Relationships, again.

Hey there!

To be honest, I'm feeling super drowsy from my panadol and am in need of some good sleep right now, but I just have to tell you something. Maybe it's the drug that is making my heart race, or maybe it's solely God. But I need to tell you this.

Recently, and many times prior to this, many people tend to ask the same question in one way or the other:

"Why do you always talk about relationships?"

Some ask out of pure curiosity or really intrigued at just how indulged I can get with this topic, but there are one or two who literally ask because they just don't get it. Like why?! And how can one be so obsessed with such a topic?

In my defense, I don't think I talk only about relationships. My closest friends can testify to that. But I will admit, I do love talking about relationships. And so do you. 

Because not once have I met someone who doesn't want to share or engage in a conversation about relationships; especially if the question is directed to that person.

To answer the question, relationships are fundamentals. 

Single, in a relationship, married, or anywhere in between. Anyone and everyone can relate to it. 

My aim of this post isn't to convince you to partake in this passion of mine, but rather, to shed some light on why I think I can't help as to why I relate and love relationships this much.

I need to start with a relationship that changed my whole life - to date, and I'm sure, forevermore.

You see, four years ago, I got out of a relationship that left me heartbroken. Long story short, God met me there and my life have been drastically changed. It sounds simple, it sounds ordinary. It was just a childish breakup, but now I've grown up. Maybe that's all to it.

But maybe not. Definitely not. It's simple but so complex. It's ordinary but so special. It's everything I expected and more. It's my reality and a dream all at the same time. 

Before that relationship, I was already broken. My heart was so flawed and in desperate need to be found and loved - not by men, but just the natural makeup of who I am, who we all are. We all long to be found and loved. I was in need of that.

I write this because I can't put into words why I love talking about relationships. It's beyond just conversations. It's instilled in my thoughts, engraved in my heart and a core value that my actions convey. I know that it's something that consumes me and draws me closer to God and people. It reveals the heart, it points to God and it strengthens bonds. It's part of my purpose, it's my love story, my passion and a huge part of who I am.

My testimony is that God pursued a relationship with me when my last relationship ended. But it doesn't end there. I now live a life that's radically transformed and complete.

Today, I ended a very casual but yet mind-blowing conversation with my sister, Esther about you guessed it - relationships. The result of that conversation has strengthened my values, encouraged my spirit and caused my heart to burn with such a longing to just share this...

So why do I talk about relationships so much?

It's because it reflects my heart and what God has done, is continuing to do and will do in my life. And I'm excited to share this journey with you!

I will be (attempting to be) vulnerable, transparent and share with you my journey in this topic dear to my heart in the next couple of weeks.

God has especially recently revealed to me a lot about this topic in my life, so I'm excited to share this with you!

My possible upcoming topics and questions on relationships I will discuss:

- Red flags? Keep watch of green flags!

- Why I'm not dating currently; My covenant and purposes.

- How should I be dating? Should dates come before or after a relationship?

- My physical boundaries in dating and relationships

- Does culture matter and should it be a dealbreaker? 

- When should I date?

- The ultimate list - to have one or not

- Characteristics to look for in a future partner

- How to deal with break ups

- How to guard your heart

- How to deal with feelings of infatuation

- Should women pursue men, and if so, to what extent?

- Signs to know when you are ready for a relationship

- My first love; the first relationship to pursue.

It's an ambitious list, and I've got practicum and exams in the next few weeks. But I'll do my best to touch on these topics either on my blog or my youtube channel. Yes, I will be making videos soon :)

If there are any questions/topics you'd like me to touch on, feel free to let me know!

Until then,

love always x

What does it mean to "behave like a Christian"?

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.

Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.

Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.

Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.

Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.

Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.

Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.

Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up.

Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone.

If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.

Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.

“I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry,

go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink.

Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.

Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

- Romans 12:9-21 (MSG)

Dedication: To a brother from another mother (and father) haha

Happy 18th Birthday Nathaniel! :) (3.0)

Haha I hope this post will make you cringe in disgust at our youth and reminisce at all the good times we had together.

About 4 years ago, I met a boy who told me I was pretty. HAHA. Sorry, I remembered that.

My first impressions of you then was that you were very very little - and probably was 'special' because the girls were always babying you and you acted really strange/awkward (don't deny it)!

Long story short, we became friends because you were super random and was always present.

^ This was probably one of the first few memories we had after being friends, look, you were so young!! haha.

I've come to realise that within a few months, making good friends and falling in love was easy.

In a year, you can make close friendships, and make someone like a brother.

I don't like calling people my 'brother', so I think you're the last and closest to that term.

I loved how you enjoyed food like me, and that you were able to go on food adventures with Est & I;

sushi tei, hana, lamb chops, more sushi, crepe cakes, desserts, and my # basic drinks.

Apart from eating and drinking of course, you are good company.

You listen well and despite your randomness with the others, you don't hesitate to share your deeper thoughts and feelings with us.

I remember the moments that weren't captured too.

When you were scared & cried, and I chose your side.

When I was heartbroken & cried, and you listened to my rants even after months and years.

I remember the presents we would exchange during Christmas and during birthdays.

I really appreciate your effort in picking things for me and writing me nice cards.

THANK YOU :)

I think it's easy to forget that these weekly meet ups, banter and hang outs are actually meaningful. They all add up to make a friendship that has been invested with time and effort.

I don't think I realised how much our friendship meant to you, until you gave me my farewell letter.

Although the both of us probably forgot the exact contents of the letter, thank you for that :')

So that's why I'm here writing you this blog post, although I haven't blogged in awhile;

because your last few years of friendship with me have been enjoyable.

Thank you for always thinking the best of me, for appreciating this friendship;

for being a good friend, a comfortable brother (legit, like you'd make a good brother to me heh).

Thank you for still sharing with me about your life;

You make me laugh with your crazy dancing (daym how can Est and you move so well, jelly),

I love how you are adventurous enough to start a fashion blog (That fashion though, from baby shirts to crisp tees, you've done well), a youtube, photography and finding your own relationship with God.

^ Some of my favourite photos of us, cause it captures just how much fun you are :D

You're that brother I never had and one of my closest guy friends in the last few years.

I'm really proud of you for who you are, that you are genuine and kind.

So on your eighteenth birthday,

I wish you find your identity and hope in God.

That you continue to grow in strength and courage in Him.

Because He will never fail you, and I truly believe He has the most amazing things in store for you!

Here's a verse for you :)

"He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works." - PSALM 33:15 (NKJV)

WHEEEE Eighteen :)

For you

Hello there.
You are beautiful.
You are strong.
You are loved.
You are worth it.
You are valued.
You are awesome.

I could go on, but there's something else I'd like to say.

"You have been called for such a time as this."

Your very existence is no mistake.
Approximately, 151, 600 people die each day.
That's quite a sum.
One day, you may just be part of that statistic.
No- we will all inevitably be part of that statistic.

I have a purpose, and so do you.
There's a reason as to why we are both alive today, that we are both alive now.
Not sure about you, but that sends chills down my spine.

With that reminder, I hope to live everyday appreciating those I love.
Love anyone and everyone unconditionally.
Love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind.

It sounds short, love God - love people, but heck, it's hard.
I find myself tangled in self almost every single second.
But I will remind myself that I have a calling, and I am called for such a time as this.