Paris, Nigeria and Home in South Africa….
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris, but every time I’ve had the opportunity, Let me just say the one word so many of us face…. VISA☺ that should say it all. This time however I was privileged to fly into Paris and that alone was a great blessing for me. There was snow on the runway as we landed, in transit to Nigeria…. One day I shall walk the streets of Paris and speak French…. Bonjour☺ One day…. Hopefully soon!
*************
My first travel to Nigeria was about two years ago, about the exact same time… It was such an overwhelming and amazing experience with more than 500 000 people coming out to the Experience. The electricity went out due to heavy rain and the roof of the stage collapsed on the sides. But that did not stop the crowd from worshipping. We were on stage singing in the rain when the sound and power cut out completely -And I learnt such a valuable lesson-. The people then started singing songs all around us in the rain… Suddenly our effort to lead others in worship was switched and the crowd led us in worship. It was as if God was saying….
“Hey…. I don’t need all this fanciness you bring sometimes. I think your efforts for excellence are great but when was the last time you just sung to me? “ The whole experience was so surreal, I was standing next to Donnie Mc Clurkin, Israel Houghton, Mary Mary And the whole New Breed Team in awe at what we saw… Pure worship… I will never forget that night!
So this time around I was equally, in fact even more excited for what we were about to “experience”. The event started at 7pm on Friday night and when we got on stage at 5am the next morning right after Mary Mary, it was almost time for the sun to come up☺ What I love about Nigeria is Relentless Worship. I will always be inspired by the eloquence of their speech and excellence in which they treat their guests. This time around there were more people than the previous year. Wow….. You never think, hey one day I’ll get to sing in front of more than 500 000 people in one night. On the same stage as people I only dreamt of…. But God see’s way beyond what we ever think or could ever imagine!
****************
Southern Skies are the greatest! The sun. The clouds, oh the clouds, so close, so beautiful.
I flew into South Africa on Monday Morning, besides losing my cell phone, I was ecstatic about surprising my family…. I couldn’t wait but had to till the evening☺ Ah the joys of family, NOTHING like it!!!! My cousin took the time to take me on the Gautrain and like a real Tourist, I was Hyper taking pics of everything lol…. I was so impressed with the excellence of our Country. Wow, I’ve been away for a while now…. Seems like forever hey. The Gautrain reminded me of my first trip on the underground in London. It was only a little better. Eish man…. Excitement all ova me hehehehehe
As for my family…
I can’t describe how it felt when everyone screamed at me after I casually walked in and Yelled “Surprise”…. Heheheheheh it was magnificent! My dad was literally quiet for about two hours in shock… that never happens!!!! A Miracle! My sister, her husband & kids and my brother just so happened to be there, as well as my cousin so it was rather grand!!!! Nothing compares to wrestling with my nephews…
So... I look forward to great times in the sun, Hugs, Kisses and loads of love…. And many more stories to share…. Be blessed☺
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Women who have Impacted me for the better...
So many thoughts in my mind tonight!
Thinking of Riversdale str in Nasaret, Middelburg, South Africa where I grew up!:)
Thinking of The WOMEN who guided me....
Its never easy to hear that a woman who was significant in shaping a community has passed on, Especially when that phenomenal woman was just like a mother to you!!!! So i'd like to take a moment and pay tribute to some ladies who have impacted me forever!!!!
I SALUTE YOU!!!
Aunt Kulsum(RIP)
Aunt Manny(RIP)
MOMMY.... YOU ARE MY HERO!!!
Aunty: Dolly,Doepsie,Edu,Get,Violet,Cathy, Shiela,Meta,Mabel,Colleen
Sables,Gene,Janey,Sannie
Mrs: Matsimane,Adonis,Patience,Short,Maskew,Rabie,Tockey,Reeds,Ross,Smith,Ward
Sis Peterson,Poppy, Mostert, Lawrence,Barbara,Sandra,Mella.Peerbhaai,
To any mother I may not be mentioning... Or May have forgotten.... Please forgive me....
You Mothers gave us all examples of what it is like to be a woman! I'm so
enriched by what I take from each one of you! Thank you for valuable
lessons learnt over the years! Amazing meals cooked! Constant prayers
for your daughters and others' daughters....
It's at times when we lose an Outstanding Woman in society that we sit back and reflect on
the impact they have made in our lives...
Today i'm humbled to know that Because of the wisdom God gave all of you amazing women in my life.... i am still here.....
With tears in my eyes and a heart filled with GRATITUDE.... THANK YOU!!!!
Thinking of Riversdale str in Nasaret, Middelburg, South Africa where I grew up!:)
Thinking of The WOMEN who guided me....
Its never easy to hear that a woman who was significant in shaping a community has passed on, Especially when that phenomenal woman was just like a mother to you!!!! So i'd like to take a moment and pay tribute to some ladies who have impacted me forever!!!!
I SALUTE YOU!!!
Aunt Kulsum(RIP)
Aunt Manny(RIP)
MOMMY.... YOU ARE MY HERO!!!
Aunty: Dolly,Doepsie,Edu,Get,Violet,Cathy, Shiela,Meta,Mabel,Colleen
Sables,Gene,Janey,Sannie
Mrs: Matsimane,Adonis,Patience,Short,Maskew,Rabie,Tockey,Reeds,Ross,Smith,Ward
Sis Peterson,Poppy, Mostert, Lawrence,Barbara,Sandra,Mella.Peerbhaai,
To any mother I may not be mentioning... Or May have forgotten.... Please forgive me....
You Mothers gave us all examples of what it is like to be a woman! I'm so
enriched by what I take from each one of you! Thank you for valuable
lessons learnt over the years! Amazing meals cooked! Constant prayers
for your daughters and others' daughters....
It's at times when we lose an Outstanding Woman in society that we sit back and reflect on
the impact they have made in our lives...
Today i'm humbled to know that Because of the wisdom God gave all of you amazing women in my life.... i am still here.....
With tears in my eyes and a heart filled with GRATITUDE.... THANK YOU!!!!
Random Thoughts... Rumours
....on a bus ride to Detroit 23 September 2010
Rumor... Rumor starts out small then spreads like a desease.
First quietly eating at every part of your body then loudly destroys your mind body and soul. It infects and affects those closest to you. And slowly ostracizes you. Forcing you into hybernation where first your spirit dies, then everything else quickly gives in.
Rumor is like a forrest fire. IT doesn't even need help lighting up the next tree, it sort of just happens and then without any notice the entire Forrest is up in flames. Violently moving at a rapid pace destroying as it moves along. The power of this fire grows as it progresses. Not threatened by anything in it's way.
Rumor: Have you thought about the Rumors you've heard and spread. Thought about the impact and the power you carry just by repeating it without knowing the facts?
Rumor visited me recently, and no I was not told about someone else and discussed the details on why when and where Who and because... No... This Rumor was about me. ...... Rumor Made me think..... How many fires could I have put out had I not further passed on what i heard.... Rumor Made me think carefully about what I would share, who'm I'd share with and exacly what my motivation would be for sharing. Rumor made me realize how insensitive I had been concerning others by blabbing my thoughts and so called knowledge when I had "heard" something... Without truly knowing anything. Rumor came my way and taught me a few great lessons..... Oh Be Careful little Mouth what you speak..... Rumor came Rumor went...... But left me with a gift:?
Never judge anyone based on what you hear or see. Take time for yourself to get to know people. Take the initiative to stop spreading like a desease and stop talking about people..... Rumor has helped me understand this valuable thought.....
Rumor isn't always Fact!!!!! Remember that when Rumor comes your way!!!!
lois du plessis With a Servants heart "Touching hearts and changing lives"
Proudly and Loudly South African
Rumor... Rumor starts out small then spreads like a desease.
First quietly eating at every part of your body then loudly destroys your mind body and soul. It infects and affects those closest to you. And slowly ostracizes you. Forcing you into hybernation where first your spirit dies, then everything else quickly gives in.
Rumor is like a forrest fire. IT doesn't even need help lighting up the next tree, it sort of just happens and then without any notice the entire Forrest is up in flames. Violently moving at a rapid pace destroying as it moves along. The power of this fire grows as it progresses. Not threatened by anything in it's way.
Rumor: Have you thought about the Rumors you've heard and spread. Thought about the impact and the power you carry just by repeating it without knowing the facts?
Rumor visited me recently, and no I was not told about someone else and discussed the details on why when and where Who and because... No... This Rumor was about me. ...... Rumor Made me think..... How many fires could I have put out had I not further passed on what i heard.... Rumor Made me think carefully about what I would share, who'm I'd share with and exacly what my motivation would be for sharing. Rumor made me realize how insensitive I had been concerning others by blabbing my thoughts and so called knowledge when I had "heard" something... Without truly knowing anything. Rumor came my way and taught me a few great lessons..... Oh Be Careful little Mouth what you speak..... Rumor came Rumor went...... But left me with a gift:?
Never judge anyone based on what you hear or see. Take time for yourself to get to know people. Take the initiative to stop spreading like a desease and stop talking about people..... Rumor has helped me understand this valuable thought.....
Rumor isn't always Fact!!!!! Remember that when Rumor comes your way!!!!
lois du plessis With a Servants heart "Touching hearts and changing lives"
Proudly and Loudly South African
Random Thoughts... Titles
...on the plane to Nashvile:) 21st of September 2010
Titles.....
I'm 20 years old, my goal is to be the Next Top Model. I haven't had a home cooked meal in years.
I'm 17 working on becoming the next Heavy Weight Champion. My face is bruised and filled with cuts.
I'm 50 I'm currently Business Woman Of The Year... I'm miserable and lonely
I'm a Sailor. My children havent seen me in months
I'm a Doctor. I struggle with letting anyone in.
I'm a President.Everyone blames me for everything. I'm doing the best with what I've been given.
I'm a singer. I need to lose 20 pounds before I nail that record deal.
In a society where titles and accolades have become the driving force of our existence, and are driving us crazy, we tend to forget the fact that we are Human.
We focus so hard Daily on achieving that particular goal or rather title. We find a mentor and duplicate our lives according what they have done and achieved and then when they mess up, fail us, We are so quick to judge. So quick to forget... They are just as Human as We are.
We live to fill our walls with medals and trophies but live right past the ones we "love" In our attempts to make ends meet, we become more miserable than satified cause our driving force has become: The Title I posess (What I wear. Who I wear. What i drive) The position I carry. The influence I have. The people I know.
And yet we are so quick to forget that our titles, positions and influence come with responsibility. Responsibility we so quickly delegate to another to make the load a little lighter. We too forget that We are held accountable for those responsibilities....
Look... I'm not saying it's a bad thing to strive for the Best! No...... Be the Best singer, model, sailor, doctor, lawyer, actor, business executive, footballer, child, mother parent, Pastor, Dancer, Speaker, Gardner, engineer, hairdresser, rapper, musician whatever your title is... But in our persuit for happiness let us not forget.... i am human. I heard someone say recently.... "I am not defined by what I do"....
I wrote a poem a few years ago and the first stanza really makes sense to me now... "I am not defined by the Petty Price tag Mentality of society... My inheritence lies far beyond eternity". Wow...
God..... In a society driven by achievements, accolades and Titles. Let me never forget to Love The way You do. Be patient and Enjoy these Gifts of life, family and relationships that You have given me. Yes let me be the best at what I do, but let what I do never define who I am!!!!
And if for any reason my heart changes due to the pressures of life... Please God.... Remind me who I am...... Remind me Lord so I never forget!!!!
lois du plessis
With a Servants heart
"Touching hearts and changing lives"
Proudly and Loudly South African
Titles.....
I'm 20 years old, my goal is to be the Next Top Model. I haven't had a home cooked meal in years.
I'm 17 working on becoming the next Heavy Weight Champion. My face is bruised and filled with cuts.
I'm 50 I'm currently Business Woman Of The Year... I'm miserable and lonely
I'm a Sailor. My children havent seen me in months
I'm a Doctor. I struggle with letting anyone in.
I'm a President.Everyone blames me for everything. I'm doing the best with what I've been given.
I'm a singer. I need to lose 20 pounds before I nail that record deal.
In a society where titles and accolades have become the driving force of our existence, and are driving us crazy, we tend to forget the fact that we are Human.
We focus so hard Daily on achieving that particular goal or rather title. We find a mentor and duplicate our lives according what they have done and achieved and then when they mess up, fail us, We are so quick to judge. So quick to forget... They are just as Human as We are.
We live to fill our walls with medals and trophies but live right past the ones we "love" In our attempts to make ends meet, we become more miserable than satified cause our driving force has become: The Title I posess (What I wear. Who I wear. What i drive) The position I carry. The influence I have. The people I know.
And yet we are so quick to forget that our titles, positions and influence come with responsibility. Responsibility we so quickly delegate to another to make the load a little lighter. We too forget that We are held accountable for those responsibilities....
Look... I'm not saying it's a bad thing to strive for the Best! No...... Be the Best singer, model, sailor, doctor, lawyer, actor, business executive, footballer, child, mother parent, Pastor, Dancer, Speaker, Gardner, engineer, hairdresser, rapper, musician whatever your title is... But in our persuit for happiness let us not forget.... i am human. I heard someone say recently.... "I am not defined by what I do"....
I wrote a poem a few years ago and the first stanza really makes sense to me now... "I am not defined by the Petty Price tag Mentality of society... My inheritence lies far beyond eternity". Wow...
God..... In a society driven by achievements, accolades and Titles. Let me never forget to Love The way You do. Be patient and Enjoy these Gifts of life, family and relationships that You have given me. Yes let me be the best at what I do, but let what I do never define who I am!!!!
And if for any reason my heart changes due to the pressures of life... Please God.... Remind me who I am...... Remind me Lord so I never forget!!!!
lois du plessis
With a Servants heart
"Touching hearts and changing lives"
Proudly and Loudly South African
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Scripts I love 1
One of my favorite paragraphs from a script. Taken from the last Samurai, The Emporer:
My ancestors have ruled Japan for 2,000 years. For all that time we have slept. During my sleep I have dreamed. I dreamed of a unified Japan. Of a country strong and independent and modern... And now we are awake. We have railroads and cannon and western clothing. But we cannot forget who we are or where we come from.
My ancestors have ruled Japan for 2,000 years. For all that time we have slept. During my sleep I have dreamed. I dreamed of a unified Japan. Of a country strong and independent and modern... And now we are awake. We have railroads and cannon and western clothing. But we cannot forget who we are or where we come from.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My Master cleanse Experience.... 26 jan - 15 feb
28 january, day 3....
I've been on a fast since the beginning of the year, then took a few days off as i was sick. I'm now on a 21 day fast with my family and church but two days ago i decided to do the Master cleanse to end off my fasting. so i may go over my 21 days as most people recommend you do the cleanse for 10-21 days. so we'll see. the first two days were okay i guess, the lemonade doesn't taste that bad. The smooth moves tea they suggested for the night time hasn't really done anything so this morning i opted for the salt water.... let me just say that its HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE.... the first time i did this cleanse i only lasted 3 days because of the salt water.... i'm determined this time to move beyond 3 days.... my day has just begun and already that salt has left me feeling bad, really bad but.... I'm going to try my best to put a smile on my dial.
30 January , day 5....
Yesterday was a crazy day, i didn't do the salt and i started drinking my lemonade a little late.... but i made it through.... i had these ginger sweets which i think made the cleansing process more intense this morning after drinking my salt solution, i must say you only feel bad for about and hour then you're okay throughout the rest of the day!!!. I started out at about 159 pounds and this morning i'm at 152... interesting. Wonder what it will be after 10 days.... we'll have to wait and see
8th February
The fast ended on the 31st and from there on forward i've on this cleanse, starting a fresh... New beginnings, New Challenges.... this is a huge challenge!!!!!!
Today is day 14 and i've officially lost 11 pounds(4.9kilos). Now i've realized that this is not an easy task at all. i must admit on days that i felt a little dizzy or extremely hungry i've had some salted crackers( which is not in the recipe but i'm not trying to die lol), only few to get me going. Which have been light but helpful but, i want to try and challenge myself to go without any extras for the next 7 days, as to get the full effect of this cleanse. Now this past weekend was a little different, we were on the road and as i went to the health store to stock up on supplies for my cleanse, the lady suggested i try the powdered version of the master cleanse.... it was horrible!!!! so i had a little more crackers than i should have.The drink Tasted absolutely horrific but i guess it works? Don't know, but i would rather stick to making the mix myself!!!! Now as you can see i conquered the 10 days and am now striving for the 21 day mark!!!! I'm determined to make a success of this cleanse. I already see a great difference in my body, my mind feels clearer and i'm headed in the direction i want to be in. Food is soooooooo good but after doing this cleanse, healthily without starving to death i must say food is a small sacrifice to make!!!!!! Off to do some work.... i'll be back in a few days:)
17th of february
Well here i am, 2 days after the end of my cleanse.... My weight at the end of the cleanse was 147 pounds, which meant i lost 12 pounds.... Its a huge accomplishment for me. My mind feels good, my heart great, my body looks better. But the real challenge begins now. How to maintain the the goals i've reached and how to get to the goals i am aiming for. See the only danger about doing something like this is if you don't have discipline. I'm aiming toward being disciplined enough to take charge of my temple!!! So i've gained back about 2 pounds after having some food but its okay. I will now start working out as well, which i haven't done in about two months, and together with eating correctly i believe this is going to be a good year and i believe that i will reach the goals i am aiming towards!!! If you are struggling to lose a few pounds, or just need to clear your mind and body, i would recommend you trying the Master cleanse.... let me just say upfront.... THIS IS NOT AN EASY PROCESS!!!! BUT IT SURELY IS WORTH IT.
this has been a great time for me! I look forward to what lies ahead!!!! :)
I've been on a fast since the beginning of the year, then took a few days off as i was sick. I'm now on a 21 day fast with my family and church but two days ago i decided to do the Master cleanse to end off my fasting. so i may go over my 21 days as most people recommend you do the cleanse for 10-21 days. so we'll see. the first two days were okay i guess, the lemonade doesn't taste that bad. The smooth moves tea they suggested for the night time hasn't really done anything so this morning i opted for the salt water.... let me just say that its HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE.... the first time i did this cleanse i only lasted 3 days because of the salt water.... i'm determined this time to move beyond 3 days.... my day has just begun and already that salt has left me feeling bad, really bad but.... I'm going to try my best to put a smile on my dial.
30 January , day 5....
Yesterday was a crazy day, i didn't do the salt and i started drinking my lemonade a little late.... but i made it through.... i had these ginger sweets which i think made the cleansing process more intense this morning after drinking my salt solution, i must say you only feel bad for about and hour then you're okay throughout the rest of the day!!!. I started out at about 159 pounds and this morning i'm at 152... interesting. Wonder what it will be after 10 days.... we'll have to wait and see
8th February
The fast ended on the 31st and from there on forward i've on this cleanse, starting a fresh... New beginnings, New Challenges.... this is a huge challenge!!!!!!
Today is day 14 and i've officially lost 11 pounds(4.9kilos). Now i've realized that this is not an easy task at all. i must admit on days that i felt a little dizzy or extremely hungry i've had some salted crackers( which is not in the recipe but i'm not trying to die lol), only few to get me going. Which have been light but helpful but, i want to try and challenge myself to go without any extras for the next 7 days, as to get the full effect of this cleanse. Now this past weekend was a little different, we were on the road and as i went to the health store to stock up on supplies for my cleanse, the lady suggested i try the powdered version of the master cleanse.... it was horrible!!!! so i had a little more crackers than i should have.The drink Tasted absolutely horrific but i guess it works? Don't know, but i would rather stick to making the mix myself!!!! Now as you can see i conquered the 10 days and am now striving for the 21 day mark!!!! I'm determined to make a success of this cleanse. I already see a great difference in my body, my mind feels clearer and i'm headed in the direction i want to be in. Food is soooooooo good but after doing this cleanse, healthily without starving to death i must say food is a small sacrifice to make!!!!!! Off to do some work.... i'll be back in a few days:)
17th of february
Well here i am, 2 days after the end of my cleanse.... My weight at the end of the cleanse was 147 pounds, which meant i lost 12 pounds.... Its a huge accomplishment for me. My mind feels good, my heart great, my body looks better. But the real challenge begins now. How to maintain the the goals i've reached and how to get to the goals i am aiming for. See the only danger about doing something like this is if you don't have discipline. I'm aiming toward being disciplined enough to take charge of my temple!!! So i've gained back about 2 pounds after having some food but its okay. I will now start working out as well, which i haven't done in about two months, and together with eating correctly i believe this is going to be a good year and i believe that i will reach the goals i am aiming towards!!! If you are struggling to lose a few pounds, or just need to clear your mind and body, i would recommend you trying the Master cleanse.... let me just say upfront.... THIS IS NOT AN EASY PROCESS!!!! BUT IT SURELY IS WORTH IT.
this has been a great time for me! I look forward to what lies ahead!!!! :)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
My family...
I sit and imagine what my nieces and nephews look like now, how many centimeters they've grown. if they have...
i imagine us all hanging out in my sisters backyard, with garden chairs on the grass that now no longer exists...
i picture us driving in my little Volksie... bollie... loved that car.
We drive around, stop by a corner shop and buy some slap chips and freshly baked rolls.
we then make our way to start our festivities, chip roll night.... wait, get some china fruit...
i imagine my mom sitting by her machine sewing something, always sewing and dad, well dad always studying something....
I sit here and think of my brothers... what are they doing right now???? I imagine us as little kids on a long bike ride to my kinder garden. they were so diligent!
i sit and imagine and in the process fall asleep....
i sit here and realize.... i miss you guys!!!
i imagine us all hanging out in my sisters backyard, with garden chairs on the grass that now no longer exists...
i picture us driving in my little Volksie... bollie... loved that car.
We drive around, stop by a corner shop and buy some slap chips and freshly baked rolls.
we then make our way to start our festivities, chip roll night.... wait, get some china fruit...
i imagine my mom sitting by her machine sewing something, always sewing and dad, well dad always studying something....
I sit here and think of my brothers... what are they doing right now???? I imagine us as little kids on a long bike ride to my kinder garden. they were so diligent!
i sit and imagine and in the process fall asleep....
i sit here and realize.... i miss you guys!!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Morning prayer for Haiti
Father this morning i pray for those families who have lost loves ones All across Haiti. Please be of comfort to them, To my friend whose family members are missing and to so many others who have no idea where to start looking, Lord i pray for peace. Help all the stranded children who today are left without parents or a home. Help those parents struggling to find their families. Help the countries trying to bring in aid to have a smooth entrance even though airports are damaged. Give guidance to the president who today is left with no home. We ask this in your name. Amen
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
2010
Here i am
A New Year
A New Decade
A wiser, more cautious me....
I find myself looking back wondering....
What have i done?
What is this me i see
I question the route i've taken to arrive at this here my destination.
I search my soul to find lessons learnt.
I search my heart to find bridges burnt.
I search my life to find traces of a once broken heart, mending by the day.
What is this me i see
Stronger and yet more sensitive by the day.
Wiser and yet i've learnt again today.
Bolder and yet silenced till the time, i find the voice that deep inside is mine.
Taller and yet i remain low, like a tree pruned its the only way i'll grow.
What is this me i see
A Foreigner, yet i call this place my home
A Traveler and yet there's so much more for me to see
A Leader, but still a baby learning to crawl
A Student never ending this course.
What is this me i see
A wiser more cautious me
i find myself looking ahead, deep in thought...
What will i still do?
A New Year
A New Decade
A wiser, more cautious me....
I find myself looking back wondering....
What have i done?
What is this me i see
I question the route i've taken to arrive at this here my destination.
I search my soul to find lessons learnt.
I search my heart to find bridges burnt.
I search my life to find traces of a once broken heart, mending by the day.
What is this me i see
Stronger and yet more sensitive by the day.
Wiser and yet i've learnt again today.
Bolder and yet silenced till the time, i find the voice that deep inside is mine.
Taller and yet i remain low, like a tree pruned its the only way i'll grow.
What is this me i see
A Foreigner, yet i call this place my home
A Traveler and yet there's so much more for me to see
A Leader, but still a baby learning to crawl
A Student never ending this course.
What is this me i see
A wiser more cautious me
i find myself looking ahead, deep in thought...
What will i still do?
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