Thursday, October 31, 2013

Mothering a girl

If it is true that children should be trained in the knowledge of the Lord, and Scripture tells us it is, then there is one task in parenting that outranks all others in significance.  It is the responsibility of Christian mothers and fathers to introduce their children to Jesus Christ and to cultivate their understanding of Him at every opportunity.  The apostle Paul gave us that priority 2000 years ago when he wrote, "Do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph 6.4)
How desperately today's young people need this training and instruction.  Countless numbers of them around the world are growing up in a world that is warping their beliefs and behaviour.  You can observe that damning influence by strolling through a local mall on a Friday night.  Just look around.  You'll see girls and boys who appear to be emotionally lost and spiritually bankrupt... the profanity and extreme ways they present themselves expose a poverty of soul.


extract from Bringing Up Girls
by Dr James Dobson

This book has been a 'word in season' for me; with practical advice on how girls see themselves, the culture around them, etc with surprising statistics and great encouragement!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The first rose of Spring

 
We are enjoying the garden at the moment... especially in the evenings. 
The roses were pruned very late this year, hence only starting to bloom now.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Soup to ward off the "evils"

I have such severe hay fever at the moment.  I just want a bowl of soup and my bed -
something old-fashioned and robust...

Like this Beef and Barley Soup, I think I will make this today

2L beef stock
400g beef shin (or half only and rest lean beef)
2 onions chopped
2 sticks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1-2 cans chopped tomatoes
2 sprigs of thyme
1 cup barley
salt, pepper and a little garlic

Simmer for one hour.  Remove meat and discard bones, chop up and add back.
Enjoy!


Saturday, October 26, 2013

5km walk with friends


A great morning with the Anderson family!! A beautiful walk and even
better girl talk... the four girls were walking together.  Then a late breakfast and
more chatter and laughter at Nitida.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Time to bounce or not

Our trampoline has been repaired - just in time for the dreamy summer months ahead!


The weather was still and hot yesterday.  I was enticed to join her with my book!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Understand the meaning, leaning and wishes

"Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings and wishes of those who do speak.  Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent."

~  Saint Ignatius


I really like this quote because it has a deeper reflection on listening and understanding what another person is conveying.  Not just pausing to think about what you are going to say next... I think this is more about the heart than the ears.


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

White bliss


I was browsing and found this lovely and rustic looking kitchen corner! I do love lots of white in a kitchen!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Blustery but together

We love a walk on the beach on weekends but it was just too windy.  On the upside, ice cream is good in any weather, so we stayed on the grass banks and enjoyed it.

Friday, October 18, 2013

The school week


 
Rebecca had her year end Honouring Night at school.  Great concert and she was a popcorn vendor before the concert... - we popped corn all afternoon!!!  What a mammoth task.  Not recommended.



A school outing to the Planetarium, the Slave Lodge and the Groote Kerk. 
The first stone laid for this amazing church was on the 28th of December 1700,
it still has family seating... amazing! 
 
 

 
 
 
 
The family bench - totally enclosed.  It looks so snug... with all your people in a booth of sorts.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Fish and Chips... sort of


A healthy version of baked fish with lemon and herbs, roasted spuds and homemade tartar sauce!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Sundays are for...

After a oddly busy Sunday, I went out for a evening walk to drink in nature and fresh air.  Wayne and Rebecca joined me on their bicycles.  They raced ahead and then returned to me.  A lovely end to the weekend!


Friday, October 11, 2013

Moving towards the teens

I attended Rob Parson's talk last night 'Parenting in the teenage years' - so good and practical.  I had a lovely seat towards the front, all thanks to my merciful friend, Bernadette who kept me a seat, which I landed on about 40 seconds before Rob began speaking. 

I loved what he said about 'taking a second look and catch them doing something good' and about the importance of time, the tongue and touch.  Rebecca is edging towards the teens and I need to keep his words in my heart and mind.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Assignments and assessments

It has been a great while since I last wrote an assignment and exam.  I have been scribbling away for days and its still not over.  Being assessed isn't fun but the redeeming fact is that it is making me think deeper than I have in a while...

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Yes, yes!!

I needed reminding that it's never to late to start something good.  Who knows where a small beginning leads...

Friday, October 4, 2013

In the garden this morning

 
The plum tree blossoms (sadly the peach tree died)
 

 
The loquats promise sweet fruit, full of vitamin A & potassium.
 

 
The flowering hedges.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013