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Tag Archives: gratitude

Learnt from Lockdown 2

09 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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COVID-19, faith, family, grace, gratitude, Lessons learnt, life, Lockdown, Mother, Obedience, perspective, praise, Prayer, purpose, siblings, time, Worship

You will remember in my previous post, I mentioned that my mother was visiting so I wasn’t alone for the first part of our lockdown. Although I was working from home, literally around the clock, just knowing that she was here offered a degree of safety and security. Just the way a mother’s love can.

But, after a month she wanted to return to her home and my delaying tactics were not the strongest. I eventually took her back and then we were hit for a six. She had the most horrific health scare and ended up in the hospital; for the sake of her privacy, I will not go into detail suffice to say it was touch and go.

It was a time that my siblings and I can laugh about now because of how we all deal with stress and trauma, but at that time it was far from a comedy scene.

Fast forward to me returning to my place.

I was happy to be in my space and surrounded by all my comforts. But for the first time in a long time, I realised that I now longer wanted to live alone. I wrestled with God about this every other day. But then one day in my quiet time I realised that no amount of temper tantrums or irrational reasoning was going to force God’s hand in my life.

We know that His time and His plans are perfect. Like we read in Ecclesiastes, there’s a time for everything under the sun; and I’m not immune to these seasons. Yes, there’s free will but for as long as there’s grace to walk in complete obedience, that’s my choice.

I concede that while I completely understand all of this, I still have the odd moment when I ask “But why God?” And it wasn’t until very recently that I realised that instead of despising this current season of my life, I need to appreciate and make the most of it.

And it was only after this acceptance that I found the solitude and time in prayer, praise and worship priceless.

I could easily list reasons of how this pandemic has ripped the rug from beneath our feet, but, there’s one thing it has done that no money could buy. It drew us back to and closer to God. It put the daily grind on pause for us to recalibrate and decide on the kind of relationship we want to have with our Father. The kind that sees us speaking and listening to Him as freely and easily as we breathe; or one where we speak to Him when we are in trouble or “need” something.

And so, as we continue to take it one day at a time, allow me to encourage you to look for that rainbow. Draw from the wells of His word that offers boundless hope. And be present (taking social distancing into account) in the lives of those near and dear to you… even if it’s through voice notes and face time calls.

Keep the faith.

Keep safe.

All it takes is one choice…

20 Wednesday Nov 2019

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caring, chocolates, choices, encouragement, gratitude, Hearts, hugs, kindness, love, make a difference, Old, peace, Prayer, random scts of kindness, sharing, Smiles, thank you, thoughtful, Young

There’s nothing more beautiful than witnessing a random act of kindness. Nothing makes my heart smile more than seeing an exchange of a good deed between complete strangers, or even people who know each other.

This is a little reminder that it’s really the simple things in life that matter and mean the most. Being kind doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a dime. It’s simply one heart opening up in love (and without condition or expectation) and looking to extend the endless string of kindness.

Yes, life is cluttered with all sorts of challenges, and issues that are at the best of times beyond our control… but that should not detract from our core function of being kind and loving toward each other.

Kindness doesn’t always have to come wrapped up in a ribbon or pretty packaged box. It’s the little things:

• A smile

• A hug Sharing a meal

• Dropping off a meal at a shelter

• A shoulder to lean on

• Making time to listen to someone in distress

• Paying for someone’s parking ticket without them knowing

• Paying for someone’s meal without them knowing

• Stopping in the middle of your day to ask a colleague, friend how he/she is doing – and really listening to that unspoken cry for help

• Dropping off a meal, a little treat or sitting and listening to those less fortunate

• Playing with kids at an orphanage

• Reading to the pensioners in an old age home

• Running an errand for a pensioner

• Dropping off flowers or chocolates to random patients in hospital

• Signing up to assist a charity during a fundraising drive

• Writing little notes of encouragement for random people and your tribe and dropping them off (without them knowing)

• Sending a voice note to let someone know that you are thinking of and thinking/praying for them The list can go on and on because the need for sowing seeds of kindness never ends.

I don’t believe for one minute that we are so “busy” or caught up in our own lives that we can’t see the dire need for spreading kindness now more than ever. Some people are in pain (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) and one seed of kindness can make all the difference in the world.

Let us never grow weary of reaching out and caring… it’s the right (humane) thing to do.

Thank you for taking the time to read this… now get going… start sprinkling those seeds of kindness wherever the road leads you…

When I look back…

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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2019, authentic, choices, decisions, Destiny, Expectation, Faithful, family, Friends, Glory, God, grace, gratitude, heart, Honour, journey, joy, love, new year, Path, peace, purpose, Sorrow, tears

… I sigh a breath of relief because it’s only through God’s grace that I remain standing; and able to share this post.

If ever there was a year that showed me flames, it was 2018. I shall spare you the detail but if you remember anything from this post, know that whatever and whoever is sent to put a spoke in the wheels of your destiny, it will not succeed. I say this confidently because boy, oh, boy… did they come fast and furiously. And each attempt was thwarted and came to naught, thanks to the Hand of God over my life.

I cried a lot this year.
It was a combination of tears of joy and tears of sorrow; some I personally experienced and others I witnessed.

There were tears for the disappointment in the way some prospective projects folded.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people (including family) behaved.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people chose to defeat the ends of justice to save face instead of taking responsibility for their untoward choices/decisions.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some associations dissolved before they even took off.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people used people as pawns in their game of life.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people choose to continue along the path of a dysfunctional façade knowing full well that these actions have a domino effect.

Some of the hardest tears were for the ties that I chose to sever in the name of self-preservation and peace of mind. Like my mentor pointed out, ‘Jesus did not resurrect Judas and neither should you’. And also, forgiveness does not equate to re-association.

So in all the tears, pain and disappointment, I’m most grateful for the fact that it brought me to my knees and made me draw closer to God. There was many a night I was face flat on the floor either crying out in prayer or having these heated debates with God trying to figure out the why. Until, one morning, He whispered “be still and trust Me”.

And when that penny dropped, the journey became more enjoyable and the revelations came about sooner and more clearly.

With the start of the New Year just days away, I continue to look ahead with great expectation, an open heart and confident that He that started a good work will make sure it manifests as and when it should.

As you embrace 2019:

May you honour yourself (and your space) and enforce the relevant boundaries.
Let your no be no and your yes, be yes.
May you walk in purpose and never compromise the work you are called to do, all for His glory.
May you never settle for anything less than you deserve.

More importantly, may your heart be filled with perfect peace, undiluted joy and gratitude for all things (big and small).

Love. Love. And more love to you and yours for 2019 and beyond…

A heart of gold…

03 Saturday Feb 2018

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Age, authenticity, Divine Connections, Gold, grace, gratitude, heart, honesty, kindness, lessons, life, love, purpose, Real people, relationships, wisdom

It’s been like forever since I’ve posted. And not for a lack of trying, I must add. My sabbatical (January-December 2017) was nothing that I had envisaged. It was one of the busiest and most fulfilling times. Ever.

I learnt. I cried. I smiled. I sighed. I loved. I lost… but through it all, I experienced and am most thankful for His immeasurable grace upon my life.

I met some of the most amazing people and some not-so-pleasant “characters”. There are lessons I hope to never repeat. Some opened my eyes and left me gasping in utter horror (because there are some things you just don’t expect from human beings…), while others showed me what unconditional love is all about.

In all of the living and learning, there was one person who crept into my heart… almost instantly. It was one of those connections that you know, that you know, it has to be a Divine connection.

In an age where superficiality is the order of the day, it’s so refreshing to find someone who is super real. No mask. No highlight real. Just the core of what an honest, good old fashion, genuine person is all about.

Yes, these precious treasures still exist.

A caring, kind, delightful, witty person. No airs and graces, just a beautiful soul… inside and out. A heart of gold.

It’s the kind of relationship that you want to freeze just so that time can stand still as you savour the moments. Those moments that are filled with frank comments and quirks that leave you holding your sides because you can’t stop laughing. Those moments that you don’t want to end because in that time… you appreciate and cherish the authenticity of an individual like aunty Erica; a 60-something lady whose life experiences are as fascinating as the anecdotes she enjoys sharing.

A few months ago, this was a complete stranger and today, she’s someone I can’t imagine not having in my life. I always look forward to spending time with her and most of all her “Erica-isms” … given the chance she could easily give some of the best stand ups a run for their money. Her chirps are really out of this world, and she’s quick off the mark. And then there’s her vault of wisdom.

I hope you too will get to meet amazing gems like aunty Erica, and when you do, don’t let them go…

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The luxury of simplicity…

10 Friday Mar 2017

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Baggage, Blessing, brother, caring, change, fabulous, family, favoured, friendship, gratitude, journey, life, Moving, Pay it forward, perspective, purpose, Sabbatical, Simplicity, Spring clean, thankful, time, Travelling

I like open, uncluttered spaces.

I don’t hoard (thankfully) and spring clean every now and then to make sure I only have what I need at that point in time.

With my last house move, I promised myself that that would be the last time. Well, that wasn’t to be and a few weeks ago, I found myself packing up and moving. Again.

After much thought, I decided to take a sabbatical. In terms of the time factor, well that’s a post for another day.

Back  to the move…

With my previous house moves, I had my bff also known as my brother, Jarryd Kast, on hand to help (read: do most of the work). This time it was just me and my helper, Hazel. Now, if ever there was an angel on earth, Hazel would be that person.

Where Jarryd would take the lead and ensure all the ducks were in a row, this time round Hazel fulfilled that role. Super organised and super efficient is an understatement. The actual day of the move, we got moving bright and early which allowed me time to have lunch with a very dear friend, before I hit the road.

This move made me realise…

Half the stuff we have is hardly ever utilised regularly (if at all) and we realise this only when it’s time to move. I found a blender, pasta maker, a blouse and a jacket, all with price tags still on.  What a complete waste… that was until, I decided these items would be better off elsewhere. And that’s how “operation give-away” unfolded.

I gave away most things and kept just a few necessities. Of course my mother thought I had lost the plot and asked if I was smoking something. The truth is, I don’t know how long this sabbatical is going to be and my thinking is why hold on to things that another family a) needs and b) would make better use of.

So, with the few belongings I chose to keep tucked away in storage, I feel light. I don’t have that nagging feeling about what if the lounge suite, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, iron breaks or is no longer working when this sabbatical is over. I know that the family that was blessed with these things are happier and these items are making everyday life that much more comfortable for them.

The other bonus is that when it’s time to take that next step, I’ll be travelling light. Who needs excess baggage anyway?!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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This heart of mine…

03 Friday Mar 2017

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blessings, courage, day, fabulous, favoured, gratitude, heart, hope, life, light, love, Morning, Ocean, perspective, purpose, Smiling, strength, sunrise, thank you, time, Water, Waves

Do you ever wake up with your heart smiling? There’s no specific reason other than just oodles and oodles of pure gratitude.

That’s how I started my day…

Soaking up the soothing sight of the vast ocean and feasting on the brilliance of the day unfolding through what seemed like a perfect sunrise.

With each ray I spotted, I got thinking and gave thanks for the countless blessings in my life. Try it sometime… after all, perspective is everything.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

gratitude

No ordinary month…

01 Wednesday Mar 2017

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Autumn, courage, fabulous, faith, family, favoured, Friends, gratitude, happiness, hope, life, love, March, miracles, Moments, Patience, people, Perseverance, perspective, Purporse, strength, time, wisdom

New month.

New season.

New song to sing.

May you choose to step out in faith and walk on water.

May your heart and mind be filled with perfect peace, wisdom and understanding.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

march1

There’s always time to pamper yourself…

22 Thursday Dec 2016

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Balance, gratitude, Ice-cream, Pamper, perspective, Rejuvenation, Relaxation, Rest, Richards Bay, South Africa, Summer, time, Treat, work

spa1
spa2
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Nothing beats ice-cream on a lovely, laidback summer day. Well, unless of course you are like me and love treating yourself to regular pamper sessions at a spa. Then, the ice-cream comes a close second.

Now, I’ve visited quite a few spas across the country/abroad but none come close to one that I discovered here in Richards Bay – Alexis Beauty and Wellness Spa.

Sharleen and her team are the best. They really are…

No matter what time of the day you pop in, there’s always (and I mean always) big, bright smiles and a welcoming warmth that you simply can’t miss. At the end of any treatment you always want to ask for an extra 5 minutes.

If you had to ask me whether I have any favourite treatment, I would have to say that I enjoy all. Whether it’s a deluxe facial, full body massage, mani/pedi or stress releasing Indian head massage that you are after, you won’t be disappointed.

So, the next time you are in the KZN area in search of some serious downtime, make a point of adding a spa day to your itinerary.

You can thank me later!

(Contact details: 035-789 0079, info@alexisspa.co.za or here’s a map: Link to map)

 

 

Things always work out…

12 Monday Dec 2016

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fabulous, favoured, gratitude, learn, lessons, life, Live, Maybe, moment, No, perspective, purpose, thank you, time, Yes

When every single fibre of your being is oozing with gratitude…

 

Yes

 

That

 

Feeling…

 

In this moment, I am so thankful for:

 

* every single step of my journey over the last 12 months

* every “no” that came my way

* every “yes” when I least expected it

* every “not yet” when I didn’t understand or felt frustrated

 

Things always work out for your good when you know that greater is He that is in you…

 

What I know for sure, this year is going to end on such a high note; beyond your wildest expectations.

Just wait and see.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

2016-12-12 08-30-53 AM.png

Just for today…

04 Sunday Dec 2016

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authentic, blessed, Blessing, chocolate, Determination, fabulous, favoured, grace, gratitude, journey, laughter, life, lifetime, moment, purpose, reason, relationships, season, thank you, unconditional love

In this moment, I’m thankful for:

* the grace to see another day

* laughter

*unconditional love

* authentic relationships

* chocolate on demand

* the space I get to call “me time”

* people/ situations who help me realise what I don’t want

* the fact that I choose not to settle

* the fact that I choose who to invite into my personal space

* the realisation that some bridges are meant to be burnt and never walked again

* letting go of someone once their part in your story is over – it’s all about reason, season, lifetime…

* every single lesson (no matter how bitter-sweet) that has gotten me to this point

* being blessed to be a blessing

As I continue to move forth with purpose and determination, let me never for one minute take the gift of each moment or freedom to choose for granted.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

blueskies

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