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Gaynor Kast Blog

Tag Archives: joy

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…

It’s the most wonderful time…

14 Friday Dec 2018

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blessings, Care, Christmas, family, Feast, festive, Friends, heart, Holiday, hope, joy, laughter, love, peace, share, smile, time, world

… of the year. Indeed it is a time where family and friends gather to feast on all things festive. But, for some, it’s the loneliest and saddest time too… for various reasons.

As we go through the motions of this holiday season, I would like to encourage us to be more mindful of the next person – whether known or a random stranger. Sharing a simple smile, marshmallow, singing carols or taking the time to listen, will do someone out there a world of good. Even better still, it will reignite a sense of dignity and worth to a soul whose focus is purely embedded in pain.

From me to you… I pray the pure joy, eternal hope and perfect peace that the birth of Jesus Christ offers the world is always stored in your heart and home. May your days be peppered with ladles of love and laughter. Be safe.

Blessings always xox

love and christmas

Go with the flow…

11 Sunday Jun 2017

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character, Clouds, comfort zone, Divine, Dream, fabulous, favoured, joy, Moments, perspective, Pleasure, purpose, Rainbow, Sabbatical, Sacrifices, Solitude, time, Transition

Let’s face it, we all appreciate the comfort and security of a comfort zone. Whether it’s in a relationship, job, friendship – nothing beats that familiar feeling. An unspoken safety net ready to catch us at any given time.

With my sabbatical about to come to an end, I’ve learnt many lessons. I must concede that while I embraced most with open arms, there were those I tried to ignore or wished away. Here are a few:

• Solitude is important – you don’t always have to be busy, filling your day with what are often pointless activities, just to appear busy. Not all interactions add value.
• Find joy in the journey – it’s so easy to spot a patch of dark clouds instead of the faint outline of a rainbow. Search for the good – in situations and people.
• Purpose trumps pleasure – living a purpose driven life means sacrifices need to be made for the greater good and that’s okay. (This one I tried to fight but in the end His will prevailed).
• Your circle will shrink faster than the concorde – and you may find yourself feeling alone and isolated but that’s okay. Where and how else can the Master Potter panel beat your character into shape.
• Keep the flame of passion alive – even when you are confused, you know the depths of your passion and purpose, so don’t let anyone talk you out of fulfilling your dream.

The past few months have been exhilarating and frustrating all wrapped in one. I think the frustrating part was mainly due to the fact that I’m so used to being in control and having a plan. And for the first time in a long time, I’ve simply thrown my hands up in complete surrender to His Divine purpose.

Before I end, let me leave you with an apt quote from Nancy Levin: “Honour the space between no longer and not yet.”

So, if you find yourself in an inbetween phase of your life, don’t fight it… just go with the flow and embrace each moment. And more importantly, be your authentic self.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

go with the flow

Treasure this time…

18 Friday Dec 2015

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Apologies, Call, Charles Dickens, Christmas, fabulous, favoured, festive, heart, Hug, joy, love, Mankind, music, Nat King Cole, peace, Song, Text, time, Treasure, truth

If you are looking for a festive boost, I have the perfect remedy.

I’ve had this song on repeat since last night; and I know that after just one listen your heart will be filled with complete joy. Even after all these years, Nat King Cole, keeps winning.

I was sharing with a friend earlier and would like to encourage you too.
If there are fences that need to be mended or unspoken apologies (read: a gentle hug) that should be exchanged, then do it.

Now.

Why wait another minute?

Make that call.

Send that text.

Reach out.

heart

The truth is that we are all created to love and be loved.
Don’t let anything (read: pride) hijack what is meant to be an idyllic time for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

Love in action!

17 Thursday Dec 2015

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Carols, Christmas, fabulous, family, favoured, heart, hope, joy, kindness, laughter, love, Love in action, Old, peace, Singing, smile, strangers, time, Young

I love, love, love this time of the year.
It brings with it a sense of peace and unconditional love that the rest of the year cannot lay claim to.

It’s like every worry, every fear, all indecision falls away at Christmas.

It’s about spreading goodwill, love and laughter to young and old, family, friends and complete strangers.

I’m what my siblings would describe as “old school” and have to say I wear that badge proudly.
Some things just aren’t the same when they are put through the remix mill… I’m sure you will agree 🙂

Today, I want to share Christmas carols that I hope will make your heart smile and more importantly, see you reaching out to those who cross your path during this season.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

photo

Don’t delay, don’t hesitate…

04 Sunday Oct 2015

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Appreciation, Childhood, Confused, day, Death, grace, heart, Heartache, Heaven, joy, Laugh, life, love, moment, news, peace, Sad, smile, Speechless, world

Don’t waste another moment.

Don’t miss an opportunity to show appreciation and love.

Don’t allow any negative interaction(s) to steal your peace and joy.

We lost a very special aunt earlier today. Our hearts are shattered and our minds are numb. In that moment when we received the news, it felt as though our collective world stood still.

The heartache was tangible and tears flowed freely like the Jordan. Whispers of: “Why? Why her? Why now? It’s not fair…” could be heard.

As someone who always has a Plan A and B, I found myself unable to move or even utter a word. Glued to my seat.

I find myself moving through different emotions.

Confused.

Angry.

Incredibly sad.

Losing an amazing person who played a significant part in your childhood is a bitter pill to swallow. The thought of not hearing that hearty laugh or seeing her Colgate smile is hard to digest.

It just seems unfair.

I’m thankful for the times we shared, the fond memories and advice she so eagerly dispensed. I know without a doubt she’s in Heaven and God has certainly welcomed her home with open arms.

For the rest of us, we need oceans of grace to keep going without her. One day at a time…

Thank you for taking the time to read.

P.S Love and appreciate those near and dear to you!

images (18)

Love in abundance….

01 Tuesday Sep 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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fabulous, favoured, Flowers, gratitude, hope, joy, love, Manifestation, peace, Relationship, Spring, time

Happy Spring!

Oh how exciting.
Like me, I’m sure you are looking forward to longer, warmer days and colourful flowers painting a picture of renewed hope.

My prayer is that each day will resemble:

* a fountain of love, peace & pure joy in your life
* the manifestation of every long overdue breakthrough
* the chance to reach out and make a difference – in word or deed.

May every single dead situation or relationship come alive… get ready for a transformation like no other.

It’s time…

I hope this quote from one of my favourite authors and motivational speakers, Dr Wayne Dyer (RIP), will inspire you to give and receive love in abundance.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

IMG-20150901-WA0000

Appreciate the little ones…

14 Tuesday Apr 2015

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appreciate, be good, be in the moment, care and admiration, carefree, conversation, determined, energy, fabulous, favoured, God, gratitude, heart, hugs, joy, kids, moment, nanny, priceless gift, smile, special, unconditional love, warmth

Over the last few weeks I got to bond with precious Eli; and all I can say is that it’s been an experience second to none.

At 2 ½ he is a bundle of energy and has a mind of his own. Not to mention the pure joy he pours out on those around him.

My heart actually smiles just thinking about and typing this…

Eli personifies determination. If he wants to do something then nothing and no-one can stand in his way or change his mind. And that includes jumping on the trampoline at the crack of dawn.

I enjoy my time with him so much that on days when I miss him (like today) I can almost hear him imitate his nanny, who says “be good, Eli, be good”. Or, when he lays his tiny hand on his head and says “peace”.

There are a few things that I learnt from Eli:

Everyone is special: the care and admiration in his eyes is beyond words. That child-like innocence; you know that look that sees everyone as being special and an important part of their life. Yes. That look.

Be in the moment: whether it’s playing outside, drawing or eating a sweet, you can see that he is enjoying every second of that experience.

Be happy: in the time that I’ve known Eli, I can count the times he’s been grumpy. Now, if only I could wake up with a big, bright smile each morning.

Be fearless: adults can learn a thing or two from kids about being carefree. These little beings have no doubts, fears or self-imposed limitations.

Love unconditionally: the random hugs, “I love you G” or playful tricks of his – with no expectation of this being reciprocated are enough to warm any heart.

The only limitation is your imagination: his brain is like a sponge and from the thread of our conversations it’s not hard to see that he has a vivid imagination.

Children are indeed a priceless gift from God.
The love, warmth and pure joy that radiates through their existence is something that should be cherished.
I hope that from this day onwards you will stop to appreciate and give thanks for the little people in your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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