• About

Gaynor Kast Blog

~ Life. Love. Laughter. Repeat!

Gaynor Kast Blog

Tag Archives: thankful

Learnt from Lockdown

08 Saturday Aug 2020

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

baby, COVID-19, family, hope, life, Lockdown, love, pandemic, promise, South Africa, thankful

When the rumblings of the COVID-19 pandemic started making its way into our lives via various media channels, it was hard to ignore. Then the heart-breaking and often horrendous stories linked to it were a lot to digest on any given day.

And still, I went about life fluctuating between a degree of calm and peace and sudden anxiety – always weaving their way into what was until then a relatively measured life. It was not until President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) declared a three week lockdown period that I was suddenly gripped by fear and rolled into survival mode instinctively.

For someone who loves mapping things out, setting and meeting deadlines and steering the charted course, the start of the lockdown was difficult. I remember rushing into the supermarket before the lockdown kicked in and although I had a list of essentials to buy, when confronted with all those aisles of groceries and toiletries i went into a flat spin.

The neatly typed out list was deleted and I found myself throwing things into the trolley that I would not ordinarily buy because I was hit with the “what if…” thought. What if the lockdown is extended? What if supermarkets don’t open for the longest time? What if I run out of x, y, z?

Looking back now, I can’t believe I was “that” shopper. *Hides*

The other thing, as someone who enjoys her own space, it was the first time I was super thankful for having company in the form of my mother.

The reason she was visiting is because four days before the lockdown my brother and his wife welcomed the most precious baby boy into the world. Connor Luke Kast made his grand appearance at a time where things like chaos, confusion, fears, anxiety and depression were slowly but wilfully starting to wrap itself around our nation.

We had a Heaven sent antidote.

They say that a baby is a blessing and while I believe it, it wasn’t until Connor came into our lives that I fully grasped the real meaning of that comment. I desperately want to paint a picture of how I felt when my eyes spotted him for the first time, but, words will not adequately describe the pure joy. I never thought I could love another human the way I love my nephew. My heart literally feels like it’s exploding at the thought of him.

He is perfect. He is ours to love and nurture. He is without doubt our biggest blessing.

We got to see Connor in person very briefly but those moments are deeply imprinted in my heart.

We depend on pictures, videos and face time calls to bond with him. Not ideal but what can we do?! Bias aside, on the days when I feel like I’m going to drown with heaviness and despair (oh yes, I too have my down days) the thought of Connor gives me an instant boost of hope. A hope and a promise that just like the sun rises and sets each day, so too will this pandemic end.

When it will end we don’t know. But, what I do know is that we can and must keep hope alive… for ourselves and for Connor’s generation and those after.

Remain hopeful.

Remain thankful.

You’ve come too far…

23 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

choose, compassion, conversation, deadlines, Divine plan, Divine purpose, fabulous, favoured, heart, Love in action, Moments, perspective, potential, Process, promise, purpose, Scripture, thankful, time, trust

Have you ever had one of those seasons where it feels like the walls are caving in?
Like you just can’t go on anymore because your plan has taken a nosedive?

That time you find yourself throwing your hands in the air and yelling, ‘that’s it… I’m done… I’m over all of this.’

Well, I’m here to encourage you.

You can go on.
You will fulfill your purpose.
You will be glad that you held on.

I write this from first hand experience.
Those in my inner circle will attest to the fact that I too have temper tantrum moments… and on occasion through the snot and tears have made some rather ridiculous comments.
Thankfully, His grace trumps it all.

I was reminded recently that at the core of walking in purpose is giving up the right to do things our way.

This reminder was all thanks to an amazing young lady (that’s a blog for another day – an old soul with the biggest heart, full of potential and promise), who (unconsciously) made me realise that it’s easier to take the lessons from the pain and press on.

Don’t fight the process.
As the purpose unfolds, there’s a process running parallel and so instead of walking/working against the grain… just surrender.

We don’t need to know all the details but simply trust implicitly that it’s all going to pan out as it should – Romans 8:28.

When we choose to walk in purpose, our feelings, emotions and self-imposed deadlines take a back seat because it’s **never** about us.

It’s about a bigger plan, all orchestrated by the Master Himself.
A purpose that drives kindness, peace, hope and compassion. A purpose that comes to life when we choose to serve with (unconditional) love.

So… wherever you find yourself in this moment, I pray that you never choose to stop living on purpose… and just trust the process.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous xxx

The luxury of simplicity…

10 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

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

20150123_192523

Here’s the thing…

26 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Blessing, Closed door, Created, Destiny, Detour, Distance, fabulous, favoured, grace, gratitude, heart, Heartache, journey, Moulded, perspective, purpose, Silence, tears, thank you, thankful, The Potter, time, Walk

Today, I sit and write with the biggest smile on my face… and a heart bursting with gratitude.
Let me share why:

* I’m super thankful for the grace and love of our Father. It sustains me even on those days when I feel like I’m running on empty.

* I’m super thankful for severed ties. I’m all for building bridges but when God says move on, and move on without them, then who am I to whimper?!

* I’m super thankful for the distance and silence from certain quarters because sometimes we are too close to a situation or person to realise that there’s no real value or meaning in that association.

* I’m super thankful for all the misguided attempts and bets about my destiny that all came to naught. When you wage a bet against a daughter of the most High then you best be prepared to lose. Boom!

yourpart

* I’m super thankful for every “no” or closed door I received because it made me realise that that was just a blessing in disguise.

* I’m super thankful for the detour my journey has taken and how this new avenue has opened my eyes and heart in ways I could never have imagined.

* I’m super thankful for every tear shed and every moment my heart ached because those times and His grace have allowed me to keep walking boldly.

When I look back at the year that was, there are some experiences that make me want to run for cover. But, the one thing that I’ve learnt is that when you are walking in purpose, nothing and no-one can break what the Potter has designed and moulded.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

One word… One promise!

08 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Arise, Best days, Comfort, Divine plan, fabulous, favoured, grace, gratitude, heart, life, love, Morning, Patience, perspective, pray, purpose, Stand, strength, thank you, thankful, time, Victory

I woke up this morning with an extremely happy heart.
Why?
Too many reasons to mention in just one blog post.

But, I will tell you that it has everything to do with God’s immeasurable grace and how I am able to experience His faithfulness in my life, daily.

We hear the word grace being thrown around left, right and centre as though it were a cheap sweet that can be taken for granted. On the contrary.

Until we receive the revelation of what Divine grace entails, we can never truly understand or appreciate it.

Wherever you are and whatever your current situation, I pray that God’s grace enfolds, strengthens and comforts you.

Arise.
Stand firm.

Your best days are ahead of you… oh yes they are. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Now get up and get your praise on…

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

It was worth it!

13 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Content, Delay, Divine plan, Excited, fabulous, favoured, Frustration, gratitude, Happy, heart, Next step, Patience, perspective, pray, purpose, Ready, tears, thankful, time, Worth it

I’m so excited.

I’m so ready.

I’m so filled with gratitude.

This next step is everything (and more) that I’ve been praying about and preparing for.

With hindsight, all the tears, frustration and delays, make this next step worth it.

Patience + Preparation + Purpose = a very content, thankful, delighted little me.

Don’t for one minute give up. This breakthrough has made me realise that His time and plan is indeed perfect; there’s really no other way.

I shall share more over the coming weeks…

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

images (6)

My rock, my world…

05 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Contemplation, fabulous, favoured, love, Mothers, Mum, School, season, strength, thank you, thankful, Treasure, unconditional love, Wife, work, world

I should start by saying this post is brought to you compliments of Eskom (a state utility in South Africa). Not.

You see, in South Africa we are plunged into darkness every other day because of an energy crisis… Eskom is apparently addressing this challenge.

Sigh.

So here I am, listening to the sound of my neighbour’s generator, and thinking about my birthday in a few days time.

I love August.
No, not because it’s my birthday month, but it’s still winter. Although our coastal town is not subjected to sub zero temperatures or snow, we have our fair share of chilly, grey skies. And what better excuse to stay indoors and have a duvet day 🙂

Winter for me = what better season to invoke contemplation!

I’m quite excited about my birthday this year because it’s the first time in 16 years that I’ll get to spend it with my mum. About that “mysterious” number, let’s just say that I’m over the age of consent and still a few years shy of a retirement village. Apparently, I don’t look my age. That’s always like music to my ears, especially when I’m with my younger sister.

Back to my excitement.

Working away from home for all that time was good while it lasted. However, there comes a time when one realises what matters the most. As i write this, I’m so thankful that my mum has her health and wits about her; that she doesn’t miss a beat to tell me when I’m wrong or give me one of her “I told you so looks”.

The fact that I’m starting to sound just like her scares and excites me; I’m sure the ladies reading this will understand. But, my favourite thing (and this I treasure the older I get) is coming home from work after a hectic day and smelling her perfume as I open the door. The scent offers me a sense of peace and security that comes from the unconditional love and support that only a mum brings. It also transports me back to my primary school days (long, long ago) when I’d get home and she’d be there.

My rock. My strength. My world.

We’ve had our fair share of disagreements and ugly-cry moments but I wouldn’t want my life’s script to play out any other way. If I could be half the wife or mother that she’s been then I’d consider myself blessed.

P.S every single time I see St Joseph’s Lilies, I am reminded of the wonderful woman I get to call mum.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

IMG-20150805-WA0002

The list goes on…

01 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

fabulous, favoured, God, grace, gratitude, heart, life, love, reasons, thankful

My heart is filled with so much gratitude – and for so many reasons.

The list could go on forever…image

The most important one though is God’s unwavering love & grace in my life. It’s the one constant 🙌

Question: what are some of the reasons that make you burst with gratitude?

Stay fabulous and favoured x

As we grow…

21 Thursday May 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Age, Appreciated, Celebrate, choose, Cry, fabulous, family, favoured, Fellowship, gratitude, heart, Laugh, Liberating, love, thank you, thankful, time

Not sure if it’s an age thing but one thing I know for sure it’s pretty liberating.

As I grow older I’m thankful for the family I get to choose. Over the last few days my heart has been one big bundle of overflowing gratitude.

Why?

Because God has allowed certain people to cross my path and instead of it being a five second encounter, it’s turned out that they are now part of “my family”. These are the gems I get to laugh, cry (even the ugly cry), scream, celebrate, fellowship with… just good, solid, salt of the earth, kinda people that we all need in our lives.

You know who you are… never forget the fact that YOU are appreciated and loved.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

IMG-20150504-WA0002

Thankful Thursday…

05 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

gratitude, heart, thankful, Thursday, words

No words just a heart overflowing with gratitude…

image

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • August 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • July 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • June 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014

Categories

  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Gaynor Kast Blog
    • Join 98 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Gaynor Kast Blog
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...