Don’t you think life has a way of taking you down unexpected roads? It is said that one of the funniest things for the angels in heaven is to listen to us make plans and compare it to what actually will happen. The rumour is that you can hear deep belly laughs and some actually roll around on the floor.

Life is full of surprises and those that can see a little further into the future than you and I may very well find our plans funny…

I have been playing with the idea of this blog for many years now. The twin uncertainties of unproven skill and the ability to sustain this over time have held me back. Those factors remain but it is time to take the plunge. Here is what I want to accomplish.

1. Share my journey

I have been a pastor for more than 25 years now and I am not looking for another pulpit from which to preach or to merely transcribe old sermons. However, over the years I have journeyed with many and have struggled with my own journey. It will give me great joy to share insights and aspects of these journeys with you. If these words of Jesus as Eugene Peterson penned them touch you, you may enjoy my thoughts and yearnings too:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Mat 11:28-30 MSG

Grace is a big thing in my heart right now and the life that flows from “the unforced rhythms of grace” draws my heart like a bee to a flower. Maybe this is a journey you and I can share?

 2. Random thoughts

The randomness of these thoughts makes it difficult to predict or describe to you. However, I can be very clear about what I will not post here. I will not be posting party political opinions or responding to such opinions. My political thoughts will alienate every single one of you, especially those of you who think you know what I think.

I will try not to ramble when being random but the two seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. And it gets just as sticky. The only certain thing here is that you will think, ‘That was random’ when you are done reading. I hope to surprise you.

3. Monday Motivation

In learning about blogging on the blockchain (Steem & Kryptonia) my regular Monday Motivation post was my most successful and popular series. I did about 16 and hope to get to 52 somewhere soon. These posts will lift you on a Monday as you start your work week. My hope is to inspire your thoughts and turn you to the One who holds your whole week in His hands.

4. Africa Food for Thought

I have been working with this charity for more than a decade now. Their growth has been miraculous and I am inspired daily by the amazing children we get to serve. If you follow this blog you will read about the impact food security and proper nutrition will have on a child. And you will hear about children who overcame impossible obstacles to live significantly.

Be warned! If you follow this blog, you will travel from wherever you live to volunteer at AFFT. Unless you are from America. Then you can just send money. We do not have time to teach you the metric system…

5. Monetize this blog

It would be great to bring my gifts to the church without needing them to pay me. I have always been jealous of my bi-vocational colleagues but have been unable to emulate them. In trying to do so, I discovered that I am basically a lazy good-for-nothing and that in all the world, it is only God who can use me. You may find this upsetting but I love being used by Him!

You can help me with the monetization of this blog. It is a long and uncertain journey but not impossible. The first step is to make this blog popular. You can subscribe to it and comment often. And you can share it on all your social media. All of this will not cost you a cent but it could help me. Your help will be appreciated!

And just to be clear. This blog is already monetized via Steem and Kryptonia in a small way. What that is, I will explain in a later blog.

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A big thank you to everyone who responded to my first post here and on Facebook. As always, your comments and support will be treasured.

Reon

(@reonlouw)