The Silk Cafe

Exactly a week ago my cousin (40 years old) passed away from cancer and although he is now in a perfect place, it is us, the family and friends that struggle to come to terms with the loss. 
So last couple of weeks have got me thinking about the true meaning of finding peace, the kind of peace that only God can provide when there are tough and trying times in our lives.
These times could maybe be a friendship or marriage that you feel is beyond repair, a loss of a job, or as in my case the loss of a friend or family member. It is then that we need to remind ourselves of the promises that God has made to us and we need to lean on these when our hearts need to heal.

Psalm 29:11
"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." (NKJ)

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I don not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV)

Philippians 4:7
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray.Let petitions and praises shape your worries in prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It is wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (The Message)

How wonderful it is that we have these promises from God and that all we need to do is call on him and trust in him for his gracious peace and love!

All my love,
Sue

On a personal note: thank you to all my friends for your prayers,kind words, love, sms's etc. during this last couple of weeks, I love you all and thank God everyday for the blessings that you are in my life!

What an awesome Saturday morning Stef, Nyari, 12 of the community ladies and myself had with the women of Livewire. It was such a great time of making new friends, ministring into their lives and not to mention the absolutely delicious cake!
In as much as they expressed that the time on Saturday was such a great blessing to them, I can honestly say that we were just as blessed!
So thank you to the leaders of Livewire who put in so much effort to making this day the success that it was, and we are looking forward to the next time we (ALL the women of Father's House) can just "hang" out together.

Titus 2:3-5
"Guide older women into lives of relevance so that they end up neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's message becauseof their behaviour."

I am currently reading a book called "Effectively Parenting in a Defective World" by Chip Ingram, and throughly enjoying it (although I am only on page 35 of 175).
I have shared this with "the girls in the office" as well as some friends, but it has really made such an impact on me, that I would like to share it with you all.

At the start of the book he talks about having a positive and clear cut objectives for our children - naturally as a parent you want your children to be HAPPY, not so?
In his explanation this is not the correct way to raise your children (keeping them happy). At that moment, I almost put the book down, thinking "What is this man on about?" Boy oh boy, was I in for a reality check! These are 2 excepts from his book I would like to share with you.

" Because this keep-this-happy philosophy is so ingrained in our society we've bought into the lie that our children are deprived if they aren't invovled in soccer,ballet,baseball,gymnastics,piano and every other activity avaliable out there-all while wearing the "in" kinds of clothes with the right labels-even when their demanding schedule keeps us driving back and forth across town several times a day.It's really hard to resist the current of culture; resistance requires an intentional and persistant effort, especially when your kids try to convince you that you are persecuting them by going against the grain. But if we don't, the culture, not God, will bear its own fruit in our kids."

The next except is in the following chapter and this is the part that really made me sit up and think about how and what I do for my boys.

"This goal has nothing to do with hairstyles and sandals. Neither is it simply about stuffing a bunch of memory verses into your children's head, conforming to the culture of certain denominations or rididly observing a daily quiet time. Our task is is higher and more ambitious than that. In fact, it's supernatural, and will require supernatural help. The point is for your children to be kind like Jesus, disciplined like Jesus, others-centrered like Jesus, and holy and pure not because they have to, but because they love Jesus and want to be like him"

So for me, as a mom to an almost 8 year old and 9 year old, there are definitely things I need to reconsider,change etc. and I am excited to do that, knowing what a powerful impact it will make on their lives.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.....

All my love
Sue

Thought this was worth reposting. Have a look at the link from her fan page on Facebook, what a powerful word!http://www.facebook.com/lisabevere.page#!/notes/lisa-bevere/a-prophetic-word-for-women-church-leaders/444399529865

Wow, what a couple of busy weeks!
Sorry that we have neglected the blog a bit, but with Fashion for Zanethemba and going to Johannesburg to attend the "Sisters of Africa" Conference, time has just run away with me.
I have so many thoughts running through my mind, but I guess the best way to start sharing all that I want to  is to say, THANK YOU!!! Thank you for supporting the fashion show, it was a phenomenal success. This entire event became more than I ever imagined it to be. Not only was it a financial success for Zanethemba, but it was a time of growth for the women of Silk Cafe; making new friends, encouraging each other etc. In the next couple of weeks we will be announcing the total amount that has been raised since it was decided to fund raise for Zanethemba (baby haven & Sinakho) - I think you ladies will be amazed !

The stage is set and we are ready!

  

This is an awesome Christian band from Durban - have a listen, their new album is amazing!
Lovesick by The Arrows

                                        Oh my gosh, I can't believe that it is only 10 days
                                        until we host the fabulous "Fashion for Zanethemba".
For those of you who do not know the reason behind this event, here is a quick recap....
Silk Cafe, the women of Father's House decided in February to start raising funds to support Sinakho Day Care Center (part of Zanethemba Charity Foundation) in Walmer Township. This was done by means of hosting a high tea and an "African breakfast", then recently starting the 5c project which encouraged all the ladies to collect as many 5c pieces as possible. The project spread like wild fire with schools and radio stations getting involved.
Although we have not tallied the total amount, I would estimate that we have about R4000 in 5c pieces.Praise God!
So, that is the story and the fashion show is the last piece of THIS puzzle.
If you are still wanting to attend, tickets are available at church on Sunday or alternatively from the church office on 041-3969900.

Hope to see you all there,
                                                       Sue.
http://www.zanethemba.co.za/

Do you ever have some "I'm sick of today" kind of days? Well today was one of them for me!

At the moment, as most of you know we are currently running the 'Fight like a Girl" DVD series by Lisa Bevere on a Thursday evening for 6 weeks and last night was the 3rd week. In last nights sessions she focused on wisdom and having a good understanding of God's words regarding wisdom.