Stretched!

I am currently preparing for a journey of the heart and soul kind and recently boarded a plane to spend the weekend with a group of people I had never met, to begin planning a trip to a place I have never been. All of this required me to step way beyond my comfort zone and embrace so very many unknowns. It stretched me! ... And in that stretching I learnt that when we are willing to allow ourselves to be fully pliable in the Masters hands, he draws out and extends us in ways we never thought possible.

When we are still so consumed with the here and now, He is already in our tomorrow, has already seen all that we will be and all that we should be! As I sat there, amidst that group of people I didn't know, I was struck by one thing, how different we all were. I thought about it and began to see what He saw, the fragments of the past, all of the lives and the hopes of tomorrow drawing together, humming its own unique song. Side by side, all of the years, the people, the sum of all our stories and lives intermingling and strengthening each of us. All of our meetings, the people we meet, the lives that touch us, the lives we touch in return, all so very intentional. It may seem random, the chance meetings, it might seem inconsequential, but I am sure they are not. Each experience shapes us, pushes us in new directions, forces us to admit truths about ourselves. Sometimes we are confronted by the rawness of ourselves and forced to change direction, attitudes or perspectives. Long held beliefs are challenged and we can learn to see them as we have always seen them or choose to view it in an entirely different way. The beauty of every new experience is that we get to decide each day, with every new encounter, how we will respond. And as I sat there, I contemplated this stretch. What if those things that seem too hard, too scary or too beyond us are the stretch that we need, the stretch needed to help us reach forth, lengthen and extend our capacity. What if, those things are the very experiences we are supposed to grasp and lean into? That maybe the tension we face, yields us a reach way beyond ourselves and our capabilities! Maybe the stretch is entirely purposeful and specifically intentional!

That weekend I met with a group of people, all different, but united in heart and vision. I found myself surrounded by a room full of people intent on the same mission. The same heart, and the same vision drawing us from all walks of life. All of us different, yet sure of one thing, that Hope will lead us on. Hope calls to each of us, if our ears are open, if our hearts are tender. There is nothing quite like meeting a group of people all bent on achieving the same purpose. There is power in that coming together, power in the uniqueness of every individual and each life represented, power in such purposeful unity.

If one woman can change her world, IMAGINE what one company of women can do?

When life is measured by deadlines

There are days, pressing days, when life is measured by deadlines, shopping lists and bills to pay; that completely and utterly suffocate aspiring dreams. There are days of monotonous normality that hang like ominous storm clouds – black, hot and threatening!

Responsibility weighs heavy. 

I long to more fully embrace each day, to pursue purpose and throw off those earthly restraints that keep me tethered to mainstream mediocrity. Yet, it is in this day to day, this quiet measuring of life, that hope rises. Purpose expands, dreams still grow. 

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?, these words stop me in my tracks. I try these words on. What would I attempt to do if I knew I could not fail? … the question sobers me. Answers do not come rushing in. 

More questions hang in the air. 

Do I have big enough dreams? Have I stretched myself as far as I can? … Is there something more? The niggling in my soul nudges me daily. It presses hard on the inside of my ribcage, persistent in its chase. Where would it take me if I let it roam free? My eyes are front and centre as I look forward to a new year. Time to step out, time to try on brave. Time to still the voice of reason. 

These words, – Destined – Devoted – Daring, these holy emblazoned and profoundly significant words, I dare to understand. I grapple with them daily, fall short and fall flat. Dare I believe that a single, ordinary, unexceptional life ... a life completely falling short of the grace and sanctity of a matrimonial alliance, still be assigned for a heaven breathed specific purpose? Can I, a single parent commit to the steadfast unrelenting pursuit that might be required? … Do I even have what it takes? These words are the ones I hold onto, a life raft keeping me afloat.

Can I do this?

I already battle with how to live brave, and how to walk courageously undaunted! I am not a thrill seeker, I do not live dangerously. I play it safe and play by the rules. I like order and have everything planned down to the very last detail! I am black and white through and through. Temerity is scarce and intrepidity out of reach. Yet, despite obvious inabilities, glaring lack and persistently clear weaknesses, I find myself whispering these words to my frantic heart. 

I whisper them quietly, just loud enough so my heart can hear them, soft enough so my soul will believe them. For I wish dearly to inscribe these words - Destined, devoted, daring - fiercely across my existence. To scribble them back and forth and etch them deep, really deep. To carve a space between what is not yet and that which is anticipated. And now, it is these words that I carefully wave like a white flag to my hopes and dreams, time to surrender, time for a truce. Time to step out, time to be brave.

Heart and Soul Pursuits

One Word

Compassion has challenged bloggers to choose one word to embody 2014, one word that embodies the promise of the upcoming year. One word in concrete form, one word full of possibilities, one word to substantiate a life and then blog about it.

I think about that one word and this boy, our boy in Rwanda. I think back to when we picked his little face out from the sea of faces before us.

Happy.

There's a word. We were happy to embrace this boy into our life. Me, a newly single mother, full of hope for a better future too. I was happy to make a small difference. I didn't see the difficult years stretching ahead of us, didn't expect them to overshadow that happiness. I think about how sometimes it was a struggle, how working part time and scratching out an existence was harder than I expected with two young children by my side. I think about the late payments made.

Sorry.

There's another word. I'm sorry for that. I made it though, kept those payments going. Glad too that I did. Things are different now, easier. I think about this Christmas and wish I could see your face. I know you will be laughing. I can just imagine it. There's a present on its way, just for you Eric. I'm hopeful Eric. Real hopeful, that one day I will visit you, hold you in the flesh and see you face to face. Have hope Eric.

Hope.

 * ~//~ *

I keep thinking about that one word that will frame my world, there are so many words that I could hold up as a banner over all that I am hoping and believing for in 2014. Words like, Faith - Courage - Breadth - Depth and Purpose to name just a few. Words that boldly declare my hopes and dreams, words that shout loudly from the mountain top of a restless soul, and words whispered quietly through cracks of fear.

I need this:

Faith - to hold close to my convictions with unshakeable confidence, because sometimes the years seem to merge so quickly that they are swallowed up in the daily ritual of treading water, afloat - somewhere, but not really going anywhere. 

It's hard to see perspective when vision is distant, when dreams feel remote!

I must embrace this:

Courage - to face difficulty, to keep rising up when fear would keep me contained, because if I think about all the things that stand in the way I wouldn't go any further. 

The glass ceiling of motherhood on your own is imposing, invisible forces frustrating!

I long for this: 

Breadth - to live free from narrowness or restraint, to reach out with greater capacity, because I want to embrace the wide open spaces of this life, make every breath count. Dream impossible dreams and hinge them closely to my heart, hang them around my soul.

Suffocating in a world where negativity is breathed like oxygen, overwhelming!

Have to grasp this:

Depth - to go beyond one's capability, to surpass previous understandings, push past cold hard facts. To disentangle the opposing dogma of a risen truth verses a fallen reality. 

Not easy when the head and the heart conflict, when what seems logical makes no sense at all. When living safe means a dream might wither, pointless then!

Must do this:

Purpose - to resolve to do something, to intentionally determine a goal (a mission, an objective ... a line drawn in the sand) with resoluteness, then freely emancipate this life to that calling.

Harder than imagined!

When I think about all of these things, THERE IS one word, one word that gives tangible expression to all of this - expand! I let it rest there, hovering above me, pushing back shadows, dusting off dreams - again! I breathe deeper, breathe more fully. I like this word. A lot!

Expand. 

~ to increase or grow in extent, to distend beyond the point of natural expansion.

~ to stretch out and unfold, to spread out in every direction.

~ to express something more fully or in greater detail, to express oneself more fully.

Substantiate life with unfurling!

The truth is, I need to unfurl my life ... let it unravel a little, walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. I'm hoping for all this!

Image Source

Hope will lead us on

Hope flickers in the darkness, 
a light that pervades turmoil, 
leading the hopeless forward. 

A presence that lingers on the horizon, 
calling aloud to her people,
 beckoning the willing toward her. 

Press on, one step, one breath 
- Hope cannot stand still. 

She moves with purpose, pushing ahead 
where none have gone before. 

The brave follow her weaving trail, 
they hear her whisper in the wind,
 and tend to her words. 

This light of heaven invading earth, 
daring the bravest of souls
 to walk into the great unknown, 
envelops the most daring of subjects. 

Her flickering flame burns deep, 
deep into the heart of man.
 The stamp of eternity is thus pressed
 hard against the heel of humanity, 
leaving its fiery mark. 

An eternal flame of certainty
 glows brightly where dreams once lay bare, 
Hope will lead us on.

Hope is stirring deep within. She is a sweet balm for the soul, healing to the heart and health to the bones. When everything swirling in the air is abuzz with doubt and worry, and fears linger on the edge of reason, hope assures me that there is more - more to do, more to this life, more dreams longing to be clothed with significance, so much more out there still.

Heart and Soul Pursuits

A Confident Hope

A Confident Hope

A confident hope t'is a place of safety and shelter, a sweet sanctity of promise.

A strong tower and fortress, standing formidably on summits of dank turmoil.

The place where soul marrow is nourished and spirit fire glows brightly.

Impervious refuge of bolstered integrity and unpretentious trust,

where bone weary beings find rest in the promise of more.

Amidst the opulence of an interminable tranquility,

it is an anticipation and expectancy that is sure.

Determined and unwavering in its existence.

It spills forth, overflowing and bubbling.

The breath of life in broken ruins.

A wellspring that never dies.

Lifting us up and away.

Rising like the wind,

hope leads us on.

Embrace hope, 

hold hope.

~ hope ~

~ K. Weight ~

... so very thankful for an abiding hope that continually beckons me forward.

More hope here

Our Deepest Fear

Imagine a world where fear didn't limit you? 

Because

Fear does limit us, often in small seemingly negligible ways.

Only, it shows up big later on down the road, when we try

stretching for faith and are left hopelessly flailing in its wake. 

It stops us in our tracks, leaves a cold sweat slick to our sides.

Its insidious grip - so stifling, crushing and oppressive. Hot!

Our deepest fear ringing loud in our ears, us stranding alone.
Not enough, too loud, too quiet, too plain, really - too much!

Sucking oxygen from the soul, surreptitiously invading and 

fanning the flames of dread, snuffing the light within. Dead!

But

What if we truly did believe, that we were powerful. Seriously!
Alive for purpose and significance, lovely beyond description.
Possessors of boundless aptitude, capacity or ability, no really!

A city on a hill that cannot be hidden, a beacon in the darkness.
We could upend fear, hold faith near.

That we - humankind, might be living breathing vessels, carriers of a divine plan.

Powerful, not because of our frail humanity or its limited and shortsighted altruism. 

But because of an omnipotent and infinitely greater power bequeathing upon us a 

magnanimous legacy of extraordinary proportions. So great in its magnificence, 

so exceedingly exceptional that it seems incomprehensible, it truly defies belief!

How would that change you? 

Linking up with and Emily's Love Dare

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Finding purpose

I love the thought that 'Love is the essential reality', that somewhere in the core of our humanity resides a vital and necessary truth. If we were to be truly conscious of it, truly aware of its power, we would use it, wield it, fling it far and wide.

 If we would allow it free reign, give love unfettered reach, grant it unmitigated freedom, then we would sanction the collision of compassion and conviction in a profound and passionate allegiance. It would fortify us, strengthen us and transform us. We could step outside and beyond the grasp of malevolent fear in radical and uncompromising ways. It would revolutionise us! 

We could unhinge hate

we'd give, not take

embrace, not shun

seek, not run

accept, not judge

protect, not destroy

we would hold on and not let go.

We would realise our capacity, tap into our potential and find our purpose. 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
 It never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 
Love triumphs every time!

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Believe, Hope, Dream

Believe, hope, dream, dance in the daylight … live in the moment … laugh out loud … eat chocolate … cherish your girlfriends … breathe … sneak small moments of solitude … let no one break your spirit … love with open arms … laugh some more … believe in the amazing woman you are … never ever give up. – Lisa Pollock

These are the words scrawled across a gift that I gave my daughter as part of her graduation gift. The moment I read these words I just knew it was THE gift I had to give. The significance of the words held me fast. Having already weathered some of lifes storms and knowing how the days of life can unravel with sudden momentum and tangle us in unbelieveable knots, I wanted my girl to hold onto some thoughts that could knit together a tightly woven fabric of hope that will keep out the cold when the storms of life are threatening her horizons. I want her to know that there is a way to do life well.

A way to face life,

A way to hold on.

A way to cherish this life,

however it unfolds!

To believe … hope … dream,
ALWAYS!

To dance in the daylight,

to celebrate life.

To laugh out loud,

to cherish the little things.

To let no one break her spirit,

to remain unaffected.

To love with open arms,

to embrace wholeheartedly.

To never ever give up,

to fight for what she believes in!

    …  to celebrate everything that truly makes living this amazing life, beautiful!

As my daughter begins to journey out her own life, (separate from mine, aahh!!), my mothers heart longs for her to do well and to hold fast to what is true … to navigate this life, her life with blessed assurance. I want her believe that anything truly is possible, to hold fast to an unwavering hope (for it really is an anchor for the soul) and to dream big for it is in dreaming that we give permission for the hidden things deep inside to be breathtakingly revealed on the outside.

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Parable of a seed

My daughter is about to graduate Year 12 ... I can't believe the time has gone so fast!

The teenage years have been fun, frustrating (on both parts)

 ... and full of angst, 

as any parent of a teenager would know (and understand!!!)

Training up a child in the way that they should go is not easy ... it requires fortitude way beyond yourself. Fortunately, somehow we found our way through the ups and downs of 

teenage-dom. We have come full circle and what has been sown over the years is now being drawn upon - the harvest is ready - almost! We are nearly there.

Over the years, the seeds scattered ...

(sometimes it seemed like it was all a bit hit and miss - a seed thrown here amongst the ground of independence, a seed flung over there in the soil of rebellion) ... and yes, some of it fell by the wayside. Some seed fell on stony ground (and at times on a hard heart) ... some seed was swallowed up and choked by the weeds of the world - doubt and unbelief grew in the parched and dry places. BUT, some seed nestled down in good ground. It took root in love and grew with hope and purpose.

Now I watch her digging deep within herself and feel my heart swell with pride ... because I know how far she has come. The battles that have been won and the fears that have been overcome. It feels good to watch your own flesh and blood begin to flourish and watch the harvest being reaped. I cannot explain how I really feel ... words do not really express the depth of feeling, suffice to say it truly is AMAZING!

Love makes a way

When we are alone in the darkness, 

in the confines of our own dark 

and oppressive tomb ... 

when the weight of the world is pressing in, 

when it is just us and God and 

the shattered remnants of displaced dreams ... 

when we have given up, let go 

and lost our way. 

He stirs within the darkness 

and meets us in in this place. 

In this place between hope and despair, 

between life and death. 

It is here in this deathly quiet place, 

that He breathes.

He breathes hope to light the day. 

He rolls away that great big stone 
of heaviness pressed tight against our soul ... 

and His love makes a way.

image source

A voice from Heaven

I heard my name, 

it was whispered on the wind today.

'Abba, Father' was all I could say.
I heard it in the lingering breeze,
in the singing birds, in rustling leaves.

Arms are open, grace is falling,

destiny and hope are calling.

Dispelling hurt, my pain and tears,

embracing me and all my cares.

A voice so firm and crystal clear

reaches out beyond my fears.

Arms are open, grace is falling,
destiny and hope are calling.
Leading me through the darkest night

He guides my path and sets things right,

My heart is full, its found a home,

I will never be alone.
- K. Weight

A ray of hope

When we truly see and behold his splendour, we cannot help but be moved and enveloped by his bountiful and merciful love. A love that reaches out and permeates our heart and soul in ways that only He can do. When it has embraced you and touched the very depths of you ... nothing is ever the same! His mercy, peace and grace pierce the very core of who we are, securely embedding itself within as a ray of hope ... a beacon guiding us home.

It is this hope that anchors us through the storms of life. Hope accomplishes the same thing for our soul as an anchor does for a ship. It holds us fast and steady. As the winds of life whip around us, we can be assured of being firmly secured by God's love and grace ... offering us eternal hope.

 Hope is the anchor and our faith the chain securing us firmly so we do not run aground. Faith stands in the gap for what hope desires, longs for and intentionally anticipates. So glad I have this hope to carry me through this season.

My Single Parent Life - Lessons from a single mother.

Lessons learnt in the art of living a full, purposeful and wonderful life.

 1. When you find yourself at the bottom, there is comfort in knowing that the only way left open is up. When there is nowhere else to go, you might as well start climbing.

2.  Miracles occur when we are desperate enough to believe. Wonderful things happen when nothing is all that you have. 

3.  The reality of life must not contain you - It is not the barometer that defines you. Life is but a stepping-stone over the bridge of destiny. 

4. Self-pity is underrated and regret a waste of time. Release yourself from the rewind and pause - Just press forward! 

5. Hope is around the corner and freedom is on the horizon - Get up and walk to it! 

6. Never measure yourself by earthly standards…. I do not see what I have lost - I see what I have left. 

7. Do not compare yourself to others - something unique will be lost. 

8. Seeds of purpose and destiny were deposited long ago.  They can never be stripped away. 

9.  Hope feels better than joy … it is an anchor for the soul.  
10.  Strength, faith and courage come from eyeballing doubt and looking fear straight in the face. Allow your soul to live wildly resplendent and free. 

      11. The most important things in life are really not things at all.  So live in the light of eternity. 

      12. When one is advancing - retreat is far away. 

      13.  Life is not about having things – it is about doing things. 

      14. Passion must be stirred up, it is not an ever present longing or desire. It is something we must choose to do and something we should wish to embrace. 

      15. Before the commencement of every dream is a period of restlessness. Permit your spirit to sing aloud to the rhythms of heaven. 

      16. When in doubt … just dance!


© copyright k.weight 2010 

A Word of Hope

"May none of us be content with the safety of our children alone but instead grow in the understanding that all the children of this earth are our charge. Let none of us believe that our role is inconsequential." – Lisa Bevere.

The lost and at risk children of this world are not only the countless orphans around the world living in poverty but also the abandoned, rejected and hurting children in our schools, churches and neighbourhoods. Whether we feel the call to tend these concerns in the uttermost regions of the earth or in our own backyard, children everywhere are in need of love, acceptance and hope. There are children who are not only geographically displaced but also those who are spiritually, physically and emotionally displaced in our immediate world. I have had the privilege of bringing hope to abandoned and displaced children in Uganda but am also very aware of the hope needed for the children in our society who have reason to feel utter hopelessness due to situations and circumstances beyond their control. My personal circumstances included. I have learnt that through the broken strings of my own humanity that I have a story and a message of hope, as do you. Each of us has a voice that can ignite and illuminate a resounding sound of unquestionable significance in the life of another. We have an irreversible, substantial and momentous role to play for this coming generation. 

* I believe that broken hearts can mend and that what was once lost can still be found.

* I believe that within every young person is limitless possibilities and unequivocal potential.

* I believe that an extraordinary and exceptional future lies in the hearts and minds of our children.

* I believe that our ultimate, defining and momentous dreams should exist beyond the restraints of humanity.

What if 

 fear didn’t intimidate you!

What if 

you took the limits off!

What if 

 you freed a dream, 

could ignite passion, 

inspire expectancy 

or illuminate destiny!

Would you?

May we never underestimate the power of a kind word in the life of a young person. Let our words be generous, liberal, considerate, benevolent and magnanimous. May we offer words straight from the heart  - words that bring healing and hope. Perhaps your words will heal brokenness, water a hibernating seed deep within, spark significance, unleash freedom and deposit everlasting hope. 

For all the sons and daughters.

Watoto - Raising Future Leaders

Jet lag has set in and I am awake at 3a.m. It is so good to be home with my beautiful children though. Nineteen days away was such a long time, rewarding, challenging and a dream come true. Strange though how the days fly by but at the same time it feels like such an eternity. So much living and expectation crammed into a few short days, wow! What a beautiful moment to see the happy faces of my children at the airport, so full of excitement and delight. A few hours later and we were all back to normal. Children have a way of bringing you straight back to reality. I get to do the rest of my life with these exceptional people, growing their hearts, expanding their perspectives, and guiding their decisions and loving them for the rest of my life. My heart is full, so so full. More than ever I am so very aware of the preciousness of life. What a gift! I have gone more than half way around the world and experienced an avalanche of thoughts, feelings and emotions and learnt that dreams really do come true. 

Watoto is an exceptional model of hope, raising the next generation of Ugandans as future leaders. They do an outstanding job of rescuing, raising and rebuilding a nation. It was such an honour to have witnessed hope in action. If you ever get the chance to volunteer, go for it. It will change you forever, I will never be the same.

Breathtaking

My heart has enlarged and my soul is open wide

a moment in time

I hoped to be the change.... but I am forever changed

Sunrise over Africa

 Truly so much to be thankful for - Thank you Africa, I will never be the same.

For more adventures from Africa click on the Watoto label.

Check out the 'Living Hope' program here.

Living Hope - Gulu

Women and young girls are the most marginalised and wounded people in Uganda and so many have been left abandoned or widowed due to rebel armies and the HIV+ virus. The LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) has left an oppressive and dark cloud over Northern Uganda. So many destitute women and countless orphans have been caught up in unimaginable horrors. It is hard to comprehend and difficult to understand that hundreds and thousands of women and children can be abducted by a rebel army and only a few short years ago.

'Living Hope' peanut butter

Some of the girls

Cheeky grin ... love that children are welcome alongside the working mums.

the sewing room...making merchandise....supporting women.

Uganda is a country so desperately needing hope, education, justice and dignity. The 'Living Hope' project is doing just that by transforming the lives of so many vulnerable women. 

Watoto is rescuing, raising and rebuilding a nation by making a difference in this region. Living Hope provides opportunity for local women to learn new skills and the women are better equipped to contribute purposefully to their society. A number of different products (like clothing, jewellery and peanut butter) are made on sight to help the project become self sustainable. The dark cloud is moving and bright rays of sunshine are filtering through and warming the earth once again. Life is blooming in this beautiful part of the world. It has already restored dignity and hope to so many women - an estimated 1200 women in Kampala and 900 women in Gulu.

Bbira Children's Village

Playing games

The children are jumping for joy here ... Makes you smile.

Managers house

Village grounds

Our beautiful hosts for the traditional lunch 

We had such fun visiting a Watoto family in their little home. Each house mother cares for 8 children, of which some may be her own. We had a traditional lunch served and then we handed out supplies which were kindly donated by an Emirates staff member on route. She heard about what we were doing and handed me 6 bags of supplies (toys, crayons, books etc). We had lots of fun handing everything out. Loved the excitement and joy on the children's faces.

Later we took a walk around the village which is situated on 100 acres of land. The village is spectacular and the children are well cared for. The little ones love to hold your hand and their impish grins are filled with hope for the future, just adorable!

Preparing grasshoppers to eat!!

School grounds