share joke that Cristian wrote on his blog Teehee

“Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, “Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.” Man bursts into tears. Says, “But doctor…I am Pagliacci.” ― Alan Moore

God watches over me for my good

Saturday afternoon and everyone is busy in our house, my step daughter is painting the gate outside and my husband and step son are fixing our tiles in the house.  I have been struggling with tonsillitis for a couple of weeks now and today I really feel a little better.  My throat isn’t that sore anymore and thank goodness my ears are better too.

The funny thing about this tonsillitis thing is that I have been grumpy and miserable for days on end and I just could not get rid of these self-pity feelings I have been carrying around with me. 

We went shopping today and I have been eyeing this little ‘Hedgehog’ at the store since they put it on display, it is so cute and I really love it.  We were walking down the aisle looking for the stuff I need for the Sunday meal my husband is going to cook. 

Walking past the little ‘Hedgehog’ my husband says ‘take one’.  I was surprised and he said again ‘go on, take one.’  I looked at him and smiled taking the first little chap I liked. 

I think God is real, He does hear us when we feel a little down in the dumps and He uses people to help us get through our difficult days and sends beautiful gifts we so desire.

 Jeremiah 24:6

'My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.'

As always the Lord my God is watching over me, yes it seems I have been feeling a little sick but thank the Lord for keeping watch over me.  Thank the Lord for helping me and gifts I receive unexpected.

May you have a stunning day and a wonderful rest of the weekend, and not forgetting ‘Happy Fathers day.’

Racheltjie de Beer - her story

Racheltjie de Beer is one of the stories we were told as young children.  I would like to share this story with you today.

During the month of June 1843 we were on our way from the Orange Free State to the Transvaal.  As the Ox Wagons move through the long grass which has turned yellow as the winter started you can see for miles around you.

The sky is blue with streaks of white clouds here and there, the wind is blowing today, it’s cold and the folk are all quiet.  The oxen’s move forward and the dogs run alongside the wagons.  We have packed up all our belongings and are looking forward to living in the Transvaal.

Rumor has it that there is gold to be found and that the province is beautiful, mountain country and that we can make our fortunes there.  On the horizon I can see a mountain range and the trees are starting to come into sight.  The people in our company are all getting excited; we are entering into the Transvaal.

The surrounding area is very different to the Orange Free State, there are trees all over the place with loads of rocks and we are experiencing some problems with our wagons.  Every now and then someone has to stop for a wheel has come off or is broken.  But the people are in good spirits.  We don’t know what kind of wild animals are roaming around but we have seen some beautiful ‘Spring bucks’ and ‘Wilde Bees.’  As we pull our Ox Wagons into a ring and make fire for the evening super the people are all busy with collecting wood and getting their pots out for super.  The fires are warm and as we sit around the fire enjoyed the stews and black coffee.

It’s still cold there isn’t any snow but the wind is ice cold and the temperatures drop rapidly.  Early morning everybody is preparing for the long trek, we don’t want to stay in one place too long.  The kids are enjoying the new surrounding but we don’t allow them to move away from the company it is really dangerous.

It was around late afternoon when Rachel and her brother both came running up to me from the back of the wagon.  As I sat on my horse I stopped and spoke to them ‘what is it?’ I asked as I leaned down to them. 

‘Pa, pa Frikkie is missing.’  Rachel said with her brother standing next to her. 

‘When did you realize his missing?’ I asked as I got off my horse.

‘We don’t know, his missing.’ Rachel said as she looked around to see if she could spot him.

‘Go back to your mom and sit in the wagon, I will speak to Oom Ben and see what we can do about his.’  I said as I got back onto my horse and road off to the front of the company.

‘Ben’ I called out as I was riding toward his ox wagon. 

Ben was sitting in front of the wagon with a felt hat on and warm jacked directing the oxen. 

‘Woa Woa’ he called out as the oxen came to a halt.

‘Ja, de Beer.  What is the problem?’  Ben asked as he took the pipe from his mouth.

‘Our little calf Frikkie is missing.’  I said as I sat on my horse looking at the old man.

‘that’s no good, we will have to speak to the rest of the company and see if we can find the calf.’  Ben said as he jumped off the wagon.  The company came to a halt and all the men came up to see what was wrong.  They discussed the situation and the ox wagons where arranged into a circle as was the custom.  The woman and children would wait and prepare meals.

‘Pa, pa … please let us come with you.  We also want to help in finding Frikkie.’  Rachel pleaded as we stood waiting for the men to gather.  ‘No, Rachel it’s not safe and you can stay helping your mom.’  I said not wanting to endanger my children.

‘Oh please Pa, please’ Rachel kept at me.

‘On one condition, you and your brother stay near us; on wondering off on your own.’  I said as I pulled both my children towards me hugging them and then I stood up and walked over to the men. 

We were all calling out ‘Frikkie’ and walking into the wilderness.  The children on toe, it the day was changing and dusk was upon us.  We stopped and regrouped, I called out ‘Rachel and de Beertjie’.  There was no answer it was too late to walk about and it was decided we will resume our search early in the morning.  I was angry but there wasn’t anything I could do.

‘We are lost and all alone.’ He walked moaning while Rachel looked for a place they could find shelter.  The wind wasn’t blowing but the night air was cold and she knew it was imperative to find somewhere they could shelter.

While they were walking in the dark Rachel noticed an anthill, it was hallway open, and an aardvark had already dug it out.  ‘Come let’s get into the whole and see it we can stay warm’ Rachel pulled on her brothers arms half dragging him to the anthill.  Standing looking at the anthill she realised it was too small.  Bending down she started to dig a little more so that she could fit her brother in the whole.

‘I want my mommy, I am cold.’ He was complaining as she moved him into the whole.  He sat down and she sat in front of him but he kept on moaning.  Standing up Rachel took off her warm jacket and jersey and put it over her brother.  Sitting down she was shivering, Brr it was cold tonight.  Still he was moaning.  Rachel took off her little dress and placed over her brother and sat down in front of the whole, her little slip was so thin but she crossed her arms and place her head on them.  It was very cold.  She fell asleep and died.

Early the next morning I rose and all the men were ready to help me look for my two children.  The funny thing is the children weren’t that far away from the wagons.  They must have been a half a kilometre away.  We found my beautiful girl sitting in front of an anthill with only her slip on.  Her brother nestled in the back of the anthill covered with all her clothing.  On finding them my heart broke.  I couldn’t stop the tears from running down my cheeks.  My daughter gave her life to protect and keep her brother safe.

We buried my little girl in the veld and placed a couple of rocks on her grave.  I love my children and will never forget her bravery. 

Racheltjie de Beer gave her life to protect her brother from the freezing cold.  My darling child.

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Death in Printers Alley - Book Review

 

Book Review:                                 Death in Printers Alley

Author:                                            Ken Brigham

Personal Quality Rating:                5            

Reviewer:                                        Yvette van Niekerk (South Africa)

Summary:

This Science Fiction Novel revolves around a murder taking place in ‘Printers Alley’ – which is associated with musicians and nightclubs.  Bonz Bagley the owner of a club in the street is murder in the early hours of Sunday morning.  A former detective, Shane Hadley hears the shots fired and wheels his wheelchair into the direction of the fired shots.  On reaching the porch overlooking ‘Printers Alley’ he see’s someone running away from the crime scene, with a slight hitch in their gait.

The police arrive within minutes and detective Hardy Seltzer interviews detective Shane Hadley.  A connection is made and Hardy and Shane start with their detective work.  Hardy goes with his gut and arrests Jody and Shane still keep the investigation going on his end.  Not believing that the criminal will hand over the gun.

KiKi (Katya Karpov) is Shanes wife and she is suspicious about data she thought did not make sense.  Cy Bartalak and his wife Beth work alongside KiKi and she has her doubts about the results of the tests.  She looks access Beth’s computer and finds information that is damming to the project.

Social / Historical Context:

This dynamic story tells about the drive for success in the business world, the craziness of the academic world – the quest to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  The morals and standards of people involved.  

The policing and the politics that is ongoing throughout the story and the way Hardy and Shane work together.  How they reach their different goals. 

Writing Style:

The writing style to my mind is evocation and common place.  It narrates the experimental drugs that are used on people and the outcome of the tests.  The story is really about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and the people involved in the studies.  The focus is on the studies and detective work around finding the murder.  The characters are exciting and interesting.

The writer knows the academic world and is able to describe environment, his investigative skills are really good.  I think the writer has the ability to draw you into the story and you keep wondering what’s going to happen next.

I enjoyed the read and to be honest I just could not put the book down, it was thrilling and interesting and I like the angle the writer took.

My Thoughts:

I liked the story; I like Katya Karpov – the neurologist, her retired detective husband Shane Hadley and the people she was associated with.  Beth and Cy Bartalak at the university.  Bartalak’s business dealing and the cunning way he draws people into his business venture.  The murder of one of the club owners in Printer’s Alley, Bonz Bagley.  Not forgetting the detective doing all the hard work Hardy Seltzer, not your normal run of the mill kind of guy.  Excellent story!  Must read!

 

To live a Godly life

In the half-century that I have been around I have come to the conclusion that it is imperative for me to live a Godly life.  I want to please my Lord and Saviour and I want to be gracious as I grow older.  As I have been thinking about what it takes to get to living such a live I want to share my thoughts with you.

How to live a Godly life?

Let’s start by following the Lord Jesus’s instructions as it is written in Mark 12: 29 – 31 (CEB) and Jesus replied, “The most important one is Israel, listen! Our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is this, you will love your neighbour as yourself.  No other commandment is greater than these.”

Imitators

Because I am human and have problems with my fellow man I will get angry and upset with them, family and neighbour.  How to deal with my frustrations and get on with my live turning more Godly?  The Lord Jesus speaks to us in John 13: 15 ‘I have given you an example, that as I have, so should you do.’  Here’s the first part we need to do ‘follow by example’, and to confirm this Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11: 1 ‘Imitate me as I imitate Christ.’  So we need to read, learn and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.  Another scripture to consider is Ephesian 5: 1 ‘Be imitators of God as dear children’. 

Disobedient

Since I didn’t always allow myself to be obedient and follow the Lord’s footstep, the word says that in Matthew 12:44 “… the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.”  Now there is a chance for the devil to come and move in.  I was the one who neglected to stay in the word of God.  Making me lukewarm as a Christian, weakening me in my trails and testing’s.

Turning back

Proverbs 8: 17 – 21 ‘I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.  With me are riches and honour, enduring wealth and righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.’  I now start to study the scriptures and look to become more like the Lord.  I want to chance my unrighteousness into righteousness.

Psalms 1: 1 – 3 ‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he mediates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers.’

John 14: 21-27 ‘Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.  Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”  Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.  He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.  These words you hear are not my own, they belong to the Father who sent me.  All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Repentance of Sin

2 Chronicles 7: 14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;  then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  As I consider my position I have realised that there are things that aren’t right in my own life, I have to repent and change my ways.  Coming back to the Lord my God. 

Read you Bible

We teach our children in the Afrikaans Sunday Schools to ‘read your Bible and pray each day, so that you are able to grow spiritually.’  This is my advice too, read your Bible and pray each day.  James 1: 22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.”  And Matthew 4: 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  2 Timothy 3: 6 says ‘All scripture is inspired by God and profitable [for something] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;’

With these scriptures I am able to meditate on God’s word, learn to imitate Him and live a Godly life.

Allow God to change me

Ezekiel 36: 26 – 27 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”  I have come to that point in my life that I need to allow the Lord my God to change me.  I have to let this happen so that I am able to grow spiritually.  Taking the responsibility for my own life, look at what Ephesians 4: 24 says “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  By clothing myself each day with Jesus I will become a new person.  My ways start to change, it will be seen by others on how I speak to them, what I say and what I do.  People will notice on my person what I wear and look like, how I react and what my likes and dislikes will be like. 

James 1: 21 says ‘therefore, rid yourselves of everything impure and every expression of wickedness, and with a gently spirit welcome the word planted in you that can save your souls.’

Persecution

 In 2 Timothy 3: 12 ‘in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,’ people will find you difficult to live with, it will frustrate them because your life style with clash with theirs.  They will persecute you because you do things soberly and consciously not wanting to make a fool of yourself or embarrass yourself.

Daily Devotion

In Ephesians 1: 16 Paul reminds us to pray for a “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation” now then also pray this prayer with me Ephesians 1:16-23 (CEB) ^‘I don’t stop giving thanks to God for you when I remember you in my prayers.  I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you.  I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, ^and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength.  God’s power was at work in Christ when God raised him from the dead and sat him at God’s right side in the heavens, far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power, any power that might be named not only now but in the future.  God put everything under Christ’s feet and made him head of everything in the church,  which is his body. His body, the church, is the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way.’  In praying this prayer we will allow the Lord to open our spiritual eyes to His word, and help us in our development.

Their point of view

It is really difficult for me to see other people’s point of view when I want it my way.  So now I am learning to just give others the right to their own point of view.  I don’t know everything and should allow others to discover their own way to the Lord and not try and enforce it on them.  Difficult lesson for me but I am working on this.

Accommodating

Because I have become so set on having my own way it is difficult for me to accommodate other people.  “It’s my way or the highway.”  Now, I have to understand that not everybody will do as I say.  I have to practice restraint and patience and learn to understand them.  I also have to love my enemies, because God loves them and me. 

Serve others

Caring for other people is something we need to do each day, I have teenagers.  I also need to care about other people, those in need.  James 2: 16 “if one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” So when you can help your fellow man, the one who is struggling.  Give with a happy heart, clothing or food and if you can with money.

What goes around comes around

If you treat others disrespectfully, be sure it will come back to you.  Treat each other with respect and kindness; do unto others as you want done unto you.

Peace in the home

In 1 Thessalonians 4: 11 ‘Aim to live quietly, mind your own business, and earn your own living, just as I told you’.  By living a peaceful live we must guard against becoming filled with pride, which simply is judging other people and thinking we are that much better than they are.  Allowing ourselves to be filled with pride; we are allowing sin to come back into our lives.  Pride is sin, when we have so much pride we become greedy, we lust after, we hate other and other sins come out.

Spread the good news!

Living a Christian life requires we share the Good News!  Speak to people about what God has done for each of you.  Be a living testament to the Lord.  I never allow people to say bad things about my God.  I stand up for what I believe.  God loves you.

Go to church

In living a Godly life you need to fellowship with other Christians, we grow by going to Church and learning the word of God.  People need people to grow spiritually.  Fellowship with other Christians makes the word come to life.  God works through each one of us and we need to be there for each other.

Prayer

LORD, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, LORD.  Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.  His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from HIS hand, where His power was hidden. Amen

The Secret History of another Rome : Book Review

Book Review:                                 The Secret History of another Rome

Author:                                            Bear

Realest book:                                 April 2015

First book:                                      Excellent

Personal Quality Rating:                4            

Reviewer:                                        Yvette van Niekerk (South Africa)

Summary:

The Science Fiction story foretells a future in the 2600’s.  A young child named Octavian depart Table Mountain in Southern Africa to go to the new country Alexandria, his mother accompanies him on the flight.  The child reaches an aged where he is permitted to change his name and he chooses to be called Ranulf.  Ranulf is being trained to become the next Supreme Pontiff of the Empire of Rome at Alexandria.  His teachers are called Librarian which looks a lot like priests.

The current Pontiff dies and Ranulf has to fill his shoes, the change is dramatic and it take Ranulf some time to settle into the role.  He is constantly learning and he starts to investigate his predecessor Julius VII Heraclitus whom by the way was a native of “Bloemfontein”.  I absolutely enjoyed this as “Bloemfontein” is a real place in Southern Africa, the Free State.

Because of Ranulfs curiosity he ventures out of the enclosed Librarian property into the city and he doesn’t realise that he has someone watching over him.  Ranulf is guided by tutors and Murmur as he called him is one he like.  Something interesting pops up about this character which made the story even more interesting.

Ranulf is on a quest in finding out the truth and there are secrets he starts to uncover with the help of a mysterious stranger.

Social / Historical Context:

This is a normal day-to-day life, with constant teaching and learning and the relationships that Ranulf make.  The strategic way the Librarians keep Ranulf in the dark with their half-truths.  The venturing out of the Library into the City and the way Ranulf discovers the Secrets.

The story hits home as I live in Southern Africa and a number of places are mentioned in the book.  Which makes the story credible and interesting.

The plot thickens when the one person you don’t suspect is actually a traitor, I was so surprised.  Then the dismissing of this person?

Writing Style:

The writing style to my mind is evocation and some common place.  It narrated a journey in the life of a young man being taught to life according to a set thinking.  The writers to my thinking are someone set on learning.

The writer’s view of the years to come was interesting and made me think that everything was formal and unsent.  When the immortal spoke to Ranulf ‘You do not know who we are, yet you deal with us, trust us.’ It made me think people believe whatever they see.  If you don’t question you won’t know.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the story and feel it was a good read, I love reading of the places referred to in the book and it sounds believable.  I enjoyed the teachers (Librarians) they were wise and never got on my nerves.  The story revolves around a young man being groomed for a really important position.  Ranulf’s Tutoring and learning; all the interesting events that happen in his life.  The loss of his mother and the secrets that is unsolved.   I like the immortals that spoke to him on occasion in the Great Hall, how they reminded him to relax and still.  Ranulf revisited his past on many occasions and the story get really good near the end.

Short version

The young child Octavian whom changes his name to Ranulf becomes Supreme Pontiff of the Empire of Rome at Alexandria in the mid 2600’s.  The Librarians who teach and tutor him, after twenty some years on the throne Ranulf starts to think back on his life.  He reminisced about his mother and there time together and how he made decisions.  He thinks of his relationships with some of the people.  To my thinking he was in search of the truth and the Secret History which finally become clear near the end.  The mysterious strangers or the Immortals that he encounters and how he finally gets to uncover the Secret.

Happy Mothers Day

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To all the mothers all over the world :  Happy Mothers Day, I wish you a splendid day with loads of love, flowers, chocolates, and may children around your table.

:-)  You are a blessing!

Clan of Midnight - Book Review

Book Review:                                 Clan of Midnight

Author:                                            Richard Phillip Hoffman

Personal Quality Rating:                4            

Reviewer:                                        Yvette van Niekerk (South Africa)

Summary:

This Science Fiction Mystery Novel is written using the setting of the California.  The story kicks off with murders which are reported on Channel 6.  The main character David Zane is a magician who doesn't age.  So he looks really good for a 65 year old chap.

Detective Roberts contacts Zane to see what he thought of the murders and if there was away in solving the murders.  After inspecting the bodies Zane suggests that the Detective see if they can get some cash to pay the matron Bonny St. Claire to help with the investigation.

The story is interesting and there is a lot going on with nostalgia around Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney and the different immortals.

Social / Historical Context:

Considering that David Zane is now out of the Underworld and living between people his day-to-day living is normal with some dynamics of being a magician and noticing other things taking place around him.  Zane starts to pick up that it isn't just one person doing all the killings but a number of killers.  It gets interesting and now the story starts to come alive.

Writing Style:

The writing style to my mind is a little evocation and common place.  It narrated a person who is deep in the magical world living among humans.  The writer enjoys describing his characters so you get a good idea of what they look like.

To me the writer has a great imagination and enjoyed writing this story, it does have a strong detective pull in the story and the other immortals are interesting too.

Somewhat graphic in the sense of language I do believe the rating of 18 years is a good thing.  The writer enjoyed the story telling which makes it a good read.  Great job!

My Thoughts:

A page turner for me, I enjoyed the story and loved David Zane he seemed like the type of guy I would like to talk with.  I felt the intrigue and enjoyed the discovery of the Clan of Midnight which revealed the demonic rituals and evil plans that was being plotted.  

Short version

The telling of David Zane an immortal magician whom is made known and is contacted by the police to come and give some insight on a number of murders which they are baffled by.  Life starts to heat up a little when he is exposed to the community and of course the underworld hears of it too.

Because of his training he is well equipped to deal with every situation that arises and soon discovers there are a number of killers involved with the murders.  As the story progresses you find that an evil clan involved in demonic rituals live in the same county as Zane making life very interesting for him.

It turns out that David Zane the immortal magician stands between the people and the Clan of Midnight.  The story is a page turner, which cannot be put down.