Give Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

- Psalm 107:1

I woke up this morning, wrapped warmly in my white down comforter, and saw the most beautiful golden sunlight pour in from my window. It still smelled like sleep all around me and I didn't want to step foot on the cold floor beneath me just yet. I laid a moment longer and thought about the day ahead. The creamy mashed potatoes, the moist turkey, the sweet and sticky peach cobbler that I would devour later today encompassed my thoughts. While my mind was wandering and my mouth was watering, another feeling swept over me. I couldn't believe how blessed I am.

I have a wonderful husband to wake up to every morning, a great job, a cozy apartment to call home, and above all else, I have my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with all of this. No matter how long I pray, I could never thank God enough for all that He has given me and all that He continues to bless me with each day. So on this day, when we give thanks for our family, friends, and all that God has given us, I want to give more than thanks. I want to share the blessings God has given me with others in need. 

In a movie that is close to my heart, one character sings these words: "I can love because God loved me. I can give because God gave. Jesus' love is why I'm smiling - Why I'm giving every day." I don't give to be happy, I give because I am happy. God has put these words on my heart this morning, I hope they rest on your heart as well. 

- Nicole

P.S. The movie I refered to is Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving... one of my favorite VeggieTales movies! It does a wonderful job of inspiring us to give to others, as recipients of God's abounding love and grace.

Just Do It

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I do it in bed, I do it in the living room, in the kitchen, sometimes even quick at work, but my favorite place to do it is in the car. I'm talking about praying!

I feel like sometimes people have misconceptions about prayer. If you imagine someone praying right now, what does it look like? Most people probably picture someone knelt down, head bowed, and reciting the Lord's prayer in a large church with soft rays of sun peaking through the stained glass windows. Don't get me wrong, a church is a perfect place for prayer. Often that's when we may feel closest to God... in His house! But praying isn't restricted to the four walls of a church... we can pray anywhere, at anytime, and God is always there and ready to listen.

Prayer is defined as "communicating with God". Think how much we talk to our friends, parents, co-workers, husbands, wives... the list is endless. We communicate so frequently with those important people in our lives, so why do we only speak to God on Sundays? Moreover, why do we often only speak to God when we find ourselves in a sticky situation? When we lose our job, lose a loved one, get into an accident, and so on, God is the first one we call on. He is always right there with us in our times of need, but as soon as things start to look up, we often leave God by the wayside.

We can't just wait until things go wrong to call on God. He shouldn't be our last resort, He should be our first priority. Of course, we should always pray to God in our times of need, but we should also thank Him during our times of prosperity. We need to be praying continually. Praise Him and pray to Him in both the good and bad times, and give thanks to Him always, no matter what!

So where are you going to do it? In bed, on the floor, in the car, or outside in the park? It doesn't matter where you do it, find the place that's right for you, and just do it... pray!

- Nicole

Let Love In

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
- 1 John 4:16 

God is Love. It says it right there in the Bible. God defines love and love defines God. God loves us so much that when He made us, He gave us the ability to make our own choice whether or not we choose to love Him back. To me, that is true love. You can’t force someone to love you.

For me there is no doubt that I love God with all of my heart and that I would be lost without Him. The problem I have sometimes is loving myself. Ever since I was younger I’ve had this problem. Physically I look fine and I constantly have a smile on my face, so you would never know there is anything wrong with me. The problem’s on the inside. Even though I have a group of people that I know love me completely, I still feel like I’m not good enough or that I’m not worth it sometimes. My fiancé and one of my best friends know this about me. Luckily, whenever they used to see me slipping into that ocean of self-pity they would sing me the song “Just the Way you Are” by Bruno Mars. Then one day my friend really explained it to me in a way that I could understand. She said, “Imagine God singing this song to you!”

In one of the lines, the song says “Her eyes make the stars look like they’re not shinning. Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying. She’s so beautiful and I tell her every day”. The song goes on to say “You’re amazing just the way you are”. Those words still to this day make me smile because I know this is the way my God feels about me.

God doesn’t make mistakes. God planned for us before we were even born. Every aspect about our looks and personality God personally hand crafted. I’m not going to lie sometimes a little voice in the back of my mind still whispers “You’re not good enough. No one will ever really love you”, but now I can push that voice away because I know it’s a lie. Not only do I have an amazing man, family, and friends that love me, I have God who loves me more than I could ever imagine.

A few Sundays ago my pastor said, “Jesus died for ALL of us. That means if you were the only person on Earth you have to believe that Jesus still would have died on the cross just for you”. I believe that with all my heart. I will never again let anyone, not even myself, say that I’m not good enough or that I’m not loved because I have God who created everything beautiful in this world, who also created me and loves me unconditionally, forever and ever, amen.

If you’re feeling down, please listen to the song below and know that God is singing those words to you. Also, open up the Bible and read how many times and in how many ways God tells us and shows us that He loves us.

Thank you God for filling my life with LOVE and making me just the way I am!

- Nicole

Overcoming the World

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  - John 16:33

We live in a world that is full of God’s presence. I can hear God’s voice whenever a breeze blows through the tree branches and rustles the leaves. I can see God’s beauty in every sunset when warm oranges and pinks swirl across the open sky. I can feel God with me whenever I pray, He’s there listening to my every worry and care. But even though God is all around us, sometimes we still close our eyes and don’t allow ourselves to see Him. We let the standards, worries, and judgments of the world blind us and get the better of us.

To be completely honest, there are probably about a hundred things that could get the best of me each day if I let them. For instance, I hear people make hurtful comments and remarks about others, I see the hallways and stairwells of my dorm littered with beer cans, I hear about people getting drunk every single weekend without fail, and I see people who don’t go out of their way to help anyone even in the smallest way possible. It honestly breaks my heart. Amidst all the pure meanness and carelessness of the world it’s easy to give in, break down, and lower your standards. It’s easy to join in and gossip about others, go out and drink with your friends, and look out for yourself instead of others, but God wants better for us than that.

God never said life would be easy, in fact he said “in this world you will have trouble”, but He has gone through it as well. Jesus came to the world for us and experienced all the trouble and pain that can be inflicted on us, but He overcame the world. He overcame sin and death so we can have peace and eternal life! I know I can’t stop people from saying or doing hurtful things, but I can be an example for God. I can live my life the best that I can, following His commandments, and try to be a light for others. Even though this world may get me down sometimes, I know through it all I will have in my heart the peace that only God can give.

This week I pray that you don’t give into the standards that this world has for you. Be better than that and set your sights higher. Be prepared, it will be hard, but have heart, God has overcome this world and He can give you the peace to overcome it as well!

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart”
– Author Unknown

Spread the Word

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

- Matthew 28:19-20

I love this Bible quote simply because it shows the power of words. In this verse, called The Great Commission, Jesus is basically telling His disciples to go spread the word. Yet, it's much more than that. Jesus cares for us so much that He doesn't want one person to have to live or die without knowing Him as their Savior. Jesus wants His disciples to use their words and tell everyone they encounter about God's commandments and His unfailing love. He wants everyone to know that they are never alone... He is with us always "to the very end of the age".

So what impact are your words having on other people? Are you lifting people up with encouraging words or talking about people behind their backs? Most importantly, are you spreading God's word? I just watched a movie today called The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry and in it, Mr. Sperry says, "It’s easy to put others down, anyone can do that. But you be different. Stand up for kindness. Show the love of Jesus in everything you say and sometimes what you don’t say”. To me, this resonates to be very true. Think of how many words we say in just one day. Are those words kind or discouraging? Do those words include anything at all about Jesus?

In our world, so many generations are growing up not knowing God. You can change that. There are so many ways to share God's word. Just a few of them are: simply telling others about the church you attend, inviting others to your local Bible study or Youth Group, telling others about your relationship with God and how He has changed your life, putting a Bible verse as your Facebook status, or donating a Christian children's book to a family or friend with children. 

If you are shy, but still want to spread God's word into the world, here is a fun way to do so. Get a post-it and write a short message on it. At the bottom of the post-it include the name of a Bible verse that has had a strong impact on you. Now stick that post-it somewhere random: on a bathroom mirror, in a book at the library, or on a park bench. Then just have faith that the person who needs to see that message will see it. Just make sure not to stick it somewhere you will get in trouble for, such as on a police car. Not a good life choice.

If you do stick a post-it somewhere please take a picture and post it here. I would love to see how creative everyone gets spreading the word :)

- Nicole

My Adventure Book

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
- Joshua 1:9
 

To say that a lot has happened in the last few weeks would be quite an understatement. Lets start with the fact that two weeks ago I found out that I didn't get any of the Graduate Assistant positions that I interviewed for. Major disappointment... at first. When they pulled me into the office to tell me, I barely made it back to my room before the tears started pouring out.  I have to admit, it was a little pathetic, but at that moment I felt like everything I tried so hard for was for nothing. Furthermore, it was a week until graduation and I had no plans for my future. Great.

Thankfully, God blessed me with amazing people in my life. When I called my mom, sister, and fiancé they all said the same thing: God has a bigger plan for you than you do for yourself. Here I was so upset, discouraged, and afraid for the future that I forgot how blessed I already am. Duh! Right then I chose not to look fearfully at the future anymore. I didn't want to see the future as being scary, I want to see it as an adventure!

So many incredible things are happening in my life right now. I just graduated from college (with honors!), I'm getting married in 89 days to the man of my dreams, and I'm on my very first official job search. Yes, teaching jobs do seem hard to come by at this time, but I know God has something great planned for me and I can't wait to see what it is! Thank you God for planning this great adventure for me and letting me know that I never have to be afraid!

- Nicole

p.s. Here are some adventures I'm planning for myself... my "Stuff I'm Going To Do"

~ Get my masters degree in literacy

~ Become an amazing English teacher that changes thousands of young adult lives!

~ Do missionary work

~ Make my first quilt... by hand!

~ Have children of my own and become a foster parent

~ Live an amazing love filled life with my soon to be husband <3

The movie Up is a great example of how you need to view every day as another adventure!

Ohana Means Family

Keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.

When you walk, they will guide you; 

when you sleep, they will watch over you; 

when you awake, they will speak to you.

- Proverbs 6:20-22

Today my grandparents and sister came to visit me for an early birthday surprise. I knew my grandparents were planning on visiting, but when my sister peaked out of the car window and yelled "Surprise!" I was so happy I almost cried.

I live three hours away from home and sometimes it can be hard. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the life I have with my fiancé in Elmira. It's just every once in a while I miss the familiarities of home. I miss the scent of my clothes after my mom does the laundry, I miss being able to hear my dad laugh even when he's all the way upstairs, and mostly I miss laughing with my sister every day and eating dinner with my family every night. But even though the distance is difficult, I know God is blessing us through it.

Inside of me I have all the teachings, lessons, and love of God and my family. Even though I cannot see them every day I am guided by what they have taught me, I am encouraged by their words and advice, and I am motivated by their love. The famous saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is true. Now more than ever I love every moment I get to spend with my family. In our case, oddly enough God provided the distance to bring us closer together as a family.

While shopping with my grandparents and sister today we saw a sign that said "Only God can turn a mess into a message". The message isn't always clear to us at first, but I hope you trust God enough to wait and see what He has in store for you. Also, I hope you can take time this week to enjoy and appreciate moments with your family. I know I would be lost without mine.

- Nicole

God's Handiwork

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
- Psalm 139:13-14

Whenever I read those verses I can always feel myself start to smile. As far back as I can remember I have always had the urge to create. Whether it was baking cookies from scratch or crocheting scarves and hats, I love the feeling of taking seemingly ordinary things and making them into something special.

My new project this month is quilting. I am currently taking the class "Women and Quilting in American Society." When beginning this class three weeks ago I didn't even know how to thread a needle, let alone sew an entire pattern. Within a few days I learned the running stitch then the back stitch and the blanket stitch! I was so proud of myself, but most importantly, I was falling in love with this new art form.

 

Ohio Star Pattern and Double Wedding Ring Pattern

When piecing together my quilt blocks, I chose color combinations that would stand out, picked just the right fabrics, and lovingly stitched them all together by hand to create a beautiful pattern. Instantly, I was reminded of my Creator. I love knowing that God planned every part of me, knew me, and loved me before I was even born. If I feel so proud and happy over two quilt blocks can you imagine just how much love God has for us? I stitched pieces of fabric together, but He knit me together in my mother's womb. It's so amazing!

Today I was reminded that God planned every aspect of me, He created me, He set me apart, and He has a plan for me that was lovingly stitched together by His hands. Thank you, God, for everything... literally!

- Nicole

God's Amazing Gifts

Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time.
 - 1 Peter 4:10 (The Message)

Right now I am at work at the Mark Twain Study sitting on the front steps with the sun shining down on me through the trees and I can’t help but to feel thankful.

This morning at church I had an unshakeable feeling of uncertainty. During prayer I just kept asking God for a sign. “I need guidance Lord; I need You to show me where to go and what to do with my life”. I needed to hear God’s voice. I needed Him to point me in the right direction. I needed to know that I am making Him proud by the way I am living. God did not shout down from Heaven or place an iridescent arrow in front of me pointing me in the right direction. Instead He showed me the way through the love and understanding of a friend.



My amazing friend Heather and I... we are proud and beautfiul women of God!



On the ride home from church I told one of my best friends about the uncertainty I was feeling. To my surprise, she said she felt the same way sometimes! Now this friend is one of the strongest Christian women I know. She is the kind of woman I aspire to be like, so full of faith and living every day for God. Right then, in the car I believe that God worked through her to give me what I needed the most: someone to listen and understand. I didn’t need all of life’s answers right then, I just needed someone to reassure me that I’m not alone and that I am doing God’s will.

Flash forward to now. I’m sitting outside just reflecting on all the wonderful things God has made and all for a purpose. Now more than ever I know I have a purpose too. Deep down in my heart I know God has given me the gift of serving others. I have always loved doing community service and helping others in any way I can. God has filled my heart with the need to serve and I know that by doing that I am going in the right direction and fulfilling my Heavenly Father’s will for my life.

Speaking of service to others, this Saturday, May 14^th, my youth group is doing a Park Clean-up. We will be choosing two parks in the Elmira area to clear away trash and make the park a clean and safe place for families to go to. I feel this is something God is calling me to do. To make the place I live a place where families can visit, children can play safely, and God’s word can thrive. If you would like to join us Saturday morning in cleaning the parks please feel free to contact me for more information!

Just remember, even if the road isn’t always obvious or certain, God does have a purpose and path for your life if you choose to follow Him. God has given you unique gifts… use them serve Him and make your community a place that honors and praises Him! Keep a look out for more community service projects in future posts J

Give Me Your Eyes

“For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16: 7

Self-confidence is something I lacked most of my high school life. I was the awkward girl who wore band shirts, long shorts, and didn't even dare to put on make-up. I dated a boy, who constantly broke-up with me for other girls, and made me feel like I didn't deserve to be loved. This was all before I met God.

After high school, I decided to attend Elmira College (three hours away from home). This was a huge step for me. At first I missed my family and all the comforts of home, but after the first few weeks I began to transform. I met new people, became more social, and actually started to be comfortable with who I am. While my first year at college helped me "blossom", it was my second year at college that truly changed my life forever.

My sophomore year was unlike any other, I chose to attend church for the very first time. At first I felt like that awkward high school girl again. I didn't know the Lord's prayer, I didn't know any Sunday school songs, I didn't even know where I should sit. But as the service went on I felt more and more at peace. I realized that attending church isn't about knowing everything, it's about learning about God and praising Him. Each week I kept coming back to church and each week I opened my heart a little more to God. It was a few months later at Youth Councils when I went to the altar and officially gave my heart and my life to God.

Fast forward to this week. I've been thinking a lot about how I see myself and how God sees me. Even though I left that feeling of high school shame behind when I met God, it still creeps up on me every once in a while. This week alone I've tripped over countless sidewalks, poked myself in the eye at least twice, and hit myself in the face while carrying my laptop. It was yesterday, at my fiancé's softball practice when that feeling of "what's the matter with me?" came upon me. I started comparing myself to other people, wishing I was more graceful, and then God stopped me. I thought back to a book I read in Women's Group last year called Shame Lifter: Replacing Your Fears and Tears with Forgiveness, Truth, and Hope by Marilyn Hontz. I remember one part of her book speaking on how God created every part of us. He created the features of our faces, the colors in our eyes, and the hairs on our heads. He gave us each of our talents and our different personalities.

Right then, on the metal bleachers looking out onto the softball field, I closed my eyes and prayed to see myself through God's eyes. Instead of seeing an awkward girl, I saw a woman who is brave, a woman who tries countless things and although does not succeed at all of them, never gives up. I saw a woman who picks herself up when she falls. I saw a woman who gives love and kindness freely to others. Finally, I saw a woman with a heavenly Father who loves her more than she can imagine. Thank you, God.

This week when looking at yourself and the world around you, try to take a look through God's eyes. You'll be amazed how much you see differently.

Check out this video "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath... this song goes perfectly with seeing the world and ourselves through God's eyes.

-Nicole

He Has Risen!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! - Luke 24:5-6

I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene to come to the tomb, expecting to anoint Jesus' body, but find the large stone rolled away from the entrance and the tomb empty. To be with Jesus, to love Him so much, to watch Him die on the cross, and then to find His body gone seems like too much for one woman to bear. The most beautiful part of this for me comes next. When Jesus had risen He did not appear before a large crowd or the chief priests. Rather He appeared first before Mary Magdalene who wept outside the tomb for Him. During church today my pastor said something that touched my heart and truly described my Savior. She said that Jesus didn't shout from the rooftops or show up at Pilate's (the man who sentenced Jesus to be crucified) door. Instead He appeared first to a crying woman. That is my Savior.

On this day it is easy to get wrapped up in hiding eggs, filling baskets with candy, and cooking a grand dinner. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spending time with family and gorging myself on chocolate, but don't forget the true reason for this day. Jesus overcame sin and death for us. He is giving us the gift of new life and eternal life with Him. It's so amazing! In a world that tries to bring us down, Jesus wants to lift us up! As I've said, He is giving us the gift of new life, but it is up to us whether we choose to accept His gift.

- Nicole

The Story Doesn't End There...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

Lately it feels like giving has lost its oomph. Giving has turned into something we only do on special occasions such as birthdays or holidays. Even then we can feel burdened to pick out a gift that's just right for the recipient. Jesus, on the other hand, gave us a precious and perfect gift: salvation.

Today is Good Friday, the day that Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and died for our sins. Two years ago, when I experienced my first Good Friday as a Christian I did not understand how Jesus could have died for my sins before I was even born yet. A good friend took the time to explain to me that Jesus lived a life that was free from sin. He came to the world for us, became human for us, loved the unlovable, healed the sick, and died so we can be saved.

That day Jesus took all of our sins on His shoulders and died for us. Through His love, strength, and power He overcame sin. He gave us the ultimate gift, that anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. I feel so blessed every time I think about Jesus' powerful, unconditional, and everlasting love for me. This is what made me know that Jesus died for me, so I want to live my life for Him. I want to spend every day serving Him and sharing His love and His message. The best part about this story is that it doesn't end there. Jesus didn't just die for us; He came back to life for us! Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice, for giving me hope, and for giving me a new way of life that is not ruled by sin.

- Nicole

Ride the Wave

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

As cliché as it might be, I am quickly approaching a crossroads in my life. In forty-eight days I will be graduating from Elmira College. In one hundred and forty-five days I am getting married. I am applying for three Graduate Assistant positions at college, but I won't know if I have a job or a place to live until June. Needless to say, I've been slightly freaking out. I know I am qualified, I deserve a position, and I have immense support from my fiancé, friends, and family. Still with such uncertainty looming in the distance, I can't help but to doubt myself sometimes.

Rewind to last Saturday. I am home for Spring Break and my sister and I decided to see the movie Soul Surfer. Let me begin by saying, if you haven't seen it yet, you need to! It is an inspiring true story about surfer Bethany Hamilton. At age thirteen, Bethany was attacked by a shark, which severed her left arm. Bethany did not let the attack end her dream of surfing. With unbelievable determination and faith in God she went on to become a pro-surfer and inspiration for millions.

One verse that was in the movie that stuck with me was Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." For the past month I've been worrying about my future and trying to figure out a plan, but in that verse God has promised me that he has a plan for my life. I know God will lead me down the path that is best for me. I'm sure I will still experience those moments of uncertainty sometimes because I am human, but I have faith that God will carry me through any situation. Bethany Hamilton's trust in God and courage to overcome a shark attack makes me know that I can make it through graduation and into the real world. I am so thankful I had the chance to see this movie and learn about Bethany's faith with my sister!

To read more about Bethany Hamilton and the movie Soul Surfer check out these websites:

http://bethanyhamilton.com/
http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/

- Nicole