What a day!!!

Can I please tell you about this last day of 2006! It started in the early hours of the morning, to be exact, few minutes past twelve, Bouts and I on our way to bed, realized we can't find Beethoven.
Let me introduce Beethoven:

Meet our 12 year old baby, he was a gift from my Dad to Nino on his second birthday, and he was just gone! He is terrified of thunder, and normally he is always with me, I was upstairs in my scrapbook room and only realized then that he was missing. We search for hours, Bouts got into the car and drove around town, scared that maybe somehow he got out the gate and was wondering around.

I have never prayed this much for my animals and we eventually found him, all wet and scared. I was so thankful I cried! (i think Bouts too)

The good thing about this day, 31 December 2006, is that it is the "Poppies's" birthday. Let me introduce you to them:

On the left is Abby and the other one is Noela. They are 2 years old today, happy birthday to them, and we love them like crazy! They keep us all young and on our toes, VERY BUSY girls these two, always up to something. LOVE to swim, and Bouts tries his best to keep them out of the pool, to much hair in the filter he says. I will let you know later who wins this contest!!


Then, last but not least, there are the other two, older women in this dog family of ours, let me introduce them:

On the left is Missy, she was my Mom's dog, and we adopted her after my Mom died. Chicka on the right is ours since she was a baby. These two are the two difficult old ladies, smallest but they rule all the other other animals in this family.


Now you know our dog family, the birds I will introduce to you later, and today we pay tribute to Gato, the only cat we ever had, who died two years ago in December at the wonderful age of 15 years.
We are thankful for our animals, they are kind and loving and I love that God created them, we can learn so much from them!!

I hope you all have a wonderful last day of 2006, we are spending the day with friends who will be arriving later. The braai will start at about seven tonight, and will go right through untill next year.
luv ya all
karin
xx

Santa's little helpers...

Just look at them, and the reason they look so funny is cause the sun was shining into their eyes! We had so much fun with them, I cannot remember what we used to do before they all came along!

My own, personal family! I love to say that!

Every Christmas spend with them is a gift, and I pray for many more!

Nino posed for a photo with Ouma Meraai, just look how tall he is!!!!

The Christmas Eve dinner table speaks for itself, dinner was provided by the Turkey Squad (middle picture) and the setting by Santa (Johan) himself!




Last but not least, Santa, Mrs Santa and the little helpers. Thanks from the Botha's to the Herbst's for a wonderful Christmas!

I leave you with this verse from my new Bible!

Proverbs 16:3
Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him, He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and ) so shall your plans be established and succeed!

luv ya lots
karin
xx

It is all about freedom

I bought this wonderful Bible,

The Every Day Life Bible, with notes and commentary by Joyce Meyer, and I have been blessed!! I loved this morning's commentary in Joshua, it is all about being faithful, listen to this!

God works through and blesses faithful people - people who are faithful in the wilderness (in times of testing) as well as in the Promised Land (in times of blessing). Being faithful means being devoted, supportive and loyal. Faithful people are worthy of trust or belief, they are reliable, consistent, constant and steadfast. They will stay wherever God places them and be true to those God has given them to work with.

If we want to exercise authority, we must first learn to come under authority and stay wherever God has placed us until He moves us. We must do the right thing simply because it is right, even though we may never understand the 'why' of every situation - which is a real test of our faithfulness and obedience.

Do you want to have authority and be respected? Then learn to be reliable and loyal, God loves to reward the faithful.

Do you understand as I do, that through being faithful comes freedom. I made this page for Nico, to tell him all about this freedom. To let no one stand in his way, but to be kind, wise and gentle with other people's feelings. I trust this child, I know his potential and I love him with all of my heart!

My wish for you is a funfilled, glorious day tomorrow!!

love and kisses

karin

xx

God's promise for the New Year

It's the last days of December'06, I haven't felt like talking for a while, hence the silence on my blog, missing my Dad and my Mom like crazy!
One very good thing came from all of this, my relationship with God is becoming stronger, and that is my only wish for the New Year, a deeper love for my Saviour, a deeper understanding of His power and love for me, and faith, life changing faith every day of my life!!

I need to share this morning's scripture with you all, and this is God's promise to me (once again) for the New Year, my future, my Husbands future and our Children's future! Share this wonderful Word with me!!


11 - For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
12- Then you will call upon Me, and I you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you,
13- Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me (as a vital necessity) and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
14 - I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will release you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive!!

Isn't this amazing, my God is a Strong and Mighty Tower, a Refuge for my soul!!
Amen

Have a glorious day!
love
karin
xx

young man

Just a little boy, but he takes up space in my heart like a grown man! This is my niece's son, CJ, and we are so proud of him. He is growing-up so fast, every time I see him I stand amazed how beautiful he is! I love everything about him, this page tells the story!

the value of family

We sometimes forget to appreciate the people in our family! Today I made this page to do just that, these pictures of Anna and Johan are my favourite and they both look stunning!
This is to dedicate their marriage, for sticking it out, for having great kids and for being good family!
I know many people, but I have never met somebody with such a big heart as my sister-in-law! Her second name should have been 'Giving' for that is what she always does!
We may not always say it out loud, but from the bottom of this family's heart, thank you for always giving! Not only the gifts, but your time, your love and your friendship.
May God bless the four of you with great love and my prayer for you is this:

Psalm 91!
'For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guart you in all your ways, they will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone'

May you be blessed and cherished!
love
xxxx

Yeah!!

Dunno about you, but I never scrapbook my photo's in a specific order, whatever inspires me is normally the next project. I absolutely love to see how some of the ladies scrapbook their pictures in chronological order. Me, I am by far to 'deurmekaar' but I admire how organized they are!
We had our 16th anniversary this year, and yeah!, I finally made our wedding album. Although, what you see here is just the album, nothing inside yet!
I hope to finish this album before our next anniversary, and give it as a gift to myself, a 'from Karin' - 'to Karin' gift, I just love those!
I sincerely hope all you scrapbookers are inspired to do this wedding album with me, lets start at the beginning, that important day that made you a family!

I leave you with Isaiah 46:8-10

Remember this, and be assured. Recall it to mind, you transgressors.
Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is not other!
I am God, and there is no one like Me!
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done!
Saying, My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure!
Truly I have spoken, truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it!

Love you all
karin

Da Kiss...

My husband has a busy nature, always in a hurry, and me, well, I am slower. Every morning he wakes the children in a hurry if you know what I mean, well, the other morning I went into Nico's room to wake him up. In stead of putting on the bright light, I went for the softer light next to his bed, instead of saying, "Nicky, wake up you're late", I just sat down next to him, kissed him softly and whispered in his ear about the new day and the wonderful cup of coffee I am going to make him now.
Last night, we went to bed much earlier than usual, so Nico came into the room and asked if I could rather wake him in future. If you know my husband, and how he loves this children, then you will understand the huge challenge that was presented to him at that moment.

Now, this morning, he kissed me all over my face, (that is how I get to wake up every morning), and off he went, to Nico's room. I jumped out of bed and chased after him, shouting "don't you dare!" But, remember, I am the slower one, and when I got to my son's room, he was laying in bed with Nico, holding him close, kissing him softly on his cheeks and telling him how much he loves him. Now, I couldn't do it better, except for putting off the bright light and switching on the softer one. I just love them! I found this photo browsing my computer this morning, another kiss at another time, but the same love! Enjoy with me.

This is who I am...

How good it would be if we could learn that God is easy to live with. He remembers our frame and knows that we are dust. He may sometimes chasten us, it is true, but even this He does with a smile, the proud, tender smile of a Father who is bursting with pleasure over an imperfect but promising daughter who is coming every day to look more and more like the One whose child she is. Apart from wife and mother, this is who I am!














My article on Art Journalling finally came to light in Creative Reflections, issue no: 11!
I simply love the colours, since pink is the new black, it is no wonder they look so great together!
The fun in making this mini album, was only half the joy, the book I did this about, is what really mattered.
The Root of the Righteous, by Mr AW Tozer! A man of God for sure, with wonderful insight into the Word of God.
I loved this, these are the things I want my children to learn, I want them to understand what life is all about, and most of all, I want them to really know, that to serve God is the coolest thing to do in this world.
Hope you have a blessed day tomorrow!
Love
Karin

It has been a long time...

I know, it's been a very long time since I blogged, life sort of changed a bit for me. I had a moment by myself this morning, and somewhere along my line of thinking, I became aware that I am one of those people, who, when they hit the water, they immidiately start swimming. I am thankful that God made me this way, otherwise I would have drowned by now.
Many things happened this past two months, but I suvived.
I lost my Dad, he died on the 9th of May, four days after his birthday and it still hurts terribly! I must admit, I still have this feeling of being lost, not having my Mom or Dad anymore, being alone is terrifying, but I find a lot of comfort from the Word of God. I absolutely have to pay tribute to my best friend in this world, after 16 years of marrige, he supports me every step of the way, and I am so thankful that he is simply there for me!

There is also the possibility of selling everything and moving to Burgersfort, and I hate the very thought of it. I love this town, I love this house, I love my friends, and I love how happy my children are in school here, but sometimes we have to do things we don't like, and unless God says otherwise, we are going.
I want to say out loud, that I am willing to go if that is what He wants us to do!

My sister-in-friend is touring the States at the moment, she has been gone for very long now, and I also want to say out loud, it is time she comes back!!!
I miss our looooonnnnggg conversations on the phone, and I hate that she is over there, and I am here.
So sister-in-friend, get your freakin thoosie on that plane and come home!

Have a blessed day
Karin

I love this house

....and I thank God daily for giving it to this family. I pray often, and ask the Lord if we can grow old in this house. I love every inch of Kiepersol street nr 8 and all the memories woven into these walls can never be replaced by even the greatest castle in the world. Sometimes at night when everybody is asleep and I am still scrapbooking, I walk down the stairs from my scrapbook room, and I walk from room to room, praising God for it all. I know that this is home to our children and that no matter where life will take them on their journey, they will always come back to us and this house.

I love our life in this house, I love the smell and the way our animals wait for us at the gate. I love that the frontdoor is always open and I am ever so thankful for our Grace that faithfully cleans everyday. David keeps the garden going, and love in this family just keeps it all together. I hope that your house is home to you and that you will love each other unconditionally, like we do!

The wonder of children

We spend Easter with Amaro, Jolene & beautiful little Gemma. They left 2day, and now the house is very quiet, to quiet!
I always miss her like crazy when they leave, she is VERY BUSY and VERY NOISY! But, I love that!
I love to see her grow, to hear all the new words, and believe me, there are many!
My favourite, when you kiss her to many times, is,
"genoeg!" (enough)
The easter egg hunt was something else. Jolene and I drew a treasure map for the kids, and off they went, (not Nino - very uncool thing 2 do when you are 13, you just wait for the bucket full of eggs and eat away, that's kewl!)
I took this picture of Gemma somewhere in my back garden, and I loved it. So, now it is missing her until she comes to visit again, stay pure at heart little girl, you are loved.
Karin
xx

The Lord's Friday

It is not at all about the eggs, did you know that? It seems so many people think of only the eggs during Easter, and never about Jesus!
While we were reading from the Bible this morning, I watched the boys faces, and I felt good! I realized they know exatly what this day means, why we celebrate this day, and what impact this day, that happened over 2000 years ago, has on their lives today!
Gideon said a wonderful thing this morning, we are not celebrating only the fact that Jesus died on the cross for us today, but also the day we got saved and received eternal life! A life of abundance and glory, lived in faith!
I hope that today has the same meaning for you, that you have a living and wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ, and that He knows you!
You see, if that is true in your life, then you can have those chocolate covered eggs for dessert, like we did this morning after breakfast!
Have a wonderful Spirit-filled Easter, chocolate eggs and all!
Love
Karin
xx

My Sunshine Child

'I love you very much Nikky Picky'

'I love you mucher'

' Yeah, but I love you more'

'Oh no, I love you the muchest'

It feels like yesterday, you were this cute little boy with so much love to give. This was my favourite conversation with you, I loved it so much, you have always made the world a better place to live!
This morning I realized that you will always be our baby, even if you grow-up to be a hundred years old, you will always be our baby. I watched you play with your dad on our bed this morning, and I loved it. There was this power struggle, who is the strongest, and then when he pinned you down and tickled you, I saw the love that radiated from your face, and it just left me speechless. I love watching the two of you play, and I am so thankful for him, for being such a wonderful father to our two boyz!
I sometimes wonder what it will be like when you are all grown-up, if you will still have these silly moments together. I know your father, to him, you will always be his mates. I am positively sure that he will always kiss you 'hello' en 'goodbye', so, prepare yourself to be this young man who will bring his new girlfriend home, and still be kissed by his father!! lol

I must admit, I love the idea of you being so close, and I pray often that your relationship will just grow stronger and better, that you will always be this close. There are many things you can learn from him, he already taught you to be a gentleman, I know that, cause you treat me with the same respect he does. I could not have been blessed more in this life, for having the family I do, for being loved the way I am, and today, I celebrate just that. I celebrate this sunshine you bring in our lives and the way you love us, truly and without limit!
We love you back...

Precious Words from God

Going through some tough times, I tend to spend more time in God's Word than usual.
Today I stand amaized at how truly alive this Word is, I would like to share with you all..

Jeremiah 33

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know...
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them, and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth..
And I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and I will rebuild them as they were at first...
And it shall be to Me a name of joy, praise and glory...
Behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken ...
I will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them!

This is the wonderful Word God gave me for our business on this very day, and I thank Him!

Precious gifts from God

I am not new to losing people that I love, I have had my share of standing next to an open grave and saying goodbye. It is a terrible thing to do, but you never have a choice in this regard, you just have to do it! But then, God is faithfull and good, He always blesses us with something new, in my family, it is this beautiful little girl, Gemma Yasmine de Abreu. I love this child, and I thank God for her. Today, a friend of mine stood by her husbands open grave, she and her three girls had to say goodbye, they had no choice. Tonight, I looked at my family, all four of us safely in this wonderful home God blessed us with, and I want to thank Him, for protecting us, for loving us with a love we can never understand, and for providing for us. I pray for you tonight Annette, for you and your girls, that you will feel the same protection and love I do, that you will find comfort in Him, that you will seek Him with all your heart!

I dedicate this day to my wonderful Mom and best friend, Joey Meintjies, who died on 4 September 1999. I shall miss you every day of my life, and I love you forever!

Our Mothers...

I want to dedicate today to our mothers. My friend, Rachel, is in Durban at the moment, next to her mothers bed, and she has to say goodbye today. Her mom is dying of cancer, and my heart is breaking when I think of her!
My mom died 7 years ago, and it still hurts like it happened today. Some days are better than others, but then there are the real terrible days. If the Lord spare my life, and I have the priviledge to grow old, I shall still miss my mom like today.
There is just an empty void, empty forever when you lose your mother, so, what I really want to say to you out there who still have a mom, cherish her, love her like today is the last day.
Don't judge her by your own standards, just love unconditionally.
To my friend Rachel's mom,

I want to read to you Isaiah 43...

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name, you are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you
and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God
The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour
I have given Egypt as your ransom
Cush and Seba in your place
Since you are precious in My sight
Since you are honored and I love you
I will give other men in your place and other people in exchange for your life
Do not fear, for I am with you!

Love of my life 

Life 4 me...

I appreciate my life at the moment, I am deeply dependent on the Lord for my every need! I love my husband with all my heart, after 16 years, I am still in love!
I thank God today for the little and the big things, for Nino playing rugby today, and not getting hurt, for Nico being the fresh morning air in this house, for Bouts praying with me every morning, for my Dad and my Sister's being alive after the fight agains cancer, for our wonderful home the Lord gave us, for being part of a family that laugh and play all the time.
I am thankful for my best friend in the world, Jolene, for being there for me, for loving me unconditionally, and for our beautiful Gemma Yasmine!
CJ, you have a special place in my heart, I pray for you every day!
I have so much to be thankful for, and I am....