Five years ago Today

Diary Entry 15 November 2006********** Today i sit here on a flight to Paris- Oh My Word. Never in my Wildest dreams did i imagine sitting on a flight to Paris............. I'll probably write again when i'm on the next flight...... On my way to Houston now- Oh my Word - I'm starting to get nervous. I'm sitting next to a gorgeous French man. Pity i didn't get to see Paris.... Next time... About to land, There's turbulence galore....********** From the few inserts of my diary entry you can tell i was rather excited!********** My first trip to America.... 5 years ago Today. I was so excited because i had never been here before, the only other country i had traveled to was London. America was only a dream. Something i saw on TV, in movies, heard of in songs. But not a place i ever thought i'd live. BUT GOD had other plans :) The next few days went by so quickly, Houston was so Huge to me, the roads felt super sized, the buildings, the food, as they say everything is bigger in Texas. Soon i experienced my first Thanksgiving, with the most amazing family, The Houghton's. The Tradition of going around the table and giving thanks was something i fell in love with and hope to implement in my own home one day. Things happened rapidly around me, i got to meet some of my icons in music in the space of one month. It was a time that felt like a dream every day. My mind was blown by how Kind the people were who brought me here, they gave All the time, to me, to others. They still do!!! Soon it was Christmas.... My first Cold Christmas. The hugest tree i had ever seen before. The House looked magnificent. I look back today, and stand in Awe of the incredible story that has been written. People i have met,Friends i have made, places i have seen, dreams come true only because someone gave me a chance! Israel and Meleasa Houghton and their family have given me the Best and today i'm so grateful for family! I have been blessed to see so many countries beyond what i could ever imagine back in Middelburg, Mpumalnga. If we are taught at a young age that opportunities are endless and that there is Nothing that will hold us back. Our Vision and Dreaming become so much bigger. So we are now entrusted with the task of teaching those lessons. Today I'm grateful for parents who pushed me, to be All i could be and still believe in me! I'm grateful for my community "Nasaret" who taught me the fundamentals of Ubuntu & helped want more. I'm thankful for nieces and nephews that i am now empowered to inspire, to push, to encourage to want More! I'm thankful for my Beautiful Country South Africa! I'm so Proud of my heritage! I'm thankful for learning lessons through people! I'm particularly grateful for the journey i had before i came here.... a journey that infused in me the importance of staying true to who i am! I'm grateful that i have maintained my accent for the most Part.... I'm thankful that i could learn about other cultures and view other's struggles and recognize that we are all the same in some way or another. I'm Grateful for an Incredible room mate who i wouldn't trade for anything!! I'm thankful for peace even when things are not perfect. I'm grateful for the Sky, for Long walks. I'm grateful for Football (soccer here) Rugby, biltong, boerewors-pap & gravy, Simba Chips! I miss it.********** Its not Thanksgiving yet.... But today i give Thanks!********** What i love about Americans is their patriotism, which has made me even more patriotic about my country!! And so Looking ahead i'm excited for whatever the next 5 years hold. A journey i have no intention of predicting. A journey i know can only get better! So many more stories to create.... to write... What an amazing life I have been blessed with!!! Today... I Stand in Awe of You God... Thank You

South Africa 2011.... No Place like Home

As a little Girl i always had dreams of traveling around the world, singing, acting and doing what i love... Today i can truly say that dreams become a reality if you believe... 12 September 2011--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have been in Africa since July 11th 2011... This has been my longest visit home in 4 years aside from work. It’s also the first of 4 years that i got to spend my birthday at home in South Africa:) So it has been a significant and amazing time here.... Let me go back a while to when i first got here.... I had to get out of the States because my 3 year work visa had run up and it was renewal time.... (Normal), I had to wait on applying for my extension as we had just been in South Africa few weeks prior for our New Breed Africa Auditions in June, these things happen when you're not a citizen you see:) Now this is a topic i could dwell on for months on end but, i'd rather not.... Another blog another time. Moving right along..... I came home a few weeks earlier than the rest of the team for our scheduled mini Africa tour.... last year we didn't sing in South Africa at all so i was rather excited.... Being Home always feels like you never went away however this time i had to adapt a bit as i've been away for so long, life in the states is slightly different. My own apartment, car, space routine etc... So just slight adjustments:) When i arrived in Johannesburg, the first business at hand was getting my visa for Ghana sorted, #SideBar "There is no embassy for Ghana in Johannesburg or Cape Town... Just a thought for the future, it could work in those cites"... Anyways, i got that sorted and off we went to Ghana:) It was my second visit to the beautiful country. People in Ghana are really kind and beautiful.... I love the colours of their traditional clothing, so regal! We spent 4 days there and had an amazing time. Worship in Ghana is something you have to experience for yourself! Just out of this world amazing!!! We were then off to Bloemfontein for a night of Worship. The people in Bloem Rock! The Concert was broadcast to all their churches across the country so it was as if we were live in 8 different places around South Africa. Next we had week’s break where my friend got to hang with my family a bit. She was so intrigued with the whole tea drinking culture that she decided that she would implement drinking tea as a part of her American routine ☺ It’s the little things I tell you. Nothing like time with my nephews:)

We then did Pretoria. What a great night, but it was Cape Town That stood out for me and I’ll tell you why. Everyone knows Hillsong right?? Okay if you don’t, this might help you http://www.hillsong.com/ . They started a church in Cape Town and due to their vast growth they needed to move from the convention centre to a venue that could accommodate more people. Cool thing about it was, they actually Bought the largest club in South Africa. It used to be called Dockside. Crazy thing is back when I travelled with Afro Z, Dockside was one of the clubs we performed in. So to come back now and Honor God in that same spot was so great!! See in my opinion, church is Not about the building you get together in, it is Not about the denomination or stamp that you carry, it is NOT about the Pastor who leads the congregation… Noooooooo, WE ARE THE CHURCH wherever we go. So meeting in that club was probably the Best thing that could ever happen!!!! The problem is as Christians we forget that we are the bricks that make up the building but we get so caught up with activities and religion that we sometimes forget that WE ARE THE CHURCH WHEREVER WE ARE.... I’m thankful that Hillsong CPT bought that club so I could remember what my purpose here is. After Cape Town we were off to Durban then Johannesburg my home city. To say i was excited is an understatement:) The first concert we did in Johannesburg was at Rivers in Sandton. My eldest brother came to see us for the first time. It made my heart so happy! Then we had an Blessed time at Carnival City the next night... what way to end our tour! When the team left back to the states i had the pleasure of catching up with most of my close friends, not all of them.... but it was so fulfilling!! On a sadder note, we lost our cousin, Rest in Peace Jeff and although funerals are sad it was bitter sweet as i was able to see family that i haven't seen in years. All the children are so grown and our family just keeps getting bigger.... Shout out to the Browns, Du Plessis', Scotts and all my other family... i'm such a blessed girl!!! Cousins:)

Over the next week or so, I was blessed to attend a taping for idols SA live and saw Loyiso perform with the idols. Then i was introduced to the work of GreerKyle, who i've known for years and never knew how Great her work is... Check her out she's a young South African designer with some of the greatest designs i've ever seen and remember the name GreerKyle!!! My family had a huge birthday lunch for me a week prior to my birthday. I tell you there is nothing like family.... I also got to see some of my Afro Z family on this trip:) we're all grown up, gosh time just goes by so quickly!

Which brings me back to the top of this blog, my birthday at home. On the eve of my birthday i was spoilt to a spa day by my good friend Lee. We were given the Cleopatra treatment at the Pyramid Spa.... AMAZING! I recommend them to anyone searching for an amazing get away! http://www.pyramiddayspa.co.za/ Patrick and the entire team there are simply fabulous! I then went off to a rehearsal at the SABC later that day as i was performing with Chante' Moore on my Birthday.... She was in the country and i got an opportunity to sing with her.... So thats how i spent my special day, doing the thing i love the most, in the Country i love the most..... Surrounded by amazing people... What more can a girl ask for.... We Also sang with her on SA idol and then travelled to Tanzania with her for a concert in Dar Es Salaam. Great times!

Before i left SA i was blessed to attend Joburg day, saw some of my favorite artists on stage, i got to chat to some worshippers at a workshop and got to spend time with Some of our Future New Breed Africa Team.... As well as work on some of my own music for which i'm truly excited....

My time home was a great success. I was forced to look at myself again. See where i've changed for the good and bad. Saw where i needed to make adjustments within myself to not ever lose the Essence of who i am as a Proudly South African Woman. I got my accent back, although i've purposed not to lose it during my stay in America. Being away from your "comfort zone" and environment of normality forces you to truly see you... stripped. When that happens, change is always a good thing! I am still learning So much about myself on this beautiful Journey called life and i'm excited for All that lies ahead. I look ahead with Hope:)

Trying something New: Vol. 5

As i said in the beginning of the year.... JUST DANCE


Although Dancing is not something new or foreign to me, Living in the states has rather taken me away from my usual crazy dance moves, as i spend most of my time singing. I'm losing it and that is no good!!!! So on my previous trip home to South Africa, i Visited a youth Ministry.


What i enjoyed about this place is that they just had fun!!! The Factory or KG is a place situated in the South of Johannesburg, at Crystal Ministries. Yes, they share the word, have fellowship but most of all they have a blast which is what i believe young people need today. A place where it is safe to express who you are in all spheres of the arts. Something Positive they can enjoy and want to go back to again and again. I thought to myself, man i wish church was this great when i was their age... Back then i had to wear stockings, no jeans, hats and so much more to church and the thing i loved the most... Dancing was considered a sin... Thank God we got out of that mind set and spirit of religion and got to understand Relationship with God in stead of being religious.


Throughout my life i have not stopped dancing:)


When i dance i am the happiest person on earth. Something about the music just makes my soul sing..... My dad was a Ballroom champion for years in his day and he gave up dancing too.... Sometimes However we still waltz or cha cha together, Recently i taught him the fundamentals of salsa, he was rather intrigued.... Those are some of the most amazing moments to me, I will cherish them forever and I pray that my husband and i will one day dance just like i do with my daddy:)


So on a quest of regaining my crazy local dance moves... i present to you my lesson.... This was a lot of fun.... Laugh as much as you need to cause i'm rough around the edges jack.... I'm gonna need to go back soon for another lesson.....





Big shout to KG and Xavier Hendricks... what you guys are doing for the youth is amazing! We need way more Positive influences in our community! Xavier, you are one of them!!!!


So when All is said and done.... Lets NEVER stop Dancing.... But If you can't really do it.... Just enjoy the professionals:)


Introducing the Young, Talented & Gorgeous Ms Tarryn Alberts: Wish i could do that:)



Hey..... Why don't you go out and try something new today..... then share with us your experience.... It would be so cool to hear about it:)

Have a blessed day:)
lois

Random Thoughts... On Judgement

Judge Not Lest Ye be Judged! And let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Today i'm truly brought to a place of complete introspection as i meditate on the above words.

Earlier i read a post, of such negative connotation that i was left feeling sick. See when you are not affiliated with the judgement passed on others, in the moment its easy to sit by and entertain the thought or idea about someone else, Throw in your two cents and even have an opinion without truly knowing the person or taking the time to get to know them. But the minute you are even remotely included or affiliated with the judgement it becomes a totally different matter.

I've always thought myself the kind of person who tries to see the best in others, in situations, in life. I've tried being accepting of others, respectful of their beliefs, traditions and lives in the hopes that others would have the same respect for me. But today i realize that even in my trying that i could sometimes be a tad judgmental even without realizing it!!!!

Its the small things we think or say to or about others that make us carry a bit of judgement.... 

Her skirt is so short, 

He smokes, 

That was an off note, 

What was she thinking when she put that on, 

Is anyone going to tell her that her hair need attention.....

She has a baby & she's not married????

He's divorced

She's christian, muslim, hindu, jewish, black, white, coloured, indian.....

He works as a janitor???

We often make light of our opinions and yet we so easily pass out judgement....

Today i truly realize the importance of being careful with my thoughts and opinions on others.... It's so sad that we live in a world where we cannot love each other for who we are!!! Despite beliefs, traditions, nationalities and race. 

I think As a Christian, my challenge today would be, to truly grasp what it is to be Christlike..... See Jesus Dwelt in the places no one ever thought to go or be. Not the pretty places. He didn't mind getting his hands dirty to heal the eyes of the blind, He Spoke to the leper left for dead. But we have so many restrictions on what we will and will not do, where we will not go and who we will not work with because we are "better than"..... 

Lord forgive me today....... for any judgement i have have passed on someone else without thinking it through and forgive others who so carelessly make it a habit of tearing others down without facts, or knowledge..... 

Help us be more like you God....

...........................................................

"First take the plank out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye"

Have Mercy God:)

Random Thoughts... At dinner with my Girls, Obadiah & Origin...

Tonight at dinner with my girls, kind of a catch up dinner, After many years of not hanging out all at once. These were the girls In my street. We would Hang out, do each other's hair (well i was the hairdresser lol), laugh, cook, get in trouble & cry together..... Now that you have the history, we had a great night... Catching up:)

Our waiter came over and i immediately noticed his name was Obadiah

I said.. you have a bible name, so do i... I said you have a whole book in the bible... he said no.... my girls looked at me crazy saying they'd never heard of Obadiah before... I was persistent that it was a book in the bible, they were not convinced lol.... So i thought maybe i'm wrong lol. We googled it but the waiter then looked at me and said, he was a prophet but there's no book....

My friend texted me when she got home and said... i found the book of obadiah in the bible.... i came home and researched him again and found this:

Obadiah (pronounced /oʊbəˈdaɪə/, Hebrew: עבדיה‎ ʿObhadyah or in Modern Hebrew Ovadyah) is a Biblical theophorical name, meaning "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh."[1] It is related to "Abdeel", "servant of God", which is also cognate to the Arabic name "Abdullah". The form of Obadiah's name used in the Septuagint is Obdios; in Latin it is Abdias. The Bishops' Bible has it as Abdi.

It Made me think.... His name means so much more than just Obadiah:)

But so often we go through life not Knowing the Origin of who we are. The starting point.... Thus we wonder around aimlessly sometimes because we just don't know..... Made me really sit and think about my roots, my beginning & It so ties in with the dinner i had with good old friends from the street i grew up in:)

It made me realize once again the importance of Not Forgetting where we come from in order to truly embrace where we are going!

The Origin of who i am, is so much more than just my name:)


Thanks Obadiah for reminding me tonight by simply carrying your name... Proudly:)

life.... what a beautiful journey!!!

Random Thoughts... At a Birthday Party For a Legend...

Often when you're sitting at the celebration of someone else's birthday, you're almost forced to look at your life..... :) Introspection!

See 5 years ago, i sat in a concert only with a dream and a prayer to meet the one and only Israel Houghton... i remember Asking God.... God my only desire is to meet him, He is such an amazing singer & worship leader. And well not only has God allowed that dream to become a reality but 5 years later i've had the extreme honor of singing and traveling around the world with this Legend. He, His Beautiful wife and family have changed my life in so many ways! Now today i stand on the brink of yet another dream and a prayer coming to pass as i pack my bags to go home to South Africa for THE NEW BREED Africa auditions. A dream they told me about 5 years ago.... WOW...

2 Peter 3:8 says: One day to God is like 1000 years....
And yet we get so anxious at times when things do Not happen. (breathe)


I sat at Israel's birthday Celebration, listening to all the wonderful things people had to say about him and his family and i thought WOW GOD! I'm sitting in this room, with people i once only dreamed of meeting...... with people who i've met that i will Never forget and people i will meet for the first time.... #WOWGODMOMENTS as i call them:)

Life is Beautiful
Dreams are Possible
Prayers are Answered
God Is REAL

Daily i live the proof of all of the above......


So i smile.....

Heart full of Joy...... I'm inspired :)

Trying something New: Vol. 4

Look..... Im taking small steps at times... but taking steps, none the less to totally rid my fear of falling.... Hope you enjoy this one hehe

Random thoughts... Silence

4 May 2011 In the silence....  

It's amazing when the ability to speak or sing is taken away temporarily, that you realize what a gift it truly is... But in this time of vocal rest and recovery I have found....  

That in the silence there is less of me and more You! 
In the silence I can hear better because I speak less. 
In the silence I am challenged to think. Meditate. Breathe...
In the silence I'm away from the noise yet in the Middle of a noisy world. 
In the silence I am clear. 
In the silence I am moved by more than words! 
In the silence I'm more sensitive.. 
In the silence I am vulnerable! 
In the silence I am the audience quietly observing! 
In the silence I am hoping, trusting, believing! 
In the silence i am safe... 
In the silence I am Still....

In silence I'm restored! 
In silence I'm renewed! 
In silence I'm prepared! 

We underestimate the Power of the silent moments...
When we allow God to speak... 
Do we listen???? Will we hear.... 

Embrace the silence! 


Be still my soul:-)

Valuable lesson learnt!

On Tuesday 22nd February 2011,

This morning I was trying to get rid of some left over food. Walked down the beach and met Mr Kenny and Mr Eric playing chess.

I said.... Good day, i'm actually looking for someone to give this food to, DO you have any idea who i can give it to? They said We'll take it. then Mr Eric asked me what society I was from I said none. I gave them the packet of food he glanced and said there is a bunch of healthy treats in there.... I smiled and asked if he could pray with them he said. Sure you can play.... I said no sir I'd like to say a little prayer for you... We prayed and then mr Eric said.. You know I never imagined you to be a religious woman of God. I looked at you and thought maybe a dancer or a swinger or a stripper. Because you are so beautiful But you truly are an angel sent from God... Wow.... You NEVER know what people think of you when they look at you..... But it's your actions towards them that will change their perspective about who you are....

Lesson learnt today.... Be His Hands and feet outside of the four walls of the church... We are the church. We are the building and the broken need us.... Get out of your comfort zone and be it!!!

What you've done to the least of these you've done for me.....

Trying something New: Vol. 3

In the process of completely getting rid of my fears of falling and others i have started my "Trying something New" series of which this is the third....

Climbing up a mountain is the last thing you want to do when you're afraid of falling but i jumped at the opportunity recently on a cruise ship in the Bahamas to Climb to the top of a rock climbing wall. The view was of the ocean. Absolutely magnificent but at the same time absolutely scary.... I however am determined to get over this fear and even the thought of being on the 12th floor of a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean close to the sky didn't deter me from doing it!


First things first. Just as in roller skating, one needs the right shoes for this to be successful. Funny thing is, the shoes for all the various events are not the most attractive ones. Hehe.... I'm a Shoe girl:)

Next you have to have the right gear.... So i got geared up....

I then stood there watching others race up the wall as i stood in line looking at this wall i had chosen to take on. A little terrified that the ship seemed to be moving a bit, probably just the water though. I was nervous and excited all at once as i stared at the great wall of LOIS :)

I was ready now to take on my wall.... Here is a clip of my victory....



I left the and stared at the sea below with a smile on my face..... I'm Learning that i can truly do anything if i Just put my mind to it!!!!

P.S. I Also just recently did a handstand for the first time against a wall..... Soon i wont be afraid of falling :)


Have a blessed day.

Trying something New: Vol. 2

This post is rather late as i haven't had time to sit down and write it, terrible excuse.... hope you enjoy!!!

MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr DAY/WEEKEND

A bit of history..... Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, though the act predated the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by fifteen years.


Throughout the weekend there are various events happening. Parades, BBQ's family time..... One event i attended for the very first time was Battle of the bands. I felt as though i was right there on the set of one of my favorite movies Drumline..... so cool!!!! We saw the Middle and High school students and i'm told that the college level is really what i need to see. So i look forward to that!!!


When we arrived we were greeted by this man checking our tickets.... his teeth or grill as they call it just amazed me.... i mean how do you eat???? mmmmhhhh anyhoooo lol

We got our seats and i immediately went into Film mode hehe

The evening was great but it started raining so an investment in some ponchos was the way to go.... But first i tried covering myself with surrounding umbreallas..... it didn't work at all.... SMH

We then resorted to drive to the nearest Dollar store and invest in some ponchos... these things are magnificent.... :)

I had a blast with my friends! They are helping me understand American Culture and i'm loving doing something New in the process of it all!!!!

I have captured a few of my favorite moments of the evening.... I hope you will enjoy it too....



Have a wonderful day:)
Thanks for following and reading my blog:)

Trying Something New: Vol. 1

As we enter this New Decade i decided to try as many New things possible..... And to overcome all the fears i may still have..... Falling has always been a huge fear for me.... From the time i was a little girl, i've been afraid of heights and falling too. I still to this day (believe it or not) cannot for the life of me do a cartwheel because i always thought i would fall. So because there were so many activities that included falling.... I was just never a huge fan of those....

One of these activities:

Roller skating.

Now thinking back i may have tried it when i was younger and fell and i never attempted it ever again until tonight.

My friend and i decided to go skating with another friend of ours who is basically a pro at this...... A little scary but i told myself that this is the year of giving up those little fears for little victories. So our night of skating began with me afraid to even put on the shoes, to me standing to the side of the rink learning how to balance - afraid but yet trying.....

To me finally taking a leap of faith and holding someone's hand going to the middle of the floor and attempting this. I did however end up on my behind.... A hard hit i must be honest..... But after falling.... i GOT up, dusted myself off and tried again..... this time just a little less afraid.... I guess overcoming fear is never easy! But today i fell and was okay.... I'm trying new things this year. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and i'm not allowing fear to hold me captive!!!! And when everything else fails..... i've decided to JUST DANCE!!!!


For now..... I'm celebrating Falling..... and getting up again.... Good night everyone! Special thanks to Nicole and monica for their help in getting me out there!!!!! much love lois

These are what pro's wear...... above.... my ammatuer brown/yello boots:)


NIGHT:)

2011.... Let's Just Dance!!!

This Picture was taken on my way to Middelburg Mphumalang.... My hometown..... made me smile....


************


I surprised my family after our Nigeria Trip on the 6th of december. My friend Melissa helped me plan the whole thing and i must say it was the best time EVER!!!! One never really relizes just How important family is until yo go away.... and then it hits you....

Spending time with my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and great niece and nephew really just brought me to a place of realization.... Family is the foundation, and it doesn't matter How fancy the circumstances are when one is building.... if your foundation is flimsy, your building is set to tumble!!! I found such strength in mere laughter with my mom and waltzing with my dad. I found joy in giggling with my sisters. I found contentment in talks with my brothers. I found hope in dancing with all the kids. I found inspiration in singing songs with my family.... i found love with a new engagement, Anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas.

When we drove to Middelburg, I was taken back to so many trips made to joburg only on holidays and funerals. And now this time driving to visit home.... well what was always home to me... NASARET. Finding it the same and yet so different. For one, our house for more than 25 years was no longer the same.... Our street a little emptier... Quieter... some have passed on, some have moved away like us, some were just on holiday but it just really took me back.... The humble beginnings. Church in mom's classroom for years and soccer at the stadium on sunday afternoons. I was peaceful and yet restless.... excited and a little anxious... Knowing that God has brought me such a long way..... i felt overwhelmed with emotion!!!!

Saying goodbye was hard this time.... Really hard! Normally i just rush in and out... But this time was different. More meaningful, More Memorable..... This time was truly one of the best visits i've had in years! I saw most of my good friends, spent quality time with them! I ate everything South african:) I just lived, loved,laughed and danced

So for 2011.... I'm planning to do just that....

LIVE.... every moment to the full, be present in all situations, enjoy each step of the way

LOVE.... everybody!!!! God commands us to LOVE one another!!! Love deeply

LAUGH... A LOT MORE AT EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING.... don't take myself too seriously!

DANCE.... people don't dance anymore.... we should do it more often....


This holiday i saw how dancing can fill a room with UNITY, JOY and LAUGHTER as i watched all my family dance together.....

My aim is....... TO DANCE MORE!


A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE READING THIS, THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE FOLLOWED MY BLOG and tweets AND SUPPORTED MY JOURNEY. I'M SO HONORED TO SHARE A PART OF ME WITH YOU!!! GOD BLESS!!

lois