Ray's Graduation!

I am so incredibly proud of Ray - for all his hard work, his brilliant results, his growth, maturity and godliness - for his graduation this evening!! (Can you believe you are actually done love??)  

Growing up at BISA (the Bible Institute of South Africa) I have been to many graduation ceremonies, but tonight's was by far my favourite. Especially seeing all my old (and awesome!) classmates receive their well deserved degrees. They are not simply a group of students, but a family, with friendships built that will last into the next lifetime - and that is the beauty of the Gospel. 

It was wonderful having Ray's parents drive hundreds of miles to come and see him up on that stage, their joyful smiles reflecting their bursting hearts.

Something I love about BISA is the Christian Leadership Programme. It is when lecturers go into the communities of the Western Cape to teach, train and equip men and women, young and old, Biblical truths - from understanding the Bible and interpreting it in its correct context, to foundational doctrine, to practical preaching or missional skills in their cultural setting, to church history... They are pastors, Sunday school teachers, elders, youth leaders, ordinary people with a passion for learning, wanting to deepen their knowledge and love of God, to make a difference in the lives of those around them - which they do! Many of them never finished school and live in areas of extreme poverty, gangsterism, violence, rife with HIV/AIDS, unemployments... but it was so encouraging to hear their life changing testimonies in the difficult circumstances through which they minister and persevere. Over and over again it was the story of God's grace, His provision, the cross of Christ always at the centre and utter thankfulness at this great opportunity to learn. (It humbled me to see how they treasured the privilege of sitting under the teaching of God's Word and how I so often take it for granted...)

Dr. David Seccombe spoke, reminding us all of the power of the truth of the Gospel, how God's Kingdom is unstoppable, uncontainable, how one day every single knee will bow, whether willingly or unwillingly, and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord! All glory to God!! 

After awards were handed out, the celebrations began - the rushing about to give hugs, to snap pictures, and (of course) to eat some cake! 

Congratulations class of 2012!!

Not alone.

You are not alone.

Tomorrow's worries

"But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

{Matthew 6:33-34}

Once again, I am so humbled by Ray - his friendship, love, strength and support for me - I would not be able to do this without you. No matter what happens, I know that I have you, that you will always be waiting for me - if it goes well or not. I am so nervous, but your faith in me keeps me going, smiling the tears away. Oh, these busy times! But Fridays seem to be the days where everything has been happening for us - let us hope this will be another good memory to add to our collection. Thank-you for constantly reminding me of the eternally comforting truths of God's Word. Trusting in God, together, relieves my worries and fears. 

These sunshine days

This sunny week has been one of...

Rest - taking lazy Sunday afternoon naps, sleeping late and waking up to risen sun's rays streaming through my curtains.

Family - a birthday tradition is that us "children" request our favourite meal and our mom will make it for us (and every year I ask for the same thing: Lasange!) We laughed around the table, everyone talking at once, sipped something sparkling and stuffed ourselves with black forest sponge cake with cream and cherries, ice-cream and homemade chocolate sauce, Ray and I sharing bowl, with me sneaking in extra spoonfuls.

Blue skies :)

Sunrises and cool sea breezes - while waiting at the Kalk-Bay harbour train station. 

Wedding dress shopping with my best friend - love, listening to the stories shared, eyes misting with tears at her glowing beauty, the excitement, joy and memories made. There were Ooooh's and Ahhhh's and feet dreamily floating above the ground, trailing silk, organza, chiffon, satin, lace, beads and ribbons. White hot chocolate, toffee coffee and chocolate cookie milkshakes with chocolate marshmallow, coffee and walnut cake ended off our romantic adventure.

No dancing - after a show we always take a break. 

Walks in the sunshine - Ray taking me back to the "our place" where he proposed. Every day, over the wooden walkways, enjoying the rush of the water and the brightly coloured flowers (they are in full bloom!), so peaceful and refreshing. The ocean behind us and the mountain before us, in awe of God's creation. For us it is a time to escape from work and just talk and talk and talk some more. We love it!

Tea and chatting with friends over sweet treats at Tribeca in Kalk-Bay - dreaming of the future.

Holding your hand and singing next to you in church - happy. 

Breakfasts with my fiance - from french toast to eggs on toast with fried tomatoes, our favourite meal of the day :)

Work and pounding headaches at one in the morning - there has been no working ahead but rather only catching up on all that I let slip the last few weeks of the term with all the wonderful things that happened. I always say, "The more I do today the less I have to do tomorrow..." although it never seems to work out that way! My rule is I have to finish what I planned to do, or have to accomplish for that day - which leads to very late nights/very early mornings. I am extremely nervous for the upcoming semester, with exams just weeks away, but trusting in God.

Reading old fashion magazines while taking a steaming hot bath using all my birthday treats of delicious smelling salts and scrubs. 

AHHH!! - My beautiful engagement ring!!! (Yes, I still get these moments of awestruck disbelief).

Smiles - at being able to spend every day this week at home, seeing Ray between his classes, quick cups of coffee, sitting outside listening to the birds sing, prayers before bed, studying side by side.

Falling more deeply in love. 

Stolen moments of pure procrastination - something as simple as watching a movie with Ray (we never have the time!) while eating yummy gummies and chocolate, snuggled in blankets on the couch, pure bliss :) 

Day dreaming - while I should really be studying. (Hasn't been much of a "vacation").

Thankfulness and amazement at God's goodness - still overwhelmed at the love and support of family and friends, for their wishes and heartfelt messages, for God in sustaining us through these hectic times, carrying us through to the end... In Ray's kindness, generosity, faithfulness and sacrifice leaving me speechless day after day... He is amazing, always putting me first, in making plans for the future, preparing us for what comes after the wedding, making provision, being a godly and mature man, looking after us, making me feel safe and secure... I can only thank God for His grace and blessing in giving me Ray. 

Reading through my new children's Bible - loving it! (I would like to start collecting good children Bibles - one can never grow tired of reading the incredible and true stories of the Bible, learn solid doctrine, understand how each story points to the coming Saviour Jesus, how the world needs to be saved and how God has had a loving plan and promise from the very beginning!)

Perspective.

Well I'm off to enjoy my final days of mid-semester vacation, appreciating Ray and squeezing some sleep, between studying, in! Happy weekend :)

Mission of marriage?

"Love is action and not emotion."

Marriage is mission - our purpose is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride the church, to be sanctified, growing more into the likeness of Christ, built on the Gospel, proclaiming the Gospel together, perfect, harmonious unity like that of the Trinity, God and His glory at the centre, our love for Him the basis for it all. 

Simply put? It was designed, graciously gifted to us by God, to give us glimpses of His wonderous plan of redemption, reconciliation and restoration, to display the sort of complete and sacrificial love that He has for us shown by Jesus' death on the cross, the process for us for us to be made holy, not necessarily "happy", but to be sanctified, humble, and grow in our dependence on God, who alone can bring true and lasting joy and fulfilment!

dear daddy*

Wishing my dad and very happy father's day! I am truly blessed to have such an incredible dad as you, kind, eternally patient, unconditionally loving, godly beyond belief, gentle yet firm, disciplining us in a world that pushes for freedom without boundaries, but most of all I just want to say thank-you for teaching us the Word of God, always pointing us to our Father in Heaven, for making Christ the centre of our family. For as long as I can remember I can hear you reading the Bible to us at the dinner table, leading us daily in family devotions, I remember us praying each evening together, kneeling with my little hands clasped, amazed at your wisdom and quiet passion for the cross and standing in awe of your great depth of understanding of the Word. You have made it a joy and privilege to grow up in such a household, reflecting my Heavenly Father, personifying Him in with your life. 

Purpose and Perspective

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve I read these verses: 

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book"... Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "I, Jesus... am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."... The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.... He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

 {Revelation 22}

This should be ever present in out minds, shaping all of life's purpose and perspective... living in the light of eternity... "Come Lord Jesus" COME!