tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54257630780185313862024-03-13T10:19:10.182-07:00Rachael Nicole...writing for the heart and mindRachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-68403442959576334582013-10-17T12:16:00.001-07:002013-10-17T12:33:53.462-07:00New LifeThe tree was dying. All the top leaves and bark were brown and withered. Slowly that death was sinking down and taking the entire tree. It hadn't gone very long without water, which proved the very basic principal I had often taken for granted. That without water, there is no life--no life for us as human beings, no life for animals, and no life for plants. <br />
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I started watering the tree again faithfully every day, and slowly the green began traveling up the dead limb and transforming its formerly dead, withered leaves and bark back into green, living branches and leaves.<br />
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As I watched this renewal of life happening before my eyes--a phenomenon that is so basic many don't think about it passed kindergarten--I saw the physical correlation that God wanted me to see spiritually. I need Him like water. I used to be so dead inside without Him, and now it only takes a few days without Him before the deadness starts coming back. <br />
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"...<span class="text John-7-37" id="en-NASB-26366">Jesus stood and cried out, saying, <span class="woj">'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.</span></span> <span class="text John-7-38" id="en-NASB-26367"><span class="woj">He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water."'</span></span> <span class="text John-7-39" id="en-NASB-26368">But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet <i>given</i>, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:37b-39. (<i>NASB</i>)</span><br />
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<span class="text John-7-39" id="en-NASB-26368">Just like the tree needs to be watered by me, I </span><span class="text John-7-39" id="en-NASB-26368"><span class="text John-7-39" id="en-NASB-26368">need to be watered by Him every day. Jesus Christ is the new life and living water to my soul.</span> I don't want to go back to being dead inside ever again!</span> Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-22378394330876733792013-08-05T12:57:00.004-07:002013-08-05T13:08:48.884-07:00Never Too Late To Be UnforgettableThe sermon by Bill Butterworth on being unforgettable jogged a special memory I would like to share.<br />
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Growing up, my grandpa was too busy to visit us. He lived in another state, and he was always working so hard that whenever we did receive a rare visit, my number one memory was that I had to be quiet so I didn't wake up grandpa in the other bedroom. Grandma on the other hand would fly out all the time, even one time when my parents were desperate for a babysitter for the weekend, she flew out to watch us. This left an unknowing confirmation in a child's heart that it wasn't the distance keeping grandpa from us. I believe you can only take so much of the belief that someone doesn't care about you before you start replicating that same feeling towards him or her. I experienced this with grandpa. If he didn't care enough about his grandchildren to visit, I wasn't going to care about what I was missing.<br />
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Years down the road when I was in my late teens, things began to change and grandpa was making visits with grandma. He'd come and try to talk with me, but he was a quiet man and a total stranger to me. I remember thinking,<i> it's too late grandpa. You missed your time. You weren't here and now you've missed out. </i>He was able to make some connection with my older brother who seemed to have a few more memories of grandpa than I did, but it wasn't working with me. Not that I didn't want it to work. I just didn't know anything about him. I didn't know him.<br />
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At 22, I got the news that grandpa had an aggressive cancer. It affected me that I might never have the chance to change the memories I had of him. So I bought my mom and I a ticket to spend 2 weeks in North Carolina with him and grandma. I wish I could say every moment was filled with the deep bonding our relationship had lacked and that we couldn't get enough of being together. But it was a process of us both allowing each other to get to know one another. There were special bright moments in that trip--when he told me how beautiful and grown-up I looked when I pinned my hair up for church, his smile as he watched me learn to clog on the dance floor as a little girl taught me the steps and the pride that seemed to swell in him when I learned so quickly. But most of all, the joy it gave him when a family crisis hit and my first instinct was to pray. I left with these new memories snuggled deep in my heart that I had finally gotten to know my grandpa.<br />
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But it wasn't until another year when he came out again to visit that he became unforgettable for me. He didn't give me the world or buy me some fancy gift. I could see in his face how much my visit meant to him, but the moment that changed everything was so simple.<br />
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I was standing in the kitchen, probably talking with some of my siblings. Grandpa came up and stood beside me. He slipped his arm around me and cupped my elbow in his hands. The touch was so gentle and safe. I could feel what he wanted to say, <i>I love you, and never forget, I got my girl</i>. Never had anyone cupped my elbow, let alone with the gentle love behind his touch. He became unforgettable for me in that moment and I will always remember the lesson that it is never too late. All you need is an open heart.<br />
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My fiance is the only other person who has ever cupped my elbow since. Grandpa is still alive and doing fairly well, and I look forward to having him there on my wedding day!Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-30216129536168972662013-07-01T16:39:00.001-07:002013-07-01T16:39:21.486-07:00Garden Update #1It's now July and these pictures were taken a few weeks back, so they are outdated. Lord willing, I will be able to fully update them soon, but here these are so it isn't such a jump in size for you all.<br />
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(Me in the corn rows)</div>
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(Tobin in the corn)</div>
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An aerial shot of part of the garden </div>
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Zucchinni</div>
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Summer Squash</div>
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(Strawberries)</div>
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(Watermelon)</div>
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(Pumpkin)</div>
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(Cilantro)</div>
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(Basil)</div>
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(Bell peppers)</div>
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And that's just a few! :) It's been so neat to watch them grow with water and sunlight. Every morning as I water I am reminded that Jesus is living water, and I grow like the plant. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4DSkIgmtDw/UdIMlbEq2dI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/F-No2VuZxns/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-72079542806060085412013-06-03T20:33:00.002-07:002013-06-03T20:45:34.935-07:00Breaking Bonds Video<iframe title="Stupeflix Video Player" class="SxPlayer" src="http://studio.stupeflix.com/embed/WqNFOGJNP3/" width="590" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-20218453877462328752013-05-20T15:36:00.001-07:002013-05-20T15:50:18.068-07:00Short Story: ChangeJeff's world had changed. No longer was he a little junior high boy. He had made it into a new school. Things were going to be different; things were going to be better. He needed change.<br />
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Jeff took a deep breath as he excitedly looked around the classroom from his front row seat. Finally the fresh start he needed! He was going to succeed and thrive.<br />
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The bushy-haired teacher turned around and silenced the chatter. "Welcome to your first day as 9th graders. I am Mr. Wish, and since we will be together all year, I think we should get to know one another. Let's start here." He pointed to the student next to Jeff. The young girl promptly reported her name. Then the teacher pointed to the next student and so on until they had all given their names.<br />
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"Very good, " said the teacher. "Now I'm sure you're all anxious to know what you should expect." <br />
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Jeff sat up a little straighter. He knew his hard work would pay off this year. He would make it to the top, and he would make his parents proud.<br />
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"I have developed a new system by which I will be grading your work."<br />
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Jeff leaned forward in his seat so as not to miss a word.<br />
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"I believe in fair and equal opportunity, so we will help each other. Each test or paper will be matched up with another student's work and the two grades will be averaged together for the final grade."<br />
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Jeff saw the same confusion in the girl's eyes next to him that he felt. She tentatively raised her hand.<br />
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"Yes?" the teacher called on her.<br />
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"Do we get to choose which student we are paired up to work with?"<br />
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"Absolutely not. The highest grade will be matched with the lowest grade. The second highest with the second lowest. The third highest and the third lowest. You get the idea."<br />
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A shocked silence filled the room. Jeff exchanged horrified looks with the students around him, but a few cheers arose from the back row. With a satisfied nod, the teacher began the lesson for the day, but Jeff couldn't concentrate on the lesson. He couldn't grasp the fact that no matter how hard he worked or how much he studied, his grade would be taken away and averaged with another student who may never have cared to study as hard as he was willing to study.<br />
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His shoulders drooped forward as his eyes glazed over. He slouched lower in his seat. Everything the teacher said went in one ear and out the other. But he didn't care. Tomorrow he would sit in the back row.<br />
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Written by Rachael Nicole<br />
Concept by Dave P. Davies Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-55634867893114148742013-05-13T12:01:00.000-07:002014-12-19T03:25:51.259-08:00Wild Bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had one of coolest experiences. The other night I was saying goodnight to Tobin and this little finch came flying under the roof of the porch with the cat pursuing with a hunter's eye. I thought the bird would just fly out from underneath the porch and away where the cat couldn't follow, but the poor thing was in a panic and didn't seem to see the way of escape. Frantically, it searched for high places to land but without success. The bird flew back around the other side of the house, and I followed to shoo the cat away. That was one determined cat who refused to be deterred. The bird dropped lower as exhaustion overtook the little thing, finally landing on the top of an outside bird cage. The cat could easily climb to the top, so desperate I stuck out my finger to see if I could carry the bird to safety.<br />
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I never thought it would work! However, the bird not only allowed me within inches of it but with a little coaxing, the wild finch stepped onto my finger, out of breath. I carried it away from the cat and out under the open night air to safety, but it didn't leave. I had Tobin next to me and two of my brothers surround me fascinated with the bird but it still didn't fly away. He stayed on my finger and trusted me enough to close his eyes and rest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I am on the left edge of the photo with the bird on my hand, and my
little brother jj--who refuses to let photos be taken without
him...hehe-- in the background)</td></tr>
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The finch stayed on my finger until I was ready to call it a night and put him in a tree. Then he flew away to high tree top, but he left me with an amazing experience. I felt like a Disney princess with the wild animals trusting me, but mostly I felt grateful that the Lord allowed me an amazing experience that blessed the socks off me. Literally. I wasn't wearing socks or shoes. :P<br />
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Finally on a more serious note, I couldn't help wondering if the joy I felt was anything like the joy the Lord feels when we completely surrender to His protection and trust Him even when we are scared. Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-32906661013948108712013-04-29T21:51:00.001-07:002013-04-29T22:22:52.890-07:00New Adventure-Gardening If you asked me what my top 10 priorities are in life, gardening would not have made the list, but life is full of surprises. My boyfriend Tobin and I have started our own garden on my parent's property. We started by planting beans, cucumber, corn, basil, watermelon, tomato plants (not seeds), bell peppers, zucchini, and green onions. Plus tending to the strawberries and berry plant that were still growing from my brother's old garden. <br />
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(Above: Beans sprouted first about two weeks after planting.) </div>
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(Cucumber was a close second and then corn.)<br />
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(Recently we transplanted the corn out of the greenhouse. Later we learned that corn is hardy enough to be planted in the ground directly and doesn't need to start in the greenhouse. I'm sure there will be a lot of lessons to learn through this new journey.)<br />
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(Our most recent plant that is ready to be added to the garden is zucchini.)<br />
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Everything we first planted has become a plant except green onion. We are still waiting to see if anything will grow or if they were bad seeds. Most recently, bell peppers have finally emerged. I almost began to doubt that they would ever grow but persistence paid off. </div>
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Since we started, we have added cantaloupe, pumpkin, parsley, cilantro, summer squash, and artichoke. Plus receiving three more tomato plants. Pumpkin is the only one that has emerged so far but looking forward to the new surprises. It's exciting to watch them grow and see the transformation. More to come!</div>
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Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-72670212015811087442013-02-18T12:14:00.000-08:002013-04-29T12:23:07.631-07:00My book is now available in print! Buy it today and enjoy! Proceeds donated to local Pregnancy Care Centers. <br />
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Createspace: <a href="https://www.createspace.com/3916145"> https://www.createspace.com/3916145</a><br />
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Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Breaking%20Bonds%20by%20Rachael%20nicole">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Breaking%20Bonds%20by%20Rachael%20nicole</a>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-55030634839335389142012-08-07T10:21:00.000-07:002012-08-28T10:04:14.162-07:00Read my book, Breaking Bonds<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPsZMr01j8k/UDz56ktmr-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/rw0Pg4ckGn4/s1600/Rachael%27s+Book+Cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPsZMr01j8k/UDz56ktmr-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/rw0Pg4ckGn4/s200/Rachael%27s+Book+Cover+2.jpg" width="133" /></a>After much prayer, I really feel like this first piece is my offering to the Lord. The whole point of writing this story is for people to read what I have written, and Lord willing, their hearts will be touched. So here I go...<br />
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Every Monday I will post the next chapter, so be sure to follow my blog. If you don't have a blog, send me an email with your email address <blueeyes4christ@yahoo.com> and I will add you to the list to notify every time I post the next chapter. Feel free to join my facebook page <<a href="http://www.facebook.com/rachael.nicole.391?ref=tn_tnmn">http://www.facebook.com/rachael.nicole.391?ref=tn_tnmn</a>> and if you like what you read, share, share, share please! :)<br />
Start reading today! <a href="http://www.rachael-nicole.blogspot.com/p/breaking-bonds.html">Click here</a><br />
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Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-13811368112223469972012-03-02T16:33:00.000-08:002012-03-02T16:33:21.389-08:00Results of the Deep River ContestSo many probably don't know but I submitted my story to the Deep River Contest. Out of over 400 manuscripts submitted to the Deep River Contest, mine was not among the 4 to receive an award, which was not surprising. I understood that it was my first endeavor submitting anywhere, and the writing journey often is long.<br />
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However, it was discouraging in the sense that I had no idea how I placed. Whether the judges took one look at my proposal and threw it out, whether they began reading and dismissed it, or whether it held its own and was seriously considered. I told the Lord how difficult it was not knowing what stage my work is at, not knowing if it's in good shape for publishers or whether it still needs a lot of work.<br />
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A few days later, I received the following from the publisher: "Dear, Rachael, I wanted to be the first to Congratulate you! Your manuscript received 'Honorable Mention' in the 2011-12 Deep River Books Writer's Contest. And while you did not win first place, 'Honorable Mention' is a significant achievement when you consider there were over 400 contest entries. You are to be applauded for what you have accomplished." <br />
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Such a cool journey to watch God supply all my needs and to know that I was in the competition! Now I can add this Honorable Mention to my proposal, which can help catch the attention of other publishers.Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-85749361953808773142011-10-24T12:34:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:36:17.932-07:00Above the Fog<div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From my window, I saw a clear, blue sky with a layer of fog covering the city below.</span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It reminded me of how difficult being in the valley can be. The fog engulfs you, and you try to understand. You try to see, but you're limited. There might be moments of beauty, but for the most part, it's confusing and uncertain not being able to see what's ahead.</span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Standing on the hillside where we live, the air was clear and bright. The blanket of fog that stretched over the city was <i>beautiful</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My heart knows that this picture is what it's like to be with God. When I'm on my own, trying to make things happen or doing what I think is best, it's like being in a valley of fog and hoping it all works out. But when I come before my Lord and spend time with Him, He takes me up on the hillside and shows me the big picture. </span></span> </div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That's when my heart sings with joy, love, and peace.</span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That's when what seemed confusing and hard, becomes glorious and wonderful. But the fog is still fog. It didn't change. Jesus Christ changed my perspective and showed me the beauty.</span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I pray this picture will encourage us when we are in the fog to turn to the One who can give us a higher perspective and show us the beauty that only He reveals. Amen.</span></span></div><div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-36136321915404935452011-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:002011-10-03T22:11:38.081-07:00So important!!!!Everyone has to watch this film!!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI</a><br />
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It'll change perspectives! Share it, spread it!Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-15456465308458179402011-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:002011-09-12T10:01:15.369-07:00I've Fallen in Love<div style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">My friends might be shouting, "Finally!" but before you get too carried away....</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">I met him in Mexico over the weekend, and he is eleven years old. I know--I warned you not to get too excited. We worked together at the orphanage, drying dishes, setting the table, and he taught me a little Spanish. Jonathan has dark hair, dark eyes, a darling face, and a helpful heart! I couldn't speak Spanish, and he knew only a little English. But when I finished drying a dish, I would hold it up, and he'd point to a cupboard, or shelf, with a cute grin that said, <i>I like helping this blonde gringo, who knows nothing about my world. </i>He and (beautiful, ten-year old) Maria teased me about being so old, and as he helped me set the table, he made sure he put every cup in perfect alignment with mine. After lunch, I played volleyball with a few of the others, but I couldn't help remembering my first trip to an orphanage as a college student. I wrote this short monologue after the visit:</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I met him in a Romanian orphanage. We were there to be with the children, and most of the people I came with, immediately started playing with the outgoing kids. They were laughing and having fun, but I looked for something else. And I found him in the corner. He had the most beautiful, bright-blue eyes, but he barely looked at me. He just sat there. No smile. No friendly greeting. A scared heart. Scared to open up, or get involved. Scared to care...</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That was the moment I knew, I wanted to take him home. </span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #cccccc; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I remember leaving the orphanage, and the same boy I wrote about was running after our van, waving wildly with a bright smile on his face. It was such a small thing--to notice and care. In a world that seems to favor the motto, <i>whatever...I don't care.</i> I never want to forget that the greatest gift you can give a child is to care.</span><br />
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</span></div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-52939605218389182082011-08-29T10:50:00.000-07:002011-08-29T10:52:31.265-07:00Writing UpdateAs many of you know, I've written the entire novel I've been working on...and edited it, and reedited it many times. Then I got stuck, again, and I knew that either God would tell me it's done, or He'd give me new inspiration. A while passed before I got the new inspiration I was waiting for, and it was a little overwhelming. I am pretty sure I needed that break (when I didn't know what to do with it) so that I'd have enough energy not to be discouraged when the new idea came. It is going to be a lot of work ahead of me.<br />
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The last week I haven't had the ability to write. I sat down, but nothing would come out. All I could do was ponder the new story changes and talk to God about them. But I'm not discouraged by that. I know that when I'm done discussing the storyline with Him, He will give me the creativity again to sit down and write. But I ask for your prayers. I'm really excited about the new direction the story is taking, but I need strength, perseverance, and creativity to accomplish this. Meanwhile, I plan on working on my second project--which is writing my parents/family's story--until it is time to go back to my first project. Thank you so much for any prayers and for your support!Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-10378395614648245272011-08-24T21:29:00.000-07:002011-08-24T21:37:33.720-07:00For the Discouraged Heart<div style="text-align: left;">As I sat considering what to write for my next post, I kept thinking about a number of friends who've talked to me recently about how discouraged they are. Now I'm not a poet, and I don't claim to be. But I wrote this for a friend once. Maybe there are others who need to read it too. I know it's been a blessing to me when I'm discouraged. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> When all hope seems gone<br />
When all joy seems spent<br />
And all peace seems lost<br />
Those are the days, that meant the most</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you're too tired to take another step<br />
Or breathe another breath<br />
When your heart is full<br />
And your mind won't rest<br />
Those are the days, true beauty resides<br />
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For the soul is in need<br />
That only One can fill<br />
The Living Water--for the body, mind, and spirit<br />
So pour out the ache<br />
In the way you're designed<br />
For a deeper connection is yours to find.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">May you find that beautiful surrender when His joy and peace wash over you in the midst of life's tornado.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-85444942359319441362011-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:002011-08-20T12:39:05.938-07:00Unknown Place<div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever had a vision in your head of an unknown place? Maybe it’s a glimpse of your life in the future, or someone with whom you are spending your life. Perhaps the place is a state of being, the lives you’ve touched, or the people who’ve changed because of knowing you. Then again, maybe it’s more…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For me, it’s like standing in a desert, looking at a picture through a veil. The beginning of a sandstorm kicks up all around me as I try to see the image. I might succeed in seeing colors or vague shapes, but the image is never clear. Like a mystery behind a curtain that I can’t touch or lift by myself. But it’s there. A promise that keeps me moving forward through the wilderness, even when things around me are taunting my ability, whispering words of failure; and that I<i> </i>don’t really know what I’m doing, or where I’m going. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am reminded of a group of people who once were led by a pillar of fire to the promise land, but I have no pillar of fire before me. Sometimes, I find myself getting so lost in everything I see around me, I can’t help but beg for something physical to guide me. I complain that it’d be so much easier to follow something I can see, but then I feel it…<br />
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The fire is in my heart; He guides those willing to listen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-57418416333476032372011-08-13T11:41:00.000-07:002014-12-19T03:29:24.472-08:00A good tradeI realized, the other day as I was cleaning my room, that under my bed needed some attention. So I got the vacuum cleaner out, and I pushed the beds apart (my sister and I have two twin beds pushed together). A thick layer of dirt covered the floor, along with a bunch of miscellaneous items: pens, paperclips, a random sock, etc. I began picking up the unwanted junk when I found something that made my spirit drop instantly. The DVD of a favorite childhood movie that I had just bought was lying on the ground looking up at me without its cover. I had been so excited when I found it in the store after so many years, watching it again had brought back warm memories as a girl. But when I picked it up, I knew the scratches were too severe. It was ruined.<br />
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I knew my little sister, and some friends had been on my bed watching movies recently. I had been okay with allowing them; they knew whatever they borrowed they needed to put back. But apparently, she had missed putting it back, and now it was ruined. My initial reaction was to show my little sister the reason why you should be very careful with other people's things. I was extremely disappointed, and she needed to see that so she would learn. But as I went downstairs, I prayed.<br />
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I found her in the dining room, and by then my disappointment had cooled down. I showed her, but I wasn't angry like I would have been if I hadn't taken the time to seek my Lord. <br />
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All I had to do was show her, and I could see the disappointment in those beautiful blue eyes. She had let her big sister down, and the tears began to flow as she defended herself. I told her I wasn't upset with her and explained why she should be careful with things that weren't hers. It didn't feel good. In fact, I had to force myself not to be upset with her. Then I went back upstairs. It didn't take long before the Lord told me to go back down. <i>Your sister is more important than a movie. Make sure she knows that.</i> So I went back. I hugged her and told her the reason I wasn't upset with her was because I loved her more than a movie. Her little eyes told me she needed to hear that.<br />
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Once again, I returned to my work. This time I found a CD without a case. It was scratched, not nearly as badly, but the CD was my other sister's. It was the CD that<i> I</i> had borrowed a while back and forgotten to return. Despite my best effort to live my beliefs and be a good role model for my little sister, I had slipped up. I had forgotten to return something I'd borrowed. I tried to imagine how I would have felt if I had gone down, been harsh with my little sister for her mistake, only to come up and find that I had done the same thing; I just didn't know it yet. <i>Aren't you glad you came to Me, and I gave you mercy to give your little sister? Instead of the justice you went to give</i>? <br />
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As I picked up the phone to call my other sister and ask her for forgiveness, I was reminded of the parable of the debtor who didn't give the mercy he had been given. Right then and there, I knew there are so many times, I've tried to do the right thing according to the wrong done, but I forget what I've already been forgiven. If I had condemned the wrong my little sister had done, how much more should God condemn me for not being gracious as He is to me. Actually, God wouldn't have had to condemn me. My actions would have condemned me.<br />
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It was a good trade, giving and receiving mercy rather than what was deserved. <br />
<br />Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-13599019074735427192011-08-05T20:57:00.000-07:002011-08-08T11:29:54.022-07:00Living like a Humming BirdI sat on a rock outside the front of our house, watching a green, humming bird bathe in the trickling waterfall from our pond. He dipped in the water and ruffled his feathers, making the water droplets look as though they lept off the tiny bird. He repeatedly dipped in the cool water, thoroughly enjoying himself in the summer sun before zipping here and there--wherever he pleased. He was fast. He kept busy, yet he was light and without burden.<br />
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Leaning back, I found how enjoyable watching him zip here and there was. Sometimes, he had a purpose. Sometimes, he was curious. But he was beautiful to me. He's not like other birds who soar or gracefully dive in the air. He always appears busy with constant energy, but he was uniquely beautiful. He didn't need to play tag in the air like a crow, swoop like a hawk, or flutter like a finch. He was exactly the way he was made.<br />
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I made a comment to the Lord about how I enjoyed watching him, and I heard the soft whisper in my heart, "That's how I am with you when you're living the way I created you to be." Suddenly, an image came to my mind of the humming bird, filled with worry and fear. He didn't have time to be enjoyed because he was too busy striving to make sure he had enough to eat, took care of those he loved, and most all...strove to get everything exactly right. The sight of a weighed-down humming bird was so wrong that it hurt me to imagine. I knew in a moment God was showing me that He wants me to be the way I was created. I don't have to be a humming bird, wishing I could soar like another bird. I don't have to burden myself with trifle necessities that God knows I need. I can be at peace. I can be enjoyed by Him and be His delight by being who He created me to be--His.<br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-38472693427792301722011-08-05T17:23:00.000-07:002011-08-05T19:12:08.375-07:00He Holds My Hand...even after graduation<div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;">June 29, 2009</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: black; clear: both; color: #d9d2e9; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJBKJ04jddY/TjyI_hAc_XI/AAAAAAAAACQ/xEtx00t-vsE/s1600/hold+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;">I have been reminded how incredible my God is through the lessons that He continues to reteach me. First, I was thinking about how the more I get to know Him, the more I realize it is not about being a good person. I remember a time when I felt like a good person, who did not really need to be saved. I was grateful that Jesus loved me enough to save me, but deep down inside, I did not feel like a bad person. Warning flags went off in my head, but that was honestly how I felt, so I prayed about it. Since then, God has been revealing more and more of Himself to me. And I realize that it doesn't matter! Who cares if I feel like I'm better, cleaner garbage, or closer to the top of the garbage can than a lot of humanity? The fact of the matter is that garbage is still garbage in comparison to God! I know I still think better of myself than I should, and God deserves more love and reverence than I give. I pray that as my walk continues, He will strengthen my awe and reverence of Him and humble me with eyes to see what I am in comparison to what matters--His standards. I know this lesson is not new, but each time He teaches me things like this, the synaptic connection is strengthened.</div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;">This reminder caused me to contemplate the constant battle Christians face. We are repeatedly reminded of the things of God. Trust for example is one of our most difficult. As humans, we always need a plan, a goal and a way to achieve that goal. But the goal is not the focus of life. Jesus Christ is our focus and through our focus on Him, He accomplishes what needs to happen through us. At this stage of my life, right out of college, it is easy to waver in my trust. For in this flexible stage, I could head in a multitude of directions and it is easy to get overwhelmed, hoping that I choose the right door. But as soon as these thoughts come crowding in, God steps in and calms my mind. He tells me that I don't need to worry or stress. He tells me to do the tasks He has put in front of me, have the courage to knock on doors for the future, and be at peace knowing He will supply all of my needs. The answer is so simple--trust. Yet it is so difficult for us to always stick to it. I cannot even count the number of times, God has had to remind me to simply trust Him. And I know it will continue the rest of my life. </div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;">When I think of this, I am astounded. Why would God love me enough to pay that much attention to me? Why does He patiently remind me of all the lessons that I have to learn and relearn? I think of a common pet peeve--to go over and over the same thing with another person. It's frustrating when someone does not get a concept, and you have to teach them over and over again. I know I get frustrated with myself when I can never seem to get it right and have to relearn the same lesson. My God not only patiently teaches me, He teaches my friends, my family...anyone who asks Him. And He never gets frustrated that He has to teach you again and again. Instead, He gets hurt and grieved when you turn to other things instead of coming to Him. How can He have the strength to be that patient with us? It's admirable and brings tears to my eyes. He holds my hand and never gives up, no matter how many times I fall down. Oh how I wish people could see how much He loves us, and how much we hurt Him. How patient He is with us and how quickly we forget Him. Even His discipline is an act of tough love for children that need it. I want more! I want to know Him better! If He is willing to pay this much attention to me, I've found my source of love and worth!</div><div style="background-color: black; color: #d9d2e9;"><br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-65156820390854588212011-08-05T17:14:00.000-07:002011-08-05T19:10:01.358-07:00Encouargement for the Unknown<div style="color: white;">January 13, 2009</div><div style="color: white;"></div><div style="color: white;">I had an amazing time on Sunday, and I think my experience may bless others who are struggling, afraid of the unknown.<br />
</div><div style="color: white;">In service, I was praying, and my thoughts turned to the next step after graduation. As of now, I have no idea where God is leading me. But as I stood there, I thought of that poem, or writing, about the footsteps in the sand and how God carries us through the difficult times. <br />
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Well, in my mind, I was on a beach with Jesus leading me by the hand. I couldn't see, but he told me to keep walking forward. I wanted to walk confidently, charging ahead in full faith. But I was timid. I began to cry, telling God that I wanted that kind of faith, but I was honestly scared. I wanted to fully trust Him without any doubt, and I was grieved to find that I wasn't in that place. I told God how much I love Him and because of that love I want to charge ahead. <br />
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But then, He said gently, "Would you be listening to My voice if you weren't scared?" I had never thought of it that way. He was right! If I was confidently striding through life, unafraid, I would be trusting my own judgment, oblivious. My ear would not be seeking His voice. Because I'm nervous about the unknown, I am leaning on Him for guidance. I think that's where He wants us to be in our walks. Loving Him enough to want to be lions in our faith, but being lambs, straining to hear their master's voice.</div><div style="color: white;"><br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425763078018531386.post-84971962237776626462011-08-05T16:51:00.000-07:002011-08-05T16:51:21.647-07:00Too good to keep to myself<div style="color: white;">November 5, 2008:</div><div style="color: white;"> </div><div style="color: white;">I was writing in my journal and was touched so much. I think it's worth sharing. I may have to be slightly vulnerable to write this, but it's too good to keep to myself. <br />
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Recently, I experienced a lot of hurt by a friend, who almost became more than a friend. I was praying about it because I wanted to love and bless this person. To shine Christ's light and love into his life, and I couldn't. He wouldn't let me. That hurt. It's hard to love someone and be rejected...to not be allowed to give. I was praying and asking God why this was happening to me. I didn't understand, and I didn't know what to do with the ache in my heart. He whispered, "Now you know what I feel. I hold out goodness, love, faithfulness, trust, hope, peace, joy--everything they need, and they still reject me and return to their own sin."<br />
</div><div style="color: white;">It hit me. I realized that the pain I felt for this friend was a tiny glimpse of what God experiences everyday. Oh, how His heart must break! How has God endured this from millions of people throughout all the ages? That's a lot of people, and we all reject Him over and over again. This experience has increased my love for God. I would have given up immediately if I were in His place. Yet He patiently endures pain after pain as we shove His goodness and blessings in His face. How many times do we run from God when He longs to shower love on us? Why do we fear good? We run from what our hearts long for and crave--unconditional love. A love that will turn the other cheek. A love that will still pray for, and be a friend to, the one who gave the injury. A love that knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway.<br />
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I am grateful that God has shown me a taste of what He is given all the time. I love and trust Him so much more for it. It's humbling when you experience a bit of what we put God through. Why is it that we are so self-centered that we complain about our lives to God and demand to know where He is? But rarely do we think about what OUR lives do to Him? I think God wants to bring us to a point where we stop focusing on ourselves--on our pain, on our relationships, on our friendships, on our struggles, on our tears--and consciously live to be a blessing and joy to people around us...but also to God. That our focus becomes: how is God using my struggle, my pain, my fear, my insecurities to further His kingdom and bring glory to His name. I pray God touches others as He has touched me through this lesson. To Him be the glory and honor forever.</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
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</div>Rachael Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05022655347781258690noreply@blogger.com0