Clay issue 4

Clay moulding lives

Forgiveness

Mengouchi Haute Couture

Amazing Summer dishes | JCReigns Events

21

41

51

Regulars

Life on Life

Lifestyle

38 Back in the Day 41 Be the Bigger Person 42 Patience

47 49 51 57

10 17 21 25

Editor’s Letter Pastor Lucky Bella Lode We Will Worship

Lifelong Choice Mind over Matter Fitness Food

On the cover of Clay...

We Will Worship

25

Have you ever felt like if you had to hear one more remix of Amazing Grace, see one more music video shot on a random mountain, or had to listen to another chorus where the choir hums and the artist quotes John 10:10 with a trembling voice, you’d plead guilty in court? Well I bring good tidings; the Lord has heard our cries and answered us from Heaven! No longer shall we change the TV channel or switch the radio off, because a movement that goes by the name We Will Worship has come to our rescue, now let the church say amen!

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78

Reviews

Poetry 80 Perfect Imperfect 83 A Bit too 85 Preoccupied Pain

63 Music 65 Fashion 74-76 Events

41 Forgiveness

65 Mengouchi Fashion

57

76

Delicious Summer Dishes

Poetry with Presence

Editor’s

Letter

We learnt how to sit, crawl, take our first step and eat solid food. Yes ladies and gents, CLAY is turning a year old *Cues confetti, balloons, and the birthday song*! To celebrate such unmerited, unprecedented favour from the Lord, we have one of SA’s most illustrious Gospel groups We Will Worship gracing our cover! And if you thought it couldn’t get any better than that repent, because we went ahead and got a makeover while we were at it!

In CLAY’s Birthday edition we spoil you rotten, and I stand against any feelings of guilt as you indulge in God’s cyber gift to you! So go ahead and call a friend, to call a friend, to call another friend to log on! May your mouse guide you through the pages of CLAY as I pray that God Himself moulds your life through it.

Julian Mamabolo

Winter 2012

Spring 2012

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Three Pillars of Descernment

word

prayer holy spirit

It is our hope that when you reading CLAY, you will be encouraged to go and explore the bible with the quest to find out what God has to say about the issues we cover here. We thank God for the promised gift, the Holy Spirit, who’ll lead you into amazing, unforgettable conversations with God (prayer) and reveal God’s truth (the Word) to you.

tumview.com/jesus-our-everything

tumview.com/jesus-our-everything

Hello Pastor Lucky I’m a 24 year old guy who’s very interested in a 20 year old lady at my church.

She’s born-again, she respects and honours her parents, she’s ambitious and all these nice things, but she has a 2 year old daughter. So I’m really torn about whether or not I should pursue her?

Yours: In love with a BabyMama More often, people’s fear of getting involved with a person who has children from previous relationships is usually motivated by the fear that the ex-lover may interfere with their relationship through the child or maybe the fear that

It’s a love thing *** ***

WITH

Pastor Lucky

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they may just not accept and love their lover’s child as their own. Unfortunately, there is no way you would be able to tell whether any of the above factors may actually become problems in your relationship until you get involved with the person. Sometimes; it may happen that the person may have completely gotten over their ex despite having a child with them, and your new relationship with them may just strengthen that breakup for good. You may also be surprised by just how much you will bond with that child as your relationship with him and the mother continues. I would advise that you get closer to her first as a friend. In this way, you will get to see if any of your fears have potential of actually becoming true.

Dear Pastor Lucky I have a group of friends aged 13-18, we met at our High School’s Student Christian fellowship. Half of us have boyfriends, while the other half are single. We always end up arguing about who leads a more pure lifestyle between us. I strongly feel that the single ladies are the ones who are more pleasing to God, please help my friends get this!

Yours: Singleness-is-righteousness Arguing about whose holier than thou will only get you guys to be self-righteous.

There’s absolutely no point in making such arguments especially because all of you will finally get involved in relationships. The best you could do is to let those who are in relationships share their challenges and experiences with those of you who aren’t yet there, so that you can be wiser and avoid problems when you finally get involved. This is definitely more helpful in a friendship than judging each other.

Hey Pastor Lucky I’m a 21 year old lady dating a 27 year old man. My boyfriend strongly feels that I should tell my parents about our relationship just like he told his. My parents are very strict and I’m worried about how they’ll react especially since he plays the piano at church and I sing in the worship team! I’m scarred that they might think I only go to church to see him and that’s not the case. Do my parents really need to know?

Yours: scared-for-my-life Letting your parents know about your relationship will actually make them respect you for it than if they would find out for themselves, and I’m sure they’ll pretty soon do especially since you mentioned you in the same church. At 21, you parents already know of the reality of dating, and telling them about someone whose commitment and faith they know will only get them breathing out in relief and smiles. Good luck!

Hi Pastor Lucky I often hear my peers talking about dating, but then at church they speak about courtship. Please explain the difference between the two terms for me.

Yours: Terminology There is technically no difference between the two except that at courtship the relationship has a clearer motive of marriage than at dating. Dating is the ‘getting to know you’ stage of one’s acquaintance with the other person, while courtship starts from proposal and acceptance, right through to engagement and marriage.

Dear Pastor Lucky At youth they always tell us that without holiness you will not see God. I struggle with lust, pornography and masturbation. Does that mean that God will never use me, I mean there’s grace right? God knew I’d struggle with these things when he created my body! So how do I get the Pastors and Youth Leaders to stop judging me because I know deep down inside that God can turn a murderer into an apostle!

Yours: Flesh addict Firstly no one is judging you! When all these people speak of these things I guess they speak from a general platform and without knowing that you are the one doing all these things! You also sound like you accepting and accommodating your practices than to actually recognize that they are wrongful habits you need help from. Instead of using grace to justify wrongful practices and blaming it on God who gave you a horny body, you should first accept that these are wrongful practices and God’s grace gave you power to overcome them as opposed to accepting them.

F r e e d o m R o a d

I have this strange inclination to tell everyone in my friendship circle about music and movies and books and poetry and sermons that I’ve fallen in love with.

Very often my taste is not met with much enthusiasm. Which is fine, as long as I still have the freedom to express myself.

Now, a couple of weeks ago I fell in love with a song called “Freedom Road” by Amber Hunter. Such beautiful lyrics. I would suggest you have a listen. But in case you don’t, the song is about, as you may well be able to guess, the freedom Christ purchased for us. It zooms in on the fact that even in knowing Jesus we may still be tempted to cling onto anger and hurt and sin that keeps us in a perpetual prison of guilt and shame, but reminds us in the chorus that “Freedom Road is paved with mercy; Freedom Road is paved with love. Freedom Road is paved with one man’s tears and flowing blood.” Such great depth for such a simple truth.

When I think of this “Freedom Road”, this journey I have been on, walking with Jesus Christ, I can see so clearly how He has paved the path with mercy and love, how His blood has been the guarding road sign that has kept me safe in His arms. But if I am honest, as I look back on the Road I am travelling on, I also remember all the stones along the way. Not those pretty, decorative pebbles that line your garden walkway, but large rocks that I tripped over and large boulders that seemed impossible to see beyond to the Road ahead. I remember steep hills that were hard to climb, whose easy walk-down led me straight into a freefall of sin and despair. I remember moments where there were no streetlights, and I couldn’t see where I was going; or when the wolves of the night howled so long and hard that I was paralyzed with fear as they drowned out the sound of

my Father’s voice. And there were misty nights where the fog was so thick I had to stay in the same place for so long that the stagnancy of my life became frustrating. And though the Road truly has been paved with mercy and love, with Jesus’ tears and flowing blood, I look all over my life and see scars that remind me of the treacherous journey of my past.

But I am not ashamed to say that I am still walking down freedom Road. I am not ashamed of the scars that remind me of the places in my life where I once bled.

I am not ashamed of the tears I cried, often not even knowing why. Because in spite of fear, pain, grief and confusion, the One who paved out this Road with mercy and love, with His tears and flowing blood, promised me that as surely as the sun will rise, He will come to me (Hosea 6:3). He has promised that if on this journey with Him I have to go through deep waters, I will not drown, that if I go through the fire I will not be burned, but refined (Isaiah 43:2). And even when I cry, that I should remember to count it all joy when I am honoured to face trials that build my character (James 1:2).

Freedom Road is a beautiful journey. It is a Road that draws us ever closer to His heart, even though He walks beside us – no, better, lives INSIDE of us. We are never alone as we walk down Freedom Road. And if there is only one morsel of truth that we have the strength to hold onto for the exhilarating Road ahead, I pray that we remember that no-one, no demon in hell, no voice in our head that

reminds us of the past, no distance, no fear or pain, could ever tempt God to withdraw His perfect love for us, forsake us, or take us out of His precious hand.

We are eternally, unconditionally loved (Romans 8¬: 38-39).

So be persistent as you walk down Freedom Road beloved. There will be times when we literally feel His presence surrounding and guiding us; hear Him whispering in our ears or see Him paving the path with roses of grace and love; but there will also be times of trial, times where the road is ever windy and the winds of life seem to blow you off course. But in either case, when the journey is beautiful and easy, or extremely treacherous, He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). And as far back as I can remember He has always been faithful. He is there when you cannot feel Him, when you cannot see Him. He is the One giving you the strength to keep going when you just want to collapse and die. I dare you to hold onto all His promises as you walk down this Road. And not only will you find freedom, not only will you find peace, but you will find Him closer to your heart than He has ever been before.

a l l e B

Lode

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Julian Mamabolo

We Will Worship

Have you ever felt like if you had to hear one more remix of Amazing Grace, see one more music video shot on a random mountain, or had to listen to another chorus where the choir hums and the artist quotes John 10:10 with a trembling voice, you’d plead guilty in court?

Well I bring good tidings; the Lord has heard our cries and answered us from Heaven! No longer shall we change the TV channel or switch the radio off, because a movement that goes by the name We Will Worship has come to our rescue, now let the church say amen!

B

iography

In 2011 We Will Worship (WWW) won the Metro FM Award for Best Urban Gospel Album. In 2012 they were nominated for a SAMA award in the Best Contemporary Faith Music Category. They performed at the MTN SAMA awards in 2012 and they took home the Crown Gospel Award for Best Gospel Newcomer for their debut album titled The MoveMEANT Begins. WWW has worked with Kwaito Star Kabelo “BougaLuv” Mabalane and they are also featured on Loyiso Bala’s Gospel Album titled Love complete.

Our meet and greet

CLAY met up with the members of We Will Worship (WWW) on a Wednesday evening at His People Church in Parktown North Johannesburg. The venue was cosy with microphones lined up in front on the ministage, drums stacked in a glass booth on the left and an overall calm, creative ambiance filled the room. We sat in a circle on the carpet floor (the idea seemed good at the time), and then after a short prayer we

mention this: I’m deep! No, no don’t write that” he chanted. Njabulo’s also a diehard Kaizer Chiefs fan so you can only imagine the low blows he shot at the Pirates supporters. When he spoke about his love for the Zulu language and how he adores writing in his native tongue, no one could ignore the twinkle in his eye. Njabulo wrote and sang Bayete on their album The MoveMEANT Begins.

Mokgomotsi “Z-Lus” Ntsimang is a tall brother who comes from Orchards Pretoria and he also studied at UJ. He describes himself as the humour of the group (everyone laughed so I guess that proves his point)! Z-Lus admits that he has more than his fair share of random moments.

He makes it clear from the get go that he does not sing (just in case the CLAY team asks him to hit a high note from Malibongwe). “I started out reciting poetry on a Sunday at church and now it’s my heart and life.”

Lesego Senwamadi the lady with the ohso-gorgeous smile from Zone1 Soweto is yet another WWW member who stud-

‘The silence was deafening, and then we heard: “Hao, hobani laba? Baya cula?”’ got to business..

Meet the members of We Will Worship?

Njabulo Kunene was born in Soweto and grew up in Orange Farm. He studied Politics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and he currently serves as WWW’s Worship Administrator. The 25 year old self proclaimed fossil of the group describes himself as “easy, chilled and passion personified. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to

ies at UJ. She is majoring in Accounting, bless her soul. Lesego describes herself as a people’s person and she states that she is funny in her own right. “I love music; I love how you can express yourself through it.” She adds that when it comes to music and singing, it’s as though she is longing to hear something that doesn’t exist.

Langa Mbonambi is the leader of We Will Worship. Before he speaks about his character, achievements or memorable moments, he makes a statement that makes the light in the room appear to shine brighter than before: “I am Unathi’s

“We walk on water! Every day...

We are born again and we love Jesus! ”

husband and Kumkanikazi and Hubolodumo’s father, that’s who Langaelihle Mbonambi is.” Langa studied Marketing at UJ and he is now a Pastor at His People Church Kingsway Campus. Langa is big on family; he calls them his tribe as he grins from ear to ear. He and Unathi would like to have a traffichalting seven children! “I drive a scooter, purposefully, consciously” he affirms. So it’s the Scooter, highlighted dreadlocks, easy jeans, funky shirt and urban sneakers, he’s not your typical Pastor is he? We like.

Unfortunately Jenna Leigh DesfontaineVocalist and Maxine Jafta – Poet were not available on the day of the interview. Nono Bogatsu- vocalist joined us later on.

The WWW band consists of the following people: TK Mabelane- Music Director and Pianist Karabo Nchoe- Synch Geoffrey Chitima- Bass Mandla Mbuyazi- Guitar King Motaung- Drums

What were your experiences at the METROs, SAMAs and CROWN Gospel Awards like?

“The star treatment was great! The goody bags are pretty awesome too, but all in all I’ve learnt that the gilts and glam shouldn’t be the end all and be all” Lesego says.

Njabulo agrees adding that being asked to perform at the SAMAs was a great honour, a truly unforgettable moment! Langa

shares the story about the time Zahara walked onto the red carpet just before they did and this was during the peak of her Loliwe fame! So after the journalists, photographers and fans had completely lost themselves we (WWW) walked in. The silence was deafening, and then we heard: “Hao, hobani laba? Baya cula? [Who are these people? They sing?]” We all roared with laughter before he could add that being nominated and even winning an award is a humbling experience, it’s a bonus, but you’ve really got to guard your heart when it comes to fame.

Please tell us about your personal spiritual walk and the impact it has on WWW… Langa: “We walk on water! Every day. I walk the longest. No, seriously, we are born again and we love Jesus. WWW is not an incubator; we are all ministers of the Gospel. We carry the presence of God; we are heralds and therefore we try to be role models in every area of our lives: our finances, boyfriends, girlfriends, and as worshipers.” Z-Lus jumps in adding that: “God gives you a gift for you; it starts with you.

You must be ministered to first, and then the ripple effect can happen.”

Where does your inspiration come from?

Z-Lus: “I just love writing punch lines for Jesus. To me poetry and Rap are more than just playing with words to sound cool, I write from an intimate place; a place of joy, peace and happiness. I love impress-

ing Jesus.” Langa: “I’m inspired by themes and topics that I’ll be reading/studying at that time. I also love drenching myself in the word (Lesego confirms this and calls him Rabbi for dramatic effect)! Sounds and melodies also stir me up, so whenever I hear something, I quickly record it on my phone and later on I am able to come up with a song from there.” Lesego finds her inspiration rooted in a burden or cloaked in a cry of her heart. She uses the City of Johannesburg as an example. “Most of the songs I write are birthed from a personal experience.” “As a group we also spend time in spontaneous worship and the Lord has deposited songs from those intimate moments as well” Langa concludes.

about anything! No topic is too big or too small for TK to argue his point across effectively they shared.

How do you manage your time between your studies, work, family and WWW?

Do any of you plan on perusing solo careers?

Lesego: “We Will Worship is not a hobby, it’s a calling. You need to count the cost; I work my life around it. I’ve learnt that my commitment determines how I show up.”

Njabulo says: “It’s not too intense. Yes I’m constantly busy, but I don’t mind because it’s music, it’s what I love! Last year my studies took a knock so this year I’ve decided to put my honours on hold to focus on music and work.”

Nono: “I’m always busy, but I’ve learnt how to do everything from a place of rest. Doing things in the right season and having peace has helped me to juggle everything.”

What type of culture or vibe do you have amongst yourselves?

Z_Lus shares that: “You need to be extremely flexible. I lost friends along the way, because I couldn’t spend as much time with them anymore. I just live by the phrase that if you won’t be stretched, you won’t know the capacity to which you can perform.” Langa is pleased to announce that even though his wife Unathi is an educated woman, they decided that she’ll be a stay at home wife and mommy. So with her flexible schedule, she’s able to travel with them every now and then.

Njabulo gives us a Biblical answer, an answer more and more Christians need to acquaint themselves with before diving into things head first: “I’m praying about it.” Langa adds that he believes they are all anointed and gifted enough to go solo, but knowing your season and the will of God is pivotal.

We have compulsory band hangouts where we don’t talk about music, but instead we just catch up, talk about what’s on our hearts, family, relationships, dreams, school etcetera. Nono adds that they are a strong unit, quite random and they never run out of whack jokes. TK (pianist) is said to be the debater of the group and he will take you on anytime of the day or night

Romantic Relationships

Njabulo strongly believes that there should be a purpose for any relationship. “You need to invest a substantial amount of time into prayer. Relationships work because

God is in them” Nono tells us that just the other day she stood on her balcony and shouted the words: “I’m ready! The thought has crossed my mind. The idea is desirable, but I’ve asked the Lord to work on me, to take His time (hopefully not too long though). For now I’m enjoying having my own space and focusing entirely on Jesus.”

Z_Lus is in a similar head space; it’s not the right time yet. He admits that every now and then “Young flames are felt, we’re human yoh!” Right now Z_Lus’ primary focus is his relationship with Jesus.

Lesego shares two keywords: “timing and wholeness.” She keeps it short and sweet by emphasising the need to seek Jesus.

“I want Jesus to define me; there are too many identity crisis’ lurking, you don’t want to bring that into a relationship.”

Langa and Unathi have a date night every Thursday and a Family day every Monday.

“Marriage shows you how much you need Jesus! You need to realise that in this union sin affects more than just one person. You have to work on your marriage; we attend marriage courses, counselling etcetera.”

The new Album

Our new album is called YHWH. We’ve matured quite a bit since the last album so the content is slightly deeper as is the vernacular. You can expect a similar sound to The MoveMEANT Begins as well as original songs and new voices and producers. The album is currently available on iTunes and cdbaby.com and at CUM books.

You can follow We Will Worship on Twitter @WWWMovement and like their Facebook page WWWMovement.

Life on Life REAL PEOPLE | REAL ISSUES | GOD’S WAY

Back in the Day

Just Hanging Around Date: 05/07/2002

:P ? s u o Why So Seri

Date: 05/07/2012

“...these days are soon to be the ‘back in the day’ we’ll be chatting about...”

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Lerato Masenya

I

t’s a while into the new year and those yesterdays are already bits of history. Each new year dawns with expectations for the new days ahead; but as the year progresses and the sun rises over the mist of the early morning, resolutions get dissolved and we step back into the routine of every other day in every other year. That is not always a problem,

despite my use of ‘but’, I was wondering if this year is proving to be all that you hoped it would be when it started or if perhaps you are one of those who cannot get involved with expectations?

Whichever side of the coin you are on isn’t of dire importance. It’s the realization that these days are soon to be the ‘back in the day’ we’ll be chatting about over coffee with friends and family in a few months’ time that’s exciting! Despite how boring and purpose-

less some feel, pitiful even, they will be stories as the new keeps becoming the old.

It’s been nine months since 2013 began and a several years since the beginning of the 90’s when the coolest generation was born. I’m pretty sure that if we could write autobiographies about what happened between then and today-the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, the next days don’t promise sunshine all day every day either... but life is beautiful is it not?

“

Be the Bigger Person and Forgive

gain back the freedom you had forfeited and Lati Mathoko get rid of the weight you had been carrying. When y friend just forgive you forgive you put a full and forget” stop on the other person talk about having control over your a statement that is easier “Forgiving is said than done! Forgiving is one of the most difficult one of the most things to do, but the truth difficult things is it has to be done or else to do, but the one should expect and truth is it has accept living with a bitter to be done...” heavy heart.

As cliché as it may sound unforgiveness really does life, and robbing you of your happiness. Forgiving hurt you more than the means that you no longer perpetrator. Therefore seek revenge, but you when you forgive, you ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

“M

surrender the one who wronged you unto God, so that He may redeem them. This is irrespective of whether they are remorseful or not!

Surrendering all to Jesus allows us to love genuinely, for it helps us to see those that hurt us through Gods eyes.

God loves mankind in the same way He loves His Son Jesus Christ, consequently if we call ourselves Christians then we ought to love with the same love. If God can forgive us, why can’t we forgive others?

P

the le

P

atience

east cultivated fruit of the Spirit Just the other day I woke up with this intense craving for a toasted cheese sandwich! So I made my way to the kitchen, made my sandwich and placed it in the toaster as I salivated away. A few minutes later I decided I just couldn’t wait any longer, so I prematurely took the sandwich out only to find that most of it has stuck to the roof of the toaster! Patience.

A Christian without patience clearly has no faith! The Holy spirit produces love, joy,peace ,patience,kindness,goodness,f aithfulness,humility and selfcontrol(Galatians 5:22). These are the spiritual fruits which each and every born-again Christian should cultivate

daily.

Patience is usually underrated as most of us expect an answer right after chanting amen. At times we tend to pressurize God and even start doubting Him when things don’t turn out the way we had anticipated. We need to be patient and wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31) and He will give us whatsoever we need, right on time (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Your prayer, breakthrough, answer, deliverance, healing etc. are probably still stuck in the heavenly toaster, but all you need to do is be patient and you’ll realize that the wait was worth it.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Bokweni Machaba

Lifestyle

PHYSCAL & MENTAL HEALTH | WORKOUTS | FOOD

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CLAY | Physical Health

It’s Simply a Lifelong Choice The general consensus in life is we all want to improve ourselves in some way, to be better than before and learn from our mistakes. This article is not meant to give you a set of rules on do’s and don’ts for life but rather, to get you thinking about the life choices you make daily and leave the ball in your court to decide what it is you choose to do differently in this second half of 2013.

1

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Your body needs some fuel after being starved after 8 hours of sleep to function. If you are on some diet rather bank more on breakfast(to avoid weight gain)as you are quite active during the day and it less at night as you are going to sleep. Remember to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3

Toilets are generally unclean and it’s very easy for one to catch diarrhoea or even bladder infections. If you prefer sitting on the seat, Almost everyone wipe it with wet wipes or washes their hands after leaving the toi- just wet your tissue and let. Always keep wet wipe wipes or hand sanitizers before you sit. Try close the toilet seat cover and with you in case there’s no tap water running after flush before and after you you’ve used the loo. Avoid use the toilet, droplets of the dryers in public toilets water actually fly out and that is how some people (their hot air encourage germs to grow), rather use carry those germs with them all over. tissue to dry your hands.

2

CLAY | Physical Health

5

4

Always ask for a straw that is sealed when you buy canned cold drinks or buy bottled cold drinks if there are no straws.

Take the stairs instead of the lift.

7

6

Though sharing is caring try avoid sharing shoes or clothes with friends. Fungi and all unnecessary odour gets passed around that way

Customer Service isn’t always ayoba. A shop assistant once helped me whilst chewing gum in a remarkable way. It was unprofessional and I wanted to leave the store immediately. Though gum has helped us with bad breath and keeping awake in lectures, don’t chew for long periods. It fools the stomach into thinking food is on its way=stomach prepares for the ‘food’ that is on its way, but unfortunately it never comes Here’s to a healthy second half of 2013!

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Phethego Kgatla

CLAY | Mental Health

Mind over Matter

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Mamly Mamabolo

He drives the fastest cars, she wears Bazillion weaves, they shop in Sandton and fly to Cape Town on random Tuesdays, just because they can! Sounds ideal doesn’t it?

Except that I may have forgotten to mention that they’ve both confessed to feelings of emptiness and unfulfilment.

If you go to any University and ask the students (except the Drama and Music students of course) why they’re studying what they’re studying, I bet my last packet of Noodles they’ll say: “Because of the money”! I mean, don’t get me wrong I love my Mandela notes too, but what happened to emotional and mental health? Not to mention your Spiritual wellbeing!

When was the last time you read a book, not your friends diary or your prescribed textbook, I’m talking about a book-book? When was the last time you logged onto Google to research about how you can play a role in combating Rhino-poaching and pollution or improving the Education system in SA? The fast cars, the Bazillion weaves, shopping in Sandton and vacationing in Cape Town are all good and well, but remember to invest in your friends, family, community and Jesus as much as you invest in making that paper! Mind over Matter baby.

CLAY | Physical Fitness

If you gotta start somewhere, why not here?

9 Months later and you still haven’t managed to get rid of that “Christmas Gut”?

Who knows, maybe you’ve even given up. On the first of January Virgin Active opened up its 104 clubs throughout the country and granted free access to any non-member who could be accompanied by member at any of the clubs. On the 2nd many had been convinced from the previous day’s workout that this was their year. Now 9 months later and it seems

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Msimeki Nkantingi

that next year’s resolution is to lose the gut that was meant to be gone this year.

Well if you’re serious about getting into shape I give the following words from Tobymac’s song ‘City on our knees’: “If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?”

With this in mind, the following exercise can be done from the comfort of your home, room, yard or wherever you may live.

CLAY | Physical Fitness

Side Lunge

1

Starting Position: Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart. Your hands are in a comfortable position to help you maintain your balance during the exercise. Keep your head over your shoulder and your chin tipped and slightly upward. Shift your weight onto your heels. Engage your abdominals to stabilized the spine. Pull the shoulder blades down and back. Try to maintain these engagements throughout the exercise.

2

Inhale and slowly step to the right while keeping your weight into your left heel. Both feet are still facing forward. Once your right foot is firmly placed on the floor, begin to shift your weight toward the right foot, bending the right knee and pushing the hips back. Continue to lunge until your shinbone is vertical to the floor and your right knee is aligned with the second toe of your right foot. Your left leg should be as straight as possible and your body weight should be distributed into the right hip. The heels of both feet should stay flat on the floor. Your arms can be positioned where necessary to help maintain your balance.

3

Exhale and push off firmly with your right foot, returning to starting position. Repeat the movement for the opposite side.

CLAY | Physical Fitness

Dirty Dog

1

Starting Position: Come to a hands and knees position on an exercise mat positioning your knees underneath your hips and the crease of your wrists directly underneath your shoulders. Your fingers should be pointing forward.

2

Engage your core and abdominal muscles. Imagine you are tightening a corset around your waistline. Keep your spine in a neutral position; avoid any excessive sagging or arching. Pull the shoulder blades toward your hips.

3

Rotation Movement: Exhale and gently lift one knee off the floor. Keeping the knee bent, slowly lift the knee outwards and upwards toward the side wall. Try to move the leg without causing movement in your trunk.

Hold this position briefly, while keeping a stable trunk and head level with your spine.

4 Slowly lower your knee back to the floor. Pause and repeat.

5 Repeat with the opposite leg

CLAY | Physical Fitness

Supine Reverse Crunches

1

Starting Position: Lie on your back on a mat with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and arms spread out to your sides with your palms facing down. Gently exhale. Engage your abdominal/core muscles to support the spine. Slowly lift your feet off the floor, raising your knees directly above your hips. Bend the knees to 90 degrees. Hold this position and breathe normally.

Use your arms as a base of support.

2

Upward Phase: Exhale, and slowly raise your hips off the mat, rolling your spine up as if trying to bring your knees towards your head. Avoid any change in the angle of your knees during the roll-up. Use your arms and hands to assist with maintaining your balance and continue to curl-up until your spine cannot roll any further. Hold this position briefly.

3

Downward Phase: Gently inhale. With control, lower your spine and hips back to the start position.

CLAY | Physical Fitness

Glute Bridge

1

Starting Position: Lie on your back on an exercise mat or the floor in a bent-knee position with your feet flat on the floor. Place your feet hip-width apart with the toes facing away from you. Gently contract your abdominal muscles to flatten your low back into the floor. Attempt to maintain this gentle muscle contraction throughout the exercise.

2

Upward Phase: Gently exhale. Keep the abdominals engaged and lift your hips up off the floor. Press your heels into the floor for added stability. Avoid pushing your hips too high, which can cause hyperextension (arching) in your low back. Keeping your abdominals strong helps to prevent excessive arching in the low back.

3 4

Lowering Phase: Inhale and slowly lower yourself back to your starting position.

Progression: Gradually progress this exercise by starting with both feet together and extending one leg while in the raised position.

Avoid arching your low back as you press your hips upward, which normally occurs if you attempt to push your hips as high as possible. This can be achieved by contracting your abdominal muscles prior to lifting, and keeping them engaged throughout the lift

Food

Winter’s final curtain call has long come; those dark angry clouds that once filled our skies have us swapping our warm, cosy clothes for pretty dresses, shorts, glasses and hats as we welcome the blue skies and budding flowers. As the flowers begin to bloom, childhood favourites such as ice-lollies and spontaneous ice-cream dates with friends trump tea and rusks and warm comfort food. We say goodbye to soups and hot pastas and say hello to feisty fruit salads and the all South African Braai. Here are a few cool recipes to spoil your friends and family with this Summer. Enjoy!

CLAY | Food Courtesy of AllRecipes

add grilled shrimp, grilled chicken , or grilled flank steak if you need a little protein ...

Method

1. Cook pasta unt

Chewy Chocola te Chip Cookies Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 1/2 cup white sugar 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1 egg 1 egg yolk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Method 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.

4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Drain and rinse

3. Add olive oil an (do not undersalt

4. Add zucchini, t 5. Add more of w feta! Squeeze in a needs more mois

Cover in plastic w when chilled for a

Pas ta Salad and Toma

CLAY | Food Ingredients 12 ozs pasta (weight farfalle bowtie) 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 1 whole lemon (taste) salt black pepper (freshly ground) 2 whole zucchini (cut into small wedges or diced) 10 ozs grape tomato (weight, halved lengthwise) 1/3 cup fresh parsley (minced) 6 ozs feta cheese (weight crumbled)

Spice so Nice

til done.

e in cold water until completely cool.

nd lemon juice, then add salt and pepper to taste t). Toss to combine.

tomatoes, parsley, and feta, and toss to combine. what you think it needs; I like to go heavy on the a little more lemon juice/drizzle more olive oil if it sture.

wrap for at least a couple of hours. Pasta is best a few hours before serving.

d wi th Fe ta, Marrow toes

Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

Cinnamon

This sweet smelling spice is derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomom trees. It can be used as a stick in its ground form.

In the past, this spice was believed to cure the common cold, kidney problems and many other ailments. Today research suggests that it could be beneficial to people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

This flavoursome spice can be used in savoury and sweet dishes, my absolute favourite being my very own ‘makeshift’ Chai Mocha - add a touch of cinnamon to your milk, coffee and hot chocolate mixture and you get a taste that will send your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure. Cinnamon usually accompanies baked apple dishes and can be served on pancakes with sugar, with milk tarts and in the all-time Easter favourite, Hot-cross buns.

What ’s Hot FASHION | MUSIC | BOOKS | EVENTS

CLAY | Music

Amber Hunter – Freedom Steps 4.5/5 With a voice that grabs your heart, lyrics that whisper to your soul and melodies that steal your breath. Amber Hunter’s project indeed makes one feel like he’s taking Freedom Steps. She says that Freedom Steps is a collection of her ‘journal entries, tears and prayers’ and this is very evident in how transparent she is about her struggles and past. After listening to the first song, my biggest worry was that the rest of the album would not meet the standards it had set, I’m glad to say I was wrong, If you’re looking for good music that almost anyone can relate with, this is an album that you should consider getting.

PlanetShakers – Not The Collection 3.8/5

An adventure throug shakers greatest hits massive step in the r the Planetshakers we direction, but this alb cry from many fans w for good, free albums pel bands like Jesus the likes. Planetshak in this compilation o advise Youth ministe bum and to burn it a youth groups and eve and worship.

**Please note that Albums on noisetrade and purevolume are legally provided by th for free to listeners. If you like what you hear, be encouraged to leave a tip for the a

thing Is Impossible_

gh some of the Planets. This free album was a right direction. Not that ere going in the wrong bum is the answer to a who have been asking s from the major gosCulture, Hillsong and kers do not disappoint of some good old hits. I ers to download this aland distribute it to their en use it during praise

he artists artists.

CLAY | Music

Lecrae/DJ Official/Alex Medina – Gravity_The Remix EP 3/5 So DJ Official and Alex Medina decided to release a Remix EP (Extended Play) of a few of the tracks found on Lecrae’s Gravity. Released on the 25th of December this album was a good Christmas present for those of us who don’t do presents. I can’t lie, I was a bit disappointed at some of the songs as they felt more experimental while others were good remixes to the songs from the albums. I am however glad that this album was given out for free because I’m not sure if I would personally have been prepared to buy it. The EP is worth getting on the grounds that it’s free and that the one song you disliked was remixed to your liking.

CLAY | Fashion

Matric Farewell Dresses 2013 Date? Check!

Car? Check!

Weave? Check!

Jaw-dropping dress and professional Photographer? …Pending!

CLAY teamed up with the oh so talented and sought after Polokwane designer Erika Mengouchi to bring you Matric dance dresses that will have tongues wagging long after you’ve left High School. Models Mashaba and Tammy had the honour of posing in Mengouchi Haute Couture, while professional photographer Jade Juliet added magic to magic!

Eat you hearts out…

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY CLAY || Fashion Fashion

CLAY CLAY || Fashion Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Fashion

CLAY | Events

My Grace Story : Women for Jesus

Women for Jesus Ministries hosted their My Grace Story event at Polokwane’s Golden Pillow during the holidays. It was a day filled with wisdom, healing, laughter and an overflow of love.

Lebogang Tisane (Founder/Vision Barer), Miss Naledi Mothapo and Pastor Raboifo shared their life changing Grace Stories and Shirley Malope did a praiseworthy job as the MC. Here are a few pics to show you what went down‌ Follow them on twitter @womenforjesus10 and Like their Facebook page: Women for Jesus

tumview.com/jesus-our-everything

Poetry with Presence

Deep metaphors, simple similes, carefully constructed connotations and I’m-stealing-thatline phrases were the order of the day at JC Reigns third Poetry with Presence event! It was a warm winter afternoon at Moshate Lodge in Polokwane when MC’s Veroschkka and Julian took to the stage with a cleverly rehearsed intro to get us going.

It goes without saying that a poetry event is not a poetry event without the poets; and did the poets bring it! You can be sure that fingers were clicking, heads were nodding and mmms aaahs and yohs were uttered!

As we drank from the wells of wisdom flowing from the poet’s mouths of clay, JC Reigns Msimeki shared the word and an impromptu rap to add to the days delight. We were also treated to the melodic sounds of female gospel group Team The Lord (TTL), a spiritual dance by a very flexible and enduring Kate as well as a musical item with Elliotah on the vocals and Mogau playing the bass guitar.

The free drinks we were promised were not a myth and they threw in a muffin or three to make sure we were at their next event! It was a cosy event and Polokwane proved that it’s overflowing with untapped talent. JC Reigns Ray closed in prayer and then we had to give it a name and call it a day.

Like the JC Reigns page on Facebook and follow them on twitter @ J C_Reigns to find out about the next Poetry with Presence event.

CLAY | Events

Poetr y

CLAY | Poetry

Perfect Imperfect

By: Mahlatse Rawane Sown together articulately The knits, the grits, freckles and pimples Curves in the wrong places Toes seem fit for a Martian Voice rough enough to scratch your back

I say the wrong things My giggle is annoying Smile not pretty as the morning sun I have two left feet And the craftsmanship of a four-year-old I cannot run to save my life Nor cook to save yours I walk like a duck My nose is all over the place And my clothing belongs in the 1800’s My imagination can’t get past tomorrow I don’t have a favorite color You’d hate my taste in music I have the personality of seventeen people And I never fit well in a couple I’m moody, I’m depressing, I’m hilarious, and maybe a little loco You can’t stand me when I’m around, but miss my ‘insight’ when I’m not You don’t like me, sometimes even I don’t But it’s fine I’ve been sown together articulately The knits, the grits, freckles and pimples I am not made, do not for a second mistake it I am created, with a plan, a vision, and love Meticulously sculpted with a blue print, a foresight Marvelously crafted, that my soul believes Imperfect in your eyes. Perfect in a likeness

tumview.com/jesus-our-everything

CLAY | Poetry

By: KayMariGB I don’t remember the last time I wrote so I could let go of my feelings And let God’s will be written As I’m so preoccupied with love While I’m loved to the point of dynamic equilibrium and point of intersection.

I’m so preoccupied with the latest trend While I’m styled by the love of Christ And clothed by the blood.

I’m so preoccupied with intelligence While I’m blessed with the knowledge to lead and wisdom to follow.

I’m so preoccupied with who’s who While with Christ I’m really me.

I’m so preoccupied with when and how While he awaits me at the alter to bride me.

I’m so preoccupied with life While the kingdom of God promises no worries.

We’re all preoccupied, but when will you know, that I know, that God knows that you know that the time set by man is just seconds wasted and God’s time is eternal?

We’re all preoccupied, but when will we allow Him to unveil our souls and hold our hearts when His love is truly unconditional?

So when life keeps you preoccupied and your tears find way down your cheeks, ask yourself, is the right thing preoccupying me?

CLAY | Poetry

Pain

By: Eliottah Makgato

When you feel no power to retain No energy to at least act brave When there’s an unexplainable loss of good emotions And a rapid disappearance of friends Pain It knows no colour, it knows no religion When you encounter a pain so deep That you wish you could dig deep under your skin and pull it out When the pain leaves you wishing you could rewrite history Pain When your heart is aching When you’re torn apart When everything tells you not to believe Pain When you can’t speak because you don’t know what to pray When the pain just won’t subside!

It’s a waste of time pretending that you’re as hard as stone When all you have to do is display your emotions to God, raw as they are Pain As you hurt he will minister first aid So see past the wound After all, it’s only in darkness that light is revealed When you feel unwanted, unworthy and weary Remember that grace was made for a life like that Pain

Acknowledgements | Pictures edited by Momentz | Poetry with Presence Photography by Mandla Mona and Momentz | Mengouchi Photos by: Jade Juliet | Layout by Ofhani Makhari