Stand My Bride! Stand firm!

This is a word God gave me for 2013.  I really want to encourage all of you.  These words carried me the last few weeks...

Stand my bride! Stand firm, know who you are in Me. Know Me. Who am I, the true God? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, know My son Jesus - Jeshua! Know the truth - speak it, shout it, be it, live it, think it, look at it. Watch out for deception and confusion, watch out to stay on the narrow. Its not about how you feel - but what is the truth.

 Stay in unity. Sow seeds of peace and reap righteousness. Guard your hearts so that my life can flow. Don't harden your hearts, open your hearts so that my love, life and mercy can flow. I need you to stay focus on ME - the Great I am. Who am I? People are mixing the truth with lies. I am who I am. Look at Me Jesus, follow me and wait and be guided by only My Spirit. I will never leave You or forsake you. Don't be mislead by all you hear and see. I am the only truth. Stay in Me and I in you. I love you my Child. Look at Me! My son and my daughter stand firm. The truth and only the truth will set you free.

 Bath in my joy - the joy that I lavish upon you, bath and stay in it. Watch out not to bath in worldly joy - it stays for only a moment. Bath in my joy!!!! It will fill you to the full and strengthen you. Reach out to my deceived children. They are blinded LOVE them back!!! Be on guard!!! Don't judge them, love them and serve them back into the light. (At this stage I was crying my heart out and felt His presence and love for them, He then showed me a vision: a torch or light without batteries, they lost their batteries through hurt, offences and hardening of hearts) Lavish them in unconditional love and touch and recharge their batteries. Secure your own batteries by staying in my Word and being accountable about your actions, thoughts and feelings.

 Watch out! Pray day and night!!!! Pray for My joy, My light and the Truth to settle in your hearts. Nothing else but the Truth. Let it settle, root and flow through you.

 While God was speaking I felt such an intensiveness in the spirit that He wants to warn us that the battle in the spirit is more heavier than ever to get a chance to deceive the children of God. Jesus is victorious and the battle is won, we need to stand in it. So awesome to know!!!! Before He started speaking I heard words that later became sentences. One of the word was ALIGNMENT. 

A week into the new term I had a back injury that penned me to my bed, I could barely walk.  Even though I felt such agony and pain, I've experienced such a peace and rest in God.  In my work the timing wasn't on! But God new I needed this time to seek Him and really spent time with Him.  The battle in my mind was on, but I had to declare truth. Now a month later I'm sitting here pain free and really believe God healed me!!!

With this back that had a slipping disc, I   started praying for alignment in the Body of Christ 2 months ago. Last night after being in bed the last week with my back I put my hands once again on my back praying. While praying I asked Father what would a disc represent in His kingdom, He said LOVE, for Him and one another, then He showed me the backbone and said FAITH and then the spinal cord and He said HOPE. WOW that was so BEAUTiFUL!!! 3 that can't go without the other. He then said if you know My LOVE you'll have faith and TRUST Me then you'll have HOPE!!! I was so blessed. What an practical awesome God we serve. I love Him so much!!!!!!!!!

May the God that calls Himself The Great I Am fill You as His bride with His love,faith and hope.  May love, God's mercy-full love be sealed back in  His Body, the Church.  I've been praying that Father God will totally break my heart for what breaks His!!! May we know and live His love like never before.

The battle in our mind are extremely hard and for sure the battle is on, but like He said STAND MY BRIDE, STAND FIRM.  There are days that I feel like I need to make choices above my flesh, that it even feels like I need to make a road and force my spirit in the opposite direction.  Not to react out of my feelings, but really out of His Spirit in Me.  With that I'm rejoicing because His grace is so sufficient for us no matter what circumstances we face.
He stays GOOD!  I told God today that I don't have a clue where I would've been I f it wasn't for His JOY that carried me.  What amazing JOY!!!! No wonder I've been singing "We shall go out with JOY and be let forth with PEACE the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you!!! Hallelujah!!!

The funny thing is that you don't always see the "mountains" disappear, but boy if the joy break through you know   
you're on the winning side.

I just felt to share thoughts I've been pondering on through circumstances.

Be blessed Bride of Christ, knowing He watches over you...waiting and longing to reveal more of Himself.

It's not about me....

I guess I’m not the only one with a holiday “to do list”.   The reality of getting all the boxes checked is impossible.  I end up feeling sorry for myself and take a book and read or watch a nice series.  Well I must say I really thought I would’ve moved during the July holidays and be busy unpacking all my stuff that is in boxes the last 4 years.  I’m REALLY ready to unpack those boxes!!!  I must be honest, there are days that I feel do I really still want those things, but it always ends with a YES!!!!  The last few weeks we went through so many up and down times. A vision is so important and really like a compass on your journey.  We as a family always had a vision of some sort but never went to sit down and hear every family member’s heart. 

During the April holidays we really seeked God will for us.  Two nights before we left Cape Town I had a dream that that I was sitting in a circle with a specific group of leaders of our current church family. One of our leaders told his wife to pray for me. The moment she start praying I felt the Holy Spirit tells me to open my eyes and look in her eyes. There in her eyes I saw in both eyes 2 hands holding a heart. WOW it was so real and clear; I start crying and then woke up…  I didn’t understand what it means, but knew God was trying to tell me something.  Back in Port Elizabeth after 3 weeks of waiting to get the interpretation of the dream I went to church one morning.  The couple in the dream isn’t always in Port Elizabeth but travels the world.  This particular morning they were there and when I saw her I knew she needed to pray for me.  During the service God confirmed that I must let her pray for me.  So off to the front I went and asked her (keep in mind, I know about her but never ever even said hello to her).  After I briefly shared my dream and little background she asked me what is out vision? O allot of things, but how do I start sharing all our dreams.  She then said we need to write it down and follow it.  She then prayed that after we put the vision in writing that God will give us the blueprint.  I just knew God is really taking us back to scratch with everything.  A week past and no real vision on paper.  The following Sunday God clearly told me and Aldo He is waiting for us to get on paper.  That evening Aldo, I, Zoe (10 yrs) and Annabell (8yrs) sat down and shared our hearts.  We’ve explain to the kids what is a vision and that God said we need to keep this vision before us and every choice that we make as individuals must link in with our vision.  After writing the vision we discussed our values as family and that we need to honour the values, because it will bring us closer to our vision.

A week after we got the vision I felt so despondent and confused about our future. Everything felt out of place and order.  I went to sit on my bed and cried my heart out to the One that know every thought before I can even say it. My Father heard me and reminded me of the dream and told me our hearts are same in both his hands.  He knows the heart of our family and holds it in His hand.  I sensed such a feeling of safety, I then saw a vision of a “moeshie” picture, nothing in place and order in the natural, but the the picture pulled away and there three dimensionally I saw the name of Jesus.  God said: “Its all about Jesus, His name written over your lives!”  I then realized once again that it’s not about me!  I would love to share our vision with you, its simple and plain, but a compass in the Oosthuizen or “oosies” household.

Our vision:

We will grow together as a family to become more like Jesus.

People must see his character in our lives.  

All grown-ups and children must see His love, peace, joy and life in us.

I mentioned previously that I went through ups and down this holiday, they broke into our car again, we found the perfect house to start the Aftercare but we are still waiting for the owner"s answer to rent with the option to buy, we also can't get hold of the agent of the house and we all had the flu but it’s all really some tests and trials for character building.  The waiting is getting to us, but also teaching us to trust Him more.  I've been in many faith trials, but this one is the hardest! We are seeking God's will day and night.  Everytime when we relax and think YES, then God leads us to a place of seeking.  This is a 3 year search for the "oosies".  Our new normal!!!  I wonder how its going to be to be in my own house again. To cook for 5 and not 9.  To consider 5 and not 9. To leave hot water in the geaser for 4 people and not 7.   Make coffee for 4 not 9. Just to give you an idea.  And boy sometimes my attitude sucks!!!!  You can ask God how many times I'm sitting at His feet repenting, because once again I blew it!!!  My parents is a blessing to us in so many ways.  And I honour God for everything, spirit, soul and body they sow into our lives.  I don't think all parents will invite and except a family of 5 in their home for 3 years.  They are so encouraging and supportive in this season of our lives.  Above all the challenges we face as big family, 4 generations staying together, we count so many blessings and inpartations of things money can't buy.

This morning I read James 1:2-4

² Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
³ Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
⁴ But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

How awesome it is when God encourages us through His written word!

Just before the holidays my precious Zoe asked me if she can tell me how you can get closer to God. Sure I answered and then expect an answer like "You need to pray and read your Bible" but no she told me, that when you go through difficult times you can hear God more clearly and seek Him for answers to your problem and the next time you encounter a difficult time you can hear him even better because you’ve learned to listen to His voice.”  I was so blessed!!!  As a mom I sometimes see how they long for a bigger car and their own house and just having only us in the house, but even more I see how God is maturing and teaching them precious lessons. Every step and challenge we conquer is an inheritance for our children and their children's children.

Ouma Dillie

My Grandmother of 89, also staying here went through a huge setback in her health. She lied in bed for 2 months. We as a family thought she's ready to meet her saviour. I really thought this is it. She could hardly walk and ate almost nothing. At times only sucked on ice cubes. Then one morning I entered her room and she asked me "why am I lying here, I'm not sick. I explained to her she had heart failure ect. She didn't believe me and got up. Unbelievable!!! Then the Saturday when my mom finished showering her, she asked her why is she wearing pyjamas. My mom explained, but she said where's my clothes? So now my gran climbs the 20 steps to the Living room every evening and is up and on the go in her way.

The house is quiet, everyone sound asleep...only the tick tick tick of the keybord and Aldo far away in dreamland.... Ok time to sleep

Thankyou for taking the time to journey through my heart, I really hope God's story through my live bless and inspire you!!!

Take note........

A while ago, my precious Annabell asked me something. 

I was busy preparing food at that moment and knew she was talking to me, but busy with my own thoughts.  After a while Annabell said: "Mommy this is now where you need to say YES or NO Annabell!"  I there and then realized how easy it is to not TAKE NOTE of what is going on around you.

I start praying about this... you know I don't want to miss special moments because I'm so caught up in my own thoughts.

In Luke 14 Jesus went for a meal at one of the ruling Pharisees, when He NOTICED how they are selecting places of honour He shared one of His many parables. 
Jesus had eyes wide "open" and watched carefully and attentively noticing the smallest things and opportunity to love and care for people. He then knew what to teach and share.

I realised that I need to walk through life attentively.  In our soetlief classes we observe every thing the kids say and how they react.  We then know how to teach and lead the child.  Likewise I need to TAKE NOTE more in life.  I need to keep my spiritual and physical eyes open and "see" what is going on around me.

I don't know about you, but some days I drift through a day just to cope and miss the special and very important moments and opportunities right here in front of me.  Moments we can make a difference.

The other day I was so focused on packing away, again busy with my own thoughts and almost miss a opportunity to cheer my 21 month old son who packed away his books in the drawer for the first time.

Lets fix our eyes on Jesus, our family and all that's around us....TAKE NOTE!!!

A new season..... IT'S TIME!!!

A new season..... IT'S TIME!!!

The "Oosies" are living in the most exciting times ever....  Ok,  let me rephrase this.  Being married for almost 13 years and never a dull moment, never knew that we were prepared for a time such as this!  God prepared me to have faith and stick to His plan to carry me through this time. 


The most exciting thing of this time is the knowing He is so near.  Being aware of Him every moment.  I'm so desperate for more of Him and less of myself.   Aldo and I are closer than ever before.  In times like these insecurities surface more than ever, but its great to get it in the light and work through it.  Makes me more in love with my precious husband.

In March Aldo stop working at a job he worked at for the last year.  After 3 different jobs the last 13 years we are ready to take on the call of God on our lives.  I must add that the 3 jobs was so far apart...from being full time in missions, to studying theology,  working and Managing Christian bookshops, start own business as Paint Contractor. End that season by working in a paint shop and then pack up put all your stuff put it in storage and take your family, move to PE to study Education and start working with your father-in-law as Debt-Counselor for a year, then end all of this working as a floor manager in a Factory for a year.  While I'm at it let me add... 12 moves in different houses and blessed with 4 different vehicles - at different times.


If anyone ask me: "Was all of this God's will?"  My answer: "O yes!!!"  Did we make mistakes? "O YESS!!  We ain't no puppets!!!!  God gave us choices, but with each challenge of mountain we walked with God.  Never stop asking Him what is His will. 

THUS FAR GOD HAS LED US IN THIS JOURNEY...NEVER LEFT US!!!

Through all of this we were blessed with our 3 beautiful children, each one of them declaring a new season in our lives.  We are so blessed.


Aldo and I met and fell in love in YWAM (Youth With A Mission) a worldwide mission organisation.  I was in Aldo's children Ministry group and we worked together like an oiled machine from day 1.  In my heart I always pictured us working together.  I remember Aldo joined me at Cornerstone Daycare on off days, I worked there for the first 2 years of being married. Now after 14 years since we got the vision of working together with children and their families, it's starting to happen.  In April Aldo joined me in soetlief at the school where I worked. 


Soetlief is a program to teach children emotional and social skills.  We take 8 children in their age group from GrR to Gr5 for 45 min.  I never knew the impact its going to have on the children if we do it as a couple.  We enjoy every moment of impacting these kids.  What a blessing to live out our passion together.  www.soetlief.co.za


Beginning of the year I had a shock when I read a statistic that in South Africa 41% children's doesn't live with a biological father or 43% haven't seen their biological father the last year.  It breaks my heart to sit in front of children and see the desire and longing for a loving father.


Earlier this year I just shared with God my heart and start praying about a fatherless generation.  Having Aldo joining me in soetlief already opened a door for an answered prayer.  In the morning when I fetch the children in their classes they already ask me:" Is uncle Aldo here?"


So the new season is here!!!  And I'm gonna love every moment of it!


   

The rest is taken care of....

Anxious.... feeling worried or nervous about something, about the future,my work or meeting someone. This is the Oxford explanation of the word anxious.  If I don't make a choice not to be anxious, it will rule my life.  Some mornings I will wake up and look up to a mountain before me.  You may ask: "what mountain, and how did it get there?".   Its a mountain in my thoughts, could be created over time or during the night, but its there...huge and overwhelming. Do you know what I'm talking about.

If I'm honest with you, I'm overwhelmed today with the year before me....yeah I know, last week I was ready for any wave to ride.  This week I'm overwhelmed with the unfamiliar and new that lies ahead.  How did I get myself to be anxious about this new wonderful year ahead of us?  The power of the mind, anxiousness was a thought or a choice away.

Because of God in me I was ready for the big wave of anxiousness  this morning...
In Luke 12 I read what Jesus told His disciples.

²⁵And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age [the length of his life]?
    ²⁶If then you are not able to do such a little thing as that, why are you anxious and troubled with cares about the rest?

God is in the rest.... we don't need to be there.  I must do, what I need to and can  do in the "here and now" and leave the rest for Him.  Then only will the huge mountain disappear and small hills appear that I can master.

Riding waves

On Friday we were blessed with a perfect day for the beach.  My "to do list" is so long but I couldn't exchange the beach for any "to do's". Aldo went down to the beach @ 7am and came back convincing me everything is just perfect.  Well at 8:30 packed and ready me and the girls and precious boy headed down for the beach.

WOW!!! What a morning it was.  I text ed a few friends to join me.  Everyone was occupied with their own "to do lists".  I couldn't believe it, everyone is missing out on a beautiful beach day.  No wind, perfect water temperature and brilliant waves.  After 2h of running around, sitting and building sand castles or keeping Daniel away from everyone else's sand castles it was almost time to be heading home. I was sitting in my camp master chair and the next thing I heard Zoe say: "Look Daddy!" Right behind me stood Aldo.  It was 10:15 and his boss send him home early, very early!  O my goodness I was so surprised. 

Aldo and the girls went for a swim and I was still stunned.  Without me even telling God, 'I need company', He saw my hearts desire and intervened by sending Aldo home early.  How faithful a Father who know my needs, before I even communicate them.

After Daniel fell asleep Aldo took him and told me to go swim. Now let me tell you, I just love playing, splashing and swimming around in the waves.  The last two years I was either pregnant, busy with a baby, feeding or something.  For the first time in two years I went in and had a ball of a time!  The water was luke warm and me and Annabell had so much fun.

Do you know what is a "boogie board"? Some call it a body board, anyway whatever suits you.  I just love to ride my "boogie board".  Let me just paint a picture.  If you sit on the beach looking at the people swimming in the sea, don't look for me right there at the back where the pro's do their things.  No-no-no, you'll find me somewhere near the beach with the medium waves.  I am just crazy about the waves that spit me out on the beach.  Some of my fondest memories is me, my sisters and my mom riding the waves on our boards.  That is how you spell  F - U - N.
Don't think my mom quit her board riding years, O no! Granny is teaching the legacy to her grandchildren.  We laugh so much while riding.  The waves can sometimes play some tricks on you.  O its so much fun. Some stronger waves will throw us of our boards, where other times we go over each other.  But the best waves is when one wave melt into the next.  It feel like you are falling onto the next wave.  Sometimes your board gets stuck on the sand and your body speed forward....OEPS!  Just to feel a tuck from behind.  The leash that goes from your board are tied around your waist, reminds you that you can't go anywhere without the board.
Yesterday I had fun on my own, laughing at myself... a 34 year old body that gave birth to 3 children is not capable to do things a 21 year old body did.  In my head I can still do the moves.  Is that sounding familiar to you..?

Let me get back to the wave...   Once or twice I wasn't ready for a wave and was swept of my feet onto my board.  You know, I feel much more securer with my board.  Makes me think about life.  The waves in life can toss you around.  Sometimes the waves seems so huge, but boy with no power to even move you.  Then there's the smaller ones that throw you right of your feet.  When I'm on my board I'm ready for any wave.  My board is like the word of God to me, the Bible.  I feel secure that it will direct me in a wave and if a wave throws me off, there's always the leash that keeps me stuck to the board.  For me the leash is like the Holy Spirit in my life.  Always revealing God's word to me in all circumstances.
I'm ready for the waves of 2012 secure on His word, filled with his spirit to keep the joy in the journey!

My very first blog post

WOW!!! I can't believe I'm actually got it all set and running.  OK now what....?  STORY TIME!!!
In our house the excitement is building up.  Our tradition is to open gifts on Christmas eve.  Yes we celebrate Christmas and loving it.  I can't tell you how many conversations I had about this subject.  There was a time, believe it or not, that Aldo and I didn't want to celebrate it because it started as a pagan festival.  Soon we realized that we as a family are so blessed to celebrate the birth of Jesus together.  Birth date or not, its opportunity to celebrate Jesus. 


Tomorrow night we will be 18 people together from our new little niece Lilly-Beth aged 6 weeks to my gran, Dillie that's 87 years old.  What an awesome privilege.  Zoe and Annabell prepared a concert and I know little Daniel (16 months) will have an item as well.  As soon as his sisters starts to sing he jumps in. Its not only singing but dancing as well.


After the concert my dad normally reads the beautiful Christmas story out of Luke and then we sing some Christmas carols.  The highlight is the opening of gifts!  While reading Daniel the storie about the birth of Jesus I was reminded that God organized gifts for Jesus through the wise men.  Its so special that He wanted to bless His son's birth with gifts. 


I want to end this post by blessing you with a wonderful Christmas!