grad came and went yesterday-it was great! I'm so proud of all my graduate 'kids' :)
but for now-the sun (and beach) is calling my name!!!
have a super long weekend all!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Remember when...
June is often a time of remembrance in my life. The month of June has played some major roles throughout the course of my life (and often is, one of the busiest months as well for myself)
It was in June-6 years a go that I graduated from high school and life "began'
It was in June 5 years a go that I returned from my first stint overseas-at a place still dear to my heart-A place that started me on this journey to become who I am today-it takes it places as a large red building with the look of a barn to it, nestled in southern Sweden-filled with laughter, new (yummy) foods and special people who I still call friends today. Holsby brunn-I miss you-thank you for stretching me and starting to mold me!
It was in June 3 years ago that I left for my second stint overseas-Ukraine 2009-where I served God at a kids/teens camp despite not knowing their language. It is here where I met some awesome missionaries-dedicated to their call that God has on their life. I met a small, but POWERFUL church doing amazing things in a city that desperately needs God. Thank you to the Sumy Grace church for challenging me, accepting me (a foreigner) as one of your 'own' and allowing me to observe, partake and serve God alongside you. It was an honour. Keep fighting the Good fight!
It is June this year (2012) that my little brother graduates from high school... for that-I am SO incredibly thankful. There was never really any doubt in my mind that he would not graduate-I just never imagined that we would have the sort of relationship we have now. Often-through my travels and college experiences-I would hear of other people and their close relationships with their siblings and I would envy them-I craved a relationship like that, with my own siblings.
God knew this and was working the entire time.
I remember one time in college, during a prayer time with my roommate-just askign that God would work/heal my relationship specifically with my little brother. I think part of the problem was, was that we were/are so much alike that we 'clash'. God heard our cries.
I've said before, I have LOVED workign with youth these last two years-and its totally been a blessing-BUT what has been MORE of a blessing-is being able to see/get to know my brother on a different level. To actually realize how special and awesome he is (yes I am ALLOWED to be biased). To see him up there, sharing his heart, leading worship, praying out and choosing to get baptized and make a public stand for Christ-never had me prouder to be his big sister. too see how young kids, both girls and boys-relate to him and how their faces just lite up when he bends down to their level, or lifts them up or gets 'chased' by them- warms my heart. The term- "friendly giant' comes to mind.
To be able to hug him in public and to have him, return the hug even if his friends are watching-is worth so much. For him to pray alongside me the few times we have kneeled together before YAHWEH, is worth more than Gold/silver could ever afford.
To be able to talk about faith with him and, hopefully, encourage him as he has encouraged me-has been great and to get a simple, silver cross necklace from him while he was on his trip to London, UK-reminds me of the faith that has bonded and united us. Something MUCH greater than a sibling bond can/will ever be.
We went out the other day to shoot some grad pictures for him in his suite. The followign are just a few of the ones I like-I tell yah..this
I am thankful. I am SO very thankful for the relationship that God has taken hold of and has started to sew together with His Majestic hands. It is a 'late' project in the works-one that I wish would have started 17 years a go-but they say "better late than never' and now I know that it will be firmly planted in Christ-something that cannnot/will not be broken.
Happy Grad little brother!!
Love you lots!
(p.s now get out there and CHANGE THAT WORLD for CHRIST! :) )
It was in June-6 years a go that I graduated from high school and life "began'
It was in June 5 years a go that I returned from my first stint overseas-at a place still dear to my heart-A place that started me on this journey to become who I am today-it takes it places as a large red building with the look of a barn to it, nestled in southern Sweden-filled with laughter, new (yummy) foods and special people who I still call friends today. Holsby brunn-I miss you-thank you for stretching me and starting to mold me!
It was in June 3 years ago that I left for my second stint overseas-Ukraine 2009-where I served God at a kids/teens camp despite not knowing their language. It is here where I met some awesome missionaries-dedicated to their call that God has on their life. I met a small, but POWERFUL church doing amazing things in a city that desperately needs God. Thank you to the Sumy Grace church for challenging me, accepting me (a foreigner) as one of your 'own' and allowing me to observe, partake and serve God alongside you. It was an honour. Keep fighting the Good fight!
It is June this year (2012) that my little brother graduates from high school... for that-I am SO incredibly thankful. There was never really any doubt in my mind that he would not graduate-I just never imagined that we would have the sort of relationship we have now. Often-through my travels and college experiences-I would hear of other people and their close relationships with their siblings and I would envy them-I craved a relationship like that, with my own siblings.
God knew this and was working the entire time.
I remember one time in college, during a prayer time with my roommate-just askign that God would work/heal my relationship specifically with my little brother. I think part of the problem was, was that we were/are so much alike that we 'clash'. God heard our cries.
I've said before, I have LOVED workign with youth these last two years-and its totally been a blessing-BUT what has been MORE of a blessing-is being able to see/get to know my brother on a different level. To actually realize how special and awesome he is (yes I am ALLOWED to be biased). To see him up there, sharing his heart, leading worship, praying out and choosing to get baptized and make a public stand for Christ-never had me prouder to be his big sister. too see how young kids, both girls and boys-relate to him and how their faces just lite up when he bends down to their level, or lifts them up or gets 'chased' by them- warms my heart. The term- "friendly giant' comes to mind.
To be able to hug him in public and to have him, return the hug even if his friends are watching-is worth so much. For him to pray alongside me the few times we have kneeled together before YAHWEH, is worth more than Gold/silver could ever afford.
To be able to talk about faith with him and, hopefully, encourage him as he has encouraged me-has been great and to get a simple, silver cross necklace from him while he was on his trip to London, UK-reminds me of the faith that has bonded and united us. Something MUCH greater than a sibling bond can/will ever be.
We went out the other day to shoot some grad pictures for him in his suite. The followign are just a few of the ones I like-I tell yah..this
 |
| superstar with his stick-gonna miss watching you play kiddo! |
 |
| dont worry-he didnt smash it! |
 |
| Freedom for being done school! |
 |
| Just because he is graduating-doesnt mean he's gotta mature! :P |
 |
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| Musician and hockey player-but little brother FIRST!! |
I am thankful. I am SO very thankful for the relationship that God has taken hold of and has started to sew together with His Majestic hands. It is a 'late' project in the works-one that I wish would have started 17 years a go-but they say "better late than never' and now I know that it will be firmly planted in Christ-something that cannnot/will not be broken.
Happy Grad little brother!!
Love you lots!
(p.s now get out there and CHANGE THAT WORLD for CHRIST! :) )
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Saying 'good bye'
We had our youth grad party last night.
Last year's group was hard to say 'bye' too...
this year's will be (is) even harder....
Thanks guys for blessing my life the way you have! You WILL be missed!
Last year's group was hard to say 'bye' too...
this year's will be (is) even harder....
Thanks guys for blessing my life the way you have! You WILL be missed!
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| sara and shayna |
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| a very fun ride in with these gals! |
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| goof balls! |
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| the gang! |
Sunday, June 17, 2012
God is Good.
God is good. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
I found out yesterday morning-that a friend of mine-her mom's cancer is back. This time, its in the brain. She has beaten it once before-when the doctors did not know how long she would be around. This time too-they are not sure how long she has.
So I ask you-pray. Pray for her. Pray for her family. Later this year, she will become a grandma too, for the first time, and a mother in law once again (a mother in law to a super good friend of mine from college I might add) so there is a lot of fun, joy and excitement to look forward to in the near future.
Cancer sucks. I hate it. Hate is a strong word-but in this case-it is not strong enough. If I could wipe out Cancer-I would-in a heart beat. It has stolen to many people from me already, robbed to many good, young people from a full life.
I know we are not suppose to ask why-but why?
God is good. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
I found out yesterday morning-that a friend of mine-her mom's cancer is back. This time, its in the brain. She has beaten it once before-when the doctors did not know how long she would be around. This time too-they are not sure how long she has.
So I ask you-pray. Pray for her. Pray for her family. Later this year, she will become a grandma too, for the first time, and a mother in law once again (a mother in law to a super good friend of mine from college I might add) so there is a lot of fun, joy and excitement to look forward to in the near future.
Cancer sucks. I hate it. Hate is a strong word-but in this case-it is not strong enough. If I could wipe out Cancer-I would-in a heart beat. It has stolen to many people from me already, robbed to many good, young people from a full life.
I know we are not suppose to ask why-but why?
God is good. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Elijah
So I am in the process of reading through the Old and New Testament this year and I am currently in 1 Kings 18 (I jump back and forth between Old and New as per my reading guide). Anyways- 1 Kings 18 is a story of an awesome prophet named Elijah. Basically-in this story- Elijah mocks, taunts and ultimately KICKS the prophets of baal's butt on Mount Caramel (or, for those that went to SBC with me and were in Prof Gord's OT class-will know this story as Mount "Caramilk"-Thanks Prof Gord!). So I am reading this story and I feel like cheering! woot woot! Go God GO!!!
I am thinking the senerio is sort of like a sporting type event-picturing people with posters (ok not really) but you know cheering on their 'team'--but wait here comes Elijah-telling them to gather more people and pray/yell at their god louder and louder-then he begins to mock and taunt them (talk about embarrassing on their end!!) So after many failed attempt of the Baal prophets attempting to call on their 'god'-Elijah adds salt to their wounds and embarrassment by getting them too dumpy 3 large things of water on the bull at the Lord's alter. Enter the star player of Elijahs team-YAHWEH!! Elijah prays and Yahweh is there-in a ball of fire that consumes not only the bull and alter-but the water in the trenches around it! Crazy eh? So sweet! Amazing power. THAT is MY GOD.
Take that prophets of baal.
MY God is greater, MYGod is stronger
God You are higher than any other
MY God is Healer, awesome and power
MY God, MY God...
I am thinking the senerio is sort of like a sporting type event-picturing people with posters (ok not really) but you know cheering on their 'team'--but wait here comes Elijah-telling them to gather more people and pray/yell at their god louder and louder-then he begins to mock and taunt them (talk about embarrassing on their end!!) So after many failed attempt of the Baal prophets attempting to call on their 'god'-Elijah adds salt to their wounds and embarrassment by getting them too dumpy 3 large things of water on the bull at the Lord's alter. Enter the star player of Elijahs team-YAHWEH!! Elijah prays and Yahweh is there-in a ball of fire that consumes not only the bull and alter-but the water in the trenches around it! Crazy eh? So sweet! Amazing power. THAT is MY GOD.
Take that prophets of baal.
MY God is greater, MYGod is stronger
God You are higher than any other
MY God is Healer, awesome and power
MY God, MY God...
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Answer
Busy. That sums up life now. That will sum life up for the next few weeks as well! But it is a good busy. Friends. Family. Youth. God.
Some days tho-my head feels as though it is spinning and I cant catch up. I still gotta give my final answer by Friday and I think I know what I am going to say and the peace-that I THOUGHT I would have with leaving in January, I now have with leaving later. So this is not like I have said no to going-I just feel that to leave in Jan-is not the smart move.
I realized that my motives (partially) were/are wrong. Once I get something in my mind-my mind is made up and I am doing it-no questions asked. Although it gets stuff done-it is the wrong way to do it. So with this-my thinking was/is that I have no right to challenge my youth girls to 'get out' be stretched and moved-when I myself cannot do it. This was/is a concept that I have really wrestled with.
So I was talking to my lead pastor and wife the other day and was explaining some of this to them and he pointed out a fact to me that I had not thought of yet. He pointed out to me, that this was/is a discerning process and can/does appreciate the steps that I have taking and that that in itself-is a witness and testimony to those around me.
Now the process of actually giving my aanswer to Adventures in Missions and letting the people around me know-fun and games!
BUT-bring on Africa and another youth year!!!
The best thing is-GOD IS GOOD! GOD IS FAITHFUL. GOD IS LOVE
Some days tho-my head feels as though it is spinning and I cant catch up. I still gotta give my final answer by Friday and I think I know what I am going to say and the peace-that I THOUGHT I would have with leaving in January, I now have with leaving later. So this is not like I have said no to going-I just feel that to leave in Jan-is not the smart move.
I realized that my motives (partially) were/are wrong. Once I get something in my mind-my mind is made up and I am doing it-no questions asked. Although it gets stuff done-it is the wrong way to do it. So with this-my thinking was/is that I have no right to challenge my youth girls to 'get out' be stretched and moved-when I myself cannot do it. This was/is a concept that I have really wrestled with.
So I was talking to my lead pastor and wife the other day and was explaining some of this to them and he pointed out a fact to me that I had not thought of yet. He pointed out to me, that this was/is a discerning process and can/does appreciate the steps that I have taking and that that in itself-is a witness and testimony to those around me.
Now the process of actually giving my aanswer to Adventures in Missions and letting the people around me know-fun and games!
BUT-bring on Africa and another youth year!!!
The best thing is-GOD IS GOOD! GOD IS FAITHFUL. GOD IS LOVE
Saturday, June 02, 2012
A good Slap in the face
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7
I just got a good 'slap in the face' from God.
I am in the back yard at my parents now and its a beautiful evening out (and such a great day!) and mom sees this wren (a type of bird) flying in and out of her snow man bird house. So we spend some time just watching this wren fly in and out-each time with a small piece of stick or something. It is clear that the bird is building a nest. So as we are watching this, I am remembering the bible study I had with my girls last sunday-where the focus was these two verses found in Luke and in Matthew. God loves me (and YOU) so very much. Simply watching this wren-how it went back and forth bit by bit-no worries and so care free...I could almost feel God "upstairs" in Heaven looking down at me and saying "remember Nikki, I love you MORE then I love that wren. I know the NUMBER OF HAIRS ON YOUR HEAD-yet you dont trust me with your life? My daughter, you are worth FAR more that that bird-yet look at how I care for it--Dont you think that I dont care for you more? Crazy child! Where is your 'child like faith?' I love you. I LOVE YOU"
Do you know what it feels like to be loved by the Creator? Pretty darn awesome amazing!!! You should try it-seek God, feel His love and warm embrace. Allow Him to speak to you and through you and through His creation. He craves a relationship with you. He is waiting for you.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Matthew 10:28-30
Luke 12:6-7
I just got a good 'slap in the face' from God.
I am in the back yard at my parents now and its a beautiful evening out (and such a great day!) and mom sees this wren (a type of bird) flying in and out of her snow man bird house. So we spend some time just watching this wren fly in and out-each time with a small piece of stick or something. It is clear that the bird is building a nest. So as we are watching this, I am remembering the bible study I had with my girls last sunday-where the focus was these two verses found in Luke and in Matthew. God loves me (and YOU) so very much. Simply watching this wren-how it went back and forth bit by bit-no worries and so care free...I could almost feel God "upstairs" in Heaven looking down at me and saying "remember Nikki, I love you MORE then I love that wren. I know the NUMBER OF HAIRS ON YOUR HEAD-yet you dont trust me with your life? My daughter, you are worth FAR more that that bird-yet look at how I care for it--Dont you think that I dont care for you more? Crazy child! Where is your 'child like faith?' I love you. I LOVE YOU"
Do you know what it feels like to be loved by the Creator? Pretty darn awesome amazing!!! You should try it-seek God, feel His love and warm embrace. Allow Him to speak to you and through you and through His creation. He craves a relationship with you. He is waiting for you.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Matthew 10:28-30
Friday, June 01, 2012
June 1 Ramblings
To Go...or not to go? THAT is the question. It is time to do a "self' Check. Why do I /am I going on this experience? WHO am I doing it for?What reasons? Am I over analyzing this all?
Whoa ok Nikki, back up. I have applied/been accepted to "the World Race" . What it basically is, is serving God in 11 different countries, for 11 months-that is the short of it. I have prayed about it, I have talked to people about it and part of me is like "yep ok I am so ready to go!" then reality kicks it (or rather, fear) and I do not know what to do.
Honestly- I am quite surprised at myself that I have not gotten "antsy" sooner-and the fact that I am debating/wrestling this hard now to with deciding yes or no-has me quite curious. I did not think I would be around Altona this long, AND to make things even more odd-I also didnt think I would be ENJOYING it here either. I know God says "Go" but what if He also says "Stay?".
I love working with youth- I love youth ministry. I never thought I would think that. I knew youth are awesome and fun to hang around and what not-but I didnt think that God would "break my heart" right here at home like He has. This has me quite torn because I know the need for missions overseas, but I have also been opened to the need right here at home- Discipling the next generation to be strong Christian Leaders.
I still feel as tho God is using me here. Just from the different feedback I have heard from second hand, as well as first hand-has me encouraged and gives me the drive to want to keep going. I know it takes a year or two to get situated in it/build relationships-but after those first two years or so-its awesome. I am one week away from finishing my second year of being involved in youth ministry and like I said, I can see how relationships with the youth have changed from "having fun and being silly" or deep God talks and really connecting (course it depends on the youth as well) and i feel that my third year, will just bring more of it (hopefully). Dare I say I feel CONTENT?!!? Scary thought coming from me.
and Yes my job isnt ideal (nor fun always, nor do I always like going in to work) and I dont want to be there my entire life, but it is a job and it is/can be a ministry all in itself.
Now, I am not shutting the World RACE idea down-but instead-maybe just postponing it. They send out different teams 3 times a year (Jan. July. Sept) and the one I have been accepted for-leaves in Jan. This means oonly doing a little less then half a youth year (less still cause I am gone to Africa in Nov. with my church again) and I am not sure how I feel about that.
SO SOLUTION: start/finish another youth year and then leave next july! best of both worlds! :)
Whoa ok Nikki, back up. I have applied/been accepted to "the World Race" . What it basically is, is serving God in 11 different countries, for 11 months-that is the short of it. I have prayed about it, I have talked to people about it and part of me is like "yep ok I am so ready to go!" then reality kicks it (or rather, fear) and I do not know what to do.
Honestly- I am quite surprised at myself that I have not gotten "antsy" sooner-and the fact that I am debating/wrestling this hard now to with deciding yes or no-has me quite curious. I did not think I would be around Altona this long, AND to make things even more odd-I also didnt think I would be ENJOYING it here either. I know God says "Go" but what if He also says "Stay?".
I love working with youth- I love youth ministry. I never thought I would think that. I knew youth are awesome and fun to hang around and what not-but I didnt think that God would "break my heart" right here at home like He has. This has me quite torn because I know the need for missions overseas, but I have also been opened to the need right here at home- Discipling the next generation to be strong Christian Leaders.
I still feel as tho God is using me here. Just from the different feedback I have heard from second hand, as well as first hand-has me encouraged and gives me the drive to want to keep going. I know it takes a year or two to get situated in it/build relationships-but after those first two years or so-its awesome. I am one week away from finishing my second year of being involved in youth ministry and like I said, I can see how relationships with the youth have changed from "having fun and being silly" or deep God talks and really connecting (course it depends on the youth as well) and i feel that my third year, will just bring more of it (hopefully). Dare I say I feel CONTENT?!!? Scary thought coming from me.
and Yes my job isnt ideal (nor fun always, nor do I always like going in to work) and I dont want to be there my entire life, but it is a job and it is/can be a ministry all in itself.
Now, I am not shutting the World RACE idea down-but instead-maybe just postponing it. They send out different teams 3 times a year (Jan. July. Sept) and the one I have been accepted for-leaves in Jan. This means oonly doing a little less then half a youth year (less still cause I am gone to Africa in Nov. with my church again) and I am not sure how I feel about that.
SO SOLUTION: start/finish another youth year and then leave next july! best of both worlds! :)
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