In total agreement.
Have a great week!
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Clearing it out
So I've been at home this week, doing a few jobs that I have been putting off for ages. One of the tasks has been to get rid of the clutter that I have been carrying around from house to house. As part of my de-clutter mantra for 2011, I have been going through wardrobes, boxes and suitcases in an attempt to get rid of things I no longer need in my life.
Some things have been easy to get rid off. That red top from 2009, haven't worn you in while - bye, bye. Other things have much more sentimental value and I have had to think about the reasons why I want to keep them, evaluate it and then make the decision to cull.
Despite the difficulty in sending things off to a new home, there is great pleasure that comes from doing this exercise:
- space for better things
- restoration of order in my life
- freedom from confusion of having too many choices
In life we often hold onto things because of what they represent. It might be for a good reason, it might be for a bad one. Either way it has passed it's hold by date and we need to let it go. When we do so, we allow something better to fill its place.
Sometimes we hold onto people in the same way.
It's what we know, it makes us comfortable.
Deep down you know you should show them the door but in reality it is hard.
Let's put it off.
It feels like the easier option.
I have found that it is not until you clear out the junk, letting go of the past and what it represents, letting go of that person and who they represent, do you have space to receive the good that God has in store for you.
God tells us in Isaiah 43:18 to 'forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. I am creating something new'.
Have you cleared the way to receive something new in your life today?
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Seven Things
Thank you to Naijamum, Hannah, and Blessing for their nomination's for the Stylish and Versatile Blog Award.
Here are my seven things....
1. I have the best husband in the world! Fact.
2. I used to have piano lessons as a child. For Christmas my mum gave Afam and I a keyboard. Since he knows how to play as well, it's been a great bonding activity - jamming away to our favourite songs!
3. I have great readers on this blog. Thanks to all of you who regularly comment, email or mention me on your blogs. Your support has been fantastic.
4. In 2010, I perfected how to make fried rice, egusi soup, suya, ogbono soup and chin chin. I still have not quite mastered moin moin, but I’m getting there. This year I want to learn how to make puff puff. {Anyone got any good recipes?}
5. I have very good travel memory. I can travel to somewhere once and remember the route there, sans Sat Nav.
6. I enjoy designing things and have a passion for weddings. The two things combined give you Matrimony Boulevard.
7. Finally, I am currently writing an e-book about my experiences from the last 18 months, filled with practical advice for planning your wedding and preparing for marriage. It will include some of the best bits from the blog and guidance around tackling cultural expectations, parental expectations, inlaws and much more. I’m hoping to have it ready for April, so look out for it!
Have a great weekend all!
Friends First?
So there are two types of couples:
1. Couples who were friends first and then took it to the next level or
2. Couple who met, liked each other, started 'dating' and became friends
Which option would you prefer?
Either way, there is a common theme...friendship.
Now some of you might think, doesn't that automatically come with marriage? Well no, not necessarily. Yes you like each and decided to commit yourselves as husband and wife, but are you friends? There is a difference.
Afam and I learnt early on in our marriage, that we have to make a conscious effort to build on our friendship daily, otherwise it's very easy to drift apart and do our own thing. I believe that in successful marriages, the two individuals have to be good friends {as well as lovers}. This is the foundation.
What does this mean day to day? Well for us it means spending time with each other and effective communication.
The only way for a friendship to develop is for the individuals to take time to get to know each other. Study each other, know what the other likes, dislikes. Do things together. Do things for each other. Share mutual hobbies and talk! Fundamentally it means involving each other more in the things that are important to you. Letting the other person into your life.
Without it marriage can become a very empty place.
What ways do you think couples can develop their friendships with each other?
p.s. thank you to the bloggers who have nominated me for a 'stylish and versatile blogger' award, I will post my '7 things' on Friday!
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Su Casa, Mi Casa – Hospitality 101
Entertaining says, “I want to impress you with my beautiful home, my clever decorating and my gourmet cooking.” Hospitality says, “This is not mine. It is a gift from God, and I’ll use it as he desires.” Still Living By Faith by Annie May Lewis
I love this quote as it reminds me about the true meaning of hospitality. I often find myself worrying about insignificant things and it can end up making the situation stressful rather than a peaceful privilege.
Getting ready
If you can, try and declutter the area where you guest will be staying. Our guest room also doubles up as our storage room, so we had to do a major clear out before guests started saying over.
Bedroom/Bathroom Basics
- Clean fresh linen is a must
- Side table with a lamp if you can
- A fresh towel
- Somewhere for them to hang or fold their clothes
- Essential toiletries {e.g. toothpaste, soap} TIP: Save hotel leftovers, the miniatures are great for this
- Supply of toilet roll {there is nothing worse than being a guest in someone house and a)not having any toilet roll and b)not knowing where to find any}
Meal times
If your guest is staying for an extended period, attempt to find out what they like to eat, so that you can make sure you have it available for them. My mum loves coffee, Afam and I don’t drink it, but we always make sure we have some around for when she stops by.
Breathe
Relax, it can be nerve wracking having someone in your home but they’re not coming to see how posh your house is, they are coming to see you! If something finishes unexpectedly or something breaks and gets damaged, try to not let it take over your world. Things happen!
Finally don’t apologise (or complain) about things that you think are lacking. I constantly did this and in the end Afam made me realise that our guests are going to have a good time regardless of whether we have cushions on the sofa or a rug on the floor. As long as they are comfortable, that is what matters.
Hospitality isn't just for married folk either, anyone can open up their home.
You just need a willing heart!
Some verses to encourage you:
1 Peter 4:9 - Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Ephesians 6:7 - Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.
Romans 12:13 - Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Do you have any more hospitality tips?
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