Nicki's Blog

Hi friends – There is something so special about being a mom. I always wanted to be a mom just like my mom. I am forever grateful for my mom and all that she has done for me over the years. After many years of trying to start my family, I had my son and she was there supporting me every step of the way. I am so thankful that she is only a few minutes away so that I can connect with her often. This poem is dedicated to my mom and all the beautiful mom’s out later who are worth celebrating today.

James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above.

Of all the special joys in life,
The big ones and the small,
A mother’s love and tenderness
Is the greatest of them all.

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

Hi friends – I am so thankful that my parents took me to church as a kid. It gave me a level of understanding about God I certainly did not understand everything but I trusted my parents which allowed me to start my trust journey with God. These years birthed my faith (child-like faith). God gave me amazing parents that cared for me, supported me and guided me through life. That faith foundation was a gift that allowed me to launch into my adult faith journey.

I shared part of my story with you to explore child-like faith. My child-like faith was a blessing in my youth and can be a blessing to you as an adult. Another beautiful gift I was given was reading my son’s Bible alongside him. I would read stories to him and I began to gain a greater understanding of scripture. The Old Testament, scriptures and Biblical history became more clear to me. The simple summary at the beginning of each chapter was a game-changer for me. This was the time in my life when my writing journey began. I will tell you about my writing journey another time. I believe God never meant for the Bible to be complicated. Learning about the Bible through my son’s Bible allowed God to speak truth into my heart. Learning more and rekindling my child-like faith.

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

Matthew 18:4 – Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Hi friends – Several weeks ago I purchased new glasses. Some people get excited about the possibility of a new style or colour of glasses. Maybe a chance to reinvent their look or appearance. My perspective is a bit different (sad face). The thought of getting new glasses is just a chore which I did not look forward to. I am thankful that my recent purchase of glasses went fairly well. I went to a local business (#supportlocal) and had a great experience. They listened well and were able to provide some suggestions, honest feedback and ultimately a pair of glasses that I now enjoy wearing.

The experience made me think of my dad who would always find something nice to say. I know he would have said something nice about my glasses. It was an endearing quality about him. His eyesight was declining but he would still figure out a way to say something kind. I miss him, his kindness and the love he showed through his kindness.

I believe we can all learn a little something from my dad and the thoughtful way he would approach a situation and people with a kind word. Everyone has so much to say these days on all available social media platforms. Some posts are thoughtful and uplifting and others not so much. We all come across a variety of situations and people every day. We also have the choice about how we handle these situations, the people we come across and how we react. My thought is to take a moment before you react and respond in kindness or walk away and don’t say anything at all. Just a thought……

Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

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

Hi friends – So this weekend I celebrated my dad’s 84th birthday without him. It just doesn’t seem possible to have April 22nd come and go without him. My entire life I have celebrated his birthday and he was definitely worth celebrating. He was a wonderful man, father, husband, uncle, brother-in-law, g-pa, grandfather, brother and friend who loved well. His life was filled with love to his family and service to his community. So much care, kindness, fun and laughter.

The milestone moments have been challenging but have become easier. My dad loved my mother, myself and my siblings so much and that love has been with me since September 24th of 2022 when he went to go be with the Lord. Growing up I have so many great memories that were all surrounded by and covered in lots of love. That infusion of love has allowed me to grieve in a healthy way. There are tough moments because there is a gap that can’t be filled but the love he left behind has had a lasting impression on my heart. The love of a good father….

The other important of grieving is understanding that your heavenly Father loves and cares deeply for me and you. This is a critical piece because it allows me to lean into the love of my heavenly Father. No matter what your experience has been with your earthly father, your heavenly Father is there for you.

The love of a good father never leaves you, it stays deeply rooted within your heart.

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

Hi friends – I pray that each of you had a wonderful Easter weekend. There are a variety of ways to celebrate Easter and enjoy the long weekend. I grew up with many traditions. These traditions were normally based on family, food, fun, and lots of love. One of the traditions my family continues to keep is the tradition of dinners together. It is great to see and connect with everyone. I also see the value and anticipation my son has as he looks forward to seeing our family. Although for a variety of reasons not everyone was there (shout out to my dad who we all miss so much), the family tradition of food, fun, good conversation and lots of love. It is these expressions of love that stay with us.

Can I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the greatest expression of love ever shown to the world. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus loves each of you in a unique and beautiful way. Everything that Jesus experienced is because he loves you so much. The greatest expression of love. Enjoy your celebrations during the Easter weekend and remember that God loves, God cares and God wants to connect with you.

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

Luke 24:6 – He is risen!

Hi friends – As a believer in Jesus, Good Friday is an important day. It is a sad day but an important day. It is the day that Christ was crucified on the cross. Jesus paid the greatest price for our sins. It was the greatest expression of love that anyone has ever shown.

There are different kinds of love and here are their meanings:

Storge – empathy for someone else

Philia – the bond of friendship

Eros – romantic love

Agape – the unconditional love / this is God’s love for each of you

Take a moment and think about each type of love, each expression, the love you have experienced and most important how much the Lord Jesus loves you. He dies on the cross for your sins. Jesus paid the price for our sins. As mentioned the greatest expression of love. Friends always remember that God loves, God cares and wants to connect with you.

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

Hi friends & families – Last but certainly not least we are highlighting SELF-CONTROL. This is a tough one but we have the power of prayer and God to help us. Many situations require self-control. It is important to remember self-control can take a long time to master, no one is perfect and God knows your heart as you learn to be self-controlled. You will have an impact on the world as you and your family use self-control.

My friend Reid the Scroll highlighting the final Fruit of the Spirit – SELF-CONTROL.

Remember – When we are in a difficult situation that requires self-control, God is right there. God also knows the importance of the fruit of the spirit so He will guide you every step of the way. One example is waiting your turn for something or using kind words when someone has hurt your feelings. Talk to a trusted adult when you need to use self-control, let them know how you are feeling and they can help you with self-control. Over time we will get better at using self-control. It takes time and practice but you will improve.

Review – Galatians 5:22-23 with your family

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, Help everyone in our family to have self-control. You know when and where we need help. Thank you for directing our actions so that we will honour you each and every day. Amen.

Hi friends – A few thoughts about faith and a close partner (in my opinion) which is hope. Faith breeds hope. These two words work hand in hand with each other. I grew up going to church so faith in God has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My faith journey has changed but my faith in God remains the same. I am so thankful for this faith foundation. I am reminded every day that God loves me. The faithful person who knows and believes that God is there for them and is watching over them ultimately encounters hope. When you know the Lord Jesus is there and is protecting you, the level of hope increases. The book of Hebrews says God will never leave me or forsake me. The book of Romans 15:13 says may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace. I love writing about faith and hope because it leaves me feeling hopeful and more faithful. Here are some other thoughts to ponder about faith. I hope they will encourage and inspire you.

The faith to know the sun will rise and the sun will set.

The faith to know that good will conquer evil.

The faith to know that kindness is contagious.

The faith to know that you will heal from a broken heart.

The faith to know that the person you lost will always be in your heart.

The faith to know that prayers have been answered and will continue to be answered.

The faith to know there is goodness in everyone.

The faith to know the little things can make a big difference.

The faith to know that investing in people will have an impact.

The faith to know that even though it is a tough season God is giving you strength.

The faith to know a treasured friend is just that – a beautiful treasure from God.

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

Hi friends – I am highlighting faithfulness from the fruit of the spirit. What do you have faith in? I am so grateful that God is faithful with every sunrise and sunset. God is faithful to hear our prayers. He will provide comfort and support when we need it. The word faith means to trust in someone (or something). We can trust in Jesus. I am so grateful that I can trust in Jesus with the ins and outs and ups and downs of life. God remains faithful. As families for those who have placed their faith in Jesus, He is a loving, caring God who can be trusted. Our faithfulness to Jesus also shows the world He can be trusted. When we have reason to celebrate, we see God is faithful. When life gets difficult or challenging, we can go to God because He is faithful to listen and provide comfort.

Remember – The Lord can accomplish so much when we show faithfulness. The Greek word for faith is PISTIS which means to believe. We have faith to believe our faithfulness in expressing the fruit of the spirit our world will be changed when we let Jesus take the lead. God will honour our faithfulness.

Review – Galatians 5:22-23 with your family.

Respond in prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, show my family how to be faithful. We give you praise, honour and glory knowing you will answer this prayer. Thank you for revealing to my family ways to be faithful to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hi friends – We celebrated Family Day earlier this week and a few things came to my mind. I am so thankful for my family and my extended family. I have years of holiday dinners, celebrations and other events that are etched in my heart as forever family memories. These lasting memories are a gift from the Lord. The scripture I have highlighted says that every good and perfect gift is from above and that is so true. As I reflect on family, here are a few thoughts that I hope will provide you with hope, inspiration and encouragement.

1 Timothy 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

The dictionary meaning of family is a group of one or more parents and their child or children. I am so thankful that I was raised by amazing parents who showed love, care, kindness and support in raising myself and my four siblings. No family is perfect but I love them no matter what. I treasure the memories from my childhood.

Growing up I had an adopted aunt and uncle. She was not a blood relative but she and her husband were like family to us. Whenever I am able to see them there is still a strong bond and we reminisce about childhood memories. Beautiful memories of my adopted family.

My husband and I have friends that we met over 15 years ago. My son considers them aunt and uncle and they have known him since the day he was born. Friends that are like family. Our connection is strong because God brought us together all those years ago. Every good and perfect high comes from above.

Church family – As a child I never referred to my church as my church family. I am so thankful for the church I went to growing up. It gave me a strong faith foundation. I am even more thankful for my church family for the past 20 years. They are a beautiful group of people who love, care and support me in a variety of ways. I remember a very difficult season in my life (two failed adoptions – a story for another time). They were there to support me. I can only encourage you to get connected to a church because you have no idea what God has in store and the church family that awaits your arrival. Every good and perfect gift is from above. A beautiful promise from a loving God.

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