Nicki's Blog

Hi friends – So I had to laugh (or maybe cry) this week when I looked outside and saw the SNOW! It is the middle of April, the weekend is supposed to be in the high twenties and it feels like the dead of winter again. A few thoughts came to my mind as I enjoyed my cup of coffee. The snowflakes falling from the sky and how they are all unique and different. When I learned this truth, it helped me better understand that God made me unique and in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Ultimately no two snowflakes are the same and there is no one like you. God made you unique, different and special. God also has a unique purpose for you and He wants to be in a relationship with you. Jesus wants to take you on an amazing journey with Him. Just as each snowflake is unique, so is your life, your purpose and faith journey. As you journey through your week consider the unique journey that the Lord Jesus wants to take with you. Never forgot that God loves, God cares and God wants to connect with you. A few things to consider when you witness your next snowfall (which hopefully won’t be for awhile) and another very unique snowflake.

Until next time my friends, remember you known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – I hope each of you are enjoying the Easter weekend. For this post I wanted to highlight the importance of Good Friday. Today represents the day that the Lord Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Our sin separates us from the Lord. Good Friday shows us the ultimate act of love from our heavenly Father who loves and cares deeply for us. Jesus paid the price for our sin and Jesus wants a relationship with you. As you journey through this Easter weekend, I would encourage each of you to take time and reflect on the amazing act of love. Be reminded my friends that God loves, God cares and God wants to connect with you. Until next time, remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to the country of Kyrgyzstan with my church. The purpose of this trip was to speak with the local church and present life skill seminars. This was a unique experience for me because I had to use a translator. This was a bit intimidating to say the least. I had to know my material well, adapt to a different audience, pace myself and get into a good rhythm with the translator. Although I was nervous I had great support and was covered in prayer before and during the church service. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me this experience.

I tell you this story because it reminds me of an important truth when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, our faith journey and times of prayer. Sure while I was speaking to the people in Kyrgyzstan I needed a translator because we did not speak the same language. When it comes to connecting and praying to God there is no translation required. He knows what you are going to say before you say it. He knows your heart and what is on your mind.

Nothing is ever lost in translation.

Until next time my friends, remember you known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – Don’t you love making plans? Plans for the weekend. Making plans with friends, sharing some food and playing some games. Maybe your plans are a quiet night with a cup of tea and a great book. No matter what your plans are, I believe there is joy that comes with making plans, anticipating the event, and ultimately enjoying those plans.

The scripture I am highlighting is Jeremiah 29:11 and God’s plans for you. This is profound statement from the Bible that everyone can receive. I have read and received this scripture many times during my faith journey. Be assured that in every season of my life (good, not so good, challenging, annoying or frustrating) this scripture has been true for me, and it can be true for you. God cares deeply for you, has great plans for you and cares what is happening in your life.

So whatever your plans are for the near or distant future, I hope you have a great time making those arrangements. Also remember that God has great plans for you.

The other part of this scripture that I find so meaningful is the part that says “declares the Lord”. So the creator of the entire universe is declaring that He has great plans for you. You are not forgotten. You have not been overlooked. You are not a mistake. These are amazing statements if you have never heard those words before. As I say in every one of my posts. You are known and loved by God. There is no one like you, God cares for you deeply and He has unique plans just for you.

Until next time, my friends remember, you are known and loved by God. Blessings!

Hi friends – Just two months before COVID hit our world, I began to focus my attention on the words determination and anticipation. Little did I know the importance of these words that I believe the Lord Jesus put on my heart and how they have impacted my faith journey. Each day I am determined to anticipate great things no matter what is happening in my life. As I mentioned in my first blog post, I started a writing journey in 2014. Although it has not gone at all the way I anticipated, I am determined to not give up. Several years ago my husband and I wanted to start a family. Many years went by and no baby. I was determined to not give up and anticipated an answered prayer. I have a strong desire to invest in the community and children, but COVID has made this extremely difficult. I am determined to anticipate that the Lord will open doors of opportunity in my community again. Currently I am in a season with aging parents, which can be challenging. I am determined to spend as much time as I can with them and anticipate creating more great memories. Just the thought of that brings me joy.

One scripture I want to leave you with is from Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is my strength. I am so thankful for the determination and anticipation the Lord Jesus gives me to receive His joy and strength everyday. Sure, there are days when I have moments of sadness, frustration, annoyance and disappointment, but I am reminded that the joy of the Lord gives me strength.

Until next time my friends, remember you are known and loved by God. Blessing!

Hi friends – Part of the reason I started to write was to highlight the truth of the Bible. The scripture I want to highlight is from Genesis. I hope this post will provide you with some encouragement today.

In Genesis 1:27 it says that we are made in God’s image. Let’s look at the word image for just a moment. In this digital world we see images all the time on a variety of platforms (TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook). These images have an impact on us. Some images more than others. The fashion industry is just one example of having influence on us with brand names, fashion blogs, accessories, make -up and more. The pressure of looking a certain way and comparing ourselves to an unrealistic standard is just one way our thinking can become flawed regarding our image.

You were created in God’s image and He loves you just the way you are.

Now let’s loop back to Genesis 1:27 that says we are made in God’s image. You are an amazing creation of God just the way you are and He loves you so much. Don’t let the world define how you should look, your value and the unique purpose God has for you.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God.

Hi friends – As we approach Valentine’s Day I wanted to highlight a fact about love. The scriptures say in 1 John 4:7 that God is love. On Valentine’s Day there will be so many acts of love, kindness and care towards those we love. I would encourage you to remember something else very special that happens when you give that card, send those flowers or deliver that gift. With every act of love God is at work. God is love and so every expression of love God is right there. When the world is focused on cards, candies and flowers, God is focused on the acts of love and changing lives through those moments.

I hope each of you have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Until next time my friends remember you are loved, valued and valuable in the eyes of the Lord Jesus. Blessings!

Hi friends – I hope each of you are doing well. For this post I wanted to share a few things that bring me joy. My relationship with the Lord Jesus brings me joy because I know the Lord is with me every step of my life and faith journey. My husband of twenty four years, my family, friends and church family bring me so much joy. Investing in children within my community brings me a tremendous amount of joy. Being another person in the life of a child that tells them they are loved, valued and valuable in the eyes of the Lord is a privilege. Another thing that bring me joy is writing. Back in March 2014 I started on a writing journey and it has changed me forever. Writing was never on my radar of things to do in life but I leaned into that prompting and joy followed. Several years after that writing journey started I rediscovered John 15:16 (see image). This scripture has stayed deeply rooted in my heart for a few years now. I am so thankful that Jesus speaks to us through scripture and will use it to direct our life path. This scripture reminds me that I have been called to bear good fruit and part of that fruit is investing in young families. I will share more about my writing journey in another post.

So what brings you joy? As mentioned I would love to hear your stories friends. Part of this blog is about creating a community that will share, encourage and spread some joy around.

Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by the Lord Jesus. Blessings!

Hi friends & Happy New Year! This is my first blog so I hope your time here is meaningful. As a writer this is what I hope to accomplish with this blog. I want to inspire many with the truth of the Bible and scripture. I want to encourage young families through thoughtful words from my first book Bible Adventures – Prophets with Impact by Reid the Scroll. I also want to spread some hope and joy around. How do I plan on doing that? Word by word, thought by thought along with some shared experiences. I have been a Christian for over 20 years and my faith has been my lifeline. Through the ups and downs of life my faith has been my anchor. So with what I hope to be inspiring words, meaningful thoughts and authentic personal experiences you will have moments of hope and joy. Now what would add to this whole experience is creating a community. People who will share stories and experiences that will allows us to connect even more. I would love to hear some of your stories! If you do share some of your life experiences thank you in advance for your willingness to connect. So I will leave you with this scripture from the book of Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace. These scripture often come to my mind because it provides me with the hope, joy and peace I need each day. I would encourage each of you to speak out words of scripture and receive them in Jesus’ name. There is much more I want to share with you but I will pause for now. I am looking forward to connecting with you again soon. Until next time my friends remember you are known and loved by God. Blessings!