Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody,

I sincerely wish you all the best over this festive season and pray for the peace of God to fill your lives. May you and your families have a blessed time and be filled with joy, happiness and love.

This story is from Godfruits.com and a big thank you to them for allowing us to share these precious words.

The Night Before Christmas
(With apologies to Clement C. Moore)

It was the night before Christmas and all thru the land
people were traveling home as planned.

The Inns were full of travelers, you know
And a young couple was searching for someplace to go.

She was heavy with child and found permission to rest
in a small stable, not considered the best.

It had a manger and hay, not much more,
Just a few animals and a dirt floor.

In the same country abiding in the field
Shepherds were tending their sheep as they will.

The stars up above were shining up high,
One in particular was lighting the sky.

All of a sudden there appeared in the sky
An angel of God with a message from high.

The angel announced don’t be afraid
I bring you good tidings for all people today.

A Savior is born to you this day
Which is Christ the Lord, he had to say.

In the city of David wrapped in old clothes
lying in manger is the sign you should know.

And all of a sudden there was singing in the air
a multitude of angels singing with care.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And when they were gone, the shepherds agreed
that they would travel to Bethlehem immediately.

When they arrived they found the sign. Mary, Joseph and the Babe.
He was lying in the manger, just as the angel proclaimed.

They told the parents that they were told
of this Holy child that she now holds.

Mary was thinking of the things that they said
then they returned and bowed their heads

They praised and prayed and glorified Him
and for all the things the angel had said

Eight days later, it’s time, someone claimed
The small infant JESUS was named.

Remember the star that lighted the sky
that special night, the angels came by .

From even that time, from really afar,
there had been three kings following that star.

It had taken much time to read the starry law,
but they rejoiced with great joy when they saw what they saw.

A mother named Mary with a child that they saw
they fell to the floor and worshipped in awe.

They brought Him gifts of Myrrh, frankincense and gold
very pricey items we are told.

Over two thousand years have passed since then
When Jesus was a child born not of sin.

He came and He lived and died for you and me.
God Almighty clearly loves all humanity.

He says He will be back, very soon at least,
To gather His bride for a wedding feast.

Christmas will continue forever indeed
So give your gifts in His precious memory.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
may your life be filled with His joy and His light.

-- Rock Griffis
the wonderful memories! Share God's love and keep smiling!

"If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?"
Proverbs 24:12 NKJV

All the best,
Your friend,
Laura

South Africa - A failing Democracy

Hello Everybody,

Trusting all is well.

Yes, its weekend time again, and as always fabulous. We are enjoying lovely hot summer weather. Clear blue skies, temperatures are high, and it's hot. It's time to enjoy swimming and water sports. We have had a lot of summer rain during the nights, and that is so welcome to reduce the heat of the day.
The other half of the world has winter now and some places snow. I think that must be beautiful to see. I have never experienced a 'white' Christmas, and can imagine it must be magical.

I have being writing a few articles on the failing democracy of South Africa over the past week, and I am inserting the links for you to read and a brief synopsis.

South Africa a Failing Democracy – The Introduction

This article is the introduction of the story about the South African Failing Democracy and briefly describes the different cultures and the first twenty years of democracy.

South Africa a Failing Democracy: Hendrik Verwoerd, Jeff Radebe and Pik Botha

The second article about the failing democracy takes a look at Verwoerd the prime minister who was assassinated and possible reasons. A brief discussion on Jeff Rabdebe and Pik Botha, who both seem to be colorful people.

South Africa A Failing Democracy – The ANC Governance

The third article describes the governance of the ANC and shows how it is certainly failing the citizens. A short story on the shack dwellers and their attack on government for decent housing, show how democracy is failing.

South Africa A Failing Democracy Spotlight on Fana Hlongwane and Vusi Pikoli

This article is about two characters that seem to have a direct link to the failing democracy of South Africa. Fana Holonwane, our own billionaire who lives like a rap star and does not hide the fact that he is mega rich. Vusi Pikoli is indeed a person that is linked to conspiracy and perhaps there is more to tell.

South Africa a Failing Democracy – The ANC and Spotlight on January Che Masilela

Again this article goes back to the ANC, the governing party and briefly looks at some of its policies. Then we spotlight on January Che Masilela who died in a tragic car accident and wonder if this was indeed a planned 'hit' because he knew to much.

South Africa A Failing Democracy – The Mining Community and Cyril Ramaphosa

This is the last article I had published but certainly not the end of the story. In this article, we look at Cyril Ramaphosa and his contribution to the unions of this country. The a quick look at the mining industry, starting with Welkom gold mines and the history, to the Auroro Mines, controlled by the Zuma and Mandela families, and how their workers are treated worse than dogs. A look at the extensively covered story of the Marikana massacre.

There are so many questions that need to be answered. I have so many more stories to tell and will continue posting new articles this week. The new articles will focus on the media, some of the defense force departments, the white billionaires of the defense force and the Zuma and Radebe camp. Are we for or against Zuma?

It is a sad fact that the democracy is indeed failing. Perhaps there is some hope for this country, perhaps not.

Have a super week
Your Friend
Laura

South Africa - December 16

Hello Everybody,

Today is a public holiday in South Africa. December 16, this date is significant to both the Afrikaans speaking people and the African cultures. In 1994, this date was recognized as a day of reconciliation and national unity.

Before the reign of Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid, the Afrikaner commemorated this day as the Day of the Vow, a religious holiday, also known as the of the Covenant or Dingaan's Day. (This refers to victory over the Zulus, or Battle of Blood River.)
December 16, 1961 is known as the founding of Umkhonte we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed forces of the African National Congress (ANC)

Today is significant as the president of South Africa; Jacob Zuma will unveil the 9 meter high bronze statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa

I began writing a few articles titled SOUTH AFRICA – A FAILING DEMOCRACY and the first two were published in the Guardian Liberty Express yesterday. Here are the links to both articles.

South Africa a Failing Democracy – The Introduction

South Africa a Failing Democracy: Hendrik Verwoerd, Jeff Radebe and Pik Botha

I am hoping to uncover some of the reasons why we have a failing democracy and am convinced that these articles will do just that. I am captivated by the vast amount of people and departments who are part of a net so intricately weaved, and perhaps not realizing there is a giant spider that can dismantle the entire web.. It’s a real challenge and one that I am enjoying.

All the best,
Your friend,
Laura

NELSON MANDELA ETERNALLY AT REST

Hello everybody,

It is such a beautiful day here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s a real hot summer's day, blue skies with a few clouds dancing about and no wind. Actually it is extremely hot outside, but perfect if you are in the shade under one of the beautiful large green trees, sipping a cold iced tea and admiring the lovely flowers and colors. Oh so perfect. I am blessed.

When the official time of death of Nelson Mandela was announced on December 5, it brought a swift end to the speculation of when he died and who was right about the date. Well that is clearly an issue that will be debated and the discovery of certain planned events before the announcement; there might just be a story to tell.
I wrote and published a story in the Guardian Liberty Voice (previously Guardian Express), titled Nelson Mandela Funeral Plans and His Final Resting Place in Qunu.
Please use this link NM Funeral Plans article link and read this article.

Since December 5, so many media channels have over exposed the Mandela story and history of his life. Perhaps it’s a little too much after all the man is not a god. I found the publicity given to Nelson Mandela unbearable at times and considered that the way news is generated through the social media, and communication channels is overpowering at times.

The memorial service held at the FNB Stadium, in Soweto, and attended by a huge contingent of world leaders, and royalty was amusing, sad, and caught my attention. Yes, I listened when Barak Obama spoke, his tribute was moving and that in my opinion was the best speech of the day.
The downpour of rain down all day long, left the stadium wet and covered by gloomy skies, but the heads of state and VIP's were secured behind a glass enclosure and protected from the weather, among other possible happenings. I was amused by the booing during President Zuma's speech.

That is a shameful action to undertake at an event of this magnitude and especially when so many world leaders are grouped together at the same time. This action prompted me to find out more, and yes I did. I will share during the next few weeks. It was like information overload, and I am overwhelmed at the real situation of the South African state. A hint, I think it was to ruin President Jacob Zuma.

Anyway, after that memorial service, the body of Nelson Mandela was moved to the mortuary at the Military Hospital in Pretoria. From Wednesday until Friday, the casket, draped with a South African flag was moved to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. I think it is pretty sad considering the number of people who queued the whole day to file past the body was unbearable. I wondered how people could stand all day long just to catch a fleeting glimpse of Nelson Mandela. Well people did love the man, and I guess it was a final goodbye for many. Or perhaps, it’s the first time that so many ordinary citizens could actually get that close to the famed Nelson Mandela. A friend of mine, who saw the corpse, told me it looked more like a wax figure than a real corpse. Of course, the frenzy of the photo doing the viral rounds on twitter caused a little controversy. Again people who did see this photo commented that it looked green and not real. Well the man is dead, what are we supposed to expect.

Now that the final burial takes place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape, a sense of normality has returned to our province, and people seem to be pleased to continue with their lives and holidays. That’s exactly what I want to do! I am officially on holiday and can enjoy my freedom for a month. Yeah, so happy about that!


Wishing you a wonderful week and stay blessed.
Your friend
Laura

(With my son on his wedding day)

Congratulations to Louis and Joulene

Hello Everybody,
Trusting all is well.

Yesterday December 14 we celebrated the marriage agreement between my son Louis and Joulene. Today I want to tell you about this wedding.

Louis and Joulene both work in the music industry and have been friends for many years. During last year, they started dating and soon they were in love with one another. Head over heels, captivated and blinded by love.

I will say that these two are genuinely soul mates, so compatible and adaptable. Theirs was no whirlwind romance but certainly a committed relationship.

They are two people who openly express their love for one another and make countless sacrifices, please each other. Sometimes I think it is their competitive nature, but mostly it is their enduring everlasting love they have for one another.
Their wedding was a small event and attended to by almost fifty people.

The church service was friendly and inspiring. Listening to their vows brought a tear to my eye, it was moving and beautiful. There was no extravagant party but a small tea and cake event after the service, which was unusual, pleasant and enjoyable. All the guests, mostly family, were thrilled with the preparation and organization of the wedding.

The bridal couple, family members and friends went to a local park entertaining a small dam to take the official wedding photos. We had glorious weather, the sun shining brightly, a gentle breeze blowing, the lush green grass and tall Willow trees were attractive for a photo shoot.

Not to forget the duck families swimming around near the edge of the dam, waiting for humans to throw some crumbs their way.

A wonderful day and wishing the new married couple a lifetime of blessings and happiness!

Laura