All Good Things...

As the saying goes, All good things come to an end...

We spent our last day of holiday down at the gorgeous Jeffrey's Bay. This little spot holds such a special place in my heart. I have some of my most treasured memories here. This is the perfect beach to collect shells at. All of us love this little stretch of the coast line...

We were blessed with a perfect day,

A day to let my hair down, and relax...

The girls had such fun!

 

Precious time with the 'Couzies'

And precious time with my Janni


It was wonderful for us to re-connect as a family!

I love the sound of the ocean, I felt so at peace walking up and down the shore line.

It was a wonderful time to reflect,

I am looking forward to to 2013. It is going to be a wonderful year. My Janique starts High School, Ashies goes to Grade 6, and our Kenzie starts Pre-Primary. That means my mornings will be free, and I will be able to focus on a new and exciting business! 

God is so good!!

Lotsa love xx



Peaceful Moments

 

 

 

 

Sitting in the Garden this evening, and just soaking up these peaceful moments...

 We're spending some precious time with Janni and the family.

 It's always wonderful to be here in P.E.

 

We get to spend some good quality time together. The love and bond that I have and share with my sis, is a precious one

 Frangepani always make me think of my precious Momma, gosh I miss you so!

Thank You Precious Jesus, for your ever faithful love, and strong hands that have carried me so many times 

Ahh, the dapper, Mr. Cosmo! My company this afternoon.

 

 

 

Lotsa Love xx

Happy New Year

 

The beginning of a new year.

 

I am so looking forward to seeing what 2013 holds...

 

 

I have a sense in my heart that this is going to be a special year.

 

Filled with a great many opportunities,

 

 

To Live, Laugh and Love

Lotsa love xx

Happy Birthday Zac

 

Happy Birthday to the littlest member of our family, sweet Zac.

It was a year ago when I finally got to meet you, and it was with great excitement and anticipation!

 

What a massive privilege and honor it was to hold you for those precious few moments! You have forever changed your Auntie' heart. and for that I want to thank you!

Thank you for showing me the intensity of Abba heart and His love for us.

I know that you were created and born for purpose, and I am so incredibly blessed to be part of your story.

 

I love you, sweet Zac, the Lion Heart.

 

 

 

All of my love xx

 

 

Faithful Jesus

The more I get to know my saviour, the deeper I fall in love with Him.

Spend time in His presence today, I just know that He has some truths that he wants to impart into your heart today.

This song touched my heart.

Lotsa love xx

Let This be The Song from Your Heart Today

Lotsa love
xx

 

Psalm 106:1

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! (AMP)

Today my heart is overflowing with love.

Jan is preggers! Oh happy days (^^,)

I am so looking forward to walking with her through this very special season.

Friends we serve an awesome God!

Lotsa love

xx

Quality Time

Following on from my last post...

 If we want to walk in freedom with our God, we need to be in relationship with Him.

I wanted to chat about having a quite time with Abba.

 Quiet time is that special time of day that you set aside to spend with the Lord

There is no hard and fast rule as to when or where to have your devotional time. Some have it before bed time, others prefer the crack of dawn, while some enjoy their quiet time in the car on the way to work.

 It has become the highlight of my day!

For me I set time aside, to spend time with Him, when Kenzie goes down for her mid-morning nap.

Sometimes I sit out on the patio, if it's warm :) but most times I sit in my favourite chair in my study. Usually with a cuppa...

All relationships need time to grow. When we invest our time with those special people in our lives, our friendship bonds and love bonds strengthen. It is exactly the same with the Lord. We need to get to the place where it is a pleasure to sit and have fellowship with God. He loves it! Because He is a God of relationships

. He says in Jeremiah 29:13-14

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (14) I will be found by you, says the Lord... (AMP)

"When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen.

When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me.

Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed" God's Decree (MESSAGE)

What a beautiful promise! Thank you Father. That just makes my heart sing! What an invitation!

There are no rules as to how you choose to spend your quiet time.

This is how I spend mine.

When I sit in my favourite chair, I always hear these words in my heart..."What would it be like if Jesus was here with you right now?" I will then use my imagination, and imagine what it would indeed feel like. There is complete peace in God's presence, there is a tangible love, and calm. I invite the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in to come and join me. The Word tells me that I am seated with Christ, and that He is with me always, and the Holy Spirit has been sent here to help, teach and guide me. So it makes sense that they would always be with me.

I think that often times we forget, that we are not alone. Using your God given imagination is a fabulous tool.

At first I must admit that I did feel like a bit of a paw-paw sitting here with my eyes closed shut, trying to imagine... (^^,)

(I first heard a teaching on this subject by a wonderful teacher by the name of Clarke Taylor. He is in his seventies now, and has the most beautiful and awe-inspiring relationship with God.)

If this freaks you out a bit, it's ok :) just practice a little. Abba is your Father, and if you can't be real with Him, then who can you be real with.?

I really try not to keep to any formal routine when I spend time with Jesus.

 I love to read a little devotional first off. I have been reading Faith to Faith by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. I have had this little book for years! I always seem to go back to it. They are short powerful little nuggets that really stir up my faith. I was so excited to see that they have made it an iPod app called Power Up (oops sidetracked!)

Then I read a Proverb, conveniently there are 31 of them, so that makes one a day! hehe

 And then I read a Psalm. I love the Psalms.

David is recorded as a man after God's own heart. He was quite a piece of work wasn't he, shew!! He did it all, and still he had God's heart! So I know that there is most definitely hope for me! LOL

I usually also read a passage of scripture related to the devotional reading, or, if the Holy Spirit leads me somewhere..

It's important to read the Word, not only does it give us insight as to who God is, but it also fills up our 'spiritual tank'. So that when we go through the rougher and tougher seasons in life, we have something to drawn from!

Journalling is also a great tool. There are many entries in my journal, that have beautiful words written in it from my Saviour just for me.

My Abba knows that I have other duties that have to be done before I fetch the big girls from school, that no matter how much time we have spent together. He always redeems the time for me. I always get my chores done!

He really is an Awesome, Wonderful and truly Magnificent God!

The more we start to spend time in God's presence the more we will start to sense His heart beat.  His attributes will start to 'rub off' on you. You will start to think differently. You will start to grow! And that is so exciting!

I would love to hear of your progress, as we grow together.

Lotsa love

xx

A Fresh Start

These past few months have been an interesting part in my life's journey.

Grief is a road that I have never really walked.

When my Dad walked out, I didn't grieve, yes sure I was devastated by him leaving. But the emotions that followed were so difficult to comprehend, that I just stuffed them deep within my heart. Hoping that they would never see the light of day.

When my sweet nephew went to meet Jesus just 7 months ago, all those pent up emotions started to bubble up. Not immediately, but slowly but surely they started to make their presence known.

Gosh in those beginning few weeks, I had so many questions! Why on earth did my faith not work? I mean I stood steadfastly onto the Word.

I found myself asking some really tough questions?

Having been raised by parents who knew the value of a firm foundation in the Word. My faith was rock solid, but, now my inner compass was shaken about! I found myself thinking the most outlandish questions,( I was too scared to even verbalise them) Questions like, Does God listen? Why believe when ultimately He decides what happens. Tough ones, hey!

This is what I have learned so far, God is a good God! He has our best interests at heart! He knows everything. And it is our faith in Him that pleases Him most.

When Janni told us about the condition of Zac's heart, I was in the States visiting Mom. I clearly remember the day Janni called, and told me of the severity of his condition.

I went onto the porch, and I prayed. After a time, I heard the Lord tell me

"It is done, Zac is healed, now stand!"

 I heard those words as clear as a bell in my spirit.

So during the remainder of the pregnancy, those are the words that I stood on.

I would not be moved!

But when Zac passed, I sat on the floor in the hospital in a complete state of shock! I was in absolute disbelief! I remember going into Janni's room, our darling Tianna was in absolute shock, and I wanted to put my arms around her. Being faced with her devastation, was truly one of the most heart wrenching things I have encountered. I remember lying on the bed with Tianna, and doing the only thing I knew what to do. We prayed.

 When we go through the toughest times in our lives, often times it feels like we are all alone. But I know that Jesus said that He would always be with us.

 I remember asking Jesus to show me where He was. As I closed my eyes, I saw Jesus standing at the foot of the bed. And cradled in His arms was Zac. I will never forget the look on Jesus' face. The love and compassion in His eyes was overwhelming. Looking back on that moment, I can see that His Word did indeed come to pass. Zac is healed and whole.

His little life has impacted me so. His journey, has made me question what do I really believe?

Why do I settle to mediocrity?

So this is where I am at....

For the last few months, over and over in my spirit I have been hearing the Holy Spirit whisper to me "It's time for freedom"

Freedom from what? Well freedom in my relationship with God.

Galatians 5:1

In this freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]

I feel like I have been at a fork in the road, and this is the time to choose a new and exciting path.

Won't you join me, in seeing what the Father has in store for us?

One thing I know for certain, is that He wants a deeper relationship with each of us!

This is an exciting time!

Abba, thank you for the gift of Zac's 21 precious hours, in them he taught this Auntie a thing or two. Thank you for your un-failing love towards us.

Zac has left the most awesome legacy, he is the catalyst for change, to embark on a deeper relationship with our God.

Lotsa love

xx

Happy Mother's Day

Growing up, we weren't so very close, but when Dad left us, I had one of two choices. Either to stay and get to know you, or to leave home as soon as I could...

 Boy oh boy am I glad that I decided to stay and get to know you!

You are the woman I want to be when I grow up!

 I love your honesty and your soft heart. I admire your teachable spirit, and the courage that you show when you face the giants in your life.  I am grateful for the fierce love that you show towards your family, and I am secure in the fact that I know that there is nothing that you would not do for me.

 I love your spunk, and kooky sense of humor. I love the way that you lavish your love on all you grand babies. Each one of our girls and Zac, know of your generous love.

I love your tenacity, and your loyalty.

But most of all, I love the way that you love Jesus. Thank you for the foundation that you have laid. Because of you, I am who I am. A strong, confident woman who loves her life and family dearly!

I love this song that Lauren Alaina sang.... this one is for you, my precious Momma

I love you all the dots in the sky,

Your Princess

xx

Wating in the Wings

I am so grateful to have been raised in the home that I was. Very early in my life both my folks gave their hearts to Jesus, and made the decision to faithfully and whole heartily follow Him.

My Momma was a Jazz pianist at the time. A good one (^^,). She, Dad and a a group of other, radically on fire for Jesus, people started the Rhema band. Eventually they joined up with the Rhema Church and became their worship team.

My earliest memories of church, was band practice. I loved going. I loved to lie on the floor and listen, and watch the muso's.

As a result I love to Praise and Worship my Jesus.

As as youth I was involved in the children's ministry. Did all sorts of stuff from looking after babies, singing in the band at times to heading up the drama dept. for the children's ministry.

Then I got married, and my focus changed. Church was still super important, but Ian was from a smaller church and he battled to fit in to the massive church I was from. We then decided to move Churches. We've moved a couple of times, but now we have found our home.

Ahhh The Barn. We've been fellowshipping at this church for the past 4 years. I love my church.

And I have longed to join the Worship team. BUT something has been holding me back....

You see my Momma is an awesome woman, with the most amazing call on her life. She is a true worship leader, and has the anointing on her life. And my Janni is also anointed with this beautiful gift. She also plays the piano and writes the most beautiful songs, just like Momma.

ME? Well the only instrument I can play is the fool! LOL

But I know that I can sing.

Every time I would pluck up the courage to approach the team, I would have this voice in my head, saying to me, "What if you're compared to your Mom and Sister, you won't measure up you know..."

But the desire to sing has never gone away. I have learned that when you have a persistent desire in your heart 9 times out of 10 it's the Holy Spirit prompting you!

So in January this year, I joined the Worship team.

I want to slap myself upside the head! Why on earth has it taken me so long?! Joining the team, was like coming home in a sense. A beautiful peace has settled into my heart

The first time I took to the stage, I said to Jesus this is for you, and so not about me. I want to sing your praises.

Coming home from band practice last night, I was so aware of the absolute privilege and honour it is for us to be able to praise and worship our God so freely.

Praise and Worship is so much more than singing a few feel good songs, it's all about total and utter surrender to our Saviour and Father.

I have been waiting in the wings for the longest time, all because of my own insecurities. And the thing that has astounded me so much is that, when our Daddy asks us to do something, He alone gives us the Grace and the courage to do it! Our obedience is our sacrifice to our Almighty Father.

What has He laid on your heart to do?

Go on, stop hovering in the wings, take that step!

Lotsa love

Niqui xx

Happy Valentines Day

This is a Double Delight rose, from my garden. Look at the heart in the centre (^^,)

Know that today you are our Daddy's delight!! He loves you so!

Lotsa love

Niqui xx

Getting Back in the Saddle

Oh how I have missed sitting down and blogging!

It has been a crazy week.

The girls went back to school on Tuesday last week (^^,)

This is going to be quite a year. This year Janique takes on the 7th grade. So it is her last year of primary school. She loves the idea of  being one of the older kids (^^,), and of course the added responsibility that comes with it!

My Ash is re-doing the 5th grade. Gosh I found this decision one of the hardest ones we have had to take. She really battled last year. Ash is such a sociable little love, and has a large circle of friends. I was so concerned for her, starting school, and all her buddies going to the 6th grade and her staying behind.

But, she took it all in her stride, her best friend Cayleigh, met her with the wildest hug! And then said to her, okay Ash let' go find Miss E's class. With me in tow, carrying the seriously heavy bag, we found the class. Cayleigh helped Ash settle in. It was such a very precious moment.

I could see Precious Jesus smiling down, and saying to me "look at that my girl, I've got it all covered!"

So with the first week of school sorted and the mammoth amount of books covered, I can breathe a sigh of relief, and know that my girls are covered by His Grace!

I have determined to make sure that this year will be a more organised year! And I will learn to plan, and not just stomp out fires as they happen.

And of course one would need a nice serene place for all this planning and organising to take place...

So this was my room before...

And this is what I did to it,

Thanx for hanging my chandie, Dad (^^,)

I am looking forward to a very productive year!

Well a new week is about to begin, and I am looking forward to facing it!

Thank you Jesus, my Redeemer, for giving me life, and for the blessing of my family.

Chat soon, and lotsa love

Niqui xx

Stepp'n On Out

Hebrews 13;20-21 (Amp)

Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament). Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom the glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages). Amen (so be it)

I know that my life and yours is in the hands of our Saviour, Precious Jesus! He holds 2012 in His hands!

I am so looking forward to stepping into this new season...

Lotsa love

Niqui xx



Happy New Year

Our tradition for Old Year's Eve is a prawn braai (BBQ)...

Ian and Brett were in charge of the very important task of cooking to prawns to absolute perfection! (Don't you just love the apron teehee!!)

They did a superb job!

Champers ready...

Shew, it's a tough job staying awake till 12!!

But we made it!!

Happy New Year!!

I pray that this will be spectacular year, filled with many wonderful opportunities to make wonderful memories. Time to live, laugh and learn, and to work on the legacy that we want to leave!!

I was woken this morning, by precious cuddies from Kenzie and Cosmo (^^,)

Thank you Jesus!! I am forever grateful!

Lotsa love

Niqui xx



Saying Good-Bye to 2011

Gosh what a year this has been! I am quite excited to bid it cheerful good-bye tonight (^^,)

This year I said good bye to two precious family members,

Dear Gran went to be with Jesus on Good Friday. I learned so much from her. The importance of being a lady, and I definitely inherited her flare and love for shoes. She was a stunner in her youth. She lived her life to the full.

She came to live with me for just over a month in the last stages of her life. I learned allot about myself through that trying time. I could see first hand how the choices that we make, will affect us forever. So it is wise to think things through before we take the plunge. Gran had a fierce love for her family, and that is a value that has most definitely been passed down through the generations. She had an even fiercer love for her Jesus. I can only imagine what it must of been like, when she met Him for the first time face to face! Absolute pure joy, I'm sure of it!

I used to see her once a week. I miss those visits.

Saying good bye to our sweet little Zac was so much harder for me. I still don't understand why his life was cut so short. I know that Father God does have the bigger picture. I stood unwaveringly in my Faith. I had a 100% confidence in God that Zac would be our miracle boy. In a way he was, I suppose. I got to meet him, and hold and kiss him. He impacted my life so. In his short time, made me really take stock of what is important in this life.

There are moments when I read the Word and the promises that are in there, I find myself saying "yes, BUT" I know that this is a road of trust that Jesus and I will have to walk.

Our sweet Mr. Wriggles.

 He passed on the Wednesday just before Easter. And so unexpected as well. One minute he was playing with Jed and the very next moment he was paralysed! I held him in my arms, as the vet put him to sleep. He was our very faithful little shadow for 10 wonderful years.

Nix, loved him so dearly, she still does.

Our Rotti, Angel passed the same day that Zac did, 1 October. She was our faithful protector for 12 years. She was the most amazing dog. She truly loved the girls, and would always keep a look out for them. She loved it when they would ride her and sit on her. Even when Kenz came along, I would find her in Kenzies' room. She would let Kenz sit on her, even though her bones were worn with arthritis. She passed in her sleep. Sleeping in her usual spot under Janique's window.

I thought that it was quite symbolic that she passed the same time as Zac. I am sure that she is lying at his crib in Heaven right now. (^^,)

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. That is true of this year too. I had such a spiritual break through when I went to visit Mom. A dear friend Sally took me through a Sozo counselling session. The results were life transforming. I had such a special experience with Jesus.

I am learning to take control again in my life. Realising that I do have the power over myself and my choices. Learning, that I alone can choose my reactions to situations, whether good or bad. Learning that I don't have to be a control freak, and where there are situations that are completely out of my control, it is okay to let go, and rest in the Peace that Jesus has so freely given me.

I have come to know such a sweet love from Jesus. He is interested in me, and what interests me.

I have realised that the family I have is just perfect for me. I love each and every member. Each one of us is unique, and we all bring something special to the table. Yup even our sweet little Kenz, who has entered the two's with two solid feet in!! Oh my word, she has a mind of her own and an iron will!! Okay I am getting side tracked...heeheee...She makes us all laugh, and brings a sparkle into the room. Janique is blossoming into the most beautiful, sweet natured and tender hearted young lady, and Ashlynn continues to be our compassionate, tender hearted ray of sunshine.

 I think about my precious Mommy darling all the time, I have teasured memories of the very special one on one time that I had with her, when I went to visit her in August! She is truly the most amazing woman I know! She sets the most wonderful example for me.

Spending time with Brett and Janni and my other darlings has been a balm for the soul. Tianna and Lee Lee are such sweet little darlings, little ladies who have this Aunty's heart. There are two of the bravest little girls that I have ever met. Having faced what they have this year, and still they are joyful and full of fun.

Without a doubt Jan is my very best friend. I love her with all of me. We have laughed and cried allot together this year. Our bond is stronger than ever. I honor her, and respect her. I so wish that I could carry this burden that she is carrying. But I know that this is her road to walk, and the very best thing I can do is walk with her.

Facing these tough times has shown me what Ian is made of. This man is my rock. A tender one (^^,) he loves his girls with such an intense love! Each one of our girls has a piece of his heart. And he is so generous with his love.

Ah Dawn, my partner in crime, LOL. I am so grateful for our friendship. We have done allot of gallivanting this year. I value her.

So as I say good-bye to 2011 and close this chapter in my life. I have learned, loved and lived allot!

I am excited to see what 2012 holds!!

Happy new year!!

Lotsa love

Niqui xx