a new friend

Ben making a new friend at "muh donnals".

Rain and roads

The rain continues to come down. And the roads can't take it, especially some roads in some places. The potholes, big as muddy wadding pools eat Minis and Smart Cars.

today's picture

The kids began school again this week. For Melissa it is the beginning of the end. She began her matric (senior) year. By August they are finished with school and taking mock (prelim) exams then THE exam, testing on everything from grade 10-12. And if they pass they are done. Course there is alot between now and then.

Ben wears a regular uniform this year, not the P.E. one. He has a new teacher and new classmates and is not riding the bus. Yesterday when he was released to go to school from the early wait room, he headed to his old classroom, put his bag away and sat down. He will get use to this routine.

Word for the Year 2011

GRACE



That's my word for 2011. I don't make new year's resolutions, haven't for years. This early in a year hope and possibilities live. A new year wants recognition.



I was reading Kay at her Off the Beaten Path blog and she had been reading here at New Every Morning. She chose one...yes, just one word applied to many areas of her life for 2011.



I tho't it sounded like a good idea, so i have chosen one word to consider this year. Consider in many situations, at many events and in those stressful times.



I came up with a list of words, while hearing sermons, thinking and praying. Some were eliminated almost as soon as they left my head. Others I didn't cross off, but didn't choose them either. So many good possibilities...just like a new year.



But grace is where i will live this year. Grace to that van/taxi driver who made a U-turn across three lanes to turn where I was legally waiting to turn.



That not-so-trained store clerk who is not sure if they carry boys shoes or not.



And no, these are not hypothetical situations. I will be dispensing grace this year. And I hope most of the time it will be done... gracefully.



And I will offer grace to my brothers and sisters.

I also want to receive God's grace. Wait, it is freely given to His children, so I will focus on acknowledging his gift, and allow it to work in my life.

2011..GRACE,,,its gonna be a great year.



Each one should use whatever gift he has received, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10


My grace is sufficient for you. 2 Corinthians 12:9


The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, 1Timothy 1:14

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

One picture, 100 words

It sprinkled this morning. I hear thunder now. I think it will rain again today.

According to scuttlebutt (gossip) this is the wettest summer in over a century. True or not there has been a lot of rain. Our dog bowls fill up regularly. They are my not-so-sophisticated rain gauge.

i do love rain, but it can cause problems too. Shacks leak, things on our cupboard (closet) shelves smell bad and mould. More traffic accidents and traffic lights often don't work.

In Snake Park, Soweto the edges of the roads flood, making crossing them a challenge and driving in them dangerous as the often huge pot holes mess with your suspension or tires.

The above picture shows how ingenious pedestrians put rocks, bricks and small boulders from curb to mostly dry center for walking. The crossings occur every half block or so. Another reason for cars to stay to the center of the road.

copyright...words and pictures by Beth's turn 2011

empty

Here's a picture for the day. Both Faith Baptist (Snake Park, Soweto) and Lehae Baptist Churches meet at schools. This is part of the school yard this morning before church at Lehae Primary School.

In the USA many kids go back to school tomorrow. Here in South Africa, the new school year doesn't begin until 12 January 2011.

The section above holds around 600-800 kids while on their lunch and tea breaks. Currently they are at home and at grandparent's and at friend's and in orphanages. They are on the street, at friends and at malls and in public places and being watched by neighbors and distant relatives and watching tv. Some are on their own. They've already been out on holiday 3 weeks or more and the same 'ole is getting boring.

Please pray for kids during the rest of the summer school holidays. There are many opportunities for kids and teens not all of them good or safe or legal. Pray for their protection and for them to make good choices. Kwa Zulu Natal Province statistics show a large percentage increase 9 months from now for teen agers giving birth. I suspect Gauteng is similar.