Ever stop and just think that, the CREATOR of the universe...created YOU in HIS image?!? YAHWEH, the Alpha and Omega, Heavenly Father, Christ the King...created YOU and LOVEs you! so very much! I dont know about you, but my mere human mind can not grasp that at all! But what i do love, other than my Creator, is relishing in HIS love. basking in it and soaking it in. Despite a crappy start to this fall (Spiritually), right now...i can feel God next to me constantly throughout the day. He is with me with I rest my head, when I wake and carry on my day. I sitll have my moments, but I know God is right next to me. I love that God overcame and won another victory in my heart. I love the fact that HE loves ME enough to go to amazing lengths to show me HIs love. Serving HIM truly is the best thing in this life. I can feel my insides 'bursting' with joy. God is so so so so so So very good!!
thank you God for who You are. For Loving me the way you do!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Life Lessons
Hey all
God just has an interesting sense of humour
I am often at the expense of it...
At the time, its not funny
Later..after I realize all i got is a few bruises...its quite funny!
So funny story-I was leaving church this last sunday( not the funny part) but my hands were full and i attempted to bike home (home, which is literally around the block-easily could have walked) anways, despite a little voice in my head saying "Nikki your hands are full..use your head..walk your bike home!" I attempted to bike home. OH I should add that I recently got a new bike, a bike with brakes that work..so imagine this- my hands full, coming up to a stop sign-car coming to my right, my hand that is free happens to be my front brake side (note to self, never just use front break..use BACK break!) anyways, one thing leads to another and in an instance I am on the pavement. At the time, not funny, now..its very funny!
Needless to say, I am quite sore especially on my left side but I think my pride got wounded more than anything. However, I learned a few things from this experience.
1) I think this was God's way of telling me to listen to that conscious HE gave me
2) people are too busy to even stop and see if people are ok after witnessing someone fall ( ok the car did slow do and through the window-saw the person mouth "are you ok"..but didnt even roll down window or stop...I could have been seriously hurt! Tho at that point I didnt want to see anyone so I waved them on..but still...looking back at it...it almost seemed cold?!?)
Lesson two:
Despite our so called "great Canadian education" that we have here, we are really UNeducated.
I was showing someone my Africa book and explaining a little of what we did there and some of the kids backgrounds etc. I realized through this conv. how little we here in canada actually know about HIV/AIDs. I was asked if it could be passed via saliva..i was like, 'are you seriously asking me that?" (I thought it, didnt voice it).
Its amazing tho, how the news or what we read in our text books-shape how we view things. Like really. People, it is time to get educated!
But lets be honest tho...before going..I too-was nervous about how it spread. yes, I did hear/read about it in school...but that was use as a "scare' factor-not a educational purpose (if that makes sense)
anyways, point being- I understood where the question came from , yet at the same time, it annoyed me. The world is so huge, yet at the same time, its becoming smaller and smaller. There is a LOT of work to do out there, and we are running out of time...so what are you going to do about it? how about begin with this...get EDUCATED. Open yourself up to the issues around you. follow fact, not fiction. Those kids, those kids that I spent 10 amazing days with- depsite the disease in their young bodies (which is NOT their fault), will be living a full life, a life with chance and opportunity like I had, like we all had growing up. Yes, they do live in Africa and so yes their lives will be different for that simple reason, however..Kids are still kids. People are still people. we all wanna be loved and cared for.
Oh the many life lessons each and every day!
what about you? what are you learning? what is God teaching you these days?
God just has an interesting sense of humour
I am often at the expense of it...
At the time, its not funny
Later..after I realize all i got is a few bruises...its quite funny!
So funny story-I was leaving church this last sunday( not the funny part) but my hands were full and i attempted to bike home (home, which is literally around the block-easily could have walked) anways, despite a little voice in my head saying "Nikki your hands are full..use your head..walk your bike home!" I attempted to bike home. OH I should add that I recently got a new bike, a bike with brakes that work..so imagine this- my hands full, coming up to a stop sign-car coming to my right, my hand that is free happens to be my front brake side (note to self, never just use front break..use BACK break!) anyways, one thing leads to another and in an instance I am on the pavement. At the time, not funny, now..its very funny!
Needless to say, I am quite sore especially on my left side but I think my pride got wounded more than anything. However, I learned a few things from this experience.
1) I think this was God's way of telling me to listen to that conscious HE gave me
2) people are too busy to even stop and see if people are ok after witnessing someone fall ( ok the car did slow do and through the window-saw the person mouth "are you ok"..but didnt even roll down window or stop...I could have been seriously hurt! Tho at that point I didnt want to see anyone so I waved them on..but still...looking back at it...it almost seemed cold?!?)
Lesson two:
Despite our so called "great Canadian education" that we have here, we are really UNeducated.
I was showing someone my Africa book and explaining a little of what we did there and some of the kids backgrounds etc. I realized through this conv. how little we here in canada actually know about HIV/AIDs. I was asked if it could be passed via saliva..i was like, 'are you seriously asking me that?" (I thought it, didnt voice it).
Its amazing tho, how the news or what we read in our text books-shape how we view things. Like really. People, it is time to get educated!
But lets be honest tho...before going..I too-was nervous about how it spread. yes, I did hear/read about it in school...but that was use as a "scare' factor-not a educational purpose (if that makes sense)
anyways, point being- I understood where the question came from , yet at the same time, it annoyed me. The world is so huge, yet at the same time, its becoming smaller and smaller. There is a LOT of work to do out there, and we are running out of time...so what are you going to do about it? how about begin with this...get EDUCATED. Open yourself up to the issues around you. follow fact, not fiction. Those kids, those kids that I spent 10 amazing days with- depsite the disease in their young bodies (which is NOT their fault), will be living a full life, a life with chance and opportunity like I had, like we all had growing up. Yes, they do live in Africa and so yes their lives will be different for that simple reason, however..Kids are still kids. People are still people. we all wanna be loved and cared for.
Oh the many life lessons each and every day!
what about you? what are you learning? what is God teaching you these days?
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| Beautiful african smilies! |
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| "hold me please" |
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| spending time with little angels from above! |
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| A snap shot of what God must look like! |
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| sharing the love! |
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| Angel from above! |
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| Kids are kids no matter where you are! |
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| Sweet sweet angels! A small glimpse into Heaven! |
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| Is there anything more beautiful than the face of God? |
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Shaken
I've been Shaken from my head down to my toes...
check it out
Are YOU shaken?
Which faces come to YOUR mind?
Open my eyes LORD
I wanna make a difference tonight
Open my Eyes
LORD use me
Take me where YOU want me to go!
These hands are dedicated to Change
Lord use me
Hawk Nelson-Shaken
check it out
Are YOU shaken?
Which faces come to YOUR mind?
Open my eyes LORD
I wanna make a difference tonight
Open my Eyes
LORD use me
Take me where YOU want me to go!
These hands are dedicated to Change
Lord use me
Hawk Nelson-Shaken
Saturday, October 15, 2011
One.Life.
Ever get a book that just "clicks" with yah? I have found that I am very good at buying a book at impusle and then having it turn out to be something that totally clicks with me. It happened with a book called "True Religion" as well. (A great buy/read right before heading to Africa in April).
Anyways- "One.Life" talks about the Christian Life and how we have, One.Life, to live...so we should be careful HOW we live it and for WHO we live it for. It focuses a lot on God's Kingdom. Not a kingdom that we, as humans, would percieve (ie king sitting on an earthly throne etc) but a KINGDOM with God the center and focus. It also talks a lot about dreams and the power behind them.
Although, I don't actually have the book at my side as I write this, I can not help but think of the term "Missions". Actually you know what, lets scratch the term "missions" (I mean really, who came up with it..) and lets take a word(s) from the book instead...Committed.Life istead.
What does a Committed.Life look like?
It is simple.
However at the same time, it will be one of the hardest things ever.
A "Committed.Life"-looks to Christ in all things, while giving Thanks despite all/everything that goes on in that Committed.Life.
A Committed.Life seeks justice for the opposed
A Committed.Life cares for the needy, widow and orphaned
A Committed.Life shows Mercy and Compassion
A Committed.Life prays for their enemy
A Committed.Life offers their gifts and talents for God's Glory (after all, HE is who gave them to us)
A Committed.Life forgives even when its the Hardest to forgive
A Committed.Life is willing to give up their life for Christ
A Committed.Life lives in/with community
A Committed.Life hears Jesus's call...and follows
A Committed.Life loves their neighbour as themselves.
A Committed.Life loves the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind.
Finally, perhaps Philippians 4:8-9 sums it up:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Anyways- "One.Life" talks about the Christian Life and how we have, One.Life, to live...so we should be careful HOW we live it and for WHO we live it for. It focuses a lot on God's Kingdom. Not a kingdom that we, as humans, would percieve (ie king sitting on an earthly throne etc) but a KINGDOM with God the center and focus. It also talks a lot about dreams and the power behind them.
Although, I don't actually have the book at my side as I write this, I can not help but think of the term "Missions". Actually you know what, lets scratch the term "missions" (I mean really, who came up with it..) and lets take a word(s) from the book instead...Committed.Life istead.
What does a Committed.Life look like?
It is simple.
However at the same time, it will be one of the hardest things ever.
A "Committed.Life"-looks to Christ in all things, while giving Thanks despite all/everything that goes on in that Committed.Life.
A Committed.Life seeks justice for the opposed
A Committed.Life cares for the needy, widow and orphaned
A Committed.Life shows Mercy and Compassion
A Committed.Life prays for their enemy
A Committed.Life offers their gifts and talents for God's Glory (after all, HE is who gave them to us)
A Committed.Life forgives even when its the Hardest to forgive
A Committed.Life is willing to give up their life for Christ
A Committed.Life lives in/with community
A Committed.Life hears Jesus's call...and follows
A Committed.Life loves their neighbour as themselves.
A Committed.Life loves the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind.
Finally, perhaps Philippians 4:8-9 sums it up:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Happy Thankgiven!
Its that time of year again, time when people usually eat lots of turkey, have family gatherings and give thanks...or rather..make a specific point of giving thanks (cause we should be thankful all year). So, in no particular order..here are just some of the things that I am thankful for (cause its almost time for me to go to church)
-my family-both immediate and extended
-my friends locally (college, high school etc) to my friends world wide (across canada, Europe, Africa, Belize, Philippines etc)
-my church family/freedom we have to go to church
-music
-cool early morning sunrises and the colours of the sunsets
-my wednesday nights-worship with youth, youth themselves and the incredible blessings that they are, crazy coffee moments/energy with them!
-Seeds of Hope-the incredible work they are doing-we are praying
-missionaries around the globe (I think of sara in Ukraine, Ate Barb in Philippines, JOhn and Leanne P.-Ukraine-, Alexander and Leah Perez-belize, Armando-belize, Loewen Family-Philippines, John and Susan Chalkias-Seeds of Hope, Elizabeth-Zambia-just to name a few that I know)
-Education we have here in Canada-both high school/post secondary
-SBC-the knowledge both book and life, that I gained there.
-Capernwray Bible schools
-memories
-books
-Health
-Safe country
-my job
-a home...roof over my head that is cool in summer and warm in winter
-photography/camera
-the many gifts and talents God has given me
-spiritual battles-what an amazing time of growth
Most important-MY GOD...I am so lost without HIM. I am SO thankful for the greatest sacrifice of all-that HE would send HIS son to die for me, so that I may live.
-my family-both immediate and extended
-my friends locally (college, high school etc) to my friends world wide (across canada, Europe, Africa, Belize, Philippines etc)
-my church family/freedom we have to go to church
-music
-cool early morning sunrises and the colours of the sunsets-my wednesday nights-worship with youth, youth themselves and the incredible blessings that they are, crazy coffee moments/energy with them!
-Seeds of Hope-the incredible work they are doing-we are praying
-missionaries around the globe (I think of sara in Ukraine, Ate Barb in Philippines, JOhn and Leanne P.-Ukraine-, Alexander and Leah Perez-belize, Armando-belize, Loewen Family-Philippines, John and Susan Chalkias-Seeds of Hope, Elizabeth-Zambia-just to name a few that I know)
-Education we have here in Canada-both high school/post secondary
-SBC-the knowledge both book and life, that I gained there.
-Capernwray Bible schools
-memories
-books
-Health
-Safe country
-my job
-a home...roof over my head that is cool in summer and warm in winter
-photography/camera
-the many gifts and talents God has given me
-spiritual battles-what an amazing time of growth
Sunday, October 02, 2011
It only takes a minute (and even less!)
I heard a statistic/fact, once that it takes 10 positive comments, for every ONE negative comment that is directed towards a person (specifically, in this case, we were talking about youth). I heard this over a year ago and it has constantly been in the back of my mind. How quick are we to judge those around us? I know I am guilty of this. But lately, it has been re affirmed to me, the importance of "encouraging one another daily" (yes, it is even Biblical!) whether its through a face to face conversation (still always the best and, personally, my favorite), but even with the technology we have now a days such as texting, facebook and yes, even blogs. It takes no more than 30 seconds to send/receive a text. No more than a minute or two to send out a quick email or facebook message (And, lets face it-a lot of us also have email /facebook access on our phones these days-so we dont even need a computer!) AND, for those that are not caught up with today's technology...there STILL is a little something called the telephone which 99.9% of people have now a days in their homes! so basically, there is no excuse :P
It is amazing really, how much a simple "hi" note can do to brighten someones day. I know in the past, I have been on both the giving and receiving end and wow does it ever feel good! So, who are YOU going to encourage today?
On another note- if I could teleport myself right now..I would no longer be at home..I would be in Zambia right now with the wonderful kids and people there. I miss them, I really do. I miss their smiles, their energy and joy and zeal for life, for GOD. Although pictures are great to have, they do not (and will not ever) due justice to the real people of Zambia. I guess what they say are true..once you go to Africa-you are guaranteed to leave a piece of your heart there (and if you dont, well I think you gotta check yourself into a hospital or something, cause something isnt right! It is impossible NOT to fall in love with those people!!)
Happy Sunday!
It is amazing really, how much a simple "hi" note can do to brighten someones day. I know in the past, I have been on both the giving and receiving end and wow does it ever feel good! So, who are YOU going to encourage today?
On another note- if I could teleport myself right now..I would no longer be at home..I would be in Zambia right now with the wonderful kids and people there. I miss them, I really do. I miss their smiles, their energy and joy and zeal for life, for GOD. Although pictures are great to have, they do not (and will not ever) due justice to the real people of Zambia. I guess what they say are true..once you go to Africa-you are guaranteed to leave a piece of your heart there (and if you dont, well I think you gotta check yourself into a hospital or something, cause something isnt right! It is impossible NOT to fall in love with those people!!)
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| goofing off with friends |
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