SOME DELICIOUS FOOD FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

Hi there!

I haven't blogged in ages! And now I think its time to begin again. Much has happened since the last time I wrote. Some things good, others bad, others just routine parts of being a grown up lol!

I turned 30. Cut my hair all off and I am still wearing it naturally. There has been a break-up which was hard. Then after some time alone, I rediscovered someone I had met before and we are in a beautiful relationship (Praise God!) that begun in December. I am still studying and still singing. Still trying to be a virtuous woman, pleasing in God's sight.

I have recently gotten back on the healthy living and weight-loss horse. I fell off a few months ago and gained 10kg. Have since lost 3kg and counting. I started gym again and eating healthy. Will write more about that later. Here are three blogs that have inspired me and challenged me.

http://findingradiance.com/
http://sassypear.com/
http://ronisweigh.com/

Working hard, staying strong, loving hard, dissing wrong!

God bless!

Naphi

My Mind

I think its time I spoke my mind... 

I mind that you think its ok to disrespect me 
I mind when you whine 
I mind that you dont see other person's pain 
Do I mind that you are blind...yes I do 

I mind that I cant reach you 
and make you see that its cool to be you 
I mind when the doors close and you push me out 
I mind the rejection 
I mind the pain 
Do I mind that your mind is closed 
Myopia sets in and your mind is in rigor mortis 
Yes! I mind when you refuse to think 
When you refuse to feel 
I mind that you are reading this and deciding to hate me 
I mind because your mind in not open 

Do I mind that you hate me....not really 
I have embraced all that I am 
I dont mind if you dont like me, 
But you will not ignore me for I must be heard 
THAT! I mind... 

I mind that you are clicking the botton and sending this into oblivion 
I mind that you mind 
I mind that you give me no mind 
I mind.... 
......my mind 


What is on your mind? 

THE HERO

Once upon a time, there was a young girl. She was full of love and ready to give. But she could not find a boy to share this love with, who would love her back and cherish her. She needed a hero...she languished in anxious waiting until the day came. 


He was like a miracle....He rescued her from her loneliness and protected her from all that would harm her. He loved her tenderly and treated her royally. He shared laughter and joy with her, the good times and the bad. She was devoted to him and would stay by his side always. She wanted to be the best she could be for him and do all she could to make him smile. She accepted him and respected him for all that he was and couldn't have asked for more. She thanked God for him all the time. 


She has found her man, he had found her...or maybe love had found them both. In the end she had her best friend and her hero. Strong and gentle all at the same time. A man she could count on. A man she would love all of her days


And they lived together for the rest of their days...loving each other the best way they knew how. 
__________________________________________________________


Thank you for being my hero. I love you so much more than I can express.

Learning to Lean

I love the words of this song 'learning to lean' by Heritage Singers (see link below).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dHBtdsAGW8

It comes to me that depending on God teaches us the meaning of true dependence on God. It reminds me that to be connected to God is to be plugged in to the eternal power source. He will give us more power than we have ever know. Power to witness, work for him, to have faith, to work miracles to so all that he wills for us and so on.

Once we have decided to make him our Lord and saviour, we embark on a journey. This is a lifelong journey and is 'travelled by the human heart'. In this journey we must rely fully on him. The moment we lose sight of him, we will get lost and become powerless. Every time we feel a disconnection we must run back and reconnect to Jesus and lean on him. I love how faithful and trust worthy he is. Thank you Jesus for being not only my saviour, my Lord but also my friend.

Bible study

Lesson 8

The Sabbath School Lesson for this week. Interesting stuff!

LESSONS FROM NICODEMUS: Extracts from Desire of ages by Ellen G White p167-173

"Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated, and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus. Though rich, learned, and honored, he had been strangely attracted by the humble Nazarene. The lessons that had fallen from the Saviour's lips had greatly impressed him, and he desired to learn more of these wonderful truths.

Since hearing Jesus, Nicodemus had anxiously studied the prophecies relating to the Messiah; and the more he searched, the stronger was his conviction that this was the One who was to come. With many others in Israel he had been greatly distressed by the profanation of the temple He was a witness of the scene when Jesus drove out the buyers and the sellers; he beheld the wonderful manifestation of divine power; he saw the Saviour receiving the poor and healing the sick; he saw their looks of joy, and heard their words of praise; and he could not doubt that Jesus of Nazareth was the Sent of God. 

He greatly desired an interview with Jesus, but shrank from seeking Him openly. It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known. And should his visit come to the knowledge of the Sanhedrin, it would draw upon him their scorn and denunciation. He resolved upon a secret interview, excusing this on the ground that if he were to goopenly, others might follow his example. Learning by special inquiry the Saviour's place of retirement in the Mount of Olives, he waited until the city was hushed in slumber, and then sought Him. 

In the presence of Christ, Nicodemus felt a strange timidity, which he endeavored to conceal under an air of composure and dignity. "Rabbi," he said, "we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him." By speaking of Christ's rare gifts as a teacher, and also of His wonderful power to perform miracles, he hoped to pave the way for his interview. His words were designed to express and to invite confidence; but they really expressed unbelief. He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah, but only a teacher sent from God. 

Instead of recognizing this salutation, Jesus bent His eyes upon the speaker, as if reading his very soul. In His infinite wisdom He saw before Him a seeker after truth. He knew the object of this visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener's mind, He came directly to the point, saying solemnly, yet kindly, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin.

Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission. 

Nicodemus had heard the preaching of John the Baptist concerning repentance and baptism, and pointing the people to One who should baptize with the Holy Spirit. He himself had felt that there was a lack of spirituality among the Jews, that, to a great degree,they were controlled by bigotry and worldly ambition. He had hoped for a better state of things at the Messiah's coming. Yet the heart-searching message of the Baptist had failed to work in him conviction of sin. He was a strict Pharisee, and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence and his liberality in sustaining the temple service, and he felt secure of the favor of God. He was startled at the thought of a kingdom too pure for him to see in his present state. 

The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour's words. He was irritated by their close application to himself, The pride of the Pharisee was struggling against the honest desire of the seeker after truth. He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel. 

Surprised out of his self-possession, he answered Christ in words full of irony, "How can a man be born when he is old?" Like many others when cutting truth is brought home to the conscience, he revealed the fact that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. There is in him nothing that responds to spiritual things; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. But the Saviour did not meet argument with argument. Raising His hand with solemn, quiet dignity, He pressed the truth home with greater assurance, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Nicodemus knew that Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewing of the heart by the Spirit of God. He was convinced that he was in the presence of the One whom John the Baptist had foretold. 

Jesus continued: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." By nature the heart is evil, and "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." Job 14:4. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Rom. 8:7; Matt. 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit."

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,--a patient, protracted process While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. 

It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption. Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality. The beginning of redemption we may know here through a personal experience. Its results reach through the eternal ages. 

While Jesus was speaking, some gleams of truth penetrated the ruler's mind. The softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit impressed his heart. Yet he did not fully understand the Saviour's words. He was not so much impressed by the necessity of the new birth as by the manner of its accomplishment. He said wonderingly, "How can these things be?" "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Jesus asked. Surely one entrusted with the religious instruction of the people should not be ignorant of truths so important. His words conveyed the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, Nicodemus should have had a very humble opinion of himself, because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus was not offended as he realized his humiliating condition."

(White Ellen G. Desire of Ages pp167-173)

Jesus speaks with unwavering and earnest love to us today. Unless we be born again, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. We must be born of water and the Holy Spirit and experience a new birth through the same Holy Spirit, accepting his redemptive sacrifice on calvary on our behalf. He is waiting for us...wont you accept Jesus into your heart today as your personal Saviour and experience this new creation/birth?

2 Cor 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

LOVE AND RESPECT:This could positively change your life and relationship

Successful couples know that harmony and happiness in marriage are not achieved by love alone. There is the other side of the Ephesians 5:33 equation - respect. Yes, a wife needs love. But a husband needs respect. Based on extensive biblical and scientific research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs reveals the secret to couples meeting each other's deepest needs: Without love she reacts without respect, and without respect he reacts without love and a destructive, vicious cycle begins. Love and Respect is a groundbreaking book, to be featured on Focus on the Family, which offers much-needed help to husbands and wives everywhere. It introduces the biblical teaching of unconditional respect, and that it is as powerful as unconditional love. Discover the secret revealed by God that cracks the communication code between male and female and reap the benefits of marriage as God intended.


Here are some links
taking responsibility for our responces
spiderwebbing

Download this mp3 from Abemp3.com

Adventists' back-to-basics faith is fastest growing U.S. church - USATODAY.com

Adventists' back-to-basics faith is fastest growing U.S. church - USATODAY.com

Making new friends

I love making new friends, discovering new characters and making new connections. When I settle on a friend, I make them fro life. Yeah, sure, there are different categories of "friends" ranging form acquaintances to buddies but real friends are like gold. I am lucky  enough to have a few whom i treasure. This week I made a new friend and i must say this one promises to make my friends hall of fame lol!

2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!!!

This being my first entry for 2011 I thought it appropriate to start this way. I have had an interesting  and challenging 2010 and i hope 2011 will be even better. I pray that it is for me and all those I know and love.

I pray for a strongerrelationship with God and my family, my man and my friends. May God's will be done in my life in this year and may i be a blessing to somone this year.

I resolve to be the best ME that I can be.

Be blessed!!
xxxxx

YouTube - 7 Scientific Reasons To Not Believe In Evolution

YouTube - 7 Scientific Reasons To Not Believe In Evolution

YouTube - Satan's Spokeperson

YouTube - Satan's Spokeperson: Oprah Winfrey

People time is short. Jesus is coming back. People like Oprah are leading people astray with their new age doctrines and are ultimately serving the Devil. There IS only one way and that is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Many people wander after the beast and the false prophet. Read your bible and pray to the God o heaven in the name of Jesus Christ who died for us to know the truth. Dont listen to man, listen to God.

My heart

My heart is so full I can hardly contain it in my chest. My love for you is growing out of control and I love it!!

Let my heart be freed and dance around in bliss....fall into your arms where I am safe and loved.

Untitled

I move towards my goal

Step towards my vision

I aim to fulfil my dreams and quench my heart’s burnin’

Yet, everywhere are obstacles

The hinder, blind, confuse and hurt me

They leave me feeling a little afraid if the goal before is an attainable one.

Can I really look forward to my heart’s dream?

Can I finally have what I have already tasted but haven’t had?

Will I be able to do this with dignity, grace and a smile on my face?

They scream unworthy and remind me I am unclean

But the Lord whispers mercy

And pronounces me worthy

In spite of all that they see as making me undeserving.

But you, that love me and see the Good in me,

are here doing just that when I needed you the most.

Thank you for everything.

Thank you for being part of the dream

For being the dream.

Banquets, goodbye and other things

SO! I went to the Universitas seventh-Day Adventist yesr end function AKA the Banquet.  It was great. The first time I have allowed myself to cut loose in a long time. It was great fun. I was with my girl Z whom i may not be seeing for a while since this is her finaly year. She has completed her Honors degree and is leaving. Sob! sob! Sniff sniff! waaah! I am really going to miss her. The banquet was the last time we got to hang out properly...i cherisehd every moment. Of course being teh darling that she is, she came by yesterday to see me and say our last good bye's. I will miss her but I know i have a friend in her. Our times together and our memories, no one can take away from us. We will always have them.

Love you girl!!

Who Understands me the most?

Only God knows what is in my heart
He sees my secret thoughts and the desires of my heart
My intentions are laid bare before him
He knows my past and my future
And cares deeply, beyond human understanding 
So i guess he is the only one who really truly will understand each of us. 
Its comforting to know

You amaze me!!!

I am so amazed at your goodness

The depth of your love astounds me

I could look forever and never find the bottom of your love

Or the height of your mercy

Dear Lord I thank you

For your faithfulness to me

For the way that you give and keep on giving to me

Love, grace. mercy. truth. Justice.hope. faith are mine in your name

What could I lack when I have you?

What could my soul long for?

For my deepest desires you have fulfilled 

In your profound knowledge have withheld what i ought not to have

I trust you completely

I trust you implicitly

I trust you forever for my life you hold in your hands

And my future is plain before your sight

I could write forever Lord

But what i really mean to say is

YOU AMAZE ME

Humbly,

Your child and grateful servant, 

Alinane

A prayer away- A word of courage and hope for a heart that's blue

You can feel all alone in a crowd
Loneliness can eat away at you while surrounded by people

When the tears start to flow and you feel afraid
when you are feeling lost
When you dont think anyone really cares
Jesus does and he is only a prayer away

He will wipe your tears and calm your fears
He wil fill your heart with Joy and peace
And cover your soul with love everlating
You need not be afraid,
Jesus is only a prayer away

Pour out your heart to him
He will never disappoint
He is faithful and merciful
His heart is moved with compassion and touched with your grief

So dont just stay there feeling blue, call to Jesus he will find  way to rescue you
When you are at your lowest call on him he is only a prayer away.

Virtuous woman part2

A virtuous woman is not afraid of hard work. She can see clearly what must be done and gets to it. A woman of dexterity and skill at whatever she chooses or life has bestowed upon her to do...taking her time to gain prowess. A virtuous woman does whatever her hands find to do to the best of her ability, and does so with joy and quietness of spirit.

A virtuous woman loves one man. She is faithful and loyal to one husband. She does not let pride get in the way of love. She is to be found with a virtuous man for her character would not allow otherwise. She loves and obeys her husband whom she prays for constantly.

This woman knows that to live is to learn. She therefore is open to learning new things and ways of doing and thinking. A good woman is nice but a virtuous woman is priceless.

Her first line of defence is upon her knees. She seeks the Lord while he may be found, constantly bent over in contrition, worship or thanksgiving.

He who has found a virtuous woman has found a great thing.

Lord please make me a virtuous woman.