Posted on May 14, 2021
NEW WINE NEWS
Read all about it! Read all about it!
A new release by author Belinda Ann Weber and co-published by Sela.
New Wine News, reflections which was penned during the Covid-19 lockdown, takes the reader on a journey with the author through the Lockdown of 2020 in South Africa into the new year – 2021. Sharing the highs and lows, the hopes and disappointments, and repercussions of Lockdown from South Africa’s hard lockdown and the subsequent experiences as Lockdown Levels were adjusted and became more and more relaxed and sudden strict rules being implemented once more.
New Wine News is a contemplation of the impact of Covid-19 on the wine industry and its related industries – economically, socially, and personally – both for the farmers and citizens of South Africa.
And ….
As she contemplates, prays, and sets her heart to hear the Father’s heart, Belinda’s conversations with the Lord bring everything back to the beautiful biblical lessons and truths about WINE and NEW WINE.
Belinda Weber has a unique story-telling style and uses news flashes, news and magazine articles to her everyday experiences as the catalyst for her musings in her journal entries in New Wine News. Always going back to the Word and asking the Lord for insight and understanding, Belinda bravely shares her past – memories of childhood and growing up – and correlates them to the experience of lockdown.
As she listens to the voice of Her Father, she comes to the realisation that for her, “Lockdown is a place of shelter and restful reflection.” It is a place that she has coined to be her “Enoch Epoch” – a time where God had her attention, a time where she could feel His heartbeat and hear His voice, without distractions – a time where she felt close to Him, walking with Him daily, as Enoch walked with the Him.
Find us on FaceBook – New Wine News
@NewWineNewsReflections · Book
Updated on August 16, 2020
Home Schooling
A South African Story by Magda Faul
This pandemic that we have been living through and the resulting lockdown that has taken place on a global scale, has had an impact on education and education systems.
Parents who would never have considered Home Schooling as an option, found themselves “home schooling” their children as schools attempted to continue teaching via Zoom, Google Classroom and various other methods of trying to maintain some sort of handle on the school year without falling too far behind.
The result has been that many eyes and hearts were opened to the possibility of home schooling and there has been a huge increase in interest on social media as families are looking into the concept of home education.
There is definitely no “one shoe fits all” style to home schooling and the questions that are asked are the age old questions that we all asked before we began home schooling our children some 10 to 15 years ago (and more).
“Home Schooling – a South African Story” by Magda Faul, gives a comprehensive overview and guidelines for home schooling, particularly in South Africa from pre-school to post school graduates, structured schooling to unschooling and everything inbetween.
Magda not only shares her own journey, but also gleans from the rich diversity of the home school culture to include testimonials from parents who have or do home school their children, young adults who were home schooled in some form or other or were home schooled for part of their school career. She also has included some expert advice from well known national and international home school experts – such as Shirley Erwee, Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, the late Leendert van Oostrum, Sir Ken Robinson and Martie Du Plessis, to name a few.
Magda shares her faith openly as it is part and parcel of her journey as a home school parent.
I would highly recommend this book as it is a package deal – everything you need to know to start this journey is covered in this book.
For me, as a parent who has been home schooling for 11 years, I wish I had this book to read when I started our home school journey. However, that being said, reading the book now, in the middle of our journey, I can say that I have received fresh perspective for the years we still have left in our home school journey and therefore would recommend this book to every home school family.
Sunelle Doll (Veteran home schooling Mom) has the following to say about the book:
“This is the heart of home schooling, to raise a child in a loving environment and be involved in their interests. Magda captures this concept beautifully in this book. If you want to know where to turn in order to get answers about home schooling and I dare say parenting in general, turn the pages of this book and you will get a clear glimpse into the world of home schooling.”
Home Schooling – A South African Story is available from Sela Books for R200, excluding postage.
Posted on July 15, 2020
Shake off the spirit of heaviness
Isaiah 61:3 … the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness …
Depress – reduce the level or strength of activity in (something, especially an economic or biological system.)
Since yesterday afternoon, I was overcome by a feeling of intense tiredness. It wasn’t that I had done anything to bring the tiredness on, I could barely function. Waking up this morning, that same lethargy seemed to pull on me as I dragged myself out of bed to have my quiet time.
The scripture in Matthew 11:29-30 came to mind
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I thought about soldiers, battle wear and utterly exhausted, feeling dejected by the war, especially after a prolonged conflict. THAT WAS THE FEELING I HAD EXPERIENCED.
ISAIAH 61:3 CAME TO MIND – A GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS –
IN THE MIDST OF THE LOCKDOWN AND PROLONGED WAITING FOR THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN TO END, WE ARE FEELING AS THOUGH WE HAVE NO STRENGTH TO CARRY ON, WHEN WILL OUR PRAYERS BE ANSWERED? One of the definitions for “depress” is “to reduce the level or strength of activity in (something, especially an economic or biological system.) – IS THIS NOT WHAT WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING?
Today, I want to encourage you to put on the garment of praise, lift your hearts to the Lord and He will lift the spirit of heaviness off you. He will turn your hopelessness into HOPE. Praise is a step of Faith, so let us take that step of faith and break the spirit of heaviness that is trying to suppress our spirits.
Philippians 4:1, 4-9, 12-13, 23
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Photos – Free Stock Images from Twenty20
Posted on May 24, 2020
Being Present with Your Teen
I came across this post this morning, written in 2010, I love the simple wisdom and the reminder that our relationship with our teens is what will determine response to us. Short and sweet and to the point, written by Dr Debra Atkisson, a child Psychiatrist. You can also find the link at the end of the post.
Developing and strengthening bonds with your teen is very important for both your teen and you. We need to develop a system of “discipline”, but of equal or even maybe greater importance is spending “quality time” with your teen.
Teens do not often welcome their parents to have close interactions with them. They would much rather be talking with their friends. So how do you schedule one-on-one time with your teen? Think about activities they would like to do – then ask them what they would like to do if you spend a day together. You might be surprised at their response.
Spending time together is important for many reasons. You will find that your teen will talk more about what is going on with them when you have some time together for fun activities. She might ask you about when you were a teen – and be prepared to talk with her about your memories of high school. The two of you can compare notes!
And spending time with your teen builds good memories. I once heard Sherri talk about emotional bank accounts. She talked about how it is difficult to exert “discipline”/consequences on your teen when the emotional bank account is empty. Building up that emotional bank account can happen by making a deposit of your time and interest in your teen.
Guess what – you might have a good time too!
Dr. Debra
https://parentingwithallthepieces.typepad.com/parenting_with_all_the_pi/2010/11/being-present-with-your-teen.html# 11/03/2010
Posted on May 12, 2020
Touching His Hem
A healing journal by Marí Stebbing
Inexplainable symptoms …..
Misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis…..
Misunderstood, disappointed and faced with adversity ….
Marí openly shares about her journey on her road to healing.
Despite the intense pain and the seeming hopelessness of her recovery, Marí chose to trust God through it all.
This is a true story of how one woman’s faith triumphed over the impossible in her search for healing.
Matthew 9:21 “If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed.”
Touching His Hem is a self-publication, published with the help of SELA.
Available from SELA for R60, excluding postage in George or from the Sela hubs in Tulbagh, Fish Hoek and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
To order your copy e-mail sela@netactive.co.za
Posted on May 8, 2020
Waiting on the Lord
Most of us don’t like waiting, but there is one type of waiting that we can and should learn to do and enjoy – waiting on the Lord. It isn’t the waiting when God chooses to delay something, it’s the WAITING IN HIS PRESENCE.
There are three Old Testament words translated “waiting”:
- duwmiyah: “silently waiting with a quiet trust” – it means a strong, calm, quiet trust in the Lord.
Psalm 62:1-2
- chakah: “adhere to” or “long for” – it is the concept of clinging to the Lord.
Psalm 42:2; 63:1
- qavah:
A – “wait for with eager expectation” – it is more than passively waiting; it is anticipating and expecting.
Psalm 27:14
B – “to bind together by twisting” as in a braid or a rope. As we spend time with the Lord, a joining of hearts occurs. Braiding of workers creates unity for a cause or mission. It also increases STRENGTH – causes are shared, becoming movements and passions are shared, creating energy and action.
Another result of braiding, is increased strength:
Isaiah 40:31
The renewing of strength is one of being braided together with God. When strands of a rope are braided into one, the strength of each strand is transferred to the other.
The 3 meanings of “Waiting on the Lord” summarised into one definition:
Quietly waiting with a strong, calm trust; longing for His presence and eagerly expecting Him, for you know He’ll come; and knowing that as He does, you and He will experience an increased oneness, a braiding together, as your hearts and lives become more entwined.
God gives revelation to, strengthens, comforts, guides and blesses those who wait on Him. EVERY NEED FOUND IN OUR HUMANNESS CAN BE MET BY CONNECTING TO HIS DIVINENESS.
| Waiting … is not the posture of the body, it is the POSTURE OF THE HEART! LEARN TO WAIT. SLOW DOWN. FIND HIM! |
Updated on April 23, 2020
Fear Exposed
I am reading a book “Unafraid” by Susie Davis. I picked it up for R20 at the Bargain Books Pop up shop 2 weeks before lockdown began in South Africa. It was one of those books that, when you see it, you know you need it, but …why?
I have been going through the book for the past week during my morning quiet times – one chapter at a time – and boy has the Lord been speaking to me deeply.
For those of you who know my journey, you will understand why this is such a deep message for me, and for those who don’t, well, let’s say, that Susie’s story (although the events entrenching fear in our lives differ) is not much different to mine.
The walk to overcoming fear is a very difficult, and often, uphill battle – especially when you walk it out on your own.
FEAR IS AN ADDICTION….
…just like any addiction, you need to recognise it for what it is AND you need to realise that you will have to take a stand against it for the rest of your life, to really walk free.
God didn’t go “cold turkey” with me, because fear ran so deep and it was so complex – a network of underground roots, so entangled and messed up. Instead, He has gently, in His amazing graceful way, weaned me over the years, gently untangling the mess inside of me, restoring my trust not only in Him but in others. Always, replacing the lies with His truth, one at a time.
When I pray the Lord’s prayer, I now understand what that the words “lead us not into temptation” really mean for me.
Matthew 6:13 – the Lord’s prayer in the original King James Version is rather misleading as it always seemed to me that God would lead us into temptation. I have had a look at the original Greek words from the Strong’s Concordance as this is what I found:
LEAD (G1533) – to carry inward
TEMPTATION (G3986) – a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation) by implication adversity
This word come from (G3985) – to test (objectively), i.e. endeavour, scrutinize, entice, discipline.
DELIVER (G4506) – to rush or draw (for oneself) i.e. rescue
FROM (G575) – “off” i.e. away (from something near)
EVIL (G4190) – hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556, which refers rather to essential character….
In other words, evil that is not an innate part of your character, but rather an effect or an influence on your life.
To paraphrase for this verse to apply to my life: “Carry me inward and test me, scrutinize my soul Lord and teach me discipline to live a life that reflects the rescuing of my soul from the hurtful influence that fear has had on my life.”
Matthew 6:13
(The Message) “keep us safe from ourselves and from others”
(The Passion Translation) “rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil.”
“Fear is a wild weed with deep roots … He (God) doesn’t just want to cut off the top parts of the wild weed we see in our lives; He wants the deep, entangled roots out too. The places where fear runs out of control, strangling trust.” Unafraid – Susie Davis
Fear, when we allow it to control our lives, chokes the trust we have in God. Where does your “faith” lie? Faith = trusting God. Fear = trusting satan.
It is a challenge to trust God, to live unafraid in the face of trials and trouble and heartache … there are times in life that GOD STOPS EVERYTHING WE ARE DOING TO MAKE SURE WE ARE LISTENING…
In this time of lockdown as the spirit of fear is not only launching a personal attack on individuals, but on the nations of this world, let us go into that secret, safe place where God is and let us lay at His feet every fear that grips us, binds us and paralyzes us, so that we may come forth as BOLD AS LIONS (Proverbs 28:1) and be that mighty army He has called us to be.
Posted on April 22, 2020
Bidpad
Rina Theron gives us a front row seat of her prayer journey with the Lord. Although the book is written in Afrikaans, it written in an everyday, down-to-earth style that is easy to read and understand.
This is an honest, open journal of Rina’s pure and simple, yet very strong and powerful faith in her Heavenly Father.
After reading this book, I feel as if I know Rina personally, even though I have not yet met her. I do hope that I will be able to wander through her Prayer Garden one day ….
“Bidpad” is available for R120 (excluding postage) from Sela Books in George or from the Sela hubs in Tulbagh and Fish Hoek, South Africa.
“Maar selfs die hare van julle hoof is almal getel. Wees dan nie bevrees nie : julle is meer werd as baie mossies.”
Lukas 12:6
Sy skryf al van kindsbeen af gediggies, liejies en hou ook dagboek van haar gebedspad. Sy het nooit daarvan gedroom om ‘n boek te skryf nie, maar oe God haar roep om haar geloofspad met die wêreld te deel, het sy haar skoene van bereidheid se veters vasgetrek en begin skryf.
Haar hoop en hart is om ander te inspireer en te bemoedig. Mag hierdie boek jou geloof versterk deur praktiese beginsels en getuienisse wat bewys dat God ieder en elk oneindig liefhet. Mag jy gevul word met bewondering vir ons Koning met sy tere Vaderhart.” – Alet ByersAlet Byers
Hierdie vers vervat die hart van hierdie boek : God gee om vir elke aspek in ons lewens. Deur haar skrywersvernuf en sin vir humor deel Rina in nederigheid haar geloofspad wat demonstreer hoe God intens betrokke is by ons; van ‘n kindergebed vir maatjies by die skool, tot smeking vir reën.
Bidpad is available through Sela Books for R120 (excluding postage). To order your copy e-mail Sela at sela@netactive.co.za
Posted on April 4, 2020
Spinach and Cheese Rye Muffins
These delicious muffins are soft and make a wonderful breakfast treat.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups rye flour
- 2 cups cornflour or rice flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 30 ml oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cooled cooked spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven 200 deg Celsius. Mix the cheese and spinach in a bowl. In a separate bowl, sift the rye, cornflour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the egg, oil and milk until well blended. Lastly, fold in the spinach and cheese.
Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins and Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden brown. (This recipe makes about 20 muffins).
Serve warm with butter and extra grated cheese.
Posted on March 28, 2020
THANKSGIVING DURING A PANDEMIC
Photo by Eduardo Dutra on Unsplash
I am reading a book during my quiet times – The Prayer Encounters of Jesus by Estell Brink. Today is Saturday, 28 March and day 2 of South Africa’s lock down. On Monday, our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, made an anouncement taht our country is going into “lockdown” onThursday evening, 26 March for 21 days.
Two weeks ago, our country went into panic mode as governments all over the world began to put measures in place to slow down and hopefully stop the spread of COVID-19. That same frenzy is once more in the air.
Sadly, that means that we as a family cannot celebrate our annual Passover Celebration over the Passover weekend with extended family and friends. We are considering postponing it, and this is why ….
My reading this morning was titled “Christ prayed to glorify His Father”. The chapter is all about how Jesus ALWAYS thanked and honoured His Father after He performed miracles, signs and wonders. Here are some excerpts:
“Thanksgiving formed a large part of Jesus’ public prayer life. Giving thanks and honour to His Father formed part of everything He did. No matter how significant or spectacular Jesus’ actions were during His recorded ministry, or how “simple” they were, Jesus gave thanks to His Father.”
“There is no escaping this aspect of thanksgiving prayer and giving honour to our Heavenly Father in our own ministries.”
“… the offering of thanks to our Father helps us to enter through the very gates of heaven (Psalm 100:4)”
“Imagine that every time you give thanks to God, you are literally entering through the gates of heaven! …. The one passport to experiencing heaven is thanksgiving and praise!”
So how can we pray in this time?
PRAY THE WORD OF GOD over His people, and
THANK HIM that He is protecting us.
THANK HIM that He is giving the scientists wisdom to find an antidote.
THANK HIM that He is Jehovah Jireh – our Provider;
THANK HIM that He is Jehovah Rapha – our Healer;
THANK HIM that He is Jehovah Shalom – our Peace;
THANK HIM that He is Jehovah Tsidkenu – our Righteousness;
THANK HIM that He is Jehovah El Roi – the God who sees.
So… what will our Passover be like this year?
Firstly, as a family, we will celebrate Passover in remembrance of the work of the cross and the sacrifice Jesus made for us to be saved, delivered and healed.
Our traditional BIG Passover meal with extended family and friends will be postponed until the Lockdown has been lifted. We will have a Thanksgiving Passover – what a celebration it will be. Thanksgiving, not based on the history of our ancestors, but a very real thanksgiving of how good our God is and of our own personal experience of the Lord’s hand stretched out to help us.
As we go through this time of “social distancing”, let us do what the Bible says and “draw near to God” (James 4:8). Focus on His truth in His word and trust Him for His protection. Don’t fill your mind and heart with the negative, fear-filled talk, but rather fill it with the truth. Hold onto the Words of Psalm 91 and Psalm 121.
He is faithful and He will help us, just as He helped the children of Israel to get out of Egypt to go to the promised land.
Psalm 33:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.
Psalm 125:1-2
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.
Malachi 4:2 (NKJV)
2 But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are [a]safe.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are [a]safe.
The Prayer Encounters of Jesus – Pray like Jesus prayed by Estell Brink. Available on Amazon Kindle