Tag Archives: unconditional love

Love wins the day…

04 Friday May 2018

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I woke up with a song in my heart. It’s a golden oldie but the words ring true today, more than ever.

Some of the lyrics: “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love… it’s the only thing, that there’s just too little of…”

The ghastly headlines, the atrocious stories of inhumanity, hurt and hate, and all-round anger seems to be the order of the day. But… why?

Where have we gone wrong?

Why are people triggered so easily?

What is missing?

Can we find our way again?

Can one person make a difference?

These are some of the questions I contemplated.

It appears we lost our way when we lost our ability to love – and when I speak about love, I mean unconditional love.

It appears we are missing that all important fundamental that we are all born with – compassion; having a heart for others.

It appears we have become complacent and happy to focus on our own needs and those within our sphere.

It appears we have taken our eye off the goal – the purpose of walking and serving in love.

It appears that we have allowed ourselves to be swept up in all that is unkind, cruel and selfish.

But…

All is not lost.
We can find our way again, if we choose to look within and allow the seeds of love to spring forth.

I’d like to challenge you.
When life chooses to distort the canvass of (y)our world, I hope you will always choose to sow seeds of love; and not just any love… unconditional love.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

Just for today…

04 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Living in the overflow…

29 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I woke up with this Word:
Job 22:27-28: Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Dear Special Person,

If you think the favour, open doors and Divine connections you’ve experienced until now are something to sing about then you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Come 2016, the overflow will both humble and overwhelm you as you continue to walk in complete obedience, and choose to please God and God alone. His moves in your life will silence every single detractor; this time round you need not fight or utter a single word for He alone will vindicate you. What a comforting thought… TGBTG!

Get ready to experience His unconditional love in a way that you’ve never experienced. I don’t know about you, but, I’m super excited and can’t wait for new encounters and the numerous miracles.

I hope this song will keep your spirit smiling:

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxxx

images

A life less ordinary…

28 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

The magnitude of my gratitude!

20 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Truly

Madly

Deeply

Grateful…

For everyone in my life & those I’ve encountered (and yet to meet).

For every experience – both good and those designed to teach & help me grow.

I could never articulate how much my heart is smiling. Right. Now.

His grace & unconditional love changes things in a blink.

I look forward to an extraordinary year ahead.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

IMG_20150819_220112

My rock, my world…

05 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Appreciate the little ones…

14 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

imageimageimageimage

Who is in your front row?

21 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With each new season I realise just how much I love and appreciate my front row – made up of a few family members and very good friends.

Supportive would be an understatement when it comes to my front row. They have and continue to play a huge role in my life – each one for different reasons.

We’ve shared years of good times, unpleasant times, crazy times. None of which I ever take for granted. These times are always punctuated with the right amount of rolling on the floor kind of laughter or buckets of tears that are enough to fill a river.

Through all the robust discussions, disagreements one thing is certain – the bond and love strengthens and intensifies.

I’ve evolved and continue to do so thanks to my interactions and time well spent with my front row. How else would I determine my likes, pet peeves or best approach to respond to certain situations.

I’ve had the most trying time over the last few weeks.
It was nasty.
It was unpleasant.
It was like those I just want to scream into a pillow and pull my hair kinda experiences.

But…

I am still standing and much stronger must just add due to God’s grace and the unconditional love from my front row.

As I begin to close that book and start on a fresh, clean, crisp page I look forward to creating and sharing many more memories with my front row; the kind that will last a lifetime. The kind that will find us bursting out into fits of laughter as we look back.

Today, ask yourself: who is in my front row? As you reflect I hope you will realise just how much they mean to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read and enjoy one of my favourite classics below.

Stay fabulous and favoured x

For the love of…

18 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

I don’t have any kids of my own – even though mommy Kast is desperately waiting to hear the sound of little feet pottering around the house. But that’s a topic for another day…

I’m incredibly blessed. I have the privilege of calling two delightful little boys, my nephews – Zach (3) and Eli (2).

I remember vividly when they both made their grand entrance into this world. I felt a special connection to Zach and Eli from the get-go. It’s the kind of bond you can’t really explain, it needs to be experienced. It’s that real and it’s that strong.

Zach is from my mom’s side of the family and Eli, yes, you guessed it… from my dad’s side. Yet, one would swear they are cut from the same cloth.

These two incredibly boisterous, intelligent little men blow my mind all the time. I’m sitting here writing this post with the biggest smile planted on my face. The memories come flooding back. The individual quirks, cries, mischievous smiles… and general mannerisms are something else.

I’m not the first and I certainly won’t be the last person to be blessed with such adorable nephews. But, these two are different. They are different because they light up my world and that of complete strangers. You’ve got to experience them to believe me. Unconditional love in action.

Both boys have energy for days and would give any long distance athlete a run for their money. Not sure if it’s one of the traits of new millennium kids… they never seem to get tired. And they are so strong willed and determined once their little minds are made up… I’m glad I don’t have to be the parent that says no. Or, instills discipline.

These fast learners pick up new tricks daily. The range of their vocab is like music to my ears and they memorise their flashcards faster than the speed of light.

I don’t see them as often as I’d like and depend on both sets of parents for updates, pictures. Zach’s latest is that when he spots a car that’s similar to mine he calls out my name. AaaahJ… and Eli is just as cute because he wakes up and with hands thrown in the air says “where’s Gaynor?”… my heart just melts a little more.

There are some moments I wish we could freeze and bottle for the longest time. At the rate they are growing, soon they will be starting school, then it’s the teenage phase and then…

But, to me… they will always be precious Zach and precious Eli.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

The gift of friendship…

12 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Friends make the world a better place. Where would we be without the comfort and security of knowing that someone is always in our corner. After my family, I could never imagine my life without the unconditional love and support of my friends.

I can count them on one hand but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For my part, I choose to be fiercely loyal to a set of values based on inherent traits that include honesty, trust, positivity, sincerity, authenticity, reliability, empathy. When I was younger I allowed everyone into my space, but as I mature that has changed… for various reasons.

We hurt. We heal. We grow.

I guess what makes my friendships (or any other) stand the test of time is the fact that we have an unspoken rule of always being there for each other. Not distance, nor time can diminish that bond.

Truly. Deeply. Grateful.

I value and appreciate my friends (they know who they are) more than words can ever express. I’m overly protective and strive to do whatever I can to make any threatening grey skies blue; and I know they do the same for me. Because that’s what friends are for…

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x