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Cassan Ferguson

Youth has no age

Cassan Ferguson
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Youth has no age

I am at that age now where wrinkles have become more defined, and my body feels like it can’t keep up like it used to. I am a self-employed working mom, and I am trying my best to balance all areas of my life well. Sometimes, I get it right, then other days I get it hopelessly wrong, which leaves me feeling and looking obviously and totally exhausted. It’s frustrating, because it feels like my body literally can’t keep up with my lifestyle, making me feel trapped in my ageing body, if that makes sense. However, I am determined to not let physical age define the way I live my life.

Ageing is a state of mind

Ageing has a sneaky way of catching up with us, doesn’t it? We can either fear it or embrace it. The truth is we can’t stop time, and we can’t avoid the physical ageing process. However, we can change our mindset when it comes to ageing. If we look at  ageing as a negative thing, we will feel down about ourselves and long for those early twenty years.

“Youth is a gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” – Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

Youth has no age

Your wrinkles and smile lines tell a story of who you are, and where you have been. Your heart and the soul of who you are can always remain youthful and ready for new adventures despite your age. Don’t let physical age dictate what you can and cannot do. No matter our age, an adventure and a new chapter will always await us.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Take care of yourself

There are some practical things that we can do every day that will help our physical bodies to go the distance. We can be mindful of the following:

  • Eat well
  • Stay active
  • Be mindful of resting
  • Drink more water
  • Read more books
  • Explore nature
  • Do something fun or take a up new hobby

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will have truly defeated age.” – Sophia Loren

Just know that your life is a work of art in the making. You are a constant story that is unfolding over the years. How you tell that story is up to you. Embrace your life, your age, your wrinkles and stay present in the here and now and own every stage of your life. You will enjoy it so much more when you do.

Don’t look back

Cassan Ferguson
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Don’t look back

Don’t look back – you’re not going that way.

It’s hard to stay focused and present in the now when we keep looking over our shoulders at what was. When we dwell on our past, we remain in a certain state of mind and we are unable to move forward. Some people, without realising it, live in their past failures, hurt, and disappointments. They struggle to move forward because they are letting their past consume and control them.

In my own life, there have been moments when I felt stuck and frustrated in the season that I was in. I just felt like I couldn’t move on, because my heart held on to the past. It’s a very frustrating place to be, because a part of you wants to move forward, but your heart and mind does not know how to let go of the past.

Thank goodness we have a choice when it comes to either living a life stuck in the past, or choosing to live a life that is filled with an overcoming spirit. I don’t know about you, but I want to enjoy my time here on earth. I want to experience all that God has in store for me. That means that I need to be brave enough to face my past, and step into my future with expectation and confidence knowing that God has gone before me and will walk with me every step of the way.

MOVING ON FROM YOUR PAST

If you want to move forward and embrace new seasons ahead, maybe it’s time to do the following:

1. Accept what was, then let it go: Some people either live in denial of their past, or relive their past over and over. When we accept that whatever happened to us, happened, we acknowledge it. Through the acknowledging we then know that we have a choice to either let it control our future, or to forgive, let it go, and move forward.

2. Know who is in your future: Our future may seem uncertain at times, and that can be a daunting thought. However, when we realise that God is not only with us in the present, but that He is also in our future, we understand that we have nothing to fear. Therefore no matter the season or storm, we can walk confidently in and through it knowing God is with us and has gone before us.

3. Trust in God’s goodness: One of my favourite Bible verses that I hold on to is found in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plan I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.“ I have held onto this verse for many years now, and I believe it to be true for me and for you. When we understand that God’s plans for us are always good, and are always filled with hope,  we move with confidence into our future.

Friend, just know that you are dearly loved by God, and know that he is with you right now. He has already gone before you into your future. You can overcome any difficulty with God at your side. Your best days lay before you. If this post spoke to you and you want to know more about God, please click on the link below.

The power of great friendships

Cassan Ferguson
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The power of great friendships

There is significant power in the choosing and maintaining of great friendships. Why? Because your friends are the people you allow to speak into your life. We allow them to have some sort of influence over us that may shape our attitude and perceptions about who we are and how we go about doing things.

If you surround yourself with others that are encouraging, supportive, secure, and inspiring, you yourself will feel those things too. If you surround yourself with people who are insecure, negative, and who speak badly about you or others, chances are it will rub off on you and influence you negatively.

Sometimes it’s good to do a bit of housekeeping and spring cleaning when it comes to our friends. It’s good to stop and ask ourselves if these friendships are contributing to the growth of our character, or if certain friendships are stealing from who we are.

Surround yourself with others who will take you higher.
– Oprah Winfrey

When choosing friends, look for individuals who truly love and value you just the way you are. Choose friends who want to see you succeed and see you fulfil your dreams. Choose friends who will believe in you when you face your darkest moments, because they will remind you of who you are and where you are headed, and will help lift  and carry you in those trying seasons.

One who has unreliable friends will soon come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
– Proverbs 18 : 24 

Be brave enough to close those doors where friendships have become unhealthy. Become aware of unhealthy friendships by noting if these friends are constantly insecure around you, if they are jealous or possessive  over you, if they gossip or speak poorly of you, if they belittle you and don’t want you to succeed. Some friendships can be emotionally abusive, and ruled by emotional manipulation.

You will know the people that feed your soul,
because you will feel good after spending time with them. 

Take a moment to evaluate if your current friendships are healthy or unhealthy. Just know that you are so deserving of great friendships, and you deserve to be surrounded by people who genuinely love and value you. Remember friendships are two sided, therefore be an amazing friend to others, too. Never underestimate the power and long lasting value that great friendships holds! 

When the storm comes…

Cassan Ferguson
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When the storm comes…

When you face a storm, how do you embrace, endure, or survive it? When you face a challenging season does it completely take you off guard and leave you feeling broken, or are you left standing tall and strong ?

When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. 

WHEN THE ROOTS RUN DEEP

It has always interested me noting how some handle challenging seasons with a sense of calm, confidence, and endurance, and keep moving forward despite the odds being against them. What inspires me even more is that these individuals manage to come out on the other side of it not feeling shaken or broken; instead, they have grown beautifully  in and through the storm. Then there are others, like most of us, who feel completely broken and overwhelmed by our personal battles.

Well, what’s the difference between those who endure a storm well and those who fall apart completely?

The main difference is that those who endure tough times well, are rooted well. That means that their confidence, hope, faith, and trust is rooted in something much deeper and bigger than external strength. They are rooted in God; rooted in His presence; rooted in His character; rooted in His promises that we find in the Bible. That means that no matter the season, they are firmly rooted in what God says about them, and about their circumstances.

The winds and storms may come hard against them, but they remain strong as they face the turbulence knowing and trusting that God is with them. They rest in knowing that God has gone before them. They move with a sense of grace and strength, knowing that God believes that they are more than capable of facing and overcoming any storm.

Storms make trees take deeper roots.

If you are currently facing a storm, may I encourage you to stay firmly rooted in the very presence and word of God. His very presence and word will be an anchor and it will safely guard and encourage you as you face each storm. If this post spoke to you, and you would like to know more about being in a relationship with God, then may I encourage you to click on the link below.

The power of reaching out

Cassan Ferguson
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The power of reaching out

I have been reminded recently about the power of staying in community with others, especially during a trying season. Our son has been ill, and was in hospital for a few days going through various tests. It was emotionally and mentally exhausting for all of us, but somehow we felt strong, encouraged, graced, and loved through it all.

From family and friends, through to online acquaintances who constantly showered us with love during this time; from phone calls, through to dropping off flowers or coffee; encouraging messages and prayers from so many people – it all made us feel so overwhelmed by love. Just knowing that there is a community of people standing with us, believing in us, and cheering all of us on during this time stirred our faith and gave us confidence as we moved forward as a family.

THE POWER OF REACHING OUT

Normally in situations like this I would feel completely overwhelmed, anxious, and fearful. But because of the constant love that has been shown by so many others on a daily basis, I feel confident and calm. The last few days have made realise the following:

1 . We don’t know what is on the receiving end of our reaching out

Every little bit helps in some way, shape, or form. We must never underestimate what an encouraging word or act of kindness can do for someone on the receiving end. It may stir their faith; it may empower their hope; it may even refresh their confidence to keep on going.

2 . There is power in our words

Our words have the power to influence and shape someone’s reality, perception, and attitude towards something. Your encouraging and loving words holds the power to inspire a new attitude – it may empower and encourage a fearful heart, or it may just speak life and courage into a dark situation.

3 . Don’t hesitate when it comes to reaching out to others

Often we may feel like we don’t want to burden others when they are going through a tough time. Maybe we assume they have enough people at their side, or maybe you feel a bit shy to reach out to others. May I just encourage you, that through your reaching out, you will soon realise how it blesses not only others on the receiving end, but it blesses you knowing that you reached out and helped carry somebody else during a trying time.

4 . The power of prayer

Never underestimate the power of prayer, because God hears every prayer, and he responds to every prayer in His perfect timing and according to His good and perfect will for our lives. If you aren’t sure how to reach out to others in trying times, then a simple prayer on their behalf goes a long way. I know that during our tough time, friends and family have been constantly praying for us. I know God has answered their prayers, because as a family we feel encouraged, confident, and our hearts feel full of faith and hope.

Next time you see or hear of someone that is going through a tough time, why not take a moment to see how you can encourage them during this time. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or an encouraging message or phone call, it has the power to bring hope and confidence. Never underestimate the value of what you bring by you reaching out.

I am…

Cassan Ferguson
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I am…

I have a not-so-secret obsession with quotes. I believe quotes have the power to speak into our season in a way that encourages and inspires us. Have you ever stumbled across a quote and felt like the very words jumped out at you and held your attention, speaking directly to you ?

The other day I found a quote that says:

“I am”  are two of the most powerful words. For what you put after them shapes your reality.

After reading this quote I immediately thought to myself, “What words would follow after my ‘I am’?” I paused, and hit a blank. Then I thought to myself, “What do I believe and know about myself to be true?” I hit another blank; I couldn’t answer my own question.

DIGGING DEEPER

It’s good to have these moments where we stop, reflect, and evaluate where we are at with our thoughts and emotions. Often we are so busy trying to keep up with everything, that we get distracted mentally and emotionally, and we let seasons and situations redefine what we believe about ourselves. For example, we can go through a tough season and feel hopeless, insecure, and fearful, and without realising it we make decisions and live our lives based on those thoughts and feelings. Or maybe we get so caught up in doing so many things, that we are constantly distracted, forgetting who we are and what we are passionate about. When we forget who we are, and what our character strengths and gifts are, we don’t feel empowered to embrace new seasons or challenging situations.

WHAT WORDS FOLLOW AFTER YOUR ‘I AM’?

Would you perhaps say “I am confident; inspiring; creative; innovative; loving; encouraging; strong; courageous; more than capable; a work of art?” Or would you not know what to say? It’s okay to be honest with yourself, and truly reflect and be aware of these things, as it means you can go on a journey to rediscover who you are.

When I saw that quote, I hit blank and I couldn’t think of what I would say after “I am”. I have been so busy trying to balance life itself, that I have been distracted mentally and emotionally. I am glad that I saw this quote, because now I am doing some soul searching again and rediscovering where my strengths lie, and what my passions and talents are.

FINDING OURSELVES IN HIM

In this soul searching, I have been asking God to reveal to me what He thinks of me, and what He believes to be true about me. In this time, He has been revealing to me why He created me the way He did. This in turn made me realise what my purpose is, and what His vision for my life is. Knowing that He loves me and accepts me just the way that I am makes me feel empowered and confident. Knowing that He believes in me and my gifting and talents, excites and propels me to explore and express those sides of my character confidently and passionately.

When we discover who we are in God, and find our true identity in Him, we become familiar with all the details and intricacies of our personalities. When we understand His unconditional love for us, we start to feel confident, encouraged, and motivated to express that.

I am…

a child of God.

I am…

dearly loved by Him.

I am…

wonderfully made.

I am…

destined for greatness.

I am…

courageous and filled with hope.

I am…

stronger than I know or realise.

I am…

(What would you say after this?)

Think before you speak

Cassan Ferguson
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Think before you speak

Thinking before you speak is definitely one of those habits that seem to be dying out. It has become more evident lately that people easily bash what they hate, and share very judgmental opinions and remarks without much thought or regard for those on the receiving end. Not only do we see this behaviour online, but it’s starting to encourage people to behave like this in person. I have read a few online articles where people speak openly in shock at how random strangers have approached them and attacked them on a very personal level, based on an assumption and have said some very harsh uncalled for things. These unfiltered words leave scars, and negatively impact the lives of others. What is even worse is that the people who make these remarks have no sense of remorse – instead, they feel entitled and justified for sharing “their opinions”.

WHAT ENCOURAGES THIS BEHAVIOUR ?

1. A sense of entitlement

When people express themselves with words that are harsh, critical, and judgmental, they are speaking from a very one-sided and self-consumed perspective. Normally their opinions are based on an assumption or generalisation. When they express their opinions, they come across as emotionally charged, and will react defensively if anyone dares to challenge them. They feel entitled to share anything unfiltered with no regard for others.

What happened to being open to listening and seeing other people’s view points? 

2. Lack of empathy 

Often people judge and have harsh opinions of others, without having much thought, regard, or respect for that person. They feel entitled to say ridiculous things without putting themselves in that person’s situation or shoes. However, this behaviour reflects an unkind attitude.

How would you feel if someone attacked you verbally without trying to empathise with you? 

3 . Not realising the consequences

In the heat of the moment it may feel good to verbally spew an opinion online or in person. But we forget who is on the receiving end, and we forget that our words hold weight and have the power to break others down.

Before saying something that could come across as harsh or abrupt,  ask yourself if you would appreciate the same sentiment directed towards you.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Before you share something online or express an opinion, ask yourself the following:

Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

And lastly:

Before you assume, learn the facts. Before you judge, understand why. Before you hurt someone, feel. Before you speak, think.

Your breakthrough is coming

Cassan Ferguson
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Your breakthrough is coming

I always find when I am just about to throw my hands in the air and shout out aloud in frustration “I give up,” and I’m ready to sulk on the floor in a little pool of my own tears – that’s when I feel a little nudge; a little voice saying “Get up, keep going; you are stronger and more capable than you know; your breakthrough is on its way”.

The truth is that we are more capable than we know or give ourselves credit for. Sometimes we forget that because we are too caught up in doing it all in our own strength. After a while it becomes overwhelming, if not exhausting, and we would rather give up altogether!

However, when we decide to stand strong, and to keep on moving forward despite the pressure, we start to grow in character and in capacity, and we gain momentum. When we eventually push through and give that trying season everything we’ve got, we soon realise that we have come across the finish line in one piece feeling stronger and more empowered.

PREPARE FOR YOUR BREAKTHROUGH

1 . Look at your season differently

The mind is very powerful and has the ability to dictate and define how we perceive information, behave, and react to situations. What we believe about ourselves and about our situations will define our attitude and behaviour. We need to focus on the good elements of those trying seasons. We need to focus on what lies ahead, and take determined steps in that direction.

2 . Remind yourself that stretching brings growth

We tend to forget about what’s on the other side of the tension, because we are so caught up in the now and how it feels right now in this very moment. However, when we remember that every trying season has the power to encourage and influence growth, we can encourage ourselves to rise up and move forward. If we do so, we will finish that season feeling like we overcame; we will feel empowered and strengthened for the next season to come.

3 . Don’t do it in your own strength

When I start to feel anxious, tired, and overwhelmed, I know that I am trying to do it all in my own strength. When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t think clearly and I act emotionally, which affects my physical health. I need to remind myself that I am only human, and that I can only do my very best – the rest is in fact up to God. Knowing that brings peace to my heart, soul, and mind. I trust that God has gone before me, and that he will always have the best intent at the end of the day. Therefore we can be confident in Him, and we can trust in Him, and rest in Him as we navigate our trying seasons with Him at our side. God will grace us to carry our seasons, and to carry it well.

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. – Matthew 11 : 28

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current situation, may I just encourage you to hand the weight of your burdens over to God.  He will give you rest and He will grace you for this season. If this post spoke to you, and you would like to know more about being in a relationship with God, then may I encourage you to click on the link below.

Is social media wrecking your communication skills?

Cassan Ferguson
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Is social media wrecking your communication skills?

Social media has the power to connect, inform, educate, and empower. Yet, on the other hand, as most of us know, it can also distract, consume, miscommunicate, break others down, and negatively affect the way we communicate with others in our day-to-day.

SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE EVOLUTION

We tend to get so caught up in speaking in hashtag terminology (a clickable search word followed by the #), abbreviated text (LOL – laugh out loud) or even with emoticons 😉 that we end up talking like that in person and even responding to work emails in a similar tone.

Obviously our generation is more tech driven, and with that new words and phrases have evolved that make sense online. But it does not mean that everyone understands or appreciates that way of communicating, especially in a work or professional environment.

SOCIAL MEDIA LANGUAGE BARRIER

Although we may have become accustomed to this tech evolution, I have to stop and ask the question: Is social media slowly but surely affecting the way we process condensed information, including the way we speak and interact with others personally?

Speaking in abbreviated text slang may be fun on social media, however it’s not appropriate for every setting and sometimes we forget that. What we would say online and the way we would say it, won’t necessarily sound professional in a work email to others.

Sometimes in a work setting we tend to forget that we may be communicating with our boss, with a new potential client, or with someone who is maybe not social media savvy. Sometimes our fun slang email responses aren’t digested and interpreted in the right way, and may cause others to question their confidence in you.

BEFORE YOU SEND THAT EMAIL

I have to often stop myself before sending a work email, just to make sure that it doesn’t sound like a Tweet or something I would say to a friend over a text message, as I don’t want to come across as informal or unprofessional. Isn’t it amazing that we have gotten to that place where we need to scan and edit our emails to make sure we sound articulate  and well spoken?

I suppose that is the day and age that we are living in, where we need to stop, pause, read through, and edit our emails before pressing “send”. As silly or simple as that may sound, it may help you and your working environment in the long term. Whether you are the boss or the employee, you are representing a brand and a business. Therefore your email etiquette needs to reflect the voice and tone of your business.

As we evolve with technology and social media, we too need to remember to practice the art of effective communication by being mindful of doing so. What does your email etiquette say about you ?

Your past does not define you

Cassan Ferguson
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Your past does not define you

Without realising it, we sometimes give our past the power to define who we are and our futures. This in turn has a negative impact on the way we view ourselves and others. Often we hold on so tightly to our past, that we become too familiar with it, and we let it consume us and dictate how we live our lives.

Every single one of us has a story, a past – some may even have tragic pasts,  and it needs to be acknowledged. But, if the past shapes us negatively and bears unhealthy fruit in our lives, and steals our joy and crushes our hope, then we need to choose to write a brand new chapter filled with hope, courage, and happiness. In order to move forward, we need to reshape the way we think by sifting through the lies and replacing it with truth.

MOVING FORWARD MAY MEAN:

  1. Acknowledging what was.
  2. Choosing to let go.
  3. Choosing to forgive yourself and others.
  4. Choosing to move forward.
  5. Understanding your worth, value, and identity.
  6. Letting God grace and strengthen you daily.
  7. Choosing to believe that God has the best in store for you.

The Bible says it this way:

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:18-19

It’s not always easy moving forward from our past situations. It may require effort and action. It may even mean facing some cold, hard truths, and it may require us to forgive and let go, which isn’t always easy. However, with God we can do all things and overcome all things. All we need to do is ask Him, and He will lovingly restore us, carry us and strengthen us. If you want to write a new chapter, one filled with hope, courage, and joy, then why not click on the link below to find out more.

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