More - Hope is coming

Shout Loudly!
Arise!
Lift up weary heads
Though its hard to believe
Hope is coming

Rejoice, Laugh again
You may wipe your tears
Let light flood your soul
and you will see
Despair try to flee for
our Hope is coming

Hope's glimmer ignites our
Long buried dreams
Winter is ending
A new season begins
Emmanuel, God is with us!

The seed has been planted
The Faithful King has arrived
you have laboured not in vain
Enjoy now the peace
Love and His presence
Your past is rewritten
Our hope has arrived.

Every new day
A promise of Hope
we are not sheep without a Shepherd
Our enemy has lost his hold
and this story will always be told
Jesus is here

Come all you who are weary and heavy laden
And I will give you rest
The Lord is our Shepherd. We shall not want.

Isaiah 9

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Luke 1

28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."


Psalm 45

1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;
let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Hope is coming. Jesus is here. God with us. Emmanuel.
Hope is coming

Hope is coming....What christmas means to me and hopefully an encouragement to you!

Normally christmas time i am irritated. I dont like singing the same songs every sunday all the time, and hearing the same message, even though its in the bible, I just feel like I can tell these stories in my sleep...

Last Christmas I got the revelation of the salvation story in the hymns on the day of christmas, listening beyond the familiar tunes, but lyrics like "long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and a soul felt its worth" and "Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room". However only getting the revelation on Christmas, means I only took the cd's out that day and then it seemed a bit weird me only listening to christmas carols after christmas....

This year...In the midst of absolutely no money, so not doing the mad rush to the malls but at the same time the stress of having no money, you've got to be strong to remain positive while the bank calls twice a day... I began to read articles on christmas in an attempt to prepare my heart, so it doesnt just come and go by with no effect on my life heart.

Firstly I learnt that Christmas is about Giving. Giving of yourself, Not Spending Money. Spend money if u must , but that is not the point and giving occurs in many ways, helping someone by washing the car,etc, etc... If you have no money you kinda think what am i going to do...!!! and this was just an answer to me, help around the house, stop arguing back over silly things, let it go, give in that way...

Secondly in trying to prepare my heart i was doing exactly what one needs to do? Anticipate, Wait, Hope, Expect...the people before Christ were waiting for their Messiah. This time before Christmas is about that, Waiting for my King, my rescuer, preparing my heart, Focusing on Christ, the author and perfector of my faith... Sorting out that...

And Lastly I listened to this sermon of Trusting God in this Advent time...
http://www.enstb.co.za/index.php?id=110&date=2008-12-07...And with all my money and other issues, this sermon came right on time...

So this is what Christmas means to me....

Perhaps ur life sucks right now, perhaps u have many questions and nothing makes sense. Perhaps you want to ask people about it but they either not interested or misunderstanding, so it seems this hole you in is getting deeper and yes as a christian you supposed to have hope, but right now u just want to be an Ostrich and stick ur head in the sand, or pull the duvet over your head and say Please Wake me up when this is over!... Perhaps u didnt feel like that, but thats how i've been feeling. A collision of all my dreams with uncertainty, and uncertainty seemed to be winning. And in the midst of it God was saying look to me, but then sin became huge and falling for that to and so it became even harder to go with God's initial word because now i wasnt where I was at when I got the word from the Lord. And even after dealing with the sin and still God was whispering, spend more time with me, come to me, yet all my questions and issues still whirlpooling around in my mind this is where christmas come in. Advent comes in. I stop. I stop questioning. I stop looking. And I start looking up.

At who? Jesus. I start reading his word. I silence the questions and read psalms instead which amazingly has references to Christ too. I start preparing my heart. Even though I dont feel like it I start reading christmas articles and listening to beautiful Christmas music...www.myspace.com/saragroves...

And then...

Hope Comes. Christ Comes. Our answer comes. The messiah is here. Emmanuel God with Us. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Jesus is coming. Jesus is our hope. Stop worrying about the money issues, Jesus is coming and with him comes new life, new peace, new hope...

Christmas...

A new beginning,
A new reminder
That Jesus is here

And he is my hope and my song and my deliverer... I will trust in the Lord in this time leading up to Christmas and even after, i will stop worrying about my problems because my redeemer, my God is coming and is with me!

So excited and will be having a merry little christmas...
becuase I have Jesus :) and though the world was weary and in sin and error pining till HE appeared and a soul felt its worth!!!

God bless you all...Peace, Hope and Joy and Love be with you, because Christ the prince of peace, Emmanuel is with you...and Hope is coming

Christmas Wish List

Is it possible to have one if you're too broke to buy anyone presents...and right now that is the furthest thing on my mind. So lets just make this a general one not necessarily christmas:

1. paintbrush set
2. backpack picnic set
3. nacho libre dvd
4. Bible on CD set
5. CD PLAYER with cassette if possible and very clear
6. Car radio.MP3 player.Ipod?
7. Payed off debt.PRAISE GOD!
8. HUSBAND?
9. Book of Prayers...
10. SPA Weekend.or anything in beauty line
11. Christian Music...and even more specifically Tell me what you know - Sara Groves or Albertine CD of Brooke Fraser (imported)
12 Redeeming love and Atonement Child of Francine Rivers
13 Money for World Race

Funny Movies Post

After watching with the lifegroup girls one of them here is a list of movies I think is funny :)

In no particular order:

1. Nachos Libre (would like to own my own)
2. The Man
3. She's the Man
4. Hitch
5. Lovewrecked
6. Mr Bean goes on holiday(think it's called that? the one in France)
7. Think it's called Life is beautiful. Overseas movie about world war 2.
8. Cant even remember if it's funny anymore thats how long ago I saw this movie but Dinner for 1 that used to play every new year's eve.
9. Cant remember name but movie where Gwynneth Paltrow is fat (this may change tho)
10. Oh Yes, How could I forget - Malibu's Most wanted.
11. I think it's called Mafia (one of those ripoff movies)
12. Mickey Blue Eyes.

What a weekend...

On Friday I decided to drive to Strand... And sleep over by my cousin there. The initial plan being that the Saturday to visit my other cousin in Gordon's Bay. Got there about 8h30/9PM and watched dvd's with my cousins children. Highschool Reunion 1 :). The next morning all 3 neices was all over me, trying to wake me up early and get me to watch movies with me. Especially cute this time for me was Lezanne because last time I saw her she was younger and didnt really speak much to strangers and now she keeps coming to me and hugging me and talking with her cute high 4 year old voice. Also it's so funny how they all speak Afrikaans to each other then the moment they speak to me they all swop to English.

So Saturday my cousin and I take all 3 to the mall.That was a test. Suddenly they were almost not so cute as they keep running off and almost making the waiter fall,asking for things all the time,etc.etc..*But as I said almost not so cute, because of course they still cute even when naughty.

After coming home I went out with my cousin and her friend. First braaied and was exposed to some other stuff there quite funny/crazy night. Also divine connections. God amazed me how he is always involved even when I'm not expecting it. Then from there we decided to go to clubs in the area as it was her birthday Sunday. First went to Thumbs up. Just a reminder for me a greatful one again, that thank God I dont club. And that isnt my life. Yep enjoyed the company occasionally and danced to all the old school numbers "If you say Jump, I'll say how high? Precious little Diamond" but that was about it...100% Sober trying to do something I dont really feel comfortable with.

Went in and out of 3 clubs that night and saw 2 people I knew. Came home from the last club 5h30, went to the one friend i mets house and had coffee. then got my things and went home washed,etc...and went to church....Strangely enough I was still awake though I must admit on the N2 was almost falling asleep.

In Church God's grace again was sufficient for me. I could sense his presence even before the first song was sung. And even though we once agian sang the same songs that are old...It was anointed I even stood and did multimedia. :) The message I wasnt too sure about honestly but I'll say that either God needs to still talk to me about that when I get hectically in the word again like before. Now it's on off, either worship then read the next day,then worship. Anyway Sunday After church I realise I have no money left....Nada. And have to cancel eating out plans with Jodie.

Then Another friend called to confirm if we still getting together... and then although I was hectically tired I then said cool lets do something. We filled 2 cars and then drove to KoelBay's day camping spot. Played asshole (card game that I refuse to call something else now that i'm saved because I've been calling it that since primary school) and finished braaing at 7h30. We then drove to the last look out point before Bikini Beach and ate our supper there. We were still going to have a sleep over after that, but once I reached home my hand was paining extremely...Yep no sleeping does that to me and I was out of it, then just called the others to cancel that....

Yep and today's monday back to reality. back to realising I dont have a job, and shouldnt stress but it's there at the back of my mind...But I guess i just need to get into the word. Thats something i need to do...

Chan

Today. Today it's all or nothing... (and previous days too)

People say I'm paranoid, but it really sucks when you sensed how people feel about you and then I'm right. Exactly that happened today and I had to suck in all insecurity about knowing that certain people do feel funny towards me, perhaps it was just challenged, but it was definitely not my imagination, needless to say. I know in the future I may wonder what this was about but the thought of people reading about themselves on here instead of me voicing to them how I feel just doesn't cut it for me.

Anyway in the same breath I am learning, and asking God to make me stronger. I realise what people say over and over, people make a success at doing the things they love. So what is holding back mine? Is it that I'm not doing what I love? (and what is that anyway?) or is it insecurity holding back whatever I put my hand to or more correctly put, me allowing my insecurities to hold me back.

Yesterday, was an exciting, good, day, everything went right, except perhaps the few mistakes and the fact that I might not have gotten this job. Well yesterday I sort of had a practical interview at Saxenburg wine farm which would determine whether I got the job. My only responsibility was pouring water (sparkling or still) and white and red wine and of course learning and helping others clean. You'd think that was easy... No! But thats a whole nother blog. Sufficed to say I learnt to pour wine with one hand, I learnt that white wine gets warm and champaigne needs to be offered straight after it's poured. It's highly inappropriate to stand on the floor when speeches are being made and what are the correct amounts of wine to pour in the glasses. That is too after making a mistake. My highlight was of course shaking the hand of the farm owner and Leo (very humble, great) the chef, after being presented to the guests. This because I wasnt even yet staff yet there I am up in front with the rest. I will never drive past the farm without remembering this again. Such a beautiful place too. And also took some notes from the owner's speech. In this Christmas season some of the values to hold on to is Peace, Respect, Union/Unity, Light(Jesus for me) Yep the above spoke to me and I am going to try and not speak about people in terms of issues I see but keep them in prayer too. And Peace and Respect important in the home.

God is really speaking to me through Psalm 40


Psalm 40
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods. [a]

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced [b] , [c] ;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll. [d]

8 I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.

12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.

13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;
O LORD, come quickly to help me.

14 May all who seek to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.

15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"
be appalled at their own shame.

16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"The LORD be exalted!"

17 Yet I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
O my God, do not delay.

2008 ramblings...

Firstly let me just say 2 things that stood out for me today in church.

no 1. Christmas - Christ is like a gift that is under the christmas tree. Some people have received the gift but didnt open it...It lays under the tree forever

no.2. Revelation that I need to make Christ My focus, even more...Thats why I can fall because I am sometimes focused on everything that is going on around me instead of believeing and looking to Christ as the author and perfector of my faith and everything else around me too :) No matter what the situation...

Ok but moving along...

Just thought I'd begin to blog my thoughts about 2008. I was thinking how exciting 2008 was in the beginning of the year and even someone said it's two thousand and great! But for me...the year is feeling like a balloon that is deflated...Was so full but very quickly all air was released...

However what I can say definitely for 2008 God was great!

In terms of having a date and losing weight :) I can say I was invited to coffee :) didnt materialise though :) and I started doing tae bo and lost 2 kilos' but now after many parties, weddings etc. I gained it again...

Highlights of 2008:
* Losing My Job... Sounds weird but it was such a relief at the time, because felt I cant be in IT anymore
* God supplying my daily needs! With no job for many months I was able to pay for my car and other things every month...
* Reading the bible (not done but esp enjoyed the books Leveticus, from Judges onwards... to Ezra/Esther.etc.)
* Getting Healed :) Dont have active rheumatoid arthritis. No need to be back on medication...Was it a healing line no...Faith comes by hearing and Hearing by the word of God... This hear as I learnt to know God better. God inside of me brought healing :) I also believe that was what needed to be added to the faith and prayers others have had for me in the past...
*Leading 3 girls to the Lord...I must say the discipleship part is hard, Lord help me, but I know that at least seeds have been planted
*Teaching at a highschool. Was really tough! But definitely ups one's prayer levels...
*Getting accepted at UWC. Having cold feet now towards the end of the year, But I know that God is in control of the agenda
* Passing all subjects except Computer Security...But getting second chances for the subject ;)
* Meeting Tania/Samantha...Think that was this year! New friends always good. Good new friends, even better ;)
* Holiday Club... God really stretched me, was about to give up but then he came through in a huge way..
* free Arts and Crafts course through DRAYC. Love for art back with a vengeance...

There's probably more so I will probably edit this post as I remember them...

On the flip side...

* This year went so fast probably because I was so busy... Or if not it's my other theory that time is really going faster and what used to be a a year is now actually 5 months or so. I feel that in one year we did all the events that we did in all the years before. Carnival, Holiday Club, Jazz Evening, Youth Day/Week, End of Year Bash, 2 lifegroups, Victory Weekend and Lifegroup Festivals, Conference. etc.etc... At the time, I believe I was anointed to handle that pace, but right now I am so tired feel like I need a year off to recover. I realise for others this is nothing, but for me, I'm needing to know what God wants because if its what he wants then tehre is also the strength with which to do it, which is why I managed then...

* Relationships at an all time low, few friends, and few times of seeing good friends, and family I only upped halfway after had huge family problems at home. Then my Gran dies and I decide this is as important... And its not that I missed family events but I'd always juggle...Like spend an hour or 2 there then off at my next appointment.

* No money, no holiday :( :) the no money is partially my fault too.God has provided time and time agian but then I spend my money on junk food, hence the weight problem too...I've been home whole year but that doesnt mean a break! Really wish I could go on holiday!

Anyway, I will be intentional about looking to him for the rest of this year and trust he will come through for me. Right now Everything is looking low, but What is my name ( feminine grace, God is gracious, De Wet :) )

Thanks for the new beginning this year...Teach me your ways..So that every year with you is sweeter and sweeter... :)

Dear God

Dear Lord

Right now
Every blog, every song lyric
Every kind word, every prayer
Every random book I pick up
Every scripture I read
all says the same thing...

I need you
I need more of you
I need to seek you
I need to be deliberate and whole hearted in that search
I cannot without you
Right now the test is at hand and I'm not going to make it hearing and not running full force with what you are telling me

Lord I am tired.
Sometimes confused.
Sometimes neglicent.
Sometimes sinful
Sometimes distrusting
Sometimes heavy
Mostly tired
Mostly needing you

Your touch
Your hand
Your opinion, truth :)

Your friendship
Your wings
Your approval
Your understanding

I need You Lord

God's Answer - I believe...

At Cum books the 2 books i picked up

1) Myles Monroe - tips on Prayer or something like that.

Seek God wholeheartedly...thats when he'll come through...dont jsut seek a little and then give up...Word says then u will seek him and u will find him when u seek him with all your heart

2) also in prayer book "Prayer doesnt waste our time because as we pray our lives, issues, day, things become more focused,ordered, anointed"

3) Beth More Believing God - When we seek God we will find him!

You are saying Lord that I should persistantly seek you with all my heart and as I seek you I find you, as I pray, things become clearer

scripture from Eugene

Colossions 4:2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Also rest in God look to Jesus not left or right,but at him and believe in his word and give my heart to him

Chan

Request for Prayer...

Hi to whoever reads this...Please pray for me and my family. Relationships, individual characters,etc...

He is who is in us is greater than he who is in the world...

Thanks

Why I chose to Study at a University instead of at a University of Technology...

After being asked this more than 5 times and having to give this whole long explaination I thought I'd blog this and if anyone asks again I'd say refer to the blog...And also in terms of plans I believe this is the call but life does not always turn out the way we expect so this might not be cast in stone but this is where it's at for now, and what and why I am planning this way. I also desire to own a B&B,etc.etc...So who knows what the future holds.

* Firstly not studying teaching to be a teacher, in fact the course is not called teaching its B Ed.I'm studying Education to have an Education degree, so when I open up my own NGO as I was involved in this youth NGO that I am not just an individual who has no papers on her name trying to influence societyand government, but there are papers to my name. If I teach for 4 years it's just to get experience, but not to be a teacher for the next 20 years...cause thats not why I'm studying. And when done with last subject will already have a btech so adding a university degree to that...which is whats needed if u want to talk to the bigshots and make changes in this country Or where I think I'm going for now there are many other dreams on my heart

* I've been involved in His People UWC...so I have zillions of friends
there so have a support structure even before go to varsity

* In terms of university of technology's being practical, I've already taught at 2 schools without having any teaching training So I dont need that much practical training,...cause my end result is not to be a teacher so much, if that happens then it does

*If you study at a tech you get a package.10:42 AM me: if u study at university you select subjects which means I can select other subjects that may have nothing to do with teaching eg. French...and still have a B Ed at the end of the day... So thats what I like too after 4 years I dont necessarily have to be a teacher because u can rearrange ur subjects another way...e,g Life Orientation class at UWC is Psych.SO perhaps I can apply to be acounsellor cause i didnt only get the parts relevant to teaching but the full course. Remember I did study at a technickon before so I'm not going in this closed eyes...

*Oh yes and the last most very important reason is my chances of getting in and getting a bursary are better at university and there is no way I can afford to pay to study Education.... i would have a better chance of getting a bursary because most people apply at CPUT so the money has to be split between 3 campuses and many studednts where as at UWC its one department. And I have nooooo money so i need to get that bursary. Also my mom studied at UWC so makes it easier for me to get in and get a discount even if I dont get a bursary

MORE

My life has been roller coaster again but praise God it's going up

After much stressing, depressing and not sleeping and sleeping too much after finding out no one let me know about the supps, I went in today only to find out I passed everything except Security which I knew! So God has come through in a mighty way.

No.2 Certain events or invites that havent worked out are making me think maybe it's for the best. Sucks that it has to turn out this way and not even materialise, but it just means there'll be better opportunities. Not for anything more! But wont sit here twiddling my thumbs and wait for a response when life is too short to make the most of it.

Cant think of anything more for now...will blog agian

Long time No Write, No Internet :)

Firstly a funny Chandre Moment

from convo with friend

Went to a kithcen tea Friday night...and our idea was to cut the electricity and scream and then while screaming one of us blindfolds the bride to be and then when thats done put lights back on and tell her why we did it and let the night proceed...
I was the one that was meant to blindfold and she was conveniently sitting on a couch where i could approach from behind before tehlights went off
After the lights go off i get to the couch shes sitting opposite
so have to run around and this time blindfold from the front which is way harder, and I try like 3 times even though she is pushing me away and the street lights are so bright she can see its me
after the 3rd time I realise but this is not Carmen and Carmen is sitting next to the girl I am trying to blindfold
watching me and thinking whats up with me
Lol it was extremely funny...U should have seen Carmens expression. When I realised I tried to blindfold her, and she was jsut like "Chandre, stop being silly!
was a good night though...

Secondly was prophesyed to Sat night...Not going to put it up here but was definitely in line...

Lastly I believe it's a time to mature, though I must say its hard..Also growing in Faith, the sermons for the month was on faith which was quite funny cause that came after God showed me thats what he wants to talk to me about...

anyway will blog again thats all for now