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

Thoughtful Thursday featuring Nichola Williams (aka NobleWife Nic)

So here it is!  The first in my series on inspirational women.  Our first guest is a lady that attends the same church as me and has inspired me even though we haven't talked often or spent much time together.  This is a classic example of how we can influence others without even saying a word to them!

I am pleased to feature Nichola Williams (aka Noble Wife) on my blog today.  It was great fun having a chat with her and I learnt a lot through our brief conversation!

Nichola describes herself as a wife and mum - an ordinary lady (nothing spectacular) but someone who God wants to use to impact others.

Let the questions begin!

How would you describe the current season of life you are in?
I would say that I am in a transition season.  I'm trying to find my feet as I move from being a stay at home mum to something else!  I have been at home with my children and my youngest has started reception, so for the first time in ten years, no-one is at home during the day!

What are you currently working on?
I am predominantly a housewife caring for my home and family.  This role is often misunderstood and is a lot To more work than people often think.  I am also active in the local community and church - I run an 8 week parenting course in Southwark, a weekly drop-in session for parents under 21 and I head the Sunday school in my local branch.  I am also in the process of publishing my first book!

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?
My family - I have invested a lot into my family, by choosing not to pursue a career and managing on one income.  It hasn't been easy but worthwhile.  I feel proud when I see how balanced my children are.

What has been the greatest challenge you have overcome so far?
Myself - I have had to overcome my self doubt, procrastination, fear and sometimes laziness.  By far, my greatest challenge has been overcoming things that I do.  I have had to overcome incorrect prioritising and learn how to say no at times.  This is an ongoing challenge, but what has helped me to do this is to use the frustration of lack of progress in key areas in my life to motivate me to prioritise correctly.

Do you have a faith?  If so, how has it contributed to the way you approach life?
Yes I have a faith in Jesus.  I seek to follow His ways and teachings and this frames all I do. Jesus gives me daily strength which enables me to get up and keep going.  I approach life aware of the limited resources and my weakness but I know that Jesus can use these.  It's a comforting thought to know that in spite of my weaknesses, I can still be used by God.

What is your biggest dream/goal?
To change the way parenting and the family is viewed.  I would like society to understand the importance of family and God's original intention for family.  The state of our families directly affects the state of our society.

What or who inspires you?
Aside from Jesus, there are a few key people who have inspired me and influenced me:

• Pastor Sheron Ankrah has mentored me and taught me so much.  She has especially taught me how to pray. 
• Lisa Bevere's simple teachings have helped me to understand how women were created to be.
• Priscilla Shirer has inspired me to be a woman.
• My children have inspired me to climb higher and run faster.  I find that talking to children provides great inspiration.  They are ordinary people with extraordinary potential.

What would you describe as the key advice/principle you are currently applying in your life?

Step out.  Sometimes we want to make a whole plan with clear goals but often our knowledge is limited.  Sometime we need to step out regardless of the lack of information.  Proverbs 16:9 says "A man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps".  As step out on those things, God will direct where we go.

My thoughts inspired by Nichola

The interview really got me thinking about what the main priorities in my life are.  Society tells us that we should build a career at all costs to be successful, but I am beginning to realise that we often kill ourselves for our career when ultimately this is the area of life that we are most disposable!  We may not like to hear it but we can be easily replaced in our workplace - they may miss us but they'll get over it!  To our families - we are irreplaceable.  Maybe we need to make our life decisions with that in mind!

I would like to thank Nichola for taking the time to speak to me and share her thoughts.  Please take time to visit and subscribe to her blog by clicking her picture above. 

And don't forget to subscribe to my blog before you go! (see the link on the right on my blog page)

I'll close with an image I came across on someone else's blog:

Until next time,

Cece xxx

Thank you and a taste of what's to come!

Hello everyone!
This blog has been life changing for me in so many ways.  Firstly, it has been a great place for me to write down my thoughts and bear my soul through what has been one of the greatest challenges in my life so far.  Secondly, it has helped me to rediscover my love for writing.  All of the people who have been regularly reading my blog have been so supportive and I've been overwhelmed by how many of you have actually been interested in what I have to say!  I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for your prayers, comments, kind words and support.  May God bless each of you richly for what you have done!

I been away from work for nearly 4 months now and it has been an amazing time, not only as I have started to get my teeth into the role of motherhood, but also as God has begun to show me more about who I am and what He has place within me.  Gosh, this is starting to sound really mushy!  Anyway,  I started a new blog at the start of the year with the aim of writing about a wider variety of things and to be honest, this was completely unrealistic!  I have no idea as to how I planned to manage two blogs whilst running around after a toddler - so I will not be continuing with the other blog.  However, I will be continuing to write on this blog, but I will be writing about a wider range of topics.  I know that many you started reading this blog to follow my journey through infertility and adoption, but I hope that you will enjoy what I have to say about other subjects too.  So the blog will be changing a bit as I'll be experimenting with writing about different things.  Don't worry!  There will still be regular updates on Babygirl and my motherhood journey - I couldn't imagine not continuing to blog about such a key area in my life!

So over the next few months look out:

• More frequent posts
• A wider variety of topics
• Subscriber giveaways
• Product reviews
• and much more .....

I would also like you to become more involved with my blog.  You can do this by:

• Writing comments on my posts (I'm really interested in what you have to say!)
• Share my blog with others (the website is www.myjourney-ch.blogspot.co.uk)
• Subscribe or follow me by email (see the link on the right hand side on my blog)

I'm hoping to have lots of fun with my blog over the next few months and I hope you'll be willing to join me!  Oh, I have also set up a little store where you can see some of the books that have impacted my life and some books that I recommend.  Go to the main blog page to find the "store" link on the right hand side.


Until next time - stay blessed and keep trying new things!
Cece
xx