth it… and as for the server, always check your motive – you can never get hurt when your heart is in the right place! TD Jakes once said that a server cannot be abused unless he/she allows someone to abuse them.

Hope that helps!