I am the youngest of six children. I wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s a story for another day. We’re a close-knit bunch, probably because our father and oldest brother passed away early in our lives. Every other year around Christmas we all go to the Cederberg Mountains. We braai and make a potjie. […]
Read moreOften, a person’s inner self is exposed through their words. Some people will surprise you with genuine and beautiful words. Others, however, will make you think, “No way, I’d rather stay far away. I wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole!” People’s actions often reveal more than their words. But it actually also works the other […]
Read moreA friend told me this story about Pieter, Hennie and Susan. Pieter had a hard childhood. He lost his father when he was young. He did not have a good relationship with his much older mother and had no contact with his only sister. Without these family relationships, he ended up making friends with the […]
Read moreI was the last of six children. My brothers and sisters say I was spoilt, but I disagree. When my brothers wanted a guinea pig to test their newly made darts, I had no choice but to run. Then they tried to hit my heels with the darts. I slept very soundly and if I […]
Read moreWherever we go camping, I like to visit the new neighbours to introduce myself. Because I don’t have a common name, I always try to pronounce my name slowly and clearly. I focus so much on pronouncing my name, often I don’t hear who the other person is. Then I always feel so silly asking […]
Read moreMarlene tells the story of a doctor from Klerksdorp who struggled financially as a student. His brother who had already qualified as a doctor occasionally left money in his bible without saying anything. Therefore, he made sure to read his Bible every night. What a nice story. That’s what brothers and sisters should actually do […]
Read moreA few days ago, I wrote: “And even more than that. God established marriage to bring children into the world. It is the safe harbour to which children and spouses return again and again, where they can be themselves, are protected, and, yes, are loved.” 5… the younger women will know how to love their […]
Read moreWe were six children. How my parents balanced that budget, only they will know. Today, one would have to sell a few farms to raise a herd of kids like that and send them out into the world armed with an education. Unfortunately, my dad died when I was fairly young and later that same […]
Read morePhilippians 4:21-23 Sometimes you feel alone. Sometimes you feel you won’t make it. Sometimes the black dog creeps closer to your front door and you wonder what life is about. No, I don’t want to exaggerate, but sometimes you simply don’t feel good and you start wondering about the meaning of life… Maybe you’re not […]
Read moreEphesians 6:1-9 Every year we have very good intentions to spend less time at work and more with the family, but these intentions are swiftly blown out of the door as we soon become too busy with work and other things. And do you know what? The devil is rushing us. He pushes us to […]
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