Saturday 21 December 2013

How to change the world

Sorry it has been such a long time since my last post. It was the end of term at school (I'm a primary school teacher) which was a bit crazy as I was also getting ready to go on holiday (I'm in South Africa with my family for Christmas).

I stumbled upon this picture this morning and it really made me think about the way that I think. I'm in South Africa at the moment and the African mentality is so different.. so much calmer and being here always brings me to a place of rest, clarity, reevaluating and thinking...

I think too often we look at the world and the problems it is filled with and the quickest and easiest way to process/cope is to blame someone else (maybe the government of that country, or poor quality of education, the list is endless) and it's easy to dismiss it as 'that's just how it is over there'. It's easy to just get on with our day and to forget the problems that dont touch/affect us, or maybe even to pause for a long enough moment to throw a bit of money at the problem to soothe our own conscience that we are 'doing something'.

But like this image says- to change the world, we must first change the way that we (and others) think: learn statistics and tell people; do some research, no matter how uncomfortable it is; challenge accepted wisdoms and practices that dont sit right with you/align with what you know to be right (for me, I also check it against the Bible).

Dont be silent. Use your voice and use your freedom to change the world, but in order to do so, you must start by challenging yourself and the way that you think.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Monday 2 December 2013

A Royal Birth // Save Women and Children from Dying in Childbirth!

This Christmas time, people all over the world will reflect on the birth of Jesus, a baby born in desperate conditions and without any medical support. Over 2,000 on, the same things happens to thousands of women all over the world, putting mothers and babies in grave danger...

800 women and children needlessly die in childbirth every day! In Haiti, 75% of births happen at home with absolutely no medical support! So there is no surprise that Haiti has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in western hemisphere!

A Royal Birth aims to put an end to this by supporting local hospitals through The Haiti Hospital Appeal to help save thousands of lives each Christmas. If 1,000 individuals, churches and schools committed to raising just £200 this Christmas, you can help keep the leading hospital in Northern Haiti to keep running for another year to help save thousands more babies and mothers this Christmas! 

Please watch their video here, and find out more about how to get involved with their work this Christmas!

Blessings!

Ronell x


Give A Child Hope This Christmas // Operation Christmas Child {Sevenly}

This week, one of my favourite organisations, Sevenly, is pairing with Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child programme. Please help Sevenly to raise money and awareness for this amazing campaign, which brings love, hope and joy to disadvantaged and/or orphaned children all over the world! 

Check out Sevenly's 1 Minute 1 Cause for this week: http://youtu.be/LweDGGIN10w

You can still create boxes online (UK /  US) if you would like to send a gift, or you can donate online.

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: sevenly.org} 


Tuesday 26 November 2013

Operation Christmas Child Follow-Up

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped and got involved with packing and sponsoring shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan's Purse)! We managed to reach a record number of boxes at our depot and I was so thrilled!!

As far as I am aware, all the UK collection points for 2013 are now closed, but you can still donate to Operation Christmas Child and choose/pack a box online on their site.

Please support this incredibly important work! It is incredible to think that this small investment could save or change a life forever!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Some shoebox testimonies:

http://youtu.be/9KiyEbcSTgg
http://youtu.be/Y2BCKXaIN0g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpUAPoz02r4



Friday 15 November 2013

Teenagers Giving Generously to Operation Christmas Child

Two weeks ago today, I stood before my whole school (I am a teacher) and challenged them to do something different this Christmas: to do good and to give and love, not the people they know, but the strangers that they don't- the ones that God calls us to give to and love. I was due to speak in the Primary assembly, but was inspired to set a challenge for the Senior pupils as well.

I explained to them about Operation Christmas Child and how they could help. The Senior school is divided into 4 houses with male and female house captains. The challenge I set was for each house to split into a boys and girls team (but to work together) to decorate and fill at least 2 shoeboxes (one for a boy and one for a girl) per house.

The deadline was today and I have just finished checking the boxes... I am blown away and moved to tears by the love, thoughtfulness, generosity, passion and enthusiasm with which the Senior School children responded to the Operation Christmas Child challenge that I set them 2 weeks ago, handing in almost double the assigned number of boxes with the most gorgeous and thoughtful cards and gifts! I am so touched! I was amazed at how thoughtful and sentimental some of those boxes are and I have no doubt that the children who receive them will be incredibly blessed! My prayer over each of those boxes (and the huge pile of boxes in the school office collected from the Primary school), is that God will fill them with even more love and that those children will come to know Him and His love through those boxes and the incredible work of Samaritan's Purse with Operation Christmas Child!

If you have not already done a shoebox this year, please visit the Operation Christmas Child site for more information: it is not too late to completely change a child's Christmas and possibly their life! :) You can even do a shoebox online! No finding a box, wrapping it, shopping for it, or packing it! 

I'll leave you with my tune of the moment, 'I was here' by Beyonce, as you think about how you can help someone else this Christmas! :) 

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time
Know there was something that, meant something that I left behind
When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here
I lived, I loved
I was here
I did, I've done everything that I wanted
And it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was here

I want to say I lived each day, until I died
And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see

I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone some happiness
Left this world a little better just because

I was here


Blessings!

Ronell x



Monday 11 November 2013

The 11 Differences Between Dating a Boy vs a Man

I found this article online and absolutely LOVED it! It was the original article to which the writer responded to with The 11 Differences Between Dating a Girl vs a Woman (my previous post). This article challenged me much like the first to not settle for a boy when I honestly want a man. This article, like the previous article, challenged me on areas where I am behaving more like a girl than a woman, and also on areas where I have previously settled in relationships where I knew it wasn't quite what I wanted, which was a good eye-opener for me indeed! 

For the female readers: I hope that you enjoy this article and are challenged, not only to be the woman that God has made you to be -thought this article does not have an overtly Christian tone, but has principles throughout which are certainly Godly- but it also challenges you that, if you want to date a real man, you should be behaving a lot more like a real woman. 

For the male readers: I hope that you enjoy this article and are challenged, not only to be the man that God has made you to be -thought this article does not have an overtly Christian tone, but has principles throughout which are certainly Godly- but it also challenges you that, if you want to date a real woman, you should be behaving a lot more like a real man.


Blessings!

Ronell x

THE 11 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATING A BOY VS A MAN

When I was in my early twenties, if a guy acted aloof, called back only sometimes and showed minimal interest, I would get hooked. You could say I was addicted to the bad boy/ unavailable boy/ player. I was drawn to what psychotherapist, Ken Page terms as “attractions of deprivation” – when we are drawn to people who embody the worst emotional characteristics of our parents. Basically, the theory explains that we are attracted to people who can wound us the same way we were wounded in our childhood, as our psyche tries to recreate the past void and save us by changing its ending.

“The child in us believes that if the original perpetrators — or their current replacements — finally change their minds, apologize, or make up for that terrible rupture of trust, we can escape from our prison of unworthiness. Our conscious self is drawn to the positive qualities we yearn for, but our unconscious draws us to the qualities which hurt us the most as children.”  - Psychology Today

So games used to work on me because 1) I had unresolved daddy issues and 2) At the tender age of 20, I was trying to figure out who I was and to top it off, I was ridden with insecurity and a low sense of self-worth.

But somewhere in between the passing of a decade, something changed.

I learned to love myself.  I became independent, confident, and started to value my self-worth. I went through hardships and heartbreaks and picked myself back up which built my strength and courage. Instead of relying on beauty as my source of empowerment, I focused on basing my empowerment on my intelligence, successes, values, contributions to the world and how I helped others. In a sense, I finally grew up. I went from being a girl to becoming a woman. And as a woman, you are attracted to very different things than you are as a girl.

A girl is attracted to boys. A woman is attracted to men. Now, this has nothing to do with the actual age of a person. I’m referring to maturity, life vision and stage of life. In fact, some people regardless of their age, will never really grow up. You can switch the genders in this post and most points would likely still apply. Or, read this post on “The 11 Differences Between Dating a Girl vs a Woman“.

If you are a girl (lack independence, are ruled by insecurity, lack self-respect, throw tantrums, have princess syndrome, don’t have strong values or boundaries and can’t hold yourself on your own) then expect that you will attract only boys. However, if you are a woman (independent, ambitious, knows your worth and value, has a strong moral compass, is considerate and an able communicator and doesn’t let insecurity dominate your psyche), then you should be dating a man. And if you can’t spot the difference just yet, here are some pointers.

A man knows what he wants, and goes for it. A boy may have somewhat of an idea, but not really. He doesn’t think too much about it, and even if he does, doesn’t exert much effort to get it. A boy is passive, a man is assertive.
A man plans for his future and is working towards building a foundation and infrastructure in order to have a family (at some point in his life).  A boy lives only in the moment and his plans are mostly around which bar he’s going to hit up on the weekend.
A man looks for a woman with intelligence, who is supportive, grounded and encompasses a shared set of values when choosing a partner. A boy cares mostly only for girls who are hot, wild and exciting.
A man knows a good woman when he meets one and will take initiative to get to know her. A boy may make an attempt if you’re lucky, but gives up before ever really trying.
A man has the courage to have uncomfortable conversations. He is honest with his intentions and lets people know where they stand. A boy avoids. He ignores confrontation or any serious talks about feelings. Instead of dealing with a situation, he runs away from it or creates drama or excuses to mask the fact he’s not that into you or a relationship.
A man knows when to invest in a woman and jump in with two feet. A boy is always “testing” – he doesn’t fully commit because he never knows if he is quite ready. But the truth is, because he is a boy, regardless of who he meets, he will never be ready due to the stage of life he is in.
A man knows how to have a good time and be social, but is often busy making strides in his career and building his life. A boy is getting crunk with his buddies at the bar every weekend.
A man takes the time to reflect on the type of man he wants to be, the example he wants to leave and the vision for his life. He has put thought into his values. A boy has not established his moral compass or values and consequently, is often inconsistent.
A man has integrity. He means what he says, and says what he means. He has follow through and actions his promises. And if he can’t he has the guts to tell you why. A boy makes promises but doesn’t follow through.
A man is afraid of rejection but will put himself out there anyway. A boy is afraid of rejection and acts passive so that his pride and ego won’t ever get too banged up.
Now, a lot of these differences require taking the time to know someone to figure out if the apple of your eye is indeed a man, or a mere boy. However, one of the quickest filters that you can notice from the beginning is this:

11. A boy plays games. A man doesn’t.

*To clarify, when I’m referring to “games” I mean mind games.


suit tie Jaclyn Auletta
Photo credit: Jaclyn Auletta

The 11 Differences Between Dating a Girl vs a Woman

I found this article online and absolutely LOVED it! It challenged me on areas where I am behaving more like a girl than a woman, which was a good eye-opener for me indeed! 

For the female readers: I hope that you enjoy this article and are challenged, not only to be the woman that God has made you to be -thought this article does not have an overtly Christian tone, but has principles throughout which are certainly Godly- but it also challenges you that, if you want to date a real man, you should be behaving a lot more like a real woman. 

For the male readers: I hope that you enjoy this article and are challenged, not only to be the man that God has made you to be -thought this article does not have an overtly Christian tone, but has principles throughout which are certainly Godly- but it also challenges you that, if you want to date a real woman, you should be behaving a lot more like a real man.

(also see The 11 Differences Between Dating a Boy vs a Man by the same author)

Blessings!

Ronell x



THE 11 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATING A GIRL VS A WOMAN

Recently, I wrote a post on “The 11 Difference Between Dating a Boy vs a Man“. The post can have the genders swapped and most points would still apply. However, we can’t deny that there are some fundamental differences between men and women – from how we are socialized to the chemical and hormonal differences that naturally occur. Thus, I thought it appropriate to follow up with a post on the difference between dating a girl, vs a woman. Again, many points on this post would apply if you switched the genders around.

A boy is attracted to girls. A man is attracted to women. Now, this has nothing to do with the actual age of a person. I’m referring to maturity, life vision and stage of life. In fact, some people regardless of their age, will never really grow up. Also, this isn’t to say that a woman won’t ever have “girlish” or immature tendencies or vice versa. This post refers to one’s maturity and most points would also apply if you switch the genders as well.

If you are a boy, then expect that you will attract only girls. However, if you are a man (independent, knows your worth and value, has a strong moral compass, is considerate and an able communicator and doesn’t let insecurity dominate your psyche), then you should be dating a woman. And if you can’t spot the difference just yet, here are some pointers.

1. A girl throws tantrums. When displeased, upset or angry, she reacts just as she did as a child when she didn’t get her way with her parents. This often consists of screaming, pouting, giving the silent treatment, being passive aggressive and/or punishing. A woman still feels the emotions of being upset/displeased, but has cultivated the skill of responding versus reacting. She comes to the table as an adult, and communicates clearly what is bothering her.

2. A girl perceives herself as a princess and believes people should treat her like so. She is entitled and feels that she is owed and therefore expects more than she appreciates. A woman, has standards (what she holds herself to) not expectations (what she projects on to others).

3. A girl uses her physical beauty as her currency and basis of value. A girl may be so used to feeling validated through her looks and sexuality, that she uses this as her primary tool to get what she wants in life. A woman, knows her worth is beyond her physicality. A woman bases her value on her intelligence, her strength, her integrity, her values, her contributions, her humanity.

4. A girl banks on a man to be her financial strategy. A woman plans to be financially independent – she banks on… herself. And if she so happens to enter a relationship dynamic where it makes sense for her partner to be the primary breadwinner, it’s considered a bonus, not the expected life line.

5. A girl sees the world from a place of lack and scarcity. She competes and will even tear down another in order to secure resources or a mate. A woman helps other women. She knows that there’s plenty enough to go around and takes the high road of integrity to get what she wants.

6. A girl cannot be bothered with anything domestic and is proud of the fact that she cannot cook or clean. A woman understands that being domestic is not a duty, but understands that it is one way of taking care of herself and others. She also understands that in the event she wants to create a family, having a person in the household who can contribute domestically is important.

7. “A girl wants attention, a woman wants respect. A girl wants to be adored by many. A woman wants to be adored by one.” -anonymous

8. A girl does not respect her body.  She has not yet understood that her body and heart are sacred, and that it’s important to be mindful of how she treats it and who she shares it with. “A girl cherishes handbags, diamonds and her shoe collection as her prize possessions. A woman cherishes her health, her sense of self, and her talents as her greatest assets.” – N. Mah

9. A woman takes the time to reflect on the type of human she wants to be, the example she wants to leave and the vision for her life. She has put thought into her values and what she stands for. A girl has not established her moral compass or values and consequently, is often inconsistent. “After spending time with a girl, you feel exhausted because she takes more than she gives. After spending time with a woman, you feel invigorated, because she empowers you with possibility, and a passion for life.” – N. Mah

10. A girl has a checklist that prioritizes superficial qualities above anything else. Here is an example of how this checklist may look: Hot, popular, wears skinny jeans, over 6 feet tall, rich.. This is the checklist of what a woman may look for: High integrity, intelligent, kind, good communicator, emotionally available…

Now, a lot of these differences require taking the time to know someone to figure out if the apple of your eye is indeed a mature woman, or someone with an immature mindset. However, one of the quickest filters that you can notice from the beginning is this:

11. A girl plays games. A woman doesn’t.

A girl jumps from one social circle to another, making fast friends that don’t last. A woman values her deep friendships and nurtures that bond with time, gratitude, energy and thoughtfulness.

Nadia Mah


woman photo by daniele martinie
photo by daniele martinie

Saturday 9 November 2013

Ashton Kutcher Inspiring Young People

Ashton Kutcher inspired young people with his amazing acceptance speech on teen choice awards 2013. Ashton has taken the opportunity to be honest with his fans, to try to stop the perpetration of celebrity/fame as easy and something they are entitled to. He gives 3 insider tips to success:

1) Opportunity: "opportunity looks a lot like hard work"... "I never had a job in my life that I was better than. I was always just lucky to have a job. And every job I had was a stepping stone to my next job and I never quit my job until I had my next job. And so, opportunities look a lot like work."

2) Being Sexy: "The sexiest thing in the entire world is being really smart and being thoughtful and being generous. Everything else is crap, I promise you! Crap that people try to sell to you to make you feel like less. So don't buy it!"  

3) Living Life: "Steve Jobs said, 'When you grow up, you get told that the world is the way that it is and that your life is to live your life inside of the world and not to get in too much trouble and maybe get an education, and get a job, and make some money, and have a family.. But life can be a lot broader than that when you realise one simple thing: and that is that everything that is around us that we call 'life' was made up by people who are no smarter than you and you can build your own thing, you can build your own life that other people can live in.' So build a life!" 

"So don't live one- build one! Find your opportunities, and ALWAYS be sexy (smart). Love you guys!"

Ellen DeGeneres was so impressed with his speech, that she invited him on The Ellen Show, where he gives another inspiring speech in response to her thanking him for his first speech, including gems like: 

"Working hard and being generous and thoughtful and smart is a path to a better life." 

"There is an entitlement that starts to emerge.. [people] don't want to get a job at Starbucks because they think it's below them. I think the only thing that can be below you is to not have a job... Go work until you can get the job that you want to have" 


Success is inextricably linked to hard work people! 

Thank you, Ashton Kutcher.

Blessings! 


Ronell x


Wednesday 6 November 2013

Support Service Men and Women {Hope For The Warriors} // Sevenly

I am loving Sevenly's site revamp! Still getting use to it, but loving it! 

This week Sevenly is supporting Hope for the Warriors. The mission of Hope For The Warriors is to enhance the quality of life for service members (including post-9/11), their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for service members and military families.Hope For The Warriors understands the challenges, pride, and joy of being a military family.

This week's cause is particularly close to my heart at the moment as my cousin returned from his first (and hopefully last) tour in Afghanistan last week. His tour may have been short, but I know I speak for our family (both in the UK and in South Africa), and for his girlfriend and her family, when I say that it felt like our hearts were outside our bodies and we held our breaths until the moment we knew he was back home. I am very proud of him, but more than anything, I am just happy that I will finally be seeing him again in 2 days time! He is like a brother to me and the knowing that he was in a conflict zone has been horrendous. I thank God every day for keeping him safe and for bringing him home. 

His time in Afghan made me think of all the families who are not only separated from their loved ones for much longer periods of time.. but even worse, those who lose loved ones in conflict, or in the trauma they suffer post-conflict. 

Be a part of saying thank you and making a difference in the lives of these service men and women and their families by supporting them directly here, or by buying vests, tshirts, jumpers/sweaters and many, many other items from Sevenly's online store

Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: sevenly.org)

Sunday 3 November 2013

Refining Silver

I received this email today and it really blessed me and reminded me of times in my own life where I have gone through difficult trials, but known that God was there, watching over me and right beside me every step of the way. I hope this blesses you too.

Blessings!

Ronell x


Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' 

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.. 

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. 

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. 

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' 

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. 
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. 

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' 

He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy --when I see my image in it.' 

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. 

Thank you God, for teaching me to laugh again...... but please Lord, don't ever let me forget that I cried. 


Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible! 


{photo credit: http://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/12-parkin.jpg}

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Save Children from Sex Trafficking! // The Somaly Mam Foundation {Sevenly}

Sevenly is one of my absolute favourite organisations and I buy vests/t-shirts and jumpers/sweaters from them as often as I can. They enable me to promote world change in 3 ways: 1) giving to a cause, 2) being a billboard for change by 'wearing my heart on my sleeve' and 3) by wearing garments that are ethical.

Dale Partridge and Aaron Chavez got together in January of 2011 with the mission of leading a generation toward generosity. With a belief that people mattered, they began a journey to change the world. On June 13th 2011, Sevenly was born. By creating weekly cause campaigns where customers could purchase products that gave $7 to a weekly charity, Sevenly successfully unlocked not only a way to crowdfund for causes, but to drive massive social awareness as well.

This week's organisation that they are supporting is The Somaly Mam Foundation and together, they are fighting to put an end to child sex trafficking.

Today, untold numbers of children are exploited in Southeast Asia's sex trade. Children, living in this very poor region of the world, are particularly vulnerable to the false promises of traffickers. In some cases, men pay to have sex with children as young as three years old. Often, these girls are imprisoned in brothels, where they are beaten, raped, and tortured on a daily basis.

THE SOLUTION? This week you will help rescue and rehabilitate young girls who have been held captive as sex slaves. Your support can help provide an investigation and brothel raid in addition to providing a safe environment where survivors will receive food, shelter, medical, and psychological care.

Watch this weeks '1 cause 1 minute' video from Sevenly for more details.

So get involved! Even if you can't give financially, share this cause on facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest, etc! Get the word out! 

Blessings!

Ronell x




{photo credit: http://www.somaly.org/}


Save the Bees!

Bayer has just sued the European Commission to overturn a ban on the pesticides that are killing millions of bees around the world. A huge public push won this landmark ban only months ago -- and we can't sit back and let Big Pesticide overturn it while the bees vanish.

Bayer and Syngenta, two of the world's largest chemical corporations, claim that the ban is "unjustified" and "disproportionate." But clear scientific evidence shows their products are behind the massive bee die-off that puts our entire food chain in peril. 

Just last month, 37 million bees were discovered dead on a single Canadian farm. And unless we act now, the bees will keep dying. We have to show Bayer now that we won't tolerate it putting its profits ahead of our planet's health. If this giant corporation manages to bully Europe into submission, it would spell disaster for the bees.


The dangerous chemical Bayer makes is a neonicotinoid, or neonic. Neonics are soaked into seeds, spreading through the plant and killing insects stopping by for a snack. These pesticides can easily be replaced by other chemicals which don’t have such a devastating effect on the food chain. But companies like Bayer and Syngenta make a fortune from selling neonics -- so they’ll do everything they can to protect their profits. 

The EU banned these bee-killers this past May, after a massive public campaign and a clear scientific finding from the European Food Safety Authority that neonics pose huge risks to bee populations. Bayer fought against the ban every step of the way, using tactics taken from Big Tobacco -- pouring millions into lobbying and fake science to stop decision-makers from taking action. 

Now, we have to defend this landmark ban for the bees, and our food supply. Sign the petition now to tell Bayer and Syngenta to drop their aggressive lawsuits!

We have to stand up for the European ban now, from Europe and from around the world. The current ban only lasts for two years before it's up for review, and Bayer is now determined to stop it before it even comes into force in December 2013. If it is allowed to intimidate the European authorities with impunity, then the pressure to overturn the ban will be huge. This will be a massive victory for the poison industry, and a devastating loss for the bees, and all of us. It will make every environmental regulation more difficult, because companies that can't win on the facts can use their enormous profits to fund expensive, baseless lawsuits.

Bayer is an enormous company with a ton of public-facing brands. Neonics are a big part of its bottom line, but it can't afford poor publicity on a global scale. And if word gets out that Bayer is wrecking our ecosystem and threatening a creature responsible for pollinating a third of all our crops, the company will have to back down.

SumOfUs staff and members have literally just gotten of the plane from a convention in Chicago where we took the fight for a ban in the US right to the industry itself -- so we know how important it is to hold the line. 

Sign the petition to tell Bayer and Syngenta to drop their bee-killing lawsuits now. Let's build on this landmark victory and take the bee-killing pesticide ban global.

**********
More information:

Thursday 24 October 2013

Become a Tutor {Mandela Day} 34 / 67 ways to change the world

OK so I took a little break from it, but as promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is part of my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one comes under the category of 'Become an Educator':



34. Offer to provide tutoring in a school subject you are good at.

I tutor out of school hours (I am a teacher) to earn some extra money, but it had not really occurred to me to also provide free tuition as a way of doing charity. I don't know why- it makes total sense to! Often, the children who need that extra time, attention and input the most are the ones who do not have the resources at their disposal to access it. 

So whether you are a teacher, or are just specialised in a subject (have an A-level/ college certificate/  university degree / studying at university / have a practical skill), please consider passing on your knowledge and skills to those who need it most, but cannot afford it.

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: www.captutors.net}  

Sunday 20 October 2013

October vs Human Trafficking

This has been a good month for the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery! So much seems to be happening in terms of legislation being stepped up and people standing up to this oppression and fighting for freedom!

- 16th October marked the end of  Freedom Challenge (The A21 Campaign), the 11 day cycle via the major trafficking routes in Europe. 

- 18th October this month was Anti-Slavery Day, which was brilliant! So much awareness was raised by so many individuals and organisation. 

- This month The A21 Campaign also launched their pilot high school curriculum in the USA (contact them via their site for more details).

- New legislation will mean that traffickers can be given life sentences now, rather than a cap of 14 years: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24571971 and http://news.sky.com/story/1156086/slavery-fight-to-stop-traffickers-steps-up

- Spokespeople like Lisa Kristine spoke out again about slavery and the fact that more than 30million people are enslaved today (more than double the amount of those taken in the entire transatlantic slave trade from Africa): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMLoxLUPWhw 

- The A21 Campaign South Africa launched recently and has been hosting incredible events ever since, including their National Anti-Slavery Week.

- My friend posted a #throwbackthursday of the Run3KforFreedom event that we planned earlier this year that raised over £1,200 and it encouraged me to think of what we could do next year with more planning and advertising!

I just wanted to share some of this with you to encourage and inspire you! Please, never give up on fighting for the millions of people who are enslaved, or to forget the one: the mother, sister, daugther, father, son... who has been stripped of their rights and dignity and subjected to abuse every day.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” {Helen Keller}

"It takes just one thought, one action and one voice to make a difference. What will be your one today?" {Ndaba Mandela, The Mandela Project}

Blessings!


Ronell x




Wednesday 16 October 2013

World Food Day 2013 {Action Against Hunger}

Action Against Hunger is really getting stuck in with World Food Day today and this is how they are making a difference and inviting you to join in!

Blessings!

Ronell x



Malnutrition is predictable, preventable, and treatable. 
With your help, we can make it history!

World Food Day: October 16, 2013

Every year 2.3 million children under age five die from causes related to malnutrition—and it simply 
doesn’t have to be. In 1979 the United Nations declared October 16th World Food Day to strengthen 
national and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, and to 
draw attention to achievements in food security and agricultural development. The day has been 
celebrated every year since 1981.

How We Take Action

From rural mountain villages to the confines of refugee camps to ethnically divided cities, Action Against
 Hunger treats and prevents malnutrition in more than 40 countries around the world. Our programs are
launched most often during times of crisis and focus on the most vulnerable, including young children and
women who are pregnant or nursing. Learn more about our nutrition programming, which helped 1.2 million
people last year:

Evaluate Nutritional Needs

Treat Acute Malnutrition

Prevent Acute Malnutrition

Build Local Capacity

3 Ways You Can Help Save Lives

Join our fight to save lives by taking action, and get your friends involved too!
child eating plumpy nut 
Fund a Food Project
For $45 you can you can provide a
malnourished child with a full course
of treatment.
Donate
Action Against Hunger world food day photos 
Spread the Word!
Share our images with nutrition-focused
quotes and statistics to build support for
our lifesaving work!
facebooktwitter
people harvesting land 
Join our Community
Join thousands of Action Against Hunger
supporters and subscribe now to our
monthly newsletter and alerts.
Help us fight hunger around the worldDonate

Monday 14 October 2013

Say Yes!

"Mary [mother of Jesus] needed a steadfastness of heart to keep saying 'yes' to God. But she became the woman she was born to be, and the Kingdom was never the same... the salvation of mankind rested on the courage of a woman, a teenage girl. What if she had said 'no'? ... Your lingering disbelief that anything important hangs on your life is only evidence of the long assault on your heart by the one who knows who you could be and fears you... What lives, what destinies are hanging on your 'yes' to God?"

{Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge}

31 Status // Young Chozen

A friend of mine sent me a link to this site called 31 Status. It is a site started by Young Chozen and his wife Lizzie Chozen following the success of one of his songs containing the lyrics "31 status girl". 

The mission of the 31 Status movement is to show women around the world what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like in todays generation. They are working to set a new standard of beauty in a world that tells us sex and seduction is the only way to find love. At 31 Status, they believe true love comes from God, an want to help women know Him and know themselves in a greater way. They are working to empower and encourage women to better themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. Their goal above all else is for women to embrace "Who and Whose you are" as a female and as a 31.
   
The 31 Status site has an online store where you can buy t-shirts to support and promote the movement. They have downloadable resources including a daily devotional, a study guide and a survival kit. They also have a blog where you can go for insights and inspirations. 

So check it out and set your standards higher! (for yourself if you are a girl/woman, and for your partner/future partner if you a re looking to date a girl/woman).

Blessings!

Ronell x

Knowing Who I Am in Christ {Joyce Meyer}

I read the post below on  today on Joyce Meyer's daily online devotional and got a much needed boost, so I thought I would share! :) It is long, but totally worth it.

Blessings!

Ronell x




Knowing Who I Am in Christ

by Joyce Meyer
Not sure who you really are? Read this list of Biblical truths that reveal who God made you to be.
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (1 John 5:18).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:41 Peter 1:16).
I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16Philippians 2:5).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.  I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17-18Luke 10:17-19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9-10).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
I am God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am a spirit being alive to God (Romans 6:11;1 Thessalonians 5:23).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (2 Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22,25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4).
I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (1 Peter 2:9).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (1 Corinthians 6:19).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33Colossians 3:12).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Deuteronomy 28:15-68Galatians 3:13).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (Psalm 66:82 Timothy 1:9).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (Isaiah 53:51 Peter 2:24).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6Colossians 2:12).
I am greatly loved by God (Romans 1:7Ephesians 2:4Colossians 3:121 Thessalonians 1:4).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).