If you can at all relate with this behavior, this post is for you. I could’ve typed two pages of the above thought patterns seeing that I had first-hand experience of what it means to be consumed. Do not let the relation with food and weight gain make you stop reading, for I believe that this mind-set is true for any addiction or struggle that you might be going through. It consumes.

The following question was opposed to me recently: “How long, after you made a severe lifestyle change, could you see any definite changes?” The answer is definitely not what you want to hear. It took 4-5 years and it is ongoing.

The difference was also that I didn’t make any severe lifestyle change. Over a period of time I trained my brain and body to think and react differently. I had a renewal of the mind. This might sound a bit new age to you, but in actual fact it is an age old method. Anything you need to do in a more difficult degree is a renewal of the mind. Something you teach your brain to accept and process or something you teach your body to do.

I decided to put this down in steps that I followed to make it easier to read.

Step 1

I realized that I have a problem, that my mind was consumed and that I did not want to live like that.

This was followed by writing journal entries on what upset me up until now in my life, how I handled it and what my support structure was like. Some things only came back to me as I was writing and I could pick up very definite behavior patterns which created my food crutch and addiction.

I wrote letters and made phone calls to people I needed to forgive or who needed to forgive me. I made sure that I let go of anything that upset me. I set people free through prayer and also did stock take of the people in my life and where we are at. This brought about a lot of freedom and took control with regards to relationships out of my hands.

Step 2

I identified a problem with control. Controlling what I study, controlling what others think of me, controlling what others do not think of me etc.

This I broke through truly finding my own passion again and isolating myself from negativity or unnecessary conversation or events that will throw me back into this controlling prestige mind-set.

I found what made me happy and what I have to give and only focused on that for a while.

Step 3

After identifying what made me binge (through studying the patterns in my journal), I found something else to do when I felt that emotions coming on. What worked for me was making a cup of coffee or going for a walk in the beautiful Stellenbosch. I also started telling friends about my problem, not wanting them to fix it, but merely to be aware.

Step 4

I started journaling on what I discovered about myself and how I see my future self. This was a fundamental piece in this puzzle, because by doing this I could keep myself accountable to something positive, realistic and more permanent than a crash diet to fill a void.

Can you see that we are already at step five and we haven’t even spoken about food? Maybe that is because being consumed has little to do with what you fill your voids with?

Step 5

I started doing exercise in the form of something I enjoyed very much – ballroom dancing. Without much trouble and effort, I could feel the change in my body. My body loved it and wanted it. This renewed my mind with regards to exercise.

Step 6

I spoke to myself a lot, asking my body what it feels like and what it needs. My main questions being: “Am I really hungry?”, “What food groups do I still need to take in today for my body to get everything it needs?”, “Is this the healthiest option of what I am hungry for?”

Step 7

I fought against “starting tomorrow”. If I felt my body was in need of more water, I started drinking more water at that very moment.

Step 8

I completely let go of a punishment mindset. If I felt like eating a piece of cake, I ate it and then applied step 7 again. Starting NOW, my body doesn’t need any more sugar for today, but it was good. And then I forgot about the piece of cake. No exercise because I had a piece of cake. Exercise, because my body needs it.

Step 9

I focused on admiring myself, spoiling myself and treating myself to fitted clothes (even if it was still a size or two bigger than I was used to). I forced myself to wear beautiful shoes again and even started experimenting with heals again. Soon I started looking amazing to myself and finally I wasn’t focused on weight anymore, but on health.

Step 10

Time is no factor anymore. I don’t have deadlines with weight. I weigh once a week to keep track of my BMI and other than that I have an overall stock take on my health once a year. NO crash diets are allowed in my house.

Over a course of 5 years I lost 20 kilograms and I have been keeping that off for more than a year now. And guess what, I eat whatever I want – as long as my body agrees that it is healthy for me to take in! I cannot remember when last I binged and I do not ponder on food day in and out anymore.

Rid your mind of quick fixes, it does not exist. See yourself as worthy enough to make lifelong changes to your health and life by renewing your mind!

That is the real deal.

As a survivor of an eating disorder I know all about these cycles.  We tend to think that we all have issues in some category of life and that we should deal with it likewise, but we forget that the patterns of all addictions, illnesses and struggles are so recognizably similar.  I know that I have been healed from my eating disorder, but for the life of me I cannot find the words to explain exactly how or when.  Maybe this was because I kept on believing that it had to have something to do with my category and I tried to explain it with the words in that category’s vocabulary…until I stumbled across a lady’s website.  And on that day I felt as if someone put the thoughts I wasn’t even aware of into words and concepts.  I can do several blog posts on the work of Heleen Woest and her Surrendered Heart Ministries, but what stood out most is the way she adapted her calendar.  And I realized that I did exactly the same.

In modern society fast food and the ability to buy something with a click of a button have transformed our mind-sets into fast forward thinking.  We want it now and we want it without a lot of effort – because that is what is sold to us every day.  No wonder we want the same with our physical, mental and spiritual health.  But what if I told you to start thinking in years instead of weeks or months?  What if I challenged you to chuck the 3 month diet out of the window?  With reference to Heleen, what would one or two days of failure really mean in the broad spectrum of a year in comparison to the same amount of “failure” days in your two week crash diet?  Buy a calendar you can see every day.  Choose to priorities on the following three activities for every day – Something good for my spirit, Something good for my body and Something good for my mind.  Choose a different colour sticker for every “Something” to paste at every day.  “I had a healthy breakfast” (Something good for my body, check) “I spent my first waking hours in prayer” (Something good for my soul, check) “I did my 30 minute writing exercise over my lunch break heading toward my dream to be a writer” (Something good for my mind, check).  In no time you will see the colourful dots of success becoming way more than the two or three days on the calendar where you binged because of that bad day.

I challenge you today to stop being stuck in short-term, unrealistic goals.  I challenge you to realize that your struggle is connected to something way deeper anyway.  And lastly I challenge you to throw away the quick fixes and join me on creating a healthy mind-set daily.  365 chances, and repeat.  You cannot fail, because you have another 364 days left!

Please visit Heleen Woest’s website here:  http://www.eatingsdisorders.com/

The whole story of my journey in photography is on my website; Claire Harries Photography 

Autumn came in my life after discovering some very painful truths about my marriage of 14 years. This happened in January 2014. From the start my marriage was very abusive. I got married at the age of 20 and at 21 we had our first daughter. At that time I didn’t know who I was and I certainly didn’t know what I wanted from life – I was still a baby and I trusted with all my heart.

I am currently walking through winter. It has been hard, lonely and the most heart wrenching season. I never dreamed that my life would be anything but summery and rosy. In this time I realised that I am stronger than I thought and despite all the suffering and pain, I have so much to be grateful for. Most of all I have become so aware of what I have allowed into my life and what I allowed to affect me. 

It is now, during this dreadfully cold, exposed and lonely season that I can start gathering the energy to spring forward into a life that I am destined to live. You may never determined when the end has come – you must always have your eyes set on what still can be! I feel so blessed for being carried and supported by so many angels in my life – my family, friends and neighbours, who have all come to my aid and lifted me up when I just couldn’t take 5 more minutes of my new reality.

I have spent most of the last five months returning to the drawing board, removing all the layers and functioning at a very basic level, sometimes taking life an hour at a time. I am focusing on enjoying the small things for what they are like snuggling up next to a roaring fire, wearing the arms of my daughters around my neck, staying close to God and getting lost in creativity that feeds my soul. This has really helped me to keep perspective and to get through every cold winters day. That is my advice to women in the autumns and winters of life – keep perspective and focus on the things that really matter – the small things in life.

Knowing who I am and WHOSE I am helped me to battle through the toughest of days. I know that this season will come to an end. It always does. I know that spring will come. It always does.

For this beautiful autumn season, heading into winter, Suzanne used warm, dark colours to emphasise the eyes and compliment any look! A smoky eye is still highly fashionable. You can even dare to do a red lip here and there. You do not have to use loads of make-up; choosing the right colour eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara to suit your eyes and complexion is very important. Also invest in a good foundation – it is not about covering up and looking fake – it is all about enhancing the natural colour and glow of your skin. By seeing a natural look as part of your daily routine and applying the make-up correctly, you will look and feel ready for the cold weather every day. Most importantly – the less make-up you want to wear, the more you must look after your skin: invest in a good moisturizer, drink plenty of water and freshly squeezed juices, avoid chemicals and sugar, eat healthy and fresh and ALWAYS wear protection against sun damage, even in winter. Us ladies should treasure our worth and look after ourselves – by doing so we create the capacity within ourselves to inspire and uplift others.

We are grateful towards Mariechen from Vivacious hair, Willowbridge for opening up their studio for our use and for styling the hair of the models.

Not sure how to apply your make-up or even which make-up to buy? Book your spot and buy tickets for a make-up workshop with Suzanne from Skoonlief here.

Oumeul Bakkery is situated in Willowbridge, Bellville. This beautiful coffee shop with it’s even more beautiful people stole our hearts when they opened earlier in 2014. It overlooks the stunning landscape behind Willowbridge and the interior speaks of warmth and class – the colours and different textures reflect the true essence of the season we are in. Walking in there brings the comfort and coziness we look for as the cold creeps in. A big thank you to Oumeul who stayed open much later than usual for us to do our thing!

Speaking about different textures and warm colours – we couldn’t have chosen a better venue for the beautiful jewellery and design of Patatie to come to life. These unique pieces were on display for the models to add the final and finishing touches to their outfits. Anything from broaches, studs, earrings, necklaces and rings can be ordered and bought from them – all in the most stunning design and patterns. What better way to make a statement as an add-on to beautiful, yet simple garments this winter. Mixing different patterns and textures as well as contrasts are also highly fashionable for this season, so once again – be a bit daring! Read more about Annehette from Patatie here.

As Dalene from Belezza always says – having your basics in place with regards to your wardrobe will be your saving grace for every season’s fashion. Once again we do not want to be superficial about wearing beautiful clothes – we want to celebrate our bodies and emphasise our wonderfully and fearfully made curves.   The confidence you get from wearing the right clothes for your body is second to none. This confidence is what draws people to you – creating the platform for you to be able to speak into their lives. The outfits Dalene chose for this shoot display exactly that – neutral and comfortable basics, jazzed up with statement cotes, patterns, scarves and jewellery. You can dare to dream. In the first outfit Anemike is wearing a brave choice, but look how absolutely stunning it is when all those colours come together to complement Anemike’s features and eyes.

Jacqueline’s first outfit shows the beautiful end result of being daring with patterns. Keeping it simple, yet making a statement with bold, warm colours. Add neutral tights, a neutral scarf and your good-old-faithful coat to make this outfit suitable for any winter celebration.

Read more about Anemike here.

Read more about Jacqueline here.

Here are more options for that statement coat. Anemike’s very cozy oversized green coat is simple yet bold and is complemented so perfectly by being daring with those red lips! Jacqueline’s coat is more playful and quirky yet wonderfully stylish and beautiful with any combination of colour or texture – once again, bold patterns!

Pale pinks and whites are very fashionable this season. We can comfortably move away from dark colours. Here Anemike and Jacqueline are wearing beautiful base outfits. Combined with ankle boots, coats, and scarves you will be comfortable and look beautiful and fresh in these lighter colours. Don’t forget a bold jewellery piece to finish off the picture.

Here are a few more suggestions from Dalene: ”This winter is going to be long, cold and wet but with the latest fashion trends we will be warm and stylish. Invest in good garments. You need a trench or statement coat. Look for beige and neutrals in a trench. With the statement coat you can be bold, the pale pink is a season must, but navy, grey and black coats are always winners.  The turtleneck is a much-needed staple for the season. Choose a chunky, voluminous shape or a cosy boyfriend-knit sweater to wriggle into. This warm and comfy layer is easy to throw on with jeans or leggings.  Midiskirts are demure and elegant yet totally versatile. Leather and jean is ‘street style’ fashionable. Add a felt hat to your look and you will be fashionably prepared. A voluminous scarf is a warm and comfy accessory.  Invest in a pair of stylish ankle boots and knee-high boots to walk the wet streets with ease.  Bring on the cold weather”.   Read more about Dalene and Belezza here.

These amazing pictures were taken by Claire Harries. Read more about Claire and her journey here.

Be blessed, beautiful Eves, and may everything you touch turn to gold!

More on her business…

Due to a natural ability to turn something dull into something beautiful I have been doing exactly that since I can remember. This ability weaves through my entire life like a golden thread – from rearranging my mother’s wardrobe as a little girl, making her wear lipstick, guiding her in buying new clothes to helping school and varsity friends with make-up and wardrobes – I have always been in my element whilst doing so.

I studied to become a teacher, but after a very short time in education I realised that the rules and routines are going to kill every bit of passion within me. I resigned without a plan, swerving around and trying out new ventures.   Life completed a full circle and once again I ended up loving fashion, clothes and the creativity thereof. A year after this familiar realisation, I had my own business – my dream business. Today I am my own business in all aspects. I am a stylist, wardrobe planner and organiser, buyer as well as an entrepreneur. I buy all my stock abroad which guarantees garments which are not found in South Africa and are very unique. The items are exclusive and chosen according to the client’s personal style and body. I like to keep things simple, yet striking.

The hard road to her success…

Autumn arrived in my year of being a teacher. Despite being a very cheerful and light-hearted person, I fell into depression. The experience was extremely difficult seeing that you don’t realise that you have depression until it is rather developed. My personality felt like the opposite of who I am and after sleeping my days away and feeling as heavy as lead, I realised that something was terribly wrong. Sundays were the worst – fighting migraines, I was anxious about the week ahead and couldn’t stop crying at the thought of going to work the next day. Every day was a battle. I felt like a stranger to myself. I distanced myself from the outside world while my emotions got the better of me. Everything that is supposed to be simple and a part of daily living felt like my biggest struggles.

My family and loved ones were very supportive and after a break down I was put onto anti-depressants by my house doctor. I still felt as if I was sitting at the bottom of a dark pit. I prayed with my loved ones and the Lord sent the right people over my path. I spent a day completing tests at a career psychologist where it was confirmed that a school environment is not at all healthy for me, that it caused the depression and that I should resign. I did exactly that. After completing a year of medication and many sessions I was finally healed. The Lord was in control and guided me through this whole process, steering me in the right directions even when I was at my lowest.

 Do not be afraid to share the burdens you carry, there are many just like you! Talk – someone will listen. Change is not always nice, but a drastic change can change your circumstances for the better and can even save your life. Be brave and take control. We all have different talents and gifts which we should operate in and by doing so you change your own life and the lives of those who are in contact with you

As 15-jarige dogter is ons gesin in ‘n finansiele krisis gedompel wat ons ingetrek het in die diepe winter waters. My ouers is heeltemal bankrot verklaar en ons was baie bewus van die feit dat die lewe van daardie oomblik af baie moeiliker sou raak.

Gedurende hierdie tyd was daar verskriklik baie patats in ons groentetuin. Aangesien daar nie geld was om kos te koop nie het my ma patats gaargemaak op elke denkbare manier! As tiener het ek myself vreeslik jammer gekry en in my selfsug ons situasie as ellendig beskou. Elke aand het ek luid en duidelik verklaar – sou ons uit hierdie situasie kom – dat ek nooit weer my mond aan ’n patat sal sit solank ek lewe nie.

Danksy ‘n moeder wat haar knieë deurgebid het en God se absolute getrouheid het ons dit oorleef en kon ons die wa deur die drif trek na meer finansiële vryheid.

Jare later het ek ‘n persoonlike openbaring van God en Jesus Christus gehad . My lewe en menswees het radikaal verander toe God vir my n werklikheid geword het. Een van die  eerste dinge wat Hy in ons verhouding gedoen het, was om my in my gees terug te vat na al die seerkry wat ek al in my lewe beleef het. Toe hy my terugvat na daardie spesifieke winter tydperk, gaan my oë toe vir die eerste keer oop. Ek kon terugkyk en duidelik sien hoe al daardie patats God se direkte voorsiening aan ons gesin was. Destyds het ek daaroor gekla en myself as minderwaardig beskou as gevolg van my situasie – net soos die Israeliete oor die manna gekla het. Ek was net so blind en kon nie in daardie donker tyd God se helder perspektief sien nie. Ek was, net soos die Israeliete, op pad na die beloofde land en God was besig om te voorsien op die moeilike pad daarheen.

Toe ek dus my besigheid begin het, was dit ‘n “leap of faith”. Ek het bedank van my werk as ‘n opdrag van God om Hom roekeloos te vertrou.

Ek het besluit om my besigheid PATATIE te noem sodat ek persoonlik altyd herinner sal wees aan die feit dat God my voorsiener is en dat God altyd getrou bly in alle omstandighede.

Hy is en sal altyd die rots wees waarop ek staan.

My raad aan ander vroue is om perspektief te behou in die herfs seisoene – al neem dit jou na die diespte en koudste winters. Besluit om daardie moeilike tye eerder in ‘n monument te omskep as in ‘n verwyt. Kies om altyd die lig te sien in ‘n donker situasie en besef dat jy nooit so sleg af is dat jy die reg het om op te gee nie.

In February 2013, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with severe endometrioses. This implied that my fertility could never be the same as that of a healthy woman. Even though my husband and I weren’t planning a family at that time, the mere thought of never being able to have children was a very big shock. We have booked a holiday before the bad news and decided to proceed with the plans and to deal with the situation on return. Little did we know that this was only the beginning of this winter season.

Two days before our return to South Africa I woke up with the worst pain I have ever experienced in my one eye. Back in South Africa we went straight to hospital after the speck in my eye grew into a 4mm ulcer. At this point I had almost lost my sight and was revered directly to an eye specialist. They discovered an organism which enters your eye through contact lenses. This acanthamoeba keratitis grows in the eye and eventually eats away on your cornea until you lose your sight completely. After hearing that I was days away from an emergency cornea transplant, I was put on treatment immediately. Three months of no work, no driving, no exercise, no television, no reading, no computer work and severe pain started with the treatment. I couldn’t even sleep at night, because of all the pain.

The physical discomfort was one thing, but on top of that the emotional implication was even worse. I started losing my self-confidence and my worth – wondering if I have any purpose on earth. I also started battling with stress and anxiety which I am still dealing with today. I survived three months of torture. Today I am still in a process of healing. I have lost 50% vision in my eye and the possibility of a cornea transplant is still there.

The only thing that pulled me through this time and every other day is the following promise in the Bible: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (New International Version). This is my promise from God.

My advice to other Eves is to look after yourself and go for regular check-ups. Your body is a temple of God and must be healthy and cared for. If something bothers you or doesn’t feel right – see yourself as worthy enough to get it checked – it might have life changing implications!

Die agtergrond van Suzanne se besigheid

Ek het nog altyd ʼn liefde gehad daarvoor om met mense te werk en om ʼn positiewe bydrae tot hulle lewe te maak. Aanvanklik was ek ʼn dosent in Afrikaanse Letterkunde aan die Dept. Afrikaans en Nederlands van die Universiteit Stellenbosch. Hier kon ek deur my klasse probeer om studente te motiveer en ʼn passie vir Afrikaans by hulle te laat ontwikkel. In 2013 (toe ek 30 geword het) het ek egter besluit dit is tyd vir verandering en ʼn nuwe uitdaging. Ek wou steeds met mense werk én steeds ʼn positiewe bydrae tot hulle lewe gee, maar op ʼn ander manier – deur grimering. Gevolglik het ek by die Alicia Buckle School of Makeup aangesluit en so is Skoonlief in 2014 gebore. Hierdeur kan ek my liefde vir als wat mooi is en ook my liefde vir mense met mekaar versoen (my liefde vir Afrikaans eintlik ook, met verwysing na dié gewilde sprokie se titel).

Dit is vir my belangrik om my besigheid se filosofie uit te leef, naamlik dat ware skoonheid van binne kom en dat grimering elke vrou se skoonheid wat sy reeds besit net na die oppervlak moet bring. Soos in die sprokie, moes Skoonlief besef dat ware skoonheid van binne kom en dan eers kan daar ʼn werklike transformasie plaasvind.

Die herfs-tyd het só sy opwag in Suzanne se lewe gemaak

Een van die moeilikste uitdagings tot dusvêr in my lewe was juis om my onderneming Skoonlief te begin. Ek het die stabiliteit van ʼn vaste salaris en werksekerheid gegroet, ek moes weer begin studeer (tussen baie jonger studente) en ek moes my man, familie, asook myself konstant oortuig dat ek die regte besluit maak. Hierbenewens moes ek nog die besigheid self begin! Dit was beslis ʼn herfs-periode in my lewe: ʼn tyd van transformasie, maar uiteindelik ten goede.

Om ʼn besigheid van die grond af op te bou, verg deursettingsvermoë en geloof. Geloof dat jy die regte besluit geneem het en geloof dat wat jy doen deel is van God se groter plan vir jou. En dis dikwels makliker gesê as gedoen. Vrees en onsekerheid is daar steeds: Waar gaan ek kliënte kry? Wat as ek misluk? Wonderbaarlik val als in plek – daarom is ek so oortuig dat ek God se genade en seën kan voel, omdat hy hierdie pad vir my gekies het. Ek vermoed ook dat God juis hierdie nuwe “venture” of uitdaging op my pad geplaas het, omdat Hy wou verhoed dat ek te gemaklik raak en stagneer in my vorige beroep. Daar is nie net groei in my onderneming nie, maar besliste groei in my verhouding met God as gevolg van Skoonlief.

ʼn Herfs-periode is nie altyd sleg nie! Ek glo daar word soms doelbewus kanse vir ingrypende verandering op ons lewenspad geplaas. Dit is jou keuse of jy gaan stagneer en verandering (wat gepaard gaan met groei) gaan vermy, of gaan jy met vertroue dat Hy jou op die regte pad lei ʼn nuwe koers inslaan? Die herfs is altyd ʼn voorspel tot winter en winter tot lente. Al wat dit verg is geduld, tyd en die geloof dat die transformasie van die herfsblaar tot lentebloeisel wel gaan plaasvind – soos dit dan na elke winter ook gebeur.

Na ek my graad gekry het in 2011 het ek voor ‘n kruispad te staan gekom. Ek het al ‘n geruime tyd vermoed dat ek nie in die regte rigting studeer nie en het sodoende nie meer vrede gehad oor my pad vorentoe nie. Na baie worsteling, bid en lang gesprekke met my ouers het ek 2012 ingegaan as ‘n eerstejaar Spraak-, Taal-, en Gehoorterapie student. Die hele jaar was een groot seëning na die ander soos ek al hoe meer besef het dat my liefdes vir taal, medies en mense hierdie kursus die plek maak waar ek hoort. Min wetend sou hierdie nuwe avontuur my lei na ‘n seisoen van herfs. Toe die aanvanklike opwinding bedaar, het ek besef dat hierdie keuse my nog vier jaar ‘n student sou hou, iets wat nie voorheen vir my enigsins na ‘n probleem geklink het nie. Tog, met al my hartsvriende wat weggetrek en die werkende lewe betree het, het ek stadigaan begin voel asof ek agtergelaat is terwyl almal anders vorentoe beweeg. Ek het myself ook bevind op ‘n nuwe kampus, in ‘n nuwe dorp en in ‘n nuwe kerk. Eweskielik het finansies ook al hoe groter probleem begin raak. Met my eerste graad het ek maklik finansiële hulp ontvang, maar die tweede een het moeiliker bewys. Nie net het my vrede begin kwyn nie, maar die tekort aan finansies vir hierdie ietwat langer pad wat ek gekies het, het my sekerheid en vertroue ook laat wankel. Ver weg van die mense wat my die beste ken, het die aanslae van die lewe makliker hulle teiken gevind. Twyfel is ‘n snaakse ding. Jy laat ‘n klein gaatjie oop en as jy dan nie keer nie, druk hy met sy vet lyf hom daardeur en breek dan sommer die hele weerstandsmuur af. Ek het my vreugde verloor in my studies en nie moeite gedoen om nuwe mense te ontmoet of tyd te maak vir ou kennisse nie. My imuunstelsel het ook sommer teen my begin draai en ek was gereeld siek en het ure verby geslaap.Vir die eerste keer in my lewe was ek skoon geïriteerd wanneer my ouers vir my sou sê dat alles gaan uitwerk, want die Here voorsien mos. My ma het dit depressie genoem, my pa het dit my rouproses genoem, my doktor was seker dit is uitbranding, maar al waaroor ek op hierdie stadium seker was, is dat dit nie hoe ek my pad beplan het om te wees nie.

Ek het êrens gelees dat mense is geneig om die hele week te wag vir Vrydag, die hele jaar vir somer en hulle hele lewe vir geluk. Hoe waar is dit nie? Om net te leef vir Vrydag en Somer, mis jy so baie. Soos ons kyk hoe blare na die grond val tydens herfs, so word ons dan ook herinner aan hoe die natuur se siklus ons eie lewenssiklus weerspieël. Herfs is basies die tyd vir laat gaan. Alles waaraan jy swaar dra, alles wat ‘n las en ‘n bekommernis is, moet afgeskud word. Herfs is die perfekte tyd om te oefen om terug te staan en die Heilige Gees die kans te gee om oor te neem. Wanneer al die blare afgeskud is en jy dan broos voor die Here staan, is dit wanneer jy Sy omhelsings die beste kan ervaar. Ek en my ongelooflik ouers het die Maandagoggend na Paas Sondag hierdie jaar vroeg deurgery Waenhuiskrans toe en in ons sweetpakbroeke en warm baadjies styf teen mekaar op die strand gaan sit. Soos die oggendson die donker massas water stadigaan laat skitter het, het ons saam gebid en die Here geloof vir Sy getrouheid tydens alle seisoene. Ek het ’n volledige beurs gekry vir my laaste twee jaar van studies en raak elke dag meer verlief op my kursus en waarheen dit besig is om my te neem. Ek is toe sowaar waar ek moet wees, maar ek moes eers alles oorgee om tot daardie besef te kon kom. Jy kan jou pad beplan soos wat jy wil, maar die Here bepaal hoe jy dit loop. Of soos my ongelooflik flatmate, en my “accountability partner” altyd sê: Jy het net een legkaart-stukkie en probeer so erg sin maak van die klein deeltjie wat jy kan sien, dat mens dan skoon vergeet van die Skepper wat die groter prentjie ingedagte het en presies weet waar daardie stukkie geplaas moet word. Wees net stil en weet.

Reg deur die Bybel lees ons van mense wat monumente bou op die plekke waar die Here hulle kom verlos het, of kom red het, of ‘n wonderwerk kom doen het. Die monumente staan dus as tekens dat die Here getrou is aan Sy woord en Hy ons nooit sal verlaat nie. Wanneer hulle dan weer by hierdie plek sou verbygaan kon hulle net na die monument kyk en onthou dat die Here oneindig goed is en daar geen einde aan Sy liefde is nie. Ons is dikwels so lief vir die lig en so bang vir die donker dat ons vergeet dat dit juis in die donker tye van winter is waar ons die Here se sterre die helderste sien. Daarom moet ons juis juig as herfs ons lewe betree, want dit bring winter en ‘n geleentheid om weer te leer oor vertrou en afhanklik wees van die Here. Maar dit is makliker gesê as gedaan en sodoende moet ons monumente bou om die twyfel weg te hou as die eerste blare van herfs begin val. Ek persoonlik hou daarvan om neer te skryf elke keer as die Here Homself aan my openbaar deur beloftes en gebede na te kom of as Hy iets wonderbaarliks, al is dit hoe klein, in my lewe doen. Hierdeur kan ek dan, as “twyfel se swart moer sak” (B. Breytenbach) terugkyk oor my lewenspad en oor al die monumente lees en opnuut weet: “Ek het die Here altyd by my en omdat Hy by my is, sal ek nie struikel nie” Ps. 16:8. Hy is wie Hy is maak nie saak in watter seisoen ons onsself bevind nie; ons moet net ophou om elke herfs te vergeet van Sy getrouheid gedurende die vorige herfs. Daarom as hierdie seisoen jou geloof bedreig, moedig ek jou aan om net te onthóú. Hou vas aan die herinnering van God se dade in jou lewe, asook sy beloftes vir die toekoms.

]]> https://evesjourney.co.za/onderhoud-met-jacqueline-leuvennink/feed/ 0 https://evesjourney.co.za/eves-journey-9-february-2014/ https://evesjourney.co.za/eves-journey-9-february-2014/#comments Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:31:58 +0000 http://evesjourney.co.za/wp/?p=181 On February 9^th 2014 Eve’s Journey held the first ever Eve’s Journey Event at Val de Vie Estate, Paarl. This first event was also the launch of the concept and the logo.

120 women made their way to the beautiful estate. They were treated with live music and delicious snacks on arrival. The event was structured as a formal market. A fashion show by Slate and entertainment by Andriette de la Harpe and Shannyn Fourie lead the ladies into the right atmosphere for the guest speakers to do their thing. Different topics were discussed by Elize Parker (The identity of a woman), Suret Morkel (Weight control and a healthy lifestyle through detoxification) and Chané de Kock (Following our dreams) where after the ladies had the opportunity to shop at all the stalls.

This first event was only the beginning of many – the perfect platform for women to join hands and walk the walk of life together.

Gallery

Watch a short video on the day here: