Moving Blog Sites (We owe this to ourselves)

To those who actually read or possibly follow this I am changing blog sites... go to this link and follow my writings and posts there... (just gotta try master that new blogging site): We owe this to ourselves

I thought I was a geek, I thought I could master these darn blog sites.  gosh they're so frustrating!  thanks goodness I'm not pure geek!

Jars of Clay - Headphones

I don’t have to hear it, if I don’t want to
I can drown this out, pull the curtains down on you
It’s a heavy world, it’s too much for me to care
If I close my eyes, it’s not there

With my headphones on, with my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

We watch television...but the sound is something else
Just a song played against the drama, so the hurt is never felt
I take in the war-fires, and I’m chilled by the current events
It’s so hopeless, but there’s a pop song in my

Headphones on, in my headphones on
With my headphones on, with my headphones on

At the Tube Stop, you sit down across from me
(I can see you looking back at me)
I think I know you
By the sad eyes that I see
I want to tell you (It’s a heavy world)
Everything will be okay
You wouldn’t hear it (I don’t want to have to hear it)
So we go our separate ways…

With our headphones on, with our headphones on
With our headphones on, with our headphones on
I don’t wanna be the one who tries to figure it out
I don’t need another reason I should care about you
You don’t want to know my story
You don’t want to own my pain
Living in a heavy, heavy world
And there’s a pop song in my head
I don’t want to have to hear it

The girl who kicked the hornet's nest

Today I had one of those uncanny moments.
A moment I don't call coincidence but rather God incidence.
Weird moments like this make me smile and I think that God is even in the ordinary.  God enjoys it when I enjoy myself.  and He surprises me every now and then :)

I have been reading a 3 book series... called the Millenium series.  I totally recommend it.
So last night I finished the 2nd book and today I decided to buy the 3rd one.

I went to one book store and read that the price for book (The girl who kicked the hornet's nest) was £7.99.
I decided to go next door and see if maybe the more commercial book store would have a special on that book.
And what are the chances!

In this shop (WH Smith) I just needed to buy The Times for £1 and I could get my book for a mere £2.99.
And what is more incredible is that the first 2 books in the series are still at the same price at £7.99 but this last one was is at that special price.  Good timing or what?

I felt God smiling at me in that moment, it's as if He had conspired the universe (in a good way) so that I get to buy the last book at good price.

Maybe God sits with me when I read the book?  What a nice thought!

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest

The Ocean looks like a 1000 diamonds strewn across a blue blanket.

One of my favourite songs of all times; is Incubus' "Wish you were here" ... check out the awesome poetic and cleverly written lyrics:

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy...happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here

I lay my head onto the sand
The sky resembles a back lit canopy
With holes punched in it
I'm counting UFOs
I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment I am happy...happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
Wish you were here

The world's a roller coaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
But my hands are busy in the air saying:

I wish you were here
I wish you were

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
Wish you were here

I went to Bournemouth this past Monday; and I totally loved putting my toes in the sand again.
This is the first beach in the UK that I have been to that has beach sand.  (Yes, I know I still have to make my way to Cornwall and Newquay... its in the pipelines... sometime.)
I have realised in my life that I have an affiliation to the sea.  I connect with my Maker when I can swim in the ocean, see dolphins, feel the beach sand beneath my feet.  The vastness of the ocean, speaks of the vastness of God.  And the ocean's constantness... reminds me of God's constant presence and purpose in and for my life.
This is the Ocean's Harmony for me. (Which reminds of a song by Exit the Fall)
Check out my brother's band: Exit the Fall


http://www.myspace.com/exitthefallband

The Bitter End

I had an encounter with a bitter granny (nan) tonight.  From her car window she was tuning me (kicking up a fuss).
I needed room to turn my car (the one that has so kindly been lent to me) and she wouldn't budge.
Instead she just moaned at me.

I thought grannies are supposed to be sweet, my two grannies are.  (R.I.P Grandmere).

It just got me thinking, why the heck is this old lady so bitter?
She didn't have to make such a scene.  She didn't have to bitch and moan so much.

What makes a person grow so bitter?
And if life has been so hard on you, please stop taking it out on others...

God, I am far from perfect; I have my grumpy days too. I pray I don't end up bitter, in the end.

Heart felt Lyrics

I really like the lyrics of the new The Almost single: No I don't

In my opinion I believe that Aaron Gillespie has earned the respect of many other musicians and of fans for his humility and his depth.  His outlook on life and his heart felt lyrics really inspire and encourage me.

Check out these lyrics:

I'm looking for some stable ground
Some kinda place to lay it down
And settle for a while
I'm sick of looking for a star
I won't show anyone my scars
Can you help me out?
I wanna see a change in me

When it's time for another round
I get in then, I bow out
I'm kinda freaky that way
I used to stand as tall as I could
I used to be better than good
I guess I've made my bed
I wanna see a change in me

No, I won't listen when they tell me
They think I won't
Come back around
Find my way out
It's none of their business!
It's none of their business!

I've got another song in me
Because of you, I'm changing
I'm learning how to wait
Ugly as I could've been
Down and out and all broken

You never made me wait
You saw me
You didn't see my shame

No, I don't listen when they tell me
They think I won't
Come back around
Find my way out
It's none of their business!
It's none of their business!


I'm free because you said
And I'm learning to grow
Because you held my hand
I'm free because you said
Go, keep walking

No, I don't listen when they tell me
They think I won't
Come back around
Find my way out
It's none of their business!
It's none of their business!

PS I have attached a link to the video too
http://www.ransom.tv/ransom/2010/09/the-almost-no-i-dont.html

Little graces in little places

I went to London last night to hang out with some good friends.
At the station I went to the ticket machine to collect my tickets for the journey.

The machine prints out 4 tickets (2 per journey) and a receipt of collection ticket.

It was rather windy yesterday.

As I pull out the tickets from the machine a gust of wind blows the tickets out of my hand...
And one of the tickets blows onto the tracks.  I wouldn't have been able to get it.

I look at the remaning for tickets in my hand.  The only one that I did not have was the "receipt of collection" ticket which is not necessary for any of the train journeys.

I whispered a little prayer of thanks to God.
Little graces in little places.

Below

I was at this breakfast recently and saw this poster for a preaching series:  "How to look good naked?"
At the time I was thinking about the threat that Christians use against each other:  "What if people saw you for who you really are?"  In other words: people seeing you with all your hidden sins exposed.

No one likes the thought of that.  We all carry sins we're not proud of.
(Lust, pride, greed, jealousy, malice, slander, malicious, anger & prejudice)

But I had a profound peace in view of that.  If all was stripped away, would God just see my sin?
NO! Because my sin is not who I am either.
If all were to be stripped away, my sin would be stripped away too.

And what would be left... would be who God made; and what He really sees.
We have been made in the image of our Creator. (See Genesis)

At our best we are: beautiful, compassionate, loving, creative, passionate, purposed, strong, profound, goodness and so much more. 

At the heart of that matter; God knows that in the wellspring of your heart there is beauty, passion and potential.
Don't forget that!

Why are people so quick to point fingers?

All that is written is blue is what I have written.  Below is an article I came across about John Elliss (former Tree 63 frontman)... and I am sad and how the press like gossip and like to point fingers so easily.  and along with them come the pointing fingers of Christians too.

I don't know the guy, and I read the article and I don't sense that he has walked away from God.  I sense a man who has been strained by the "annoying Christianity" that is so often thrown at people.

Our relationship with God is a deep thing and needs to continually grow in depth on a firm foundation.

I don't have any formulaes here to offer.  But just want to bring this to light and discussion.  PLEASE don't jump up so easily and point fingers...there is always more to one's story than what we know.


------

South Africa is famous for many things: Nelson Mandela, Springboks, Vuvuzelas and of course, Tree 63! The band were formed back in the 90s, originating from Durban, and are probably best known for their hugely successful recording of 'Blessed Be Your Name'. I've been a fan of the band for many years, having seen them perform at Soul Survivor back in the days when they were simply known as 'Tree'. I've always loved the unique and distinctive twang to lead singer John Ellis' voice, so when I heard that John was heading out on a solo career, I was very much looking forward to hearing his album.

As I found out more about the forthcoming debut solo album, 'Come Out Fighting', I started to wonder what I would be in for. Prior to the release, John spoke of no longer being "locked in a stylistic ghetto" of the Tree63 era, and being "liberated as a songwriter". In an interview with LTTM he said that "Contemporary Christian music is a very limited and limiting genre of music. Lyrically, I'm exploring themes that had no place in Tree63's world. I'm singing about South Africa and its politics, about depression and hope, there’s a lot of wry comedy and a fair bit of ranting there."

Ranting eh? Combine John's comments with a track listing that contains song titles such as 'Come Out Fighting', 'Brace Yourself', 'Rebels' and 'Rant', and you start to wonder what sort of an album this is going to be. Is this a man with a lot to get off his chest? Are we in for an angry album, full of frustrations boiling over after years of simmering below the surface? Well, yes and no, as I'll explain.

The album opens with 'Own Way Home', a proper rock n' roll track with great electric guitars and drums. The hard edged vocals expressing a first hint of aggression, turning to defiance for the chorus "I can find my, find my own way, own way home". It's a superb opening track, showing John giving it his all.

Title track 'Come Out Fighting' is almost on the punk side of rock, reminding me slightly of the Wheatus track 'Teenage Dirtbag'. There's more evidence of some splendid guitar riffs during this song, with another standout chorus as John sets out his position quite clearly: "Push me in the corner, I'm going to come out fighting". It's all over far too quickly for me though, as this short track could have carried out much longer without tiring.

So after two songs of defiance there's a more laid back feel to 'Maybe (Just Maybe)', showcasing John's vocals excellently, with acoustic and electric guitars combining well to back them up. Next up is the passion filled 'Government Song'. The relatively simple verses allow the lyrics to stand out, before the tempo rises for the more intense chorus. Mid way through the music fades to allow John to deliver a spoken message, culminating in the words "It's time for another revolution", which he then turns into what almost amounts to a song within a song. Hard to explain, but well worth a listen, and not hard to understand why John describes it as "one of the strongest musical pieces I’ve produced".

'A Luta Continua' opens with a chuckle and some intriguing guitar riff against a snappy beat. John sings the opening lines in short bursts, leading to the loud and catchy chorus "A Luta Continua", which translates in English as "the struggle continues", a phrase used as the rallying cry during Mozambique's war for independence, which perhaps tells you a thing or to about the inspiration for this track. The true meaning of the song may be lost to those of us outside of Africa, but as a piece of music it's not hard to admire and appreciate.

'The Unlucky One' has a more poppy feel, a slight departure from some of the earlier tracks, but highly enjoyable. Perhaps a little reminiscent of Bryan Adams style-wise. Some great lyrics, well fitted to the music. 'Rant' sounds how you'd expect. Fast, loud, aggressive. The chorus is punctuated with shouts of "Stand down" as John sings, "To the powers that be - stand down!... To the public enemies - stand down!" Great stuff!

'Brace Yourself' calms things down a little, with more of a strum that a shout. A great foot tapping rhythms goes on throughout, and the sing-along chorus muses "You've got to brace yourself, make them take you alive. Kick out that dying lie. And just stay awake. Resist the urge to speak and keep on stumbling".

Another quieter track is 'Rebels', which slowly weaves its way along until that fabulous Ellis vocal twang comes out at its strongest in the chorus. Gentle throughout, I can imagine this being stunning live, with the lights dimmed and the atmosphere etched with admiration. 'Fingerhold' continues at the same pace, but just has such a stunning chorus of "Are you still holding on? Say you'll never let me go". The twanging guitar riff accompanying John's beautifully sung vocals gives it an unbelievable melody, filled with emotion.

So in summary, yes there is some evidence of a man finally free to say what he really thinks. To draw inspiration from his personal angst's of a much troubled country. To speak out against the things that annoy him. But by no means does he berate the listener, or leave you feeling like you've been through the washing machine the wrong way. No, what John does with his album is let his talents as a songwriter, singer and musician shine out more brightly than they ever have before. I was going to give this album four stars until I tried working out which were my top three standout tracks. Then I realised that nearly every song on the album deserved to be in that short list. So what else can I do but give this full marks? What an album!

The Talented Ones.

I sometimes get time to just browze online and read interesting and not so interesting articles or I get to watch some fascinating clips like this one below.

I can't help but think of 2 quotes: "the glory of God is a heart fully alive."

and:

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs but ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that because what the world needs is people who have come alive"

http://video.mpora.com/watch/Lui8m3BoT/

(go and watch the clip at this above url)

Too many people just exist in this world, not enough actually live!
What are you good at?  What makes you feel alive?

Thrice (Live in Camden, London, 26th August 2010)

Wow!  I am so impressed with Thrice.  They're definately in my top 3 bands I have seen live.  They had potent stage presence and Dustin Kensrue just commands respect from that stage.  He has a monsterous voice and there is something soulful about the whole set of Thrice.

On the night I get to see them live for the 1st time, Dustin comments: "I heard there are some South Africans in the house?" (that may be due to him being interviewed by a fellow South African for a local music mag earlier that evening) and me and the few others in the crowd raised our hands and cheered enthusiastically and Dustin chuckles in reply: "All fourteen of you."

I was wondering if the people in the audience know the roots of the lyrics to many of Thrice's songs.  Dustin Kensrue being a Christian writes some potent thoughtful lyrics and I can't help but wonder if those words convict the hearts of those who listen and unendlessly scream/sing along with the band.

It was moving to see the crowd sing along in anthem harmony to "Come all you who are weary" which is based on Matthew 11: 28 - 30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 I have been so impressed with the English culture and their knowledge and passion for music over the past year.  As Thrice rocked throughout their set including songs like: Artist in the Ambulance, The Messenger (based on Isaiah 6 - compare their lyrics and scripture and you will agree with me), All the world is mad, in Exile, The Weight and the ever popular Image of the Invisible it's phenomenal to look around and see everyone singing along seemingly word for word.

Another cool part of the evening is that as Thrice took to stage I was so impressed with how empty it was around the bar.  No one was ordering drinks... as this incredible band exploded on stage everyone congregated around as they thoroughly entertained us!

 The show was concluded with their title track of their latest album, Beggars:

"All you champions of science and rulers of men
Can you summon the sun from it's sleep?
Does the earth seek your council on how fast to spin?
Can you shut up the gates of the deep?
Don't you know that all things hang as if on a string over darkness, poised to fall?
If there's one thing I know in this life, we are beggars all"

 I was stoked that I got to witness this rocking spectacle!

(see the attached label for more on Thrice)

What I am going to do soon...

I had an Oxford Dictionary in South Africa throughout my school years.
Now that I live near Oxford I am going to buy a Oxford Dictionary in Oxford... now that's worth a blog and a moment :)

Blink 182

When I was a teenager I always hoped to see Blink 182 live.  Now a decade later I got to see them in Belgium at a festival called Pukkelpop.  A week ago today, pretty cool!  they were just like you would imagine: a fun loving punk rock band:

Rob Bell

He probably won't read this.  But I want to thank Rob Bell.  He has inspired me big time.  I may not see him this side of heaven, but it'd be awesome to have a pint with him or coffee or whatever when we get to heaven.  I know he is just a man, I know some people and churches slate him.  Saying his theology is questionable,

But I have been listening to his sermons (podcasts), watched his dvds, read all his books for about 4 years now and I have seen, he is sound.  he is constant.

God is doing great things through him.  he's asking and wrestling with questions that the church has long been silent about and that's what I respect most about him.

So thank you Rob.  When I keep hearing you preach, I want in.  I want to continue to serve God wherever he has placed me.


Check out more about Rob Bell and his church:

http://marshill.org/

Its interesting the people we meet on our life path who make a big impact.  I hope that I have done the same for at least one other.

Is this love or is this business?

Recently I keep hearing people talking about "so and so's partner" or one may say: "my partner this or my partner that"

Reason is that these people are not married and thus can't call their other half: wife or husband.  And if people choose not to marry, that's their choice.  But I dislike the word usage.  PARTNER sounds to business like.
I prefer "boyfriend or girlfriend".  Yes, I still believe at people's older age they can still call the one they're with their boy/girl friend even if their teenage years have long gone.

But for me the word: PARTNER... yuck! Well this is just my opinion. (My blog, remember?)

Negative Speak

I have noticed how some people around me and sometimes even me start our sentences very negatively.

"I'm afraid" I can't help you
"The problem" is that traffic we may encounter when I drop you off.
"The trouble" is...

Those are 3 I can think of offhand... but you get my point.

Sunsets at Shows

I recently went to Pukkelpop 2010 in Belgium to watch Blink 182 live.  After their gig when Iron Maiden were playing i witnessed a spctacular sunset. (Above)

This reminded me of when I was at Sonisphere in the UK almost exactly a year ago during Bullet for my Valentines set I also witnessed and incredible sunset. (Below)

Its not about me but about You

15 August 2010

I have been focusing on the wrong things and asking the wrong questions?
There is a scripture that I like to be obedient to. My paraphrase; "God asks, who will go? Here I am God, send me wherever You need me to be."

So here I am. This town seems small. But I have learned already that often in small towns there are big hearts.

But heck this is not about me. I am abroad and it will be easier for me to travel. But that's not what I'm here for. God wants me to serve Him.
He wants me to shine a light. His light. I need to be a "tour guide" of faith. lead His people here.

Now, how selfish of me... to look differently.
It's not about me, but about Him.

Rain Falling

So I am back here to stay (hopefully)
I think this blogging thing is going to be good for me. And I hope to inspire you too. Maybe make you laugh, who knows.

So I am here in Bicester, near Oxford in the UK. I am here as the youth pastor in the Methodist Church here.
I have been here one week. I am intrigued to see how this fits in God's greater plan for me.
I pray I can do great things for Him and that what I do starts with His leading and His divine spirit in this humble offering of who I am in this world.

----

Rain Falling

I was on my way up to Bicester in a train... and as we stopped in Reading, waiting to head on off, a rain cloud covered Reading and poured down for a few minutes. As I watched the water trickle down the window that I was looking through. I felt peaceful.

I thought of how God washes over us.

I never imagined (my last decade)

I never imagined (my last decade)
4 August 2010

When I was like 16 or 17 I remember discussing with a friend the plans we had for our lives. I said at aged 23 I’d probably leave home and get my own place. And by 25 I would be married. Well that all turned out differently.

“When I get older I will be stronger, they’ll call me freedom just like a wavin’ flag”
(K’Naan)

Ephesians 3:
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

A guy I worked with last year (Sean Ingram) suggested that I write something cool about turning 30. So I have actually been thinking about it and came up with this.
I thought about my last decade of life and have to blatantly say “I never imagined” the life I have lived and things I have seen and experienced through the last 10 years.

I really am a lucky man. Or as they say, I have been blessed. Indeed!

I quote this above verse, even if it may be a little out of context, it still rings true for me, the first part: God can most certainly do more than we ask or imagine.

These are my 10 years, this is my story:

The bracket parts of this decade are significant for me. When I was like 19, some friends and others gave me the nickname (ish) “Jesus Freak” because of my passion for Jesus. That was a cool label indeed. Back to that the classroom conversation in school; I also did not realize I would serve God as a youth pastor. I was quite shy at school. I never thought the reality of God would have a huge life changing impact on my life.

So at aged 20 I started ministry in a small South African town (Ladysmith) and now 10 years later aged 30 again I am starting up youth ministry (and more) in a town in the UK (called Bicester, near Oxford).

So this last decade is bracketed but the hand and blessing of God. (Well, that’s how it has felt.)

When I was 20 I never knew I would be a Youth Pastor for 8 years of the decade I was entering. I never thought I’d experience the warmness of a small town (Ladysmith) and its cozy people. I never knew I would live in the cool costal town of East London. I never knew I would get to have the coolest youth group with such awesome diversity, out the box thinking, creativity and hospitality that I met and still love of the East London folk. (Folk, it’s taken me awhile to get attached to that word.)

I never knew I would get to go snow boarding in the French Alps and let alone live in the village of Tignes (in the Alps) for 5 months.
I didn’t think about meeting so many different people from different countries. All my English mates (friends), Michaela (from Deutschland), the Belgian girls (you know who you are).

I didn’t dream of getting to see Belgium, Scotland and some of Germany. In Belgium I went caving like 30 metres and even more below ground. I was below the earth’s surface for 6 hours. It was so intense and squashed in there. Almost like a wonderland of sorts.

In school we spoke learnt about the Pyramids and the white cliffs of Dover. I got to visit Dover and see the cliffs from a Ferry crossing the English Channel. I got to see the Pyramids from the air as I flew into Egypt for my connecting flight.

In this past decade I got to explore my beautiful home country of South Africa. I got to see the spectacular sights of Mpumalanga; I got to hike in the Drakensburg Mountains. I woke up once and remember seeing a blanket of clouds stretched out before me for as far as the eye could see.

I got to spend a New Years in Mozambique where we literally bunked on beach sand and where I recall clearly the constant bass of house music for 2 days straight (non-stop.)

I got to experience sundowners out in the African bush witnessing the beauty of the setting African sun.
I have seen many wild animals in top class private game lodges.
I remember walking to breakfast in Botswana (Khwai River Lodge) seeing a Leopard walking along across the river from me.

I have bungee jumped. I have sky dived. I have down the superman jump across the Gorge in Graskop (South Africa). I have done a bridge swing.

I have had “an office” which consists of standing in an abseiling tower lowering down kids with the view of the ocean on the horizon. (Near Hastings, the south of England)

I have seen the sites of London, been out in London. But don’t have a t – shirt. (I am not the kind of tourist)

I got to attempt surfing at super tubes in Jeffrey’s bay. I did get cut up on my legs. Oh well. I recall another surfing incident on the south coast (KZN) waiting for waves and having a pod of dolphins swim among us surfers, so close I could touch the passing dolphin. I then looked out toward the approaching wave and saw 4 dolphins riding the wave toward me. Incredible!

I recall freezing my butt off on the ski chair lifts on my way to a high up ski run (piste). I then remember feeling so alive as that fresh breeze of the French Alps brushed across my face as I raced down on my board down the slope. Wow!

I have seen poverty. And I have seen the deep joy among those poor people. I have had the honour of being part of the team who ran a holiday club in a poor community and sensing the joy and love for life that those children had. I smile at the fond memory of hearing them worship in their native tongue.

I have been so blessed to be part of moments or to witness from a near distance… when young people have handed over their lives to the beautiful grace of God. Those powerful deep moments have no words to describe the sacredness of them.

I have seen many awesome bands such as Billy Talent, Funeral for a Friend (twice), Rise Against, Dave Matthews Band (my favourite band of all time – so far), Snow Patrol, 30 Seconds to Mars, Taking Back Sunday, The Used, 100 reasons, Linkin Park, Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Bullet for my Valentine, Jars of Clay, Oasis (I am ashamed… definitely maybe), Good Charlotte. I am sure I have not mentioned them all.

I am also stoked to know that some more bands are on the nearby horizon for me to experience such as Blink 182 (yes, you read correctly), Paramore, Biffy Clyro, The Kooks and Placebo

Okay and the credits to the great SA bands I have seen too: Perez, Squeal, Boo, Tree 63, The Led, Battery 9, Johnny Clegg (he’s sort or known as a South African performer), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (a live street performance), Harris Tweed (now, Dear Reader), The Parlotones, The Finkelstiens (R.IP.), Just Jinger (Ginger), Prime Circle and Henry Ate. Oh and Exit the Fall (my brother’s band)

I am reminded of looking up seeing a vast number of stars and sensing God smiling down on me.
I have had moments where I have felt so alive and passionate and … not even sure what to say here.

I have an awesome relationship with my brother. He is my best friend. We have been up to many shenanigans together and planned some kick ass adventures.

I have been blessed with incredible friends all over the world. I will not mention them by name as I fear to leave one of their names out by accident. But you all know who you are.

I have laughed until I cried. I have had some incredible life changing conversations. I have had some good wine (I think, hope I was not to drunk to realize)

I recall many moments when I have felt so free.
I have learnt and seen many unusual things. I have made big mistakes; and thankfully have learnt from them.
I have thought out of the box.

I have been healed from being emotionally hurt. Yes, I feel I have experienced life in this last decade.
I have been given many cool things. Excellent Birthday and Christmas gifts, been given a laptop, been given a car and best of all; been shown grace and life. (Jesus’ gift to me)

I have experienced beauty. I have had a glimpse of love. My parents have been so good to me.

I never imagined sand boarding, snow boarding, jumping into the pool at Bat’s cave’ lying up looking at the stars. Some of these almost seem expected. But the places where I have experienced them are priceless. For instance I remember swimming in a random dam on my friend (Daryl’s) farm. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.

I have been part of the healing process of a country once divided now heading towards unity.
I have been home and part of the vibe as my beloved country has hosted one of the biggest sporting events: the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010.

In Durban at the fan Park, I have stood on the beach, sand trickling through my toes as I watched Bafana Bafana score 2 great opening goals against France.

It was a beautiful moment of unity with black, Indians, whites and foreigners all standing together.
“Ayoba” and “Jabulani”, we are headed toward healing. (God, it seems like a repeat of the history of the early Israelites.)

I know I have not covered all the 10 years of this past decade in a mere few words above.
But I am thankful I got this time to reflect on my life and I hope this has inspired you to look back on your life in gratitude and with hope.

In the words of POD (check that band out)

“Every day is a new day, I’m thankful for every breath I take. I won’t take you for granted. So I learn from my mistakes.” (Alive – off the album, Satellite)


The adventure continues, God take my hand…


(Thanks for reading this. If there are grammatical errors, I do apologize. At the time of concluding this, I don’t feel like checking.)