when you feel overwhelmed. 5 things I did differently today that made it a good day.

Leave a comment July 31, 2015 - Monica -

Overwhelmed? Busy? Tired? Exhausted? Had enough? Want time out?

Familiar words? Probably few of my frequently used words. Guilty as charged!

Today I had a pretty relaxed day. Woke up spent some time with my little one, had lunch with friends, laughed and forgot the world for a while, came home and spent some time with husband and our little one, sat down together around the dining table for dinner, danced to a song on the radio (and I mean really danced! Like nobody was watching, except my little one taught it was all so funny so she danced with me), bedtime for the little one and sat down in my workspace, listening to music, reading and colouring in. That was a brilliant day! Yes!

But these days don’t come around often! In fact with hubby’s work we often don’t have him back for dinner most days. But that’s another story for another day! Eek!

Apart from having some help today why was it a good day?

Because I allowed myself to be in the present. I allowed myself to be in the moment. Granted it was my non working day, but I still believe there are pointers for me to take seriously.

Sitting here thinking what are some of the things I have done today that I should take into tomorrow?

Here are my 5 things that got me happy today!

# started off with some quality time with myself

I used my morning to pray, and spend some time singing praises. I thank the Lord for all the good things He has blessed us with. Trust me , we have been through months of hardship with health, an ongoing situation here. But in many situations I have seen His healing hands move and His grace abound in many ways to get me through the crappy days. Regardless of the struggles you are going through, hope never fails. Hope never disappoints… {Romans 5:5}. Not always easy to get these moments in the morning but I do plan to persevere on my non working days to practice this.

# spent quality time with family

This is so important. As humans we value human connection. We need to be loved as much as we need to show love. So spend time telling each other how much you appreciate one another. Do something special for your loved ones. Because love takes ‘doing’ too. Today we bought flowers and hid it around the house for daddy to find. Little one was happy she was able to surprise daddy and daddy was ecstatic with this beautiful gesture. Little things we do for one another go a long way.

# do something fun

Today I danced to ‘Islands in the stream’ by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and I danced it with my little one. I grabbed her hands and we danced like no one was watching! That was my special moment with her. Be silly! Be a child again!

# spent some quiet moments with myself

I find this such an important exercise to keep me feeling whole. Today I did some drawing and some colouring in. Sometimes it’s a magazine or a good book with a cup of milo. It’s important. And if you can, you should try this too. Often I am interrupted by the little one, for a quick kiss and a cuddle but that’s ok. But back to ‘my moment’ I go. That’s my way of winding down for the day.

# I consciously look for ‘treasured moments’

We can’t always wait for the IT moment to celebrate. The IT moment is right there in front of you! Today is called the present for a reason. I often forget, and wait for something special to fill my day. But today I looked out for it. And it was there. Even if it’s the few minutes you speak to a friend, even if it was the few minutes you watched your loved one laugh their lungs out. These are special times. They are happening now, and I am embracing them as they pass by me. Capturing every moment with my eyes and my heart, because you and I know just how quickly these times pass. Just like that, it’s here and then it’s all but a memory. So be here. Snap your fingers and be here.

I know today is a good day because of these few things I’ve done. Every day may not present the opportunity to do all of these but I am hoping to have as many moments to feel and be here.

What are some of the ways you slow the pace down at your place?

Thank you for stopping by and sharing the love!

                            love, from my space!   xox mon

 

 

 

 

 

 

it is all laid bare.

Leave a comment July 26, 2015 - Monica -

The title is a little confronting don’t you think? But today I had a revelation of this word. So I thought I should pen it down. (or rather type it I mean)!

‘Nothing in this creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account’                                                   {Hebrew 4:13}

Even though I have read and heard this scripture many times, today was a different kind. It was a conviction. A clear revelation into the depth of this verse.

It was rather confronting I must say because sometimes I don’t realise how real this is. He knows our inner most thoughts. Even the ones we don’t speak! Being human, we can often have thoughts that are unclean, whether an ill thought of someone or a situation, or sometimes I find myself having a I-am-judging-you thought. Having the thought is one thing but entertaining it is another. And that is where we have to nip it in the butt so to speak. So this scripture reminds me that nothing is hidden from Him who created us. He knows us inside out, hence we should always speak to Him our creator. Have a relationship with Him, seek Him in all your ways, call out to Him in all your times, sad or happy. Call Him in your frustration. Because everything is laid bare in front of Him.

The last bit of this scripture that stood out for me is…. ‘to whom we must give account’…! YES! Imagine one day meeting Him and having to give account for that negative thought we entertained about someone! Or that time I thought I was better than someone else! Yikes! Would like to avoid that situation at all expense if I can!

So let’s say, with this, there is a greater need to seek His grace. Without His grace, all this is impossible. Being human, we are never perfect, but with His grace, we are perfected in everything we do.

Hope this gave you a better insight into what’s running around my head!

Have a grace-filled week friends!

xo Monica 

11 things I need you to know my dear one.

Leave a comment July 4, 2015 - Monica -

I write this post because I want my daughter to know these things. When she turns into a young adult I want her to see life not only the way a teenager sees it but I also want her to see life through my life and the lessons it has taught me.

As many of those gone before us, I know for sure there is a certain amount of wisdom that as a younger generation, we can learn from. Mistakes made that can be avoided. Life done a certain way that can be a lesson. This is not to say I want her to live her life by a set of rules, no! but I want her to know that these lessons are there to be used as a guide. A reference point.

As a mom, this is what I want her to know.

1. That in our human strength we cannot do it all. But with our mighty God, it is possible. Because His strength supersedes all the strength that we can gather. So lean on His strength.

2. Life is a fun place. Yes there are lots of evil schemes out there, but it is generally a fun place. Know your place, do the safe thing.

3. What you sow, you will reap. As some would say, do good and you will receive good. And I am a firm believer in this. It somehow comes back to you, sometimes not in the form obvious to you.

4. There are nice people out there! Find them! And love them. But there are also not very nice people around, fewer than the nice ones. Challenge yourself to love them darling,  because they all start off nice, but life’s circumstances has probably made it all too hard for them to remain that way. So be gentle, for they are hurting.

5. Loving others is not hard. It’s a decision you make, and follow through with. But again, you need Gods grace to help you do this. In our humanly spirit, we will not be able to love like that. But when we understand what He did for us, and how much He loves us, we will find it easier to love.

5. You are enough the way you are. We are all made different with different talents. Don’t try to be someone else! It’s too hard baby!

6. Have fun with life. Just take it with a pinch of salt and a dash of whatever else you like. Take it seriously, but lightly. Have respect for it.

7. Dance life out! Don’t let it dance pass you. Enjoy the music, turn it up and go with the flow. It may be a cha-cha, it may take a twist! But so long as you put one foot forward, you will go on that ride. So you might as well enjoy the moves.

8. Stop and  smell the roses sweetie. There is so much beauty around us. His creation is abundant and swollen in beauty. Look at them, get lost in the wonders of how they were created, and be in awe of such creation. Then you will know how much more special you are, His creation.

9. Take time out. You don’t always have to be with others. We all need some time alone, to connect with our spirits, to spend time with our creator. Enjoy these moments. Think of you. It’s not wrong to love yourself. No. Think of the person you are. The person you ought to be. Set goals. And work persistently towards them.

10. Pray my darling. Pray through life. Every bit of it. It is your single most powerful weapon. When you pray, He hears you. When you pray, the Heavens move. Use this time to get lost in His presence, because it is oh-so glorious. Enjoy His glory and let Him fill you with His Spirit. That experience will bring you back for more.

11. Give thanks. Even when things don’t seem to be working out the way you want it to be, give thanks. You know why? Because He has a greater plan for you. He knows the beginning from the end. So take heed, and know that He has it all worked out. His time, not your time. So in everything, give thanks.

This is my reference for you my sweet one. And I am sure there will be many more to add, but let’s say this is a good starting point!

love from your Mummy! Xx

Do you have any points to add? Do share with me!

much love xx

monica