Saturday, 24 May 2014

The Power of Parenting: A Mother's Perspective

So I've been a mother for just over a year now and I am loving it!  As a teacher, I found great pleasure in seeing my young students mature and become young adults setting off into the world. But nothing compares to watching Babygirl grow. 

Each day I am astounded by how quickly she is growing and learning.  She is a walking sponge which absorbs her surroundings completely!  She copies sounds, words and marvels at each new experience that comes her way.  She doesn't ever want to sleep but who would when you are on such a marvellous adventure of discovery?!

Her addition to our family has brought a powerful presence into our home and I have been particularly surprised by the impact it has had on me as an individual.

When preparing to become a parent, you are constantly reminded of the hard work that is coming.  Friends advise you to get as much sleep as you can and enjoy your freedom - before it all changes.  And this advice is much needed as your life is changed forever when you become a parent.  However, I did not expect the arrival of Babygirl to bring about such contentment and peace into my life as well as a completely new way of doing life.

When I talk about a new way of life, I am not talking about the life of changing nappies, sleepless nights and forever being search of a good babysitter.  No - I am talking about the impact of seeing the world through a child's eyes.

"Babygirl" Lessons

Babygirl has taught me to marvel at the world around me.  We become so accustomed to our surroundings that it is eye opening to watch someone else marvel at what we consider to be the norm.  She has caused me to re-evaluate my world view and see the simple delights that we ignore during our day to day activities.

Another skill that Babygirl has mastered is the art of spending quality time.  It is not uncommon for Babygirl to insist that DH or I sit down with her as she completes a puzzle, watches a TV show or eats a snack.  She enjoys the simple knowledge that her loved one is nearby and spending time with her.  It reminds me that quality time is one of the most refreshing and nurturing ways we can spend our time.  Whether it is curling up on the sofa with a loved one, or going out for good food and a chat with friends - nothing quite compares to spending that time with the special people in your life.

The final Babygirl lesson to share is to enjoy life!  Watching a child run around and enjoy life is refreshing as well as absolutely hilarious at times.  Babygirl has her own unique sense of humour and it is not uncommon to hear her chuckling away in her cot as she prepares to go to sleep.  In the mornings, we usually woken by the sounds of her singing a remix of ALL the nursery rhymes she knows or chatting away to her teddies.  She appears to have the ability to or has made the decision to enjoy life and make the most of whatever circumstances she is in.  Somewhere along the way we lose that, but Babygirl has inspired to aim to regain it.  Choosing to find the good in each day and circumstance manages to make those tough times, just a little more bearable.

Becoming a parent has had a powerful impact on the way I do life.  I am challenged to stop working and sit down to spend quality time, take in the wonders around me and when necessary have a good laugh!

Until next time,
Cece
xx

PS.  This is the start of a 3 part series on the Power of Parenting.  Subscribe and look out for my next post from a child's perspective!

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

February Delights #3: The Sanctuary

So, delight number 3 is something that is very close to my heart and has been with me for almost 5 years now! 

The Sanctuary is a group that I started in 2009 to bring together women to grow in their faith, receive emotional healing, be empowered to live the life God intended for them and released to impact their communities.


This group has developed into an organisation that hosts brunches, seminars, bible studies and retreats for women.  This year we have really launched out to include new activities and events in our calendar.  This month, we are hosting an online Bible Study called "What are you afraid of?"  which will look at what the Bible says about fear, and how to overcome it to pursue your dreams.  If you would like more details, you can email sanctuaryladies@gmail.com or book your FREE tickets.

We have also have a YouTube channel which has some inspirational teaching videos and is a good place to get up to date information about our events.

The Sanctuary holds a special place in my heart for two main reasons:

1.  It is the first thing that I have started with God without a complete plan and really depending on Him to guide the next step.
2.  God has used it to teach me so much about who He has called me to be.

Although, the month of February didn' t have many Sanctuary events, it was a month of planning and I'm excited about what's coming up!

Join the mailing list by emailing sanctuaryladies@gmail.com to keep up to date with new developments.

Until next time,
Cece xxx

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

February Delights #2: Rediscovering my passion


 
My second delight has been slowly rediscovering my passion.  I must confess that I had abandoned this passion for a while! But God has been reminding me that I shouldn't completely abandon what I have learnt in my years in the classroom.  Twice in one day, different people told me the same thing in unsolicited conversations and I knew that God was trying to tell me something.  So I've stepped back into the arena of education and I'm beginning to share my thoughts.

I am been inundated by phone calls and emails from teachers who have either read my recent blog posts about leaving teaching, or heard on the grapevine about my recent career move, and want to make a similar change.  So many teachers are leaving the profession, and they are frustrated about what is currently happening to the system and to our young people.

I'm not quite sure where this latest venture will end up but I've dipped my toe in by posting a video on YouTube.  Please have a look and let me know your thoughts!  I am really interested in what you have to say!




Subscribe to my channel if you would like to see what else I have to say about education.

See you tomorrow for my next February delight!

Monday, 3 March 2014

February Delights #1: Discovering God's plan



Welcome back to another set of monthly delights!  February has been short, sweet and very wet in the UK.

My first delight this month has been discovering God's plan.  This month, God has been placing amazing new opportunities into my life and I have been overwhelmed by the new path that is unfolding in front of me.

Proverbs 16:9 says "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps".  This month I have been seeing this scripture play out in my life.  As someone who believes in setting goals for my life, I have set some goals for this year.  These goals remain valid but I am seeing that God is directing how the goals will be achieved and modifying any plans that don't match His vision for the year.

I have to confess that I am really excited.  Watch this space!  Some of the new things that are coming up, I'll be sharing with you on this blog.

Just want to take the time to remind you that God really is in control in your life (if you allow Him).  If you read back over the last few years on this blog, you will see that life has not been easy at all, and at times it has been downright devastating.  Now I'm truly seeing the value of all that I have been through.

Be encouraged!  God has a plan for you and your life.  It may not be easy but the end picture will be beautiful!

"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." 
(Jeremiah 29:11)

Friday, 7 February 2014

January Delights #5: Chai Tea Latte

I'll be keeping this post short and sweet in honour of the delight I am talking about today.  In January, I discovered Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks.  What a delightful drink!  Sweet, spicy, warm and refreshing!  I am totally hooked! 

Of course, I had to investigate to see if I could find a supermarket version that I could make at home and was so happy to discover "Drink Me Spiced Chai Latte" in Sainsbury's.  Rest assured it was quickly purchased and I have been indulging in some serious Chai Tea Latte therapy each evening after a hard day's work!

So that is my final January delight.  I hope you have enjoyed this series.

Let me know if this is something you would like me to continue to doing.  Are you up for February delights?

Leave a comment to let me know and I'll be posting about my new job next so look out for that!

Until next time,
Cece
xxx

Thursday, 6 February 2014

January Delights #4: Be Box

My interest in makeup developed throughout 2013 and thanks to YouTube, I've become more confident with wearing makeup and trying new things.  I've even plucked up the guts to post a makeup video on YouTube!  You can check it out here

It was inevitable that I would end up subscribing to some beauty boxes.  For those of you who don't know beauty boxes are monthly boxes that contain samples (sometimes full size products) for you try.  Lots of YouTubers seem to try them out with mixed reviews so I decided to have a go.

I subscribed to GlossyBox in November and shortly after signing up, I discovered Be Box which was a new beauty box specifically for women of colour.  I have enjoyed receiving the boxes but decided that January would be my last month, quite simply because I couldn't afford to keep paying for them! 

BUT I have to say that the January Be Box was the best by far!  It arrived on 31 January so it just made it in time to be a January delight, but I suspect that some of the products may become February delights too! 

Apologies for the poor quality photo!
The products in the box are:
  •  Sally Hansen Toe Tip File
  • The Realness Mango Moisture Mash
  • Covergirl Trio Eyeshadow Palette (Dance Party)
  • Covergirl Lipstick (Really Red)
  • Wet 'n' Wild 3 of a Kind (Number 02)
  • Black Radiance Velvet & Glow (Urban Chic)
The last two can be used on lips, cheeks and eyes so I'm intrigued to see how they will work.

Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing a review of the products either on this blog or my YouTube channel.  Comment below to let me know!

Just one more January delight to share tomorrow.  I hope you've subscribed!

Until next time,
Cece
xxx

Wednesday, 5 February 2014

January Delights #3: Divergent

One of the major delights of this month for me has been having time to read.  I have been carrying around my trusty iPad and using the Kindle app to indulge in some literary entertainment.

This past month, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading "Divergent" by Veronica Roth.  It is the first in a trilogy and if you enjoyed reading the Hunger Games trilogy, you will love this book.  I read it within days and have moved on to the second in the trilogy.  It holds the reader in suspense at just the right times, and there are a few unexpected revelations along the way to keep you guessing.

Loved it!

What have you enjoyed reading in the last month?  Share any recommendations in the comments below.

Any guesses on what delight #4 will be?

Until next time,
Cece
xxx


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