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But did it kill you? Well then, keep quiet!
Hold on – Let me descend from my proverbial soap box before I fall off and hurt myself!
There. That’s better. Whew! This post was suppose to be about complaining. But as I began typing, I realized that I was complaining about… well… complaining! It was a full circle moment for me. A little voice inside asked me: Luchae, but did it kill you? And no, it did not kill me. I’m still very much alive, thanks. But it got me thinking about how easily we allow our emotions to spill out of our mouths.
We have SO much to say about life, the economy, the government, our next door neighbor, our bosses, and the beat goes on. We’re not living in the easiest of times (although, hey, I’d take today over 600 years ago’s wiping your bum with a banana leaf situation) and yes, there are many reasons why it’s easier to feel more negative than positive. But my question to you is: but did it kill you?
Chances are, it did not kill you. (My reasoning is that you’re still alive right now, so I’m pretty sure that I’m right about this one.) And if it did, in fact, NOT kill you, what’s the point in moaning about it? You’re alive! You still have air in your lungs and purpose running through your veins! That should be motivation enough to be the best you can be.
In my attempt to avoid speaking (and thinking) negatively, I try to stay away from negative conversations. You know, the whole “accept the things you can’t change, change the things you can, and know the difference between the two” and “stay silent if you don’t have anything nice to say” shpiel. It’s actually not bad advice.I’m also so mindful about what I consume on social media. I mean, social media has wonderful perks but, when used incorrectly, it can be such an easy way to spread hatred, lies and negativity. Not a good look.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that life and death is in the power of the tongue – the Bible says so in Prov 18:21. This means that you have the power to create with your own mouth! You can choose whether you want to speak blessing or curses – which may seem a bit “Liewe Heksie”, but by that I am referring to speaking positivity vs speaking negativity… speaking life verses speaking death!
Not sure whether you can pull this whole “speaking life” thing off? Well, here are a few filters you can use, before letting your words misrepresent you.
Ask yourself
Does, what I have to say, build up or tear down?
Are my motives for saying this good or bad?
Is this meant to be confidential?
Is this truthful, partly truthful or do I have no proof at all?
If the person I am talking about was present, would I still say this?Something to think about today! I, certainly, have a lot to repent about and am definitely going to be more aware of what comes out of my mouth. How about you?
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Music Monday: Jesus Culture – This is Jesus Culture {And Giveaway!}
Photo: Jesus Culture Mega band, Jesus Culture, birthed from a youth movement at Bethel Church in Redding California, released their latest album, titled This is Jesus Culture, in April 2015. The album is a compilation of their work to date, featuring some of the most influential and impactful songs within the church – many of which have been made famous by the collective. The tracks which were chosen to feature on the album are led by Jesus Culture worship leaders, Chris Quilala and Kim Walker-Smith and showcase Jesus Culture anthems previously released on albums such as “Come away”, “We cry out” and the 2014 release, “Unstoppable love”, reviewed by Gateway News.A compilation album does not always go down well in our car, but considering the fact that my rock star husband shares the same musical taste (and a first and second name) with the amazing Chris Quilala, I knew that this one would be a hit. Because of the depth of each song, it was literally like being at a worship event, with each song nicely flowing into the other, in my opinion.Quilala leads songs such as “I want to know You” – a power ballad, “Your love never fails” and “One thing remains”. All three tracks have been quite a hit at local churches and a fave amongst young male worship leaders, I might add. For those who are not familiar with it, “Your love never fails” and “One thing remains” are both up-tempo worship tracks that speak about God’s unfailing love and devotion towards us. I particularly love the lyric of “Your love never fails” with Quilala belting out‘Nothing can separate/Even if I ran away/Your love never fails.’Walker-Smith blends nicely with him, to create a full sounding chorus that declares ‘You stay the same through the ages! Your love never changes!’ It’s hard to not feel loved while singing this.Quilala also leads “Alleluia” and “Agnus Dei” – both written as vertical worship songs, that laud God as holy and worthy. “Agnus Dei” referring to the Lamb of God, was originally written and performed by Michael W Smith and has also become quite a global anthem. The track only has a few sentences, which are repeated, but hey, that is often the recipe for the most potent worship songs!Other songs listed on the compilation are Kim Walker-Smith’s“Rooftops” – the catchy singalong track that speaks about surrender, as well as the powerful “Show me Your glory”. Her vocals and ability to go into free worship so effortlessly continue to amaze me.I was pleasantly surprised to also find the popular anthem, “How He loves us” on the album. The song, if you didn’t know, has a really interesting story. It has been chronicled that independent artist, John Mark McMillan, wrote “How He Loves” as a result of the death of his best friend, Stephen Coffey, who was a youth minister for Morning Star Ministries. On November 1, 2002, during a church prayer meeting, Coffey prayed out loud “I’d give my life today if it would shake the youth of the nation.” That very night, he was in a multi-car accident and died of serious injuries. Meanwhile, McMillan was recording in a studio in Jacksonville, FL when he received a call about the accident. The next day, McMillan wrote “How He Loves” as a tribute to Coffey and out of a need “to have some sort of conversation with God” where he could speak to his frustrations and emotions over his best friend’s death. This must be the reason why the song has become a massive hit since its release, with many people coming to the Lord, after hearing it (myself included!) The song speaks about the love of God that surpasses all and outweighs everything… even our mistakes and regret. It is a powerful ballad, made even more so on the Jesus Culture recording, by Walker-Smith’s powerful vocals. Walker-Smith certainly does the other power ballad, “Your name is glorious”, which was taken from the “Unstoppable love” album, justice. That song blows my mind every single time I hear it! It speaks of our glorious God and lifting Him higher.For Jesus Culture fans, this is a sweet edition for your collection, in that the selections of songs chosen make for a really potent worship session, when played back to back. Each track is powerful and though it has probably been played over and over in its heyday, it still has the incredible ability to minister and open hearts up to God.Gateway News will be giving away a copy of the latest Jesus Culture album, “This is Jesus Culture”.To stand a chance to win, LIKE and SHARE their specially marked Facebook post, sharing what your favorite Jesus Culture song is. -
Maternity photography: how to keep it classy
Do preggy photo shoots make you cringe? Well, they don’t have to! In fact, there are really stunning maternity photography ideas online. Okay, okay, I’ll admit, while prepping for my maternity shoot, I found some that literally hurt my eyeballs. But it was a big help because I immediately knew what I wanted (and DIDN’T want) in my photos. Let’s call them the what’s hots and what’s nots of maternity photography, shall we? But hey, see for yourself:Not hot: I knew that I wasn’t particularly fond of having my undies on display. I didn’t want over the top nakedness either. There are ways of showing off your bump, that does not include exposed nipple. I’m convinced. (Not sure what the tyre is doing in Pic 2 there. But yeah, that too.)
Not hot: I knew that I wanted to incorporate something that I really love into my shoot. Which is what guy with gun (Pic 1) is probably trying to demonstrate? With that said, I wanted it to look like I’m not a crazy person (reference to Pic 2). Also, yes, I had to deal with stretchmarks (don’t we all, Kim Kardashian?) but I wasn’t about to make it a permanent feature in my maternity photos. 
Not hot: I never fully understood why the dad has to be naked in maternity photos. Why dads? For the love of all that is good, WHY?! I wasn’t comfortable with having my hubstopher’s skin on display. He’s not pregnant, anyways. I am. So that settled it. 
So with all of this in mind, this is what my maternity photo shoot ended up looking like:
Maternity photography: How to prepare
1. Know what you want and what you don’t want! Get pics to show the photographer.
2. Get your hair did! Get your make up did! You need to feel beautiful and like the babe that you are!
3. Decide on whether you’d want specific props or things to feature – try to make the shoot uniquely you.
4. Take snacks and have a nap before the time!
5. Make sure your photographer has a heater in studio (weather dependent). It was quite chills on the day of our shoot and our photographers heater really helped.
6. Explain to Dad that you carry the cargo, so you are the main feature 🙂 Dads are usually very understanding about these kinda things. He must also decide on the full extent of his nakedness in these pics.
7. Find out by your photographer if she/he has a preggy/newborn package. Some photographers have really sweeet deals which includes your newborn photo shoot.
8. Try to remember that you’re still sexy and drop dead gorgeous. So you don’t have to have a cheesy “yeah, I’m a whale right now but that’s okay I’ll just smile” look on your face. Flirt with the camera. Try.
9. Most photographers understand that mommy can only sit in certain positions for a short period of time, before it becomes uncomfortable. Don’t be too timid to speak up if you’re not happy.
10. Have fun! -
Mom: The Collectors Edition
My hubstopher posted this on Instagram the other day and I found it quite amusing:
He just cannot understand why any person (in their sane minds) would want to collect a whole bunch of empty formula tins.I, on the contrary, see an empty can as potential for:A fairy princess village
Or cute holders for my craft goods
Nifty party pack containers maybe?
Or even caddys for our pens
Check out these cool shoe racks
The possibillities are endless!
In the world of ready made, how wonderful it is to turn trash into treasure 🙂(Special shout out to Pinterest)Collector I am! Hear me roar!!!!🙂xxxL -
Music Monday: Bethel – We will not be shaken
Photo: Bethel Music This week I am sharing my take on the Bethel Music album, We will not be shaken. The 11 track CD includes a DVD showcasing the video recording of the album, taken on top of a mountain north of Redding, California with songs lead by various Bethel Music artists, including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Hunter Thompson, Amanda Cook and Matt Stinton, as well as debut artists Kalley Heiligenthal, Hannah and Paul McClure, Jonathan David Helser and Melissa Helser. The release of the album was preceded by a sneak preview of this film during a free worldwide digital stream in January 2015, as reported byGateway News. With amazing footage boasting beautiful views and scenic shots overlooking Shasta Lake, I think that the spend on this CD/DVD is really worth it!Title track, “We will not be shaken”, was birthed out of spontaneous worship during a Sunday morning service at Bethel Church. The song speaks about not being shaken during stormy times and holds powerful declarations and easy to sing melodies that make it a real congregational song. You will hear Brian Johnson on this one – which is one of the few he leads on this album. I think it’s really awesome that Brian and wife, Jen, are training up other worship leaders by giving them a platform on Bethel Music recordings.An example would be the lovely Kalley Heiligenthal on opening track, “Ever be”. Someone had shared this song with me months ago, so I was completely smitten by the time I found out that Bethel had decided to put it on their album. She so beautifully sings ‘Your praise will ever be on my lips/ever be on my lips’ which pretty much sums up the hearts of those who love the Lord! It has a catchy pop sound and it’s opening words are enough to make one think this the perfect album opener. I can see why it’s a favourite of so many already.Other Bethel Music album newbies are Paul and Hannah Mclure. Paul features on “Jesus we love you” which is an emotive worship song featuring heartfelt lyrics, simple melodies and an intimate feel. This is another song that can easily be introduced to a church congregation. Hannah Mclure leads “You are my one thing” – a laid-back, almost rootsy song, that is an ode to a faithful lover. Hannah’s bluesy vocal sings ‘Just to be close to You/Just to walk next to You/This is my one thing/You are my one thing.’ I love how “chilled” it is (for lack of a better word).I also loved Jonathan Helser’s “No longer slaves”. This guy’s raspy vocal brings something fresh to the album with a song, which was thoughtfully written, speaking about the freedom we have in Christ with a bridge that boldly declares ‘My fears were drowned in perfect love / You rescued me so I could stand and sing / I am child of God!’ Goosebumps!Hunter Thompson’s vocals on “Home” holds such beauty that it gives depth to the simple lyrics: ‘draw to me Jesus/I’ve made my heart a home.’ He sings it as if he wrote it – which he did! Definitely a heart song.Easter song “Seas of Crimson” speaks about the power of the work done on the cross with a bridge that chants ‘Hallelujah, death is beaten / Christ is risen from the grave / Hallelujah, now and forever / All to You the highest praise.’ This track is poetic and a proper hymn, with a stunning melody and chorus.Album closer, “You don’t miss a thing” features the talented Amanda Cook who eases her way into the ballad. She eventually crescendos into a bridge that really moves me! ‘You see it all, You see it all, through the eyes of love!’ Amanda’s vocal always holds such passion and at the same time, such a purity during the quiet moments, which I find so powerful.I found this album to be one of my favourite Bethel worship albums to date and enjoyed that there are hardly any up tempo songs on it! I’m okay with the fact that it is acoustic guitar and piano driven and I think that the onset of violins and a cello is the perfect accompaniment to the sound that they’ve released. I highly recommend!This review was originally written for and published in Gateway News -
Feature Friday: Yours truly
On Feature Friday I feature people, products or just random things that I think are pretty cool. My aim is to leave you a little bit more enlightened and inspired! And hey, I’m open to new things, so please hollar at me, if you have any pretty cool FF suggestions.
Me
In lieu of my week being super crazy and the fact that it’s my blog and I can feature if I want to, I’ve decided to share a little bit about myself in this weeks FF 🙂
I’m the wife of a really talented musician and together we have 3 kids: his, mine and ours!
A little bit more about me…
Well, to start at the beginning: growing up, I was only ever interested in reading story books and writing fairy tales and short stories. In fact, I wanted to be the next Enid Blyton. That soon evolved into song and script writing (and me wanting to be the next Mariah Carey). And then one day, I discovered that Facebook has a “Notes” section… and voila! a blogger was born!Besides for this amazing and oh so witty blog (self proclaimed), I also write for an online Christian newspaper called Gateway News, where I focus predominately on music, reviews and other such things. I really love the paper and it’s vision! I am also a contributor for J-Star BloMag, which is a really funky online blog magazine.
I love making stuff but I’m one of those kindsa people who are very good at thinking up amazing things to craft but the end result never quite looks the way it did in my head. I am a member of my church’s worship team, where I help with directing the choir and I totally love singing and even more so for God. I always joke around and say that spreadsheets are my thing, because I thrive on planning and being organised, with color coded lists and charts. I’m quite a nut job.
About 2 years ago, I married the love of my life, who also happens to be the opposite of organised and is pretty much always in “anything goes!” mode. Lets just say, if we lived in Microsoft Land and I was Excel, then he would be Paint.
We each have a son – his is 9 years old and mine will be 14 in November (whaaat?) Together, we have an adorable little girl who will be 1 in October.
So technically, I am a mom of 3! Yep, my mind gets blown by that fact every single day.1. So… who are you?
I am a compulsive/obsessive organiser who also happens to be creative and really lazy at times. Its a bit of both worlds really.
2. You’re a feature today, because I think you’re pretty cool 🙂 Why do you think you’re cool?
So I just called myself “pretty cool” 🙂 I think I’m a pretty decent person. I’m a little bit TOOOO compassionate at times… like, when I cry for TV ads or when I feel bad while eating a boiled egg because I know that I’m actually eating a foetus.3. What is your favorite thing at the moment?
Essence nail polish (Clicks brand). Love love love!4. If you could change one thing today, what would it be?
I would rewind to where my son was 5 years old and just enjoy those moments with him. He grew up so fast!5. Learnt how to make anything recently? What was it?
Hmmm… I learnt how to make this amazing yogurt lemon meringue tart the other day! I am generally a “salty” kinda girl, when it comes to the “cakes or pies” table. But I am a big lemon meringue fan. I mean, I would bathe in the stuff, if I was given the opportunity.6. Share your favorite tip/trick:
Tip of the week: When washing your hair, always make sure that your last few rinses are with cold water. I’ve found that it somehow gives your hair extra shine. True story!7. Imagine we’re your kids 🙂 now imagine you had to share a life lesson with us. What would it be?
It’s okay to be exactly who God has made you to be! You don’t have to be anyone else, look like anyone else or do what everyone else is doing!
xxxL -
Music Monday: Fred Hammond – I will trust
Photo: Rejoice Magazine I love that music is malleable and that we are able to reinvent styles and genres and introduce sounds that may never have been recorded in a song before. It’s exciting when musicians take risks musically, especially when Spirit led. But the thing that I love the most about Fred Hammond is that a Fred Hammond album sounds like a Fred Hammond album! Uncle Fred never fails to disappoint when it comes to big vocals, big instrumentation and big songs! I’m pleased to say that all of this is evident in his latest album, titled “I will trust”, which he released in November 2014 following a double knee replacement. The operation left him wheelchair-bound and emotionally wounded. He shared: “I have two nine-inch slits going down my legs to remind me that I had to have a traumatic event. I had to learn how to walk again, but I did it and trusted God and that’s kind of what makes this album special. All of the emotional trauma that came with it.” On listening to it, one can easily pick up that the event has served to inspire and motivate the worship leader/songwriter to write fresh songs that speak of hope, perseverance and putting all your trust in the Lord. As always, the songs are Bible based and infused with the choral based Gospel sounds that we’ve come to know and love from him. I experienced moments of deep reflection, some of jubilant celebration and even moments where I wanted to shout out “Yes! Amen!”Track 1 is through and through a Gospel praise track. Titled “Festival of Praise” it is the perfect album opener and sets the tone for the rest of the album. I found myself moving into various stages of worship with each song. The album’s second song, “All the way” has a reggae feel to it and speaks about pressing on. I love the bridge of this song! You can’t help but feel encouraged and determined to run the race well. Another bridge that I loved is that of the song “His perfect love.” It says ‘Something ‘bout the love of Jesus/I was lost, it came and rescued me!’ Wow – the vocals and the lyric make it impossible to listen to that without something stirring in your spirit!Another favorite praise track on this album is “Take me to the water.” With a cool bass line, horns and a ‘funk’ vibe, this song is another one of those “typical Hammond” tracks that hits the nail on the head for those who love traditional Gospel. I also enjoyed “Try Jesus” which is a kind of an evangelical song, encouraging listeners to give Jesus a try with a bridge that says‘if you’ve tried everything/and everything has failed/come on and try my Jesus.’ Yes! Amen! “You keep on blessing me,” again with the funk and with a really catchy melody, resonated in my heart with the season I am in. It is a song of gratitude to a good God, in true Hammond style.“Only the comforter” is a really amazing ballade that speaks about our friend, Holy Spirit. This song has a contemporary rock sound to it and is basically the story telling of Acts 2 – the coming of Holy Spirit. I highly recommend it (among others), if you’re curious to have a listen to what Uncle Fred wants to share with this album. And okay, I’m going to say it: Hammond sounds a bit like John Legend on this track! I admire that Uncle Fred is able to adapt his vocal to compliment the style of the song he is ministering in – whether it be by adding some grit, belting out big notes, bringing it down to a passionate croon or even delivering some old school rap – he has a skill that only the really experienced and talented can attempt.“I owe it all to you” is another song of gratitude and recognizes God as everything and all! Hammond’s almost bluesy, choral flavor on this song drives it home, in my opinion. This track stirred feelings of thankfulness and is one that I would definitely put on repeat! It is really fitting as the closer of the album.I’ve saved the best for last: Title track, “I will trust.” Well, where do I begin! The ballad features Hammond’s daughter, Brieann Hammond, accompanying him in beautiful soprano. The track opens with Uncle Fred emotively singing about a time when he believed that he could do things on his own. ‘Some put their trust in earthly possessions/But in the end it won’t bring them through.’ In a buildup the father and daughter tag team sing the Proverbs 3:5-6 message: “I will trust in the name of the Lord!” Wow!Hammond fans, this one’s for you! Hammond newbies, this is the album to cut your teeth with! This album is a testimony of how God brought Fred Hammond through a difficult time in his life. The songs are bold declarations that refer to the amazing loyalty and love that our Daddy has for all of us. All in all it has been a pleasurable listening experience and has left me feeling rejuvenated, spiritually filled and so thankful for His faithfulness.This review was originally written for and published in Gateway News
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Our mamas&babas social&share 1st meet
This Saturday saw the start of our baby group social club, as 5 mommy’s (including me) got together to talk about mommy stuff and basically just chill it out (as best as you can with a 6 month old hanging on you).
My Curly Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed the standing play station, that belongs to host mom Lyda and her baby, Kayla. My girl spent a solid amount of time, amused and entertained by the sights, feels and sounds on the station and I totally enjoyed not having to carry all of her 9 kilograms of cuteness around. 🙂Hot topics for the day included breast pumps, starting baby on solids and co-sleeping. As you know, we co-sleep and are not yet ready to have her in her own bed yet. But I can feel the time drawing nigh, since she has recently started with solids and I am predicting that she will be sleeping right through the night really soon!Another hot topic was whether we are broody yet and if we would contemplate having another baby soon, since, we have all the gadgets and growing expertise now anyways. I mean, if you think about it, it makes sense to get all of the “growing a family” stuff out of the way, and just have all your babies in a row, since you’re used to the irregular sleeping patterns and spit up on your shirt. Not that I am interested in having another right now… or ever, for that matter. I mean, since hubstopher and I technically have a family of 3 already, I feel like I am done, thank you. He, on the other hand, is so keen for another and has already picked out names! I’ve given him an answer of “maybe… on condition that….” and am really just leaving it up the Lord!But with that said, we both realize that we have enough to handle with, with our dazed teenager, needy primary schooler and giggly baby girl. We’re good for now.
(left to right) Janine and Zach, Us, Karin and Rissa,
Tess and Josh and host, Lyda and baby KaylaLyda ended the meet off beautifully with a prayer and short message taken out of Stormy Omartin’s book “The power of a praying parent”. I love this book and find the prayers and devotionals to be short but powerful, inspiring and real soul food.From the book:“Parenting! The word itself can bring contradictory emotions to the surface. We try to do the best we can raising our children. Then, just when we think we’ve got the parenting terrain all figured out, we suddenly find ourselves in new territory again as each new age and stage presents another set of challenges. Sometimes we sail through smoothly. Sometimes we encounter tempests and tidal waves. Sometimes we get so tired that we just want to give up – let the storm take us where it will. But I have good news. We don’t have to be tossed and turned by these winds of change. Our children’s lives don’t ever have to be left to chance… Nor do we have to be perfect parents. WE can start right now – this very minute, in fact – making a positive difference in our child’s future. It doesn’t matter if the child is three days old and perfect, or thirty years old and going through a third divorce because of an alcohol problem. At every stage of their lives our children need and will greatly benefit from our prayers. The key is not trying to do it all by ourselves all at once, but rather turning to the expert parent of all time – our Father God – for help.”It goes on to explain the power of prayer and submitting to God, whilst dedicating our children’s lives to Him. I really recommend this book!Future plans for the Mama&Baba group is to invite more new moms along and to include stimulating and learning activities for our babes, as they grow. I saw a few interesting ideas online and am quite eager to try them out!Yep, I am definitely enjoying this season!xxxL -
Feature Friday: JustEllaBella
On Feature Friday I feature people, products or just random things that I think are pretty cool. My aim is to leave you a little bit more enlightened and inspired! And hey, I’m open to new things, so please hollar at me, if you have any pretty cool FF suggestions.
Just Ella Bella
My FF this week is the amazingly creative, determined and witty fellow blogger, JustEllaBella. I met Elle a couple of years ago (when we were both really skinny) via an email chat group, and we totally hit it off immediately.
Besides for sharing similar interests (crafting, writing, music, fashion, blogging), we are both also extremely good at saying how we feel… well, on paper, that is… and I later on showed her exactly how much I liked her, by making sure she marries my cousin.Together, they have 2 beautiful baby boys – angel baby Logan (whose life and death has made such a big impact on the people that have been following JustEllaBella) and Aidan, a very opinionated and intelligent 2 year old who loves crafting just as much as his mommy does.
Elle has recently given up her full time job at a local news house to commit to her blog, online shop and other ventures. She describes herself as a ‘loony toon’ but I think that she is just really fun.
Let’s see what she has to say:
1. So… who are you?
I’m a 30 year old (omw really? really?) wife, mother, freelance writer, blogger,crafter and soon to be small business owner
2. You’re a feature today, because I think you’re pretty cool 🙂 Why do you think you’re cool?
hahahahahaha, I don’t think I’m cool, ask my younger siblings I am the anti-cool…if there is one thing I like about myself is that people seem to feel comfortable around me, I like that I’m the one many of my friends and family run to for support, that’s pretty cool.3. What is your favorite thing at the moment?
My onsie, its so warm and cosy and lovely – yes you need to practically strip to use the bathroom but it makes up for it in cuteness.4. If you could change one thing today, what would it be?
I suppose you don’t mean anything too serious like an end to global warming and racism? if not I would go with not having to sit here while cleaning lady cleans, Aidan went on rampage yesterday so the place is a mess and here I sit feeling awkward…but hey I work from home, here is were my wifi is, what can I do.5. Learnt how to make anything recently? What was it?
I learn to make stuff all the time, it’s my high…I learnt to make spreadsheets on Excel last night, I know it seems like a silly thing to be proud of but I love adding to my list of things I can do (some times it’s a major fail like crocheting but hey I tried) I always struggled with spread sheets then yesterday I was like oooooh clickidy click click click, go me!6. Share your favorite tip/trick:
Always have a emergency stash in your bag (if you are a mom or anyone watching a toddler) I know this seems like a no-brainer but I’ve seen it so many times, kids freaking out at doctors and what not when a pack of raisins or a colouring book could have saved us from the dreaded tantrum…yes I still get tantrums but then I get to eat a snack while watching :p7. Imagine we’re your kids 🙂 now imagine you had to share a life lesson with us. What would it be?
Don’t give up, God has a plan, things might seem bleak but honestly, trust me on this one, things get better…
xxxL
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Being offended doesnt make you right
I’ve developed ninja-skills when it comes to holding a grudge. I mean, come on lady friends, we’re pretty good at keeping an offence, right? And the thing is this, it’s easy to be offended or angry at another persons actions. I think that the hard part is showing kindness and tolerance even when you feel the other person does not deserve it. And offence is a big pile of stinky poop anyways. There is nothing good about it. I mean, life is so short and precious and filled with way more important things than to mull around about the actions of OTHER people and how wrong I think they are! Being offended doesn’t make you right, darling. It makes you irrational.
Human beings are extremely good at this! I know of sisters who have not spoken to each other for years, all because of a little offence. “Being offended” has broken up families and relationships – much more wreckage that it is actually worth! I, myself, have been in countless situations where I sat with huge hurts on my heart and instead of sorting it out properly, I walked around with a major chip on my shoulder. Holding on to resentment is a burden… there is no freedom in it.
The funny thing (it’s funny because it’s not really funny) is that offence is TAKEN and not given – so you have the power to choose whether you want to live in this anger/hurt/hatred or not. And, you know what Margaret, ultimately you are not in control of the other persons actions. Your anger or offence will not lessen the value of their opinions or even their lives. Like, you will find no joy in it.
I think that being the self proclaimed queen of efficiency has made me look at an offence with the question: But what’s the point?! It’s not adding to my day. It’s not adding value to my life. It’s slowing me down. It’s throwing a spanner into my system. It’s stunting my growth and affecting how I make my decisions. No thank you please.
Yes, I agree, there are times when someone has wronged you and it is what it is. But YOU have the decision to forgive. Make the decision to move on and to grow. Every opportunity to forgive is a life lesson learnt, yo.
And so, my friends, even though being offended has become the new social norm (yeah, you know what I mean, we are so opinionated now a days!) I dare you to stand out. Choose freedom and forgiveness over the burden of resentment and offence. I mean, unless you enjoy feeling like a big pile of stinky poop. Which is slightly weird. Life without the poop is way better, trust me.
