Our daughter and son-in-law's fairy tale wedding - December 2010

Beach wedding.
God's presence!
Perfect weather.
Great atmosphere.
Radiant couple.


Feeling truly blessed as I look at the photos yet again!
I have a grateful heart!

A few pretty cushions that I sewed.

It brings me so much joy to create something pretty for my home!

Nature and life

What I thought one of my better posts last year concerned trees. Autumn is around the corner and I know the majestic beautiful old tree in my garden will be losing it's leaves soon. The leaves will be a rich red and brown colour but then what will follow sadly, are the the emtpy branches. Again I am back onto the subject of greenery. I have not inherited my mom's green fingers but I recently spent some money on a few new shrubs. I did not have a lot to spend and had to carefully choose what was suitable and well worth the few rand. Admiring the tiny pretty blue and purple flowers as I carefully potted them I wondered why it made me feel so good. Being outdoors, feeling the wind through my hair and the sun on my skin revived me somewhat. Seeing the results weeks later brings a feeling of much joy and accomplishment.I suppose trees or shrubs for me bring a sense of new life and some hope along with that. Yes I am a summer person. Yes I love things to be attractive around me. But I know too that without winter there can be no spring and I am learning to live one day at a time.

TREES - Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
Against whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain,
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like you and me,
But only God can make a tree.

Learning new things...having small adventures!

I have been trying my hand at new things lately. I mentioned making Pesto in a post but think I should also mention my instant baking powder bread! It is proudly baked in my gas oven (so quick...it bakes while you make tea and your guests are waiting). Have it warm straight from the oven and watch the delight on everyones faces as you serve it with jam or cheese.
This morning I became creative with a dated, slightly yellowed, small crocheted cloth - I carefully sewed it onto a small cushion cover. It looks adorable. My mom would have been proud as it once belonged to her!
Today I read a fun post! This blogger suggests one learns or even tries to notice one new thing every day. This reminded me of my dad who always said, read one fact from the encyclopedia and a new word from a dictionary daily. He would bring home some stamps and ink to get crafty with. Sometimes he would surprise me with a comic book (Millie being my favourite) or show me how to trace pictures. Whatever it was, it always inspired me to learn something more about anything and everything. This is probably why I am so inquisitive and often feel frustrated when I can't get creative. I really would like to keep all that up!

QUICK BAKING POWDER BREAD

500ml Flour
10ml baking powder
Pinch of salt
20ml sugar (optional)
250ml water
Oil

Sift dry ingredients and mix with water.
Add to oiled pan.
Brush with a little oil.
Bake in hot oven for about 20 minutes or until light brown

Some wisdom

Someone gave me these words today and I have been pondering on them since:

Those who leave everything in God's hands will see God's hand in everything.

Pesto

Always wanted to make my own Pesto and yesterday finally did. So easy...recipe says wait a week but we did taste some of it already and it was so yummy. Here follows the recipe:

PESTO
4 cups of roughly torn basil (I used wild basil)
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup sesame and sunflower seed
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup parmesan
1 cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Process basil, nuts and seed, garlic and salt until you have a smooth paste.
Add cheese and mix well. Slowly pour in the olive oil and mix until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and pepper and store in an airtight container for about a week.

Mmmmmm... rest where I am.

Well, we still have not sold our house or bought another. We are still living and lately quite contently in this leafy suburb of Rondebosch. We have decided, yes, we want to leave in the end...find a quiet place in the country! But for now we will make the best of what we have here in Cape Town. I am looking at adding new plants to the garden, we have a lovely, neat and and very quiet student renting a small space in our home and I am making the most of my beautiful surroundings! I am enjoying friends, catching up ...going for coffee or a walk more frequently. Just finding rest in where I am right now. We have an empty nest...but it is not the end of the world and can be a lot of fun too. I am not in control and am waiting patiently, yet excitedly, to see what God's plan is for us next.

We should laugh more!

The average adult laughs 4 to 8 times per day, but the average child laughs about 150 times per day. No wonder the Bible says we need to approach Jesus as children. We would be so much better off if we would stop being so serious about everything and enjoying our lives more.
Thank you Joyce Meyer for reminding me!

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say Rejoice! Phillippians 4:4

I am starting today...

During crisis

When crisis after crisis after crisis happens over a short period of time it is inevidible that it will have some affect on one's life! In my case I tried to keep cool. I tried to remain in control but finally the following symptoms reared their ugly little heads. I felt restless, did not sleep or eat well, struggled to find peace, found life difficult and empty and there were neverending tears! It felt as if the sun was never going to shine again. I was broken and felt useless. Friends were amazing during this time and I added a few verses and words of encouragement sent by some of them here. These plus some other recommended changes and wise quotes slowly added to life becoming somewhat meaningful. I have started eating more healthily (even though I had Licorice for breakfast one morning this week!), am drinking more water and finding small highlights in each day. I am pleased to say that finally things are looking up - am feeling hopeful and positive once again. I am smiling again and yes, I am slowly finding rest for my soul for which I am so grateful!



Our doubts are traitors where we often might win the good, we lose by fearing to attempt. William Shakespear. From Duncan

There's never a teardrop that God doesn't see. He knows when a sparrow falls from a tree. There's never a moment when God doesn't care, never a time when he won't hear our prayer...no matter what you have to face God is with you in his grace. From Eileen

God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is given to them. From Erma

Author of my faith, may every heart beat of my heart, every breath of my life, reach beyond and rise above the song of self to give glory revelation.
And
The breeze of God's grace is always blowing. All you have to do is hoist the sails. From Sannie

Be blessed, get up and live. Look after yourself, make a difference and live without being suspicous!
And
My character is far more important to God than my dreams. When I weigh myself and find that I am too light...The Lord says 'It's not about you, it's about God'
From Doreen

Then I found this quote while watching a movie:
'Our hearts do not need logic. They can love and forgive and accept that which our minds cannot comprehend. Hearts understand in ways minds cannot'
Lois Wilson

'n Happy person is a healthy person. Proverbs 17:2 (On an old and tattered paper cutting between my Mom's things)

A poem found today

Think of the things
that make you happy,
Not the things that make you sad;
Think of the fine and true in mankind,
Not its sordid side and bad;
Think of the blessings that surround you,
Not the ones that are denied;
Think of the virtues of your friendships,
Not the weak and faulty side;
Think of the hopes that lie before you;
Not the waste that lies behind;
Think of the treasures that you have gathered,
Not the ones you failed to find;
Think of the service you may render,
Not the serving of self alone;
Think of the happiness of others,
And in this you'll find your own!


- Robert E. Earley