Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Stefan Green

Style your home: Plants

I don’t know if you have ever been in a room or a space and felt like it was dead or not really full of life? I have. It’s not a good feeling. So recently I have been looking into ways to uplift a room or space. Ways to give a room life and light.

One of the ways is with plants. I have recently moved and I’m obsessed with plants. So heere are a few plants that brighten up a room and space by just being there.

Rubber Plant

This is my personal fave. The leaves have great strength, they are broad and shiny and bold, and is such a great piece of art. It is priced well and doesn’t take to long to gain height and volume.  They may be rare at the moment in the Nurserys so when you find one buy it!

Sword Fern

This plant is more gentle and has more movement to it. It’s from the evergreen family which means it doesn’t lose it’s leaves.  It’s also really hardy.  The name came form the actual leaf shape, which looks like a sword. They reproduce really easily so if you need a quick growing plant, this could provide your answer.

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Indoor Palm

These are stunning and will really add depth and a touch of elegance to your living room. Indoor palms are a bit more expensive then their other friends but they work really well for indoors can easily grow up to one or two metres. They don’t require to much care, they love the sunlight.

Monstera

I love this flower.  It’s bold, the leaves are big and has such a great presence in the room. Monstera’s love good space and will grow huge, if allowed to.  The leaves are poisonous so be  careful if you have kids or pets around.

Fiddle Fig Plant

This plant carries a lot of character and will brighten up a room in no time. Like the indoor palms, fiddle figs are a little more expensive. They also require a bit more care then the other plants mentioned.

I hope this article inspired you to add some plants to your personal space. What are you waiting for?

NWFND: Let There Be Light

New Find: In a few short days the new Hillsong Worship album will be released across the globe. If you can’t wait however, at this very moment on iTunes you can pre-order this amazing album plus get a song free and preview the album.

You need to, have to get this album into your soul. You probably asking why am I saying souls, because I believe that it won’t just entertain you or grow your music collection but improve the health and well being of your soul.

The name alone says it all, Let There Be Light.’

These are the same four syllables that God spoke the earth into being.  Then all throughout the Bible He continues to be and to bring light; through the God-man who is the Light of the world: Jesus.

Check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afTTYlwpZVM&feature=youtu.be

So my hope as your read this post is not just that your will read it, but that you will allow God to speak those same four words into your life, spirit and circumstances and situations.

Small beginnings lead to Big finishes:

I know I’m supposed to be address culture topics but this is probably more anti-culture than anything else, but stick with me an let’s explore together. Our culture tends to tear someone down and not allow them to dream but in this post I hope to do the opposite.  So as you read, let these words soak into your soul and bones, and allow your dream to take root again.

I have found that to begin dreaming again, the best way to start is to get to a quiet place. What could it be for you?

1. An ocean
2. A forest
3. On top of a mountain

I find that when I draw away I get a new word and energy from above.

Another thing that I do, when I feel like my dreams are getting smothered by society, is read a book that helps me keep perspective. Something like?

1. Magazine
2. Monocle
3. The Bible

I normally find reading someone else’s story stays with me and encourages me.  If they fought and overcame for the sake of their dream, why can’t I?

The other thing I find helpful is researching on internet the most influential companies and finding out how they began. It’s inspiring to see where successful people began and how they succeeded against all the odds.

Big name companies like Harley, Apple, Obamas Campaign and Disney all began in someone’s garage. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you put your heart and soul into it, so what do you have in your hands? I can truly say that whatever it is, is more than enough. So do it!

Sites that are great to rekindle your dream:

1. Hillsong collected
2. Relevant Magazine
3. Seth Godin

Hope you enjoyed this and were inspired.  Now go, follow your dream, jump off the edge and let the wind carry you.

You don’t need the gym!

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You don’t need the gym!

You’re probably sitting there right now thinking what an idiot I am for even suggesting such a thing – but maybe you need to think about it again…

Why would you waste money and pay for something you don’t even use?

Why would you pay to be in a hot box of germs? Why would you want to pay to have someone else’s sweat drip all over your equipment?

Why would you want to pay to not be in fresh air?

Why would you want to pay for toilets that smell awful?

So I recently canceled my gym contract because I realised that it was a complete waste of money for me. But how do you fill the exercise gap? Here a few ways that you can get a full body workout with no payment and fresh air (with no germs and great views, too!).

1. Trail Run

Trail Running is a real workout that will really hit your legs – but the rest of your body will also be feeling it as you breathe and push and climb different hills and rocks. Different terrains require more steps or less, and you’ll definitely need some quality shoes. Check it out at the above link.

2. Cycling

This is one that I am getting involved in. This will work those legs and keep your whole body fit as you climb hills. Step it up a level by going long distance, and you’ll really see your heart rate climb. You will lose a lot of weight and watch your calorie burn count go up the scale. So give it a go – get a bike and get going!

3. Calisthenics or outdoor gym

This is such a great workout, and will tear through the fat like a tornado. So get some gloves and sneakers and you’re ready to go. Outdoor gyms usually feature equipment like air skiers, cross trainers, gymnastics rings, horizontal ladders, and leg presses – enough to give you a full body workout. The best about this is that it’s a free option – outdoor gyms are usually open all day, come rain or sunshine.

This will inspire you to give it a go.

NWFND: Beautiful Surrender

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I’m so excited to share this NWFND with you:

Jonathan and Melissa Helser are part of the Bethel family, and they’ve written amazing melodies and lyrics that really pierce the heart and allow hope to rise within you. They’re known for songs like I’m No Longer A Slave, and the track Thank You on the new Bethel album.

These guys have just dropped an album titled Beautiful Surrender – be sure to get your hands on this one, as it is a real revelation on the topic of surrender.

In Jonathan’s own words: “Surrender is not a duty. When I see who God really is, surrender is all I would ever want to do.”

“Surrender isn’t resistance, it’s a joyful, powerful song.”

Here is a little sneak peak – enjoy, and get a copy for yourself when it releases!

You can make a difference

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I’ve recently been so aware of how a lot of us are all about accumulating and hoarding and holding onto as much as we can get our hands on. I’ve also seen people who have learnt the art of sowing, giving, and living life with an open hand.

One thing I’ve learnt is that the people who live with an open hand have a happier countenance – and they tend to impact the world.

This inspired me to ask a single question: If I wanted to be an open handed person, where would I invest my time? Have you ever asked yourself that question? If so, here’s a list of influential and effective organisations where you can give your time and make a difference beyond your four walls:

  1. Hillsong Africa Foundation

I’m sure many of us know the church or the music, but Hillsong also has a missions arm that has really impacted South Africa and the world. I know these guys would love to have you join them on team to volunteer in the many projects that they do every week. Also check out the iOS and Android App that they recently launched. You can either serve once-off or you can commit to it for a year.

  1. Watoto Kids

Watoto Kids have been around for years – they are trustworthy and well respected. I’m almost certain that as you even give one month of volunteering, your heart will be impacted and you would want to do more. I love Watoto – they will really leave an imprint on you heart, and they also have an amazing church that you can visit while you’re there.

  1. Thembalethu

Thembalethu is one of only a few schools for children with disabilities in South Africa’s Western Cape province. The Hillsong Africa Foundation and Hillsong Church have both partnered with this school, which now has stay-in facilities and a feeding programme. It’s set in Gugulethu, Cape Town, and is full of life and sunshine and great people. Hillsong also recently started a congregation based at the school.

  1. Semester At Sea

I have close friends who did Semester At Sea and they said it was one of the greatest experiences of their lives. The beauty of Semester At Sea is that you can study on board the ship while you’re volunteering and making a difference and exploring the world.

I hope this makes you want to do more, and that these options open your eyes to look beyond your own life!

Must-have sneakers

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There are very few things I love, but one of them are great sneakers: Sneakers that are not only stylish, but that will last throughout the rainy season, and the summer, and those crazy days (if you’re a student, you’re probably doing more walking than driving as you want to save petrol!).

So here’s a list of sneakers that will last, while saving money in the long run (remember the African Proverb: Buy cheap, buy twice!).

  1. Superga

This is my personal fave as I had a pair in high school and college. Both pairs lasted six years. They are easy to take care of, they are affordable, and they are comfortable. You can dress them up or down, and they also come in a huge variety of colours and shades and cuts that will suit you needs.

  1. All Star Converse

This sneaker, I think, was there before the foundation of time. All Star Converse come in many shades and colours and you can design your own now! They come in different cuts, including the ankle grazer and the high top. If I were you, I would go for the all black or otherwise the classic white with the red and blue stripes.

  1. Vans

These guys have done really well, starting with skateboard-style shoes and branching out to the mainstream in time. I’m sure you will find a cut and a style that suits you. I recently fell in love with their all-white style and these shoes are hard-wearing as they were meant for skateboarding and doing kick-flips and grazing the ground and tar. So get a pair – it will last for a very, very long time.

  1. Adidas – Shell Toes

I had a pair as a kid and I had them forever. They made this shoe so strong, and it’s great looking! They recently re-released the range – you may know them as Stan Smiths. They will set you apart in a crowd because they stand out, they are hard-wearing, and stay white for long. They are also leather – so shut-up and get a pair… they will outlast the weather.

  1. Adidas Samba

Again, a personal revelation: I had a pair. Guess how long they lasted – eight years! They played soccer, I wore them up with suits… I even took them on a few dates. They’re available in great colours, tones, and shapes, and you can buy the leather or nylon variety.

Go get a good pair!

NWFND: Local Sound

These guys are guaranteed to get your blood rushing and your head spinning – just wait for their music to hit your ears and sink into your heart!

Produced by Michael Fatkin of Hillsong Young and Free fame, Wild by Local Sound takes an approach that breaks through borders and connects tribes.

I love the fact that the song describes the love of God as wild – a love that will never fade. The way these guys weave their lyrics into the melody is genius, and it will get you singing along in no time.

Check the song out here. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Keep your eyes peeled as I’m sure they will be blessing us all with some good sounds in the near future!

NWFND: Andra Day

If you haven’t heard of Andra Day yet, you need to look out for her! This new artist has a way of connecting lyrics and melodies to touch your heart and soul. She clearly has a God-given gift that resonates with listeners.

Her debut album, Cheers To The Fall, has been climbing the charts and I’m sure will find its way to your phone or into your house via television, radio, or iTunes (if it hasn’t already done so).

As some of you may know, Day has also been nominated (in the short time that she’s been around) for two Grammy Awards. Not only that – she’s performed at the Grammys and in the White House!

Check out this amazing song by Andra, called Rise Up, to get a sense of what you’ve been missing…

Money that makes a difference

There are few things in life that outlast our own lifetime. This means we have to think long and hard about our legacy. Recently, I’ve started asking myself an important question: How can I make my life – my relationships, finances, and my impact in general – outlast my lifetime on this earth?

When it comes to the way you spend your money, you have to be extra careful about where you choose to contribute – especially if you’re making charitable contributions. With this in mind, I’ve made a list of some amazing movements that have changed the world – charities that have moved people from poverty into a new lifestyle; organisations that have moved people from hopelessness to hope.

  1. Hillsong Africa Foundation:

This non-profit organisation has made a huge dent in society. They have not only created jobs for people, but have also launched amazing skills development centres. Take a look at this amazing organisation if you’d like to make a difference in someone’s life.

  1. WAR

This is such a powerful movement – another one that began out of a church. They go into schools weekly to raise awareness about the impact of rape on society, impacting many along the way. Go here if you’d like to invest into this movement.

  1. Compassion

The team that has changed the course of so many children’s lives is still going strong. Your gifts to this organisation will go towards fresh water and food, and allowing children to get to a great school, amongst other things. Check them out here.

  1. Watoto

I’ve given to this organisation before – they have changed the lives of countless children, many of whom have been affected by war and social ills. Watoto provides vulnerable women and children with holistic care, often impacting entire communities through their work. You can check out their site here.

 

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