True holiday spirit

What the holiday season is truly about 

It's easy to get distracted during the holiday season. It's easy to think that everything is suppose to be sparkling and sweet and cheerful. 

The truth is life is still going on even during the holidays. Things can still be tough and we can still be dealing with difficult issues or problems. 

For me I know these last few weeks have been filled with tests- but each has made me stronger. And even though it's tough to get through some days, I realized I still have a duty to friends and family and more importantly to my Savior. 

I also love helping others and knew I needed to help myself first. 

I needed to remember that this season is for Jesus and all the hope and good news His birth brought to all us people. With Him, all things are possible and with prayer- there is strength. He will comfort us and speak to us in the sweet calm in which we wait after we eagerly turn to Him. This is my greatest hope and the one thing that makes this time of year such a heartwarming time. Because I realize the reality of His great love for us and the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus. :) 

Luke 2: 10-11

[ I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people today in the town of David. A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.] 

Keeping Christ in all our daily endeavors is powerful and leaves us knowing we are so uniquely loved. We are so cherished and nothing will change that in His eyes. In choosing Christ, you are automatically a child of the King. How wonderful!!! 

This reminds me that no matter what, He is with me and that is an amazing comfort. The greatest gift of all!! 

Since I have been struggling a bit financially as of late, I decided I didn't need to stress or worry about how I could bring cheer to the wonderful people in my life. I realized I have many talents and can instead make gifts or bake goods for people. 

I am happy that I will be making gifts for people and to continue to show others the love our Lord so willingly gave to us as a gift. 

I wish you all a great holiday season and I will keep you updated on my progress!! :) 

Nicole 

Release all fears

Have no fears

Pray about everything, worry about nothing. (Phillipians 4:6)

Have you ever worried about anything so much you no longer knew how to handle it? How to cope? Where to turn? I know I have.
When faced with struggles, arguments, mistreatment, misunderstanding, and my favorite, rejection, we tend to forget what matters and see no solution to our problems or end to our trials.

Today left me with mixed emotions. Today was busy. And when we use the excuse of "busy" we let frustration and agitation take hold and control our every move.
The worst is when someone may say something or do something hurtful.
With faith, we may not always be accepted or hear kind things said about us.

John 15:18-19.
"If the world hates you just remember that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you."

I struggle with unkind words each day. I am no stranger to fighting alone, but when faced with this we need to talk to Him. Prayer will guide us and send us to His comforting embrace.
Prayer has helped me through it all.
Sir. Listen. Ask Him for his words to you and hear his sweet words. Praise!
Open the Bible and ask Him to give you his word and really sit there.
This takes time. I know. It requires dedication and faith and devotion. But we can hear our God!
He loves us and WANTS us to know Him!

My prayer is for all of you out there struggling or unsure of where you are in your faith right now. Things will fall into place with God beside us. Within us.
May you find His peace today and always.


Photo: Big Pocono State Mountains

Stepping out in Faith!

Taking a chance in Faith

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

Taking that first step into something new can be scary. I myself always get those urges to try something new, talk to someone I've never talked to before, or reach out to someone who may need help or may need to hear God's word. I pray that I may be a vessel of God's love to others, but that is always easier said than done. :/
Today I was nervous about approaching a member at church about a change I'd like to make. Often I have a hard time expressing what I feel or how I want to make an impact in life.
Yes I was so nervous, but I continually prayed:

 "Lord be still within me. Grant me the strength to do Your will and be patient in following through. Give me peace and let me not worry about how others will react. If this does not work, I will keep the faith that you still have a way to fulfill what is in my heart. You are the only one I need acceptance from."


I was surprised by my strength and my words. It all worked so well. There is much I still want to do to help our youth and to encourage people to be what they desire. But I need to step out of my norm as well. For that is where we finally see all that God has prepared for us!!!
Is there anything you wish to change or do better?

Photo: Bronx, NY

LOVE

Blessings friends !!!
1Corinthians 13: 4
Love is patient, Love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is
Not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests
It is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury
It does not rejoice over wrong doings but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.
Love Never Fails.

1 Corinthians 13 is my favorite Bible verse.
I'd like to share that with you as I start this positive and encouraging blog.
This verse is not only about the love between relationships, but this is about God himself.
God is Love. God loves us all uniquely and is slow to anger.
I love how this verse gives us a great outline on how to model our relationships as well as a reminder of how beautiful God's love for us is.
Isn't it amazing?

Photo: Boston Common Garden