50 Shades of Grace

"You don't write because you want to say something, rather because you have something to say." 

                                                   - F. Scott Fitzgerald

My life, as a 21 year old lady, is and/or has been full of mistakes.

Mistakes I've made

Mistakes others have made involving me                 

Mistakes I'm GOING to make

and the mistakes I NEED to make.

Has it ever occurred to you that maybe these 'mistakes' were/are not mistakes at all?

Mistake: an act that is misguided or wrong

Without those/these mistakes I would have nothing to say to you, nothing to share, no lessons to teach or wisdom to share or seek. 

Being imperfect is one of our greatest blessings. Without it, we would be lost.

Ask yourself this: Am I seeking (to be) perfection or 'seek-In' Perfection?

We as humans, whether old or young, are so selfish that in our minds (and sometimes our actions) are consumed by our own doing/ undoing. "I did this" - "I cannot do that" - "How will I..." - "How could I".

I can only speak for myself, but I do not know HOW I would have ended up where and how I am today without God. But then again, I know for sure that without Him, I WOULD not be where and how I am.

I live in a beautiful home, that has an amazing scenery of the town and ocean, in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. I have enough clothing to be able to wear different clothes everyday, my feet (though naturally always freezing) are kept warm in good shoes. If I don't eat good food then it was by choice. These are only the tangible things!!!

My household is the most supportive, motivating and loving family I could have ever wished for. My parents would die for me (as most parents would for their children/child). Education was given (and kind of forced on me) by my earth-bringers (aka parents).

My life was saved at the age of 3 (or 4) years old, by an amazing cardiac surgeon. I've ditched a couple of 'almost-an-accident''s. There is SO MUCH MORE I am and can be grateful for.

And yet, I have made ALL. THESE. MISTAKES.

ALL. THESE. SINS. 

GRACE! 

AMAZING GRACE!

GRACE!

Receiving what is not deserved!

MERCY ... Is not receiving what is deserved.

Have YOU experienced this?

"How then is it possible to experience it (God's mercy and grace) and not display it??

IT ISN'T POSSIBLE!!

You haven't experienced it, if you don't display it!"

   - Art Azurdia

We were all born to a world of sin. A world that is foul, dirty, cursed and vulgar. 

But look.

Just take a look at who and what you have, as well as who you are.

STOP pointing fingers at yourself and others for mistakes made and sins committed. Point to the Heavens instead.

CHIN UP and look to God.

You do not deserve any praise or emphasis on who and what you are or have done, because without Him we are all nothing. We are all but sinners in a sinners paradise.

"I will always sing Your praise"

Do not mistake me for someone who thinks that they know it all, or seems to pretend to be perfect. I have no secrets. I am no better than you are.

But take a look at my life. 

Look at what my God has done for me.

Keep The faith

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"

The Queenery

xxxx

My 'sexy' & 'Hot' body revealed

Why is it that most forms of nudity and body-exposing pictures are seen as degrading or carry a 'filthy' connotation? Why is it that such a beautiful masterpiece, which is the body, carries such a negative connotation when it is exposed and vulnerable for others to see?

The power that lies between the female thighs, is like any other 'superpower'. No superhero has gained strength or authority by revealing themselves and exposing their mysteries. The biggest lie that girls believe, is that exposing their 'sexy', 'hot' and whatever thrilling word used to describe the body, makes them powerful. An even bigger lie would be that taking revealing pictures and/or wearing revealing clothes, has nothing to do with wanting to be wanted.

The attention that girls get from boys could bring a form of satisfaction, having a dopamine effect on the brain. Trust me when I say "It's only temporary and it's definitely not enough to make/keep you happy". To some this might seem silly to speak about or even mention, but it goes deeper than just the physical.

Though these acts, which are now seen as normal and acceptable, do way more harm than they do good. The attention you girls get does not only cause you to lose respect for your body but also plants seeds of lust in these boys. Your body is a temple [1 corinthians 6:19 MSG "...Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?..."]. Yes, most of us knew this since childhood ages but do we really KNOW this?

I've always said that I respect my body, and indeed I did. That however, didn't make me feel as though my pictures or constant-cleavage was a bad habit. It has been a very long time since I have taken a picture or worn something that could be seen as very revealing, I've grown out of wanting to do that.

This afternoon, around 2pm I realised what it was about respecting my body that wasn't enough.
I had not been looking at myself as more than just a physical being. Respecting my spirit and soul is what makes me feel sacred, and wanting to keep myself covered and 'protected'. It was the fact that I did not realise that those pictures and clothing led boys and men into adultery [Matthew 5:28 " But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."]. 

I choose to believe that most people would not want to lead others astray. I believe that If you had known the spiritual damage your actions have caused, you wouldn't have did these things or would have chosen not to do this again, as I have. 

Let us evaluate ourselves daily, Let us ask ourselves what the intention behind our actions are and what good or bad they could possibly bring. Remember that God is a merciful, loving and a just God. He only wants what is best for us, so may we want what is best for ourselves and others as well. 

Hope this post brings some clarity, critique and self questioning to someone.

Don't forget to
Keep the faith :)
xxxx

Chocolate Cookie

So upon reading this the first time, I felt the need to share it. Whether it be by reciting it at one of my Residence's cultural talent show thingys or by posting it on my blog. 

Besides not being a woman of black African ethnicity, which wouldn't make the point of this poem come across the way it should if I had recited it, I also felt that reading it yourself would make it that much more personal and effective. 

A problem that we find among the youth and community of black south africans, is that sometime (really don't want to offend anyone so I'm trying to be careful with my words) the visionistic, determined, smart, talented and dreamer individuals are not supported as much as they could and should be. This is not only by people of their ethnicity but also by others of a different race. 

Everyone has the right to dream and do their best in making that a reality. We (the fortunate bunch who are able to even use the internet) all were given the opportunity to an education that would provide us with way more skills than reading and writing. 

Chocolate Cookie - Genesis Shirindza

They say that's how the cookie crumbles...
..
So I mumbled a couple of recipes on how I was gonna make some dough: I was gonna be someone some day but they laughed and called me oreo..
So I twisted my personality to be like them!
So I Licked the ground to be like them!
So I dunked myself in sin to be liked by them! 

But,
When I took a bite I still tasted nothing like me..
Because I thought by being more like them I'd become me..
Not realising that in them is me all twisted back ...

You went on to call me a coconut.

Stats say there's a 1 in 250 million chance that you can die from a coconut hitting you..
If you had aks-I would've dropped 250 million times to try and make you understand that a coconut is a fruit.. A delicious, thirst quenching good for skin fruit, so if in any way you meant that I'm a fruit I would've never turned out the way I did..
Coz you kneaded me, rolled me out, shaped me and filled me with the belief that I was never good enough but.. weirdly I was still empty.. 

But that's how the cookie crumbles.. So I crumbled..
And you never checked your heat in the oven that you put me in so..
I crumbled..
And I still mumble.. I'm gonna make some dough one day..

Journey or Destination?

We start off with learning shapes, numbers and colours.

Soon after, these colours and shapes are used to teach us the alphabet and how to read and write.
Numbers are all of a sudden standing next to each other and sometimes more join or some leave.
Primary school is about 7 years if you lucky, excluding grade R and creche.

No one really understands why the Alphabet Family and Number Crew are in the same sentence, I mean equation. But, it's Math so let us just learn this and practice it to pass the grade.

Oh Gosh, okay...
I need to choose subjects...?
And these subjects will determine what my future career might be. Oh Gosh, uhm.. okay, here goes.
Pure maths, because "Mathematics literacy takes you nowhere", Accounting because "You are good with numbers", Biology because I want to know how exactly these chips make me fat and Consumer Studies because I think we get to make food in class.

Our classes are different, our friends aren't with us every period anymore and they made new friends. Things are getting serious now. The work is really difficult and people are failing. I don't have time to party because I need to study for the tests I'll be writing. I'm not sure I understand what's happening right now, I haven't changed (I think) but my friends are almost all new different people.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Now that these 5 years of High School are almost over I need to apply to University. "There is no time to think about friends now. You need to think about YOUR future."
Haven't I been doing that since I applied to High School, or when I chose my subjects?

University
Such a different ball game! To most people, the person who they thought they were is long gone by the time they get to 2nd year. 1st year is something like a mixture between grade 8 and Matric - feeling so grown but being so young and foolish.
We spend about 3-7 years in University. Depending on the course studied, the amount of modules failed and how far you plan on taking your education. Being in final year doesn't mean I know who or what I am. I might be a Soon-To-Be-Scientist but I don't know what I'm doing.

Pressure from outside, pressure from within.

Where will I work? What work will I do? Do I study further or even take a year off after graduating?

LIFE, my friends, should be a journey! It should be a structured spontaneous adventure. Having some idea of where you want to be and who you want to be. How you get there is not really your problem. Juggling between a social life, a student study life and .... SLEEP. That's all you need to do (and do your best at it).

One of the most essential things to have is a vision. Having some passion and determination goes a long way when one has a vision for ones life. Life is way too short to see your future as a destination.
Having your own home, being a financial manager(or whichever career), having a family (or not), driving your own car and being an independent worker. What else?? Is that it??

Allow yourself to take yourself on a roadtrip. Let your life tell great stories about how things didn't work out at first but somehow you made things work and being able to say "I can't wait to see where my career/life/God will take me next"

Keep the faith and positivity pumping :)

Love you all

xxxx

Queenery

HELLO AGAIN

It has been a long while since I've posted on this blog.

I've been so occupied with my studies, sleeping, family, and basically just living life. I have got so much that I would like to share with you! New talents and poems, campaigns, awarenesses, links and personal memories and moments that I plan on sharing with you all. I've got new friends with great mindsets and ideas, revelations and stories that need to be told. This blog is owned by me but it is not only about me and my little things that should be shared, so as I mentioned in my 1st post, If there is anything that you feel would be appreciated, enjoyed or inspirational to others, please do not hesitate to let me know.
You can contact me on my 'public' Facebook account Daddy's Princess or pop  me an email at williams.moniq@gmail.com .

Soon I'll be starting a YouTube channel, I think it might just be better for me to carry out information to you, I also plan on having guests on my channel so that you may familiarise yourself with the wonderful individuals that I have posted about or who's work I have posted on this blog.

I've been through quite a lot since the last time I have posted, Of which most has resulted in growth. What more could we ask for than to grow in every area of our lives. I'm currently in my final year of studies, I'm learning to know myself better as Royalty of Gods great Kingdom, I have made new friendships and ended a few others.

I hope all is well with you, though we all know that bad things do happen to good people sometimes LOL. Let's keep the faith and positivity at a peak!

Love you all

xxxx

Queenery

Through the lens of Jessica Stafford

Everyday we experience beauty, whether it be by loving gestures from others,

the perfect 'no-filter' beauty of nature or  moments that cannot be repeated.

It takes a fine eye to capture these experiences in pixel form, and Jessica does not lack this. Miss Stafford, a Medical BioScience student, born in East London and raised in Cape Town, is known for seeing and capturing the beauty in things we sometimes do not notice or take for granted at times. She has an obsession with flowers (which a lot of us can relate with) and would love to do a florist course after she completes her Bsc degree. 


The passion she has for sharing moments with the world of Instagram has caught the eye of over 1000 followers. Her photography has been appreciated by popular instagram accounts such as City of Cape Town Skies , and has featured on the City of Cape Town account, and many others.

Reflection series 2/3 by: Jessica stafford

Jess's reflection series is of her most popular work. "I took this picture because the reflection was just so breathtaking!" she said with glossy eyes. Her passion for photography and everything beautiful shows on every post. Sharing moments and love does not stop on social media but overflows to the streets. Jessica and her boyfriend Kirk Hanslo have started The Movement , an outreach project to create smiles and share joys across Cape Town by visiting underprivileged areas and gifting things which once brought us happiness to those who would appreciate it most. 

Kirk with the kids of Dunoon 

Smile of a cutie

Though the lovely Jess is just as alluring on the outside as within, finding a selfie of this English rose is as rare as a pink moon. Luckily I'm skilled at finding hidden/rare material ;)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, motivation comes from within and inspiration comes from without. 

There is not a doubt in my mind that the quotes which accompany some of Jessica's amazing images would inspire you and bring forth motivation within yourself. 

Do yourself a favour and follow her instagram account @jessbinxx and get involved with The Movement (for more information contact Jessica at themovementct@gmail.com)

Stance - Genesis Shirindza

Our connection was so strong like we were standing at a wi-fi spot,

Wife - I called you when I spotted you from a thousand miles,

Vanessa Carlton is how I needed you, I couldn't miss you because my eyes couldn't even wander away from you and my heart did the Carlton dance because of your fresh princess Stance.

I tried to comprehend with what I was about to apprehend - and an Apron in the hand - is not what you represent

because what you present

was already present

when I entered your presence.

Your stance was so strong the world tried to Harlem shake you but you had your Ephesians on and like David they questioned your dance...

Choreography so intricate they had to double-take

You could swear you were an Angel because of your Gleam, covered in linen ephod

You were so Clean

All they could do was sit in the crowd and just SCREAM, - !4! - They tried to kill you

But you just kept side - stepping

Not minding how blind you were stepping because your Faith was so STRONG...

You could never end up in the wrong..

No exercise, No supplements

Just meditation, like buddha in the tibetan mountains you were so high from the word to bet all your life on HIM

And with all that was left you implemented the word

Cause..

In the beginning there was The Word and that's how you began Your day

Cause

HIS day

Was what You were waiting for... To take your place on the throne next to your Father who cherished you like his queen and because of that you never perished..

However never just on the shelf like baked beans - No,

You always met the needs of the people, Like Hadassah, a queen of the nations.

A Woman of God - Warrior. OF. Man.

_________________________________________________________________

I've always had a tiny-big obsession with this piece since the first time I read it. Genesis, whom I consider a good friend of mine is an all-round talented , humorous and wise young man. 
Follow him on :
Twitter 
YouTube - Crazy talented dancer!