Geli Heart Talk - Thoughts, Musings, Happenings, Life Lessons & Love

Plus Size that is Bold, Sexy, Sassy! My New Fashion Love Affair: "City Chic" -

2011-03-02T11:18:00.007Z

Well, ok it's for young women, but I feel the bold feminine style can be adapted to 40++ year olds, too. ... Come on designers, don't leave those of us more advanced in age loll around in frumpy boring clothes! Please!!

Here are some fun inspiration videos:

Where to find City Chic:

City Chic Australia

City Chic Online

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The Power of a Dream burning with Passion and Unwavering Faith

2010-11-23T22:15:00.003Z

I just needed to share a clip from "August Rush" a most inspiring movie.

Do you have a dream that is bigger than yourself burning within you? When pressures and negative people tempt us from straying from our passion it's good to remind ourselves about ’staying the course’.

Fashion and Style ... that was

2010-11-23T22:09:00.002Z

The YouTube user 'Rosebudgarden' who compiled these videos, had this to say:

"Glorious, stunning fashion shots mostly from the 40s & 50s. The 40s colour photographs are a revelation - I could spend the rest of my days just looking at them. It's an unreality that gives me the impression that complete female emancipation is through total femininity, and that's just what these images are designed to do - to remind women of the primal urge and liberating feeling of being beautiful. A cynical ploy to keep women in chains? If so, then it's an exquisite slavery from which women are disinclined to be free."

The elegant 1950's. Below is a picture of my mother and I towards the end of the 50's

Would you wish for the elegant era to grace women's bodies again, or do you have reservations re what it all represented? Does the idea of feminine gracefulness conjure up notions of 'The Stepford Wives' to you? As it so happened, my own mother was a very successful and highly qualified pharmacist.

Would be interested to know your thoughts.

Geli xx

Are you ready for Love? Allow your Inner Lover to Shine?

2010-11-23T21:58:00.004Z

Are you ready for Love? It is scary to push through and fearlessly love, I know.

Allow me to be your friend and walk with you.

Lovingly,
Geli xx

NAT KING COLE L-O-V-E

2010-11-23T21:55:00.002Z

Enjoy!

Geli xx

Smootch and have a fun time with your man ... it's good for the kids!

2010-11-23T21:34:00.004Z

Good news for parents who are cash-strapped in this economy: Date night is not mandatory for a good relationship.

"I've never been able to do date night. By the time it gets to be evening, the last thing I want to do is go out in the cold or rain, pay another baby sitter," ... I heard someone say who approached me on the subject.

Connecting doesn't have to be huge, expensive or time-consuming. Make your marriage sweet and memorable in the littlest moments every day.

After their kids are in bed, one couple head to the basement, where they keep frozen cookie dough hidden at the bottom of the freezer. It's their own version of date night, chatting while eating their favorite treat in private, hoping the kids don't wake up. What a great private indulgence.

MORE THAN A KISS

We live in a culture of overparenting, permissive parenting and hyperscheduling, and so what tends to happen — knowing from interviewing couples and from all the research of parenting in the 21st century — we tend to give so much to our children because we think it's good for them, and yet by doing that, we're taking away from our primary relationship, the one with our spouse or partner.

By doing that, in the long run, we're also taking something that is absolutely crucial away from our child: the opportunity to see, first-hand, day-after-day, how to have a loving, respectful adult relationship.

It can be as simple as a kiss.

Fun idea: 'Theatrical Smooch' because when Dad gets home from work, it's a loud, happy time and there's a contest to see who is the first one to greet him. The couple decides that the first kiss always goes to Mom, and so he dramatically moves past the dog and the kids to give Mom this big, sloppy, theatrical smooch.

What a crucial lesson that this couple is sharing with their kids. Even with the kids screaming and the dogs barking, this is their moment - they are choosing their spouse.

Think of the message that's sending to your children over time ... in the long run, your kids will be so glad you chose a loving spouse versus overinduldging them in all their needs. You don't have to hire a baby sitter; you don't even have to get out of the house.

MATTER OF CHOICE

Research shows two-thirds of couples experience significant decreases in happiness and significant increases in hostility toward one another after they have kids.

We know that the first time in the marriage lifespan that divorce becomes the most common peaks right around year eight. The old thought is 'the seven-year itch,' but research shows it's actually an eight-year itch, and it's not really an itch, it's more like a diaper rash, because that eight-year mark is when a lot of us are having babies or raising kids.

Most couples are surprised by these feelings of hostility they are having toward their spouse. They think, 'Wait a second, we're having children, isn't this our life dream? This is what we wanted.'

It's incredibly crucial to let couples know it is absolutely normal to feel this way, and it's what many other couples are feeling, too. So many of us think we are the only ones who are going through this.

The good news is research also shows marital satisfaction heads back up again over time, although empty-nesters are at risk if they've focused more on their children than their relationship over the years.

But it's not hopeless, even at that point. Couples get to choose. Our marriages are truly up to us. We can choose to get third-party help. We can choose how we greet each other at the end of the day. We can choose to have loving nicknames for each other.

We can choose whether we call our spouse during the day. We can choose whether we want to complain about something — or to start such a discussion softly instead of harshly. We choose. And it's the little choices along the way that serve you so well later, when most couples experience the height of marital satisfaction.

WAYS TO CONNECT

There are little moments in which a couple finds a way to sneak loving conversation into their day:

Example: With small children, it can be hard to find time to talk about adult things. One suggestion is to make it a ritual to put the kids to sleep together. Once they have fallen asleep, a couple can continue to sit in their room and talk about their day and the things that brought them joy and gratitude. It helps to stay connected and feel that they are still close.

Find ways within your crazy, busy, stressful lives to take and embrace these moments.

That's crucial!.

Day after day, our kids need our care and attention, and we so often believe our marriages don't, but they do, they need some care and attention if they are going to survive.

We maintain so many other things in our lives and, just like a car, our relationship needs maintenance, too. Anything that is precious and functioning and working needs maintenance to stay working.

OK, it's hard to maintain our relationship while we're parenting, but we can chose to to do it.

So maybe it's time to sneak some cookie dough and call it a date night.

What are your *cookie dough* moments? Share your little moments? Share your little rituals ... what memories do you purposefully create?

What are you doing to keep the fun and passion alive?

Funny Video: World's Most Zen Cat

2010-11-23T21:26:00.006Z

yes, yes, yes, the cat IS real LOL

Geli ;-))

Fun Video - Naturally Sexy ;-))

2010-11-23T21:18:00.002Z

Go on smile,

Geli xx

Explore Your Personal Feel-Good Nurture Space

2010-11-23T21:15:00.001Z

What does it mean to You to nurture yourself?

Face it, we’re all different. Nurturing and comfort mean different things to different people.

I personally love to relax either in a nicely scented bath, a sauna, or curl up on the sofa with a non work related book, enjoy the treat to peacefully sleep, or just doze in a warm sunlit garden cove with my eyes closed and listen to the delightful bird twitter. My list goes on. Oh yea, music, particularly Baroque ... and art, painting ....

However I know ladies who feel nurtured by a good run, an invigorating swim, or a good threshing about on the tennis court.

Others like cooking, baking or gardening.

What is it that causes you to flip the inner switch so that you can relax, inhale and feel utterly nurtured?

If you’re not 100 percent sure, close your eyes and start reminiscing of moments in the past which evoked that heartfelt feel good factor. Or stroll through some glossy magazines and let your imagination be inspired.

If you don’t have a Fuzzy Warm Nurturing Book, maybe now is the time to get one. Then add all your various ideas into it, either by writing, or cutting out pictures/images, or grab a box of crayons and draw them.

Why bother about a Fuzzy Warm Nurturing Book? Trust me, when you feel exhausted and frazzled you can’t even think what you might like. That’s the time when you’ll glean from your spirit, from your own inner voice you had previously given expression to in your book. It’s like the Inner Lover in you takes your hand and leads you to your specific nurture comfort space, exactly the right one you’ll need at that moment.

Whilst we’re at it, also note down ever single nice comment that whosoever gives you. Write down encouraging Scripture verses that uplifts your heart with thankfulness and joy. You’ll be grateful for that when the moment hits you when you are convinced that nobody loves you or even cares!

There’s another thing to remember: usually we women enjoy sexual intimate times with our beloved far more when we feel good, when our world is ok, we feel nurtured and understood. Typically, we want to rely on our partners to make us feel that way, but here’s a tip, you can prepare the way for your bliss by mentally going into your nurturing space, moments before.

Try it,
Geli xx

For those of you who have experienced heartbreak and loss ... can you say, "Thank you!" ?

2010-11-23T21:02:00.003Z

I am feeling inspired to share with you a song by Sinéad O'Connor. If you have lived long enough on this planet earth you will have had opportunities to experience devastating heartbreaks, deep reaching loss; you may have had a relationship or a marriage breakup with your fondest dreams scattered like ashes.....

There is a time for grieving and a time to look back and find the strength to say "thank you!" about the situation or to the person that caused you joy and pain ... "Thank you for the good" and "thank you for breaking my heart" because you now have become stronger.

"Life breaks all of us, but some of us are strong in the broken places." — Ernest Hemingway ... “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Lovingly,
Geli xx
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Here's another man's story of how he processed loss. John Mark McMillan looking at love and loss and coming to terms with it all.

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The God who hears. (1 Samuel 1:20)

The God who sees. (Genesis 16:14)

The God who knows. (1 Samuel 2:3)

The God who never leaves. (Matthew 28:20)

The God who rescues. (Zephaniah 3:17)

The God who heals. (Matthew 8:3)

The God who comes along side to help. (John 14:16)

There is no God like You.

Hugging for Healing

2010-11-23T14:15:00.004Z

(I wrote this post in another one of my blogs, but it's worth repeating!)

We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth

—Virginia Satir, family therapist

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I am a very huggy, touchy, sensual tactile person and love to put my hands and arms around anyone and anything that moves or doesn’t move. My hands have a natural tendency to explore textures, hold things, caress, tenderly stroke, massage, play with things … oh yes, I guess, not surprisingly, I have a healing anointing in and through my hands.

One of the areas I absolutely love to do is give others intuitive or prophetic healing touch.

What is intuitive or prophetic healing touch, you ask? Well, basically I invite the Spirit of God to lead me to move my hands towards ‘safe’ areas where they need healing in their bodies … safe as perceived by the person I am working with.

Sometimes that means that I do not actually touch them and just let my hands hover over that area. Sometimes I am led to embrace and hold the person like mother would with a small child. I am normally very quiet and gentle when I work with people like that, as I am relying on the Spirit of God to do His work. Invariably the person experiences some sort of a release often with tears and then joy.

OK, let me explain what is happening here, or rather, how I understand what is happening here.

Quite a number of people have experienced trauma in their lives, including sexual abuse and domestic violence. I will describe in another blog post some of the coping mechanisms such victims live with; else this one gets too long.

For this particular blog post, let me point out some very interesting scientific research with growing verification that neurobiological responses to trauma are stored as trauma memory in the body, even down to the cells.

These body memories continue long after the abuse occurred. Invariably the victim is not even aware of this until it is triggered by some seemingly harmless, non-related incident, when, to the surprise of others, that former victim completely over- reacts or totally freezes.

The reason is that commonly a trauma victim, especially if they experienced sexual abuse or violence as a child, will disassociate that ‘reality’ from their conscious experience memory, building coping patterns and continue with other areas in their life. In other words, it’s like the effect of the trauma does not exist for them, it’s cut off from their daily life, yet shows up when it is least desired.

No matter how much they convince themselves, may even go to psychotherapy – talk therapy – the ugly effects just linger on.

Basically it is important to realise that we are dealing with an invisible body wound, a soul-body wound that needs healing like a physical body wound.

Because the body was central to the trauma, it is now also central to the healing process.

Let me explain a bit more. In sexual abuse, clearly the body is implicated; it is assaulted, its value warped, it is used and abused, boundaries trashed, resulting in pain and confusing sexual responses, or dissociative absence. The joy, comfort and ease with his or her body were, in a sense, stolen. A permanent body wound resulted requiring a combined healing to resolve the body trauma issues.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this writing, I am a huggy touchy person and many social environments, such as churches, are just so perfect for me to throw my arms around everyone that walks through the doors.

Some years ago I was astounded by an unexpected reaction by someone in the congregation. They froze, pulled back and point blank told me, “don’t hug me and don’t touch me!”

Back then, I really did not know what to make of this. I mean, did my breath smell? Did I stink? … or what?? I must have looked ever so puzzled, but the person in question was unable to explain. Later I had similar incidents, but they were gracious to just indicate to me that it was not my breath smelling …

As my work as a relationship psychologist is in the field of intimacy especially, sexual intimacy between couples, I learnt that some people have some very deep pain and unresolved issues. Sure, in situations with clients I never hug or touch them unless there is a specific need to assist them in the healing process that way, and only if it is appropriate for me to do so, such as during a healing touch and intuitive massage session.

But in social situations, do I still make mistakes and throw my arms around people, unknowingly pointing them to their scars? I have to admit, yes I do, but I have learnt to become more sensitive with my hugging. There are some people who much rather not be hugged and touched in a social setting.

Now, there is actually a flip side to this.

As a backlash to abuse and their aversion to touch, it will leave some victims touch-deprived, and actually yearn for a strong, warm and heartfelt hug and to be held for long enough for their comfort.

How do we dissolve this hugging dilemma? Be sensitive and approach them respectfully, if necessary ask, “Is it ok to give you a hug?” And if they say yes, then hug them from your heart. They’ll need it, and it will be healing to them.

I shall finish this writing with the following food for thoughts:

How to Hug

Hugging may sound like the simplest thing on earth, but it will help to keep a few things in mind. Non-hugs are no good.

I. The A-frame hug, in which nothing but the huggers’ heads touch.

2. The half-hug, where the huggers’ upper bodies touch—while the other half twists away.

3. The chest-to-chest burp, in which the huggers pat each other on the back, defusing the physical contact by treating each other like infants being burped.

4. The wallet-rub, in which two people stand side-by-side and touch hips.

5. The jock-twirl, in which the hugger, who is stronger or bigger, lifts the other person off the ground and twirls him.

6. The violating hug, in which one hugger grinds into the genital area of the other and tries fondling their behind. With non-intimate people this is classified as violating, abusive and a sexual harassment.

The real thing, the full body hug, touches all the bases. The two people coming together take time to really look at each other. There is no evasion or ignoring that they are about to hug… You try as hard as you can to personalize and customize each hug you give… With a full body hug there is a sense of complete giving and fearless. Communication, one uncomplicated by words.

It is the attitude that is important. It need not be a full, frontal hug. It could be sideways.

Important:

Politely ask, “Would you like a hug?” Rushing up to someone assuming they would want a hug is disrespectful.

It’s ok to say no to a hug; and do not feel offended if someone says ‘no’ to you!

Many people do not like their personal space to be invaded. Still others may feel too vulnerable at times to like to be touched.

Many people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable when hugged, but still give it a try, because they are bound to feel good afterwards and may even feel grateful to you.

When you feel the need to be hugged, ask for one.

And don’t forget to thank the other, just be respectful and honouring to each other.

It only takes a hug, a heartfelt and warm embrace, to change the lives of others. Try it, it works.

…. And smile while you do it,
Geli xx

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Stringfever Bolero

2010-11-23T09:37:00.002Z

Just some fun from musicians with humour :-))

The Wisdom of Water Lilies

2010-11-23T09:32:00.001Z

Yesterday was a glorious sunny day in London (UK) after some rather dreary wet grey and cold weeks. I had a privilege to take a walk in Hampstead Heath with a very special friend of mine, Simone. This is her contribution to this blog.

Warmly,
Geli xx

"on a walk with a very dear friend on the gorgeous Hampstead Heath in London, on an Indian Summer afternoon in October, we chanced upon an ornamental lake. The lake had waterlilies growing on it and just one strong one had survived to autumn. It was tightly closed when we first saw it, and took this photograph.

The sun came out and warmed both us and the lake, and slowly but surely the waterlily began to open a little. It was magical watching this hesitant unfolding. However the sun was not consistent and although beautifully warm when it did come out, whenever the clouds covered the sun, it became quite cool.

As I gazed at this one surviving, strong waterlily, it occurred to me that there is a wisdom in flowers. The strongest ones do not open to their full glory with just a few moments of sun and warmth, allowing a passing stranger to glimpse their inner treasures. These wise flowers will only open fully when the warmth is consistent and long.

I am a survivor of an abusive relationship, and have for too long settled for less than I deserve in my romantic life.
I have felt a strong affinity for this gorgeous flower, and her wisdom in saving herself only for those times when she is bathed in warmth for consistent periods.

I wanted to share this with others.........if there is not consistent warmth, we need to remain tightly closed and open gradually, guardedly and safely, so that we too can remain the survivor. If this lily had been forced to open before she is fully ready, her petals will be torn and her beauty marred........and her life shortened far before its time.

Blessings

Simone"

Love is ....

2009-11-14T03:08:00.004Z

What is your metaphor of love?

No, I am not reducing Love to a mere metaphor, but each one of us experiences love differently.
I'm just curious ... what does Love mean to you, what needs to happen for you to experience and feel Love?

Here are some thoughts of others:

"Love is a many-splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living,
The golden crown that makes a man a king.
Once on a high and windy hill,
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing,
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing." (song from the 1955 film of the same title).

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13 (New Living Translation)

"Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new"
--Ursula K. Le Guin

"Love flies, runs, and rejoices;
it is free and nothing can hold it back."
--Thomas a Kempis

There are many beautiful posts listed on Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" all meant to make you feel cozy, happy, warm and loved. Please do visit them.

Wishing you a wonderfully rosy pink Saturday!

An unexpected Gift - I love sweet surprises!

2009-11-06T01:17:00.037Z

A big THANK YOU! To Gracie of "A Touch Of Grace" for kindly giving me a lovely award:

The whole idea of receiving an award, to me, is to keep giving it on. It's a way to say thank you to other blogging friends and honour them for their beautiful work.

I like to honour six ladies with this award. Please find their names and the links to their blogs at the end of this post.

First of all, I like to share some thoughts of some challenges I had today, and maybe it might serve as an encouragement to some of you dear readers:

Today was a 'funny old day' as they might say here in the UK, a day when 'pressing into a higher power' aka my precious Lord and Saviour was more necessary than at other days. A day of discouragement, I should say. A day when the distant cousin of Goliath ‘visited’ with all the intimidation, mockery and belittling with the sole purpose to make one not feel ever good enough.

I guess most of us have these people in our lives who seem to have that special assignment to suck all energy out and pull us down, often coupled with a need to control and manipulate with emotional blackmail as well ....

These situations can be painful, emotionally. But pain, the experience of hurt, is a fact of life, as Jesus put it: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I like the Message Translation for this scripture: “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world.”

The Apostle Paul continued with that ‘theme’ (again from the Message Translation):
“We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling short changed. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Romans 5:3

Yes, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional! Suffering comes when situations beyond our control happen, when our life conditions don’t match the expectations or the model of what we hope our world to be, and we feel powerless to change it. However, that is precisely the time to remember: suffering is optional; we can chose to be of good cheer and peace, pressing into His Grace, because His Grace is sufficient, and He has conquered the world and all this misery. We may feel the pain, but we must rise into His rest and peace and not yield to the debilitating temptation of suffering. It is a choice!

So, how do I exercise that choice? I turn the volume up with anointed worship. Today, I needed to get into a warrior prayer storm first ... ya knows what I mean!! ... and that determined what style of worship I chose. It’s a labouring, striving therefore to enter into that rest (Hebrews 4:11), and yay! It’s so good when one pushes through that membrane or veil of hindrance to just ‘dissolve’ in His goodness and love! His plan of Love is bigger than our understanding of what’s going on. Thus we’re not powerless; we can, by choice, move in a different realm of reality. The Greater One in us has taken care of it; Goliath’s head (spiritually) rolls!

Well, it was, thus a lovely sweet surprise to find, this evening, Gracie having given me this unexpected gift of the award, but her words characterizing me as "a well traveled woman who is very wise", left me humbled with gratitude!

Oh, I nearly forgot .... In order to receive this award, there are some rules, apparently. I must reveal 6 things that you may not know about me. Well, I started putting this list together and it started to grow and got longer and longer. It became 6 Areas About Me that You May Not Know

In the end, I decided to add it to the page:

More About Angelika

below

a whole list of things about me (Random Titbits)

you may want to read it there, if you wish.

However, I will quickly note down 6 things about me I might not have detailed in the above link (and then this post will also meet the requirements, too ... smile).

Just a little reminder, if you want to watch the YouTube videos full screen, click on the bottom right hand corner of each video .... and of course, to see the photos in their original size, just click on them. :-))

(1) I'm a passionate romantic

I could so easily forget about all work and just snuggle. I am a skin 'addict' I love touching skin, massaging and caressing skin, with fragrant oils, feathers, or a deliciously tantalising raindrop finger massage - and just loving on the owner of that skin ....

(2) I love music and sensuous dancing

.... especially Tango. There's something about a non-public dance, in the livingroom or wherever ....

(3) I love music, culture and art

To those who know me, it's no secret, I am a huge Al Di Meola fan! Hence chosing this video comes as no surprise.
However, my music interest spans very wide. Not just jazz (esp. Latin Jazz Fusion), but also classical (esp. baroque) and many, many more styles. Not keen on rap, hip hop and country (sorry).

(4) I love travelling seeing the world, experiencing different cultures. Kind of ties in with the previous point.

especially Southeast Asia and beyond ....

(5) I love my friends and enjoy entertaining at home

I should really take more photos of my table decorations. Here I created a blue theme. I absolutely love creating a relaxing and welcoming ambiance, an oasis of tranquility and beauty!

(6) I am a worshipper, eventhough it appears on number six on this list, it is actually my number ONE priority of importance in life, the crowning glory - Intimate Worship the dance of eternal Love with the Eternal Lover!

OK, that's all about me for the time being. Now to my six friends.

I like to give an award to Tara at "Godly Business Women Living the Joshua 1:8 Life" Empowering Christian Women in Business as Ministers in the Market Place.
This has special relevance for me, and is very close to my heart. Some of you know that, although I am an ordained minister, I am also a qualified Business/Organizational Psychologist (apart from a Relationship Psychologist). It is so important that we take the "7 Mountains" for Christ. What are the "7 Mountains" or spheres of influence? They are:

1. Spirituality and Church
2. Family
3. Education
4. Government and Law
5. Media and Communication
6. Arts and Entertainment
7. Business and Finance

So, thank you Tara for training and coaching women of excellence in the market place!
(my request to you, write more, please!).

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Are there any of you who are really feminine and ever so often need a a relaxing breather to exhale? Well, hop over to Rosy at Rosy Inspirations to where the award goes next. I just love that place, thank you for creating this oasis of calm and nurturing!

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The next Lady I would like to honour, I do not know her name, and do not know if she would except the award, I'll try. Her blog is called "Being Women of Influence - Encouraging Women to use their Influence for God's Kingdom" Please visit her blog and be inspired!

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Next I'd like to honour Mary at "One Perfect Bite" her cuisine is absolutely exquisite, plus she gives recipes. (Mary, I like to mention that you inspired me to set up my own food - cookery blog. Essentially for my kids as I neglected to teach them to speak German properly and I have so many German recipes Angelika's Kochbuch . All I need is time and more time to translate all those recipes into English). Anyway, those of you who have not had a chance to peruse Mary's amazing culinary delights, please visit her blog.

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I would also like to honour Rev Deb of Bread Breakers Ministry it's a virtual church in a blog with solid Bible teaching and encouragement.

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And finally there is Gina, who likes to be remembered as an "Old Lady Wannabe" of "Chats with an Old Lady - Embracing the Privilege of Titus 2:3-5" It's a great blog full of thoughtful inspirations and encouragement

Joyfully,

Smile, please

2009-10-31T15:43:00.001Z

Please visit the other feeling happy pink posts listed on Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" .

Smile and the world smiles with you!

Some Random Pinkilicious Sillyness and Cuteness

2009-10-17T09:38:00.001+01:00

It's a grey miserable coldish morning here in London, so I needed to fuzzy warm pink sillyness and cuteness.

Please check out the other beautiful pink happy blog posts listed Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" .

(Click on the pics to enlarge them)

Wishing you a day filled with smiles!

Dr. Randy Pausch - Inspirational

2009-10-15T22:09:00.004+01:00

Live with Love and Passion,

Just to put a Smile on Your Face!

2009-10-10T23:01:00.002+01:00

Live with Love and Passion,

Romantically Pink

2009-10-10T08:49:00.007+01:00

Oh, I am really feeling kinda cozy pinkilicious romantic and would like some more .... ha!

It all started when a friend came over the other day. Would you believe it, we talked just about all night through, and finally, towards the morning, we decided to watch the movie "Don Juan de Marco" with Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, and Faye Dunaway.

Aahhhh, a real girly night which very rarely happens to me these days, so it was all a very unexpected relaxing fun night.

Anyway, I decided to look for a video with the movie theme song "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" by Bryan Adams (oh, just listen to those lyrics .... !!!). I decided on the following videos. Loads of delicious pink from Faye Dunaway's ever again twirling romantic dress. Unfortunately the long blue introduction by the people who put the YouTube video together is really annoying.

WARNING WARNING THESE VIDEOS ARE EXTREME GIRLY ROMANTIC MATERIAL ..... you have been warned, guys!

Now that you're feeling all warm and oh so pinky romantic please check out the other beautiful pink happy blog posts listed Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" . So, if you want a big dose of Happy Pink feelings, then visit all these wonderful blogs she has linked from her site.

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Generations in Pink

2009-10-03T00:26:00.006+01:00

Does anyone realise just how time consuming it is to build and design a website?? Well, as I am doing a night shift again, I decided to add a pink generation picture, which you can see below.

But let me quickly mention this, there are loads of exciting other beautiful pink happy blog posts listed Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" . So, if you want a big dose of Happy Pink feelings, then visit all these wonderful blogs she has linked from her site.

Back to the generation pic. I have decided to dedicate the website (Journey of Intimacy) to my two beautiful daughters, and other women in my age group and theirs.

I made this collage of us three, Charis and my new daughter, Rose who was welcomed to the family because my son was smart enough to marry her, and myself in 1979. On that photo I was actually the very same age as my daughter Charis.

I am just so amazed about the difference that women were back then to nowadays. Here I see my two beautiful daughters, who are totally competent and confident professional career women. They don't 'need' men, but are with them out of choice. Of course my example is just mine, however, I just wonder how many other women of these age groups like mine and my daughters would be similar. I'd love to hear your stories, please.

Wishing you all a wonderful pinkilicious Saturday!

Pink Happy Thoughts First Steps towards the Big Move

2009-09-11T12:54:00.010+01:00

It has been a month ago since my last post. Somehow my days are not long enough to cram everything in.

Since April this year, I have been in a tug of war mentally and emotionally ... of course labelling it spiritually ... about moving to Sydney to join my son and his lovely new wife. I guess I was hoping God to somehow give me a thunderbolt message with the proverbial 'Monty Python' pointing hand and finger, and the sky ablaze with the words, "GO YE!" .... hey, I made enough mistakes for everyone who happens to read this and smiles, I just want to have nothing but God's will in my life.

Certainly, I do not advise others to go through all these contortions of wishing, dreaming and hoping and yet in the same breath pushing it all out of my mind, just in case it's not God's will. What I would say is, rest in Him and He will guide you for sure ... listen to the still small voice, or even His 'voice' coming though a package least expected. Just relax and let God be God. His will be done.

Now would I take my own advice?????

Anyway, I am taking a big bold step: I am embracing the first conceptual 'toes-into-the-water' towards moving from London, UK to Sydney.

Well, I thought, why not add a pink 'Opera House' for this exciting new direction, and post it in Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" . Please do make sure that you read all the other wonderful contributions!

This is clearly not a picture I have taken. Here's the original.

So, here you have it. There appear an unbelievable and insurmountable amount of obstacles, especially concerning the immigration into Australia. But God will provide a way, where there seemingly is no way.

Wishing you a wonderful and happy Pink Saturday!

In The presence of Angels - Roy Fields

2009-08-08T13:51:00.005+01:00

Hello Friends, it's "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" as hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders"

The two videos I am presenting are actually *one*, I mean the second one is the continuation of the first. Most people know this deep worship piece, but I am asking you to just close your eyes and allow His presence to permeate you afresh in this very anointed song, joining in with the Holy Holy Holy chorus.

In the Presence of Angels

continuation ....

Lovingly,

More Pink Greetings from London

2009-08-08T12:01:00.012+01:00

Happy Pinklicious Saturday, again!

I was pondering on this seemingly silly idea of celebrating "Pink Saturday". But I find it is chosing to see life through pinky rose coloured glasses quite literally, without needing the glasses.

Think about it, when someone is "seeing the world through pink rose-tinted glasses," it tends to mean that they look on the bright side of life and are generally a happy, friendly, and cheerful person. Or as I like to put it for myself: I like to look and search for reasons to smile even in the worst situations. I guess that means first and foremost that with an attitude of gratitude, there is always something positive to learn in any situation.

So, going back to this "Pink Saturday" it is a reminder to at least once a week we look for something pink ... some reason to smile, and then spread that smile. It's finding something quite literally *pink* but still holding onto the metaphor.

Here I am today joining Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound" again, and I decided to also continue on the fun frivolous pink London greetings.

As you know the iconic London busses are red. Here is a really, really old one painted pink at London's famous Piccadilly Circus.

The modern busses do not have an opening at the back where people can get on or off when they please. Shame really. I know it's done for safety reasons, but none the less, it was great when you reached your destination, and due to traffic congestions, or traffic lights you could just get off, rather than having to walk back from the bus stop.

Likewise, you were able to hop on. They used to have a 'conductor' who collected your money for the fare and gave you a paper ticket from a dispenser hung around his/her neck.

Sorry, this pic is not from the pink bus, but of a then typical red bus.

Well, to all of you who do not live in London, come and visit the place, even when it is drizzly, grey cold and weather-wise miserable ... if you catch a sunny day, London is really spectacular!

There is so much to see and experience beyond the tourist spots. You may even find a pink bus or a pink taxi!!

Again, lots of love, light, warmth, blessings and wonderful fuzzy pink thoughts to you all,

"You Are For Me"

2009-08-01T10:54:00.004+01:00

Hello Friends, as I am joining in this beautiful Meme "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders" today I want you to saturate yourself in God's love for you!

He is always for us, even in our weakest moments, with an everlasting love!

Pink Greetings from London

2009-08-01T10:44:00.006+01:00

Happy Pinklicious Saturday!

I have been ( and still am) soooooo busy these days, plus recently been away for conferences and seminars, so here I am back with my contribution as I am joining Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound"

I decided on something fun, plus greetings from London, UK. We are struggling here to have a *summer* with the weather being below or just around 20'C (at times) with plenty of rain, grey skies and winds. So, grabbing a fun smily pink moment is a must for me.

Love, light, warmth and wonderful fuzzy pink thoughts to you all,

Deeply immersed let your spirit soar

2009-07-11T07:28:00.005+01:00

Hello Friends, I decided to share with you some relaxing, meditative worship by Kimberly & Alberto Rivera with Ruth Fazal on violin for today's Meme "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders"

I am adding three YouTube videos simply because they belong together.

Wishing you all a deeply joyous, blessed and peaceful Saturday in His presence!

Picnic at Kew Gardens

2009-07-11T06:33:00.013+01:00

It's all thing pink and beautiful Saturday ... with a few glimpses from The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London UK.

I am joining Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound"

My daughter and friends went for a picnic at Kew Gardens and I thought I would add some pinky pink highlights, not just from the picnic but also from a very interesting exhibition of glass art within the horticultural delights. After you enjoyed the fun photos below, I would encourage you to click on the Kew Gardens link, as it's a really fascinating place, not only in its stunning beauty but also from a scientific and historical viewpoint.

Because it was a picnic, I just had to also add my daughters funky pink socks, ah oh well, apologies to the young lady in advance, this is just what mums do ..... (smile) .... and of course there are always some birds looking for food crumbs ....

The glass sculptures were only a temporary art exhibition feature. Click on the pictures to see them full size.

Wishing you a rosy pink Saturday with an opportunity to look for smiles in any situation,

Always on His mind

2009-07-04T10:39:00.005+01:00

Hello Friends, just thought to remind us all that we are always on His mind through this beautiful Meme "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders"

I am adding here "Always on His Mind" with Misty Edwards.

Wishing you all a very joyous, blessed and loved-up Saturday!

Here are the Lyrics:

Lord, I will seek You
On my bed, think upon You
In the day, I'll dream of You
You're always on my mind
With my whole heart I'll love You
With my mind and my strength too
Waste my life searching for You
You're always on my mind
Though I'm poor and needy, the Lord thinks upon me
Though His name is Holy, I'm always on His mind - I'm always on His mind
Though I'm weak and lowly, the Lord thinks about me
Though He's high and lofty, I'm always on His mind - I'm always on His mind
I'm in love with god
God's in love with me
Hey - Yeah (repeat)
How far will You let me go? How abandoned will You let me be? (repeat)

Hey-yeah, hey-yeah - hey-yeah, hey-yeah, hey-yeah, hey-yeah, hey-yeah, hey-yeah

Evening Sky

2009-07-04T00:40:00.011+01:00

Pink Feel-Good Saturday!

I am joining Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound"

The other day I was sat on my tiny little balcony enjoying the mellow warm evening. Then I noticed those spectacular evening clouds, so I quickly grabbed my camera from where I was sat ... and my fading pink rose got into it.

So, I then stood up to take the other ones. There is something about summery sunset evening skies, quite charming. (Click on the pics to enlarge them).

Wishing you a rosy pink Saturday with an opportunity to look for smiles in any situation,

Good start into Wedded Bliss

2009-07-02T00:01:00.006+01:00

Enjoy this little video clip ... these guys certainly start off right into their wedded bliss!

Smile and share,

Feathers for Pleasures - "Ruby Tuesday"

2009-06-30T09:16:00.001+01:00

It is time to post a Ruby Tuesday contribution again, and I am linking with Mary over at “Work Of The Poet” and her “Ruby Tuesday” Meme.

I'm going to feature a bright red feather fan:

(Click on it to see it full size)

... and No! this is not for a fancy dress party or doing a ‘Can-Can’ dance, even though you could use one like that for those purposes.

No, this particular feather fan I use as a teaching tool in my workshops and private consultancy work and ministry with couples.

I have posted a little article for some food for thought. If you like, check it out here

.... and No! it will not tickle, if done properly (you'll just have to pop over to that article to find out ....)

Have fun,

How He loves us - Woah, how He loves us

2009-06-27T01:25:00.003+01:00

Hello Friends, it's time to declare how much He loves us through this beautiful Meme "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders"

I am adding here "How He Loves Us" with Kim Walker recorded live at a Jesus Culture Conference in Redding, CA.

Wishing you all a very joyous, blessed and loved-up Saturday!

Here are the Lyrics:

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

My Girly-Feminine Side for a "Pink Saturday"

2009-06-27T00:37:00.002+01:00

It's Saturday, and we're in the pink :-)

I am joining Beverly’s Pink Saturday which she hosts at "How Sweet The Sound"

My contribution today is part of my little vanity or dressing table. Such a girly thing to have. One thing I do not like is having all the lotions and potions in the usual plasic containers they come in, if I can at all avoid it.

Throughout my home wherever a cream or other liquid are needed, even the washing up liquids in the kitchen I tend to refill them into more attractive containers.

Here in this picture of part of my dressing table you can see some of the glass bottles I collected for eye make up remover, toner, etc. I found the pretty larger bottles at a flea market in Athens, Greece. (click on pic if you want to see it enlarged).

The pink on the table is a large rose scented potpourri dish. I took this pic a little while ago and added recently a display of large pink feathers and draped some more beads on the mirror ... all deliciously decadent and feminine.

Wishing you a rosy pink Saturday with an opportunity to look for smiles in any situation,

The Blond Year

2009-06-26T06:26:00.003+01:00

This is my last post re Friday Memes!! I am linking with Alicia at More Than Words for her Friday Photo Flashback

Well, this is my contribution: A photo of me at my previous house in 1995 ... yes I was blond again! (Click on the pic to enlarge to its original size)

Oh dear Lord ... have I changed THAT much????? .... sigh!

Temple Dance

2009-06-26T05:49:00.002+01:00

Earlier on, I was reading a great post by Sandy at God Speaks Today who hosts “Fitness Friday”.

OK, I have to admit that I was challenged, and decided to pick up the challenge.

I have been stuck behind the computer all day long way too long, and working on a book does not help. After reading Sandy's post, I am inspired to rekindle an old passion of mine: dance.

I have not danced for longer than I wish it was true. I love partner dance such as ballroom, and seeing that I do not have a dance partner, I have shelved that passion.

With Sandy’s challenge I decided to think differently and embark on happy solo dance movements around the home, stretching, and actually learn belly dancing. Yes, you read correctly!Apparently it is great for better blood circulation and better flexibility especially in the belly and hip region. Being in my 50’s, I think my belly could do with some exercises.

So, I have answered the challenge and have already ordered my belly dancing DVD from Amazon. Meanwhile I shall do some stretching and just general dance moves to music.
As our bodies are a temple of God ... I shall do some temple dances!

Big smiles,

Mr. Bean Goes to Church

2009-06-26T04:07:00.003+01:00

The time has come for the Friday Funnies Meme hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Hear t.

I love Thursdays and Fridays as I get to look for and post happy stuff. My own Meme: Spread A Smile Thursday is geared towards the feel-good sharing a smile and give others a bit of sunshine; and Fridays I am ready to have a great big happy laugh and giggle.

Anyway, if you like some more hilarious good clean laughs, then join in with the "Friday Funnies"

For today, I decided on quite an old video of Mr. Bean going to church. It still gets me laughing out loud, and feeling thankful that the church I am blessed with does not attract the Mr Beans of this world.

Enjoy,

Mandarin Ducklings First Flight

2009-06-25T09:13:00.004+01:00

Well, I decided to share and spread a smile with this delightful little video clip from the David Attenborough's breath-taking series "Planet Earth. It's about Mandarin Ducks nesting in tall trees, and the time has come for the ducklings' first flight. Mother duck is waiting ....

Smile and share,

... the fiery red hot passionate heritage left to me

2009-06-23T00:46:00.002+01:00

I have so much fun with those various Memes here in Blogland. Not only does it cause me to stop and think, reminisce, or journal with an attitude of gratitude, wonder, fun and joy; but I am also meeting some really wonderful new people, plus say hello to those who have become dear friends enriching my life ... and I trust that I do the same for them.

Well, today is Tuesday again, and I am linking with Mary over at “Work Of The Poet” and her “Ruby Tuesday” Meme.

My “Red” contribution this week is from an old picture of my late mother. I decided on that picture for two reasons:

1. As I honoured my father during Father’s Day, I thought, why not honour my mother as well.
2. This picture of her in her red socks and red anorak on top of that mountain is so very typical of her personality and temperament.

She was a very energetic, goal driven, ambitious, intense and competitive lady (how come I did not inherit those wonderful traits .... I am far more laid-back).

She was also very emotional and passionate, which resulted in quite a few fireworks displays between us. As a ‘blue-blood’ Bavarian, Southern German, passion also runs in the veins ... now that I did inherit. They say that those parent-child relationships which are the most similar in temperament are probably the most volatile and fireworks graced ones. Mix that with an ever increasing crowd of Spanish relatives, no wonder people get confused and think I am Latin at times when I snap out of my laid-back demeanour. Yes, and of course my hands are all over the place ....

My mother was in many ways a very impressive lady. She was a first class pharmacist, and nothing but ‘summa cum laude’ would do.

She was also very gregarious. Just sit her next to anyone on a bench somewhere, and for sure we would visit them as a family in their country next time. She would strike up a conversation with absolute ease, poise and dignity of a statesman .... and make friends.

For people to come over for afternoon coffee was never a problem. The freezer was always stacked with the most delicious homemade cakes. She was sooooo organized ... how come that gene transfer did not happen to me??

She was a big reader, both in the field of science and literature. It also totally goes without saying that my parents would not ever be without their annual subscription to the theatre and opera house! Her love for classical music and art shaped me as a child. She was also very artistic herself.

We two ranted and raved, fought and fussed at each other. We caused each other a lot of pain and wounds, to the degree that when she died at the young age of 65, I was very glad that she was gone. Yet, I totally admire her.

In retrospect I realise and know beyond a shadow of doubt that she crazily loved me. She loved me the very best she knew how. She meant well, and I wish we had a chance to actually really get to know one another.

I have forgiven her a long, long time ago. As an adult I have come to understand her baggage and pain with great empathy. She herself was very misunderstood by her nearest and dearest, but hugely loved, and adored by everyone else.

She was a phenomenal lady, she was my mother who gave me life and raised me the best she could. As a mother of two adult children, myself, I have come to understand this often rocky road of parenthood. The tears I have cried over my children when I was a less than perfect mother and hurt them, the many prayers I have prayed, and I am grateful to God the way they have turned out – any mother could be proud of them!

There was another legacy my mother left, she would sing love songs to Jesus, and especially in her darkest hours I would hear her sing psalms, hymns and love songs.

She truly was amazing with her fiery red hot passion and attitude, and love. And I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude and honour to a most outstanding lady, my mother!

Wishing you a passionate ruby red love and laughter filled Tuesday!

Loving on purpose - about connection, intimacy, sex and relating to one another

2009-06-22T17:41:00.002+01:00

Loving on purpose. Some clips by Danny Silk of Bethel, Redding, Ca.

Enjoy,

Humorous research in Human Sexuality

2009-06-22T17:11:00.002+01:00

Enjoy,

Love with Knowledge – Loving Smart!

2009-06-21T16:59:00.002+01:00

“I’m loving people, show them love but they don’t love me back. Why?”

I was recently challenged by a friend.

“Why! No email, no message, not even a phone call!”

I could hear the frustration and the pain. Actually, this plea is not uncommon, and I hear it quite often in one way or another when I work with couples especially.

1 Peter 3:7 comes to mind:

“... husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honour them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God's grace, you're equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don't run aground.” (The Message)

“Treat your wife with understanding” (NLT)

“according to knowledge” (KJV)

“ ... you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition” (Amplified Translation)

Although the Apostle Peter addresses husbands here, the admonishment is relevant for both spouses as well as amongst friends and acquaintances.

To start off with, let me deal with this section in 1 Peter 3:7 “giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel” (KJV) or, “the woman as [physically] the weaker” (Amplified Translation). To many 21st Century women this statement is outdated and in many ways offensive; even trying to make it a bit more palatable by adding the word ‘physically’ as the Amplified Translation, still does not cut it.

Granted there are biological differences, different hormone, testosterone levels, and all that, but in all of history it can be seen that women have often pulled their equal weight to men, sometimes even more, whether it is in the military, professionally, in sport, and in the home front. Women at times can be stronger physically (childbirth ?), mentally and emotionally than men. I do not wish to get into a who’s stronger or weaker debate here, as that is not the issue; and I believe, personally that this was not the issue to Peter when he wrote that admonition. I believe it was typical Bible ‘shorthand’ for we have all our unique strengths and weaknesses.

These strengths and weaknesses are expressed either in character, personality and mind-intellectually or skills traits, or physically, plus there are unique combinations of them in all of us, as well as being accentuated differently in various cultural and societal settings.

Bottom line: We are all uniquely different - where you are strong, I may be weak – where you are weak, I may be strong. We need to learn to complement each other by maximising our strengths and managing our weaknesses. We need to learn to be smart and intelligent in our loving, and the way we express our needs to be loved.

The key word here is: Treat your spouse, your friend, your relative, acquaintance, neighbour, .... with understanding, according to knowledge.

.... And that is the topic for this particular post.

Let’s look at another bit of Bible ‘shorthand’ which will further unpack that mystery of ‘loving and not being loved back’: The so-called ‘Golden Rule’

“Do to others as you would have them do to you” - Luke 6:31 (NIV).

Applying the ‘Golden Rule’ without knowledge and understanding has led to much heartache and frustration.

The notion of what I would love, cherish and dearly desire to have, or be treated, surely would bless and enrich someone else the same way, is one of the biggest misnomers in relationships and friendships.

Think of a classic: could you think of anything less romantic than a husband giving his wife some DIY tools for her birthday? (Now, to some ladies this is genuinely romantic!)

We smile reading that, but actually most of us have been guilty of doing the same thing in our communication with love.

Think about another classic. The woman withdraws; she is licking some wounds or nurturing some hurt. Her man asks, ‘what’s the matter?’, her reply, ‘Nothing!!!’. What is typically his response? He either sighs or grumbles to himself and then leaves her space to sort herself out .... after all, isn’t that they way he would prefer to be treated ... to be given space, be left alone to mull things over, to get a strategy to fix what is bothering him?

Meanwhile she thinks, ‘he just doesn’t care!’ ... ‘if he really loved me he would ....’

What she might need at that moment in time is emotional support. She may not want to be given space nor him stepping into a questioning and problem-solving mode, but rather been shown support by him just listening with empathy, being fully present to her with confidence, humour and love.

But what means love to her ... to him ... to you? Do you know? How well do you know yourself, what makes you tick, what makes you feel loved, treasured or cherished?

Most people I work with think they know, but few have genuinely explored themselves. Even worse I find with Christians who like to hide inside a religious-culture acceptable one-size-fits-all bag of being a nice Christian, who can quote all the relevant scriptures of who they are in Christ, it’s no longer ‘I’ but Him, and then scream blue murder if a fellow Christian steps on their toes (or slip into a martyr victim mode ...).

You see every person is uniquely different as to how they feel loved; everyone has their own uniquely different needs and values. Whether you know them consciously or not, they are there, and you feel it when those needs are not met.

When we don’t know our own needs and values accurately, we then cannot communicate them to others who equally may not know theirs.

It’s like two people talking in different languages and not even be aware of it.

Taking language as an analogy, I have experienced this dilemma many times myself. I am German and I am fluent in both languages, English and German. There are times, especially when I happen to be in the company of people from both nations that I am not conscious which language I am talking in, I am only aware that I am communicating a message.

I recall a humorous incident when we had dinner guests (English speaking) in our home, and I was chatting with a German friend in the kitchen whilst preparing the food. There came a time when I walked into the living room to announce to our guests “Dinner is being served” (in German). The reply was, “Pardon, what??” (in English). Assuming that I may have mumbled, I now said it louder and more pronounced, “Dinner is being served” (still in German).

This is what often happens in relationships when couples shout their unmet needs at each other in a mismatched language tirade.

What is the answer to this dilemma? The Golden Rule, or should I say the Platinum Rule: Do unto others as they want done unto them ..... the way they want to be treated ... in other words, speak their love language.

I mentioned earlier that we need to learn to apply the Golden Rule with knowledge and understanding. Ask yourself. ‘How do I want to be treated? Is that the same as my spouse or whosoever in front of me wants to be treated?

One other thing needs to be understood, apart from knowing the different love languages, needs and values we all have, we also need to understand that there are ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ times when we express them to each other.

Again, I am using an example out of my own life. Being a typical female I thoroughly enjoy marathon chats of several hours with my other female friends. We go on rabbit trails, leaving a thought to jump to a totally different one, only to pick up that original thought half an hour later. One thing sparks off another. Nobody is even aware of the time just spent; we would just be in a flow of communication beyond words.... for hours on end.

However by the same token, especially when I work I like to be undisturbed and can get into a real ‘hermit mode’.

I like focus and to be immersed in what I am doing. The last thing I want to see or hear is one of my friends call in to settle for a chat. The “Hi! Yes, I’m fine, thank you, I am busy” seems cruel and uncaring, especially when we have not talked tor days or weeks.

Added to this is another issue: Working hours. Either they work normal office hours from 9-5, then think everyone else does so too, or they are retired from work. My office is at home, and although I am flexible, I work very odd hours, but I still have to put in the hours and more! As a personal consultant I either work with people at a mutually convenient place, or via the internet or phone on a global scale – meaning the time difference between London UK, USA or Australia will need to be considered. Plus I am working on my book.

There are times when I would want to chat, but because of the workload I chose not to, when I appear very anti social with my friends for longer periods of time, when seemingly I am not returning love to them, or ignoring them. There are times when my friends want to shower me with love, but it feels like they are taking energy from me, because I will have to stop what I am doing and then focus on them.

In this quest to love intelligently – or smart , there are times, when especially our female friends need to realize that they should not take it personally when the other party is focused and engulfed in a mission.

They are not less loved and less treasured when for example their man is in a binary mode, totally focused, absorbed and immersed with a task at hand in his reality of the moment.
What do you do to make your needs known when you need a dose of loving? Well, I shall deal with that in another post. Watch the space.

For now:
Be aware of the timing of the moment, and then apply the Platinum Rule of Love with knowledge and understanding.

Lovingly in Him,

________________________________

Eyes Only For You

2009-06-20T13:32:00.001+01:00

Hello, dear blogging friends,

This is a beautiful Meme "Then Sings My Soul Saturday", hosted by Amy at "Signs, Miracles & Wonders" We are sharing with each other heart music to the Lord.

I wanted to share a powerful personal worship song/experience by JoAnn McFatter, "Eyes only for You":

If you want to know more about this Meme, join in or just sing along with the many other participants, just click on the button image below:

Lovingly in Him,

My Pink Orchid - First New Blossom Bud opened today!

2009-06-20T11:13:00.002+01:00

It’s surprising what one can find and who one can find in the circle of friends here in Blogland. So, I have come across Beverly’s Pink Saturday.

I like what she wrote:

“Pink Saturday is about all things good that are pink. And, there is a lot of pink in our worlds.”

It's not about the colour 'pink' per se, but the colour here is symbolic to look out for the 'pink' bright side of life!

I immediately thought, wayhey! I have been watching something pink that I am really excited about.

You see, I love orchids; they are my top favourite plants and flowers. I never thought that I would keep one alive if I had one. This was until my daughter gave me a lovely little pink orchid for my birthday two years ago.

It was all in bloom when she gave it to me, and I just adored those little pink faces. Then, one by one those little beautiful faces turned papery and pale and dropped off. I was left with a stem.

I was told to cut it, which I did. Then I just kept watering it at regular but infrequent times, and it was just there, a plant that kept its leaves green, but that was it.

During March / April I noticed a new stem growing, and it steadily grew. Then buds formed. I was so excited!

And now look, the first new bud opened today ... I will be able to adore the little faces again!

Well, as it is Pink Saturday, I just had to report on todays joyful event, a new blossom has opened.

I feel as excited as a kid ... or maybe as excited as a plant mum can be.

Happy Pink Saturday full of wonderful 'pink' things,

P.S. Click on the pictures if you want to see it in the original size.

-----------

Post Script

During the day, my lovely little Pink Orchid opened its little face. So, this morning I took those two photos. Could not decide which one to chose, so I add both ;-)
(again, click on the pics to get them full size).

Remembering and Honouring my Father, Dr. Max Heimann - A Father's Day Tribute

2009-06-19T12:44:00.004+01:00

I decided to make it a little photo tribute to my precious late father, who left us one month before his 90th birthday in October 2002.

My dad was not a perfect father in terms of that he was an absent and way too busy father. As a scientist, professor, author, etc. lived in our home, but was first and foremost married to science. He was a phytopathologist (plant doctor, I used to call him). He was not perfect by any means, but then which parent is, only our Heavenly Father is perfect .... having said that, he was perfect to me, and I loved him very, very dearly.

He was a godly man with godly principles, and ever so good-natured. He was known as the cheerful smiling man, always with a little song on his lips. No matter how difficult life was, he would go out of his way to cheer people up and encourage them. He was truely a remarkable man, full of inner joy and faith, and gentleness, a true and trusted friend. In many ways he has become my rolemodel. This is a good time as any to thank God from every fibre of my being for having granted me such a special man as a father.

It is a shame that my brother, Thomas, took the short-cut to heaven at his birth, he, too would have enjoyed him as a father .... well the two of them have the best time ever together now with Jesus!

Dr. Max Heimann

There is another photo which I still have to find, scan and upload (a bit later) and it will fit in here.

This next one was in 1962 (I was 10 years old) at one of his many microscopes at the laboratory ... later he used electronic microscopes. I remember when I came into the lab, and he got me some water from a pond outside the institute, and then stuck the petri dish with the water on the microscope. I sat for hours watching the little strange squiggly things move all over the place .... and of course that gave him peace to work ... ha!

And here he is with his little grandson introducing him to the joys of singing with an ever ready guitar. Oh he would be so proud of his grandson now!

This next picture of my dad and I was taken at his 80th birthday. A year prior he had suffered his first and major stroke. We nearly thought we lost him then. However he pulled through. I never forget when I was sat next to him at the hospital, he could hardly move or speak, and he pointed to a pile of scietific journals asking me to read them to him. He knew, as a scientist, that he had to keep his brain active in order to survive, to build new synapse connections for all those that were distroyed during the stroke.

Finally, this was the last time I saw him alive, just before his 90th birthday. By then he had suffered several strokes and heart attacks, plus pulmonary edema (water in lungs). He was in and out of intensive care. There were these long drives from London, England over to Germany to rush over. His body was failing him, but the mind and brain was as sharp and active as ever.

He is loved and still missed! Thank you daddy for your life!

With deep gratitude,

Geli.

Hilariously funny signs from around the world

2009-06-19T10:25:00.002+01:00

Hello Friends! I'm linking up with, Kim, for Friday Funnies.

This is perfect, considering that only yesterday I started my own Meme: Spread A Smile Thursday! (Small beginnings, but hey!)

Anyway, for the Friday Funnies Meme hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Hear t I am posting a collection of various Signs from around the world which I found on the Internet. (Click on the pics if you want to see the original size)

Have a good giggle,

Uncivilised airports are not tolerated in Yangshou, China.

Who knew that a lavatory experience could feel magical? (Location: Turkey)

Answers on a postcard, please. (Location: Blenheim, New Zealand)

The wet stairs make sense, but what do they want with our turbans? (Location: Tu Ha Hotel, Beijing)

The zoo keepers made good use of their English thesaurus. (Location: Pune Zoo, India)

We all like a bit of re-usable offal, so please help yourselves. (Location: China)

If Kafka were a park ranger... (Location: Eremo delle Carceri, near Assisi, Italy)

Antiques made to order, and antiquities created on demand. (Location: Bali)

Launching of nuclear misiles is perfectly reasonable in front of the sign, however. (Location: Noosa Heads, Australia)

Perhaps the cream sauce covers up the taste of the questionable meat. (Location: South Korea)

Elifants tak no pris ners. (Location: Tasmania, Australia)

Should I stay or should I go? Welcome to a world of indecision. Location: Kemmerer, WY

Fancy a nibble on the way out? Just don't do it like a vegetarian. Location: Shanghai, China

How cold is it? Normally, when it's so extremely cold that the water turns white we just call it snow. Location: Donner Lake, California

'Crad' anyone? When you get the ovary and the digestive glands, who can resist? Location: Shanghai, China

Killjoys - Although why you would want a lobster in your room is anybody’s guess. Location: Alma, New Brunswick, Canada

A pique nique by any other name
Looks like an entire team of translators was brought in for this task. Or maybe it was just one guy making them up. In which case, he forgot "el picko nicko" and "piazza del pica nica." (Location: Chateau Chenonceau, France)

Better than your average erection company
In case you’re wondering – and I imagine you are – this construction company answers the phone simply by saying “Superior.” (Location: Ohio)

a mind-boggling tirade from the eco warriors in the Darjeeling Police Force.

(Location: Tokyo)

Mystery meat - Always nice to see a little beast on the menu. (Location: Pisac, Peru)

Hazardous noises (Location: Sacremento)

Almost safe haven (Location: San Diego)

No cartwheels or headstands either

get all the caffeine and joy of drinking brownish water without having to endure the taste

Try our delicious steaming socks and underwear, Szechaun-style.

Heavy Traffic? Maybe there could be some major deer migration in the area.

Spread Joy

2009-06-18T13:08:00.001+01:00

I really think that we can look for smiles in any situation, it just depends how we look at them. Sometimes it's good to share a smile with friends, loved ones ... and enemies, who have a momentary challenge with smiling. So, I thought we could all share in the delightful pursuit of spreading smiles.

Share your smiles with others, it can be a little video clip, a heartwarming anecdote, a sweet joke (only clean ones, please), an endearing picture / photo .... anything that speads a little sunshine in the lives of others.

Here are some lovely quotes:

• Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. Mark Twain
• And through the tears, we’ll smile when we recall, we had it all for just a moment. - St. Elmo’s Fire
• No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through the tears.
• A smile is a light in the window of the soul, indicating that the heart is at home.
• Smile, it’s the second best thing one can do with one’s lips.
• Brighten the world with your smile.
• A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
• A smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight.
• What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. Joseph Addison
• A smile can open a heart faster than a key can open a door.
• Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
• A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. - Phyllis Diller
• Everyone smiles in the same language. - Author Unknown
• If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine. - Author Unknown
• I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. - Author Unknown
• Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. - Mother Teresa
• It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown. - Author Unknown
• Peace begins with a smile. - Mother Teresa

So here is my Spread A Smile Thursday contribution:

Joyfully,

Tiny Balcony Bliss

2009-06-16T13:08:00.002+01:00

Ha! I am linking with Mary at "Work of the Poet" and her "Ruby Tuesday" Meme.

As you might have noticed on this blog, I like red around me. Thus it was no problems finding some red on my tiny little balcony, my little floral wilderness haven at this time of the year:

Click on the photos if you want to see them in their original size.

Have fun and a sun filled day!

A Happy Joyful Heart does good, like Medicine

2009-06-16T09:29:00.002+01:00

Last night I fancied watching a DVD and dug out an old movie, “Patch Adams” with Robin Williams in a true story of Hunter 'Patch' Adams, a doctor afflicted with 'excessive happiness'.

In some respects it is a feel-good movie. It is funny at times, touching, sad, controversial and thought provoking. I personally really enjoyed the film and certainly recommend it to those with an open mind.

Of course one of the main reasons why I like the film is watching the yet again brilliant performance of Robin Williams (although probably not as stunning as his performance in “Good Will Hunting”).

However, my main ‘hook’ in the film was the notion of the healing power of joy, humour and laughter.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. “
- Proverbs 17:22

- or like the Amplified version puts it: “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing”.

According to the University of ‘Maryland School of Medicine’, research suggests that mental stress is correlated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels, which can bring about inflammatory reactions potentially causing fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries.

Research also indicates that laughter enhances blood flow, whereas emotional states associated with stress are contributing factors to restricted blood flow in the arteries.

As laughter appears to increase the immune response and may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies, it also raises the amount of immune cells, plus laughter diminished the secretion of the body's stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, and even seems to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

That is on the medical research side, but when laughter is shared, it connects and bonds people increasing happiness and intimacy.

According to psychologist William James, “We don’t laugh because we’re happy. We’re happy because we laugh.”

I have a request, would you please share with me and other readers your favourite movies that made you feel good and gave you a good old laugh .... or even a full belly laugh?

Cheerfully,

Turn your Eyes to Hope and Joy

2009-06-15T18:39:00.002+01:00

It was quite a few years ago that, something like 10-15 years ago, that I went through a particularly trying time in my life. Living at the edge also meant that I was living at the edge emotionally, too; and at times found the stress and trauma totally overwhelming.

There were several incidents, during that time, whilst driving my car that I would get myself into a full-fletched stressed-out “tizz”. I am not a one that aggressively shouts and swears at other drivers, but during that time of severe testing my nerves were strained and I overreacted jumping at the slightest noise or sudden perceived threats or danger. I would tighten and close-up up on the outside but on the inside I was a mix between an automated corpse, functioning like a robot, and a wasp caught in a jam jar. My reactions and behaviour, though not aggressive and abusive, were inappropriate none-the-less.

During those times I was very grateful to my son who understood me, who understood that the only way to snap me out of that mode was to reconnect me to my intimate times with the Lord and get me into His presence.

My son loves music, a very wide variety of music, and so do I. However, during those moments he knew only one type of music would do: intimate worship.

The moment he would play that audio tape (yes that was prior to CD’s or MP3s), I uncoiled, unknotted, relaxed and started to breathe again. It was like I had turned my eyes away from the ‘wall’ and gazed into the smiling eyes of my Eternal Lover and my Heavenly Father, and I knew all was ok, again.

The analogy and story of a trainee racing driver has almost become proverbial. Apparently if for split seconds a racing driver looks at the wall, he’ll crash. The story I heard was how one trainer literally had to quickly yank the head of his trainee around so he would not look at the wall, and back on the track and his goal before him.

In our daily walk we are faced with many walls – walls of unhappiness, grief, trauma, and turmoil, walls of literal or perceived threats, losses or impending losses, the various fears we are presented with in this economic climate, or health scares we hear about .... or even when things just don’t go our way and we are facing the wall of grumpiness, or pity-party. The only hope we have of not crashing against whatever wall we face is to yank our head around and gaze at the One who is Hope, Love and Joy.

There are times when we need to snap out of our emotionally and spiritually negative state and enter into rejoicing and celebrating on purpose, by choice, and not waiting for the situation to change first.

The people in Nehemiah’s day had to learn this lesson:

9 "Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, "This day is holy to God, your God. Don't weep and carry on." ....
10 He continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!"
12 The Levites calmed the people, "Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don't be upset."
12 So the people went off to feast, eating and drinking and including the poor in a great celebration. Now they got it; they understood the reading that had been given to them."
- Nehemiah 8:9-12 (The Message)

It’s quite easy to get into a pattern of fear and all that is associated with it. To disrupt that pattern, we need to first recognise that there is God, and that He is bigger than the problem we face. We also need to recognise that He calls this day, this time in our life, holy! He has decreed that this is your day and my day which is holy.

The dictionary defines ‘Holy’ as: health, salvation, happiness, sacred, whole or sound; belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power.

God, who is Love and hope, declares that the day we are facing is whole, sound and sanctified with His divine power. As we yank our heads and eyes away from our wall and gaze at Him, we step into His reality of holiness and saving divine power, and come into agreement with this.

Next, we need to ‘feast’ and ‘celebrate’ and share it with those who don't have anything.

This does not necessarily mean a literal feast, although it could be. Much rather, think of a smile, a loving word of encouragement or a genuine hug as something we can share it with those who don't have anything. There are provisions for our feasts and celebration all around us if we only chose to stop and look. Can you see the butterfly, hear the birds, or see the little flower in the crack of a pavement?

When we are in a negative state our heart closes as if to protect it, a bit like that jam jar that entrapped the madly buzzing wasp, we entrap our pain, hurt, anguish, anger, etc. thinking we can protect our heart. When we chose to turn our heads and eyes from the ‘wall’; when we chose to open our heart and see our life as ‘holy’ gazing at Him, and celebrate with thankfulness the feast he has already provided, then it is like the lid of that jam jar is removed, that nasty wasp can fly out.

Away from the ‘wall’ and back on track, we then truly come to know that the joy of God is your strength!

“You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. “
- Psalm 16:11 (New International Version)

Joyfully,

_________________________________

Parenting Teens and Beyond with God

2009-06-05T19:42:00.000+01:00

This is kind of a little sequel from my previous blog on ‘Parenting and God’.

Both of my ‘kids’ are adults now, and I trust that my reflections here are going to be of some inspiration and encouragement to those of you who are in the parenting (grand-parenting) process.

No matter how great or how awful our parenting skills are, no matter how many times we miss it, and actually inadvertently emotionally wound our precious kids, we do mean well, we want the best for them .... at least most parents would agree.

As parents we have our own ‘stuff’ that we keep on having to trust God to grow though. We all have our own 'blind spots', and our personal ‘picture frame’ through which we view and interpret our world and what is happening around us.

I would like to quote myself from an earlier blog post, "Digging out my personal history ..."

“Some time ago I read about this account of two brothers who grew up in the worst part of the Bronx in New York. Their mother was a prostitute; domestic violence was the norm in that family. Their father was either full of drugs or alcohol, in and out of jail, and finally stayed there for murder. One of the two brothers followed his father’s footsteps and also wound up in jail. His brother, however, went to school, won scholarships, became a successful lawyer, and happily married with three children. When they were interviewed and asked what caused them to become who they are, both of them gave the same reply, “Because of our father”.

It rather goes to show that it is not the circumstances that cause us to become who we are, but rather how we interpret the circumstances and live accordingly. In other words we can allow circumstances to use us, or we use circumstances. The choice is ours.”

Having said all that, this does not give us, as parents, licence to treat our kids any old way. We are responsible before God that we do our best. I, for one, am very grateful the way both my 'kids' have turned out. I give God all the glory for that! It has not been easy, there has been huge family upheavals, a lot of trauma and pain, plus my divorce, losing the family home/house, etc.
Yet, God has brought us all through by His grace. Both of them are very fine young people, balanced, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now, you’re asking, what was my contribution? My aim was and is to build friendship and not just a parent/child relationship.

My aim was to convey to them unconditional regard – I may not have agreed with all they were doing, however, they knew that no matter what, my unwavering love was and is available to them at all times .... with my heart and arms wide open.

I guess one of the main things I learnt from my own upbringing was, that due to 'uncomfortable consequences', I decided that 'stuff' secretly done behind the back of my parents would be more enjoyable. This robbed me of some major protection which landed me in serious trouble and nearly left me for dead.

I thus decided that my kids should be offered the benefit of non-judgemental love and acceptance with the doors of communication open at all times, should they decided to make use of it.

The other main thing I learned from my upbringing was, that once the initial stages of 'pure protection' were over (e.g. as a toddler sticking fingers into electric socket outlets), the do’s and don’ts "because I say so" do not necessarily work in the long run, but teaching and imparting values do.

To that end, I would not say ‘no’ to a movie, etc. (knowing that most likely they would watch it at a friend’s house in any case), but take the time and watch it with them and then discuss principles and values with them. (OK that movie situation only lasted a limited time, as I am a complete wuzz, and can't handle action and suspense too well ....)

I recall one preacher/pastor one day was disgusted walking past by some magazine racks with teen magazines on display with rather questionable sexual content displayed. He turned around to me and sharply said that he would never permit his daughter to put eyes on that abominable stuff from the pit of hell.
I had to keep my mouth zipped, at the time, as I was actually buying the very same magazines for my own daughter. However, I did not just give her the mag and left her to digest that stuff with her friends. No, I sat down with her. Together we leafed through the magazines, read and discussed ... again, my aim was to educate and impart values. The allure to secretly read and watch this material behind my back with so-called friends was removed; all was discussed in the open in a non-judgemental way, to equip her, and to keep the communication channels accessible at all times.

I knew that kids, teens, are not so much interested in the mechanics of sex or the anatomy of body parts, but much rather what does it feel emotionally, what happens on the heart level, especially afterwards, after having slipped into a lust event?
What’s the difference between hormones and true affections?
What are the values from a Biblical perspective and why?

Values, values, values ... to provide healthy boundaries, not as a spoil sport for fun, but to liberate into enduring growth.

That meant spending time ... sometimes sitting with that precious teenager till the small hours of the night/morning, and just talking and listening, trying to understand their world.

I know that in all my endeavours, I still have failed and come short many, many times, in really hearing them, really understanding them, really getting to know them. As parents we often automatically assume that we know our kids, but do we? Really? It takes huge amount of unconditional love, time, setting aside own preconceptions, own world perceptions.

There were times when I could not relate to them at all, when my automatic alarm bells started ringing furiously. It’s exactly at those times when I had to sit myself down, first, and check and re-check whether or not I was just reacting according to my personal realities and comfort zone.

I tried to learn to put aside my personal preferences, enter into their world, into their map of reality, and allow myself to be stretched. I cried, sobbed, prayed, .... messed up, asking them to forgive me.

Yeah! I failed and messed up; I have not been a perfect mother by any stretch of imagination. I have made mistakes, and will continue to make mistakes .... not because I intend to, but because I am still growing, maturing, and learning till I graduate into my heavenly home.

However, one thing I would say, I love them dearly and I know that I am loved by them. We have amazingly beautiful relationships with each other. My son has just given me a most outstanding new daughter, who I love dearly, too. A very special young woman, I could not think of a better wife for my son.

So, if you happen to be a parent of teenagers, or will be a parent of a teenager/s, take heart and be encouraged. Love them, not the way you think they should be loved, but the way they want and need to be loved according to their uniqueness. And pray, intercede, go into spiritual warfare, cover them with the Blood of Jesus, regularly take Holy Communion and uphold them in prayer, yes, immerse them in prayer *behind the scenes*.

Don’t be like Job in the Bible who feared the worst that might happen to his children in the time and age he was living in ... we’re living in. Have faith in God, He is their eternal Father. By faith expect great and honourable things for your children and they will live up to it!

Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes, ask for forgiveness, forgive yourself, get up, dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes, get over it, and move on.

Building and experiencing a godly loving relationship with one’s children is one of the greatest gifts and joys from heaven .... it’s worth it!

Lovingly,

____________________________________________________
© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2009. All Rights Reserved

The Hazard and Joy of Living with an Open Heart

2009-06-05T19:13:00.001+01:00

Intimacy with the necessary totally honest transparency and vulnerability can be an extremely frightening prospect. Life usually deals out pain and disappointments and we become very adept in survival by building protective walls around us. The problem is the very wall that keeps pain and hurt out, will also keep out love that we so desperately need. Thankfully, there is a different way to guard our hearts and allow full access to the love exchange that liberates us to grow to different levels of joy … dare we take that route?

To travel on the Journey of Intimacy and move up to higher levels, we invariably come across having to deal with issues that caused our hearts to shut down.

It’s not so much sin and immorality that shuts down one’s heart, but rather other people, politics, hurtful behaviour, betrayal, etc. People can be worse than demons, if you let them.

However, for a lot of folk they may not even have been shut down, but actually never properly developed their full passion of emotions. Maybe it was not part of their family culture to allow one’s full passion of emotions to mature.

A person with fully developed and mature emotions knows when it is appropriate to express them and when it is not. An indicator of whether or not a person either has a shut down heart or not fully developed emotions (only we ourselves really knows the difference), can be noticed in situations when it is ok, appropriate, and indeed desirable to express the fullness of one’s passion of emotions, yet there is a block, one can’t … just can’t. Pretend, yes, make an outward spectacle, yes. But a genuine expression, no.

Let us not confuse being extrovert or introvert as an indicator of whether a person’s heart is open and their emotions fully developed and mature. Being extrovert or introvert are personality preferences. An introvert can have far more mature emotions than an extrovert that might be able to cry at the drop of a hat.

I shall never forget this young lady we had at church. She was bubbly and outgoing, she was a giver and ever ready to encourage people, full of seeming aliveness in her emotions, until she was found having committed suicide by hanging. No one suspected even in the slightest that this extrovert bubbly girl was dying inside, had her heart shut down suffocating behind her own walls of ‘safety’ against pain.

Let me illustrate this with the following stickman drawings:

Here, this person has surrounded themselves with layers upon layers of defensive protection against hurt. The walls eventually become so thick that indeed they exist in a maximum security cell where next to no pain can penetrate. Whilst they are suffocating in the protective cell, no love can come in either, nor is it possible for them to truly let love out … too dangerous. (The RED arrows represent love).

The alternative situation is the one where the person is not relying on self-built walls of protection around their heart, but consciously open their heart and focus on the 'Firewall' of the Blood of Jesus around them.

That 'Firewall' (also known as the Shield of Faith) drenched in the Blood of Jesus will effectively annihilate the darts of the enemy. Whatever does get through gets zapped by His Love emanating from us. Meanwhile, the Firewall of Blood easily lets through any love from and to the person.

It surely seems hazardous to live with an open heart, as to allow ones emotions to fully mature means total honesty, vulnerability, loving deeper. When you really love well, you stand the risk of getting hurt more. But we need to learn to love beyond fear.

To live with an open heart does mean setting appropriate boundaries communicated with honesty, love and respect for the other person/s. The Bible tells us to guard our heart, which is different to shutting down or walling our heart.

Unfortunately very few of us had the privilege of growing up with parents mentoring the development and maturity of emotions. They could not teach what they did not know. This means we all are in the same school of learning, growing and maturing.

What it takes is first of all awareness, ‘renewing of the mind’, knowledge, willingness to learn with the right attitude, not giving up when things get tough, and time, yes, lots of time.

Well, fellow travellers on the Journey Of Intimacy, the first step is awareness, and that means digging deeper on our quest to get to know ourselves first.

In His love,

____________________________________________________
© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2008. All Rights Reserved

Where are you on your Journey of Intimacy?

2009-06-05T18:39:00.001+01:00

Do you ever wear a mask of smiles and doing nice things to others? Do you keep on giving and pouring out of yourself running on empty and wondering why nobody bothers to pour back into your parched life? Here is some food for thought with some soul searching questions to locate you on your own personal journey of intimacy.

It is so easy to apply the Pauline cry “less of me and more of You, Lord” in a way that is not very helpful. Christians can be busy, busy folk spreading all this sweet lurve around, especially we women are guilty of this!

Why is it that we can get so pre-occupied running around blessing everyone possible with our loveliness? Well, for starters it feels so good, we feel so validated; we’ve done something nice to our ‘neighbours’. Also by being so busy we do not really have time to stop and deal with our own issues, after all, is it not all about Jesus and loving our neighbour? And being so self sacrificial, denying ourselves in the name of Jesus, it’s easy to slip a little bit into a self-righteous mode, wanting to set a good example and being a role-model to others who’re not quite pulling their spiritual weight as we feel they should.

It’s so convenient to hide behind all these spiritual activities and our sweet loving spirituality.
Whilst love is a command and a mandate given to us by our Lord, let’s put it in perspective, “love your neighbour as yourself.”

The “as yourself” is usually pushed under the carpet as, we’re too selfish and self-centred anyway! However, selfishness and self-centeredness usually springs out of a deep, often unrecognised need that is unfulfilled, a dangerous void (nature abhors a vacuum and always seeks to fill it), sometimes it’s a deep seated wound, a deep hope referred. It is so easy to cover this up, push it aside, we don’t want to be miserable, we want to be happy, and making ourselves believe that our personal needs and desires don’t really matter, plus we get happy, and feel fulfilled being there for others.

The trouble is that when we come from a space of unmet need and not having, and we ignore/deny our own needs, lack and wounds, then, when we give to others, we’re actually not giving but taking! It is a subtle form of manipulation and it brings about an expectation that is birthed out of premeditated resentment – resenting that we won’t get what we expect, or hope, wish, desire that should be ours (Ha! Even when we don’t admit it to ourselves consciously).

Allow me to challenge all this. Let’s stop the running around spreading sweet lurve for a moment and focus on ourselves. Yes, focus on ourselves first!

Where do we need to develop and grow and learn first? ….. think deeper, dig deeper, and don’t hide behind Christianeese spiritual platitudes.

For a moment, allow me to rock the boat .... this message is about You! Your intimacy with the Lord, your intimacy with yourself, and your intimacy with that loved one of yours.

We all need to allow ourselves to get to a space of further healing and growing to higher levels. Let’s stop for a moment and examine ourselves, uncover, or unearth areas which were pushed aside, wounds not properly healed, and spend time to be honest with ourselves and with God. Then, when our inner vats, our emotional reservoirs are whole with no leaks and filled, then our giving and loving comes with greater impact to change lives.

With love,

____________________________________________________
© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2008. All Rights Reserved

Rising Above Offense …. and my thoughts on False Prophets and ‘Wolves in Sheep Clothing’

2009-06-05T18:26:00.001+01:00

We are taught not to give offense and the various consequences resulting from giving offense. But, what about when NO offense is given? When people are touchy and take offense at the slightest thing that runs crosswise their personal perceptions in life, or even personal doctrines?

Take this a step further and the ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ become victims of modern day witch hunts ….

Here’re some thoughts and encouragements for those of us whose heart it is to see others blessed and grow ever closer and deeper in the knowledge of Him.

Surely you’ve had these frustrating times when no matter how much is poured out and given in love there are always some who for some reason take offense when no offense is given.

I have observed this for decades in the ministry, no church is immune. There will always be those victimised, insulted and put down by phantoms and figments of their imagination … especially when a prominent speaker is in town and he/she has not addressed their pet hurt or God forbid overlooked them. Just recently I heard some of these peeves again, one lady even phoned me at home with a bag full of complaints …
oh yeah this stuff is also perfect gossip fodder ….

Offense-taking can be defined as the perceived deprivation of what is rightfully due to a person. In other words when we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, disrespected, and the list goes on.

The key word here is ‘perceived’. Perceptions are very powerful; they influence our decisions, our approach to solve problems, and ultimately, our actions. Perceptions are interpretive frames we attach to any situation; what appear to be unshakable facts to us is merely our interpretation of incidents, experiences, and indeed of truth as we look through our unique and personal acquired filters.

Seen from that angle, taking offence is our own choice … a choice we make! Contrary to popular belief, it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else. Thus ultimately it is impossible for another person to offend us. It’s kind of amazing how touchy-feely a lot of Christians are, and of course feeling the victim of any real or imagined offense in our interaction with other people, keeps us neatly in our comfort zone of non-responsibility. To belief that someone else can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter, would mean that they have control over our feelings, emotions and thoughts, diminishing our own moral agency and reducing us to mere objects to be acted upon. We thus abdicate our own power to act Scripturally responsible.

Proverbs 18:19 NIV says, “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” Taking offense is a snare of the enemy down the road of unforgiveness. A dangerous road to travel on, a real blessing robber to say the least!

More often than not, it’s the ‘little foxes that spoil the vine’ … it’s those little things of imagined snubbing or not having their personal needs addressed in the sermon/ministry addressed, especially during a powerfully anointed ministry and His glorious presence, that seem to trip up folk.

I keep saying to people, ‘don’t take offense’ don’t yield to the blessing robber!

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV

Whilst I am on my ‘soap-box’, here’s another issue that gets a lot of Christian flustered to say the least: ‘Wolves in Sheep Clothing’ fake ministries, etc.

Whilst we are warned repeatedly in Scripture to be vigilant, especially in these last days, let us not focus on becoming ‘witch hunters’ and specialist detectives in ‘wolves’.

“… whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honourable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” – Philippians 4:8 (Amplified Bible)

The key is to draw near to Him, practice His presence … crave His presence more than anything on this world. Apparently the way they train bank tellers how to distinguish between real and counterfeit money notes/bills is to only allow the trainees to handle the real ones for a long while before they slip in a counterfeit. The idea is, when people handle the real long and well enough, they pick up anything that is not immediately.

Let us be careful not to busy ourselves identifying the false, let our focus not be on the negative, corrupted and demonic, but let our focus be the Lord of Glory, His real servants … knowing them by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

The problem in the world is not too much darkness, but not enough light. Let us attentively spend time in the Light, thus His Light radiates through us; let us consciously and with greater awareness spend time in His presence being His presence, and the darkness will flee!

With love,

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© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2008. All Rights Reserved

Disarming Hell and Lack through Thanksgiving, releasing Heaven’s Provisions

2009-06-05T18:04:00.001+01:00

In times when we feel crushed under the weight of a dark cloud of everything seemingly turning against us, we feel stuck with nowhere to turn, yet we still have the power of choices left. Although totally counter-intuitive to our situation, there is a way to activate Heaven’s forces to tear open the darkness around us and set us free to hope and run again.

Have you ever caught yourself feeling emotionally and physically totally drained, overwhelmed by the pressure of really needing something, or even wanting something, but can’t have it, …. by forever seemingly having to go without when your heart is yearning for more, …. or by somehow feeling ignored and taken for granted by those around you, no matter how much you give or do, …. or by fighting one exhausting battle after another, often multiple attacks seemingly being the norm, when all you seem to do is binding the devil and his demons at every turn?

If your answer is, ‘Yes!’ then I am talking to the right person.

The Apostle Paul was quite candid in the way he felt in some of his hair-raising situations:

“We want you to to be aware of the difficulties we experienced in the province of Asia. Our stress was so great that we felt we culd snap at any time; actually, it would have been easier to die. It was as though we were under a death sentence and had no power to overtun it. Having reached our limits and beyond, we could only trust in God. And god freed us to live, He continues to free us, and we believe He will free us in the future.” (2 Corinthians 1: 8-10 from “The Heart of Paul” Ben Campbell Johnson)

What was Paul’s key? How was he able to ‘push’ through? I believe he gave us his secret when he admonished, (Eph. 5:20), or, ‘ give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’“in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess.5:18).

Let’s have a look at the dynamics of being thankful. The word ‘thankful’ gives us a clue: full of thanks, and therein is the key: we are full rather than empty.
You see, if we are not full and content first, then things will only complicate life, and it’ll create even more problems.

You heard it said, that one cannot pour out of an empty cup, yet we attempt to do this all the time. The trouble is that when we come from a space need and not having and we look at our unfulfilled need and lack, then, when we attempt to give to others, we’re actually not giving but taking! It is a subtle form of manipulation and it brings about an expectation that is birthed out of premeditated resentment – resenting that we won’t get what we expect, or hope, wish, desire that should be ours (Ha! …. even when we don’t admit it to ourselves consciously).

If, however, we come from a space of gratitude, that in the moment of ‘right now’, in this very moment in time in our life, all our needs for living and being have been taken care of, and we really are full of thanks, yet joyfully desiring more, we are now operating in the realm of exceeding abundance that will attract more above all that we ask or think.

I believe that the Apostle Paul understood this principle that we can only have more, if what we already have causes us to be ‘full’ with gratitude, rather than mouthing ‘thanks’ to God as a formula in order to get what we want. Thus he wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6)

So, then, what are we to do if nothing but lack stares into our face? I challenge you to look at your life with open eyes. If we are willing to enjoy and appreciate the small and even simple, seemingly insignificant things in life, we open ourselves up to truly humbling riches, an abundance that already exists in our lives we so easily take for granted. From that space we can now attract more and greater, and giving out of that abundance truly blesses others.

What do I mean by attract more? You see it’s a case of positioning our heart in relationship with God at all times, in all circumstances.

When things are tough, rejoicing, praying and thanksgiving are all acts of our will and really require faith. By faith we use our will to focus on God’s promise; by faith we focus on what He has already provided, even when it seems difficult to remember one answered prayer, by sheer determination find something, never mind how little and on the face of things irrelevant, and begin thanking and praising Him.

This action puts us in agreement with God and His will for us. That agreement is what attracts the strength and reality of Heaven into our lives and circumstances. We literally thus operate in what Jesus taught in the so called “Lord’s Prayer”: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Thus heaven’s reality becomes earth’s reality. Thanksgiving agrees with heaven by acknowledging the truth that our lives are a gift from God, and that He is sovereign over all.

Psalm 100:4 says that we “enter into His gates with thanksgiving”. Thanksgiving opens the doors for the manifest presence of God. It fuses us with His purpose for us right in the midst of our circumstances and disconnects us from the purpose of the enemy we might be experiencing. Thanksgiving and praise causes our focus to be on Him so that our awareness shifts from earthly reality to heavenly reality – which we must do in order to release the strength of Heaven onto our circumstances.

“Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying ans singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Well, you know the story in the Book of Acts, when Paul and Silas, beaten, severely abused, imprisoned in totally inhumane conditions, in their worst ‘midnight hour’ they chose to worship God and give Him thanks and praise Him. What happened was quite remarkable, God sent a mighty earthquake and bust open their prison.

This is not really surprising if we take to heart what the Psalmist declared, “God inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalms 22:3) No demon in hell can stand in the presence of God. Praise,worship and thanksgiving attracts the power presence of God himself and the angelic host!

“…. whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Mat 18:18

If you’ve been busy binding things on earth, forbidding things to operate on earth which is contrary to what’s going on in heaven, then you need to practice more to loose what’s going on in heaven into the earth realm, loose the forces of heaven, the angelic activities, our Father’s provisions into our life and into the lives of those we’re praying for. How? What’s the key?

It’s:

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care – all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all – on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5:6,7 Amp.)

and

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Let me leave you with a quote from Melody Beattie:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Joyfully,

_________________________________

© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2008. All Rights Reserved

Busy Parents and God

2009-06-05T17:21:00.000+01:00

I have previously posted this on a different blog, however I feel it might be helpful for readers on this blog

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Exhausted parents, especially Christian moms, often feel guilty (or made to feel guilty by other Christians) for not spending *enough* quality time with God. Here is a compassionate encouragement – and some practical tips.

Time and time again I come across exasperate parents, especially precious mothers, exhausted already with all that is going on in their lives, beating themselves up that they are neglecting quality time with the Lord.

If you’re one of them, then see this blog as a loving and compassionate letter to you … or pass it on to those who might need it.

Forgive me for addressing mothers here. If you are a father in this situation, and there are many of you out there, then please consider this blog personally written to you as an encouragement, too.

Typically, when describing their situation, parents berate themselves as whining about their lack of intimate time with the Lord. If this is you, I’d say, ‘no, you are not whining, you just described an honest desire and frustration most of us mothers go through, a heartfelt craving to spent more time in His presence whilst juggling everything else in life.’

I have heard some ladies in the ministry candidly talk about the same dilemma you described, e.g. I recall James Goll’s late wife Michal Ann express her frustration crying out to God in the privacy of her bathroom.

So, what do you do?

Certainly I experienced all this when my kids were little. I guess what it means is becoming more flexible and going with the flow of new dynamics.

For example, the lifestyle and dynamics most likely would have changed in your relationship with your partner or spouse over the years, especially since a family arrived.

Instead of resisting or regretting changes, or squeezing in the impossible and then become totally fatigued, it is smarter to become more resourceful and adaptable, rather than beating yourself up for not doing or accomplishing what you used to do, or were able to do.

You may as well, for especially if your kids are little, there’ll be many years to come, when the parent-ministry will be quite intense. So, you might as well make yourself at home ‘in the trenches’ and go with the flow!

Most importantly do not compare yourself to what you used to do, or even worse to other parents, especially those super spiritual ones! You have a very unique relationship with your Heavenly Lover, your Heavenly Father, your Lord and Saviour. Your tender, intimate relationship with Him does not have to measure up to anyone else’s. You are the apple of His eye, so just bask in His affectionate Love, on-the-go, with total surrender and gratitude.

See, part of all this guilt business stems from doing rather than being. So, learn to enter more into His rest and float in His presence.

Have you ever floated on water at the beach?

When you stretch out your arms, allow your face to be partially immersed in the water and stay still, you trust the water to carry you, it will, and you peacefully and effortlessly float.

However, if you paddle with your arms hoping to float, invariably your face goes under the water ….

So, learn to be still, relax, just be, and float in the supportive loving waters of His Spirit.

Practising the Prensence and Intimacy with God with a fresh awareness

There is another factor we so often either forget or are not aware of: Our thoughts are not private in the spirit realm! Our mental chatter is loud and clear to God and His faithful angelic realm …. so, we might as well use this as a focused communication tool more regularly than what we might have done before.

Thus, yes we can host and practice the presence of God on-the-go without having to sit for hours in Bible reading with long-winded prayers, which is great if there is the time available … if not, then just be flexible.

Quality time with Him is not so much doing things but just resting in Him and being deeply conscious of Him, practicing the awareness of His sweet presence.

Now, am I saying, it doesn not really matter if your alone time with Him is curtailed to just chatting with Him in your mind, whenever you happen to think of Him, or utter a quick prayer like, “Oh, Lord You know and understand how busy I am!” – No, definitely not!

Anything in life, if it is burningly important enough, we make room for it. The Kingdom of God is seemingly full of paradoxes, and contrary to the things we would ‘naturally’ do. For example, in the ‘natural’ we get hungry when we have not eaten, whereas in the ’spiritual’ you get hungry the more you eat. People who are not hungry for God and intimacy with Him usually have not eaten, or spend time with Him.

We need to seperate ourselves to be alone with Him regularly. I like a statement by Bill Johnson, who is my adopted spiritual father, “Fruitfulness comes out of Rest; Warfare comes out of Romance”

We need that rest and romance with Him daily, both in our continuous awareness and flowing with Him, adapting our lives accordingly, as well as some specific set aside time with Him.

Feeling guilty, and a sense that you should spend more time with Him is counterproductive and as detrimental as obeying the letter of the law.

No, He is beckoning with tenderness and love. He is love and responds to our love and craving for Him. When we are so besotted, smitten, in love with Him that we can’t wait to steal away just to catch His gaze and His breath, and linger in His presence, any time of the day or night will do!

…. and something more practical

One thing I used to do, when my kids were little, was every morning get dressed with my Walkman. These days it’s the MP3 player or iPod. Just like you would put on your underwear, put on your iPod or MP3 player, stuffed with either the spoken Bible or great teaching sermons. (There’s a pic of me holding my daughter, when she was little, and of course the ever present walkman).

You’ll be surprised how many opportunities you have during the day to pop in those ear-phones, if you actually wear the player as a routine every day.

I used to go to the playground with my kids, do all the house chores, shopping - you name it … whilst catching up on some good Word.

Sure, there are many times you get distracted and you’ll have to re-listen the same thing over and over. But that’s ok, your spirit will get it, and eventually your head catches up too.

So, let go of all these guilt feelings, and just enjoy Him every second of your life, grab those windows of opportunity, even if it’s just seconds long; just close your eyes, breathe deeply, be still, and let your heart whisper your love and gratitude to Him, and receive His.

In His love,

_________________________________

© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann – inStrengths Ministries - The Journey of Intimacy, 2008. All Rights Reserved

Watch this Video - Impromptu Piano recital, endearing and humorous - couldn't help smiling all day!

2009-06-02T14:34:00.000+01:00

Fran & Marlo Cowan (married 62 years) playing impromptu recital together in the atrium of the Mayo Clinic. He turned 90 in February.

They make it look fun growing old together! I just love how they grabbed the opportunity to leave some smiles on other people, and clearly having a laugh!

Joyfully,

Working in the sun on my book ... with my little furry companions

2009-05-31T20:19:00.001+01:00

Hurrah! Finally it is sunny and warm enough to leave my computer in my office and take my ageing and temperamental laptop out on the balcony to work on one of my books on the ‘Journey of Intimacy’!

I absolutely love working outside, under a sunshade with the bright sunlight around me, and every so often glancing into some green leaves. (Pictures, please click on them to get the original size.)

I have a miniscule titchy tiny little balcony, I mean it’s smaller than a postage stamp, but I still love it out there. I squeezed in a couple of chairs a small table, and one day I will really make it pretty there.

Being outside, it’s a favourite workspace; a huge amount of research and writing happened there during my MSc degree.

During that time I frequently had a little furry companion sitting on that other chair, Tehillah, our Abyssinian Blue, who has long since gone ‘across the rainbow bridge’. Tehillah was elderly then, and she enjoyed sitting on that chair, and I enjoyed her company. (on that picture the balcony still had the ugly orange/red plastic sides)

Since then I have adopted two Chocolate Point Siamese from a rescue shelter, Truffle and Praline. I have owned Siamese before and they were very adventurous, no way could I have trusted them to go out on that balcony (back then we all lived in a huge house with a secluded garden).
Truffle and Praline are very, very different to our former Siamese, especially in temperament, so I decided to see how they would behave on the balcony under supervision with me being present .... also I was really curious if they would get on Tehillah’s honoured seat.

(definitely need to click on that pic on the right to enlarge, she has such a beautiful little face >>>)

It appears that Praline is a bit more adventurous than her older brother Truffle, and along she came. She sniffed around and checked out the place, then she jumped up on that chair Tehillah enjoyed, and settled. It felt peculiarly good .... any pet owner might understand my sentiments ...

Well, finally Truffle joined in the fun, too. Maybe it was that buzzing flying 'thing' that caught his attention .... (he's on the right. I know, I know ... it's like a mother of identical twins, you just know who's who LOL).

Did I get any work done? Yes, eventually.

A Post Script .....

Well, this is somehow somewhat turning into a cat blog post. I guess it all started with me reminiscing about Tehillah. So, the inevitable happened, I dug out some old photos of our previous beloved furry friends who are held in special memory:

My most favourite cat *ever* was Phuket, a Blue Point Tabby (Lynx) Point Siamese. There seem to be never ending stories about this personality rich strong and intelligent cat.
(again, please click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size).

Here are my favourite two boys: my son and a young Phuket .... still can't believe that my son, this cute little boy is over 30 years old and married now ....

Phuket on the prowl

Here is Chiang Mai, Phuket's sister, a Blue Point Siamese with her favourite human: my daughter. ..... She will cringe when she sees that I put up that photo, in other words, she does not like it. However, those two were inseperable.

Chiang Mai and Tehillah snuggled up

Tehillah was such a character! Here she stretched out on my son's bed with a huge yawn ....

... and then
she dozed off ...

Wishing you a purrrrfectly joyful day!

OK, ok ... I am relenting ... here are some pics when I was younger

2009-05-22T13:40:00.004+01:00

I decided to only half heartedly join in with Alicia's Photo Flashback, meaning, that I will not have a regular new Friday update of old photos. Instead I will just add some to this existing blog I posted a little while ago (the date of this post). So if you like, scroll down and see other pics of 'back then'. I reduced them in size so, if you wan to see them in the original, you'd need to click on them.

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Well, I was NOT planning to go through my drawer of photos to look for some when I was little, especially considering that just about all of them are still in Germany.

Well, as my friend Beth is participating in a Photo Flashback Meme (linking to Alicia at "More than Words") and asked me to find some old pics, I relented and did get a couple here. I was telling her that seeing I am 56 years old (1953) the pics were black and white with crinkly white edges. Well, Beth, I found one in colour!!! ... and no crinkly white edges LOL.

Anyway, here are the two. I must have been anywhere between 4 and 6 years old (thus roughly 1957-ish). The first one was taken on my birthday when I had a fancy dress party (check out the old radio!). The second one is with my mother at Wiesbaden in front of the Theatre. (click on the pics for the full size).

(well, my mother, this fine aristocratic lady, somehow wound up with this little podgy girl ... ha! ... hhmmm ... was I supposed to smile??)

The Wild Years:

That was in 1972 when I graduated from High School ... check out those 70's trousers (pants).

Then in 1976 I did some modelling ... oh well, those were the days ....

Click on the pics to enlarge them.

Then two years later in 1978 I had become a respectable mother.

1983, breastfeeding daughter. At that time I was already active in the ministry pastoring a small multi-cultural church in Hong Kong ... and she just had to slot in. She was lugged to every meeting and if necessary I fed her carefully and discretely whilest ministering ....

Looking back in gratitude and joyful expectations for the Future!

In Him,

So very proud of my daughter!

2009-05-21T22:42:00.000+01:00

Today she wrote her last exam, meaning, she has now completed her Bachelor’s degree after a four year study slog alongside a full-time demanding job. It’s a BA in English Literature, and well, she has always been a keen reader.

She started early, probably influenced by seeing her mother buried in books most of the time. The moment she actually learnt to read, there was no stopping her.

There were numerous accounts and stories when she was little and at school, how the head teacher (principle) of the school was concerned that she would not stop reading even when walking on the street and bumping into lampposts, or secretly reading during lesson time.

Books have always been her passion. Asking her what she will do now after this degree, during the ‘gap-year’ till she’ll do her Masters? Oh simple, apart from working more on her sport fencing skills, she’ll finally get to read the mountain on non-academic books she has accrued ... and she can’t wait!

There is something else I need to mention, or another reason why I am so proud of her. She did her degree without any financial help from her parents, nor any loans, she worked hard at her job and did work related further exams during university holidays. What’s more she has remained a very balanced young lady who loves her fun, friends and socializing, and maintained a growing relationship with God her Saviour .... and is my own best friend!

One joyful and grateful mother!

(if you read this blog anywhere other than on Blogger, click here to read it at the original location)

Heart Connections of Love – Sharing Your Passion from behind the Microphone

2009-05-18T14:43:00.001+01:00

It really isn’t scary at all, but many people are petrified when they are called upon to give an announcement, give a little speech, or sing a song in front of a group of people.

The other day I was contacted with a request for help. Let me change her name and call her Linda, to protect her identity.

“I need help and I need prayer,” Linda started. “I am speaking, sharing and singing at a conference, tomorrow, and I have not sung in many years, it’s such a hard song. I am scared I forget what I’m going to say when I speak in front of them .... I normally look at the wall behind the people when I sing .... well, please just pray that GOD will possess me tomorrow and flow.. and for me to be obedient .... I wish you could go instead of me!”

It is true that I do not think twice about speaking in front of large groups of people, in fact I get a buzz out of it. I love connecting with my audience. I hate being stuck behind a podium with an immovable microphone, I love to walk about, into the audience and connect with them. I guess, after more than 28 years in the ministry that is probably to be expected. There was a time in my life, however, when I felt just like Linda, actually worse.

Nothing of the sort was planned by me, I literally stumbled into ministry when I inadvertently pioneered and pastored a small multicultural church in my living room in Hong Kong. I had no intentions for that to happen; yes, I was passionate about God and His Word, and especially about the Holy Spirit.

All I did was share what I had learnt with a few friends, then they told their friends, who told their friends, etc.
Then there came a time when we had actually out grown our very spacious living room and had to hire a hall.

Thankfully, I had befriended a minister from the Kenneth Copeland Ministries who decided to help me. He clearly saw that I was called into ministry, but he also saw that I completely froze with fear standing in front of a growing congregation, now transitioning into a hall. I was in such a bad shape at that time! When I walked up to the pulpit my brain turned into mush and the information supposedly to be shared looked more like a grey fuzzy TV screen without a signal, my body would shake and somehow I forgot how to walk or stand. I could not even remember the names of my closest friends .....

My dear friend from KCM connected me to the “Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communications & Human Relations”. I very highly recommend this course. It made a huge difference; I even wound up assisting on the Course after graduating from mine. I must say, I personally even preferred this Dale Carnegy course to the “Zig Ziglar ‘Effective Presentations’ Course”, also a most excellent and highly recommendable course, which I took at a later point.

None-the-less, there came a time when I truly freaked out again, close to fainting .... no exaggeration.

Reason? One, I was thrust a microphone into my hands by an international keynote speaker at a packed out conference with rows of ministers and bishops sitting on the platform, and two, I was to speak in front of the seasoned minister who had ordained me into ministry.

I felt totally pitifully inadequate in front of people who I admired and respected, way senior to me, experienced, seasoned, not only in presenting the Gospel message but also in their walk with Christ.

Who was I? They’d look at me and think, ‘where’s the anointing?’ I woud never be good enough or even acceptable. The fear of rejection raised its ugly head again ... a fear I was well experienced to.

I grew up in a family where just about everyone was an academic, with lawyers, doctors, etc. My own father was a scientist, published author, who was used to speaking at symposiums, and of course to the students at his university. My mother was a very ambitious pharmacist, and in her eyes, I had always been an embarrassment to the family, a failure, never good enough for anything really.

So, now this was haunting me again, as I was to speak in front of those dignified men and women in ministry. I felt like I had nothing to give.

But God turned it into a ‘Moses Moment’. Just like He asked Moses, “What do you have in your hands?” I felt that He was inquiring, “What have I wrought in your life? What seeds, whatever small you perceive them to be, do you have that you can now sow? What gift is in your life which you can now give away, that would meet the needs of those before you?”

That was the very turning point in my life. I looked at those in front of me through a different set of eyes, eyes of compassion, seeing needs that only God through me could meet.

“Share from your heart,” I said to Linda, “connect with just one person at a time, then it all flows out naturally like you're talking to a friend. Imagine that they are the only person in the room and you really want to share something that will so bless them.

“See, You are not important, but the ones you want to bless, are. So, take the focus completely off you. When you forget about yourself, all of a sudden the others become important and you're no longer self-conscious and scared.

“When you defocus from you, when you stop being self-conscious and focus on the others and their needs instead, when it does not matter any longer if you croak instead of sing, but when you have a message that you are passionate to give, surrendered to Him, then He can fill that with Himself, and it will meet the needs of others.”

Linda was still on some sort of a “scaredy-cat-rollercoaster” when she blurted out, “Yeah, but the original artist who sung that song, her voice and everything is just so amazing and so much better than me ..... I, just want to be perfect in order to bless them! ....”

“Well, she is a trained singer, for starters,” I replied, “I applaud anyone who pays the price for rigorous training and becoming the best they can be. Yes, she is a singer of highest calibre, but she won’t be there, she will not reach the people tomorrow, you will! When you connect with the hearts of people, when you connect with their needs, you only need to say one word, sing one tone, and it is explosive.

“Rather than needing to be perfect with your song, close your eyes and imagining reaching out to one or several people through your song. Think why they are there. They’ll come, not to hear a great singer, performer, speaker (... in life there will always be someone perceived to be 'better' than you ...), the people, your audience, are there because there are needs in their hearts and life, and they are hoping that God through you will meet that need.

“See, it's all about connecting with the heart. If you really connect and minister to their needs, then people are so concerned with what’s going on inside of them, that they won't even notice if your tone and pitch is not perfect or whatever.

Now, I am not saying that this gives you licence to be awful and distract those listening from hearing the Spirit of God. The Bible does say,

“Be diligent and study to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Do what it takes to be the best you can be at any specific time in your life, but then lay aside the need for perfection, which so often comes from a motivation of avoiding perceived rejection, which leaves the spotlight on You, how you come across, and how you are perceived, it’s feeding on your need to be loved and accepted by the audience, on your insecurities. When you thus focus on yourself whilst attempting to minister to others, you actually rob them of a heart connection and blessing.

So, let’s talk about some practicals, how do you connect with your audience?

Do your home work first. Know your audience and their needs. Pray, study, research, pray, practice, oh ... did I say pray?

Close your eyes, and become still.

Then with your closed eyes, by faith, allow His Love for them to rise up in you; intensify that love like it was a matter of life and death (it just may be, you never know!).

Enter into His rest whilst stirring up His Love for them in you.

Feel His heart for the precious people in front of you. It does not matter how big and ugly they are, they have wounds and needs that only His love can reach. Let His passion and love for them burn inside of you.

When you're in that space, open your eyes and let it flow and pour out, and enjoy the ride as He touches the innermost hidden crevices of the hearts of the ones He so loves.

In His Love,

-----
© Copyright Angelika Regina Heimann. 2009. All Rights Reserved

(if you read this blog anywhere other than on Blogger, click here to read it at the original location)

Captivated by His Melody of Love

2009-05-15T11:11:00.000+01:00

Last night I had a dream with His overwhelming deep romancing lover’s love burning inside of me, my heart aching for more ….

In my dream I found myself in a place where people come in, did whatever they had to do, and then left again. It looked like a large changing room or interchange place. There was a continuous stream of people coming and going.

I noticed that there was someone who did not come and go, who was just there, and He was playing the flute.

I was captivated by the flute as it is my personal favourite musical instrument, so I lingered to watch and listen. But then I noticed that the flute player was Jesus Himself. I was stunned and struck by awe just by the revelation of who it was who almost unassumingly, non-demandingly walked in our midst and playing the flute to us.

I became more engrossed in Him and His presence and decided to stay longer still - just watch and listen. Whilst playing the flute, He was slowly walking about towards people as they were coming and going in their busy endeavours. Most people who entered saw Him or at least were aware of Him, and some greeted Him politely, and then walked on, did what they had to do and then left.

I thought to myself, ‘do they actually know who He is?!’, and I then felt that, yes, most people did, but they were just too busy to stop. They politely acknowledged Him, but never stopped long enough to listen to Him play the flute. It was almost like pleasant general background noise to them as they swiftly moved through the area and out.

Where I was standing, location wise, was just a little further away than the people I watched entering and leaving the busy exchange through-route. So, I decided to walk up close to Him.
The closer I walked towards Him, the more I became aware how apprehensively ‘star-struck’ in awe I was of Him .... and would I actually hold up to being in His glorious presence as it became more powerful and radiant?

However, as I kept walking closer to Him, what I was experiencing, this irresistible drawing mixed with in-awe-trepidation, was gradually changing, almost in an imperceptible melting interchange into radiating love, yes, the intense romantic love of a lover, both from Him and now reverberating from myself to Him, through Him, back to me ....

It became so overwhelmingly intense like I had never felt before, even those giddiest moments of times in my life when I had first fallen in love with a man could not compare.

I walked even closer; the intense romancing love from Him had me craving for more. He continued playing the flute. Our eyes met, and His lovers love burned even deeper inside of me, affecting my entire being.

With that I woke up, still in sheer awe with that overwhelming deep romancing lover’s love burning inside of me; however, I was also reflecting how people just walk through, acknowledge Him at best, but not stop, listen and draw close to him beyond the almost foreboding awe of being in the presence of God Himself into the intense romancing of the Lover of His Bride.

(if you read this blog anywhere other than on Blogger, click here to read it at the original location)

Digging out my personal history .... and rejoicing in my identity in Christ Jesus

2009-05-14T11:56:00.000+01:00

This actually an older blog post which I have imported from another blog of mine. I am tidying my various blogs and streamline them. Anyway, this one was published in Spetember 2008

------------------

We don't have an influence on who were our ancestors or even our parents. However, we can chose to honour them, extract whatever positive we might find, and then form our identity through Christ Jesus uniquely to us, our purpose and assignment.... sometimes our ancesters leave clues, unfinished business or 'mantels' (they carried, or should have carried) that we may need to pick up and carry to completion to the Glory of God.

Did I mention that I am German?

….. Anyway, it was last Easter when I was on the phone with my cousin, Agathe, in Germany. For some reason during our conversation our mutual late grandmother popped up in our margarethe-baroness-von-luck-und-wittenconversation (the pic on here is our late grandmother, at the time of the picture - 1917, Margarethe Baroness von Luck und Witten).

Agathe mentioned, almost as a throw away remark, that our late grandma was the illegitimate child of an Earl (or Count both words translate the same into German: Graf).

Grandma's mother, our great-grandmother, who apparently died during child birth, was an opera singer. Agathe had been left with a whole bundle of old documents when one of our aunts died, and also heard this from an elderly lady who knows the family background well. “I know about the Graf,” I said to Agathe, “my mother told me.” She was shocked that I knew when her mother had never told her. We knew that our Grandmother’s first husband was a Baron, after all, the material evidence relating to this aristocratic heritage was all around us when we grew up as kids, and of course our spinster aunts carried that name.

Somehow I had pushed all this knowledge aside as it is not relevant to my life now. But for some reason, when Agathe mentioned that, my curiosity was teased out of its hiding …. and, actually, I did not know that our great-grandma was an opera singer. (Did she sing Wagner operas? I wonder .... afterall Richard Wagner lived around that time and was a major hit in high society ....)

Now we started to dig, who exactly was this Graf? …when might it had been that grandma was born … somewhere in the mid 1880’s? “Yes, and he was the Bavarian ambassador at St. Petersburg,” Agathe added.

I know absolutely nothing about my own country’s history, I have to admit, so I found myself digging through the German Google, came across King Ludwig II of Bavaria (never heard of that guy before … now I read that he was the one who had all these fantasy castles built such as ‘Neu Schwanstein’ which inspired Walt Disney, and for a long while the King was Wagner's patron) ….

I found myself digging on the Internet till 4am in the morning that day. Why? I was fascinated, I wanted to find out who on earth exactly was this great grandfather? I wanted to find out who my blood lineage was. I could not care less that my dear great-grandmother had an affair and wound up giving birth to my grandmother out of wedlock. It was part of my quest, ‘who am I?’

I know who I am spiritually, I am the child of the Most High God, the daughter of the King of Kings, so, why bother about some Graf who gallivanted about in different countries, and probably fathered a good many more children he neither knew nor cared about. But then, it is fascinating when people and relatives tell me, “you’re just like your grandmother, you even look like her”.

We have been woven into a rich tapestry of life which moulds so much of how we live our lives, our personality and our character.

Some time ago I read about this account of two brothers who grew up in the worst part of the Bronx in New York. Their mother was a prostitute; domestic violence was the norm in that family. Their father was either full of drugs or alcohol, in and out of jail, and finally stayed there for murder. One of the two brothers followed his father’s footsteps and also wound up in jail. His brother, however, went to school, won scholarships, became a successful lawyer, and happily married with three children. When they were interviewed and asked what caused them to become who they are, both of them gave the same reply, “Because of our father”.

It rather goes to show that it is not the circumstances that cause us to become who we are, but rather how we interpret the circumstances and live accordingly. In other words we can allow circumstances to use us, or we use circumstances. The choice is ours.

When we were born-again we received at that moment a new spirit and the force of eternal life. I am referring to eternal life not as duration of endless existence, not a time period; but life as a substance, an altered condition of our spirit.

Jesus said, “I come that they might have life.” The moment you get born-again the zoe-life, the spirit life, what is called in Hebrew the Ruach HaKodesh , His Holy Spirit, comes into you. At that moment your spirit is changed. Who you are in your recreated spirit-being is not the one you are right now as you experience yourself. Who you are, the spirit-being, is the one clothed with the resurrection body, that does not look a thing like you look now. Who you are as a spirit-being, has a new identity.

The Bible says that we have a new name. The new nature has a whole new capacity that might take ‘millions of years’, to discover and unfold to understand that aspect of you which is His image that your Father has put in you, uniquely as a that son or daughter of God. You don’t even know who you are yet, but you’re a whole lot more than you think right now.

Thus, from the spiritual aspect we need to come to know who we are by renewing our minds. From the natural perspective, we need to know who we are to make sure we are we are running our life rather than life running us.

Many of you have suffered because somebody did not see and celebrate the uniqueness in the way you were made, and wanted you to be the way they wanted you to be, and never affirmed who you actually are. You wound up with many negative reference experiences. Many of those have stuck to you like plaster.

This reminds of a rather interesting story I read many times from different sources.

In Bangkok, Thailand, is a famous golden Buddha statue that is about 900 years old.

The 3 meter tall Buddha is made up of 5.5 tons of solid gold. The statue was covered in plaster, disguised as a stone Buddha in order to save it from the Burmese who ransacked temples and plundered the gold during various wars.

Obviously, the camouflage job turned out to be too good because when those responsible for covering it with plaster died, so did the true nature of the Buddha image inside.

Two centuries after it had been first covered in plaster, it was thought to be worth very little.

But in 1957, when the statue was being moved to a new temple building in Bangkok, it slipped from a crane and was left in the mud by workmen. The covering plaster was partly broken. Only then did the people realize that it was made of pure solid gold.

I believe this is a good analogy as to who we really are; we are made of the pure solid gold of God’s design and purpose for us.

Life and living has covered many of us, disguised by pain, disappointments, failure, lost hope, that we do not even resemble who we really are.

Who is going to crack off the misleading plaster? Who’s going to have to change the program?

We are - with the help of the Spirit of God working in us and through us!

This is your life, your own – not your mother’s, not your sister’s, not your spouse’s, nor your best friend’s.

When you discover the person inside, the one you have always been, foreknown and fore-loved by our Heavenly Father before the foundations of the world, you will be surprised by joy and astonished by awe.

Jazz Jamming, South African Braai & Great Friends

2009-05-12T11:34:00.001+01:00

It’s what happened last weekend ... hey yes, it’s already Tuesday but the delicious smell of Boereworst still lingers in my nose, plus the yummy memories of Jerk Chicken ... and my own Ginger & Lemon Chicken (with heaps of garlic, herbs, cinnamon, cumin ... just ask for the marinade recipe ;-)) but don’t expect me to give you any precise measurements .... LOL).

So, it was the Don’s (*the Godfather of Music*) birthday (pic above). Entry requirements: bring yourself with total intent to enjoy yourself, some tasty morsels for the braai (BBQ for those who are not used to South Africans ....) and some drinkables would help, a musical instrument, if you play one ... or just your voice, and of course you must enjoy music, music and more music ... certainly jazz, blues, gospel, etc.

Giles, the chap on the electric violin, unfortunately got lost in the background of my picture ...

Folk drifted in at all hours, someone even dragged in a chap wandering around in the neighbourhood who had asked for directions to a friend’s party and got lost. He was persuaded that he needed to be at this party instead, and as it turned out, he was a drummer and totally intrigued arriving at a place abuzz with sounds and people of all ages and nationalities.

Yeah! It was good. So reminded me of some old times, some thirty years ago when I loved hanging with jazz cats, jamming through the night, with the odd people having drifted off *blissfully* with their guitars on their laps, or using the drum kit as a pillow, only to wake up at around three or four in the morning, fingers in place, to play the next riff ....

For some years, now, I have been promising myself to pick up my flute again and start practising ... one day, it will happen. (oh the B&W pics, yep that's me some 30+ years ago!)

What I so love about these folk is that they are Christians (indeed ministers ...) who know how to be real, just totally be themselves, and have good, clean, happy fun!

Anyway, I stopped overnight at my friends' house, and took the pleasurable and very sunny long scenic route through sleepy villages and towns back to my home grounds, or rather to my church at Chiswick, London where we were having a most glorious conference with Surprise Sithole, who is part of Heidi and Roland Baker’s Iris Ministries in Mozambique. (pic on right, Surprise and I)

Oh we had a blast! Check out the message on the CCC podcast player on the right hand side (just scroll down ... really worth listening to!).

The worship was led by Richard Lewis and our own Michael Phombeah (powerfully anointed and hugely talented drummer percussionist who plays at key conferences internationally).

Those two just rip tear open any veils of hindrance to the glory realm into heavenly portals. At one point, Michael’s percussions pounded into worship intercession, it felt like we were all immersed in a glory fire bath of Mozambique.

Yeah God! More!!

Below, Michael in action!

(if you read this blog anywhere other than on Blogger, click here to read it at the original location)

Wedding - Sabah – Borneo – Malaysia

2009-05-06T14:53:00.002+01:00

This is a long overdue blog, but suffice it to say, a lot happened.

A huge amount of prayer went into this trip, and those of you who know what I am talking about, a big *Thank You!* for taking the time to pray.

God answered superabundantly with His grace!

I had not seen my son for over 5 years, as he lives in Australia, so when he and his gorgeous new wife picked me up at the airport, I just dissolved in his arms in tears of joy. It was a wonderful and loving reunion!

What followed was a whirlwind of activities. Apart from the lovely wedding itself, all of us guests, from London and Australia were whisked off to a beautiful island, and of course on the mountainous trek around Mount Kinabalu ... a lot of activities crammed into a short space of time.

I was grateful to be back in the tropical heat with the high humidity which I so love and thrive in .... my only wish is for the locals to use fans rather than the ghastly cold air conditioners!

Below are some pictorial memories:

Approaching the island. The various colours of blue, green, aqua were so soothening and nourishing to me. I just love the water and get revived!

This rather large chap, a monitor lizard, lazily made his way around the beach folk. Except for those like me who hunted him with my camera, it bothered no-one and was at ease around all the people.

Apparently, they are quite aggressive in the water on different islands.

The next day we all went for a trek into the tropical rain forest at Mount Kinabalu, with the intent to go up on the 'canopy walk' which is a swinging riggedy hanging bridge about half a kilometre above the rain forest grounds ....

Here we are at the start of the climb ... both my son and daughter did not realize what was to be in store ...

There it is from the distance after a steep climb up on slippery make-shift 'steps' of various stone bolders and branches ....

I quit half way up. I plain was not fit enough to make it up.

Well, apparently it was a scary experience!

..... and then they got married!

My new daughter-in-love ... she is beautiful! I am so proud of both of them! What a gift they both are!

I have completely forgotten to post some pictures of those stunning South-East Asian tropical sunsets. They don't last long, but are incredibly intense. Enjoy!

This 'N That ... and ...Writing, writing, designing and writing .....

2009-02-18T12:21:00.003Z

Well, after all my grocery shopping today, I indulged and got myself a pretty book to write my own prayer devotionals ..... Oh it is pretty!! You see it here on one of my Bibles ready to be used! It has a picture of pink poppies (needed something fresh and flowery after all the cold, grey weather and snow we had). The cover is 'bendy' with a fabric feel, but is wipeable. Oh yes, the pink inside does not extend to the pages ... they are white ... honest!!

Well, the idea is - and I will obviously use the Song of Solomon for starters - to write out (copy) the verses directly from a favourite translation, or one, that might express that portion particularly well. Then, kind of create a more personalised paraphrased version or summary, or letting my own prayerful and poetic juices flow.

To study and beef it out a bit, it's really cool to cross reference the text, e.g. some similar text in the book of proverbs, psalms or elsewhere. Finally write using what was gleaned from the scriptures, being the 'Shulamite' Bride of Christ, with her passionate yearning for intimacy with her Beloved ... really getting in touch with this heart-felt love and passion for the Lord, and express this in writing, maybe poetic love song to Him ... or a painted, or anything else creative?

In the end, that prayer journal, spanning into other books of the Bible, will become a valuable companion, as it's always available to dip in, especially during the 'dry seasons'.

Rejoicing over precious God Connections & answered prayer!

2009-02-13T14:59:00.001Z

I have no idea where this week went??!! Can't believe it's already Friday!!

Some time ago I was introduced to the music of Theresa Griffith-Hurlbert. She's come out of a severely abusive marriage, bedridden, and God restored her in every respect plus taught her supernaturally how to play 12 flutes. ... and gave her a help-meet. I thought YEAH! It's about time that God grants help-meets to us women! Her amazing testimony can be seen on Sid Roth:

I always found her and her minsitry so inspiring and secretly hoped that God would provide a way for us to connect and chat via the Internet. Well, God granted me that wish. What a special and beautiful lady she is! Certainly someone who understands intense suffering as well as the sublime goodness and love of God!

Oh, anyone who would like a lovely single - love song as a gift, check out Theresa's website "Somebody Cares Ministries".

Then another praise report:

A couple of months ago I sensed that I should incorporate prophetic healing touch into my ministry. I have for many, many years been drawn to massage, giving massage. During my university psychology degrees, I had an opportunity to study the therapeutic uses of essential oils plus their effects on the wellbeing of emotions.

Although I am not a qualified massage therapist, God has been using me to minister prophetic healing touch especially to domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. What I needed was a proper massage table to be able to serve better and not hurt my back in the process.

I started to believe Him for it. Soon after, a prophet friend of mine *saw* me with a massage table in a room with an healing angel standing at the head end of the table!

To my big surprise, a very dear, longstanding friend of mine, Simone, gifted me with a professional massage table for my birthday the other day. I just thank God for special friends in my life!

WOW! Praise God!!

Awakening to a deeper passion, humility, and freedom in Christ – What a weekend!

2009-02-02T17:19:00.000Z

I had heard about Jason W esterfield before from Patricia King, but never experienced a conference with him.

Dear Lord! Did he ever challenge my over 28 years in ministry! I feel I have nothing to say, like having been playing church in the ministry kindergarten sandbox!

When I started out in ministry in Hong Kong in 1981, pioneered and pastored a small church, and also was blessed befriending Jackie Pullinger, it was all very raw and passionate. Later, as I became more involved with bigger churches, got ordained and then of course was an associate minister at a large church in London, things changed. I learnt the ropes of ministry behaviour.

We had ministers from large international churches and ministries come to our conferences, and anyone who is familiar with what it was like in those ‘Word of Faith’ days, .... you know ... all the designer wear, crocodile leather shoes, jewellery, and generally being very important, and terribly respectable would know what I am talking about.

Thank goodness things have changed. Over some time now, everything inside me has been stretched, never to be the same again. Not only have I enjoyed the encredible privilege to feast from ministry tables and served by the likes of Patricia King, Jill Austin, Bobby Conners, etc. etc. on the Internet, but also at my church, Chiswick Christian Centre - but this guy, Jason Westerfield, like Heidi Baker, REALLY pushed the envelope!

Although fully sensitive, respectful, and submitted to the pastor of my church as a guest speaker, he just flowed with humility, freedom in Christ, with outrageous exuberance of extravagant worship. This guy knows how to worship – totally oblivious of what might be respectable or conventional around him.

He could not care less what anyone was thinking, and just took off dancing, jumping, bouncing, twirling, high jumps with shouts of joy, running into the congregation, taking members by the hand and get them to let go and enter into the joy of the Lord. King David, eat your heart out, you’ve got your match!

It was like he had totally abandoned himself to the Lord with sensitivity of His flow. No showmanship whatsoever! In some respect, you really did not know what Jason was doing next, I guess he did not know either, as he fully followed God’s directive. At times you wondered where he was .... at one point he had collapsed into a corner at the side quietly weeping in intercession, whilst everyone else was happily singing and worshipping.

I had never seen any minister just for long periods of time lying prostrate before the Lord on the floor, shoes kicked off, and then later preaching running around in socks. His style is without any airs and graces, pomp and circumstances – it’s about Holy Spirit protocol, submitted to Him first!

When he ministered it felt more like he was mentoring the entire congregation like interns to get them to dare to take steps into the greater heavenly realm of the supernatural. With Jason it’s all about intimacy with the Lord. It’s funny, he’s a young guy of about 33 years old, yet he mentored and laboured like a father amongst us, tirelessly teaching the Word with passion and healing signs following.

I guess the biggest eye-opener to me was on Sunday. I’m sure, anyone who may have come to enjoy a nice Sunday service would have been in for a shock. The message he had planned to preach did not happen. Instead he led the entire congregation into deep intercession, we were all on the floor or on our knees ... and it was not a silent intercession either!

I realised that this guy has experienced a different spiritual reality. There is a new breed of ministers, such as Jason, Jamie Galloway, Joshua Mills, and John Crowder that contend for living in a realm of supernatural Kingdom reality with such abandoned passion, power and intimacy that leaves church as usual in a pitiful kindergarten of useless traditions.

One thing is for sure, no one can experience that level of the supernatural, unless they are daily striving to live with a pure heart, no personal agendas, their own lives nailed to the cross of Jesus, and His rest!

I think these young guys challenge us older established ministers to tear off those robes of tradition and outward respectability, and like King David worship Him with all our might, living in totally surrendered intimacy with the Master and Lover of our soul, Jesus!

(senior pastor Phil Whitehead in the blue shirt on the left)

Oh, nearly forgot to mention, he'll be back at our church next Sunday, February 8th, which also happens to be my birthday - YAY! that's the best birthday pressie from the Lord!

If you are interested in listening to entire powerful ministry messages by Jason Westerfield or other anointed ministers who graced Chiswick Christian Centre, please scrol down on the right hand side pannel to the podcast player, and enjoy! -> -> -> ->

Lovingly created - You and I

2009-01-25T18:19:00.001Z

What a great rememinder that the God who created all this marvellous splendour also created you and me. What a thought!

You are special and loved with an everlasting love!

Enjoy

Christmas Eve – Reflecting on magical memories of family Christmas in Germany

2009-01-08T14:17:00.000Z

(Originally posted on December 24th, 2008)

The Christmas season was one of my most memorable and special times of my childhood. Here, in my memoire blog I am reliving those treasured moments with sincere gratitude to my late parents, and offer these memories as an inspiration and legacy to my own children.

Long before the first of December the excitement grew.

For starters, it meant going out for long walks with my dad into the woods and nearby forests.

My father, who was a scientist, a phytopathologist, specialising in plant diseases, usually was far too busy with his work to play with his little daughter. However, when it came to walks and plants, he could indulge in his botanical passion at the same time. It’s funny how he somehow never knew the ‘real’ names of flowers, only their botanical Latin names.

Anyway, prior to December, we had strolled around in the crisp air of the autumnal forests to pick mushrooms and fungi. We’d go off the beaten trail kicking around the brown mushy leaves releasing this deliciously pungent musty aroma mingled with the promising scent of the hidden away mushrooms. When I excitedly found some, he would come over to expect my find, crouched down, picked one and then explained to me why that particular one was either an edible or a poisonous fungus mushroom.

Back home, he’d spread out the contents of our baskets onto newspaper, and then get his relevant books with pictures to make sure his little daughter would understand the importance of what an edible mushroom looks like. (Unfortunately this little education did not stay in lasting memory). Meanwhile, my mother busied herself heating some butter to sauté the delicious morsels.

December and Advent had arrived. The entire home changed into a cosy atmosphere of sacred expectation. My mother had procured two large advent wreaths. One hung with their large red ribbons and red candles from the central light chandelier in the hallway, the other one was on our dining table, over a lovely Christmassy cloth. Delightful fresh pine scent wafted through the rooms, heralding the soon to come big festivities.

There are four Advent Sundays before Christmas, and on each of those Sundays the three of us, my mother, father and I, would gather around the table in the evening. The lights were dimmed, the number of candles depending on the Sunday in Advent lit. My father would get out his guitar and then we would all sing pre Christmas Advent carols, whilst also munching on home baked Christmas cookies. It was a time when my parents talked about their childhood Christmas experiences, and more importantly instilled in me the reason behind Christmas, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Advent, Pre-Christmas time I had a miniature stable manger. When I had been a good girl I could earn some soft straw pieces to make the manger softer and nicer for the Christ Child, das Christkind. At church they had a big nativity scene, and I loved all those figurines, especially the sheep and the donkey. Right there at that nativity scene was a big box where money and other goodies could be left for poor children and orphans. This is where my earned straw came into focus: every straw could be exchanged to money, or something else, to give to orphan children. I was very eager to earn as much straw as possible, because then other little children would be happy; after all my mother had explained to me that when we make poor people happy that meant that we make Jesus happy.

The Advent time was full of activities. Of course I had an Advent calendar and I eagerly opened a new window every morning … another day closer to Christmas.

The night from the 5^th to the 6^th of December was St. Nicholas night. This precious saint was the original Santa Claus. St. Nicholas would come passed by the windows or doors and leave little presents and goodies during the night, provided some clean shoes were left out for each person in the family to be filled. This was probably the only time in the year that I eagerly cleaned, polished and shined not only my shoes, but also those of my parents … after all, Saint Nicholas should fill their shoes too.

When I was a little older I was allowed to go to a St. Nicholas evening. Then, St. Nicholas and his faithful helper, Servant Ruprecht, would arrive. Ruprecht would carry a large sack or basket full of wonderful present, but also a stick for naughty children (which of course he never used, only threatened with).

Depending on how the St. Nicholas evening was arranged, usually in a larger group, each child did a little presentation, such as a poem, or a little song. Then, St. Nicholas would get out his big golden book and read out all the good and naughty things committed during the year (what fun when parents were also called out by St. Nicholas and dads were told that they were not diligent in helping mums taking the rubbish (trash) out!!). After that everyone got a little present.

I guess, part of my mother’s attempt to get a very excited little girl busy and out of her feet, was to get me to write a beautiful letter to the ‘Christkind’ with all the presents I wanted. Then the ‘Christkind’ could chose from that list …..

During Advent, my mother and I were very busy baking delicious Christmas cookies and of course the famous German ‘Stolen’ (my recipe is here).

Part of the Christmas preparations were my dad taking me out for our long walks in the forest. This time we collected decorative fir tree twigs, colourful little branches with berries or wild rosehip, interesting looking bark, interesting shaped little rocks, large patches of green moss, and other finds.

My mother was in charge decorating the place with the twigs and branches, whilst my dad and I went to work on the crafting a cave type stable to house the nativity scene. With glue, nails and other material we put together a little ‘house’ … the bark became a roof, the moss hanging over it, and so forth.

Another part of the advent fun was being busy with lots of arts and craft, such as making lanterns with shiny metallic papers, or straw stars to be hung as ornaments on the Christmas tree.

We also went to those wonderful Christmas markets as described in one of my earlier blogs.

To me, as a child, the most magical happened around the Christmas room. Actually, it was my father’s large study which was locked off throughout the entire Advent time, and truly mysterious things happened there.

The Christmas season probably carries the most memorable joyful childhood memories to me. My dad, as mentioned earlier, was way too busy normally, but somehow he lovingly cooperated with my mother during that time. (I wish I could have given my own children the same kind of special and magical Christmas, however, marrying a man from a culture different to my own, and who was not on the same wavelength spiritually, nor with firmly embedded in Biblical values, made things difficult to reproduce. Well, maybe my memoire blogs might inspire my children to integrate ideas into their own special Christmas traditions with the grandchildren.)

Anyway, back to the Christmas room. Both of my parents sneaked in and out of that room without me ever noticing it. They laid a decoy bell with a long string which rang in a different room. Apparently, every time when the bell rang, an angel had passed by. I was forever trying to catch that angel. Meanwhile, stuff disappeared from in front of the locked door to my dad’s study. Well, the stuff I am talking about were my toys, such as my dolls, teddy bears, etc. I virtually lived in front of that locked door just to catch that angel, or ran to the bell.

I was vexed to see that my dolls and teddy bears were allowed to get into the Christmas room, one by one, but I was not!

Finally, we came to Christmas Eve, which in German is ‘Heiliger Abend’ (Hallowed Eve – Night). In Germany the main Christmas event is Cristmas Eve and not Christmas Day, meaning all the presents are opened on Christmas Eve.

By then my excitement had become unbearable (my poor parents!). Whilst my mother busied herself with the Christmas Eve dinner, my dad was relegated to keep me entertained. Sitting in front of that locked door, of course, we would then play board games which my dad graciously allowed me to win.

There were times when I would not budge from that door, and my parents had that ‘horrible’ idea to go for a walk in the snowy wintery evening before the dinner …. and the door opening. Oddly enough, they were right. Once outside with the bright moonlight illuminating the glistening white covering on the trees and the crunching sound of the snow under our feet, I momentarily forgot about that locked door.

Then finally came the dinner. I was trying to chew my food and not choke on it with all the excitement, knowing that any moment I would hear that bell again, and an angel would have come to open that door.

There, then, was the bell! I bolted out of my chair towards the Christmas room. The door was open! A huge tree glowing with loads of real candles lightening up the otherwise dark room. I stood there in awe, spell bound, as I neared the golden glow of the silently flickering candles with their light catching in the glistening Christmas decoration. I finally peeled my eyes off the magnificent tree, looking around in the dark but candle lit room. There were all my dolls and teddy bears in their newly knitted and crochet garments sitting around boxes wrapped in delightful paper and ribbons.

As I was turning to open those presents, I was gently and firmly put into a chair. First things first before any opening of any presents! My father took out his Bible and began to read from the Book of Luke, the writings about the very first Christmas, Jesus’ birth. We all joined him in prayer and thanked God for all His goodness and all that He provided.

My father picked up his guitar and led us into worshipful Christmas carols. To God be the glory and thanksgiving, first, to declare His love and majesty!

Nature’s inspiration

2009-01-08T14:10:00.001Z

(Originally posted on December 4th, 2008)

When stuff around you gets too much and overwhelm you, just click on the link inside this post and enjoy some relaxing reflections.

“What is the worth of sparrows? Yet not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without God, your Heavenly Father, knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

Daily we’re surrounded by ever increasing negativity, distressing news of doom and gloom.

It’s good to stop and refocus once in a while and see that in all this whatever is going on in our lives we’re surrounded by beauty.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said:

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful. Welcome it in every face, in every sky, in every flower.”

Step away from the constant economic updates, the quarterly numbers or your inbox, and take a few minutes to watch this beautiful movie called Nature’s Inspiration

http://www.naturesinspirationmovie.com/

Then, pass it along to family and friends so they too can get a refreshing dose of inspiration!

Oil & Vinegar - the culinary gift shop

2009-01-08T14:08:00.002Z

(Originally posted on December 3rd, 2008)

About a month ago I discovered a small shop tucked away in our local shopping centre. It was one of those moments where I was irresistabley drawn into that Aladin’s cave of spices, herbs, olive oils and vinegars.

I’m a foody, but probably would fail every single cook competition as I am very heavy handed with strong flavours. I am passionate about strong, vibrant flavours.

The motto of the shop is “Pasionate about taste” and of course it is “Oil & Vinegar” http://www.oilvinegar.com/

Today, I decided to have a good snoop around in that place. They have franchises all over the world, so there might be one near you.

A little warning, though, they are quite expensive, so no wonder they call themselves a ‘culinary gift shop’.

I sneaked a few photos onto my camera, as they were not too keen with me taking pictures inside the shop.

There are various taster areas with loads of little dishes to dip in the provided mini bruschetta sticks and sample the delightful mixes.

I was drawn to the dip mixes, actually called “Dipper”. They are ready made dehydrated herb and spice mixes. All one needs to do is add a little olive oil, or crème fraise to infuse the herbs to make a fabulous dip … or meat marinade.

Well, if one does decide to buy any of the delectable goodies there, they even gift wrap it.

They sell various shapes and sizes of empty glass bottles which then can be filled over and over with any of their oils and vinegars (there are some very strange vinegars, but curiously enough, they taste delicious).

I think, I shall be back at some point and invest in some glass bottles for fills and re-fills …

Well, I did not test-taste their chocolates (probably because I had my mouth full of herbs and garlic), but I noticed that they have some hand made chocolates with large dried chillies in and on them. Hhmmm, next time!

P.S. unfortunately this lovely shop does not exist on that location any longer.

Cold winter nights, hot chocolate with chillies, working on bed …

2009-01-08T14:07:00.001Z

(Originally posted on December 1st, 2008)

Believe it or not, I am not working in my office, but on my bed. Nothing wrong, just, it’s cold outside and I fancied a cozy environment with a nice cup of hot chocolate.

One of the challenges I face is working long and irregular hours, as part of my ministry spans globally via the Internet, working on sensitive and highly confidential issues on a one-to-one basis.

So, here I am, on my bed with my laptop and books …. and ready to take the next call to minister.

Anyway, as you can see, the picture above shows a lovely hot chocolate on a tray on my bed. It has in it crushed roasted cocoa beans, crushed dried chillies, and of course cocoa powder. It leaves a delicious hot tingling on the tongue … certainly the tastebuds are having a party!

Oh, of course, my two Chocolate Point Siamese, Truffle ad Praline, joined me here as well …. now, why did I put on those pink socks?? I guess it was a good idea at the time ….

Time for the Christmas decoration in my home

2009-01-08T14:04:00.000Z

(Originally posted on November 28th, 2008)

I live in a small apartment in London, so there is no space for grand Christmas decorations, but enough to make it cozy and inviting.

So, here are some pics of my decorating endeavours. First of all, here is a little reminder why Christmas is special to me: the birth of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Sure, we know that He was not born on December 25; but that’s ok, as I see the celebrations as a thanksgiving memorial that God Almighty actually was born as a little human being some 2000+ years ago, so that He would be in a position to redeem us from spiritual death and eternal seperation from God.

Eventhough it’s just a little wood carved nativity scene, at least I like to visually give honour here.

Then, there is the dining table. When I was a kid, my family celebrated the Advent time before Christmas. That was always very special to me. In the evenings, my mother would light the candles, my father would get his guitar out, and we sat around the table singing inbetween munching those delicious German home-made Christmas cookies.

No traditional German home, I mean South German home like in the areas of Nürnberg or Bavaria (my maternal folks background) is without a light pyramid. Some are simple and others are very elaborate and large. The heat of the candle light moves the inside of the pyramid like a carousel. Anyways, this is mine.

Well, here are some more pics of my Christmas decorations …

Walking the imaginary dog

2009-01-08T14:01:00.001Z

(Originally posted on November 26th, 2008)

Looking at the picture of me holding our boxer dog, Tosca (she is no longer with us), reminds me of the joys and happy days we had with her, but also that I did not enjoy walking her. It was a case of no one really wanted to get out and walk her. So, it became mum’s job, which was particularly unpopular during cold and unpleasant weather.

Today is one of those days, cold, grey, rainy, dismal and the last thing I want to do is go out for my daily walk in the park. So I embark my duty exercise walk with my imaginary dog.

Actually it’s really not that bad at all as I walk with headphones firmly plugged in, listening to one of my favourite preachers, Bill Johnson, dressed warmly, and away I go.

I decided to take my camera with me, just to focus me on how pretty the park is despite the grey cold weather. Believe it or not, it was around midday when I walked and took the pictures.

There are all sorts of pretty features in that park, such as a pergola (or whatever you call this lovely seating area) which is very inviting on a warm and sunny day.

Then there is a small bird sanctuary. Poor little things probably were cold, too.

And then, well, there is the Café in the Park.

Deserted outside, but quite a few park walkers warmed themselves inside over a hot cup of something. Hmmm I did not succumb, but bravely soldiered on. One day, though, I just might …..

The Spirit of Christmas Fair in London and Reminiscing on German Christmas Markets (especially the Nürnberger Christkindlmarkt)

2009-01-08T13:57:00.000Z

(Originally posted on Novemver 8th, 2008)

ust about every year I feel November is a bit too early to think about Christmas (except last year when I had my home decorated in November!!).

Today, my daughter invited me to a Christmas Fair in London. We both revel in sumptuous festive decorations, so it seemed that going to the ‘Spirit of Christmas Fair’ at ‘Olympia’ would be a brilliant outing for both of us.

I must say that I was a bit disappointed with what I saw. Sure, I was under no illusion that it would not be anything like my native country Germany, where I was used to having an ordinary department store, like Karstadt, brimming with different themes or colour arrangements for various decorations. However, the London fair was woefully amiss of such festive splendour and inspirations.

I managed to find a handful of smaller stalls that had a Christmassy theme:

The rest was like going to a high street department store enticing people to buy Christmas presents, well, goods available all year round as potential presents for Christmas.

One stall actually was promoting German decorations, traditional handcrafted wood ornaments from the Erzgebirge

Of course this made me reminisce on especially the South German Christmas traditions, such as the Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt. (Nürnberg has family history for me, such as my mother was born there).

The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt (28. November to 24. December) is rather special. It’s a very traditional, centuries old street market with traditional, almost old fashioned goodies. Walking around the cold wintery air, clutching a cup of hot spicy aromatic red wine, Gühwein, deliciously accosted by wafts of freshly roasted sugar and butter almonds, sizzling sausages from the many bratwurst stalls, and Lebkuchen and Christstollen beckoning, the atmosphere is filled with hustling, bustling shoppers, friends mingling around, children eager to go on the various fair rides, traditional Christmas carols being piped through loudspeakers, even in the surrounding streets.

Ahh, and of course the many Christmas decoration stalls bursting with their delightful ware.

Below I post some impressions of the Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt.

Time to breathe, behold and connect

2009-01-08T13:39:00.001Z

(Originally posted on September 20th 2008)

In the rush of everyday life, especially living in a busy fast-paced town like London England, it is nice to take a breather from it all, at times.

The day was beautiful, a warm, sunny autumnal September day. The location of the workshop was a quaint old house in a fine residential area in London with a near-by delightful park, were we had a lovely picnic spread out on the grass.

I always love it when people arrive in the morning of such workshops, some with trepidation, some with excitement, others with an attitude of ‘ok let’s see what they have to offer to me’. People start mingling around; holding onto their cups of coffee or tea, staring at each other’s stuck-on name tags, making polite conversation.

As the day progresses, barriers start to fall, and by the end of the day, everyone is eager to exchange email addresses and phone numbers.

It’s all about being in a space where everyone is invited to share a little bit about their own life, stopping for a moment in one’s hectic life, and actually behold another human being with their unique facets of wonder inside of them.

I enjoyed this workshop as it is very much in line with my own work and ministry: inStrengths Ministries – Journey of Intimacy.

check out:

The Journey Of Intimacy -

The JOI Project

at http://instrengths.ning.com