He is intentional

One thing I have really learned the past year and a half, is that NOTHING in my life is haphazard. Why? Because I believe that GOD IS INTENTIONAL.

I didn't discern it in the moment, but looking back over my life and especially the passed months; I see the different times in which God carried me or went ahead and paved the way. I would like to share one such situation with you. 

I got my current job when I wasn't looking for one. 

When I graduated last year, I wasn't so keen on starting to work full time. In fact, the only job I was looking forward to ,was my summer job as an activity leader at a language summer school. I had worked there the previous year in the English department and I absolutely loved it. However, this time I was going to work in the Dutch department although I had applied for the English one. When the company organizing the summer language school offered me the possibility to work for the Dutch department, I was very hesitant as Dutch is my second language and I wasn't sure if I could manage to converse 24/7 in it. Normally, the company only hired native speakers for their different language departments; so this was an exception for them also. I accepted their offer and on  the 31st July 2017, I started my first day as a Dutch department activity leader. 

For four weeks, I was immersed in Dutch and eventually I improved in it myself. It was during those 4 weeks that I applied for my current job. One day, I was on LinkedIn and randomly liked a job vacancy post by a recruiter. After I liked her post, she messaged me privately and asked if I was interested in applying for the job since it fitted my profile. So I applied. A few days later, I had a telephone interview with her in Dutch; and sometime later, a formal interview with the hiring manager also in Dutch. Both interviews went smoothly and I spoke with such ease and confidence. Sometime later, I got the news that I was hired and after signing my contract, I started work on the 31st August 2017. 

So where is God's intentionality in this situation?

For one, I believe God opened the opportunity for me to work in the Dutch department so that I could be more prepared for my job application. My Dutch was good enough before the summer school; but if I didn't use it by being placed in the English department, it would have deteriorated in those weeks just like any second language that isn't used often. Indeed, I wasn't at the summer school only to improve my Dutch for my application; God's intentionality showed itself in many other ways but this is one that really stuck for me. 

Further, I see how God is using Dutch to prepare me to learn German; which will soon become one of my main languages of communication. He is also using my current job to get me in the workforce in Germany by giving me the opportunity to apply for a job in Germany within the company. 

So, all I am saying is that nothing is in vain. I remember being frustrated about not getting the opportunity to work for the English department; but looking back I see that it wasn't for nothing that I got the Dutch department offer instead. 

I'm sure that you too can look back on your life and see His hand guiding and leading you. 

Be confident, dear reader, that no matter what you face; He knows and He's in control. I know I shared something positive, but even in the difficulties He is able and He wastes nothing. I have a testimony coming up about God's intentionality also in difficult times. He is the God of the hills and valleys. 

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21

Check out this beautiful song by Travis Green: Intentional

Blessings,

Twisile x

You've got mail: an update

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your patience with me.

I have been m.i.a for waaaaaay too long.
7 months to be precious.
SEVEN MONTHS!!
Gosh, its unbelievable.

I AM SO SORRY.

Although it is inexcusable not only because it was my new year's resolution to write a post monthly but also because it showed my lack of commitment to something I LOVE doing.
However, please do accept my excuses.

I was super busy with work, long distance engagement, wedding planning, church activities and activities with friends. My week days AND weekends were always packed. Yes, I like being busy...it's an addiction...seriously.

But I have good news for you and I!

Yes, great news , in fact the best news!

I have decided to prioritize myself.

That means, taking time to do not only the things that are required or give the biggest return but also those that are rewarding, things I enjoy..and blogging is one of them! Some others are reading and sleeping. Hehehehe

So I have set apart a specific time for blogging...drum roll...WEEKLY!
Yaass, you read right. WEEKLY, meaning that I'll post at least on a monthly or biweekly basis.

 *pops bottle*

So stay tuned. I have some awesome posts about work, our wedding, and my faith journey coming up.

Blessings,

Twisile x

Alive and Powerful

Hello there 😊!

My sincere apologies for being MIA, it's been hectic and difficult to find a balance between all my activities. I had planned to post at least once a month but alas, that didn't happen so far but I'm working on it :). With that being said, I wanted to share something that's been on my heart and mind for some time now:  the danger of knowing the Word of God but not experiencing it's power.

You see, the Word of God is food for our spirit (1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12-14) and we need food to function normally. The energy we get enables us to do our daily activities. Therefore, we believers need a daily portion of the Word to keep us functioning properly. If we stop eating, we become malnourished and fail to grow; on the other hand, if we eat a lot but don't use the energy, we become obese and limited in our activities.When I had the idea to write this post, I saw myself as an obese person receiving therapy; that is, I knew a lot but applied very little. I had a lot of information stuck in my head and not in my heart. So in order to avoid either extremes of this spectrum, we need a good balance between intake and work out.

How can we get this balance? We need to understand a couple of things. First, we need to desire and make it a habit to read the Bible daily. Secondly, when we read the Word it first touches our minds, we gain knowledge. But in order for the Word to have an impact on our lives, it needs to reach our hearts because out of the heart flow the things patterning to life (Proverbs 4:23). It's the Word in our hearts that changes the way we see things and our behavior. I'm not saying that the mind is less important, the mind is needed;that's were digestion happens. But after digestion, the Word needs to go where it will be used and that's the heart. But if it stays only in the head, there is knowledge but no application. And if there is no application then we've got a problem because it is meant to benefit you as a believer when you read it. You should be able to bear the good fruit of the Spirit.

I also want to stress that putting to practice the Word in our lives, is the work we do together with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:26-27). If we try to do it on our own, we become legalistic.As we read the Bible, we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us and to show us ways we can apply it, we also need meditate on the Word (chew on it over and over again until it's in the proper form for absorption and use). This is what am currently learning to do and it's not always easy but it's a start.

There are numerous verses in Scripture that point to it's usefulness in our daily lives and how crucial it is that we apply it in our lives. I have mentioned a couple below.
1. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. - Psalm 119:105

2.For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. - Hebrews 4:12

3. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.  - James 1:22-25

4. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.- 2 Timothy 3:16
 
On other hand, however, I also want to remind us that the Bible is not just there to pointing fingers at what needs to be "fixed" in our lives but it is primary a revelation of God. And a friend of mine states it perfectly "The Bible is not only a reflective surface, where you look at yourself and see which areas need patching up. Read it and use it to see who God is and to understand His nature." So it's about learning about His nature that we may become more and more like Him.

Where do you find yourself on the spectrum? What steps do you want to take to do better? 

Blessings 💜

Check out:
- This devotional that spoke to me profoundly about this topic: Bearing Good Fruit
- A post from a friend: Mornings with Jesus

Three & Free Indeed!

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. - John 8:34-36 

 Three years ago today, I got baptized and decided to take my walk with Christ seriously :)!
I have had ups and downs, overflows of  living water and dry spells. It hasn't been a problem-free, cherries and roses 3 years. However, it's still the best decision I have ever made, I don't regret it!

A wise person once said that you can't met the real Jesus and stay the same, having Him in my life has indeed changed me for the better. And I am sure that many fellow believers can agree with that! The Gospel changes everything! And definitely for the better!

The song, Thank You Lord by Israel & New Breed, is my celebration song  for this wonderful occasion!

 If you, my friend, are still doubting about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, doubt no more. Believe! His arms are open wide, ready to welcome you to a new life full of adventure! Delay no more. Now is the time for salvation.

Just at the Right Time

Quite a few things in life don't happen at just the right time. Timing is not always perfect. However, there are those moments that occur at the best time. But even better than perfect moments, are words that are fitly spoken.

Recently, I experienced a season of stillness. I wasn't as close to God as I used to be, you know the 'just-going-through-the-motions' feeling? I felt alone and I was distracted by many things including my university bachelor project. I hadn't been spending much time with God and I felt dry and empty. I had not been feeding myself spiritually for most of the duration of the project which lasted FIVE TEDIOUS WEEKS! Subconsciously, I knew something was wrong ( I honestly have problems with having things in the BACK OF MY MIND!) and therefore I didn't tackle the issue face to face, instead I opted for the feelings of failure, disappoint and self-pity. I felt as if most of my Christian journey was literally a joke.

However, I thank God that He speaks through people. I thank Him for believing friends because during that dark moment, someone wrote to me a message at just the right time. My friend told me that she thanked God for my life and that she sees me maturing. She also prayed that I may continue to grow in Him, encouraged me to keep on running the race and reminded me that He is with me. Those few powerful words were the push that I needed and believe me they propelled me forward.

Words have power. The words we speak will not always be timely but they should be "a life-giving fountain"Proverbs 10:11 or a "tree of life" and not "crush the spirit" Proverbs 15:4. Use your words to edify and build not to destroy. To encourage and not discourage. Use your words wisely. Let them be as precious as gold and silver.

Comments  and questions are always welcome!

God bless you!

Eliminating the Unnecessary

Last month, I was reading my devotional from Our Daily Bread and I could identify with the story. The Scripture was from Luke10:38-42; Jesus was at two sisters' home: Martha and Mary. Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to Him but Martha was extremely busy and distracted with the preparations. I saw a lot of myself in Martha.

Most people who know me even for a short while soon realize that I am a busy bee. "Tawikala panshi?" is a  phrase in Bemba that has been spoken to me on numerous occasions. It literally translates as "Don't you sit down?" i.e. "Do you ever rest?". I am constantly planning things that need to be done and as a result I find myself incapable of relaxing when things are left incomplete. Usually when I return home from the library I begin to organize things instead sitting down and socializing with my lovely sister and cousin. I always want to be done with the "unfinished business" before I relax. I want to do a lot with the time I have, which is not a bad idea at all, until I over-plan and run behind schedule. I once invited a friend for dinner at 7pm, and being the European he is, he was right on time! The dinner that I had thought would start at 7pm ended up starting at 9pm; I was two hours behind, unbelievable but very true.

However, thanks to  the devotional and the very observant eyes of my sister and cousin, I have been awakened to the harsh reality of my life. Since the problem was noted, I started working on solutions. A few management lessons might do the trick but theory not put in practice is worthless. So, I have worked on my decision making. As much as I like to do everything, somethings are only distractions that are well-intended but do not need to be done that day and others are crucial and require my immediate attention. I am filtering the necessary from the unnecessary. This is not something that one learns to do over night, it requires a lot of discipline and so I have started with the small steps that can later add up to great changes. For example, in the past I studied in the library until 9pm every day except for the days that I have fellowship with the people at church. Instead, now I can study until 7pm and spend some quality time with the those I love, laughing and living a little. Secondly, I honestly do not have to make different appointments with 5 friends in one day instead I can easily spread them over the week or month,or even have one huge gathering, leaving plenty of time for some real girl talk! Last but not least, I can have a good quiet time with the One that matters the most, God, instead of rushing off to "unfinished business".



I am making small steps, the process will be long but I pray that God will continue to help me overcome other distractions and serve Him and others with the deepest devotion. I also hope and pray that God will open your eyes to the clutter in your own life and enable you to overcome them. Remember, His grace is sufficient.

Stay Blessed.

Thanks to Our Daily Bread for inspiring me to write this post.

Seasons of Life

Life is unstable. Things are constantly changing from one season to the other but in that instability God is our firm foundation, He is the One who is unchanging, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Heb. 13:8).

I recently went through a  difficult season with regard to friendships. My reputation was tampered with and I lost some friends in the process but I also learned a few things.

First and foremost, I learned that God is SOVEREIGN over ALL seasons, and that He has a time and a purpose for each one ( Eccl. 3:1,11). When I realized that God was not at all surprised by what was going on in my life, I calmed down and drew strength from this truth. I no longer asked why me but I told myself that He knows and is in control.

Secondly, discernment and acknowledgement of one's season is key. I started off not liking this season at all, I wanted to be out of it from the get go; I was in winter wishing for summer. However, denial of my situation withheld me from learning. After I discerned and accepted my circumstances, I was able to look for and find the purpose for the season.

Lastly, every season has a learning curve. I learned the destructive power of gossip and the importance of communication when trying to restore a relationship. I realized my mistakes and at the same, developed some skills that I can apply in the future and also came to understand that without the power from God through His Holy Spirit, we are unable to perfectly apply Scripture to our lives.

To sum it all up, I learned to interpret my experiences through God's perspective and realized that God uses both good and bad experiences to purify and mold us into the image of Christ. I stopped fretting about the things I have no control over.

Maybe you are in a season of great trial and long suffering, or maybe you are in a season of prosperity and growth. Summer is not just about fun nor is winter only about sadness. Whatever season you are in, ask God to reveal His purpose for that season to you. Ask Him what it is that He wants to teach you. Life is unstable, seasons come and go, don't miss the opportunity to become better because of your feelings about the season you are in. Instead, embrace it and let God change you for the better.

Big thank you to my editors: Whitney van der Mark and Chibwe Beel!

The Lord's Plans Prevail

Ask anyone who knows me very well and they will tell you that I am a planner. I love to make plans, schedules and organize things. So when it came to this blog it was not an exception, I had many plans. I had planned for this blog to be about fashion and my experiences as a student in Belgium. However, all that changed recently and that is as a result of getting closer to God. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's go back to the beginning.

Every year at graduation, it was my school's tradition to give the graduates a Bible as gift. So when I graduated on the 27 of May 2011, I was also given a Bible. I have been reading my Bible everyday so far this year,and on one of those days, I opened the very first pages and this was written by our Director, Mrs Evelyn C.Jones:

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." -Proverbs 19:21

I remember that after I read these few words, I was in complete awe and shock because they were very true. God's plans are sovereign, they cannot be changed or stopped. They are final. The verse does not mean that we shouldn't make plans but when we do make plans, we should keep in mind that in the end God has the final say over everything! In fact, as I consider this simple truth, I am overjoyed because not only are His plans far better than any human plan (Isaiah 55:8) but they are also good (Jeremiah 29:11). So I have no need to worry and I am happy that in this way, through this blog, I can glorify God. I wanted this blog to be all about fashion and my life abroad but now it will be all about God. I want to share with you my experiences as a Christian. I am not an expert, I am still growing but I do hope that the little that I will tell will touch and change your life.

PS: I saved the very first post I ever made. Don't hesitate to check it. It clearly shows how the plans have changed :)