Marriage

Hi, 

Isn't this the cutest!!!

I think it accurately describes the way I feel right now.



Not to long ago, actually... about a month ago.
Kurt and I were attending a Marriage Enrichment course at our church.

WOW! It was really awesome, we learnt so much about one another, the skills of a good marriage, and that we are not the only couple that irritate and get annoyed with one another.

We were taught how to deal with conflict and a particular sentence stuck out for me:

"If you are fighting to be right, you are making your spouse wrong, the loser"
DO YOU WANT YOUR SPOUSE TO BE A LOSER??

We were taught that everyone has a love language.
There are 5 love languages to look out for.

You can spot your spouse's love language by their actions and also the things they complain about.

The 5 love languages:

1. Words of Affirmation

“If this is your love language, you feel most cared for when your partner is open and expressive in telling you how wonderful they think you are, how much they appreciate you, etc.”
2. Acts of Service
“If your partner offering to watch the kids so you can go to the gym (or relieving you of some other task) gets your heart going, then this is your love language.”
3. Affection
“This love language is just as it sounds. A warm hug, a kiss, touch, and sexual intimacy make you feel most loved when this is your love language.”
4. Quality Time
“This love language is about being together, fully present and engaged in the activity at hand, no matter how trivial.”
5. Gifts
“Your partner taking the time to give you a gift can make you feel appreciated.”

http://www.kevinhalloran.net/what-are-the-five-love-languages-summary/

We had a session on sex, nothing dirty and "sexual", but sex in marriage and they way that a man and woman's brain is SO VASTLY DIFFERENT.

The session leader played parts of 2 different DVDs (The tale of two brains and Laugh your way to a better Marriage) by Mark Gungor, whom I have become very interested in.

-If you can get hold of those videos, you really should watch them, he is a pastor and keeps things very clean and clear.

 Mark keeps things so simple and explains everything in a very funny way.
He refers to scripture for everything he relates to and I really really enjoyed this session.

Just for the way it was explained and kept so fun and light.

Here are a few of his best quotes:





This I Believe (The Creed)- Hillsong

Hi all.

Music and the wonderful emotional connections it brings... has always been my passion.
I have been searching the past week for a song that will make me feel alive for a little while.
Just to remind me of the wonderful, companionate and patient Father I have in Jesus.

You cant expect everyday to be sunshine and roses, and on those days... I love to listen to a good song to remind me that Jesus is Lord and He has a great, spectacular plan for me.

This song is from the No Other Name cd by Hillsong
If you know anything about me at all, one thing you have to know NOW, is that I really really love Hillsong Music.

Please have a read through these lyrics :)
Try if you can to get the CD and listen to it too.
If you have the time... take a listen to "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" too... Its amazing to sing to.

This I Believe (The Creed)- Hillsong

VERSE
Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty

Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Saviour

CHORUS
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus

VERSE
Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You

Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious life
Forever seated high

BRIDGE
I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord

CHORUS
I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints' communion
And in Your holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus                    

This one is for you

VERSE 1

Father God

I come to you now

To declare your Greatness

You gave your son for my wicked ways

That I may be set free

CHORUS

You are the

Maker of my faith

Forgiver of my sin

The lover of my soul

Jesus

VERSE 2

You are Almighty, Majestic

All I will ever need

All glory to you Lord

For all you gave for me

Your amazing love

BRIDGE

Jesus may all creation

Shout to you

Worship your name, Jesus

You are all I want, you are all I need

You deserve all praise

Little Girl

There was a time that I considered myself a song writer...

They may seem stupid, but at the time I felt like it needed to be heard.

Little Girl

Little Girl

You need to remember who you are

You have a destiny, a purpose so great

People will come and go and the feelings will to, but you need to hold on to the things you love

You are amazing, you can accomplish great, and I will be there for you when you need me

Just call me, darling

I will dry your tears and sing you this song

So you know you are my greatest creation

Little Girl

Never give up

You do not see it now, but life has only just started for you

In a few years you will see that there is a way better

And you are a true treasure

Remember I am here

I will never let you fall

I have you in the palm of my hand

My love for you is unchanging, way beyond what you imagine.

 

I'll take that Burger thank you...

 

So, my fiancé and I got the best news.

SO SO Exciting!!!

Cannot wait to go dress and ring shopping.

2 My Kurti

I DOnt Know Anymore

 

I have been so drawn to this phrase laterly.

 

It so accurately describes how I have been feeling... lost, excited. expectant, happy, sad, childish, stressed, angry, passionate and frustrated.

 

Isn't there supposed to be a warning label on all engagement rings.

" Wear with care "

" Might cause copious amounts of frustration " 

" This does not mean you are a push over "

" Beware: ALL your long lost family and distant friends now know who you are "

" Enjoy your money while you can "

etc.

 

My fiancé and I have never been the kind to fight or get stuck in one another's hair, yet the past 6 months we have been fighting, arguing, irritated and frustrated.

 

If its not venues, then its what to wear, who to invite, where to go, what to do....the dreaded question, WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

 

 

Guess its just another step on the stepping stones of life.

 

Post for a pretty girl

A family member of mine has been going through a tough time.
She has lost a lot of weight, YIPEE

BUT, she has also been tackling her alcohol addiction and attending AA meetings, getting her life on track and just fixing all the broken little pieces.

These are some pictures for her for motivation.

fri.END.ship

Friendship, a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people. Friendship is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an association.

Loyalty, faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause.

Influence, the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.

The past year has opened my eyes to a lot regarding friendship, loyalty and overall influence.

I would like to think I am a good friend, we all have faults and little things we lack, but I have always tried to do my best.

I went through a heavy friendship “break-up” last year; it was painful and affected me for a long time. She was extremely special to me and we were friends for a very long time. We shared a lot of special stories, some private and others were how we would embarrass ourselves without even trying.

If I think about my teenage years and even as I became an adult, she was always there and her family carried me through difficult times and struggles. I spent every weekend and holiday with her, and we grew to be part of one another…we learnt each other so well that I could look at her and she would know what I was saying without words.

Her mother, a very strong, opinionated lady who wore perfume that stuck to you for days… she taught me how to cook a few things, how to use a knife and fork, and she bought me things whenever I was in need. She became like a mom to me, someone I could trust.

It’s unfortunate that things change, people change and sometimes… you just grow apart.

Although I loved her very much, she was very different to me. We lived VERY different lives, had very different jobs and responsibilities.

If I were to go back a year or two back, I don’t think I would do things differently; I do think I would be more honest though and voice my opinion in the times when I was too scared to speak.

Life does go on; I have had to learn that the hard way.

Friendships/ friends have the power to influence and change your behavior, even if you don’t want them to. “You are who you hang out with”- you become like the people you associate with.

My dad has a saying: “Like likes like.”

You are more likely to do something crazy, different and wild with a friend than by yourself… As a girl, there is no one’s opinion you want more than your best friends, from clothes to guys and the occasional rant.

I know I would have told my friend a lot more than I would have told my mother.

I don’t think a friendship is about excessive amounts of PDA, or who can out do who. Sometimes all you need is an ear to listen and a hand to hold.

Not everyone is made, designed for long term friendship. It’s not easy to be faithful and loyal to someone even when they aren’t to you.

I find it very hard to trust without question, it’s one of the traits my boyfriend really doesn’t like… I ask too many questions.

I have taken the last year to get over all my friendship issues and focus on ME… I haven’t made time to make new friends and I have become very attached to my boyfriend.

Only recently have I decided to ‘stick my neck out’ and try and be open to something new. I have only made one new friend, but that’s fine. I have never been one for a huge group of friends.

There is still a lot of time for friends and relationships; someday I will feel content with where I am.

For now, I will just continue to work at being open to new possibilities.

God has a plan.. STOP controlling everything

 Two weeks ago I wrote a post about my bad week and my boss that still hasn't replied to my mail about my increase... BUT then something lovely happened.

I have been very disappointed about the fact that I work hard everyday and cover for different departments when need be, yet my manger has yet to reply to my mail about my salary.

I have vented to my boyfriend everyday and begged him for advice, I sound like a broken record.

Anyway.. on Wednesday I noticed that I had numerous missed calls from a strange number, and so I called back.

The lady on the other end said that she had been trying to reach me and that she had a lovely position available at a company. The salary is a lot more, with benefits and there is potential to earn commission.

She asked that I please come for an interview, which I did on Monday, and although I am on a waiting list. Its a new experience and my name is out there.

This whole situation just opened my eyes to the fact that God has a bigger, better, greater, way more wonderful plan than I can ever imagine.

There really is nothing that can stop his love for me, and although I do not always acknowledge it. He has a very vast plan and His Grace is everlasting.

I know I am undeserving of this grace, but I pray that everyday I can learn more and more about this marvelous love and passion He has for me.

 

I also need to learn to stop trying to control everything and TRUST GOD.

Pictures 1

I am an absolute Tumbr addict and I love finding pictures.

A picture tells a story more detailed than most books can explain.

Therefore, I have decided to constantly share some of my favourites that I collect through out each week or so.

Passion



Since I was very little, I can remember having an incredible passion for music and singing.

I was the first to sign up for choir, and performed in many concerts between Grade1-3.

I was home schooled from Grade4 - 5, but I continued singing.
At church, at home... teaching my little sister.
I went to a private school until matric.

This school offered no extramural activities and this meant, the only way to practice was to join the church choir.

I was very involved in the church and love nothing more than singing.

Unfortunately, my father was a bit strict and I had to give up choir for my school work.

Needless to say my passion has still grow, but as one gets older, it becomes a bit more difficult to follow the dreams of a little girl.

My passion is still to be professional, maybe one day in God's plan it will come true.

Oceans (where feet may fail)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

DEFINATELY ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SONGS :)

Life

Life... it doesn't always work out the way you imagined it would.
I can remember dreaming up a life of Planet Shakers and being a full time youth leader, touring the world, studying accounting and singing my heart out as often as I could.
A lot of things determine your success in life; being passionate about what you do, having support, stability, and putting your life 100% in Gods hands.
Family, I would say your family makes a huge impact on who you become and where you go.
I thought my family was perfect, everyone fights so mine is no different, RIGHT?
It took only so long before things started to fall apart.
A marriage without God at the center never gets very far.
I was 20 when my mom decided to take my little sister and go live her life with her boyfriend.
Im not saying my dad had no part in the mess and pain caused for a woman to leave her child and hurry away.
Court appearances, phone calls, missed birthdays and a lot of pain filled the next year or so of my life.
Life doesn't go the way you want it to...
Besides all the gloomy bits, I can say with a heart full of love and joy...that my boyfriend is by far the best thing that has come along since high school.
Cliché? Naaah.
His wonderful and so so patient even on the worst days.
Although not many approved of our relationship at first, I am yet to meet a family member/ friend that doesn't love him now.
Its taken a year to forgive my mother and father for all the pain caused.
But id like to say that I am moving past it and trying to live a life of forgiveness and peace.
Life doesn't go the way you plan, or dream.