The Moment (What the Tour has taught me: Switzerland) Tinus

Finally, the next post on what this tour has taught me. Now is the time for Switzerland:

Allow me to start this post, which was written in stages at various locations, over numerous gallons of coffee and at a host of separate times, by stating my dilemma: I am on a world tour and realize how special it is. Therefore, I want to make each and every moment count. Often though, I catch myself focusing so much on ensuring the moment carries value in the future that I forget to enjoy it in the present. Or, I feel bad about time that has past that seems to have been wasted and therefore spend a lot of time trying to attach worth to it: trying to prove to myself that it was not a waste. In the process, the current moment is wasted. Or, so desperately do I try to learn from the past and plan for the future…that I miss the now.

And, alas, this problem is not new to me. Long before the start of this tour I have been having trouble in making each moment count: both now and for eternity.

I know, this seems incredibly stupid and I might be the only person with this problem. But, allow me still to share what I have learned regarding this point, even if it is just for my own benefit…

In 1 Corinthians 15:52 Paul writes the word moment; or the Greek word atomos, to be more precise. Atomos literally means an indivisible slice of time…a moment! I quote Paul, starting midway verse 51 as he is referring to the day at the end of the ages when heaven comes in all its fullness and glory: "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

Now, I do encourage all to go and read the entire 1 Corinthians 15. The chapter escalates in suspense (if suspense is the right word) from the beginning up to this point and with this verse just explodes. It's kind o' like a piece of classical music (and I must admit, if it hasn't been deduced already, that I am no authority on such music…I probably even muffed the name. But, stick with me.) You know, when the music start slow and gradually it increases in speed and impact and at some point you realize you are no longer just being soothed. Something is busy happening. And then suddenly, nearly every instrument in the orchestra breaks loose in a glorious anthem. I was told that a Russian composer (please forgive me for not being able to quote either the name of the composer or of his work…I would appreciate it if someone could tell me) once reached this stage in one of his works and no instrument could be found to accurately portray the height of joy, exuberance and total victory he wished convey. His final solution was to fire a multitude of military canons at this point!

Anyway, this is the idea I get when Paul speaks of the resurrection (and transformation into the incorruptible) at the end of the age, dealing with several misconceptions and false beliefs and then suddenly when he mentions the actual moment of it happening, he looses composure and burst forth in song! Oh, how wonderful will that resurrection and the eternity thereafter be!!!

Back to the moment Paul referred to. Here God, in a moment, transforms every human being, living and already dead that belongs to Him, into beings fit to enter eternity. If you ask me, that is a pretty mighty work to accomplish in but a single moment!

Five truths do I wish to highlight concerning the moment and eventually come to one simple, apply-able conclusion.

Firstly, it is of worth to note that this is the only place in Scripture where the word atomos is used. I believe this indicates that God and God alone is capable of fully utilizing every single moment. For me to ponder the correct usage of each and every moment for a human is thus utterly upsurd!

This realization, bears tremendous liberation. No longer do I have to strive to make each moment count. No longer have I to ensure I am enjoying each moment to the full (a concept which, in itself is dull, since in no way can the full measure of joy available to a mortal man be reached this side of The Moment, the one Paul referred to).

Can I therefore abandon all attempts to make my moments carry value, if any such attempt seems Biblically futile? By all means no!

I continue with truth number two: the fact that God does use moments. In fact, the entire fabric of time is woven with atomos. By raising up one person here or dropping a single truth there, He changes the entire course of History. You see, He simultaneously exists yesterday, today and forever. He knows exactly what was, is and will be. By introducing small, seemingly insignificant pebbles at the exact precise points, He can change the course of flow of the river of time. By drilling tiny holes at the correct places in a solid concrete wall, the wall can be brought down. (And yes, both these illustrations do come from television.) A wonderful example of His use of moments can be seen in a video created for Hillsong's Easter Film and Art festival (which we had the privilege of attending!!!) Check it out at http://vimeo.com/4353484. I'll get back to this point when I write on what I learned on the Alaskan Cruise.

Truth number three I already alluded to: all of History and all our lives are composed of moments. Our timeline is built with atomos. Now, some of these moments are better that others. Some you wish will never end and some just don't want to end. I know my life thus far has had high- and low-lights and everything in between. And, I know that is how it will be in the future.

Before I continue, a quick story: On Saturday the 11th of July my brothers and I undertook the pilgrimage to the AMC Imax a fair distance south of our home in Atlanta. The entire family (including our sponsor, my grandmother) squeezed into the car and we headed off. Our goal: Transformers...the Imax experience. The outcome: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words exist not to describe it!

It was that morning, before we hit the road, that I started working on this post. By then, I must admit, I had little to write. After the movie (which, have I mentioned, was absolutely awesome!?) we cooled down in the Barnes and Noble Bookstore closeby. Walking through the millions of books, I was just struck by the immensity of human knowledge and history. I wanted to matter in the greater scheme of it all and realised there was only one way to be sure of that. I simply needed to be obedient to the One that knows every single story of every single human being and every single other creature that roamed this planet in every single moment of its existence! The Lord really blessed me in that bookstore and spoke to me in clarity unmatched for a long time in my life. That was a highlight in my life.

In the store's Starbucks coffee shop, a number of coffee mugs were for sale. Being a fan of coffee (I don't know if you have noticed) I went to check it out. One series of mugs each was adorned with some welknown quotes. One of them struck me: "A life is not measured by the number of breaths it contains, but by the number of moments that take your breath away!"

Right then and there my perspective on the whole concept of the moment changed.

Which brings me to truth number three. The value of my life –both the degree to which I enjoy it and the eternal value it carries- is determined by the sum of the moments it contains. A greater amount of Great moments, or moments that take your breath away, will elevate the overall value of my life.

Truth number four expands on this idea. Not only does a Great Moment increase the overall value of a life, but also the value of the lesser moments around it. The opposite is also true: the lesser moments affect the magnitude of the Great Moments.

Thinking about life in this way has helped me. For now, increasing the value of my life is simplified. I can either increase the average value of the sea of lesser moments, or increase the frequency of the Great moments. According to truth number one (and the personal experience from which it was partially derived) I cannot ensure that every single moment is of Great value, but I can to some degree increase the number of Great Moments. I know, for example that sitting on the lakeshore gazing at the Chicago skyline with a bible in my hand and the Lord by my side is more likely to be a Great moment than watching television. But, even this I cannot really control. In my life, a large number of moments in front of movies that ripped my heart have been far Greater than many other moment with Bible in hand and the best scenery imaginable abounding. And besides, by merely trying to increase the frequency of Great Moments, I'm doing nothing to increase the average value of lesser moments.

Truth number five and my conclusion: Though I can to some degree control the occurrence of Great moments, they very often happen at times when I did not expect. There are, however, certain paths of life that hold a greater number of Great moments. The path on which I find myself, will also affect the average magnitude of all my lesser moments. Bottom line: Instead of concentrating on the current moment and making it count, make sure that you are on the right path and the moment will take care of itself!

Since this realisation hit me, I have applied this concept and have enjoyed the fruit. To me this has been liberating. Thank you Jesus!

Now, concerning the correct path to take several things can be said, but say it now I shan't.The topic of another post it might be.

This then...to make the moment count by ensuring you are on the right path is what this tour had begun teaching me in Switzerland.

Faith, Family, Friends...a true story ( Dawie, Atlanta, 26 July 2009)

This is a true story following my two previous blogs on Faith, Family and Friends...

Another miracle story on our tour around the world!

We bought a projector and an extra bulb while we were in the mountain cabin in Georgia over the internet. It was to be delivered to Peter's home ( Peter is our very friendly home exchange host in Atlanta). The bulb was delivered and his Australian guests (who stayed in his Atlanta home and was so kind and helpful through out!) put it in the BBQ where we collected it on our way from the cabin to the airport. Unfortunately the projector was not there yet. We connected to Peter's Internet from his backyard. UPS' tracking system reflected it as "in transit". We called the whole family together and we prayed. We decided that we had an hour to spare and we should try and trace it.

First we phoned...unsuccessfully: only a computer voice. We then left Charlie and Dawie J at Peter's front door and drove via our GPS instructions to the nearest UPS outlet. Unsuccessful once more...they're only a retail store and had nothing to do with the delivery. Then back to Peter's home. Nothing delivered. Again we prayed! Peter's neighbor was in her garden, so we gave her our telephone number and asked her to phone us if they deliver within the next 45 minutes. Then we drove to the airport while everyone was on the lookout for a UPS delivery van. Within 7 minutes we spotted one and stopped it.

The friendly driver looked in his computer. No such delivery in his van, but he will phone his colleague. Phone...not available. He phoned his head office to "sent an urgent message" to his colleague to call him. Call came within 3 minutes, the projector was in that van. We slotted that van's next delivery address into our GPS and collected the projector at that delivery point after presenting the invoice and my passport. We were still in time for our flight to Chicago...just in time... (Chrisna did not walk to the closing gates...she ran!)

The whole month of July I had it in the back of my mind that I should still write a blog on faith. It was only just last week that I completed a new presentation for the leadership school on "God's part vs My part in life". What a true story to tell! God is so good! He still performs miracles today for ordinary people like you and me!

Is there possibly a lesson to be learned on faith? It is more than a cheap confession of our lips...it's about a walk of faith... Remember we said it's a walk with God. Only He could have helped us to find that projector in a delivery van between 5 million people in less than an hour... It pleased Him that we as a family wholeheartedly trusted Him.

O Heavenly Father, please help us all, in Jesus Name, to trust You more!

Georgia - 18 July 2009 (Dawie J)

We were in Atlanta for 2 weeks and are now in the mountains north of Atlanta for 10 days.

In LA we watched a school baseball game, in Atlanta we watched The Braves at Turnerfield.

It was very nice and there were fireworks at the end.

We went to the Coca-Cola museum, learned of their history and drank so much different products of Coke, that I did not even want to see a Coke bottle.

We also went to Stone Mountain and knowing my family, we obviously walked all the way to the top. I got very tired, even more than the 20km in Montana.

It must be because it was so HOT! We saw a spectacular laser and firework show. I enjoyed it together with about 20 000 other people.

My grandmother came to visit. We had a great time with her. Obviously she spoiled us a lot. She even paid for us 3 boys to watch Transformers II in the IMAX theatre.

Charlie and me went to the Georgia Aquarium and saw lots of types of fish.

There were even 20-foot-long whale-sharks and a manta-ray. It surely was a wonderful experience.

Then we drove to our cabin.

We floated 6 miles down a river in tubes that was very nice.
Georgia was just great!

Totally Random, humbling and funny (15 July 2009) Charlie

Wow! We are still having a great time in the North Georgian mountains. Atlanta has also been amazing. With a lot of fun filled experiences and heaps of joy. You will be seeing an Atlanta Issue by Charlie soon, but today I felt like telling you a story. You might have heard something about it in the precious blogs but this version is from the mouth of the humiliated party.

Life is an amazing, tough, learning experience. We learn from others, from our own mistakes and from things that randomly happen to us for a reason. That last sentence might have sounded weird but please stick with me here.

I want to take you way back to Phuket in Thailand.

And no, this is not going to be another story about my dad's Finger again. I have another story entirely. It was something that happened to me because of my own ignorance in part but also because of God's humor and love!

It all started in Germany... We were at a value store one day and we saw interesting specials that attracted our eyes. We were interested not only by some nice products but also by the price tag, only 1€. I think it was the first time we ever saw something in Europe for only 1€. We just had to buy something. My mother was thinking in the line of socks, again... But I had a different idea. I knew I would be going home in a months time so I made the proposition of buying a moisturizing lotion for my face. So that it can be smooth, you know... There are a few reasons why it has to be smooth but I like to go with this one: "My mother likes a boy with a nice and smooth face"! So after my heavy convincing ,my mother agreed, except for one important detail. I wanted the rose scented lotion but my mother thought it to be Unmanly. So I ran back into the store and without even thinking I grabbed the aloe scented one, more manly I presumed. The interesting thing about these bottles of lotion were that everything on it was in German. It didn't bother me though because I was confident in my mother's grade 8 German classes and she inspected the rose scented one and confirmed that it was body lotion. The only problem though is that I took another bottle...

We left that shop with a sense of accomplishment having bought something in Europe for 1€. We flew to Singapore and immediately to Phuket. Totally overwhelmed by the heat and beauty we drank everything in. Meanwhile I very diligently used my German lotion. In my mind my skin got smoother each day. The days went on, a few interesting things happened, my dad lost the top of his left index finger but you know that story allready. The one day I came home from the beach with a mild sun burn. Not really out of the ordinary, considering we were in Phuket, practically on the equator. One of us had to get sun burn one or other time. I wasn't afraid of a little sunburn, especially 'cause I have a nice German lotion to put on.

The days went on and to my surprise my face got redder instead of going back to normal, so I applied more of my lotion... As the days kept flowing by, this little sunburn worked itself into my neck. It began to get more uncomfortable each day. Not only did the ocean salt burn the tears out of me, but it also burned like a raging fire every time there was a bit of perspiration and in Phuket that is 24/7.

It got even worse with each passing day. Thus I added more lotion. Soon we left Phuket and flew to Singapore. Still, I had a burning sensation 24/7 and my face began to fall off, literally! It got so bad it is improper to write about it in a family blog.

Needless to say, my mother thought there was something fishy about the whole thing. So she suggested that I stop using my German lotion, I might be allergic to it or something like that. Sure enough, in only a few days the whole thing was gone. After all this my new layer of skin was white like a dove. I didn't care though because all the burning and face falling was finally over!

So I went home with a great relief, I didn't look like a monster. In Singapore I began to fear that I might scare my friends out of their faith when they see me! The Lord healed me in the last couple of days and I was very, very thankful.

Meanwhile my mother who was still in Singapore wanted smoother legs. She then decided not to let my German lotion go to waste. Needless to say her skin got rougher and tougher, looking worse each day, It was then that my mother put her foot down and decided to check the bottle once more. With some common sense and Grade 8 German she came to a shocking realization...

The great German lotion was actually great shower gel! Ha ha... You might be laughing hysterically at this moment but for me the news was an arrow in my bruised Ego. I then felt like if I was going to take the jump from my ego to my IQ at that moment I would fall to my death. Again, stop laughing...

The amazing thing about it is that I was hurting myself without knowing it. I actually thought I was doing myself a world of good but I didn't see the whole picture. It just proclaimed the fact that God always knows better and what is good for us. We might think that something will be good for us, but lets give that decision to God. You just might have read the label incorrectly!

I also learned the hard way that God keeps a close eye on the proud.

Psa 138:6 Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.

Atlanta (28 June - 12 July 2009) Chrisna

Atlanta has been a blessing! It has been a blessing in so many different ways, from the first moment, even before we arrived there until now, after we have left.

Our 4 weeks home exchange in Chicago, our destination after Atlanta, was canceled and we had to find other accommodation. Our host in Atlanta, Peter, was so kind as to allow us an extra week in his mountain cabin north of Atlanta, which helped us a lot, since we now only need 3 weeks of accommodation in Chicago.The special house and car in Atlanta was a blessing. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. Our meeting with Bruce Wilkinson and Charlie's baptism on Tuesday 30 June: - what can I say but:"What a blessed day!" (I did write one whole blog on that day.) I might add that the reason we included Atlanta in our tour program, was to see Bruce. We definitely heard God right on that one...

And yes, as you can expect, we found a mountain to climb! We visited Stone Mountain and climbed all the way to the top and down. We also celebrated Independence Day on 4th July with the Americans there at Stone Mountain with a firework and laser show that kept us staring upwards for more than an hour. It was spectacular and exciting.

Many Americans may live by the belief that they are bigger and better, but you have to give them credit for their patriotism!

Atlanta was also the place where my mother came to visit us for the 2nd time during our tour. Oh, what a joy to have her with us. We are having a feast: not only because she takes us out for lunch and buys ice cream, not only because of all the chocolates she brought along, but also for the lots of laugh and love and fellowship we share. A true blessing!

We also spent a few hours at the house of Phil Tuttle and his precious family. We had a wonderful lunch and shared many stories. Phil is the president of Walk Thru the Bible, so he is actually my boss! We were fortunate enough to hear him teach and learn from him during his sermon at The Bridge Church on Sunday. It was all about being real - about taking off your mask! This is one thing we have experienced firsthand on this trip : there is no place to hide, no time to put on a mask. Being honest and humble, saying you're sorry if you were wrong and forgiving immediately are vitally important factors if you wnat to live in harmony and grow even closer together. This surely is an all important life lesson. Yet another blessing of our time with them was the bags full of real American cookies that we received - melt in the mouth delicious; extremely difficult to stop after one cookie!

Being in a family where "leadership", "life purpose" and "put dreams into action" are part of who we are and how we live, where the father left his big money profession to train leaders in Africa without earning a cent , you can imagine and understand what a special few hours we had at the Martin Luther King Jr. Museum. Boy oh boy, it was inspiring, painful and victorious all at the same time. What an example he was and still is, one worthy to study and follow, one who's life gives Glory to God and who's plans and strategies came straight from the Lord. This again was confirmation that the only solid foundation the African Leadership Institute can be built upon, is the truth of God's Word and the example of Jesus Christ.

I hear the question that Martin Luther King asked: "What are you doing for others?" and towards that challenge we must work as a team. "The self cannot be self without other selves." It is a question and truth that I will have to repeat to myself often and find the honest answer for.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and I realized there in that memorial centre, that I too have the same dream. "I have a dream that one day my 4 (3 in my dream) children will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character".

Yes, we may dream, but we must also do. I must be the transformation that I hope for, it must always begin with "me".

To be able to learn, to be able to grow, to be challenged and to be humbled - all are blessings out of God's Heart. What I do with them however, is my choice and my responsibility.

Mat 7:12 (KJV)Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Mat 7:12 (Msg) "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.

Atlanta: My special day (Monday 6 July 2009) Charlie

Finally! It feels great to be starting a blog again!! I have been laying off them for the last two months because I only really started to feel like I'm back during the last week. The whole concept of the world tour is so surreal that it took me two months to totally realize again what was going on! I caught myself just standing in awe the whole time. Not only because of the beauty of God's creation everywhere but also because of the hope of good people and friendliness that still prevails. Yes, these last two months I've seen so much of God's character in other people that I have hope for this world.

Being on my feet again after floating off a bit I want to look back at the previous two months and take you with me on the road of beautiful emotion and awe.

I will start with my special day in Atlanta, it being my freshest memory, but in my following blogs I will backtrack and reflect on the rest of Atlanta, Toronto and Montana as well.

There are certain moments in life that you will regret because no one is perfect. Then there are other that are nice but are quickly forgotten and then there are moments that changes the course of your life forever and not only inspires you, but also influences your decisions for the rest of your life!

This world tour thus far is filled with such moments of utter joy and fulfillment that only God can give, but the past week in Atlanta certainly changed my life forever.

The most amazing part is that all that happened to me here in Atlanta can not just be defined by one moment but consists of my whole past and my plans for the future! You might ask, what has Charlie seen this time or what natural wonder is next? But the great thing about it is that is wasn't something from the world or of this world that captured me, but it was a decision to be a part of the One who is OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Yes, for the first time I have decided on my own out of obedience that I want to surrender my whole life and give everything to my Lord and Saviour! I realized that everything that matters here on earth is everything that was done for God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom is not part of the world we currently live in, but we can do everything we do for the Kingdom of God, if He Himself lives in us and through us. This decision was not taken here only, but was a process where I came to know God. You might ask again, but Charlie haven't you already given your heart to the Lord and my answer would be yes!, but I was always trained that way by my parents and it was out of their obedience that they raised me that way, not out of my own heart and mind. Thus I made the decision on my own not only to give my heart to the Lord but to die in myself and let Him live through me. Yes, on the 30th of June 2009 I got baptized!

Now that you know that happened I can elaborate more. The thing is God's Word has been secretly nudging me and nudging me whenever I read it, but I didn't see a time or a place until my family told me that we were going to visit Bruce Wilkinson in Atlanta. The Lord then secretly nudged me again and kind of told me that this was the right time. I thought about it a lot since that day but then I forgot about it when the tour started. In Canada however the Lord reminded me again of this date and place and I began digging deeper again. Still being unsure if I was ready for it. I prayed and thought it through a lot and knew that this was what God wanted me to do. I also realized that there are a few factors that have to fall in place for this to be possible. So I prayed to God and handed it to Him, if all factors fall in place and it is possible I will be obedient and get baptized.

So it happened that we contacted Dr Bruce and asked where we would meet. He then replied that he now lived in South Carolina but will be able to come to us on the 30th of June. We didn't want to be a burden so we offered to drive to him but again he insisted that he should come to us. Excited by this I knew the first step was in place. It was only afterwards that I learned that He just finished with a big project on the 29th and started with another project the 1st of July in Atlanta! So the date in between was perfect!!! The next step was to get some kind of pool or large enough body of water. So we started looking on Google Earth for a pool close to our house. We found one a few blocks away, went to the house and knocked on the door. What happened next was interesting. A woman opened the door and greeted us. We then boldly asked if we could by any chance use her pool for a baptism. She then started laughing and said that this was hilarious. We asked why she thought so and she said that she didn't believe in God and now there is going to be a baptism in her pool, but somehow she just can't say no!!! Thus I saw God's image even in a non-believer.

Everything for the baptism was set. The baptist, the pool and my heart. Now we just awaited Dr Bruce's arrival. Little did we know then how special this visit was going to be.

He arrived just after 12 pm as arranged and greeted us with hugs and "my you've grown since I last saw you"! We just sat there as a family listening to each others stories and learning from each other. He gave my father amazing insight on the African Leadership Institute and I just sat there listening to the truth. We also laughed and discussed more casual things like the world tour (My father's finger- always the favorite) and enjoyed each other.

We ate an amazing lunch and still discussed certain things and talked about them. The afternoon was filled with the same laughter but also very serious discussions. The time then came for me to get baptized... I had a quick, meaningful discussion with Dr Bruce alone and he agreed, it was time.

As we drove to the house with the pool we would be using a surge of emotions began to bubble inside me and I knew this was what God wanted. I began to get very excited knowing that God wants to work through me.

We got to the house and again got a meaningful greeting from our host, again saying that such a request she just couldn't deny. We got in the water (luckily Atlanta is nice and warm) prayed together and before I knew it I left my old self in the water and began a new life through Christ.

I was overwhelmed and just stood there crying while the others were praying. The moment had past but the joy of serving the Lord had just began!

Me and Dr Bruce got towels and dried off the water. While we were busy leaving, he said that as the guy who baptized me he has the privilege to ask a favour. All of us agreed and he asked us just to come with him. So we went to put on some dry clothes and we were off, where to we didn't know. He then asked us if we could guess what we were going to do, giving us a few clues and making it a riddle. One of the things we discussed earlier that day was that we walk so much, there is nothing left of our shoes (laughing). At last with all information gained I sheepishly guessed that we were headed to the mall and that he was going to buy us new shoes. It was more a hope than a guess but he said yes and immediately we didn't know what to feel inside.

He took us to a Footlocker and said we may get shoes on one condition, we may not look at the price. This was difficult for us all especially my mom. At the end we all got shoes from heaven and we didn't know how to thank him. This new day just got better and better.

He then took us to eat dinner and just took the blessing on and on. Whenever we wanted to thank him, he just said that it was his joy to give out the Lord's blessings. The largest blessing of it all was still to come: He gave my dad 10 000 books for the African Leadership Institute and "The Namibian Dream".

Ultimately the Lord blessed me with a wonderful day and I thank him and stand in awe of him. I also know now I have an even larger responsibility to live His character. Although it won't be easy I'm looking forward to it:

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Very early Sunday morning (5 July) Tinus

I honestly cannot recall exactly how many movies I've watched on this world tour. So many stories, so many characters, so many endings, so many lessons and so many beginnings. Yet, as I sit here, I cannot think of one decent way to start this post! Hence, the totally random approach I have adopted.

Please do forgive me if this seems slightly unintellectual, for it is nearly one in the morning and there is no coffee nearby, so I might just be blabbering a little. But, sleep eluded me the twenty or so minutes I've been in bed, so I decided I'll tick something off my To-Do-list for a change.

At this point, I might as well be honest: I haven’t really been able to get much done lately. Those Goal-lists my mother wrote about – the ones we draw up as a family each time we come to a new place – well, I usually have more than a couple of unticked boxes. At least one accomplishment I have to be proud of...

…I am resting well! And enjoying it thoroughly!

Back to business, but before I get serious I simply must comment on this introduction. Besides it being absolutely inappropriate and not being quite as smart as it sounded when I went over it in my head, at least it got me out of bed and actually working. (And what hard work it is!)

But, there is a time for everything, Solomon said. And now it is time for me to get to that which fills my thoughts. I know I am actually still busy with my account on our Alaskan Cruise, but please do bear with me (I will still finish it someday…) as I really must get something off my chest straight away.

Way back, when we were in California, I started sharing some of the things the Tour has Taught me. I touched on my London and France lessons on Don’t file a suit and Use the right sense. From Switzerland I learned something about the moment and thinking about it just now I realize how seldom I live in it! Now, this might come as a shock (and if it doesn’t, perhaps you need to do some self-evaluation) that while I am on the journey of a lifetime, I should neglect enjoying each moment of it. In my defense, let me just assert that I indeed do enjoy every moment. But – and here the gears in my head started turning – I often enjoy it (and realize I must enjoy it) so much that I try to attach some sort of worth, some sort of value to it in such a way that I should remember it with the appreciation it deserves. I enjoy the present, but while I do so I make sure that in the future, when this present is past, I shall enjoy it still. Am I making any sense? If not, I blame it on the clock!

So, the moment and making the very best out of it. Making it last for eternity, yet making it count now! This is sort of what I was confronted with in Switzerland. Oh, had I given it enough thought and action then, how much more would I have enjoyed this tour (if that indeed is possible!) And how much more would I have accomplished if I had taken the Germany lesson Do it, do it right, do it now to heart. I have however, been applying Singapore's slogan "Apply your mind" quite thoroughly and have reaped great benefits.

About the past, however, little can be done but to learn from it. And now in the present, I want to. (I almost decide to call it a night just now, but then thought of Germany…)

Jesus basically told us in Mathew 7:24 to build our house on the rock. Do you know what that rock is we should build on?

**If I didn’t want to get my parents approval on this blog before I posted it, which will only happen tomorrow, this would have been a great place to call it a night and tell you to go read the verses . Then I could have posted what I've written thus far, go to bed and continue when the sun is shining. It's Sunday morning, by the way and I will finish the a large part of this post later, but I can’t sleep just yet…**

The rock we should build on – the one on which the foundations of our lives must be build or else we'll collapse when life hits us…collapse into a heap of pain – that rock is, believe it or not, not Jesus Christ! The rock is the Words of Christ! Building on the rock is thus not merely believing in Jesus, but putting what He has taught us into practice! Get it?!

I just disobeyed a solid rule in literature in using so many exclamation mark right after one another, but I need to make this point. To myself more than anyone else. It doesn’t matter how much you know or how many verses you can quote or what you've learned where. What keeps your life from falling apart is practicing these truths! I want to build on the rock! I want to Use the right sense. I want to ensure I Don’t file a Suit. I want to Live the Moment right. I want to do what must be done…I want to Do it, do it right, do it now!

And for me the best way to Apply my mind toward those truths I have learned so that it can become part of my actions(Rom 12:1), is to write one them.

I will thus in the very near future, continue my string of post regarding what I've Learned on this world tour and now you know what to expect.

I think I have just about written what was required of me in these small hours of the morning and will post this all when the family wakes up. One last thing, however, I must still say (or write).

When I started this post I knew I needed to start typing, but what exactly I wanted to say, I knew not (this then the reason for the unusual intro). Now I feel at peace and can taste the Lords tangible presence.

Thank You, Lord for drawing near to us when we draw near to You. Thank You for doing Your part when we are obedient!

It was as I typed that the Lord reminded me that I need to build on the rock. Just to let you in on His Glory, Grace and Humor… (He's laughing at…with me at the moment), I must tell you of the place we visited on Friday. On second thought, let me just show you…

Glory to God! And remember: build on the rock!

P.S. Remember to read my mom's Atlanta post...

All Glory to God!! 1 July 2009 (Chrisna)

How can I write, if I do not have words? What can I say, if I do not know what to say? But how can I be quiet, if I see and experience God at work? How can I not praise God, for He is Great and worthy to be praised!! God is God almighty, the King of the Universe, but He is also our Father, my Father, who cares for me , in so many different ways... He is the "So Much More God"(as we read in Luke 11, see v13: how much more...)

On this world tour of ours we have experienced God's mind boggling Creativity, His love for Diversity, His Genius and Initiative, in so many different ways. We have seen it in creation: in the mountains, the trees, the animals, the oceans, the dry gorges and the flowing rivers. We have seen it in the people around us, their cultures, their habits, their features. We have seen it in Churches, the way they worship, serve and please God. It amazes me every time, that God could create yet in another new, completely different way. And I know, that as it gives me pleasure, it gives the Creator even more Pleasure. I can see Him smile, enjoying new things with me, whilst knowing that He has even more surprises "up His sleeve" which will amaze me.

I know God is the "so-much-more"God. I know that He can and wants to bless us. I have experienced His blessings in so many different ways before. This whole tour has been blessing upon blessing. And there it happened yet again, in a new way , on 30 June 2009.

Let me write about June 30, and may this praise God and always remind me of who He is. Let me write while this is still fresh in my memory and help me to remember it as it has happened, years from now.

The 30th of June marked the day when we were already 6 months on the road, with only 3 months remaining of this world tour of ours. We, while all lying in bed early in the morning, discussed the blessing it has been so far. And we were looking forward to this day...

Dr Bruce Wilkinson, a special friend of ours, came all the way from South Carolina, to visit with us for the day. We had an expectation to learn from him, and we did. He also challenged us in different ways, something he is a master of. To grow and mature more and more,we know we need to be stretched beyond our limits. Talking together gave fresh perspective on what we do and where we are going and what we must do (and change) to reach our God given Dreams and Potential. (The blessing is that we still have time to pray all things through.) He not only challenged, but also gave. He promised Dawie 10 000 books, to be used for the ALI students as part of their reading program!

Then it was time for a very special event: Charlie's baptism. This was something that he has talked and prayed about for a long time already and now it was time.

Our house does not have a swimming pool, but we found one in the neighborhood and Dawie went to ask permission to use their pool. The lady of the house declared that she does not believe in God, but that she cannot deny such a request. She said: "This is hilarious, I don't believe in God, but someone wants to use my pool to say they do believe!" (We continue to pray for her.)

So it happened that Bruce baptized Charlie, with us as a family as witnesses. It was a JOYOUS and Grateful occasion! We praise God!

Then Bruce announced that he has a wish and we must accompany him to some place. We went along. He took us to a mall, down the passage to a Footlocker (a shoe store) and told us that everyone of us must choose a pair of running shoes according to our hearts (and feet's) desire, the shoes that we only dream about, but will never buy...he's paying! Our natural response was no, we cannot do this, no, it's too much, no, we don't deserve it and many more arguments. But he was prepared for us and persistent: He's going to buy us shoes today.

Have you ever experienced wanting to laugh and cry at the same time, wanting to talk non stop and be completely quiet at the same time, feeling overjoyed and surprised and humbled at the same time? Well, that was some of my feelings. But perhaps "stunned" describes it best. This was new, a first for us to be blessed in such a way. We experience God's blessings every day in so many different ways, but this was the first time ever that someone gave us something so personal (and so needed - our shoes are all TIRED/done). We are also used to being blessed by giving away, but never before by receiving in such a way! Now you understand that I am once again amazed at God's Creativity and abundance in His Blessings. And I am once again stirred in my heart and spirit for how a man (like Bruce did) can be so obedient and instrumental in God wanting to bless. May I be sensitive enough to hear God's whisper whenever he wants to use me to bless someone.

So, we all went in and each received a brand new pair of running/walking shoes and socks.

We were literally blessed out of our old shoes right into new ones! Praise the Lord! Thank you so much Bruce, thank you.

He then took us out for a wonderful dinner and took us back home. Greeting us we were reminded that we must now not think of ways to repay him, we must just accept and enjoy.

We were all stunned and overjoyed for the rest of the evening. Charlie said that this was surely the best day of his life so far. We agreed - a baptism and a such a blessing all in one day, was not anything that we deserved. But I suppose that's why we call it God's Grace and a blessing - it is a gift, it has nothing to do with deserve or not deserve.

God is Great! He is the "so-much-more" God! Thank you God! Thank you Bruce, may God bless you and your family in abundance.