A breath of fresh air… 30 January 2017

I was invited by Sister Linda Dunn (“Mission-Mom” to the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission June 2014 – March 2017) to attend a women’s gathering where we shared lunch, dessert, and testimony with each other. What a wonderful experience it was!

There were over 25 women that attended, and a fun-fact that I wasn’t aware of was that every stake in Gauteng had a representation there. There was most definitely a tangible spirit in the home of absolute strength, a strength that could bear ALL things, a strength that only is only developed by pressing forward through life with “bedrock faith” and an unshakable trust in Christ, our Saviour, and Redeemer.

Some of the ladies in the photo (left) above: Sister Makasi, Sarah Wentzel, Natalie & Tessa Brown, Sister Larson, Sister Mdletshe and her daughter, Me, Isabel Krauss.

We enjoyed an oh-so-tasty lunch of Chicken salad with fruit pieces and homemade rolls (click on the links for the recipes) and then a variety of deserts one being the most delicious trifle I have ever tasted (and I am not usually a trifle person)

     

Photos: Left- Sister Wells and Sister Larson who serve at the JHB Mission office with the homemade rolls. Right – Wenzile, serving the food to all of us.

Photo: Dishing up in the kitchen was Irene Tshabalala, Sister Wells, Sister Dunn and Sister Larson.

We also had the opportunity to be edified and uplifted by the testimonies and experiences shared by those coming from, preparing to and currently are serving as missions in various capacities.

We heard from Sarah Wentzel who recently returned from serving an 18-month mission in the Salt Lake City, Temple Square Mission.

She spoke of some treasured experiences from her mission. She spoke of having the Saviour with her at all times because He cares about us individually and loves us so dearly He is there with us, standing shoulder to shoulder, navigating through this mortal experience together. She also mentioned the importance of following the promptings we get. Natalie Brown, Sarah and I had a wonderful discussion at our table about distinguishing what are promptings and what are just thoughts of our own and we reflected on the video series by Elder Bednar called “Patterns of Light” and came to the conclusion that if the thought leads us to do good it doesn’t matter whether it was from the spirit or ourselves we should just go with it. I have not known Sarah much and today was my first real interaction with her but she is a wonderful human being and her love and care for people is inspiring.

Photo: Sarah Wentzel and Irene Tshabalala

We then heard from Andronica Lebethoa, she will be leaving, along with her husband and 4 young children, to serve as Mission President and Companion in the Cape Town, South African Mission in just a few short months. She spoke of the special gift of sisterhood we share thanks to the Relief Society programme, how we can learn from different ladies throughout the different stages of our lives and together we help each other grow both temporally and spiritually. I loved how she stood with such humility yet confidence in her faith as she is about to embark on a new chapter in her life.

Photo: Andronica Lebethoa

Last but not least we heard from Sister Willis and Sister Foxx, they are serving as Seminary & Institute missionaries. They spoke of developing a relationship and relying on your scriptures to guide you through day-to-day living. Sister Foxx also shared her word for the year which was ASK. The answers are all there and they will come if we only but ask the question, the answers might not always be clear or the answers we are hoping for but the answers are there even if that answer turns out to be “wait”.

Photo from left to right: Sister Foxx and Sister Willis

Sister Dunn invited us to ponder a word for 2017 that we would apply to ourselves, after some reflecting and thinking I decided that my word for 2017 would be “FIRST” taken from a scripture in Matthew 6:33 KJV – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I chose this word because in life we are so busy, and whilst we are busy doing good things I feel like I often neglect the important things like personal and family scripture study and prayer. I chose this word so that it is a reminder and a check point for me throughout the year to make sure that those important things are done and then focus on all the other good things that need doing.

How beautiful is this wall art???

To close off we were treated to a concert worthy musical item by Gianfranco Vizzini where he played the piano and sang “Come unto Christ” (follow the link to watch a version of the song from YouTube) (or you can get the sheet music and words here)

Photo from left to right: Elizabeth Vizzini (Gianfranco’s mom), Sister Dunn, Gianfranco Vizzini (the musical masterpiece)

It left me speechless and so filled with the spirit. I got goosebumps on top of goosebumps and then some more goosebumps on top of all the rest! It was the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon with an invitation that He has extended to all of us and continues to do so day after day,

Come unto Christ.

Come unto Him,

And by His grace be made holy again.

He’s calling your name.

He’s waiting for you

With arms open wide.

Come unto Christ.

So to say the least, this gathering, for me personally, was like a much-needed breath of fresh air. It renewed my hope, gave me the courage to carry on and most importantly reminded me that I am NEVER alone!

PS: All photo credits got to Sister Linda Dunn

 

 

Christmas….. all year round

Firstly…. HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!!!!!!!! I hope that 2017 will be a year of faith, fun, family & friends for all! I honestly cannot believe that the brand new year is already 11 days old! Anyway, over the December period I had a wonderful time spent with family and those friends that feel like family (I will post all about it later), but in amongst all the busy-ness I had a very profound thought, to me it was so profound that I even made a note on my phone about it so that I would remember to write about it. Here it is then…. Your thoughts are welcome 🙂

It goes without saying that this season was going to be a very difficult one for me and my family because it was the first without my dad *tears welling up just thinking about it…*. I was busy cleaning my kitchen (this is usually when I do all my thinking) and wondering what my dad would’ve been doing that would be special for Christmas if he were with us. I thought about it, and thought some more and then, just for good measure, I thought about it even more and I was puzzled as to why I couldn’t think of a single Christmas tradition my dad had and then it hit me, like a ton of bricks!

My dad didn’t change, there was nothing that he did over the Christmas period that he didn’t do any other day of the year, Monday – Sunday, 01 January – 31 December he was the same, and that, my friends, is exactly why he was so loved by all those who knew him, and it made me love and miss him just that much more.  Let me explain…

During the festive season, there is an almost tangible sense of peace on earth and goodwill toward men that can be felt everywhere you go. Sure there is still the insanely busy shopping malls, choc-a-block parking lots, and jam-packed highways but people, in general, have a sense of consideration for their fellow man, we are more willing to share what we have, we greet tellers with a smile and friendly “hello” or “Merry Christmas” even after standing in a que that felt like it was never-ending etc. I’m sure you have experienced this yourself, even your social media pages are flooded with posts of cheer, best wishes, uplifting video clips and encouragement to do good and think of others.

All the said emotions are clumped together and referred to as “The Christmas Spirit”, and oh what a wonderful spirit it is!

For the most part, I am generalizing now, the Christmas spirit arrives on it’s own about the 2nd week into December (when the work year is coming to an end and holidays are approaching) and leaves just as quickly and unnoticed again during the first week of January (usually when the reality of back to work and school dawns). And so it repeats itself every year.

Well with my dad, as I mentioned earlier, there was no change, he was kind and thoughtful where ever he went, he always greeted people with a smile, he was generous no matter what day it was and he never waited for a “season” to think of others before himself. He was “Christmas” twenty-four/seven, 365.

Having this realization caused me to reflect on my own life and that perhaps I am guilty of waiting for Christmas to be better. It made me want to change and become a little more like my hero.

I love you Dad. You were always, and still are my biggest fan, my best friend, the one that encouraged me like no one else could, you loved me NO MATTER WHAT, and you are without a doubt the best teacher I ever had, and though there is a veil between us now and a period of physical separation you still find ways to teach me lessons, uplift me and push me to do better and be better. I am so grateful that families can continue into the eternities and that we have that blessing in our lives.

Celebration, Celebration, Celebration! – 10 November – 04 December 2016

Just to get it out the way this post has not been sponsored by any of the establishments mentioned.

As the title says, our family has recently had 3 celebrations, all in the space of a couple of weeks!!!!

It was JP’s birthdays on 10 November. He turned 29 (he is feeling very old LOL so we are saying this in a whisper) It was our 8th wedding anniversary on 26 November and it was my 28th birthday on 4 December.

Now as you can imagine if we had to celebrate each of these separately it would be a budget’s worst nightmare! So what we do as a family is combine the 3 occasions and have one joyous family celebration.

My lovely mom, who I treasure more than she knows….. treated us to lunch at Burgerbox Roadhouse on our anniversary as an extra celebration that we didn’t expect. It was so good. Thanks mom ❤

Tiara; Mom; Taigen – Nana with her “special treasures” 

JP & Jarryd; Jarryd & Mom

Me and my world – Tiara, Taigen & JP

Pulling faces & Playing Peek-A-Boo

This year we went to Billy G’s at Silverstar Casino for dinner. It was quite fabulous! It’s a buffet restaurant so you can imagine, we left with VERY full tummies! We had sushi, some sort of beef stew, shrimps, salads and delicious pudding. It was definitely an enjoyable meal , and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a meal that can cater for the undecided LOL! And as a bonus, there is a pensioners price, children 6 years or younger eat for FREE and if you go on your birthday (remember to take your ID as proof) your meal is on the house! There is one little catch, you have to book!!!!! At least a week in advance because they fill up really quickly!

While we were there we took some photos. There is an open area in the middle of the food court with water features that are beautiful, especially at night because they light up in different colours. They also had a man-made “beach” there for the kids to play in as part of their holiday program.

From left to right: Me & Mom; Mom;  Jarryd and Mom

Tiara and Taigen by the fountains

JP & Jarryd brothers….. in law

Taigen – Always the joker; Tiara – Always the poser;

Two completely different little spirits, love them for their uniqueness 

Beautiful fountains of light and JP as can only be expected, running through them getting wet!

My whole world, wrapped up in 4 people ❤

When all is said and done I am so grateful! Grateful for my own life, grateful for my husband that I can share my life with and build one together, grateful for my children even when they drive me insane, grateful for my mom (and my late dad 😦 ) for all the joy and opportunities they have made possible for me and that they are STILL there, 28 years later, to support and help where they can. I love you guys eternally, through thick and thin! Thank you for loving me!

Words of Wise Men – 18 November 2016

On Friday, 18 November 2016 I had an opportunity to be in the presence of a wonderful man, an apostle of the Lord in fact, and listen to him speak to us.

What.?. Ok, let me explain….

Every year each area of the church has what is called an Area Review where a general authority will come from church headquarters and review certain things in the area to make sure the church is being operated in accordance  with the teachings and doctrines of the church. During the visit, the general authority also relays messages to the membership and we, as employees of the church, get a special employee devotional.

So, as I said before, on Friday, 18 November 2016 I had an opportunity to be in the presence of a wonderful man, an apostle of the Lord, in fact, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and listen to him speak to us, and these are four of the thoughts I had during the devotional.

1. Each person’s voice and opinions need to be heard and respected.

I love this statement!

I have seen first hand the impact something seemingly as small as allowing one to express their opinions has on the life of that person. I believe that this principle should be applied from as young as possible, this is how children develop and learn. Being able to express your opinions, speak your mind, and assert yourself is a skill that is so necessary in today’s world which will, unfortunately, not get any better. In  saying this while we are teaching our children to express themselves we need to teach them how to do it with respect and dignity. I do also believe that just as it is important to allow everyone to express their opinions, it is equally important to accept when people do not share your opinions and that you do not have to subscribe to the opinions of everyone else.

2. The Lord is hoping that you will give ALL that you can offer. 

This made me think…. ALOT!

The Lord has already given me (and you) His Only Begotten Son to atone for our sins and make it possible for us to return and live with Him in the life hereafter, He has given us the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, to prompt and direct us in the things we should be doing and offer gentle correction when necessary. He has given us the scriptures, the Holy Bible which contains the teachings of the prophets of old and the earthly ministry of Christ, and The Book of Mormon which, like the Bible, contains teaching from prophets of old, it also records the Saviour’s teaching to the Nephites, and it was written for our day, and then, as if all the above wasn’t enough He, through the prophet Joseph Smith, restored the gospel to the earth as it was during ministry of Christ which includes living prophets and apostle of the Lord who further provide counsel and instruction for our eternal well-being.

All of the above were given to us freely, because of the great loves He has for each one of us. He has given us, and still promises to give us, ALL that He has. The question I asked myself is this..

Am I giving ALL that I can?

The answer has to be no.

I have resolved to put in a better effort in giving ALL that I can… because I love Him and He loved me first!

3. Revelation comes when we have the right question.

How often have I (or you) felt like the Lord is silent, or prayers are going unheard and unanswered? Many times…. I was wrong, and I was taught correctly today.

The Lord is never silent, our prayers are always heard and our prayers will always be answered when we align our prayers with the Lord’s will.

If you ever feel that the Lord has gone mum, look at the question, examine the prayer, trust that He who created you, loves you and always has your best interests on the very top of His priorities and perhaps what you are asking for so desperately is not what will bring you the happiness He desires for you.

4. He loves all His children but only trusts a few.

WOW! Feels harsh right? Perhaps, but so very true!

Regardless of what you think, say or do Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ love you! That has been true since before the foundation of the earth and will still be true long after the earth has come and gone. Nothing, no matter how bad, nothing can and will ever change that.

However, the Lord is wise and will not allow his beloved children to be lead astray by those that choose differently. He will entrust those that are living righteously, that are striving to keep the commandments and obey His teachings with responsibilities to carry out on earth that are necessary for the safe return of His precious children.

Thankfully we are not doomed if we make a mistake, we have the priceless gift of the Savior’s atonement and the opportunity to repent and be forgiven of our wrong doings.

Each one of us can be one of those the Father can trust, by doing the small and simple things on a daily basis striving each time to do better we can and will earn the Lord’s trust. We can be the instruments in His hands to bring about good.

By simply living close to the Spirit, abiding by His teachings and walking in the Saviours footsteps we will be called a “good and faithful servant” and in that perfect day we will be the son’s and daughter’s in whom the Lord will be well pleased.

It was a marvelous experience, I hope to be able to carry these impressions with me always. As part of the devotional, we also heard from Elder Kevin S. Hamilton and Elder Ulisses Soares, they also shared some insightful thoughts.

“You learn to hear the voice of the Lord by listening to the whisperings of the Spirit”    Elder Hamilton

“Gods work was to develop the plan, the Saviours work was to fulfill the plan through the atonement, and our work is to help others come to understand the plan and apply it in their lives” 

Elder Soares

      

Some photos from the day (not taken by me)

 

 

 

What a night it was! 27 September 2016

Wow, its been like a month since I last posted. One thing I can say is that time waits for no one. I am amazed at how full my days are and they just keep getting busier but I have also realized that we need to make time for what is important. If we say we will do something “when we have the time” well then guess what…. it will never get done! Journaling is important! It might not seem like something that should be on one’s list of priorities but I think it should be. Journaling is a way to record special occasions, life changing events, and even lessons learned from tough situations. A journal will allow people to get to know us in a way after we are long gone and it will allow us to reflect on the personal growth within each of us and those we love.

Journaling is important! It might not seem like something that should be on one’s list of priorities but I think it should be. Journaling is a way to record special occasions, life changing events, and even lessons learned from tough situations. A journal will allow people to get to know us in a way after we are long gone and it will allow us to reflect on the personal growth within each of us and those we love.

Tuesday, 27 September 2016 was definitely a night I would like to remember! We went to The Barnyard Theatre in Cresta to watch their own production 1 Hit Wonders

I love the Barnyard, the atmosphere there is amazing, you can dance, sing-a-long with the performers and just completely let your hair down without compromising any of your standards! It’s proper good, clean fun, I would highly recommend visiting there as often as you can.

What made this night even more enjoyable for me is the company that came along. I am so glad my family and friends that I love dearly were able to join us.

Jean-Pierre, Tiara, and Taigen Berger – it was  such a highlight for me to be able to treat you guys to a family night out where special memories were made and the bonds that link us were fortified. Love you guys to eternity and beyond

Left: Taigen & Tiara before the show started, they really are my favorite children in the whole wide world! 

Middle: My man (JP) with the drummer taken after the show. This guy was seriously amazing! JP was beyond impressed! 

Right: Me with all the female performers. The lady on my left was the bass guitarist, she was awesome!

Jeanne Andrews a.k.a Mom – I hope you enjoyed it, it was an emotional night for you in many ways because dad loved the barnyard more than any of us. Imagining him going absolutely crazy while the drummer did his solo, screaming at the top of his lungs between songs, and banging on the table like a teenager demanding an encore at the end of the show put a smile on my face and brought back some of the best memories. I know dad would want you to carry on doing the things you love and enjoying life to the fullest. Even though he wasn’t there in body I’m sure he would’ve been shaking his tush like only he can do!

Mom & her grand children! Unconditional love captured in a moment! Blessed are those that snuggle & hug, spoil and pamper, boast & brag for they shall be called Nana!

Deryn & Tracy Venski, Jaden & Crystal Swarts – Although it was very last minute thank  you for coming! Thank you for your continuous support over this very tough year, you were always there, always constant, through all the up’s & down’s you have been there like a north star! It was great seeing you enjoy yourselves! PS: That’s the fastest I have EVER heard of anyone get from 14th Avenue to Cresta….. that little Atos has hidden super powers I’m sure of it!

From left to right: Crystal Swarts, Jaden Swartz, Tracy Venski, Deryn Venski

Caitlin & Joseph Van Scheltema – You two are just fantastic…. I have not other words!!!! We didn’t know each other from a bar of soap and were drawn together through the inseparable friendship our little boy’s share! How glad I am that, however it came about, we became friends! I am so looking forward to a very long friendship with your family and plenty more gatherings of fun 🙂 oh, and Joseph, it was your first Barnyard experience! Pretty cool huh? Thank you guys for just simply being you, you are an example to me of what a happy, christ centered, family looks like. I hope to be able to emulate that one day!

Joseph & Caitlyn Van Scheltema and myself and JP

 

And last but not least, thank you Barnyard, Cresta for the 10 free tickets for that night! It was EPIC!!!!!

 

Granny’s Rule: If you don’t ask, you’ll never know

Granny made sure Billy was listening and said that she was so proud of Billy for asking his question about how did Granny know it was going to rain, because if you never ask a question, you’ll never find an answer.

She asked Billy if he understood and he said yes because even though he was only 6 years old, it was a really easy question.

If you don’t ask; you’ll never know.

“You’re a good boy, Billy”

“Thanks, Granny; but how do you know if it’s going to rain?”

“Before I tell you, I need you to make me a promise”

“Okay, Granny”

“This is the first time Granny is asking you to make a promise. A promise should never be asked or made lightly. Granny promises to only ask you to make a promise on the most important things, and you must promise to only make a promise if you are absolutely determined to keep that promise with everything inside of you. A promise needs to be an unbreakable vow, a resolute determination, a total commitment, a solemn oath to completely and utterly keep your word.”

Billy understood the seriousness of what he was about to agree to and with chest swelling, heart pounding, eyes misting, voice breaking but mind resolving; he promised.

“Well then Billy… I want you to promise me to learn.”

“I don’t understand Granny”

“Why did you ask me how I knew it was going to rain?”

“I wanted to know. It was mysterious and intriguing to see you get it right every day and I wanted to find out how you did it.”

“That’s my good boy, Billy. Do that. Every day, all the time, for the rest of your life; do that. Ask, find out, be inquisitive, look for answers, read. Learn, LEARN, LEARN!! If you don’t know, find out. Once you know; find something new, but learn. Do you promise, Billy?”

“I promise, Granny”

“Do you absolutely, solemnly, unconditionally promise to learn… every day, all the time?”

Once again, the tone of Granny’s voice stirred a realization in Billy of how serious this was and he looked into Granny’s blue eyes and promised.

Granny hugged Billy and told him that he was her favourite person in the whole world and she loved him so much and she was so proud of him.

The combination of the importance of the event, together with the effusive expressions of love and pride and joy, cemented Billy’s resolve and from that day he kept his promise and began a lifelong quest of learning.

“Can I give you your first bit of learning to do?”

“Okay, Granny”

You asked how I knew it was going to rain; so now you go and found how the rain works. What makes it rain, Billy?”

“The clouds, Granny”

“How does the water get into the clouds?”

“I don’t know, Granny”

“Go find out.”

“Okay, Granny; but how do know when it’s going to rain?”

Granny looked into Billy’s eyes. She was smiling in a way that expressed a combination of love, tenderness, anticipation but also a hint of knowing that she was about to give Billy an answer that would start them on a journey that would allow Granny to teach Billy all of her rules but most of all a smile of joy, because she knew that Billy was ready to receive them.

Granny paused for a while, just smiling, until she knew that Billy was about to break the silence.

“I have a magic donkey.”

“What??”

“A magic donkey.” Granny could hardly smile any bigger by now.

She pointed out the donkey on the window sill and said that every morning she looked at the donkey and he told her if it was going to rain or not.

“How does HE know, Granny?”

“Ah, it’s magic, Billy.”

Most 6-year-old children have not yet lost their capacity for wonder and Billy was no exception.

“Wow, Granny; that is so cool! A magic donkey”

“Do you want to know a secret, Billy?”

Well, that was it for poor little Billy. Granny was a master teacher. Solemn vows, assignments to learn, magic donkey and now a secret. Billy was so enraptured that his heart and mind were forever ready to receive instruction. He thought Granny was amazing, wonderful, incredible, fascinating and every other word that a 6-year-old didn’t even know yet and it this sense of adoration that made all her future lessons so easy to accept, remember and apply.

“What’s the secret Granny?”

“You have to know, that no matter how much you know, there will always be something that you will never know. You don’t know how the water gets in the clouds and you don’t know how the donkey can tell when it’s going to rain. The first one, you can find out by going to the library, but let the second one remain a mystery. Learning can either be fun or boring and the thing that makes the difference is what’s inside of you. If you can keep some magic in your heart and feel that sense of “Wow, that is so cool, Granny”. If you can keep a sense of wonder and excitement, then learning will be a joy and  a journey.”

“Okay, Granny”

“Are you sure you understand, Billy?”

“I’m sure, Granny”

“You’re a good boy, Billy. Off you go.”

“Bye Granny…. I love you!”

 

*As written by William (Billy) Andrews – shared with his permission

*All based on true stories