Thoughtful Thursday: The Importance of a Teachable Spirit

How teachable are you?

When I started to prepare for this post, I wanted to look at what the Bible says about being teachable and came across this scripture:

"If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—
    how shortsighted to refuse correction!" 

(Proverbs 12:1) MSG

This was the nicest version of the scripture I could find.  Have a look at a few other versions:

 "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid." (NIV)

"Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating." (AMP)

I love the book of Proverbs!  It is full of such wisdom but can be brutally honest at times! It makes it very clear that being teachable is a wise thing to do but what does it mean to be teachable? 

According to dictionary.com, teachable means that you are "capable of being instructed, as a person or capable of being taught".  

As we walk through our Christian lives, it is essential that we are willing to learn from God and others.  Throughout the bible, we see several people being teachable and reaping the rewards.  We see Jesus' disciples being transformed into passionate teachers of the gospel by listening to His teachings and applying them.  They engaged fully in the learning experience - asking questions and taking the corrections when they came.

If we want to see growth in our lives, we must be willing to be teachable.  Being teachable isn't easy!  It can mean that at times you have admit that you are wrong and eat humble pie.  It also means that you have to be willing to face what can occasionally be the harsh truth!  A big challenge in today's society is that we are supposed to act like we know everything all of the time.  It seems that admitting that you don't know something is often seen as a sign of weakness rather than honesty!

But is there another side to being teachable?!

We so often hear the harsh side of being teachable - learning the hard lessons and being willing to make difficult changes.  It is very common for teachability to focus on us accepting our shortcomings or weaknesses - this is absolutely true and essential as God refines us into the image He created us to be!  

But I am learning that it is just as important to learn to be teachable about the good things too!  How do you react when someone tells you that you are gifted in a certain area?  Do you squirm with embarrassment and dismiss it?  Do you make some passing comment that downplays the importance of what they have said?  It is so easy to brush away praise from others because we think we're being humble BUT are we missing out on a lesson we should be learning?!

Over the past year, I have been realising that God has been trying to teach me about the gifts that He has placed within me, and I've been brushing away comments and insights that people have been sharing with me.  I've failed to be teachable in this area.  I know some of you have never thought of it in this way but think about it.

Being teachable is having a willingness to learn all the lessons - the good, the bad and the ugly!

So, until next time, remember to be teachable.  Listen to good advice.  Be willing to eat humble pie when necessary.  And don't assume that all the lessons are going to be bad!  

Cece
xxx

Life with the Big E

OK, so I have been trying to write this post for months but have struggled to find the words.  It's going to be a long one so you may want to make a cup of tea, and I warn you that this post is going to be extremely honest and may be graphic at times, but I will try to keep it as modest as possible.

Being Diagnosed
I want to share with you my experience with an illness that has affected my life since I was 18 - well actually I was diagnosed at 18 but the symptoms started when I was 16.  During these years, I was in the process of completing my A levels and found that I was becoming increasingly tired at the end of the day.  This was accompanied by periods that were becoming increasingly more painful, heavier and lasting for longer.  My sister suggested that I go to my GP and ask them to check for endometriosis.  She had been diagnosed a few years earlier.  So I booked an appointment and shared my symptoms with the GP - I asked if it could be endometriosis as my sister had it.  The GP said that he would refer me to the hospital for further tests but pointed out that endometriosis is not hereditary so it may not be endometriosis at all!  (For those of you who know about this illness, you may already be spotting some of the misinformation I was given over the years but I want to tell the whole story as it happened!).  I was prescribed some tablets to reduce the heaviness of the periods and tackle the pain as by this stage, normal painkillers were having no effect!

A few months later, I attended a hospital appointment and was informed that the only way that I could be diagnosed with endometriosis would be through keyhole surgery so I was booked in to have the operation a few weeks into my first term at university.

Let me pause here to explain what endometriosis is.

"Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb, grows in other areas of the body, most commonly in the pelvic region. This tissue responds to hormones in the same way as the lining of the womb but with no outlet it can cause inflammation, scarring and adhesions, leading to severe pain and many other symptoms."  

(Taken from the Endometriosis UK website)

This is a very basic explanation but I will explain how it affects my life in more detail later.  In October of my first year at uni, the doctors operated and confirmed that I had endometriosis.  They used lasers to burn away the patches they could see and then prescribed a six month course of Zoladex.

Zoladex Treatment

Zoladex is a monthly injection that deposits a pellet in the fleshy part of your tummy.  The pellet slowly releases chemicals that puts your body into a pseudo menopause.  Yes - at 18, I experienced six months of hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and excessive tiredness.  It was brutal but so long ago that I don't really remember it clearly.  I do remember that excessive tiredness and insomnia are not a good mix at all!  During this time, I asked the GP if endometriosis could affect my fertility but I was told that I was only 18 and shouldn't worry about such things! The course ended - I became a normal teenager with normal hormones and my periods became more manageable.  I was healed!  But I was warned that the endometriosis would grow back.

Not Again!

Fast forward about 12 years and I had just married my wonderful husband.  My periods had started to become a little more painful now and I was starting to experience bleeding between periods.  I went to see my GP who said that it was likely that the endometriosis had returned.  I had read that getting pregnant could help the symptoms, as during pregnancy your body is not producing the hormones that encourage the growth of the endometriosis patches.  DH and I wanted to have children and decided it was time to start trying.  We tried for one year with no luck and as advised sought medical help.  You know the story from here as it led to the creation of this blog, but I do want to take a moment to explain exactly how endometriosis has affected my life aside from the devastating blow of infertility!

The Pain

This is probably the most obvious of the symptoms.  The period pains are severe and crippling but what many people don't realise is that with time, the pain is not only during the period but becomes continuous.  I have recently completed a second set of Zoladex injections but prior to the treatment I was experiencing severe period pains for 3 weeks out of my 4 week cycle.  The level of pain is difficult to describe but it radiates down my legs and through to my back.  I can feel my uterus cramping and it is so painful that I often feel faint and nauseated.  The worst pain is the stabbing pains which can shoot through my uterus or in the rectum - it is literally like someone is stabbing you with a knife! 

The Blood Loss (*Warning - TMI, graphic alert!)

It was initially difficult to tell if my periods were too heavy as it's not easy to determine what is "normal blood loss" but it was when I started to lose what was my daily amount of blood in three hours that I started to worry.  The blood loss climaxed in "flooding".  I would feel a severe cramp and then have a few seconds to get to the bathroom before a rush of blood.  Whatever protection I had on would not be enough to contain it and I would often have to change my clothes and mop up blood from the floor.  Not great when you're trying to get through a day at work (especially when I have a cramp in the middle of a lesson!).  This rate of blood loss obviously leads to extreme tiredness and anaemia.

The Tiredness

I've already explained that the pain and blood loss can lead to exhaustion but what I was not aware of, until recently, was that endometriosis can lead to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.   Once again, finding the words to explain is difficult but when I've tried to explain to DH, I use this description.  It feels like I haven't slept in days and that I have done a strenous workout the day before so my muscles are aching, but all I've done is get out of bed after a full 8 hour sleep, showered, got ready for work and completed the ten minute drive to work.  By the time, I get to the door, I am so tired that I just want to cry.  On some days, I struggle to get out of bed because my limbs are like dead weights.  The most annoying thing is that this tiredness/exhaustion can hit at any time - even when I'm not on my period!  I only found out about it this year that chronic fatigue is a symptom of endometriosis through research.  My GP kept sending me for blood tests to check for viruses, and even suggested that my tiredness was due to depression!

The Awkwardness

OK, so what do I mean by awkardness?  It is really hard to get people to understand that it's more than a bad period.  Most men just don't get it and many women think you're just making a fuss!  After all, we all have periods, right?  Many sufferers feel very emotional when talking about this illness because it can really get to the point where it takes over your life and you struggle to function normally.  I know of sufferers who have ended up on morphine for the pain and are trying to battle through the exhaustion to hold down their job!  At the end of it all, it just feels ridiculous to say that you can't go to work because you're on your period but this can be a reality for endometriosis sufferers.  Most of us push through and go but some sufferers just simply can't!

So why this post?

I have repeatedly stated that this blog is a place where I will be honest and hopefully help to inform.

Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed and many women suffer for years before it's picked up!  As someone who has suffered from this illness since the age of 18, I have learnt so many new things about this illness in the last year that would have helped me understand what my body is going through.  I've learnt that my tiredness is not laziness, but a sign that my body is fighting the inflammation caused by the internal bleeding!  I feel that it's only right to try and raise awareness of this illness.  There are 2 million sufferers in the UK alone and those are just the ones who have been diagnosed!

I hope you have found this post helpful.  If you have any more questions, please write them in the comments below and I will endeavour to answer each one.  If you want more information, pop over to Endometriosis UK and have a read!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Cece

xxx

Thoughtful Thursday: Know Your Season

Hello! 

It's Thoughtful Thursday and to be honest, I've been a little stuck with what to write about so I decided to share with you a lesson that I have been learning over the last few years and still trying to perfect!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says:

"There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace."

 

Image from simprlc.wordpress.com

Over the last few years, God has been talking to me about knowing what season I am in.  In other words, learning to recognise what I should be doing now, what can be left for the future and how to stick to the plan!

I'm the type of person who wants to do everything NOW!  When I have a new idea or project, I'm very driven which has its benefits, but it does mean that I often fail to recognise when it's time to stop. 

Becoming a mum is forcing me to learn this lesson more rapidly.  In the past, I have run myself into the ground trying to achieve all things at all times, but now that Babygirl is on the scene, I have no choice but to prioritise.  Now I would love to say that I have always got it right - but I haven't!

In life, it is so important to tune into God to hear what He is saying about your current season.  I have so many times tried to achieve things at the wrong time, or failed to recognise the opportune time for certain projects.

So, as you read this post, take time to consider the season you are in.

• What are your main priorities right now?
• Does your life/calendar fall in line with those priorities?
• If not, why not and what do you need to change? If it is, how will you ensure that this is maintained?
• What is God saying about your current season?  Have you bothered to ask ..... and wait for the answer?

Knowing and understanding your season prevents wasting time on pointless activities and ensures that your energy is focussed on the important things.

Think about it!

Until next time,

Cece

xxx

Birthday Weekend

Image from momof6.com

Apologies for the lack of Thoughtful Thursday last week.  I had a terrible bout of tonsillitis and was not feeling well at all!  Luckily, the main symptoms cleared enough for me to enjoy my birthday weekend!

It started with meeting a friend at her workplace and bumping into some old colleagues who were pleased to meet Babygirl.  After the usual pleasantries, my friend and I headed off to Frankie and Benny's for a lovely late lunch/early dinner!  On the way, I had a minor episode with Babygirl which involved Babygirl emptying her whole cup of drink over her clothes, so I ended up in Boots frantically trying to buy a new outfit that was cheap and would fit so I wouldn't have to cancel my dinner date and go back home!  Mission was accomplished and I had a wonderful time.  Later, that evening I went to my local cell group.  For those of you who have never heard of a cell group - it is a group of church members who meet weekly for bible study, prayer and fellowship.  We had a wonderful chat and I got home satisfied that I had made the most of my day! 

On Saturday, I pottered around the house for most of the day whilst DH went out to do some gardening for a friend.  I had arranged for my sister to babysit so that DH and I could go out for a lovely meal and I must say that it was a wonderful evening!  I had the opportunity to dress up, do my hair and put on some lovely makeup! 

Meanwhile Babygirl had quality time with Aunty and eventually went to bed!  I got back from our meal feeling chilled, relaxed and happy to spend some quality time with DH.

Sunday was Fathers' Day which meant that it gave me an opportunity to make a fuss over DH.  Babygirl and I gave him a personalised card from Moonpig.com (they are brilliant) and he enjoyed his favourite breakfast whilst opening his present.  The rest of the day was spent pottering around the house before heading off to church as a family.

DH has settled into fatherhood so well and I have loved watching him fall more and more in love with Babygirl each day.  So, in closing, I'd to send out a big Happy Fathers' Day to DH for being such a great dad.  I wouldn't want to raise a child with anyone else.  

 

I'm also sending out my appreciation to all the men who are fathers or acting as fathers for children across the world.  Keep it up - it's not easy but it's worth it!

See you all later this week for Thoughtful Thursday!

Cece

xxx

My Favourite Things

So, this post is going to be a little random!  It's going to be like a Pinterest board but with lots of words.  I wanted to share with you some of the things that I have really enjoyed using/reading/watching over the last few months - welcome to my favourite things!

I had planned to do this in categories but I'm just going to share them as they come to mind!

Favourite Thing 1:  Erin Condren Planner

If you regularly read blogs, you may have already encountered this fabulous tool!  It is a fantastic plannner which I have fallen in love with.  The new edition for 2013/2014 was realised last week and I have been drooling over the new options!  I've already chosen the design I want but I will be waiting until the end of the year to purchase it.  When I get it, I will do a full review but this planner has caused me to fall back in love with paper diaries! I love it!!!!!!

Favourite Thing 2:  You Tube

 

OK, so it's not exactly a "thing" but I must confess that I have been completely sucked into the YouTube wormhole!  I watch it more than TV now and it has been inspiration for so many recent trends and changes in my life.  I've got great tips and learnt lots of new things whilst being entertained.  I'm currently hooked on Sprinkle of Glitter, Fun for Louis and Fleur De Force.  YouTube rocks!

Favourite Thing 3:  TED Talks

 

In case you haven't guessed, I'm a bit of a thinker and I like to reflect, so discovering TED talks (available on YouTube) has been fantastic.  The talks are inspirational and good food for thought.  I'll be discussing a few of the topics in some of my upcoming posts so watch out for them!  You will be inspired and may even find yourself on a path you didn't expect!

Favourite Thing 4:  Cloth Nappies

Image taken from clothnappy.info

Yes, I have been using cloth nappies on Babygirl and loving them.  Once again, I extend my thanks to YouTube for showing me that cloth nappies have come a long way from what my mum used.  They are cute, practical and save LOTS of money!  A particular thanks to ObbsandLala and CarlaTheBubblelush who taught me everything I know about cloth nappies through their YouTube channels!

Favourite Thing 5: The Element by Ken Robinson

This book was recommended to me by a dear friend (who I hope to be interviewing as one of my inspirational women!).  It is absolutely amazing and has been a key factor in helping me to seriously look at what I want to do with my life.  Ken Robinson is an excellent speaker (watch some of his talks on TED talks) who inspires me everytime he speaks!  I will probably do a full review of this book when I've finished reading it but I think it's a book that everyone should read!!!!!!

So these are a few of my favourite things!  Please let me know in the comments below if you liked this type of post and if you would like me to do a full post on any of the above.  Also, what other categories would you like to see?  Would you be interested in my favourite beauty products?  Music?  Clothes?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe by email by using the link on the right!

Until next time,
Cece
xxx

Thoughtful Thursday: Keeping Up Appearances

Hello,

This Thursday I wanted to share a topic we discussed in the ladies' brunch that I run.  

I grew up watching a nineties sitcom called "Keeping Up Appearances".  The main character is a lady called Hyacinth Bucket (she pronouces her surname as "bouquet") who is intent on being seen as a "woman of class".  Watching it got me thinking about what it must be like to be Hyacinth and also to live with her.  Her insecurities about her background has caused her to become obsessed with appearing to be what she considers to be "upper class".

 Image taken from www.bookcrossing.com

In our lives, living in the society that we live in, it is so easy to be drawn into keeping up appearances. We spend a lot of time consciously or unconsciously comparing ourselves to others. This is tiring and demoralising as we are trying to compare one unique creation to various other unique creations. We struggle with wanting to be like someone that we think has it all together not realising that we should be focussing on becoming who God has called us to be.

Read Romans 12:4-6 (the message version outlines it really well!). 

"Why spend your time longing to be a foot when you are designed and created to be an ear?!  And can you imagine how poorly our body would function if body parts started to behave like this?"

In summary, the only "appearances" that you should be keeping to is the image of the person God created you to be.  It starts with you discovering who God created you to be - make sure it's not just a patchwork job of the various people you have seen around you but that you are working from the original image.

Discovering the correct image is a journey and takes time, but God is teaching me that it starts with allowing Him to gradually refine my character and listen out for His voice when making decisions.

Keep up the appearances by all means - just make sure you're looking at the right image!

Until next time,

Cece

xxx

Update and choosing a nursery

 Happy Monday!  The sun is finally shining!  I love the summer.  I thought I would give you a brief update on Babygirl.

As I write she is sitting next to me in her highchair eating breakfast!  She is growing up so well!  When she arrived, she wasn't on solids and was a crawler.  Now she is on 3 solid meals a day as well as her snacks - she is also a fan of helping Mummy and Daddy with their meals too!  She is also now officially walking!  Our lives will never the same again!  It has been lovely watching her toddle around and she is becoming more independent by the day!  I officially have "proud mummy syndrome" (not sure that actually exists but I've seen several mums go through it!)

 

I am now embarking on the journey of choosing a nursery for Babygirl.  I thought I should start early as I know that many nurseries have waiting lists.  Now come the big questions:

• What type of nursery am I looking for?
• What would suit Babygirl and meet her needs?
• How do I know that this is the right nursery for her?

 I attend a wonderful mother and toddler brunch each week and nurseries and education have been one of the key hot topics.  I am realising that my views on education and what is really important is changing.  I'll have to cover my thoughts properly in a future post but in the meantime, do you have any suggestions?  What are the key questions that I need to ask when choosing a nursery?  And what should I be looking for when I visit them?

Please put your answers/suggestions in the comments below!

Until next time,
Cece
xxx