-
Dear unborn baby: you are SO loved, I promise!
Guys, I can speak on this from every level possible… as a teenager, who just did a pee stick test in her best friends bathroom; as a newly wed, who planned to only have kids after a few years of “settling down”; as a well seasoned mother of many, who thought that her womb’s work here on earth is done. I know what it feels like to be pregnant and wonder how on earth you got to this place.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, our baby number 3 is totally loved and wanted and this is something that our hearts needed. BUT there have been many times, during this pregnancy, where I found myself going: WHAT ON EARTH WAS I THINKING?!
Now, come on friends, I know that a few of you can relate. Maybe your pregnancy was totally planned, but like me, you find yourself bathing in sheer exhaustion, wishing you could have a break. Or maybe it was a surprise pregnancy and you don’t know how you’re going to manage a newborn on top of all the current drama and challenges in your life. Or perhaps you’re currently trying to perfect the magic balancing act of home/career/marriage/don’t-mess-up-your-kids-lives.
Whatever your story: I hear you, girl.
I’m not here to justify those feelings… but I am here to say that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. I consider this Land of Overwhelm to be a place I sometimes visit, but NOT a place that I will settle down in. I mean, I refuse to make it the mantra of my life. But I’m totally not putting pressure on myself to be a robot and masquerade all these feelings of “aaack” simply because I need to paint a pretty picture for the rest of the world.I take a breath and acknowledge that I’m in a very crazy season right now. And that’s okay. This pregnancy is different, when compared to the first two. And that’s okay. My body is in a permanent state of giving-me-the-stink-eye, so everything is a bit harder right now. And that’s okay.
I mean, real talk, resting my body has become an island holiday. There is no Journey Journal, no carefully thought out plans and, hey, I haven’t even purchased a single little outfit and I’m due like, next month. But I’m in total peace and I feel totally prepared to welcome this gorgeous bundle of Williams into my arms.
Yep, I’m overwhelmed sometimes… but is this child a beautiful blessing anyways? Yes! A thousand times yes! My baby is loved and adored and so wanted! It’s just different this time around, that’s all.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that, if this is you, if you’re overwhelmed sometimes because motherhood is just that rough, there is NOTHING wrong with you. I see you. I understand the complete overwhelm. And I know that it doesn’t mean that your children are unloved and unwanted. You aren’t living in a glass cage of emotion and regret. You’re just going through a crazy season, that’s all.
Rest in the promise that this is just that: a season. I read that there is a season for every single thing under the sun. And once this one passes, you’ll be able to reflect back on the beautiful memories and marvel at how hard you thought it would be. In retrospect, it will be a raindrop in the ocean of your life.
And then you’ll give yourself a pat on the back, because you’ll realise that you, my friend, are a lot more bad-ass than you know.
Images: Pics taken at the Penelope&Bella photo shoot many moons ago, when I was pregnant with Jonah.
-
Finding hope in the poop
I was 7 years old when I attempted to wow my 6 year old cousin with my magical powers. The magic act involved making a 2 cent coin disappear. One minute the coin was in my hand… the next it was gone! I was a legend.
What my cousin didn’t know was that I had hidden the coin in my mouth (yes, ew), under my tongue. I mean, those are minor details when you’re trying to establish yourself as the coolest cousin in the family.
The real magic happened a few seconds later though when I realized that the coin actually DID disappear. I had accidentally swallowed it.
Now, given the fact that it was one of those large 2 cent coins (90’s kids – hollar!), my parents completely freaked out and immediately rushed me to hospital. I could see the fear in their eyes as the doctor investigated the full body x-ray, trying to determine where the coin was lodged.
My magic act had become more death-defying than legendary.
For days thereafter, I pooped into a baby potty and then watched as my mom sifted through the poop, with a stick, to see if the elusive 2 cent coin had found an exit. My poop had become the most interesting thing in our home – the 2 cent coin a hidden treasure. If it did not make an appearance I would need to go for a serious operation to have it removed.
After a stressful few days, the coin finally found its way out of my body. My parents were so relieved, they didn’t even mind the sifting through the poop!
There was hope in my poop that day. (Never thought I’d ever use that sentence on my blog).
Anyways, while reminiscing on this story, I was struck with a sudden revelation. Now, mind you, I am very pregnant and my thought pattern is a bit bonkers right now. But bare with me.
Life can offer you bundle of poop sometimes.You know, the type of bundle that your puppy leaves in the middle of the dining room, only to be discovered by your bare foot, accidentally, in the middle of the night. I mean, we’ve all been dealt with bundles of poop, on occasion.
My family and I have been dealt with large-ish bundles of poop over a span of a couple of years. I mean, from freak accidents to large financial losses, trips to the hospital, to losing our home due to an irate landlord.
It’s been a lot to manage… a lot of bundles of poop to avoid stepping into and even more bundles of poop that we completely and totally stepped into, toes and all.
But, in the midst of it all, my friends, the one thing that carried us through (and continues to carry us) is the fact that we know that there is a BIGGER plan.
Maybe the poop is helping us to be more mindful… more wary about where we are stepping… more intentional about wearing shoes, before going into the dining room. The challenging situations make us stronger, more unified as a family and definitely wiser when making those (sometimes rash) decisions.
And wives, a complete and utter poopy situation can help to GROW your marriage, if you let it! Suddenly you guys are a two-man army, impenetrable and unstoppable, because you are on the same mission. Once the war is over, and the battle is won, it kinda feels good to look at your battle scars and know that you made it out together. The battle did more good, than damage.
So just like how my parents had to sift through poop, to find hope that their little girl is going to be okay, I want to encourage you guys to find hope in your seemingly hopeless situation.
A poopy situation doesn’t make sense right now… it’s annoying, it itches, and it’s preventing you from living your best life. Or so it seems. But God can use even the most devastating of situations for your good if you ask Him to. He can use the ugly and stinky to create a masterpiece.
The great thing is that there is always hope in the poop and sometimes we just have to wait it out a little bit longer, in order to see it.
Disclaimer: I said the word “poop” a lot in this post, and you know what, I don’t even mind. Poop. There I said it again. Surprise!
-
I’m not that cute anymore
I can’t remember the last time I felt attractive. I blame this on the state of my hair, the aging of my skin, the flabbiness of my body and the fact that I’ve been pregnant three times in four years.
I blame it on the umbilical hernia that makes me look as if an alien is trying to escape my body through my belly button. I blame it on hormones, on the stress of life, on the fact that I’m always busy but I don’t always want to be busy so then I stop doing things and then I hate myself for not doing things.
I blame it on the fact that I don’t have the time for skin care and hair care and tweezing my eyebrows until they match (your eyebrows should be cousins, not twin sisters, btw).
I blame it on my husband. Surely he should make me feel better somehow? (Just “somehow” okay? I don’t have specifics). I blame it on the world – on media, Insta-fashion and reality tv shows that advertise a life where everyone looks put together all the time.
I blame it on myself. Mostly on myself. I mean, even if you told me that I look nice today, the little voice in the back of my head would tell me that you’re just saying so to be polite. I feel ugly like, majority of the time. There, I said it.
The cool factor that I had going for me (when I was still, you know, cool) is gone. I’m old and boring now. The novelty of me – as the “cute wife” – has worn off. And I wonder if my Hubstopher regrets not choosing a younger version, when he decided to settle down.
I mean, I feel like I pretty much have the same form and functionality as the toaster or the TV’s remote control. Nothing to see here, move along. Unless you want a sandwich. I’m here for that.
Now, hear me out Oprah Winfrey. I get it… The fact that I’ve carried four whole children in my womb should flippen mean something. I’ve sacrificed my youth, my time and my body for something that yields a far greater reward than being able to fit into a size 26 jeans again. I should give myself a lot more credit than this. Seriously, Patricia, self pity is not a good look.And anyways, my appearance doesn’t determine my worth… my value…my beauty. That’s kinda superficial and a really shallow way to think. Surely. Right?
But if we’re going to be honest, friends, we’re all this girl sometime or other. We have seasons where we try to love on ourselves and fail to do so because you just can’t find anything to love. We’re kinda hard on ourselves and on our beautiful, masterpiece-of-a-creation, bodies, creating boxes that MUST be ticked, before we deem it okay to be, well, exactly who we were created to be.
Does it make sense? Nope. Does it ever end? Well, I don’t know. Is it okay? Well, kinda no. It’s never okay to not love on yourself and the body that God has given you.
I’m learning that being me – the REAL me – is the most beautiful thing that I could ever be… in all my stretch-marked, big-thighed, baggy-under-eyed glory. And I guess the real battle is getting to a place where I’m okay with being that girl, even on days when my jeans don’t fit.
-
‘The Little Generosity Shop’ is trading in your toys for chocolates!
Your kid’s have way to many toys. There, I said it. Whaaaat, mine do too. In fact, if you consider the vast number of children, in underprivileged areas, who probably don’t even own a decent pair of shoes on most days, I would say that our kids have a lot more going for them than a banging toy box.
The other day I
madeencouraged my kids to purge their toy box, in a bid to get them to, well, mainly have less crap in my house.But also, I want them to get into the habit of letting go of things that they don’t need, with the intention of teaching them about kindness and generosity. You don’t need to have a lot of moola to sow/invest into another person’s life. Heck, sometimes all you have is love and kindness.
But my point is that the lesson I wanted to teach didn’t involve having lots of stuff. Rather, it involves taking what is in their hands and passing it on to someone that could benefit from it. Often, it’s the smallest things that have the biggest impact.
This is one of the reasons why I love the Cadbury Dairy Milk’s The LIttle Generosity Shop initiative. Man, what a great idea! The Little Generosity Shop aims to bring a little joy to millions of orphaned children across South Africa) by passing on preloved toys, from your children, to them.
I mean, guys, these kids are not exposed to the frivolties that our kids are growing up with. Stuff like books, games and toys are a luxury to them! Healthy play is an important developmental tool for growing kids and I so appreciate that Cadbury Dairy Milk has seen the plight and have now taken it on themselves to collect as many toys as possible.And, I mean, if that is not reason enough to get involved, get this: when you donate your clean, unbroken, preloved toy to the shop, you receive Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate! How’s that for a score?!
“Through ‘The Little Generosity Shop’, South Africans will have a platform to share the spirit of generosity,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. “And so, we are urging all South Africans to get together and get behind this wonderful initiative. Together we can all be more generous. Not just by giving a toy to a child in need, but every day, with each other.”
Nelson Mandela Bay, you can visit ‘The Little Generosity Shop’ this coming weekend (15 & 16 June) at Baywest Mall. The shop will be open during mall trading hours.
If you’re in other parts of the country, check out ‘The Little Generosity Shop’ at a shopping center near you:
- Johannesburg: Sandton City, Checkers Court (29 May – 17 June)
- Durban: Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Centre Court (25 June – 8 July)
- Cape Town: Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Centre Court (19 July – 5 August)
The mobile ‘Little Generosity Shop’ will also be visiting:
- Bloemfontein: Loch Logan (7, 8 & 9 June)
- Pretoria: Irene Village Mall (28, 29 & 30 June)
- Nelspruit: Riverside Mall (12, 13 & 14 July)
To find out how to share your generosity, visit www.cadburyglassandahalf.co.za and follow along on @CadburyDairyMilkSA on Facebook or @Cadbury_SA on Twitter and Instagram.
-
Telling our kids we are pregnant
When you have as many as we do, you kinda brace yourself when breaking pregnancy news to the kids. Telling our kids we are pregnant was a pretty big deal in our home.
I mean, the older ones help out with the younger ones (thanks Kyle), so a new baby means more smallies to run after. It helps that Kyle is almost 18 and that Seth (who lives with his bio mom anyways) is 13. But you guys, Jo (2) and Kari (4) are a handful on their own. Kari thinks that Jo is a handful too (I know this because she says it). Jo… well, he’s just outchere being cute and cherub-like. But he’s two years old. So I wasn’t sure if #demkids would appreciate the addition of yet another little Williams. And I don’t blame them.
Another child means that time, money and other frivolities will have to be rationed between five whole children now and not just four. Again, I can’t stress enough how helpful it is (such a weird thing to be thankful for) that the older boys have whole other families in their lives. I mean, it eases the load, if you know what I mean. But we still need to consider things like one on one time (dating your kids is a real thing), the paying of school fees, making sure they are clothed and fed and other important stuff like that. Oh and the WiFi. Someone needs to pay for the WiFi.
The thought of one more can be extremely overwhelming. I totally have moments where I’m like “aaack, I’m having another baby, am I CRAZY?!” Of corse, those moments are few and far between the more predominant moments of “Oh my goodness, I’m having another baby, heart melt!”
I get it. It’s alot with to deal with mentally… well, for me atleast, and I’m their MOTHER. So let’s just say we were a bit wary when breaking the news to the kids.
We waited a very long time before we told them. Well, we waited a long time before we told anyone. Mainly because of health reasons (wanted to be sure that we’re in the safe zone first) but also because we wanted to keep the information to ourselves (you can read the reasons why over here).
When we finally told #demkids we were kinda stunned at their responses.For starters, Kari (who had been the “mommy please have another baby” champion in our home since December) was completely overwhelmed at the news. In fact, she had no words. Our girl. The outspoken one. She was silent. It took her a while to absorb the information, but once it hit home, she was a ball of energy planning out her journey, as a big sister, in detail.
Jonah… well, he was being his cute and cherub-like self. Also, he’s two. We didn’t really expect him to understand.
The older boys were a lot more optimistic than we had expected you guys! I mean, the immediate debate was that the child must either be named Kyle Seth Williams or Seth Kyle Williams. But I gladly encouraged it, because it meant that they were not running around, pulling their hair out at the news.
Both boys were kinda nonchalant about it though. They say that they have enough siblings to know what goes down when another is added to O Town (see what I did there) and they feel that they are ready for it.
All in all a good response, I think. I know. I’m still in shock. I mean, they handled it better than some of the adults we know. So that’s something right there.
Anyways, with that said, we’re still super excited (me, still super overwhelmed sometimes) and really looking forward to doing life with our crazy, big family! Big families are the best! And we be havin’ it! Somebody give me a high five, immediately.
(Watch a very short kids response video below.. recording stopped mid-way through the big reveal, don’t know how that happened. )
-
Great Mother’s Day gifts because she’s worth it! {Giveaway!}
So, I’m not sure if you guys know, but I love Mother’s Day! I mean, it took me a long time to get to this place (teen mom syndrome) but when I eventually realised what a blessing it is to be a mom to my kids, I could finally enjoy the Mother’s Day celebrations. Also, gifts are my love language, so it’s a win-win situation (I win, and then I win again.)
Because the day is so special to me, when it comes to purchasing Mother’s Day gifts, I’m usually pretty pedantic with the type of love offerings I present to the moms in my life. I mean, I want it to be sentimental and meaningful and not just a “I had to do it because everyone in the country is doing it today, so here.”
This is why I love taking a stroll through Cum Books ‘round about this time of the year. They usually have a lovely selection of gift ideas for that special mom in your life. I mean, I would buy them all, if I could! Looking for a special gift for your mom that shows how much you value her? Check out this list of great Mother’s Day gift ideas:
Life Lists for Women/MothersYou guys, I instantly fell inlove with the Lift Lists for Women and Life Lists for Mothers ranges! These beautifully designed books and cards are designed to encourage your special person to live an abundant, faith-filled life. Think: scrap booking made easy!
The Life Lists for Women paperback and Life Lists for Mothers hardcover comprises of 101 practical lists to help women become the beautiful, strong, purpose filled individuals that God has called them to be. It has awesome journaling prompts, inspirational quotes and scriptures and pages for your mom to jot down her life goals and lists.
In the Life Lists for Women book, expect to find topics related to staying positive, finding peace, building confidence and becoming a prayer warrior. I especially love the topics covered in the Life Lists for Mothers book. These include praying for your children, simplifying your life, speaking kind words and prioritizing.
If reading a whole book is not your gal’s thing, you could gift her with the Life Lists for Women or Life Lists for Mothers boxed card set. Both comprises of 44 beautifully designed double-sided cards, containing short lists and scripture that help you to stay God focused and goal-driven. The box set aimed at moms, focuses on the specific needs of mothers. This is such a great gift and is perfect for that busy mom who may not have the time to sit down and read (so that’s like, all of us.)
Pick up the Life Lists for Women Paperback for R180 and the Life Lists for Women Boxed Cards for R89. The Life Lists for Mothers Hardcover retails for R180 and the Life Lists for Mothers Boxed Cards for R89.
My Prayer Journal
I fell inlove with the gorgeous My Prayer Journal diary. You guys, this is a 120-day journal for women of all ages (so not just moms, but wow, what a wonderful Mother’s Day gift it would make!) that prompts you to have a more intentional prayer life. I love that it teaches you the ACTS method of praying which is: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
The journal has enough space to record your daily scripture verse, prayers lists and even specific requests. You can also jot down your list of prayers of thanksgiving to God.
The My Prayer Journal retails for R89.
Prayers to Strengthen Your FaithIf you’re all about that boxed card life, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a whole range of really stunning boxed card sets available! The Prayers to Strengthen Your Faith set comprises of 50 double-sided cards, that features scripture based prayers that will definitely help your mom to start her day off right. I especially love that there is space provided at the back of each card, so that she can write down her own prayers.
Pick up the Prayers to Strengthen Your Faith Boxed Cards for only R90.
Promises to Bless Your Soul
This 50 double-sided card set features Biblical promises to bless and encourage that special woman in your life. There is also space provided behind each card, which she could use to jot down daily reminders from God or even use to pen a personal message to share with loved ones and friends. Love this!
The Promises to Bless Your Soul Boxed Cards retails for R90.
199 Favorite Bible Verses for Women/Mothers These paperbacks are filled with best-loved scripture verses, on beautifully designed pages. This is the perfect set up for the mother who is keen to memorise scripture, or simply wants to get into the word of God. It also serves as a daily reading, and is a great way to start or end the day.
The 199 Favorite Bible Verses for Women and 199 Favorite Bible Verses for Mothers paperback books retails for R49 each
A Womans Battle for Grace
Popular speaker and ministry leader, Cheryl Brodersen’s fantastic new offering, A Womans Battle for Grace, tackles the topic of self-condemnation. In this fascinating read, Brodersen talks about the daily battle we face, as women and mother’s, and helps us to pinpoint the real enemy behind it all. I loved this excerpt, describing the book: “God wants His daughters to live moment by moment in His victory, but first we have to see whats at stake when we go our own way. The truth about grace is simpler and deeper than you may realize.”
A Womans Battle for Grace retails for R230.
The Better Mom DevotionalThe Better Mom Devotional is filled with 100 devotions power packed with scripture, prayers and reflection questions to help every mom discover just how God uses parenting and motherhood to deepen your relationship with Him. How amazing?! I love that it tackles hot topics, such as mom guilt and trying to be the perfect parent (hello, this is so for me!) and it helps you to view motherhood as a challenging and rewarding adventure. Some of the lessons you’ll learn as you delve into each beautifully designed page includes:
- How God uses motherhood to change you from the inside out
- Intentional ways to deepen your faith in any season of parenting
- The true calling of motherhood: training, disciplining and loving your children well
- The life-giving impact of honest, loving friendships.
The Better Mom Devotional and all the other items in this post are available at any Cum Books retail store or from their online store.
GIVEAWAY!Want to spoil your mom this Mother’s Day? Or are you a mom, desperately in need of some lovin’? Well, I’ve partnered with Cum Books to give 2 of you an amazing Mother’s Day hamper, compliments of Cum Books. You can enter either on Instagram or Facebook (or both, to increase your chances of winning!) Both entry prompts will require you to:
- Follow me and Cum Books on the various channels. You can find the handles on these specially marked posts on Instagram and Facebook.
- On those specially marked posts, also tag a mom that you feel deserves a win! (You can tag as many moms as you’d like)
Each platform and comment will count as an individual entry. Giveaway ends on 11 May. Giveaway not open to readers outside of RSA.
-
Book review: The Masterpiece – Francine Rivers (GIVEAWAY!)
I'm a Francine Rivers fiend! I love her writing style and her story telling ability, but more than that, I love that her stories are Bible based. You're able to relate with the lesson in the plot, while totally being swept away by the picture she paints with words as you get to know the characters as if they are your own best friends. Meg from By Megan Kelly and I have collaborated with Cum Books to give the gift of Francine to 2 of you! Follow our Francine Rivers' book reviews, over the next month, and stand a chance to score a super cool Francine Rivers hamper!
Francine Rivers knows just how to speak straight to my heart. And this is not me being dramatic. (Okay, maybe a teeny tiny little bit dramatic.) When I got into her latest novel, titled The Masterpiece, I was immediately struck with all the single mommy feelings, as I read about Grace Moore’s struggle to provide for her baby boy Samuel.
The plot revolves around Grace and her new employer, Roman Velasco, a famous artist. Both Grace and Roman are wrestling with ghosts of the past, trying to figure their lives out on the down low, while building up walls that would prevent anyone from getting too close.
Roman is a successful LA artist, who seemingly has it all – the money, the fame, the girls. He employs Grace as his personal assistant and she soon discovers that her new boss is secretly battling with demons of his past, and it affects every area of his lonely life.
As I mentioned, Grace is a single mom, left in the lurch by a cheating ex-husband who made her give up everything to support his selfish needs. Once her baby boy is born – she realizes that she is unable to give him up for adoption, as she had planned – and vows to do everything possible to build a life for the two of them. And this includes making sure that no man would ever steal her dreams again.
Both Roman and Grace try to do life on their own (yep – that was me), not wanting help or even comfort from anyone else. And then, one day an unexpected event changes everything!
The story is definitely one of romance and unspoken passion, but it also incorporates strong messages of faith, hope, redemption and the plan and purposes of God.
You can pick up your copy of The Masterpiece at any Cum Books store or check out their online store for more!
GIVEAWAY!Megan from By Megan Kelly and I have partnered with Cum Books to give away 2 book hampers comprising of 3 Francine Rivers books, including The Masterpiece. All you have to do is:
- Make sure you’re following @luchae and @bymegankelly on Instagram
- Find the corresponding post on Instagram and let us know which of these 3 books are your favorite or which one you’re most looking forward to reading.
- Gain a bonus entry by letting me know what your Instagram handle is in the comments section below
Giveaway ends on 3 May. Follow our weekly Francine Rivers reviews to gain that bonus entry on each post! Check out Megan’s post to score another bonus entry. Giveaway not open to readers outside of RSA.
-
Book review: Bridge to Haven – Francine Rivers (GIVEAWAY!)
I'm a Francine Rivers fiend! I love her writing style and her story telling ability, but more than that, I love that her stories are Bible based. You're able to relate with the lesson in the plot, while totally being swept away by the picture she paints with words as you get to know the characters as if they are your own best friends. Meg from By Megan Kelly and I have collaborated with Cum Books to give the gift of Francine to 2 of you! Follow our Francine Rivers' book reviews, over the next month, and stand a chance to score a super cool Francine Rivers hamper!
The thing that I love the most about Francine River’s writing style is that she is able to draw you into a story, hit you with enough emotion to weaken those walls that you put up on the daily and then, when you’re completely invested in the narrative, you’re served a huge dose of reality check as you find yourself relating with some of what the character is going through.
Such was the case when I found myself deeply engrossed in one of her heart wrenching novels, Bridge to Haven.
Set in the 1950’s, the story is centered around young Lena Scott – a Hollywood sweetheart and one of the biggest stars to hit the silver screen. But Lena’s story starts a lot differently than most know. Lena, whose real name is Abra, was found abandoned underneath a bridge when she was a few minutes old.
This spirit of orphan – a deep rooted sense of abandonment – trickles into every area of her life, ultimately affecting every single decision she makes. Sound familiar? Well, it did to me. I could relate with Lena on so many levels. My story is different to hers but I know all about that spirit of abandonment and rejection and how it can control (and ruin) your life.
Anyways, Lena believes that she was never wanted, even though she was adopted by a kind Christian family and is pretty much loved and doted on by all the people in her family’s circle. She ends up believing the lies in her head and rejects her closest friends and adoptive parents.
Hopping into bed with one wrong guy after the other, Lena finds herself looking for love in all the wrong places. I could relate on some level – not that I ended up in many beds – but I remember jumping from one terrible relationship to another… looking for love and acceptance, I guess, and not finding it where I expected it to be. But, like Lena, I discovered unconditional love from the most unlikely source.
This story is filled with lessons about grace, temptation, wisdom and that unconditional love that breaks chains and has the ability to change lives at the blink of an eye.
You can pick up your copy of Bridge to Haven at any Cum Books store or check out their online store for more!
GIVEAWAY!Megan from By Megan Kelly and I have partnered with Cum Books to give away 2 book hampers comprising of 3 Francine Rivers books, including Bridge to Haven. All you have to do is
- Make sure you’re following @luchae and @bymegankelly on Instagram
- Find the corresponding post on Instagram and let us know which of these 3 books are your favourite or which one you’re most looking forward to reading.
- Gain a bonus entry by letting me know what your Instagram handle is in the comments section below
Giveaway ends on 3 May. Follow our weekly Francine Rivers reviews to gain that bonus entry on each post! Check out Megan’s post to score another bonus entry. Giveaway not open to readers outside of RSA.
-
Book review: Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers (GIVEAWAY!)
I'm a Francine Rivers fiend! I love her writing style and her story telling ability, but more than that, I love that her stories are Bible based. You're able to relate with the lesson in the plot, while totally being swept away by the picture she paints with words as you get to know the characters as if they are your own best friends. Meg from By Megan Kelly and I have collaborated with Cum Books to give the gift of Francine to 2 of you! Follow our Francine Rivers' book reviews, over the next month, and stand a chance to score a super cool Francine Rivers hamper!
The first time I picked up Redeeming Love, I honestly didn’t expect the story to unravel me the way it did. I mean, the cover was pretty enough, and the synopsis speaks about a prodigal son/runaway bride type of vibe, but I honestly didn’t think that the story would draw me closer to God or move me in any way.
And boy was I wrong.
Set in the 1850’s, amidst the Calfornia Gold Rush, unwilling prostitute, Angel, survives abuse, rape and human trafficking. She was sold into prostitution as a little girl and basically grows up knowing no other way. In her eyes, men are evil, she is unworthy of love and God probably doesn’t exist, or if He does, then He is a sick and hate-filled God.
In the meantime, farmer Michael Hosea, a man after God’s own heart, receives word from God to go and find his wife in the city. The wife turns out to be Angel, and Hosea is floored that God would expect him to marry a seemingly cold-hearted (but very beautiful) prostitute. BUT this Hosea is such an obedient man, you guys, and He knows that God would not give him instruction if there wasn’t a reason for it, so he begins to pursue Angel. After a lot of back and forth, Angel and Hosea end up married (much to her dismay) and living on Hosea’s farm out in the bundu’s.
Hosea is a patient man and is obedient to God’s call and is willing to wait it out, as Angel journey’s through feelings of depression, unworthiness, fear, anger and shame. She doesn’t understand why this man would want to marry her and she is so annoyed that he speaks about this God all the time.
Guys, no matter how good Hosea is to her, Angel keeps running away from him. Like, physically, leaving him to go back to the life of abuse and prostitution, because she feels that this is the type of life she deserves. She is stubborn, foolish and spiteful (uhm, I can relate) and even when she eventually falls in love with him and grows to love their life together, she still feels that she is not good enough for him.
God instructs Hosea to let her go, because at the end of the day God is the only one who is able to heal her brokenness, and she needs to come to that realization all on her own.The story hit home for me because I too felt that worthlessness at one point in my life. The “why would anyone love me?” syndrome. It causes you to make the worst decisions (because surely nothing good can come from me) and it chips away at your ability to give and receive love.
I also completely admired Michael Hosea’s obedience to God. It made me feel like, wow, God is speaking to us, like that, every day… are we even listening?! Am I listening? Am I willing to be that obedient? When Angel kept running away from him, back to prostitution, Hosea put his pride aside and went after his wife, because God said so! Would you put your pride aside, if God told you to?
The way River’s unpacks the story, going into detail about the Gold Rush, the farm and the way life was lived back then, it totally helps you to step into the pages of the book – it’s as if you’re there! I couldn’t help but sob as I read about Angel’s experiences as a little girl and every physical attack thereafter. You want to climb into the book to console ‘little girl Angel’ when she loses loved ones and you want to shake the shoulders of ‘grown up Angel’ with each stubborn retort.
This book is probably one of the best reads of my life! (And that’s not me being dramatic) I’ve reread it a few times now and each time I find a new lesson to apply to my life. If you’re looking for one of those types of books that you just can’t put down – this is probably the one for you! There’s romance, there’s drama, there’s intrigue and there is a beautiful story about the unwavering, unfaltering love of God that overlooks even the dirtiest of sins you’ve committed and promises to love you just the same.
You can pick up your copy of Redeeming Love at any Cum Books store or check out their online store for more!
GIVEAWAY!Megan from By Megan Kelly and I have partnered with Cum Books to give away 2 book hampers comprising of 3 Francine Rivers books, including Redeeming Love. All you have to do is
- Make sure you’re following @luchae and @bymegankelly on Instagram
- Find the corresponding post on Instagram and let us know which of these 3 books are your favourite or which one you’re most looking forward to reading.
- Gain a bonus entry by letting me know what your Instagram handle is in the comments section below
Giveaway ends on 3 May. Follow our weekly Francine Rivers reviews to gain that bonus entry on each post! Check out Megan’s post to score another bonus entry. Giveaway not open to readers outside of RSA.
-
Office politics is not always a bad thing, right?
Office politics. Come on, we’re all familiar with it. It’s there… like a ninja… stealthily hiding away, ready to strike, as soon as Susan is away for an extra 10 minutes during her lunch break.
You can literally cut it with a knife during staff meetings (especially when Mike tries to be Head Boy again, brown nosing the manager every chance he gets) and you can even catch a whiff of it when someone does something that goes against the grain of the office. (Yes, I’m looking at you and your boiled eggs, Frank.)
Office Politics. You can’t escape it.
And, I mean, you could be employed at the best company in the whole entire world and you’ll probably STILL be inflicted by some sort of office drama. Why? Well, because we human beings are a fickle folk. And when you chuck a hodge podge of personalities into one mixing bowl, chances are everyone won’t always get along. The political nature of the office means that there will always be some sort of conflict to manage and road blocks to work around.
But is office politics ALL bad? Well, I think it’s not.
I mean, sure, we’ve all had our fair share of backstabbing, manipulation, favoritism and (dare I say it… yes I do!) even sexism or racism, in an office environment. People can be pretty crude when there is an opportunity for advancement or a better income. But if you’re really out to WIN (and not in the financial way, Tina) you would use office tension to better your communication and conflict handling skills.
In fact, an article in Forbes magazine, basically pushes you to engage in office politics. The article says: “If you are not currently engaging in office politics, it’s time to get started and here’s why: Being politically savvy is a crucial ingredient in your career success. Forging good relationships up and down the org chart is a sure way to get yourself promoted, and a key to becoming a respected leader.”
It speaks about staying true to who YOU are, while maintaining transparency, as you deal with the various personalities in your office. You can totally use conflict to help build trust and create clearer lines of communication in that temperamental environment.
You can deal with office politics by:1. Not being a jerk, man. I mean, it’s lekker to be recognized by your boss but it’s even better to make sure you display integrity and honor, even when Pete next door does not. You don’t always have to have the upper hand to … you know… have the upper hand. (Hey, that’s good, I should tweet that!)
2. Getting off the grapevine! Yep, gossiping will probably not be a good idea if you’re looking to build healthy relationship AND create a self-image of maturity and stability. No one trusts the office gossip. Build your reputation as someone who can be trusted and someone who turns a negative into a positive. I want to be around that person, don’t you?
3. Doing your job. It’s as simple as that. You’re employed to do a job, so do it. Hey, do a little bit extra if you have the time. Who cares what Penny is up to. Penny is not your responsibility. You were not employed to keep tabs on her. Stop being an Aunty Mildred, step away from your dining room curtain, and focus on your own work!
4. Speaking up! Okay, honestly Bob, if you don’t like the fact that Sindi is subjecting the whole office to her extensive Cher collection, simply tell her… politely! But walking around like a grump, muttering all sorts of negative things to whoever has an ear, probably won’t get Sindi to turn her music down.
5. Guarding your heart and staying free of offense. I get it, doing the “right thing” sometimes feels like an injustice (because Linda needs to know what a terrible person she is!) but consciously deciding how you will respond to office politics, and how you will allow it to affect your heart, could go a long way towards choosing joy and peace, over turmoil. And anyways, taking the burden of office politics home with you is not part of your job description.
Have you ever had to deal with politics in the office? How do you handle it? Share your advice with us below.
