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Cassan Ferguson

What the world needs now

Cassan Ferguson
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What the world needs now

What the world needs now is love sweet love,
It’s the only thing that there’s just to little of,
What the world needs now is love sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.

I have been mulling over the above lyrics for quite some time now. I think because of everything that is going on world-wide, from world devastation, war, violence, bombings, through to presidential political drama, you can’t but feel :

  • Hopeless.
  • Helpless.
  • Frustrated.
  • Disappointed.
  • Angry.
  • Heartbroken.

WHEN OUR OPINIONS LEAD & DIVIDE

What is even more sad is that these feelings that we feel so passionately end up fueling us to turn on one another in our daily living ;  at the work place, to massive debates online.

Everyone has opinions, thoughts, and feelings regarding the world at large, and everyone feels like they have the “right answer”, and the “right opinion” regarding every single little thing. It’s good to have opinions, and it’s good to feel things, especially when it comes to empathizing with the broken. However, it’s even better to listen to others opinions, thoughts and personal feelings, without wanting to attack and fight them, whether it’s verbal, non-verbal or online.

We can’t deny that people are hurting. It’s true that many have lost their voice, and innocent people have lost their lives, or loved ones due to world devastation and to people in power making impulsive decisions that impacts a nation or possibly divides a nation. After all we don’t live in a bubble, this our reality, we can’t pretend like none of the bad stuff is happening.

LOVE REVOLUTION

How do we fuel our frustrations and heart ache in a way that helps others positively? How do we move forward, in a unified way? How do we as people of different nationalities, with different morals and values move forward in a way that encourages hope, love, and courage to keep on believing that even though the world is a mess that there is still good in it?

Which brings me back to the above lyrics :

What the world needs now is love sweet love,
It’s the only thing that there’s to little of.

The world needs love. We can’t allow fear, frustration, and our differences to divide us, and lead us to turning on one another. We need to let love lead, guide, and encourage us. One of my favourite bible verses speaks about love. It’s a great reminder of what it means to truly love others.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The world at large needs people unified in love. Why not be apart of the love revolution, and let love lead not only yourself, but those around you.

Just do you Boo

Cassan Ferguson
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Just do you Boo

Has anyone ever said to you : “Just do you boo “, or maybe you have heard the saying but never really understood the context of it, or why people say it.

The phrase “just do you boo” simply means; Own who you are, love who you are, don’t worry about what everyone else thinks. Yet, sometimes we find ourselves worrying what everybody else will think or say of us if we had to truly own who we are. We let the opinions and approval of man determine and dictate our steps.

LIVING FOR EVERYONE’S APPROVAL

How often to we find ourselves wondering; “what will other people think” or, “what will other people say,” or “what is everyone else doing?” How often do those thoughts stop us from living our own lives, or stop us from enjoying ours, because we are so caught up in what everyone else is doing and thinking?

When we get caught up in those thoughts we stop embracing our own life, we stop celebrating who we are, we live a fearful life, which ends up being a small introspective world. Let’s be honest, it isn’t a very “fun world” to live in, right?

DO YOU BOO

For most of my life I used to worry and stress about pleasing everyone, by doing things that I thought would always be acceptable to others, that wouldn’t offend or upset anyone. I was afraid of stepping on toes, I was afraid of people commenting or criticizing my character. Therefore, I lived a very sheltered and insecure life. I was afraid to be me, it sounds so silly I know. But I was so bound by it, that I let those fearful thoughts control who I was.

Until I had an “ah ha” moment, where I felt God say to me ; “You were created for more, who you are is a gift, don’t hold back, celebrate who you are, who I created you to be.”

Basically, God was saying to me; “Just do you boo!” God was (and still is) proud of me, what more do I need? The same goes for you. God is proud of you, He sees potential in you, and He created you in His image. You are His masterpiece. Therefore, celebrate who you are, by owning who you are, and just by “doing you boo!”

Are you experiencing an identity crisis?

Cassan Ferguson
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Are you experiencing an identity crisis?

I think we all experience some sort of identity crisis at some point in our lives. You know those moments where we are left doubting ourselves, where we feel confused about who we are and where we are going. Sometimes we may even feel lost in the season of life that we are in, maybe we have let fear, or our past, dictate and lie to us about who we are. Maybe we have let others influence our character, or have had words spoken over us that have negatively shaped the way we think or behave. It happens to the best of us, if not to all of us.

IDENTITY STEALERS

Without realizing it at times we let circumstances, situations and  disappointments steal from us and lie to us about who we are. Maybe it’s time to identify what or who is lying to you about who you were created and destined to be. Identify and acknowledge your identity stealers : 

  • The past.
  • Fear.
  • Past hurts, disappointments, and failures.
  • Lies spoken over us by people.
  • Entertaining lies that float into our heads and hearts.
  • Distractions.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Wrong perceptions.
  • Unhealthy relationships.

YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE

Our identity can be shaped and influenced on a day-to-day basis. From the moment we were born the way we were raised, the things that were spoken over us through the years, experiencing pain, hurt, loss, brokenness, rejection or disappointments. All these things will somehow shape our mindset and our belief system, our character and how we choose to live, react, and respond to situations and life itself.

When we identify those “identity stealers”, we need to replace those lies and old ways of thinking with what God says about us. He created us after all, and he created us with purpose. In the bible it talks about how God sees us as his masterpiece, his fine, perfectly crafted artwork. God sees us as beautiful, wonderful, breath-taking, He sees the potential in us, and created us to reflect the very nature of who He is.

Therefore, we need to learn, know, and understand what God says about us. We need to let his truth wash over us and influence us.  In doing so, you will want to celebrate and embrace your life with confidence, joy, expectation, hope, and with courage.

When you forget who you are, take a moment to acknowledge what God says and thinks about you. I pray that His word and His presence will shape you in a way that liberates you.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139 : 14

If this blog post spoke to you, or encouraged you, and you would love to know more about being in a relationship with God. Then may I encourage you to click on the link below.

Invest in your friendships, by being a good friend

Cassan Ferguson
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Invest in your friendships, by being a good friend

Genuine two-sided friendship is very hard to find these days. Friendships end so very easily over the smallest of things :

“She didn’t reply to my text and I know she saw it, he is giving off a weird vibe towards me, I wasn’t invited to their special event, she never compliments me.”

The list could go on, and on, and on. No! but really it could go on – when it shouldn’t.  I think we are living in an age where people flake on one another so very easily and over silly things sometimes. Now, yes I get that if a friendship becomes toxic that it should end. However, what I want to encourage is for us is to invest and nurture current or new potential friendships in a healthy way.

Often we expect friends to treat us amazingly well, whilst we take a backseat and become lazy in our friendships. It’s sad, but it’s true. Are you currently being a one-sided friend to somebody else, or are you being lazy in your current friendships? Well fear not, it’s a new year, which means a new you and a chance to turn things around and breathe fresh life over all areas of your life, like your friendships for example.

BE A GOOD FRIEND

Struggling to be a good friend? Or perhaps you want to be an even better friend this year. Then the following tips below will breathe fresh life over your friendships.

Show a genuine interest

  • Show a genuine interest in your friends. Know their passions, dreams and hobbies. Ask them about their interests and passions, and encourage them as they explore and express themselves.

Support them

  • Support your friends whenever they are going through something – whether it’s good or bad – just be there. Your presence and support will do the world of good to them.

Encourage them

  • Encouragement instills courage and hope in others. It says ; “Hey, I believe in you and I am cheering you on!”

Challenge one another

  • Challenge friends in a loving sincere manner, friends should sharpen one another to be the best version of themselves.

Invest in one another

  • Spend time with one another. Go for a coffee, or do something fun together. Celebrate each other by investing time in to the friendship.

Forgive and trust

  • People are not perfect, yet we expect them to be. We feel shocked and betrayed when someone messes up or makes a mistake then we bounce out of that friendship. Real authentic friendship does the long distance, which means we forgive, let go, and trust in our friendships. We choose to see the best in that person.

Speak the truth in love

  • We always worry what others will think, or how they will respond to us when we are being honest about our opinions and feelings. But if we speak the truth in love, we set the tone for a safe space where others can share freely, openly, and honestly.

Do not compete or compare yourself with them

  • Real friends do not compare or compete with one another. When that starts to happen that means that there are hidden insecurities that are unhealthy. Feeling insecure around others is an internal issue, something that needs to be dealt with. Who you are is a gift to others, you were born to be different, unique, and special. Own who you are, and celebrate it with others.

We weren’t meant to do life alone, therefore it’s important to invest in healthy flourishing friendships. Friends are our go-to’s, they are there for the good times, bad times, they laugh with us, they encourage us, they challenge us and bring the best out of us and vice versa.

Friendship is costly and it involves intentional nurturing in order for it to grow in a healthy manner and to go the distance well. Why not invest in healthy friendships this year, and watch them thrive and flourish!

Important lessons we can learn during the desert season

Cassan Ferguson
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Important lessons we can learn during the desert season

We try our best to avoid desert seasons. We try to wish them away or we crumble at the seams and fall apart in those dry, desolate, not so fun desert seasons. Every season is significant, and leads into the next one. Therefore, seasons are just that – seasonal. Every season of life that we go through ultimately grows us and prepares us for the next season.

THINGS WE LEARN IN THE DESERT SEASON

1 . It refines our character

  •  Going through tough times somehow shapes us, it can shape us for our good if we let it. Desert seasons challenge us, stretch us and equip us for what’s to come. Sometimes in the desert season we learn to let go, and get rid of things that are dead weight to us, for example: things that are no longer producing fruit in our lives.
  • In the bible it talks about how God prunes us (edify our character) by removing branches that do not bear healthy fruit, so that we can produce healthy fruit.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. – John 15:2 

2 . It gives us a fresh perspective

  • Have you gone from feeling like you’re on top of the world, to feeling like you are stuck in a ‘Series of unfortunate events?’ It’s amazing how seasons can inspire and encourage a fresh perspective within us. Fresh perspective inspires gratitude and it shifts our focus onto more pressing things.

3 . It stirs our faith

  • When it feels as if everything is falling apart, and like it’s going from bad to worse, we tend to feel in those moments that all we have is our faith. Our faith that God will intervene on our behalf, that only God can walk us through the fire and turn our situations around. When we seek God in our season, he starts to lead and direct our steps, He gives us his peace, and he replaces our fear and anxiety with hope. Hope that motivates us and encourages us to keep pressing forward.

EMBRACE THE DESERT

When we start to look at our season for what it is, and change our perspective and attitude towards it, we then start to move differently within that season. Instead of feeling helpless and hopeless in our situations, we start to embrace it and let it teach us important lessons that will ultimately shape us and grow us in character. Sometimes, we just need to let go, and trust the process and trust that God is in control and that he is doing only what he can do, even when we don’t understand it at times.

Trust me when I say that you will not be forgotten, or be left behind in your desert season. God is working in and through your season, working it out for your good. Keep walking in your season with your head and heart held high, knowing that God will carry you through it.

If this post spoke to you and you would like to know more about being in a personal relationship with God then may I encourage to click on the link below.

Surviving the dating game

Cassan Ferguson
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Surviving the dating game

Has the dating game, become just that –  a game? We live in a world where dating websites and dating apps help people find love by meeting a potential partner. These websites and apps try to connect you with someone according to your likes, interests, and characteristics, then you have the option of swipping “yes or no” from your phone and setting up a date. It’s like online shopping, but for dating, kinda like a game right? I get that it’s not always easy  to meet people in person, and I also know that some people have found true love via dating websites. I believe that love can be found in very interesting spaces and places. However, my concerns creep in  when love turns into a game, and people are treated like objects, or apps, and are tossed aside like yesterdays trash. Sounds a bit harsh but it happens all the time sadly.

THE DOWNSIDE OF DATING

Some people take dating seriously, and are so hoping to find love whilst others out there are dating  for very different reasons altogether: 

  • Dating for a quick fix.
  • Dating to fill a void.
  • Dating to feel reassured.
  • Dating to avoid feeling lonely.
  • Dating to get something out of it.

BEFORE DATING ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING

I think that it is always wise to take a moment and to ask yourself the following questions. As it’s good to  know and understand what propels and motivates us to do the things that we do. Before we embark on a journey of getting to know someone else romantically, we too need to know and understand ourselves, as well as know and understand the season we are in. Ask yourself the following, and be honest with yourself.

  • What do you want to get out of dating?
  • Are you wanting to find someone special?
  • Do you respect yourself enough to know what or who you deserve to have in your life?
  • Do you respect the opposite sex, or do you see it as a means to an end?

THE DATING GAME SURVIVAL GUIDE

Once you know and understand your motives behind dating, you will enter dating with a sense of wisdom and a deep sense of understanding of who you are and what it is that you are looking for. Therefore, you will respect your time, and the time of others, you will place value on yourself and on others. You will be open but at the same time use wisdom when it comes to pursuing someone. Therefore, it is always wise to embrace the following tips below whilst dating. 

  • Know your intentions and understand your sense of self-worth.
  • Know more or less what you are looking for in a potential partner, but at the same time be open to being surprised by someone.
  • Make sure that your head and heart is ready for dating.
  • Don’t lead anyone on.
  • Be clear and upfront with potential dating partners.
  • Be yourself, always.
  • Have fun, and enjoy getting to know new potential partners.
  • Take things slow – don’t whip out a ring on the first date.
  • Use wisdom when it comes to online dating, be aware of “cat-fishing” (people who fake their profiles and lie about who they are.)
  • Hang out a couple of times with potential partner in various settings.
  • Get to know potential partners personalities, passions and interests to see if your two worlds cohesively connect.
  • Let family and friends meet the potential partner especially if you’re thinking of making it more official – get their input and opinions.

LOVE IS ON THE WAY

Dating can be hard and daunting for some, whilst for others it’s easy and fun. Meeting new people and the right people is also another challenge in itself. Putting yourself out there, making yourself vulnerable, to experiencing rejection is hard. But believe me when I say, that your perfectly imperfect person is still out there! Do not give up. Do not settle! Do not let fear or insecurity propel you to play the field. Do not compromise, or force things to happen. Let relationships grow naturally, and let relationships surprise you.

Just know that you are worthy of love, do not lose heart, do not give up on love! 

A new year, a new you!

Cassan Ferguson
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A new year, a new you!

Hello 2017, hello new year filled with new exciting chapters waiting to be explored. A chance to start over, a chance to let go of the old, and embrace the new. Maybe you’re excited to lean into all that 2017 holds, whilst some of you may feel hesitant, almost as if 2016 is still lurking behind you and holding you in its grip. We can’t pretend like 2017 isn’t going to happen, and we most certainly can’t hide under a rock and pretend like life is not moving forward either.

We need to embrace this New year, with a new attitude, with a new sense of confidence and excitement for all that 2017 holds. Which means we need to let go of the old in order to move forward with our heads held high and our hearts open to all the lessons and blessings that 2017 holds.

WHEN WE HOLD ONTO THE OLD

  • We can’t move forward if we are still looking behind us.
  • We can’t grow if we let the past consume and control us.
  • We can’t live a life of joy and expectation when our heart is full of pain, disappointment, or fear.

Therefore, we need to let go of the negative things that happened in 2016. We need a fresh attitude, fresh perspective, and we need to start acknowledging all the good things that did happen in 2016. Gratitude keeps our hearts soft , open, and eager with expectation.

LET GO OF THE OLD AND KNOW

1 . YOUR FUTURE IS SECURE, therefore hold onto hope.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

2 . GOD MAKES ALL THINGS NEW

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3 : 22-24

3 . GOD WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, take heart.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

My friend you are called for greatness. In fact, God made you so unique, with special gifts and talents that nobody else has. You my friend are a gift, a blessing to others. Our lives are meant to be enjoyed, not simply endured. Rise up, take heart and know that you are so loved, and have been called for greatness. Do not let the past or fear of failure and disappointment hold you back from experiencing a wonderful life. Let go, and let God do the rest.

Secrets to a happy marriage – with kids

Cassan Ferguson
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Secrets to a happy marriage – with kids

Without realizing it at times, and sometimes with the best of intentions, our spouses move to the wayside when we become parents. We try so hard to balance work, parenting, household chores and life events, that we forget to invest in our partners. Those are all good things to do, and they need to get done, but our partners form part of the foundation that helps to hold the family together. Therefore, both mom and dad need to stay strong, connected and be on the same page.

SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE WITH KIDS :

  • Put each other first.
  • Sneak in a little hug or a daily kiss.
  • Try to think of little encouraging ways to make your spouse feel loved and special throughout the week.
  • Be on the same page when it comes to knowing each others weekly/daily plans.
  • Stay intimate.
  • Make date nights or date days a priority.
  • Value and respect your partners opinions, especially when it comes to parenting decisions.
  • Keep a united parenting front.
  • Don’t go to bed angry.
  • Speak the truth in love.
  • Fight the issue not each other.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. – Mignon McLaughlin

Childlike faith

Cassan Ferguson
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Childlike faith

Imagine if we took the time to nurture a childlike nature within ourselves. Imagine how different we would be, and how differently we would respond and engage with the world around us. Now, obviously aging is inevitable, but our soul and character can always remain youthful if we allow it to be. I have taught children drama for over ten years, and I feel like I am constantly learning from them. I love how they interact with one another, how they respond to things, how they dream and how they create. It truly is so beautiful to watch and observe. Their take on life inspires me to keep that childlike faith and outlook on life within me.

CHILDLIKE CHARACTER QUALITIES

  • KIDS LOVE TO DREAM
  • KIDS LOVE TO CREATE
  • KIDS LET GO & FORGIVE QUICKLY
  • KIDS ARE DARING
  • KIDS HAVE HOPEFUL SPIRITS
  • KIDS BELIEVE
  • KIDS ARE IMAGINATIVE
  • KIDS ARE PERSISTENT

Just because we are constantly growing and aging does not mean that we have to lose our sense of wonder. Just because we are aging it shouldn’t mean that we should stop dreaming. Just because we are aging does not mean that we should live a life enslaved by fear, pain, or hurt. In fact, God has called us to live big, bold, inspiring lives. God does not want us to merely endure life, He wants us to flourish, to grow, and to enjoy life. Imagine if we had faith like children, where we dared to believe in the promises of God. I think we can learn a thing or two from children, and let their approach and take on life inspire us to live more childlike.

If this post spoke to you, and you would like to know more, then may I encourage you to click on the banner below.

Back to school, back to reality

Cassan Ferguson
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Back to school, back to reality

We all knew it was coming, or maybe we have been secretly counting down to this very day: BACK TO SCHOOL. Another new year means; a new class, new class mates, and a new teacher, or maybe for some it may mean a new school all together. It’s exciting, and nerve wrecking all at once. On one hand we are excited for our children, but on the other hand we feel nervous as we anticipate what they may or may not be feeling.

Some children adapt to change easily, whilst others need to ease into  it gently. With a new school year, brings new routine, and new adventures for you and your children. Learning new things, discovering more about themselves and the world around them, participating in extra murals, and making special friends and memories.

PREP YOUR CHILDREN BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

  • Start with a night routine before school starts, so that the first day of school isn’t a total shock to the system for both of you.
  • Speak to your children about their new class and new teachers, and ask how they are feeling about the new year.
  • Make them excited for the new school year by talking about all the new fun things they are going to learn and do this year.
  • Drive past their school a week before school, and point out how amazing their school is.
  • If they are old enough maybe encourage them to help you with the labeling and covering of new school stationery and books.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

BEFORE SCHOOL

  • Either have a little chat with your little people the night before school or in the morning of the first day, or maybe do both about the excitement of a new school year. Take note of how they may be feeling, and if needed, encourage them that it will be okay.

AT SCHOOL

  • On the first day of school, walk them to their class and meet their teacher and fellow class mates, along with their parents – should they be there. Go with them to see where their locker is, and where they are sitting in class. Make sure they know where the bathrooms are, and where the pick up points are for them after school.

AFTER SCHOOL

  • When you fetch them, ask them all about their day and what stood out for them as a highlight and a lowlight. Sense how they are feeling, and how you can lean in and encourage them.
  • Celebrate by doing something fun and special together as a family. Maybe go out to eat at your favourite restaurant, or buy them a special treat.
  • Tell them you are proud of them for being so brave on their first day. Keep that encouragement going for as long as possible, especially if they are more shy and anxious in character.

As parents we can’t help but worry and feel anxious for our little people especially when they need to face change. All we can do is pray and trust that God will help them and keep them safe. All the best mom and dad, and a happy school year to you and your little ones.

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