Monday 25 November 2013

The gift of presence…


[Disclaimer: excuse the irony of this topic, as I’ve not been ‘present’ on this platform these few weeks, I do apologise. You must know me by now, go with it]

When was the last time you were fully present, engaging in a conversation with someone who really needed your attention, and being attentive to the words spoken whilst curiously anticipating to participate? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been really struggling with this one recently, hence why I’ve resorted on writing down (ranting) about it here. With the holiday season fast approaching, most people are now busy buying physical presents for their loved ones, but imagine the idea of offering someone something new, different and unconventional as a gift, your time and presence…How many of us would really sign up to that?

Friday 11 October 2013

Three P’s for victorious living


Those of you know me well will know that I LOVE September. It’s my favourite month by far. Not only does it bring forth my birthday (which is a great day for reflecting on God’s goodness and mercies over the past year) but mostly because I feel like it’s a month of transitions and new beginnings, which always carries common mixed emotions in the form of excitement and fear. Not to mention that it’s also the end of summer, which in most cases (especially in the UK) gives people the opportunity to make use of the [rare] sun before the beauty of autumn and doom of winter descends upon us. In my case however, the month of September turned out to be quite a blessing, a victorious one despite the many challenges I faced. I won’t go into it with sheer detail just to spare you the ramble, but I’ve seen the hand of God at work in so many aspects of this new journey I’ve started. Walking on water (living out in faith) hasn’t proved to be easy so far, but as October rolls on, these are the three P’s I’m adopting for victorious living!!
‘…Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ…– (Romans 8:37)

Wednesday 4 September 2013

The joy of walking on water...


Have you recently felt like you are being called to something new? A change of country/city, career path, pursuing further education, taking your spirituality more seriously? Or perhaps it’s something less drastic and yet just the mere thought of it presents you with doubt beyond belief, which subsequently affects your decision-making. Therefore you are also aware that whichever decision you do make will be costly, and this utterly scares you (though you may not want to admit it) You feel like the more you pray about it, the more confused and agitated you become towards the prospect of stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing something new. Well, I’m here to reassure you that you are not alone.                                                                  
Your life’s highest calling will always create the highest level of joy within…

Wednesday 21 August 2013

I will remember you...


Just the other morning when I awoke and was reading my daily devotion, I stumbled upon a well-known story in the bible...it was the story of Joseph. (One of my all-time favourites). Surprisingly, the verse that I read seemed oh so familiar - except a tiny little detail that caught my attention and thus lead me to ponder on something that I've been struggling with lately, and nope, this isn't one of my 'post-graduation syndromes' as I like to diagnose it. (Or perhaps it is) but that's not the point. It's about the gift of remembering and Genesis 40 captures the moment Joseph (who ironically is the captain guard in the prison he is kept in) interprets two prisoners dreams and Joseph asks a simple yet, significant favour afterwards,

14 But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.


Monday 5 August 2013

Taking time-out…




stunning sunset from our Campsite- Priceless


















‘We need times of solitude and silence. We need times of refreshment, laughter and rest. We need to listen to the voice of God in our hearts as he tells us what we need.' – Captivating, by John & Staci Eldredge

I have just returned from a week-long camping holiday called FOCUS with my church family, which was hosted by HTB church network and was situated in the small town called Mablethorpe (far east-cost of England). It was simply magnificent. If I go on to describe just how awesome it felt to truly zone out from all the distractions of life and FOCUS on God…I would bore you with all the details. But it really got me thinking about the importance of taking time-out. This is something I particularly struggle with. The idea of putting a break to everything, simply letting go, inhaling and exhaling rest and exercising a prayerful lifestyle in exchange to living on a busy schedule and constantly being ‘proactive’ is not easy. How many of us really enjoy times of solitude and silence when presented with the opportunity?

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Love is Patient...


I’ve recently been reading a really good book by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer called, wait for it… ‘Praying for your Future Husband’- (Preparing your heart for his) – I had to include that to make it sound less crazy. Hah. But seriously, as soon as I mentioned the title of the book to my friends, the response I get is always that of hilarity. The girls shyly smile or laugh hysterically, depending on how/when I bring it up…and the guys, well – rather freaked out by the idea to be perfectly honest. I seem to not understand why the concept of Praying for the ‘bone of my bones & flesh of my flesh’ is stirring up such negative connotation. Surely we can all relate to the idea that prayer is indeed powerful, and as we begin to pray for someone else…we are also being changed/transformed in the process? This should be great news for single ladies (myself included) to be aware of, knowing that there is something they can invest in now that will make a huge difference in their life and the life of their future husband?

Friday 19 July 2013

Fear and Fatigue


So it’s been over a week since I graduated…and it still hasn’t sunk in yet. One thing is certain though, the reality of falling under the category of ‘unemployed’ has indeed settled in. I was filling in some application forms for job opportunities the other day, and it hit me that I am no longer a student. I don’t know how I feel about it. Does that mean I am now a fully pledged adult? What if I am not ready to embrace that fact? What if I just want to remain a student forever, acknowledging the benefits of what that brings along? It’s all too much to take in. Plus on top of that, some of my close friends are all leaving the city. And I for one hate goodbyes. In fact, I detest them. Yet I understand that this is a changing season, people are moving on, going places, accepting new challenges. So does that mean that I should just suck it up and be strong? What if I want to cry, and hide from it all? What if I am not ready or strong enough to stand firm in the midst of all these different waves of emotions? WHAT IF??

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Graduating with gratitude

So, Monday was a joyous day of celebration. It was graduation day!! :) I was finally presented with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. The sun was shining. My classmates were all dressed up, soaking up the occasion, I was surrounded by my wonderful family and friends (who were genuinely proud of my achievements) and had the immense privilege of rejoicing on the past 3 years of this unforgettable journey of University life. As the famous saying goes 'All good things must come to an end' and it did and it was unbelievably emotional. But I thank God for bringing me thus far, I can now declare that it was not easy...but with hard work and perseverance coupled with  faith and diligence I crossed the finishing line. And it was glorious!


You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated. - Maya Angelou


I could not have done it alone. I owe my family, friends and you wonderful readers so very much for your encouragements, prayers and support during these very trying times. As the picture on the left demonstrates...It was certainly a time of letting go of all the stress, by the infamous gesture of throwing the cap and leaping for JOY! And doing so in style...the 'Authentic Happyness' style.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

GUEST BLOG: The Art of Being Happy


Is Within Yourself
Credits:
Picture: N/a; Words: AG
In the quest of trying to make this blog a little bit more versatile and inclusive, I have now opted on discovering new ways of shaking things up a notch... Bringing on some creative, cool, collected minds and generally people who are open to sharing a little bit of themselves whilst highlighting topics they feel passionate about. The purpose of this blog is so much more than just random rants, It is about using people in my surrounding whom I admire to pour out their gifts and souls to you guys for a little dollop of inspiration.the journey has just got interesting. This is a very exciting new conquest that also requires your precious feedback. But in the mean time, Happy reading!! :) Fufu

Words by “El” Rehema Mussanzi

I was watching a TED Talk this morning by Lisa Bu entitled “How books can open your mind” in which she shares her unique approach to reading with an enthusiastic audience in Long Beach, California, when I had an epiphany. About half way through the talk she made a comment which sparked me to examine what we, as human beings, consider to be the art of being happy. She said “it’s through translation that I realised ‘happiness’ in Chinese literally means ‘fast joy’”. Really! Fast joy?
 
Well, it occurred to me that the one question we all ask ourselves at varying points in life is what is the goal of living? How does one live a happy life?

Saturday 15 June 2013

Birds sang songs of praise...

WOW,
Where to begin...
First and foremost, I apologise for the lack of posts. Apologies for not keeping up with my words of keeping y'all updated with my journey. It HAS been a long while. Too long infact.

But I'm finally back, and boy do I have a few exciting news/projects up my sleeve for the future of this blog. Yes, I WILL share in due time. But for now, here is, a little post to say 'It is done'!!! My journey through University has finally come to an end as of this Monday!! I'm not sure if it has sank in yet. Mixed emotions. Most of all I feel like those who were stood along side me supporting me on in prayer are chanting:

Congratulations! You made it through University!

Tuesday 2 April 2013

The need for self-discipline

 

The time has come! The one that was highly anticipated yet with so much energy it has already drained me. I was looking forward to 3rd year of University but nothing prepared me for this. It's as if if January was just yesterday. My mind can't seem to fathom just how on earth April is upon us. For me, this month holds a particular significance. It's a month that will make or break me. It's what I've been looking forward to since the beginning of this degree, seeing just how far I've come. And with no information of where I'm heading after this chapter of my life is over, I open up my arms and I embrace the mistery.

Saturday 9 March 2013

Million Women Rise 2013


As I write this post, thousands of young girls and women from across the country have congregated in central London for the annual event of Million Women Rise march, which takes place every March to celebrate International Women's Day (8th March) with three primary focus;

1) PROTEST: against racism and sexism against women that still exists in our society.

2) RESIST: the culture that objectifies women and girls, blaming the victims and glamorising sexual violence and thus subsequently giving power to the abuser.

3) EMPOWER: the survivors of such violence to know their worth and exercise their rights.


Among them is my mother, who is quite well known in the arena of women activists as she has worked directly with victims of rape and domestic violence for many years. She is also due to speak at the end of the march, at Trafalgar Square with 3 other Congolese women activists who work for peace and justice. I had the huge privilege of finally being able to attend last year's event with a group of powerful, strong women from my home-town, driving 5 hours down to London and 5 hours back. I was blown away at how organised and brilliant the whole day turned out. So much so, that I put a photo/video montage together on Youtube to share my phenomenal experience with others. I'm so gutted I can't make it this year, but for those of you who were not previously aware of this organisation, Please check out their website http://www.millionwomenrise.com/. (Mama happens to be the star of the show, as she and a few other familiar faces are the face of MWR's website).
 

This is our month. And every other day of the year. Let's celebrate each other and acknowledge that we are indeed SUPERWOMEN. From my house to yours, Happy International Women's Day.
(Watch the video I made here:)


ONE WOMEN, ONE BODY, ONE SONG, ONE LOVE

Happy Saturday, <3

Fufu

Sunday 3 March 2013

Bala 2013 (in pictures)

 
 
 
This weekend has been phenomenal. After 3 weeks of hardcore working hard, writing my research paper, designing and preparing for presentations here, there and everywhere I've been looking forward to taking a break, particularly anticipating my Church Weekend-Away to a small stunning town called Bala, set in the glorious scenery of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

It was our little retreat together, a time to get to know each other well, for friendships to really blossom and for God to truly manifest himself in us as we looked at the exciting things our church has coming up in the next few years. From my perspective, It  was unmissable. I happened to miss the previous one which took place 2 years ago, and this being my last year as a student, was more of a reason to make sure I attended. Amazing things took place. Lots of revelations, reaffirmations but above all, tears flowed. Of Joy, true authentic JOY that comes from a higher source. We worshipped together, studied the bible, had an Amazing session which was led by our guest speaker Ric Thorpe who came all the way from London.

We bonded, laughed, interceded for one another and grew closer and closer to God. The whole experience far exceeded my expectations, and I'm so glad I had the chance to just take a weekend off to hibernate, stop worrying, focus my sight and faith on the author of time, who is in control of my future and to marvel at the beauty of his wonderful works through nature. So I shall end there, (Still learning to write less and less, rounding things up, cutting to the chase etc)...So here is a few picture I took this morning. A few of us decided to wake up early (6:30am to be precise) and go for an early morning walk to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. It was beautiful, I love how peaceful and calm the mornings are, a perfect time to reflect, meditate, have a one to one time with yourself and God. I am going to try more and more to incorporate this little early morning rise reflection in my daily routine to balance the long busy days. I hope this finds you well, and that you've enjoyed your weekend. Enjoy, (c) Fufu Photography.

 
 
 
 

Thursday 14 February 2013

Finding Contentment in your Single-ness...

Greetings all, So it's been a while. Too long you may even say. Apologies for the absence, I've been SO preoccupied with University life and making the most of my final EVER semester before graduating, that I have lost track of time. Much needed time to blog. Lots has been happening and I promise I'll allocate a set time, when I can fill y'all in on what's been happening in my journey thus far. It's bound to be an interesting one, Believe you me, Life has been extremely fascinating recently. Lots of challenges, Accomplishments and more Trials. But I'll come back to that. Soon. I promise!!

 Anyhow, the main purpose of this post, which is supposed to be brief (Hence why I am quickly typing it up at 2:39am, while my mind drifts off thinking about how on earth I'm going to wake up at 8am for class)...It's all about that four-lettered-word. L.O.V.E. YES, it's back.

We hadn't quite escaped it just yet. It is Valentine's day after all so y'all should've expected this. But like the previous post, this ones also been inspired by a recent online reading I came across, following the twitter sphere, blogs, news exploding with love messages, and what I like to call valentine's day madness; I had to do what I had to do, sharing my thoughts with you guys.

Thursday 31 January 2013

10 questions with El Rehema



Biography:
 

"El Rehema is an up-and-coming Bradford-based rapper/producer dropping his second EP #EternalJourney in February 2013 - date to be confirmed. Refusing to confine himself in a box, he describes his music as human music mirroring the social conditions of people the world over. He bases his subject matter on personal experience, from spending his formative years in the Democratic Republic of Congo to ...tackling issues such as teen pregnancy, among others."

 

I caught up with El Rehema to try and find out more about what has been the driving force and influence behind his music as well as hearing first hand what his upcoming EP #EternalJourney has in store for his broader audience. He also happens to be my brother and I do feature on some of his songs which is about to be released later in February 2013. This is just an opportunity for you guys to find out more about him. I'm very excited to use this platform as a way of elevating and appreciating upcoming talents, and simply ordinary individuals who are inspiring many in their field of profession. This is just the beginning, so watch this space. Inspiring Thursdays! :)

Sunday 27 January 2013

When the going gets tough, BAKE.....

So it's the end of January already? Like, how did that happen...I feel like it was just yesterday I was here posting about how I'm so excited for the new year & the awesome adventures I have ahead. That was 3 weeks ago, oh my. To be fair, life has been super busy for me (nothing has changed)...I did warn you guys that blogging this semester is going to be a challenge, and indeed I was right. It's proving to be more than just that. And the mere thought of that sucks.

Saturday 12 January 2013

Another year, another chance to get it right!!

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a  H A P P Y   N E W    Y E A R !! Full of 'Furaha' (Joy), 'Salama' (Peace), and 'Baraka' (Abundant blessings) indeed in all you do. There's a little Swahili lesson you weren't expecting. :) I proclaim that 2013 is going to be a good year for me!! Just reflecting on what 2012 offered is overwhelming. Through tears and laughter, each day brought forth more HOPE. I have come to a conclusion that it was most certainly a year of new discovery, 'Out with the Old, In with the New'. The year I started Blogging, and as most say, So far so good!
The journey had been a fascinating one, and rather tricky at first. I always knew taking this up would sometimes mean putting a little bit of myself out there to the world. A little bit of my soul, my personality, my frustrations, my fears and Joy. It's been amazing being able to document my journey through this platform and for that I smile.