Well the first week of the New Year is
already drawing to a close; unusual for me I have not made any new years
resolutions as yet. As I looked through my closet I felt my mind begin to
wander but funnily enough not about what to wear to the party tonight but about
all the events that had taken place last year. Yes, 2012 had proved to be very
memorable; it had brought about many of my heart’s desires.
My mind recalled that phone call back in
March when I had received the news that my birth father had died. ‘What can
that have to do with your heart’s desires?’ you may ask. Well I have to confess
that it had make me feel sad, it was confirmation that we would not meet. But on
the bright side we had corresponded from time to time, so for that l was glad
because through our letters, although few and far between it had given me a
sister and a whole new family. We met in May then our family found pastures new
with a visit to their home too, in South Africa - what an amazing blessing.
It also brought a whole new dimension to
our Beauty and Belief Ministry. We had had a wonderful event in April I have to
confess that had surpassed all expectations, an evening of inspiration beauty
and fashion that had led me to indulge in my passion - to share the love of the
Lord. I smiled, there had been a few other events too, some at home, some around
our fine city but South Africa proved a real challenge, as I stood in the
middle of what the South Africans call a ‘township’ I felt a tug; part of that
tug I have to say was ‘Get me out of here! This is so sad.’ But as I looked at
the children’s faces I have to confess they didn’t seem sad. I guess it’s because
we live in different worlds.
I thought of my home, I like to think of it
as my haven, my sanctuary, but what did these people have to call home? Looking
around that day I would liken it more to a garden shed than a home, but not a
typical garden shed, more like one that has been nailed together out of left
over wood, full of holes with gaps for windows and a real makeshift roof. As if
to add to the sadness the wind suddenly blew sending a chill across my face. As
I brushed the hair from my eyes I sensed it was about to turn cold. Oh for a
nice cup of tea!
As
our guide led us back we chatted about the garden project, I could tell he was
very passionate about it. On the bright side my sister and her husband’s church
were doing something good, they had provided seeds and with the help of our
guide the people were learning to grow their own food. So with love and care
these dear people now had a stable diet which was proving a great help, as well
as giving the people a sense of purpose the doctors had been amazed how much
their health had improved. Sadly many were suffering from ill health, at least
35% with Aids and HIV. ‘We are growing hope,’ smiled our guide. ‘It must be
down to the food!’
As we drove away I have to say I felt
touched but suddenly my attention was drawn to a different kind of building,
this one more resembled a shack than a shed, and then my eye caught sight of
the sign above the door. To my amazement it read ‘Beauty Parlor’ well I have
to confess I wanted to laugh, 'Dear God, call that a Beauty Parlor!'
Well
God has got a great sense of humor and He also has a sense of purpose because
that night I had a vision. I saw that Beauty Parlor transformed, transformed
into something quite bright and beautiful. A place where people could go for a
chat and a treat, a place to give them a sense of worth, because having a sense
of worth makes life worthwhile.
So getting back to my new years resolutions
I think I will make that mine. I will try to make my life worthwhile and in
some way however big or however small help others have a life worth living.
I know this will require help.
So to start off my day I will pray,
Because God answers all prayers,
‘Father let your Kingdom come
Let your will be done
On Earth as it is In Heaven’
Yours Truly,
Julie
Other
inspirations can be read in ‘On Earth as it is in Heaven’ by Julie
Prentice. Available on Amazon or email julie.jules2007@hotmail.co.uk for stockists.
For more details of
our mission see http://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/338410/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/People/Norwich_s_big_hearted_Julie_helps_African.aspx
