As a people of the instant culture we gain knowledge as easily as a search in Google but the real question is: What do we do with that knowledge?

I have been on a yoyo journey of losing weight for months now. I have read all the articles and joined all the websites that guarantee successful result but unfortunately the success doesn’t last and even in some instants I don’t even succeed. Why Because I need to put my knowledge to action. Like Ross Olivier says “It’s simple. Eat less, eat well, move more”

That is the same with our relationship with Christ. We know that we should pray, listen and be quiet. We have learnt the techniques of our faith but do we put it into practise? Are we honest with ourselves when we call ourselves true Christ followers? I urge you today to hold your relationship with our Lord accountable. Keep a journal, Make a note do what you need to do to keep your relationship on track and you will see that the road you are journeying on will show you little miracles on the way.

Psalm 128:  ^1-2 All you who fear God, how blessed you are! How happily you walk on his smooth straight road!   You worked hard and deserve all you've got coming.  Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness! (The Message)

God Bless

Robyn

Image: http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=http://bigmoneyweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/take_action.jpg&imgrefurl=http://bigmoneyweb.com/are-you-putting-what-you-read-in-action/&usg=__AxQJqmdjJtDfBJiXvT1ufvRKvJE=&h=374&w=400&sz=63&hl=en&start=2&sig2=HQOK1GerBEuO38doCrODGA&zoom=1&tbnid=T8Ihku9se6T7mM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=124&ei=64kBTpfONMrDtAat65DlAw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Daction%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3De4w%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26biw%3D1662%26bih%3D826%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divnsb&itbs=1&biw=1662&bih=826

I was attending the Design Indaba simulcast in Johannesburg at the beginning of this year. A speaker (whom I can’t remember the name) said something so profound that literally lit a fire under my “dead dreams” to become a photographer. He said “ If you can’t do something meaningful with your life and if you don’t take the risk to get your dreams off the ground. You are no better than the bum that sits on the side of the road looking for hand outs” OMG... That was a little harsh but so needed. Then there was an Standard Bank advert with an South African actor who said around about the same thing. Well that was me. All my dreams and thoughts, ideas and passion flooded into my heart, my mind and my life in a couple of small harsh moments. This is what I needed to do....Take the risk!

Where do you start? So often you hear great business men and woman  that have made break thoughts in their lives just say, “It just happened”. My question has always been...How has it happened? Was there a plan or a strategy? Did you hire a guru in the industry or did you simply apply basic physics?

This is how I started....I applied for credit to get my camera. The equipment is important. My next step is to create a portfolio of images of everything I can take an image of....My next step...Well, Watch this space.

If we don’t take the risks within our lives to make  our dreams possible then we are no better than the bum on the side of the road hopeless, cold, alone and dreamless.

Regards

Robyn

2002 I feel in love with the art form of photography. I loved the way that the photographer manipulated the light to capture that special moment, that period of time that can never be replaced. I was very fortunate to have a great mentor and friend, David Weeks, show me the rope. I worked with him over a period of 2 years assisting him at weddings on the weekend. Every time we went out I learnt something new. He sparked a passion in my soul that is only a reality today.

This month I start my own photography career. I am still new at being the one behind the camera but I know that I can put the 9 years of theory into practise.

Here are some shots to start things off.

Your comments would be great!

God Bless

Robyn Keet

How often do we find a reminder of what the word holds for us in our daily lives?

A scripture that I have been mediating and encouraging me is the from Luke 8 v 1 – 15 which is the parable of the sower.

Last week Ray and I went to the nursery to purchase some plants as a protective layer for our fence as Roxy, our 8 month old charpei/golden retrieve, has discovered how to jump the fence. I must warn you that I am not an active gardener. I do not like planning or sowing seed or even to get my hands dirty but what I do appreciate is the beauty that comes from placing seeds and plants into dirt.

As we soften and prepare the soil I was reminder of this parable. The seeds of the word are planted in our souls garden on a daily bases. Whenever we attend church, participate in bible studies and even when we sit down for our quiet time we are exposed to the beauty and nurturing of our soul’s gardens.

I encourage you as your garden grows and flourish share it with the rest of the world.

God Bless

Robyn

The 14^th of December 2010 was a profound day for Raymond and I. It was the day that a chapter of our lives has closed and a new chapter was about to begin. We were sad to leave behind the friendships, the colleagues and the memories that we have created over the past 2 years in Pietermaritzburg but we were called to be Christ-followers and it was time for us to go.

Upon our arrival at Carletonville we were optimistic of the experience that was waiting for us at our new Church, our new Christian family. The opened arm welcomes and the love we have felt from the first moment that we have arrived has been over whelming. This is a place that God has called us for this chapter of our lives, our ministry.

We do not know what to expect but one thing I do know is that with love, peace, joy and hope in our hearts we can do something that is outstanding for the people of this town and most of all for the glory for our God.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4 v 12 (NIV)

God Bless

Robyn Keet

As we travel closer to our move into active ministry I was aware that we need to get personal. We need to start listening to the people that are around us and really HEAR what they are saying. A wise man once told me that best tool for counselling was to listen to an individual as if they were the most important person in that moment and to just be there for them. As Christian we need to listen to the cries of God’s people. Believe it or not we are the instruments of our fathers blessing to others.

I had an encounter with a stroke survivor at the bank on Friday. I was at a branch of Nedbank that I have not been in before. For some reason I felt I had to go to that one. Wow was I blessed by a man’s short testimony. After cashing a cheque I made my way to the exit. In front of me was a man that was crippled on the left hand side. He was struggling down the stairs and once he noticed my presences, turned around and apologies for the delay. I told him that he could take as long as he needed but in my mind I was wishing he would hurry up. I had places to go. Once we got to the bottom of the stairs he told me a little piece of his story. He had a stroke 35 years ago which changed his life. It stopped him dead in his tracks. He shared that it was a very difficult period but it was a blessing to him. Now he had the time to spend some quality time with his son. He went on for the next 6-8 minute telling me all the accomplishments of his son and how proud he was of him. After he was finished I thanked him for the lovely story and bid him a farewell which he responded “It is a blessing that I can share my son with others”.

Wow, it hit me directly between my eyes. When we get personal we see a glimpse of other hearts and it is amazing what treasures you find.  Just by taking the time to listen to him opened my eyes to the fact that I am lucky to have two amazing Dad’s that are proud of me. Larry Symington my earthly daddy who never missed an opportunity to express how proud he is of his children or shared the embarrassing stories of our accomplishments. My heavenly father reminds me everyday that he loves me by the cross that is displayed on our home.  

Let’s stop and get personal with those around us. You never know how God can touch your life by their stories.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him” Romans 12 v 1

God Bless

Robyn

Over the last two years Raymond and I have been living in the SMMS village in Pietermaritzburg.  This village incorporates the true diversity of our beautiful country with some representatives of Mozambique.  I must be honest and say that it we don’t always get along.

Yesterday Ray entered into the 106km MTN Amashova cycle race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. A race not intended for the faint hearted.  With all his hard work and determination he completed it within 5 hours battling the hot sun and strong winds.

The moment that truly spoke about the heart of our community is when the residents of our village came out with their family to cheer Ray on. As he rode past they screamed, cheered and waved their arms. Their happy faces spoke to true pride in their fellow Seminarian.  They knew that we have achieved something great.

It very easy for us to get wrapped up in the politics and negative about our surroundings but we need to stop, remember and communicate the positive things that has happened within our community. Our ministry starts at home.

Thanks Seth Mokitmi Methodist Seminary Community.

God Bless

Robyn

Being on this journey with Raymond we have met some really outstanding men and woman of God that I would like to take a few minutes to give credit to in the next couple of posts.

Reverend Delme Linscott.

This man goes beyond the words of Paul to Timothy.

 ^“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

 ¹¹In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

 ¹²A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3 v 8 - 13

Delme is not only a Minister at Wesley Methodist Church in Hayfield; he is also a lecturer at UKZN, an author, blogger, a soccer player turned fan and a friend to many.  His undying dedication to his congregation goes beyond the call of duty. This is a true model of what Paul indicated as the character of a minister.

Regardless of how great Delme is in his ministry the area that I admire the most is his unfounded dedication to his family. With a very busy lifestyle and a demanding ministry he also finds time for his beautiful wife Kim and their 3 boys Declan, Nathan and Josh. I have never ever heard him say to his children that he is too busy for them. He also stops and gives then the time they deserve.

In my opinion that is the greatest character of any ministerial leader. The way you treat your family is the same way you will look after your church and that is true for Rev. Delme Linscott. I really hope that Raymond and I could live up to such a high bench mark in our ministry in years to come.

He is a great and inspiring guy to follow.

http://delmelinscott.blogspot.com/

God Bless

Robyn Keet

In 2008 Ray and I started our journey into the world of Full time ministry within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Although I was not working for or in the church, Raymond was. My job has and still is to keep our household going which I take great pride and responsibility for and the daunting job of supporting my husband in his ministry.

Up to know we have experience the great blessing and heartache of the people within the community. I can name 2 events which I would love to share with you.

The Blessing

This event might sound very insignificant but it meant a great deal to us. In 2009 Raymond was stationed at the new formed Seminary in Pietermaritzburg. One of his transformation elements was to be associated to a local church .A prominent older congregation; Howick Methodist Church welcomed us with open arms. They loved the idea of having a young couple visit them every Sunday. I remember one Sunday Raymond was preaching at the early service (7.30am). I didn’t really want to be there as I had a lot on my mind and I felt I couldn’t really do the happy church thing that day. Ray asked me really nicely so I went. Sitting 5 rows from the back of the church I closed my eyes and started to pray when my prayers were interrupted by a sweet woman voice. The words still stick in heart today. “I love that you have decided to join us today” at first I thought she knew my intention was to stay at home but it wasn’t that. She went on by saying that she feels encourages that a young minister would share with them and did escape at the end of the service but stuck around to hear their stories. At first I guilt that I was going to miss the service but then I feel honoured that we have made a difference by just showing up.  The lesson I learnt that day was regardless of how you feel or what you have on your plate by showing up you have already been a blessing to those that needs you the most. Start the process by a smile or a hug. It can go a long way.

The heartache

In 2008 South Africa saw the worst xenophobic attacks since the Apartheid era. We were living in Diepsloot, northern Township of Johannesburg when the news broke out that the foreign nationals have been attached and as the church leadership we have to assist. Within the weeks that followed we saw people lose their livelihood by the political influence of the councillors of the community but we also saw the greater community come together to assist those that have been effected. The thing that really spoke to my heart was the sense of urgency and integrity by the greater community. They only question that they asked was “Who can we help?” As a country we might not get along from time to time we sheer come together when there is a crisis.

I thank God for this journey and am so excited for what lies in our future.

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” 1Timothy 4v12

Robyn Keet

I would love to hear your stories.
email: robzkeet@gmail.com
blogs:robzkeet.posterous.com
Skype: robzkeet

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.' 'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.

Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.

He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barbershop again and he said to the barber:

'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'

'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'

'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.' 'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'

'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'