Summer 2017 eNews Publication

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25 - 2017

Don’t just go with the flow, find a way or make a way

be the difference that is refreshing!

WELCOME....

The LIFE publication is produced quarterly. Our desire is to bring you stories and articles that will encourage and inspire you as you journey through life.

We know that life is a journey with many twists and turns. It is not always how we start that matters, rather how we choose to live everyday with the options and choices that are before us.

Today choose to live and love, your life!

In This Issue WELCOME.... ................................................................................................................................... 1 Celebrations........................................................................................................................................ 2 Expect the Unexpected....................................................................................................................... 3 Peace: ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Confined............................................................................................................................................. 4 Parenting: “Natured Heart Approach� ............................................................................................... 6 From Resolution to Reflection .......................................................................................................... 6 Being Real.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Momentum ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Learning to Accept Feedback ............................................................................................................ 9

Project Stories ...................................................................... 11 Barefoot but not alone ......................................................................................................................11 Dedicated to Mothers ....................................................................................................................... 12

Celebrations

This one thought and idea, turned into much more than I initially anticipated and I would like to encourage you to pursue those ideas that you have. A thought or idea can open up many paths and lead you to unpacking your purpose and passions.

Candy Daniels Life is filled with celebrations of all types.

From births, anniversaries, milestones and even death is a celebration of the life of those we have loved and cared for. Celebrations are memories that should be treasured as we remember the people and the events that got us to where we are today and who we are today.

I assure you that as you pursue your dreams although it requires you to get out of your comfort zone and take many leaps of faith it is worth it and rewarding. It is also a platform in which you get to celebrate your life daily through doing what you enjoy, while you enjoy what you do.

This year LIFE is celebrating a milestone; 7 years of this newsletter. It has reached people far and wide and has truly become an international read as we have an audience from many countries, yet it started small. It was just an idea that stemmed from a thought.

Have you ever considered celebrating your life on a daily basis? Have you considered the gifts that we receive daily; the gift of breath, imagination, love, freedom‌ These are things that we should be grateful for and enjoy and in the process be sharing it with others so we can celebrate who we are. The best celebrations are done with others not alone.

I remember, writing my first article, wondering who would be the audience, who would be willing to contribute to the newsletter, how often would it be sent out. It was all a daunting process, as I had never done anything like it before and all I had was a name for the newsletter LIFE and a picture of a logo. If you have ever wondered why this publication is called LIFE, it is because it is written for those who are looking for encouragement and inspiration.

We can tend to go all out celebrating our birthdays and the dawn of a new year but miss the day to day moments. We are creatures of habit and are good at falling back into the same old routine that was, yesterday.

Even a new year has a yesterday; there is a simply a second that shifts us from one year to another, from one month to another, one day to another, one moment to another.

The first issue was emailed out to friends and colleagues and then onto a blog site I started.

By the end of that week the newsletter had been read by an audience from over 12 countries and by the end of the month the number doubled. That birthed the name LIFE International and over the years many other tree stems have grown into branches.

I encourage you be thankful for your life daily.

Pass on the love you have and celebrate your life and those you do life with. Make time to develop your ideas, get adventurous, step out of your comfort zone; you never know where it could lead, who you could be a blessing to and who might bless you. After all we are blessed to be a blessing.

To all our readers we say thank you, to all those who have contributed through the seven years and 25 issues I say thank you. This wouldn’t be what it is without you, your feedback, support and encouragement is greatly appreciated and valued.

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 2!

Expect the Unexpected

can look for where God is, ask Him to do the unexpected, the miraculous, and then keep our gaze focused on Him as we step out. Sometimes, like Peter, we can get caught up in what is happening and begin to sink. But when we find ourselves sinking, there is still hope!

There is a vast difference between sinking and sunk! Peter was sinking, but Jesus had not left him, and will never leave us either. If you find yourself sinking, turn back to Jesus, look for wise counsel from trusted people around you and don’t lose hope!

Dominique Holmes Every movie or book has the ‘expected’ parts of the storyline, but to make a great storyline, there has to be the ‘unexpected’.

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.

In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Matthew 14

Sometimes, we expect God to work in expected ways – the way we have seen Him work before. But it is important we stay watching and listening for what He is wanting to do next, and to expect the unexpected! As you begin 2017, I wonder what unexpected ways God is wanting to work in your life?

In the story of Jesus walking on water, what are the expected things?

We know that the disciples were fishermen, so it’s not unusual for them to be out in a boat. It’s also not unusual for Jesus to spend time on His own praying. By this stage, if we read our Bibles we have seen Jesus do numerous miracles – healing the sick, raising the dead, turning water into wine...so Jesus walking on water is also expected. In fact, we have seen Jesus asleep in a boat while his disciples battle the waves and wind of a storm. When they woke him, he calmed the wind and waves. So the next stage we might expect in this story is for Jesus to walk over, climb into the boat and calm the storm again – just like last time. But here, we have the unexpected...instead of saying “please get in the boat and calm the storm,” Peter says “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

Peace: beyond understanding Recently my life has taken a turn into a place that I never thought I would be. I had taken steps in my life and worked very hard to avoid being exactly where I am. My life as I had lived it and envisioned it has gone and will not be the same again. I am in a time of change, a time of refinement and a time of waiting. There is no going back, only the uncertainty of going forward remains, none of which I can hurry along or extract myself from.

Jesus response “Yes, come.” And Peter walks on water.

At times I have felt like Job, in a place unknown to me, through events I had prayed to avoid, feeling judged as unclean and denying my sins, shunned and accused by those who

Wow! Peter expected the unexpected, and while he kept his eyes on Jesus, did the miraculous! It is important that we do the same. We LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 3!

Confined

are unable to place themselves in my position or hold to their own version of their religiosity.

Whose counsel would I seek? I would not be as bold as Job to suggest I have done no wrong, indeed the choices I have made are mine alone. I was not forced into them and take full responsibility for where they have led me. I cannot truthfully say I have been led by God in my choices while at the same time I cannot say God hasn’t been part of the process.

Why do I believe God is involved? I have the peace that passes understanding. (Phil 4:7)

Jodie Chambers Are you confined? Do you feel hemmed in?

Are you constantly coming up against brick walls? Sometimes we can constrict or restrict ourselves to the limits of our own making.

What are you focusing on? Is what you are focusing on the very thing that is keeping you confined? The world we live in wants to put people in boxes, label and categorise everyone and everything. If you don’t fit in to a group with a label, well then, you just don’t fit in!

I don’t feel righteous in my choices or a false belief that I have chosen wisely, neither do I feel peace through the discipline of a tried and true Christian methodology or ritual that I have practiced for many years. What I feel is the gift of God, the gift of Peace. I don’t know why He has given me this peace other than through the truth that He has told me about myself for many years now. God tells me, I am His child. (Jn 1:12) I am known and loved wholly by Him.(1 Cor 8:3) He has chosen me to be His follower (1Thess 1:4) and carry His image to the world(2 Cor 3:18) I know He will not leave me or forsake me(Josh 1:5).

Research shows that new ideas come when we step beyond our limits or step out of the environment we are in and into a place where we can become curious. Playing, having fun, being out in nature and socialising in healthy relationships are some of the things that are said to promote ideas and new innovations. Weather it is the limits that our environment has placed on us, or one of our own making, until we choose to step past, or look beyond those limits and create an environment of curiosity we remain bound, along with our dreams and ideas.

In my new way of life I find myself in the midst of situations that I am unfamiliar with.

At times they can be stressful, unnerving, painful and volatile. I endeavour to seek God’s counsel and find my place in every situation while holding tightly to the gift of Peace He has given me. His peace surprises me and is beyond my understanding.

I love the saying “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” I would like to say that this is the way I live my life unfortunately, I know the emotions of confinement, restriction and fear more intimately than I care to admit; I also know the guidance, grace and compassion of my Heavenly Father.

Maybe you have been brave on one or two occasions and pushed out beyond your limits and confines however, you still remain within the boundaries of your work, family or cultural environment. Perhaps you have tried but things didn’t turn out the way you had hoped or expected. I don’t think I would be too presumptuous in saying for many of us, our confines are our fears. We fear standing out, mak-

I know things will get better because this is a promise from God also (Jer 29:11). I can’t see how or when or even what that may look like but with the gift of Peace, that can only be from my Father, I move forward with each day and situation and I can say “It is well with my soul.” - Anonymous LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 4 !

ing waves, disapproval, condemnation or one of the big fears; failure or rejection. When we fear we are less likely to try something new or step outside of what is known or expected.

When we look at the life of Jesus, He didn’t just step out beyond the rules and regulations of His time; He lived every moment beyond them. Theologians agree that while Jesus is fully divine, He is also fully human. I take this to mean that Jesus felt the same confines, restrictions and judgements we do however, He had no fear because fear is about punishment and punishment is not from God (1John4:18b If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.) Jesus was able to move beyond fear and live out the purpose He came for (Mat 26:42b ”If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” NLT). God offers us today, this same freedom to step beyond the confines of our culture, work place and family without fear and within the experience of our Heavenly Fathers love to achieve all that He has planned for us.

As another year begins be encouraged to step outside of your restrictions and confinements.

Make a list of those dreams and ideas you have that perhaps you have felt unable to do because of your culture, family or work. The dreams and ideas you have are those that have been placed in your heart by God and in His strength and love you can achieve them and live a fearless life of abundance.

Workshops and Seminars for

Personal & Professional Development To the mix of our already established topics we will be offering some new ones. Keep in touch and stay connected with us on Facebook and on our website for dates & topics.

SERVICES LIFE Counselling - empowering you with hope!

Professionally trained & registered counsellors to assist you on life’s journey.

LIFE Supervision - empowering you as you serve!

Trained & registered supervisors to assist you in your work as you serve, care, lead…

LIFE Networking - empowering you to connect!

Connecting Kingdom minded individuals, professionals and ministries.

LIFE Training - empowering you to grow!

Interactive seminars/workshops/retreats on various topics for personal & professional development.

LIFE Wellbeing - empowering you to thrive!

Providing you with services geared towards your spiritual, emotional, physical wellbeing.

Through prayer, mentoring and coaching.

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page !5

Parenting: “Natured Heart Approach”

for long-term mental health treatment. Also children experiencing social cognitive challenges, like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger Syndrome greatly benefit from the Approach’ (www.childrenssuccessfoundation.com).

Donna Hunter Over the last month I have been reading a book that has grasped my attention as a parent and as a person who works with young people. “All Children Flourishing – Igniting the Greatness in Our Children” by William Glasser has been an eye opening experience that has kindled my imagination to no end and inspired me to work with young people in a very different way. As William Glasser explains, we are often tuned into the negative aspect of what is happening and energise these situations, but too often fail to encourage successes, no matter how small.

Not just seeing successes but linking them to the values we want to teach our young people.

The 3 Stands of the Nurtured Heart Approach® are simple and easy to implement. #1 Absolutely No (refuse to energise negativity). #2 Absolutely Yes (relentlessly energise and create positivity and success), and #3 Absolutely Clear (set and enforce clear limits and clear consequences in an unenergised way). For more information, visit childrenssuccessfoundation.com where you can also find the book and more.

Children do not come in a “one size fits all package” and some are more challenging than others, what else would we expect, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. As a parent of three wonderfully different children, I can truly appreciate their differences. I have one child who seems to breeze through life, committed to her education, respectful and it is easy to give her praise for ALL her achievements. But what about the children who push the boundaries, often mess up and rarely get the recognition for being an ‘A’ grade student, a sports star or a musical marvel? How is their inner wealth built when they are forever missing the mark and receiving negative feedback? Internalised negative messages from one’s childhood often take root in an adult identity and thus it is important for us as parents to understand the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue can bring life or death and it is from this perspective that the Nurtured Heart Approach provides the tools to recognise and respond opportunistically to children’s successes and to energise these moments to build inner wealth.

I have noted that EVERY child/teen I have used this approach with, can notice the positive change in the energy of the relationship and is empowered to rise towards being the amazing people they are. In Philippians 4:9 it says meditate on whatever is true and noble and right and pure and lovely and admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think of such things… So remember, our thoughts create our words……

Research into this approach has shown to have a positive impact on children behaviourally, socially and academically, including children diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder and other behavioural, emotional and anxiety related symptoms – almost always without the need

Why is that? Sometimes we use these as a way to motivate or change habits that we‘re not ready to change. Often our goals and resolutions are behaviour based, so discouragement in our inability to change habits causes us to revert to our default positions. In order to change habits we need to rewire our brains—

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

From Resolution to Reflection Trudy Buchanan As we begin the New Year so many of us start it filled with hope having set fresh goals and feeling inspired to achieve. Some of us go as far as to set specific resolutions and goals; yet statistically many of these do not translate into success or help us find the motivation and outcomes we were looking for.

2017

Page 6 !

12.What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

changing the neural pathways so we do not default to old ways. This, of course, takes time and requires some strategy.

13.What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Part of our plan can be asking ourselves some reflective questions in order to consider our motivations and to help us discern what needs to change or be challenged in our character and attitudes, as well as our behaviour.

14.What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

15.What was the best way you used your time this past year? (http://theartofsimple.net/new-years-eve-reflection-questions/)

Typically, change or challenge create levels of anxiety— a normal response to the unfamiliar.

This anxiety-response often pushes us back the familiar or default positions thus reinforcing old habits. To step beyond this anxiety requires us to challenge our thinking to change those neural pathways and develop competence in new areas outside our comfort zones. This helps rewire our brains, changes our motivation, and helps manage the anxiety to develop and grow us.

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world.

You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something.

Neil Gaiman

Instead of setting resolutions, try some reflective questions to invite change by seeking to gain insight into motivation and areas needing challenging. This will lead on to us finding depth in relationships and spirituality as we discover more about ourselves and find greater capacity to grow and accomplish, in order to be both transformed, and transformative.

Being Real Karen Bekker I decided to wait till Christmas was over and we returned from holidays to submit my article. Well, here I am running out of time as unforeseen extra activities and a very painful tooth abscess has proven to be distracting and I am drawing a blank.

Reflective questions to consider: 1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

I attempted to start my article on many occasions having actually I had some very good ideas and made it through the first couple of paragraphs before I went blank…. when I’m in pain I tend to find it hard to focus :)

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe the past year.

My wise husband advised me to take a break and forget about the article and it will come.

Since I wasn’t getting anywhere I retreated to my room, flopped on my comfy chair, read a little and decided to have a chat with my heavenly Father while I played games on my phone and forget about the article.

6. Who were your most valuable relationships with?

7. What was your biggest personal change fromJanuary to December of this past year?

8. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

9. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

Then in the midst of getting 3 stars on Mojhong tiles level after level it came to me ‘Be

10.In what way(s) did you grow physically?

11.In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 7!

Momentum

Real’ Mmm… I thought. Do I write about my writers’ block, my distractions, my weakness??

Melody Durand

‘Yes!’ But why? Because we all have times when things don’t go to plan. Unexpected things come up, some good like friends visiting and some not so good like a tooth abscess.

As the hands of time continue to move uninterrupted, we welcome the dawn of another New Year. Many of us ask ourselves that periodic question at the onset of another year “What is my New Year’s resolution(s)?” In our pursuit to start the year focused on self development and success, we look for areas of improvement, unmet dreams and reflect on the year(s) passed in the hope of strengthening our potential and having a fulfilling year.

Sometimes when challenges come taking a moment to relax, taking a moment to unwind, taking time to read Gods word and being honest and real with Him is all we need to do to get our inspiration and answers.

This may seem like an unusual article but I feel that there is someone out there who is reading this right now and you’re struggling. There are things you have committed to and the pressures of life are becoming unbearable, to the point that you would like to give up.

However, do we fear change?

Fear of the unknown? Fear of failure? Fear of the consequences?

“Don’t!’ We all have pressure, we all have challenges and I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through because our walks in life are all so different but I do know that when we take time to stop, to talk to our Heavenly Father, to listen to Him, to read His word our strength is renewed and clarity returns.

To step out of our comfort zone, fear needs to be acknowledged and overcome by asking one’s self the question “Am I going to make a decision to be flexible and adaptable?”

To establish a vision for the year will entail some researching and planning. The vision statement can be broken down into smaller sections:

So, my prayer for you all is that you will take the time to sit before our saviour Jesus; even for just a few moments each day. And if your circumstances are more than you can bear on your own please seek help from a trusted friend, pastor or counsellor. Sometimes we just need to make a decision to stop, to breath, to refocus.

Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV) “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

•

What are my Goals?

•

What is my current situation in relation to the goals I have chosen?

•

What options are available to help in achieving my goals?

•

What actions are required for me to achieving these goals?

Goals: Needs to be positively stated, specific, challenging but realistic.

Current situation: What are the facts in relations to the goals I want to pursue? Be detailed, descriptive and specific when re-

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 8 !

viewing your reality. i.e. Are there any obstacles, concerns, preferences, values etc.,,,

is can be incredibly difficult to hear and even more difficult to act upon.

Whereas a person with a growth mindset believes that their qualities can be further developed through their efforts even though everyone’s starting point differ everyone can grow through application and experience. This is obviously a much better mindset to have when it comes to learning through feedback as feedback received rather than being seen as a possible threat, is seen as an opportunity to grow, learn and improve.

Options: Look at as many alternatives and possibilities to achieve your goals. Be creative.

Actions: This is decision time – building an action plan. By reviewing your current situation and options, an informed decision needs to be made. Which goals do you want to pursue right now?

“I can’t lose – regardless of the outcome of the decision I make, the world is a place for opportunity, and I look forward to the opportunities for learning and growing that either pathway gives me.” – Susan Jeffers

In the Bible, we see many examples of fixed and growth mindsets. Joshua and Caleb could see the potential of the ‘Promised Land’ even though there was going to be hard work and faith in God to realise that dream however, the other 10 spies could only see the giants and their own finite abilities. David could see the vision of a world without Goliath and was willing to put his life on the line and his faith in God to see Goliath defeated. Of course, Jesus was willing to follow the will of his Father even unto death because he could see the greater vision. I think just having faith the ‘assurance of what we don’t see’ certainly requires that growth mindset.

Learning to Accept Feedback Lisa Dumicich There are many strategies that teachers can use to improve the learning of students with varying degrees of effectiveness, however, one of the most effective strategies is providing students feedback that moves them forward in learning. (In some ways a better title would be feedforward rather than feedback) Feedback, if directed at improving the student's performance in a specific manner where students get to reflect and act on the feedback, is highly effective at helping the student learn. Such feedback can be given by teachers and by peers.

As parents and teachers, what can we do to help our children develop a growth mindset?

One of the first things that we can do is make sure we are focusing on the effort that is put into a task rather than the result of the task. For example, don’t say “Great work on getting an A” say “I can see you put in lots of work to get that A, well done”. Don’t jump in and solve everything for your children let them work through challenges themselves. Let them try and fail and try again, all the while encouraging the process rather than the outcome.

However, feedback is only as good as the willingness of the person to receive and act on it.

The ability to receive feedback is highly dependent on the type of mindset that you have, is it a growth mindset or a fixed mindset? A person with a fixed mindset believes that their abilities are set in stone and are unchangeable each task given is an assessment of their worth and therefore feedback which challenges the fixed idea about themselves and their abilities LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

Accepting constructive feedback, reflecting on it and making changes help us to grow not only as a student but as a person and in our faith.

Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

Proverbs 13.13 2017

Page 9 !

Death & Life

only once it is gone? I found myself wondering about that young man with the bucket, and the numerous others I saw collecting buckets of water that day. Don’t the grounds-people at the Crematorium look after the upkeep of the graves? Why are they doing that? How often do they come, and change the flowers, and wash down the headstones, and clear away the leaves? I found myself wondering if these people paid as much attention and showed as much care to their loved ones when they were still living as they appear to be doing now they are gone? And I thought about myself, and if my parents knew how much I loved them, and even though they drove me crazy sometimes, I loved that my Dad taught me to play cricket, football, and other ‘boys’ sports, when most girls were playing with dolls. Did he know how much I admired him for that?

Did my Mum know how much I was in awe of her patience, kindness and gentleness? More to the point, do those in my life NOW know that I love them, appreciate them and learn from them every day? Do I celebrate my life, and all its opportunities and hurdles as they come, or will I look back on my life and wonder what more I could have done, what better way could I have spent the time I had?

And All Those Big Questions

Sam Brown

As I was wondering through the Crematorium the other day, intent on my annual(ish) visit to my father’s grave, I was struck by two significant thoughts. The first was the tranquillity of the entire place, where so many different cultures and customs manage to co-exist in harmony. It is not just the dead who are silent in such places, but it is the restraint and respect the living show to both their dearly departed, and to those others still living around them; strangers, with different beliefs, different rituals of grieving and different ways of commemorating death. From the rows upon rows of elaborate flower arrangements decorating similarly elaborate stone tombs, to the large concrete mausoleums lined with walls of plaques from floor to ceiling, or the serene gardens and lush green lawns where ashes have been scattered and rarely visited; all of these contrasting forms reside peacefully side-by-side and those who come to mourn do not show resentment, or offences, or animosity to those whose process is distinct from their own. My parents’ ashes reside at the base of a sweet pink rose bush, but I found myself mesmerised by the incredible amount of flowers adoring the Roman Catholic gravestones, and I was in awe of the young Asian man who was filling a big bucket with water to wash down his loved one’s tomb and clear away all the leaves and debris. How is it that we as human beings can be so courteous and compassionate of our diversity in death, yet struggle to be so in life?

My simple visit to the Cemetery turned into a day of quiet, thoughtful reflection, on life and death and some of those big, sometimes scary, questions. My question to you is: Are you living your life in a way that is pleasing and harmonious and full of life, or are you leaving it until it’s gone? Will you look back at your life and see an old, decaying grave that you have not taken care of, or will you see a thing of beauty that you have nurtured and celebrated? ‘Life’ tomorrow will already be ‘lived’, don’t wait until you get there to make the most of it.

That was my first question. My second questions was: How many of us leave things unsaid or undone, celebrating and commemorating life LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 1! 0

Project Stories Barefoot but not alone Danolene Johanessen

The crisp early morning air greets me, with a single ray of sunshine peeking over the horizon. It promises a glorious day and I have to will myself to break my gaze and ready myself for school. I have a long trek ahead of me. I divert my gaze to the single pair of school shoes sitting beneath the bed and wonder to myself, who it’s lucky recipient will be today.

I am the oldest, of three siblings, with two younger brothers and I am responsible for them. This is a responsibility that I take seriously, even though I am not ready for it. It’s too big a load for me to carry. I often visualise myself escaping my bleak reality, just to get away, to be able to feel free and liberated. Not ever again having to feel hopeless and fearful. We never seem to have enough, I just wish…, alas I push my fantasy aside. I am the older, responsible sister and my siblings depend on me. Who will take care of them if I am no longer around to do so? I grudgingly stay, with the Hope that things will one day change, that my hope and faith in humanity will once again be restored. After all miracles are known to happen from time to time.

Would you like to read more of this story and find out the incredible ending? Would be interested in making a difference in the life of one child? We invite you to buy the book. All proceeds go directly to equipping children with essentials for school and towards a better education. For more information about the projects in South Africa visit

My mother’s voice penetrates my thoughts, urging me to get done and go check on my bothers. “Stop your daydreaming” she says. “They won’t solve any of our problems. Now go to school.”

http://royalkidz.co.za To our readers outside of South Africa, if you are interested in purchasing the book, please contact LIFE and we will arrange to get the book/story to you. All funds go directly to Royalkidz.

I lean over to retrieve the only pair of school shoes we have and hand them to my older brother. “Your lucky day.” I say once again. The size doesn’t matter, as we make it fit. Just as we are about to head out the door, my youngest brother looks up and whispers to me. “I am hungry.” I look around the kitchen and spot the stale loaf of bread, which is all there is. I cut a thick slice and hand it to him, the look of sadness visible in his eyes. I pray that Jesus will make the bread taste like his favourite meal and tell him. “Pretend that it’s your most favourite treat in the world.” It seems to work as he gobbles down the bread, only I know it’s not so, it’s just that with the hunger, anything tastes like kings food. When you are hungry.

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

enews@lifeinternational.com.au or info@lifeinternational.com.au If you would like to know more about our partnership with Royal Kidz or to find out more details about other LIFE projects in South Africa, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We believe together we can make a difference!

2017

Page !11

Dedicated to Mothers

impossible situations are transformed when you fast. Matthew 17:21 (Remember: Fasting has to first change me, then the circumstances around me.)

Amritha Perera Everything you do for your children and for the family is seen by the Lord Jesus and He appreciates you! He says ‘Thank you’ twice over. If we could stand shoulder to shoulder as mothers across the nations, covering each other and our families in prayer, what an impact it would be!

It’s a vision the Lord has given to me to encourage Mothers across the world, to be an army of intercessors for their own children as well as many other children who need prayer.

Most Effect Prayers: Pray using scripture.

Many do not know the power of God’s word. It is living and active. Pray using scripture. You will see miracles taking place in your home in this new year!

My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. …

Matthew 18:10

Each one of us whether we have children of our own or not, are called to be Mothers. If you don’t have children of your own, you can be a spiritual mother to many. Ask the Lord to show you whom to pray for. There are millions of children who need your prayer support.

Please print /cut this out and paste it in your home, in a place you can see often.

Check list for Mothers (Practical suggestions) • Start the day with the Lord Jesus. As you wake up, spend a few minutes in prayer, before you wake up your children. Ask the Lord to fill you with His love to love your husband and kids.

• Ask God for wisdom. (When to speak & when to remain silent.) Have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians.2:16 • Daily read God’s word (See the benefits: Psalm 1:1-5 Psalm 119) When you read the word, you meet Jesus every day, as He is the word!

• Be willing to change. Ask the Lord Jesus to cleanse you with His precious blood. (Say “ Lord I am wrong, you are right”)

Pray these promises over your child/children daily (put their names in the blank)

Isaiah 54:13 _______________ will be “taught by the Lord” and great will be their peace.

Psalm 119:11 _____________ will hide God’s Word in their hearts.

Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon _______________, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. Colossians 1:9 God will fill ______________ with the knowledge of His will so that they can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and that their life will bear fruit.

Ephesians 1:17-19 I pray that ___________ heart will be flooded with light so that they can understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He calls.

Proverbs 3:5-6 __________________ will trust in the Lord with all their hearts and not lean on their own understanding.

• Welcome the Holy Spirit in to your homes daily (then no other spirit can remain)

Phil. 4:6-9 ______________ will not worry or be afraid but that they will pray about everything, and that the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

• Find a prayer partner – another Mum, who will pray with you, once a week. (Matthew 18:19)

They brought little children to Jesus that He might touch them… He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13&16

• Fast & pray once a week (I have kept Wednesday as my prayer & fasting day). Many LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

Say:“my daughter/son will grow up to be like the Lord Jesus”.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52 2017

Page 1! 2

LIFE Edition 7, Issue 25

2017

Page 1! 3