Travels. Theories. Thoughts.

We are heading towards the end of August already! And boy oh boy what a year this has been! I knew that God was taking me on a journey this year but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think things would pan out the way they have. Let's just say that it has been a year of: learning, yielding, growing, seeking, trusting, adventuring, sowing, and most of all, blessing! At the beginning of this year, I started trusting God for a sponsor as I started working full-time for an NGO called LIV Village. LIV is a holistic residential 'village' where abandoned, orphaned and vulnerable children are placed into a family environment and where all their physical, spiritual, educational needs are met. You can read more  here  or watch their latest documentary here . I continue to trust Him for a sponsor. At the end of March, my daughter left home to travel for six months before starting University in the United Kingdom in September. I had prepared myself for this imminent departure...

My husband and I have just returned from the Alpha weekend away. I must be very honest and say that initially we were in two minds about attending Alpha as we've both been Christians for most of our lives and we understood Alpha to be all about the basics of Christianity. How wrong we were - it's that and sooooo much more! Yes, the lessons are all about the fundamental principles of Christianity and serve as a great reminder to those who have been Christians for many years. But it's also about answering tough questions, connecting with people, exploring the meaning of life...  The part that has really blown us away is the unexpected yet amazing relationships and friendships that have forged within our group.  Our group Facilitator (middle) had the awesome privilege of baptising two ladies in our group -- in the sea! How amazing! So if you're anything like the rest of us, regardless of where you are in your walk with God, you have questions... Alph...

I've always loved change. I love the challenge of new things and hate the rut of old. I love the adventure and excitement that comes along with trying something for the first time (like bungee jumping or surfskiing). I have recently entered into a very 'exciting' chapter in my life. A rather important chapter which pretty much impacts on most areas of my life. I quit the security of the corporate world and have resurrected my PR practice, Giraffe Concepts. Adventurous? Yes! Challenging? Big time! Scared? For sure! But, along with all that, I am secure in the knowledge that my footsteps are ordered by God. Before making the "big decision", I prayed and handed it over to God. And after the decision was made I had a comforting peace that I had made the right decision for all the right reasons (and no, seeking adventure wasn't the reason!). All I know is that during this season of change and uncertainty, God has my today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand...

I recently posed the following question on Twitter: "Which decisions would you make differently if you knew that nobody was going to judge you?". My own question has had me examine my motivations, my influences, my heart as I have gone about making decisions. I'll be the first one to say "Oh, don't let what people might think stop you from doing what you really want to do. Life is short! Go for it!"  But... upon deeper reflection, when you stop and analyze each decision and take note of your train of thought as you are weighing up the pros and cons, well, you might realize (as I have) that influences are certainly there, whether they are faith based or fear based, people based or feelings based. Influences are not all bad, in fact, they make us who we are. I am influenced by the way I was raised. I am influenced by the types of people I socialize with. I am influenced by my faith. But I am also influenced by society which is where the challenge arises ...