Works in to Work Through

I have been learning a lot. I have been given the opportunity a month ago to take a class through my church called Life Link. It's a class that is supposed to be directed to those who have not experienced being in a life group.

Yet I was given the opportunity to go. My pastor has been meeting with me about my life group and know about the difficulties I have been having. So he suggested me to this class, in hopes for me to gain some leadership or even how to communicate with my group better. One of my fears when I started the group was  that I would like that group better than my actual life group of peers. But one of the reasons of this was because, we went deeper in four weeks than my other life group has gone through in 3 years. I mean there has been growth, but not intimate/authentic sharing, and just overall trust in the group.

My life group has gone through lots of changes. The main theme of the group should be transitions. People leaving or just simply the growth of some individuals in the group. We may not be growing exponentially, but as God has been reminding me, "it is not about the numbers, it is about who shows up."

So the purpose of this post, God works in us to work through us. What a concept! He is always preparing us to do work in others. Prime example, I have taken the boards to get licensed to become a licensed therapist, yet I have failed twice. It has been a long road and it has taken me down many avenues, which has ultimately has grown me. My friend has had a recent situation close to mine and I was able to talk to her about my experiences and help lead her to a better state of mind. Yes its frustrating, but also to still see her drive and ambition to continue on has propelled me to take a second look at myself. Where am I headed and am I happy with my current job? 

I don't know all the answers, yet I try and seek God for his ways. How awesome in a round about way, did God use my friend's hardships to help me look back at my own life and decisions?

God sure is amazing!

Grumbling and Patience

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,...." Philippians 2:14-15

I feel lately the above verse has been my new life verse for the time being. God sent it to me and well I have been learning from it. Have you ever been in a situation where you know your patience is being tested and you are already having a bad day? This puts you in a bad mood, and a short fuse to getting upset. I have really been trying to work on my behavior. It really rubs off on other people. To every action there is a reaction, including behavior.  

If you soak up negativity and portray that back out, then others will feel it and do the same causing an upset in the whole house. Now when I feel Satan trying to attack my person and trying to stoke a fire, I remind myself of this verse, and the new meaning it gives me. If its in the Bible, it must be important. What I enjoy the most is that it doesn't say, do some things without grumbling, it says do all things without grumbling. Now that is purposeful!

It's interesting how one verse and simply God can ultimately change your entire outlook on one thing. 

Grumbling and patience are related because its a lack of patience that leads to grumbling. I sometimes think to myself not to pray for patience, because I don't want to be thrown into situations that lead to opportunities to be patient. This may be selfish. All in all, what if God wants me to have more patience in my life. I know currently I do not have a lot of patience, which also leads to control and ultimately trust. I definitely have a lack of in these current areas. I believe God is pointing this out so I can come to terms with these, especially during the Consumed series.

My advice for this day is simply what God says, " Do all things without grumbling."

Keep the faith.

Changes to being CHANGED!

2013 has been an interesting start so far. I have been reflecting over these past few months. God has been doing some awesome work in me. Chipping away at my outer shell to reveal something shiny and new. I have stepped into some new roles, like co-leading a life group. If someone would have told me that I would have been leading a small group a year ago I wouldn't have believed them. I feel like a different person in some ways. My hair is longer now, but that is just outside appearance. The real change is on the inside.

I still have doubts I deal with and fear. Fear seems to bear its ugly soul sometimes and comes up in the most inopportune times. But what I have found out is that God shows up at the best times. I am getting better at hearing his voice and advice. It's like when your heart is all a flutter and anxiety is creeping in, God steps in, with all His glory and power. It's like that.

At my church, we just started a new sermon series called, "Consumed." I am really enjoying it so far. The first week talked about materialism and how that can consume our lives and basically push God out and put the stuff first. I want this 6 week journey to change my life! I don't want to be the same person I was when I have started this journey. 

The journey goes to Easter and I have prayed over a certain challenge. At church, it will be talked about in a few weeks about this big giving project. It was mentioned last Wednesday, about an organization called Extreme Response, and as a church we will be raising $10,000 dollars so that Extreme Response can build and start a children's home in the Philippines. I am excited and have pledged all my extra money till Easter to go to this project. I hope and pray to raise $500. It is a lot of money, but I am really excited to be helping further the kingdom with giving hope and security to the children in the Philippines. Please pray that either individually or as the whole church that we reach our goal. 

I pray for whoever reads this, that your life will be changed in someway. God is working and all He wants is that you come to Him and listen to His words. 

Keep the faith!

12/12/12

Well its that magical day of 12/12/12 thought I should post something. I was just thinking on the way home tonight about what I love about the Christmas season. It's not about the presents or the gifts but the presence  of the people around me and of course Jesus Christ. All the glory goes to Him, I owe Him my life. I was thinking about this as I passed all the houses filled with lights and trees adorned in the windows. Its traditions that have passed by, that won't be amended because people are different and circumstances are different, but you know what Jesus is always the same. Which is something great to count on.

Don't lose hope, because Jesus will give you all the hope you will ever need!

Living with Shadows

Two days ago, I went to this incredible dinner put on by my church for the women. It was themed "the sweetest Christmas." The speaker was my good friend Sarah H, from church. I can only say we met by God's will only, since I don't think anything is just a coincidence. I was told she had a blog, and an almost instant friendship was sparked. But if you ask me, I think it was in God's plan all along for us to be friends. I have learned so much from her and through that Jesus.

Lately, I have been ignoring Jesus. Not that I have been doing it deliberately, but the excuses of  being tired, or simply busy, comes to mind often. Through all this Jesus has been very persistent and finally through the words of my friend, Sarah, I was able to put all the pieces together. 

I have titled this post, "Living with Shadows," because lately that's how I feel. But God tells me a whole other story. Thanks to Sarah, I was able to visualize some images that God has been trying to portray a message for me. So I have been seeing the word "shadows" everywhere. I was originally thinking it was because of what I lacked, such as lack of friends, and lack of support. The definitions of shadow are; a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light, shade or comparative darkness, as in an area, shadows, darkness especially that coming after a sunset, shelter or protection, and a slight suggestion or trace. While reading through the definitions, did you not picture each description? I did.

My thoughts were wrong, I thought the shadows meant that I was supposed to be secluded, in the dark, alone. Again God shows me that is not the truth. Some days I feel when God can finally share what he is trying to get across. So like I have read in Sarah's blog postings, I imagine Jesus talking to me.

Jesus: Nicole, my child. You have it all wrong. What you are going through is not your fault...it has always been my plan for you to go through this type of season in your life. You seem to forget that when others leave, I don't. Shadows aren't bad things like most people think, for you, I want you to know that you see shadows because of the light you provide. It's not the absence or lack of something, but to remind you who is truly important in you life. 

Wow! Such truth and wisdom! I am so thankful for everything that I have learned over the past few days and weeks and yes, even months. Its hard but relying on the truth can lead to so much more greater things. God is always teaching, just have to give him more time to listen in. I may face trials and seasons of uncertainty, but God is there even in the shadows. 

Bread of Life

So I was thinking the other day about how God gives us little bits of information like little chunks of bread. He doesn't give us the whole slice of bread because that would defeat the whole learning process  and growth experience. Although some days I really want more than a little tidbit. 

As I was traveling home a few days ago, I made this realization of the feeding of the five thousand and the loaves of bread.

"Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away;you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children." Matthew 14.13-21 ESV

 Later when you read about the story these themes pop out how Jesus is the bread. Its not mentioned in Matthew 14, but I bet that there was some sort of teaching that went along with the meal. Another theme that is revealed is faith, pure faith. That Jesus knew that there would be enough to feed everyone. That's amazing!

As most of you know in communion Jesus also calls himself the bread. The Bible is also referred to the daily bread.

It just all clicked together, well at least for me that in that story even before people really understood Jesus, He was the provider! 

Little bits of wisdom that God gives us ultimately relates to pieces of bread relates to the body of Christ which relates to the Scriptures/Holy Bible. Maybe I will be the only one that will understand the connections God is leading me to. I am okay with that. Hopefully God will show you something interesting soon too, then you can share it with me.

Have an amazing blessed day!

The Drought

Written on July 13
Going through this drought is like the earth outside. It's dry and dead and that is how I feel inside. I want to change this feeling or do I? I'm not sure anymore. Just light it on fire, at least then something will be happening and moving. This feeling only gets cultivated if there are thoughts to provoke it. So with that logic it's my own doing for putting myself there. Letting myself be isolated.


On days like today I have a hard time seeing the truth. The truth of who actually sees me as important. I know Jesus does.


Edited on July 31st
I have been thinking about editing this and I know my feelings are different from the above statements. There is song that I recently heard, but am unable to find at this time, about how through the deserts there is joy and growth. If I find it I will post it up here. It talks about water and how the deserts aren't a bad thing, but a wonderful thing to experience.

{I found the song, it's titled, "You Revive Me." The lyrics that stood out to me were, "You revive me, you revive me Lord, and all my deserts are rivers of joy." What profound power in those lyrics...it makes me happy to see a different viewpoint put on the word, desert, and how a desert can make you feel. Love it!}


Throughout this lack of rainfall, it makes me think about how God cares for us. He provides us with what we need, shelter, food, clothing, a job. All good things to be thankful for.


I am reminded by this simple promise, that He cares for the birds of the air. Through this drought, He keeps all the birds fed, somehow. It is quite a mystery, isn't it? It gives me hope that He will take care of us too.

If you are interested in reading the passage that this true life example came from, it's in Matthew 6: 25-34.


I am still learning to give things to God and how much easier life is when we do give it to Him. 


Have a great day! :)