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Cassan Ferguson

2017 Vision and goal setting

Cassan Ferguson
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2017 Vision and goal setting

I think it is only natural to have some sort of action plan for the year ahead. It gives us something to look forward to, plus it gives us that extra motivation to make constant daily decisions that leads us to achieving those goals.

Vision without action is merely just a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world – Joel. A. Barker

VISION CREATING

  • Write your visions or dreams down in a journal or create a visual mind map.

Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write down the special dream on stone so that one may read it in a hurry.” – Habakkuk 2:2

  • Breakdown your goals into the following areas :
  1. Personal
  2. Work
  3. Creative
  4. Spiritual
  • Have a rough time line in which you wish to achieve these goals.
  • Create space for these goals within your week.
  • Monitor progress and constantly reflect on your goals through out the year.
  • Stay accountable to someone – someone who will remind you and encourage you of your goals.

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything it will require faith and belief in yourself, hard work, determination and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Devers

Make those dreams become a reality in 2017!

End of year reflections

Cassan Ferguson
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End of year reflections

As soon as Christmas day comes and goes, we start to anticipate New Years Eve and a fresh start to a New Year. With that anticipation rising, we can’t help but feel nostalgic on the year that was. I know for many this year has been quite a challenging year, personally, and globally. So, it’s no surprise that some will feel naturally anxious about the possibility of having a repeat of this year, or expect the worst as they enter 2017.

But I think that is what anxiety is, the fear of ; “what if’s, the potential maybe’s, fearing and anticipating the worst”.

Personally for me, 2016 was a tough year on so many levels. It felt like one battle after the next, it left me feeling battered, defeated, and depressed. The only thing that kept me going, and that encouraged me to keep on rising and moving forward despite the pain was my faith and hope in God. What stirs my faith and confidence in God, is knowing that he has gone before me in my future, and that he will always have my best interests at heart. I know that he would never abandon, forget or leave me stuck in a season. God always stirs my heart to believe in more and to keep looking up despite the challenges.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

HAVE FAITH AND EXPECTATION FOR 2017

When I lift up my faith, my hope becomes unshakeable despite my circumstances and I then begin to rise and choose to move forward . Beautiful things are birthed through pain. Our character has the opportunity to be refined through the fire.

When reflecting on the year that was, why not change your perceptions and attitude about what 2017 could be. A New year filled with new blessings, an opportunity to start a fresh, another year of life to celebrate.

  • Look for the good in between the bad.
  • Acknowledge and be grateful for the good.
  • See the challenges as lessons.
  • Do not let your season define you or steal from you.
  • Believe in the one who has your future.
  • Choose to believe that good things are waiting in your future.
  • Speak favour and blessing over your life.
  • Let go of all the bad, so that your hands and heart are open to receiving blessing and all the new adventures that awaits in 2017.

Dare to dream in 2017.

New Years Eve do’s and don’ts

Cassan Ferguson
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New Years Eve do’s and don’ts

Some people love New Years eve whilst others act like it doesn’t exist. For some New Years eve means celebrating the year that was with friends, whilst for others it feels like another day, or it leaves others feeling depressed about the year that was. I have mixed emotions when it comes to acknowledging and embracing New Years eve. On one hand I love celebrating with special friends, but on the other hand I feel a bit down and nostalgic when I reflect and look back on the emotional roller coaster that was 2016. Everyone embraces this day very differently from the next, and that is totally okay.

NEW YEARS EVE DO’S

  • Decide – Do you want to attend something small and cosy, getting away with just your family? Or do you want to host a big dress up themed party?
  • VIP guest list – If you are wanting to host an event whether it’s big or small, invite people who mean something to you. It is always more special when you celebrate with the people who you love.
  • Delegate – My husband and I have hosted many New Years eve dress up parties, and we do it with a team of friends. In that way we don’t feel the burden or stress of carrying a big load all by ourselves. Therefore, you end up enjoying the night so much more and feel more present with your friends.
  • Celebrate – Make sure that you have fun with the people you love. Make memories, and be safe.

NEW YEARS EVE DON’TS

  • Do not feel pressured to say yes to every single event.
  • Try not to leave everything up to the last-minute, by making plans literally moments before the time.
  • Try to avoid alcohol if possible.
  • Be safe on the roads, especially if you are traveling at night.
  • Don’t fall asleep before midnight!

Whatever you find yourself doing this New Years Eve make sure that you are having fun with the people who you love, and that you are staying safe. Have a blessed New Years!

What’s your love language with God?

Cassan Ferguson
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What’s your love language with God?

Everyone has their own unique personal relationship with God. However, sometimes we may forget, or maybe we don’t know even know that to be true. We end up expecting to have the same kind of relationship with God that others do. But, what we forget is that we are all different, unique and we all reflect the heart and character of God. Because we are all so different and unique, we have a different way of communicating, interpreting, and understanding things.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

  • Therefore when it comes to our personal relationships with God, we need to know and understand what our love languages are and know how to communicate with God that is personal to us. A love language is a very unique and personal way of communicating love.  God made us all unique in the way we understand love, in the way we feel love and the way we choose to express love to others.

UNDERSTAND YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE

  • Often in friendships and in relationships we feel misunderstood because we feel like others are failing at expressing and communicating love towards us, or vice versa. However, we need to know and understand what our love languages are and what others love languages are, as a means of communicating love in way that is personal to others. The same applies when it comes to spending time with God. We should do it in a way that is personal to us.
  • Maybe you like spending alone time with God in nature or at a coffee shop, or maybe you like to sing to Him and write music as a means of expressing love towards Him. Or maybe you like to read the bible and journal and write to God, or maybe just maybe you like to speak to him quietly or be alone and quiet in His presence. What is your love language with God? How do you choose to express that with Him? Go on a journey and start asking yourself, as a means of discovering ways to communicate personally with God.

EXPRESS AND INVEST 

  • When we make the time to invest in our personal relationship with God we start to know and understand him on a more personal and intimate level. It becomes a sacred space where we feel loved, accepted, cherished, worthy, where we feel empowered and encouraged by His presence.

If this post spoke to you, and you would like to find out more on being in an intimate relationship with God, then may I encourage you to click on the banner below. We would love to chat with you.

In-between the Christmas hustle

Cassan Ferguson
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In-between the Christmas hustle

I think by now most of us have taken our holiday leave and are in the midst of full on Christmas mode. Catching up with friends, dinners with loved ones, family outings, Christmas shopping, Christmas menu planning, outings to the malls, with fun activity planning here and there, the list goes on. Yup, the festive season can be full on.

This time of the year we hustle to make magic happen, we try so hard to fit everything in. Getting caught up in the holiday festivities can be quite stressful, overwhelming and exhausting. That’s why sometimes for most of us, Christmas leaves us feeling more exhausted and drained, than it does feeling refreshed. Sometimes we lose perspective and get caught up in the hustle when we should focus on  moments where we can pause, breathe, be present and soak in all the good that tends to pass us by when we are constantly busy.

IN-BETWEEN THE CHRISTMAS HUSTLE

Avoid feeling drained, and emotionally overwhelmed during the festive season by creating space and moments where you can pause, breathe and gather yourself. 

  • Remember the reason for the season.
  • Keep perspective.
  • Focus on the good.
  • Have down time moments.
  • Write lists and ask for help if need be.
  • Create space for fun moments with family and friends.
  • Read a good book.
  • Get outdoors.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff.
  • Remember tomorrow is another day, a fresh start.
  • Don’t try to do it all in your own strength, commit your day to God every day.

Just know that we can’t please everyone all of the time, and we can only do what is humanly possible to the best of our ability. Do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself at this of year. Make your happiness a priority by allowing for some ‘down time’ moments. God wants to enjoy life, not to merely just endure it and survive through it. Make the most of these festive holidays.

The missing crown

Cassan Ferguson
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The missing crown

Everyday without realizing it we wear a crown of sorts. That crown shapes and influences our thoughts, actions, behavior, demeanor, stance, and words. Our crown could symbolize what we choose to believe about ourselves, and our identity.

Sometimes, we wear crowns that are; old, broken, distorted, crowns that possibly do not fit correctly as it should, crowns that inhibit us, crowns that enslave us. Maybe we wear these crowns because we believe that we are not worthy of wearing crowns that are beautiful, unique, free, and weighted with royalty . If we knew and believe that to be true, how different would our stance be?

THE MISSING CROWN

I know for me personally there was a season in my life, where I wore a crown that was filled with insecurity, brokenness and disappointment. My crown was my distorted identity, and I wore it for a long time, and let it rule my life. When I became a christian, I embarked on a personal journey of getting to know God as my father, and Jesus Christ, Gods only son, as my saviour.  This personal, ongoing journey and relationship with God, has shaped my identity, and it continues to shape and influence my identity in the most amazing ways.

I came to a point in my life where I was tired of wearing my old, distorted crown, and I decided to wear my God-given crown. The more I got to know God personally, and became in tune with His promises, and tuned my ears and heart into His frequency, the more I started seeing myself the way He saw me, as royalty.

One of my favourite bible verses talks about being God’s chosen people, chosen to be Holy, a royal heir, chosen to step out of nothing and step into something more with Him.

But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. – 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)

A ROYAL KING, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

With Christmas nearing, we tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that is Christmas time, and we forget that Christmas is actually about the celebration of Jesus’s birth, a celebration of sacrifice, unconditional unwavering love for us – Gods chosen people. The birth of a King, the King of all Kings, our Lord, our Saviour. Sometimes life can be distracting, and can steer our attention away from what is truly important, and in turn causes us to wear the wrong crowns. Never forget that you have been chosen by God, you are His royal sons and daughters, royal heirs.

What crown are you currently wearing ?

When your kids drive you nuts, because it’s school holidays.

Cassan Ferguson
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When your kids drive you nuts, because it’s school holidays.

Last week I wrote a post about keeping your kids entertained over the festive season. Which, let’s be honest isn’t always the easiest of tasks, right? Now, what happens if you had a fun holiday program planned for your kids, but you are feeling way to exhausted, and quite frankly feel like your kids are pushing far too many buttons, and your patience and grace tank is on reserve mode – then what?

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

First all, fellow parent friend welcome to the club. You can be the most easiest of going people, through to being very gracious and calm, and still somehow you feel like you’re turning into the Incredible Hulk around your children, or is that just me ?

Most of us do not have the luxury of au pairs, nannies, or have grandparents around to help look after our children. Which means between you and your partner, you are trying to juggle the festive season and family adventures. The very thought of which can feel overwhelming and exhausting.

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME

So, how do we keep moving forward during this festive time, whilst retaining our sanity and joy? Well, here are a few tips to hopefully help you to keep it all together.

  • Tag team with your partner,  friend, or family member so that you can have a break.
  • Forgive quickly.
  • Invest in coffee mom and kid play dates, in that way kids entertain one another whilst you sit down for a moment and have an adult conversation.
  • Look for the good in those not so good days.
  • Tomorrow is another day to press restart.
  • Step outside to have a moment.
  • Be realistic when planning your day-to-day with your kids.
  • Have a balance with busy activity days through to more relaxed family days.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff and choose your daily battles wisely.
  • Do it with coffee in hand.
  • Pray before the day even starts, and commit the day to God.
  • Keep your sense of humour in and amongst the crazy moments.

Forgiveness

Cassan Ferguson
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Forgiveness

When it comes to the end of the year we start to think about Christmas celebrations and who we want to celebrate with over the holidays. We may start to reflect on broken relationships and ongoing family feuds that may make us feel disconnected and emotional. Maybe we are waiting for an apology first, or maybe we are struggling to forgive, to let go and to move forward. It could be that our pride, or the fear of being wrong inhibits us from making amends.

When I think of Christmas, I immediately think about the reason for this festive season. We acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The son of God our father, the King of all Kings, the one who chose to be a gift to us. Jesus sacrificed his life so that our sins could be forgiven, and we could be in relationship with God our father. When I ponder upon that, and acknowledge that kind of unconditional love, I can’t help but feel the need and urgency to make peace and to somehow show that same kind of forgiving and gracious love to others.

Forgiveness is a choice.

Forgiveness let’s go of the offence.

Forgiveness brings healing.

Forgiveness frees you from feeling burdened by the offense.

Forgiveness means laying down pride.

Forgiveness allows you to move forward.

Forgiveness lets love win.

I know for me personally forgiving others did not come naturally to me. I really struggled with it for a long time, so much so that my un-forgiveness stole my joy on a daily basis. I had to actually ask God to show me how to forgive. This meant praying for those that hurt or offended me. Every day I had to choose to forgive, and I had to be intentional about letting the offense go, as a means of moving forward. I have now made forgiveness a habit, and I now let offenses slide off me like water on a ducks back.

If you struggle with forgiving others, then why not ask God to help you when it comes to forgiving. Ask Him to give you a fresh revelation of his grace, love and mercy. He freely gives it to you, so that you can do it for others. Do not let un-forgiveness rule your heart and stop you from living a flourishing life.

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

Keep your kids entertained these holidays

Cassan Ferguson
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Keep your kids entertained these holidays

The festive season is here, and that means that all schools will close and most of us will take leave and spend quality time with loved ones. I don’t know about you, but this time of year gets a little busy, if not crazy, especially when you add young kids into the mix. Often holiday time can throw parents off, or leave them feeling overwhelmed at the thought of constantly entertaining their little people.

I have been doing some research, and I am determined to have some sort of plan in action as our family embraces the festive season. With a little bit of planning, you too will feel more organized, and ready for all the festive fun! Below are some festive holiday ideas to help you and your little ones stay happy, calm and semi sane these holidays.

KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED

  • Plan in advance.
  • Know your budget.
  • Keep it simple.
  • Plan age appropriate outings.
  • Familiarize yourself with all the indoor/outdoor kid friendly restaurants.
  • Movies, popcorn, and PJ night.
  • Make Christmas crafts and cards.
  • Bake together or make pizzas.
  • Know playdate buddies.
  • Have a treasure hunt in your backyard or throughout the house.
  • Host a mini talent show competition.
  • Karaoke at home or lip-sync.
  • Film your own little movie together using your phone.
  • Park visits.
  • Promenade bike rides.
  • Get arty and crafty.
  • Indoor and outdoor fort building.
  • Home movie day, or go the cinema for a movie date.
  • Have fun in nature, maybe have a picnic on the beach or in a park.
  • Research local holiday programs or live children shows.

Now, it may seem like an impossible to task to entertain your kids 24/7, but with some creative planning, you will be able to pull off a lot by doing less. What fun plans or tricks do you have up your sleeve when it comes to keep your little ones entertained during the holidays? We would love to know!

When faith is all you have

Cassan Ferguson
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When faith is all you have

When everything seems like it’s falling apart around you, you soon realise that all you have is your faith. It the thing that helps you to keep your head afloat, and your gaze looking ahead with hope in your heart.

FAITH DEFINED : To have complete trust or confidence in someone or something. 

What I love about activating our faith, is that it helps us to let go and surrender the need to control, to preempt the possible ‘what ifs’, bypass the feeling of being disappointed and despondent by our circumstances, by trusting that only God can do what He can do, and we must trust in Him and in His unfailing promises.

FAITH IS A TRUST ATTITUDE 

Faith requires trust, surrender, letting go, and believing that God will fulfill every promise, and walk you through those unbearable seasons. It requires us to change our attitudes and perceptions towards the things we face. Adjusting our attitudes towards faith, will lift our spirits and give us a deep sense of hope. That in turn will fuel us to keep pressing onwards.

FAITH SPEAKS LIFE

Sometimes we need to press pause, and listen to the very words that we speak over ourselves and over our situations. Why? Because we end up believing what speak, which in turn leads us to live under an oppressed or victorious mentality. For example, if we are constantly speaking negatively, and entertaining fearful thoughts it will affect our mood and behavior accordingly. Therefore, we must choose daily to speak life, faith, hope, and love over every area of our lives until it becomes a natural habit.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. – Proverbs 18:21

FAITH IS A MUSCLE

Faith is like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. If we constantly fear the worst or give up all together, we end up living very small isolated lives. Faith requires action. It requires standing no matter the storms of life. When moving in faith our hope starts to rise, and we start to fight back by taking victorious steps forwards.

If you are finding yourself in a tough season, just know that you too can hold  onto your faith in God. He will carry you, strengthen you, and you will see his scriptures and promises come to pass in your own life. If you would like to seek more counsel and find out more about being in a relationship with God, then may I encourage you to click on the banner below.

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