Babygirl Update

Babygirl has been with us for almost a year and a half and it is safe to say that she is fully settled.  She has left behind her "baby" approach to life and has fully embraced life as a toddler.  Her constant mode of transport seems to be running and she tends to look at you blankly when you try to introduce the concept of walking.

A full on "chatterbox" - Babygirl talks from the moment she wakes up to the moment she falls asleep.  In the mornings we are woken by her conversations with her teddy bears and at night we hear her "reading" a bedtime story to them before she drifts off.

A healthy appetite with an interest in everything you are doing - she is full on.  She has developed a lovely sense of humour and enjoys joking around whenever possible.

It genuinely feels like Babygirl has always been here and occasionally I find myself thinking, "Oh yeah, you're adopted!"  It's not something that I think about on a daily basis - we just get on with life.  In fact at a recent medical appointment, when asked about family history, I automatically started to think about my family and found myself saying to the doctor, "Whoops!  She's adopted - wrong family history."

I'm enjoying life at the moment - work fits in nicely around the new way of life and I am so grateful to God that He has truly made everything beautiful in His time.

Until next time, 

Cece

xx

The Power of Parenting: A Word to the Fathers

"Abba Father", "Daddy God", "Father's love" - terms that are full of love and assurance and yet can bring much confusion.

Confusion?  Why?  We are told "God is our Father" but what does that mean to a child who has never had one?  Or someone who has experienced abuse or a judgmental father?


I remember when Babygirl arrived in our home and someone said to me, "Cece, you will be the first "Jesus" she sees".  It was a powerful statement and reminded me that part of my role as a parent is to be an example of Christ in my child's life.

As we meditate on the idea of God as our Father, it is inevitable that we look back to our earthly Father to understand what that means.

A father who witholds their love, abuses their position or abandons their child directly impacts how the child grows in their relationship with God.  Dads, you are the first "Father" your child sees!

You are so crucial in your child's life. 

Through your actions:
Sons are taught how to be men

Daughters are taught how a man should love and treat her

Children are given an image of what "Daddy God" means 

On this Fathers' Day, I appreciate the men who have stepped up to the challenge of being a dad.  I appreciate the men who have stepped in for those that have failed to take their rightful place.  I pray for the men who have stepped out of their role that they will understand the importance of their role and take up their correct position.

Just a note for those who have struggled with the Father's love:

1.  God is in the business of restoring and replacing

"He is a father to the fatherless; he gives justice to the widows, for he is holy. He gives families to the lonely, and releases prisoners from jail, singing with joy!"

Psalm 68:5, 6a

2.  God is your father

"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."

Galatians 4:6, 7 

Happy Fathers' Day!  Take the time to appreciate all the men who have played a role in your life, and ask God to help you understand his Father's love for you more and more each day.

Until next time, 

Cece

xxx

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!

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

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!

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)

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