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Tag Archives: Prayer

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…

Rebound and recover…

30 Saturday Mar 2019

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direction, faith, family, forgiveness, Friends, God, grace, Heal, heart, introspection, lessons, life, love, mercy, Prayer, purpose, Refection, time

I’m writing this post from the place I visited exactly two years ago. The view remains spectacular with a few extra “nice to see” things and my life has done a complete 360 in every possible way.

For those who read this blog, you would recall the plan was to take a one year sabbatical and then allow life to unfold. Well, the one year sabbatical did happen, just not the way I had envisaged. And the year that followed was anything but a stroll in the park.

As I reflect on the last two years, I don’t believe I can adequately describe the intensity of the challenges that knocked on my door. But, what I do know with every fibre of confidence is that God remains faithful.

When I tell you that I had no idea life could two feet you (it’s a Sydenham saying) and bring you to your knees… it can. It’s not pretty and it’s certainly painful at the “best” of times. I was tried and tested from every possible position but had the grace to press on because I knew that God remains faithful.

I am also extremely blessed to have a solid group of faith-filled women and men to support me unconditionally. They know who they are and to respect their privacy I will not mention their names. But, there is one woman who I believe is a complete angel on earth and who took me under her wing and wiped my tears and prayed me through the most dire times – Aunty Karen Wallace. She is more than amazing. She certainly epitomises God’s love and compassion. And has without doubt secured a special place in my heart.

I’m all about being fearlessly authentic, and when I say there were times I felt like I could not go on, that every ounce of my strength was depleted and the will to live was running on empty, but between God and aunty Karen, I’m alive and energised to continue walking on purpose.

And so, if at any point you find yourself at a place where you feel hopeless.

A place where you feel completely lost.

A place you where feel like a drifting yacht on a rough sea.

A place where you feel like nothing makes sense anymore.

A place where you feel like your heart has been ripped apart.

A place where you feel like you don’t want to open your eyes to face another day.

Know this… God has a plan. God is in complete control. God has your back. He created YOU with a specific purpose and all He expects is unwavering faith and complete obedience (no matter what the circumstances). He does not need you and I to help Him unfold the plan He designed perfectly and with the right time-frames. Just place your hope and trust in Him.

There were many lessons I’ve jotted down over the last 24months, one of the more crucial ones was to pay attention to the people who are willing to stand in the ring and take the punches with you; those real people (not the fair-weather types) who hold your head up and keep you standing and smiling.

Most importantly, don’t fight the separation process. We know that some people are only meant to be in our lives for a reason, season and lifetime. Holding onto someone whose expiration date has come and gone will cause more chaos and distraction. Again, just trust God’s lead.

And finally, it’s perfectly fine to release (forgive) and love some people (family included) from a distance. Anything or anyone that threatens or obstructs your peace and Divine purpose has no place in your life.

If you are reading this post and find yourself in need of encouragement, allow me to suggest that you pour your heart out to God… be still enough to listen to His voice (yes, He still speaks) and hold onto your faith like never before.

And once you’ve allowed yourself to heal, stand up boldly and go out there and rise and thrive… because God can and will always be the anchor, compass and all-round Navigator you need at any given moment.

Love. Love. And more love coupled with equal portions of boundless faith, grace and mercy be yours this day and always!

A life less ordinary…

28 Monday Dec 2015

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2016, blessings, books, Boundaries, chocolate, Christmas, Confidence, fabulous, faith, favoured, grace, gratitude, Health, Hug, kindness, Laugh, life, Listen, love, Miracle, Most High, new year, Obedience, Ordinary, peace, perspective, pray, Prayer, purpose, Rainbow, Read, reason, Sing, Sleep, Speak, Storm, sunrise, sunset, Talent, time, To God be the glory, unconditional love, Walk

This Christmas will go down in the book of memories as one of my best. Ever.
I won’t bore you with the details other than to say, to God be the glory.
Truly, He still works in mysterious ways… and for that I’m most thankful

As the year slowly draws to an end and we look forward to the promise of 2016, my prayer for you is to:

*Continue to walk and bask in God’s grace
*Open your heart to give and receive unconditional love
*Remember that somebody loves you
*For the singles: somebody is praying to meet someone just like you
*Embrace the gift of each moment
*Enjoy the beauty of a sunset or sunrise
*Look for the rainbow after each storm
*Increase your faith
*Spend more time in prayer
*Spend more time meditating on the Word
*Choose always to live on purpose
*Laugh more
*Be courageous
*Cherish friendships
*Walk with confidence
*Shatter any self-imposed limitations
*Spread kindness
*Be a cheerful giver – of time, talent and self
*Hug more
*Talk less and listen more
*Sing more (even if it’s only in the shower)
*Ask for help
*Keep those boundaries intact
*Let go of those ties that are cut for a reason
*Take time out for you
*Sleep more
*Eat more chocolate
*Read at least one book a month
*Treat yourself as often as you can
*Always count your blessings
*Remember that you are a son/daughter of the Most High
*Immerse yourself in the favour that follows you
*Wake up each day with the knowledge that it’s your time
*2016 is the year of one miracle after another… no ear has heard or eye has seen what the Lord has in store for those who choose complete obedience
*More than anything else, I pray that you are always blessed with good health (body, mind and spirit). There’s no substitute for good health

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

2016purpose

Best doctor hands down!

23 Thursday Jul 2015

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Appreciation, compassion, Doctor, Dr WB Zieciak, Empathy, extraordinary, fabulous, favoured, heart, Humility, Patience, Prayer, Professionalism, selfless, Servant, Specialist

There are doctors and then there’s Dr WB Zieciak; an extraordinary ENT Specialist based in Durban.

My little nephew, Eli (I’ve written about him before) underwent a cochlear implant earlier this week; and we couldn’t have chosen a better surgeon to lead this life-changing procedure. 

If this post sounds like I’m his number one praise singer, yes I am. You see, in this harsh, cruel, selfish world, when we cross paths with a good old fashion solid person, they deserve to be acknowledged and applauded.

From the first appointment to the day of the operation, Dr Zieciak has demonstrated empathy, compassion and a standard of professionalism that is second to none.

His warmth, patience and all round caring attitude helped us get through what is ordinarily a nerve-wracking procedure. But, even more admirable is his humility. I’m sure the mere thought of this post would see him shrugging his shoulders and muttering something along the lines of its a team effort. I’ve yet to meet such a selfless human being!

If ever you need an example of a servant’s heart then look no further than this man. Enough gushing…

My earnest prayer is that Dr Zieciak will continue to make a difference in the lives of those he meets; may he be blessed with good health, a sound mind and steady, healing hands. And most of all, may the love and peace he shares with his patients be returned to him a hundredfold IJN!

The next time you meet someone from the medical fraternity (or any other field) be sure to commend them for a job well done.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured & fabulous x

IMG-20150723-WA0000

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