As I was doing my usual internet surfing, I decided to visit the website of Vocal Union. This accapella group is AMAZING!! Since moving to Ohio, I can't find any of my cd's except one and its driving me crazy!!! So , I decided to order the Christmas one after listening to a part of a song on there called Mary Did You Know....
Here is the site...please listen...
http://www.vocalunion.com/discography.htm
Its under the family Christmas.....
Not too many songs touch my inner soul to the point of tears. I felt it with this one.
Something seemed to come to mind too. Why is it that certain music can touch our hearts and make us cry? Why are there times during worship that our hearts are touched to the point of tears and why doesn't it happen more often than it does? I don't see too many people in the church service touched to the point of tears while we are singing. Hmmmm....
I love this group!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be Blessed
Nikki
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday November 17th
Good morning to all you bloggers out there...or blog readers anyway :)
Last night as I lay in bed laying next to my daughter who sleeps with me most of the nights since Mike is gone I couldn't help but to think about each one of my children. My children help me understand the relationship that I have to my own Father in heaven.
As she lays there asleep, she looks so peaceful. My children are such blessings to me and are so dear to my heart. When she wakes up, I tell her that I believe God blessed her today because he woke her up to live another day. Some would say, "oh its just the order of the universe that you sleep and wake up."
I say , "Recognize God in everything you see and do!"
Everytime my dear husband leaves for deployment, I learn so many spiritual lessons. I have to do alot of serious meditation on things around me. Like now, as I write this, my children are still sleeping. So the house is quiet, I am having my cup of coffee and I just finished reading my email from Mike.
I used to wonder what God meant when he said, " Be still , and know that I am God."
I think if you just sit, and listen, you will totally understand what He meant. He is beautiful. He cares for me. He answers prayers...
I mentioned in my bible class that Mike was recieving alot of persecution at work, not only for his faith but he works incredibly hard and his superiors only give him grief. Well, prayers were finally answered and he recieved " A job well done " 5 times yesterday from someone who he would least expect it from. THank you God !!
Being a Navy wife is difficult sometimes. Lately, its been really rough. When Mike is here, the kids do NOT fight like they do when he is gone. It is soooo hard to deal with. Because of being homeschooled, they don't get many breaks from each other like those in public school do. My kids are around each other constantly. Yes, i know that since we've just moved things are a bit more hectic and I need to still let them adjust ....but know this....IT TOTALLY STINKS!!!
I can't imagine the life of a real single parent!! My life is like one when Mike is gone because I don't tell him much about when the kids are acting terribly. What can he do? Nothing really so I try to handle it the best way I can which tends to be not good at all lol. I'm too nice, I don't stick to what I say and I get manipulated way to easily!!!! Yes, i can admit it. Oh well, a few more months to go and I don't have to worry about this kind of stuff anymore.
Ok, my blog is called Nikki's Ramblings and that is what my post has been today. A mixture of my thoughts...but all about different things.
Be Blessed Today and Give God the thanks He so richly deserves!!! He gave you the eyes to read this and the brain to understand the thoughts.
Nikki
Last night as I lay in bed laying next to my daughter who sleeps with me most of the nights since Mike is gone I couldn't help but to think about each one of my children. My children help me understand the relationship that I have to my own Father in heaven.
As she lays there asleep, she looks so peaceful. My children are such blessings to me and are so dear to my heart. When she wakes up, I tell her that I believe God blessed her today because he woke her up to live another day. Some would say, "oh its just the order of the universe that you sleep and wake up."
I say , "Recognize God in everything you see and do!"
Everytime my dear husband leaves for deployment, I learn so many spiritual lessons. I have to do alot of serious meditation on things around me. Like now, as I write this, my children are still sleeping. So the house is quiet, I am having my cup of coffee and I just finished reading my email from Mike.
I used to wonder what God meant when he said, " Be still , and know that I am God."
I think if you just sit, and listen, you will totally understand what He meant. He is beautiful. He cares for me. He answers prayers...
I mentioned in my bible class that Mike was recieving alot of persecution at work, not only for his faith but he works incredibly hard and his superiors only give him grief. Well, prayers were finally answered and he recieved " A job well done " 5 times yesterday from someone who he would least expect it from. THank you God !!
Being a Navy wife is difficult sometimes. Lately, its been really rough. When Mike is here, the kids do NOT fight like they do when he is gone. It is soooo hard to deal with. Because of being homeschooled, they don't get many breaks from each other like those in public school do. My kids are around each other constantly. Yes, i know that since we've just moved things are a bit more hectic and I need to still let them adjust ....but know this....IT TOTALLY STINKS!!!
I can't imagine the life of a real single parent!! My life is like one when Mike is gone because I don't tell him much about when the kids are acting terribly. What can he do? Nothing really so I try to handle it the best way I can which tends to be not good at all lol. I'm too nice, I don't stick to what I say and I get manipulated way to easily!!!! Yes, i can admit it. Oh well, a few more months to go and I don't have to worry about this kind of stuff anymore.
Ok, my blog is called Nikki's Ramblings and that is what my post has been today. A mixture of my thoughts...but all about different things.
Be Blessed Today and Give God the thanks He so richly deserves!!! He gave you the eyes to read this and the brain to understand the thoughts.
Nikki
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Thursday November 16th
http://www.tftw2.org/Articles/placeforwomen.htm
The above article is one I read in its entirety this morning. As women in the church today, most read it and say, Sure...no problem but those who are outside of the church and involved with their church in ways that go against what the Bible clearly teaches, is my topic today.
LEt me ask WHY? Why go against what the Bible clearly teaches? I know such Godly women!!! People that love God with their heart , soul, mind and strength but clearly go against what the bible teaches about women's roles.
Understand, that I didn't come to accept what God teaches without a fight, let me tell ya. In all honesty, sometimes I still have some troubles but mostly just in my own home. But gathered together with the other members of the Lord's body, for me isn't difficult to accept the role that God has given me. Ladies, God has blessed us with sooo many gifts and given us so many talents to use. Why take something from the men that is CLEARLY meant to be theirs and theirs alone? Do you see them trying to take over the roles God gave to us? I, for one, do not.
Do you have a gift for speaking and teaching? Awesome!! Use it for what God intends. Teach a ladies class or teen girls class...What better way to teach other women with a gift God has given to you!!! Why want so much more and disregard the word of God?
Do you desire more...want the opportunities that men want? Ok, lets talk about that. Doesn't God teach us to not covet? Are we not supposed to want what others have? God has told us to be content with what we have. Maybe we want the skills that others have...ok, then find someone you admire and talk with them. You can ask to be taught but not by what men do!!
Do it as to NOT break the will of God. We are to do things that bring glory to God, not glory to OURSELVES!!!
You may say, "God gave me the gift of preaching and teaching! Do I just not use it. I thought we were supposed to use the talents we have for God."
I say, "Do not lay waste to the talents God has given you!!"
Use your gift to uplift others...but use it in the context of not disregarding the word of God.
Have a ladies class at your home.
Teach a ladies class at church.
I'm sure teen girls could learn alot from the words of wisdom you have to share.
And for those at home with small children, God has given you a gift to teach your children. Use it there to raise up those children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ladies, nothing is more important than what God teaches. NOTHING. He is our direction on how to live in this life. If you aren't following the Bible for your walk in life, then you are walking into death. Plain and simple!!!
Be blessed today!
The above article is one I read in its entirety this morning. As women in the church today, most read it and say, Sure...no problem but those who are outside of the church and involved with their church in ways that go against what the Bible clearly teaches, is my topic today.
LEt me ask WHY? Why go against what the Bible clearly teaches? I know such Godly women!!! People that love God with their heart , soul, mind and strength but clearly go against what the bible teaches about women's roles.
Understand, that I didn't come to accept what God teaches without a fight, let me tell ya. In all honesty, sometimes I still have some troubles but mostly just in my own home. But gathered together with the other members of the Lord's body, for me isn't difficult to accept the role that God has given me. Ladies, God has blessed us with sooo many gifts and given us so many talents to use. Why take something from the men that is CLEARLY meant to be theirs and theirs alone? Do you see them trying to take over the roles God gave to us? I, for one, do not.
Do you have a gift for speaking and teaching? Awesome!! Use it for what God intends. Teach a ladies class or teen girls class...What better way to teach other women with a gift God has given to you!!! Why want so much more and disregard the word of God?
Do you desire more...want the opportunities that men want? Ok, lets talk about that. Doesn't God teach us to not covet? Are we not supposed to want what others have? God has told us to be content with what we have. Maybe we want the skills that others have...ok, then find someone you admire and talk with them. You can ask to be taught but not by what men do!!
Do it as to NOT break the will of God. We are to do things that bring glory to God, not glory to OURSELVES!!!
You may say, "God gave me the gift of preaching and teaching! Do I just not use it. I thought we were supposed to use the talents we have for God."
I say, "Do not lay waste to the talents God has given you!!"
Use your gift to uplift others...but use it in the context of not disregarding the word of God.
Have a ladies class at your home.
Teach a ladies class at church.
I'm sure teen girls could learn alot from the words of wisdom you have to share.
And for those at home with small children, God has given you a gift to teach your children. Use it there to raise up those children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ladies, nothing is more important than what God teaches. NOTHING. He is our direction on how to live in this life. If you aren't following the Bible for your walk in life, then you are walking into death. Plain and simple!!!
Be blessed today!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Sunday November 12th
Good evening blog world!!!
I know my fellow Brother in Christ John, put a link to my blog on his so to those who are reading about me for the first time, let me please say WELCOME to my world lol.
I want to talk tonight about how Satan is at work ...
He twists and turns things in people's minds that make them want to end their life. I cannot understand that kind of desperation. All over a boyfriend? I mean, not that someone like a boyfriend, or girlfriend for that matter, isn't important but isn't LIFE more precious than that?
I feel like I"m writing my sisters obituary. She is Satan's focus lately. No , she isn't a Christian and seems to have no desire to be one. But as long as she is taking her breaths, she still has hope because God loves her just as much as he loves me.
People , don't take your Christianity for granted. Especially those who grew up in the church. I did not and neither did my husband but my kids really don't know anything else. I don't want them to get so comfortable that its just routine. Don't just make God routine. He deserves more than that. I try to think back and remember where I came from. He has brought me and my family through so much I can't imagine any other way than to be a child of HIS but my sister has lived without him all her life and He keeps calling and calling but she refuses to hear.
Our Sunday morning message struck me today. When Jesus calls, are we listening...do we WANT to hear his call? Maybe its selective hearing....because if we hear his call, we feel an obligation...so we choose to not hear anything at all.
Don't shut him out!!!!!!!!!!! Choose to listen because if you do, you will not be sorry!!!!
I am very thankful to God that He has brought friends in my kids lives here in Ferry. God is soo good. I knew He had in His plan for us to be here and that He would work out everything and I can see exactly that happening!!!
Please pray for my son Michael as next Sunday the 19th he takes his first plane trip to Virginia Beach to visit friends and will return on the 4th of December. He has never ridden in a plane before so he's a bit nervous. Pray for safe trip and return. Thanks and God bless!!!
Nikki
I know my fellow Brother in Christ John, put a link to my blog on his so to those who are reading about me for the first time, let me please say WELCOME to my world lol.
I want to talk tonight about how Satan is at work ...
He twists and turns things in people's minds that make them want to end their life. I cannot understand that kind of desperation. All over a boyfriend? I mean, not that someone like a boyfriend, or girlfriend for that matter, isn't important but isn't LIFE more precious than that?
I feel like I"m writing my sisters obituary. She is Satan's focus lately. No , she isn't a Christian and seems to have no desire to be one. But as long as she is taking her breaths, she still has hope because God loves her just as much as he loves me.
People , don't take your Christianity for granted. Especially those who grew up in the church. I did not and neither did my husband but my kids really don't know anything else. I don't want them to get so comfortable that its just routine. Don't just make God routine. He deserves more than that. I try to think back and remember where I came from. He has brought me and my family through so much I can't imagine any other way than to be a child of HIS but my sister has lived without him all her life and He keeps calling and calling but she refuses to hear.
Our Sunday morning message struck me today. When Jesus calls, are we listening...do we WANT to hear his call? Maybe its selective hearing....because if we hear his call, we feel an obligation...so we choose to not hear anything at all.
Don't shut him out!!!!!!!!!!! Choose to listen because if you do, you will not be sorry!!!!
I am very thankful to God that He has brought friends in my kids lives here in Ferry. God is soo good. I knew He had in His plan for us to be here and that He would work out everything and I can see exactly that happening!!!
Please pray for my son Michael as next Sunday the 19th he takes his first plane trip to Virginia Beach to visit friends and will return on the 4th of December. He has never ridden in a plane before so he's a bit nervous. Pray for safe trip and return. Thanks and God bless!!!
Nikki
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thursday November 9th
Lets talk about our kids.
I'm very humbled that my 18 year old son is not embarrassed of me.
I talk to his girlfriend, I talk with his friends on IM and on the phone. Where else do you know of an 18 year old who is that comfortable with his mom.
What a blessing....
Now the thought...
How comfortable are we with God? Do we talk to Him like he is a million miles away...like He is unreachable????
God wants a relationship with us....
Do you know what that entails...spending time....getting to know....
Just like it takes TIME to get to know your kids, it takes Time and effort to get to know God.
We do not want to be ashamed to be in Gods presense as I don't want my son to be ashamed of me.
It means opening up people...
God knows us yes...but somehow,,,when we OPENLY reveal something, audibly, OUTLOUD, its very humbling...
Lets take a step closer to being a REAL daughter and son with our FaTher :)
I'm very humbled that my 18 year old son is not embarrassed of me.
I talk to his girlfriend, I talk with his friends on IM and on the phone. Where else do you know of an 18 year old who is that comfortable with his mom.
What a blessing....
Now the thought...
How comfortable are we with God? Do we talk to Him like he is a million miles away...like He is unreachable????
God wants a relationship with us....
Do you know what that entails...spending time....getting to know....
Just like it takes TIME to get to know your kids, it takes Time and effort to get to know God.
We do not want to be ashamed to be in Gods presense as I don't want my son to be ashamed of me.
It means opening up people...
God knows us yes...but somehow,,,when we OPENLY reveal something, audibly, OUTLOUD, its very humbling...
Lets take a step closer to being a REAL daughter and son with our FaTher :)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Sunday November 5th
Its 11pm as I write this but I had a nap this afternoon and felt like I wanted to say hi to everyone...or ANYONE who might be interested in my blog ...LOL...
I've had alot on my mind lately with tomorrow marking the 1 month mark that my best friend has been gone. He says.." only 5 more to go" like that isn't a long time :(
Now that my move to Ohio is over, and things are settling down, my mind is on him more and more and especially with the holidays coming. It does make it easier being around family for the first holidays in a long time but without him here, its just not the same.
Don't get me wrong, everyone here has welcomed me and my family with open arms and for that I am thankful. I am trying to think of what a big party it will be when he comes home.
If you don't mind, please keep me in prayer as I try to get more involved with the youth at church. I think alot of people, when they get to a new church, expect things to be just like where you came from. When its not, people are dissappointed. I say JUMP IN!! I have two boys who are 18 and 14 that really don't know many people here. So, I am hoping to help change that by hosting a youth devo at my house sometime, having a game party/get together so people can come over and get a glimpse into " their world"!!
I look back over the years and I can see how much God has changed my life thru the difficult times that I've had to go thru. Its amazing how much I've grown. No credit on my part though. God is good and gracious and merciful.
I want to post a poem I wrote in honor of someone very close to me who is hurting.
Its my prayer that God will call her heart to HIM!!
Thank you God for friends and servants of you who are willing to do YOUR work for the kingdom...
Desperate Prayer
Dark Pit
Tears falling
Lord can’t you hear her calling?
Pain and hurt
From years gone by
Lord, can’t you hear her cry?
Hatred, anger
Wounded deeply
Lord, can’t you hear her weeping?
Touch her heart
I know you care
Lord, can’t you hear her prayer?
Open heart
Surgery needing
Lord, can’t you hear her pleading?
Waiting, praying
Comforter sent
Lord, can’t you hear her lament?
Broken , fallen
Her spirit calling
Lord, please call her home!!!
I've had alot on my mind lately with tomorrow marking the 1 month mark that my best friend has been gone. He says.." only 5 more to go" like that isn't a long time :(
Now that my move to Ohio is over, and things are settling down, my mind is on him more and more and especially with the holidays coming. It does make it easier being around family for the first holidays in a long time but without him here, its just not the same.
Don't get me wrong, everyone here has welcomed me and my family with open arms and for that I am thankful. I am trying to think of what a big party it will be when he comes home.
If you don't mind, please keep me in prayer as I try to get more involved with the youth at church. I think alot of people, when they get to a new church, expect things to be just like where you came from. When its not, people are dissappointed. I say JUMP IN!! I have two boys who are 18 and 14 that really don't know many people here. So, I am hoping to help change that by hosting a youth devo at my house sometime, having a game party/get together so people can come over and get a glimpse into " their world"!!
I look back over the years and I can see how much God has changed my life thru the difficult times that I've had to go thru. Its amazing how much I've grown. No credit on my part though. God is good and gracious and merciful.
I want to post a poem I wrote in honor of someone very close to me who is hurting.
Its my prayer that God will call her heart to HIM!!
Thank you God for friends and servants of you who are willing to do YOUR work for the kingdom...
Desperate Prayer
Dark Pit
Tears falling
Lord can’t you hear her calling?
Pain and hurt
From years gone by
Lord, can’t you hear her cry?
Hatred, anger
Wounded deeply
Lord, can’t you hear her weeping?
Touch her heart
I know you care
Lord, can’t you hear her prayer?
Open heart
Surgery needing
Lord, can’t you hear her pleading?
Waiting, praying
Comforter sent
Lord, can’t you hear her lament?
Broken , fallen
Her spirit calling
Lord, please call her home!!!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Thursday November 2nd
Good evening fellow Readers!!!
I just want to say that I am very blessed by what my husband emails me.
His emails are soooo spiritual sound and strong. How he keeps so strong out there is a mystery to me. Yes, I know God is with him , but he is alone out there on his ship. He has people that he works with but no one close to him. Most of his emails are sooo wonderful and he talks about things in a perspective that put mine to shame.
He is not in a rush to get thru this next 5 months. (as i would think he would be)
He wants to take things one day at a time and enjoy the time he has and lets God use him in whatever way that would be best. WOW....
And I wake up in a hurry to clean my house and get school done with my kids.
I rush my oldest into fitting into the new church congregation and rush him into a job.
I rush even my friendships trying to show my appreciation for what everyone has done for me. ...rush rush rush....why? I'm clueless......
I hope that I can take some of the wisdom that Mike has and learn from his example.
I miss him ....sometimes alot more than others. Don't get me wrong, I always miss him being here as he is my best friend and we have a very close family relationship, but when I slow down, I guess that is when I really start to think about him and miss him. Maybe I try to block it out with keeping busy...who knows....
I do need to slow down. God wants us to enjoy what he gives us every day.
Look deep into my kids...hug them, love them, take time for teachable moments.
I get so worried about what others think that I think i have to keep a clean house all the time because if someone stops over, they will think I'm a messy person. I know I hate to be that way.
Yes, I have a hard time with being a people pleaser....
anyway, be blessed..............
Nikki
I just want to say that I am very blessed by what my husband emails me.
His emails are soooo spiritual sound and strong. How he keeps so strong out there is a mystery to me. Yes, I know God is with him , but he is alone out there on his ship. He has people that he works with but no one close to him. Most of his emails are sooo wonderful and he talks about things in a perspective that put mine to shame.
He is not in a rush to get thru this next 5 months. (as i would think he would be)
He wants to take things one day at a time and enjoy the time he has and lets God use him in whatever way that would be best. WOW....
And I wake up in a hurry to clean my house and get school done with my kids.
I rush my oldest into fitting into the new church congregation and rush him into a job.
I rush even my friendships trying to show my appreciation for what everyone has done for me. ...rush rush rush....why? I'm clueless......
I hope that I can take some of the wisdom that Mike has and learn from his example.
I miss him ....sometimes alot more than others. Don't get me wrong, I always miss him being here as he is my best friend and we have a very close family relationship, but when I slow down, I guess that is when I really start to think about him and miss him. Maybe I try to block it out with keeping busy...who knows....
I do need to slow down. God wants us to enjoy what he gives us every day.
Look deep into my kids...hug them, love them, take time for teachable moments.
I get so worried about what others think that I think i have to keep a clean house all the time because if someone stops over, they will think I'm a messy person. I know I hate to be that way.
Yes, I have a hard time with being a people pleaser....
anyway, be blessed..............
Nikki
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
November 1 Wednesday
Hello everyone!!!
As I woke up this morning, all I wanted to do was stay in bed. See, I woke up with a headache and my throat was sore. I was very tempted to give my kids a day off from school because I just didn't feel very well.
Instead, I took an Advil and asked God to help me get through my day.
What a blessing I recieved. Understand that almost DAILY school can be like pulling teeth with my 8 year old daughter. But this morning, school has gone soooo well, that it cheered me up, blessed me and gave me the strength to do the other tasks that needed to be done.
I usually do not like to tell others when I have rough times with my kids cause the first response I USUALLY get is, " oh, just put them back in school". Of course, I don't ever plan to do that so I usually just keep my hard days to myself. And LET ME TELL YOU.... I have alot of rough days.
Understand that I don't get much help from anyone when it comes to the schooling.
Since I am a Navy wife, usually everything I do, I do on my own because I have to.
So, there are times I just want to crawl back in bed for the whole day!!!!
But I was definitely blessed this morning by a good attitude from her.
Anyway, be blessed today!!!!
As I woke up this morning, all I wanted to do was stay in bed. See, I woke up with a headache and my throat was sore. I was very tempted to give my kids a day off from school because I just didn't feel very well.
Instead, I took an Advil and asked God to help me get through my day.
What a blessing I recieved. Understand that almost DAILY school can be like pulling teeth with my 8 year old daughter. But this morning, school has gone soooo well, that it cheered me up, blessed me and gave me the strength to do the other tasks that needed to be done.
I usually do not like to tell others when I have rough times with my kids cause the first response I USUALLY get is, " oh, just put them back in school". Of course, I don't ever plan to do that so I usually just keep my hard days to myself. And LET ME TELL YOU.... I have alot of rough days.
Understand that I don't get much help from anyone when it comes to the schooling.
Since I am a Navy wife, usually everything I do, I do on my own because I have to.
So, there are times I just want to crawl back in bed for the whole day!!!!
But I was definitely blessed this morning by a good attitude from her.
Anyway, be blessed today!!!!
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