Nikol – Page 20

(Re)Thinking Christmas: Music “I Will Find A Way”

December 10, 2012 // by Nikol// 1 Comment

God comes to us unexpectedly. He whispers to the darkest places of our hearts. The places where shame and fear reside and where brokenness and disappointment lay their head. He comes to us amidst the rubble of our hearts, and He whispers. His gentle whispers are of an unimaginable and incomprehensible love demonstrated through His son, Emmanuel. Bolts on the doors of our heart may be strong enough to keep His love out, yet even then, He will find a way.

I Will Find A Way

by Andy Gullahorn & Jason Gray

At the end of this run down tenement hall
Is the room of a girl I know
She cowers behind all the dead bolt locks
Afraid of the outside world

So how should I come to the one I love?
I will find a way

Many thieves and collectors have used that door
But they only brought her shame
So she won’t even open it anymore
Still I will find a way

I could call out her name with love through the walls
But condemnation is all she hears
I could break down the door and take her into my arms
But she might die from the fear

So how should I come to the one I love?
I will find a way, I will find a way
How should I come to the one I love?
I will find a way

No hiding place ever kept her safe
So she hides inside herself
Now to reach her heart the only way
Is to hide in there as well
I will hide in there as well

She gave up on love waiting for a change
But a change is coming soon
How could she not love the helpless babe
Who is waking in her womb?

I found way, I found a way

She’ll know I am coming before I am here
When she hangs her head she’ll see me there
And then when I come she won’t run away
All the beauty and joy will return to her face
And what of the loneliness? Now it is gone
Lost in the bond of a mother and son
Every sin that she suffered at the hands of men
Every single disgrace will be washed clean again
I will love her completely and when I am grown
I will carry her out of that tenement room
I am doing a new thing and soon you will see
I am coming among you and my name shall be
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel

(Re)Thinking Christmas: Music “Send Me”

December 3, 2012 // by Nikol// 1 Comment

Every year – AFTER Thanksgiving – I pull out the Christmas music. I have some Christmas albums that stay with me year after year such as…

Martina McBride’s Christmas album

and Nat King Cole’s rendition of “The Christmas Song.”

So smooth.
So classy.
So timeless.

However, even though the singer or the beat might change, most of the time it’s just the same old songs over and over and over again.

Which is where I find myself 3 days into December.

Since it’s been a while since we’ve had a Music Monday, I thought we might venture into some less popular but perhaps truly endearing songs for the Christmas season.

First up is a song that – to my knowledge – hasn’t even been published. (Sorry) I stumbled across it on a Christmas special a couple of years ago – and even though I only heard it once – the words were stuck in my head for weeks!

At church, we hear a lot of different perspectives from the various characters of the Christmas story. We discuss…

the shepherds,
Mary,
Joseph,
the wise men,
the angels,
even King Herod

But have you ever wondered what Jesus’ perspective might have been? Brandon Heath did, and I’m so grateful for such a simple yet profound view of the Nativity.

Send Me

If love is truly all the world will need
let it begin with me.
If this is who beloved ones shall be
let them be loved by me.
It’s a long way down.
I think I’m ready now.

A virgin girl by the name of Mary
Father, she will carry me.
Her husband, Joseph, gentlest of men
He’ll be watching over me.
It’s a long way down.
I think I’m ready now.

Send me
Oh, send me
I won’t be gone for long
And I know you’ll be with me
And we will lead them home.

If hope endures the sufferings of man
Restore every faith in me.
The time has come to show them once again
Let them see you through me.
It’s a long way down.
Think I’m ready now.

Send me
Oh, send me
I won’t be gone for long
and I know you’ll be with me.
and we will lead them home.

Father, send me
Oh, send me
I won’t be gone for long
and I know you’ll be with me
And we will lead them home.

If love is truly all the world will need
Let it begin with me.
If this is who beloved ones shall be
Let them be loved by me.
It’s a long way down
Think I’m ready now.

Shock Waves

November 8, 2012 // by Nikol// 3 Comments

Wednesday I woke up in shock – not because we re-elected a President I did not vote for – but because of the complete and total disrespect I witnessed from Christians regarding the outcome.

The disrespect that troubled me was not necessarily directed toward a candidate or even directed at another’s opinions or political preferences. It was the disrespect toward God in that we have snubbed our noses at the candidate He appointed to lead our nation. Do not forget Paul’s words: “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God” (Romans 13:1).

Note that it doesn’t say “some” authority. It says “all” authority.

Whether I like it or not.
Whether I agree with him or not.
Whether I understand God’s ways or not.

There is no authority given that has not been given by God. None. Hilter was not an exception. Nor Stalin. God has – and continues to use – the rulers He appoints for His Purposes and His Glory.

Personal opinions and plans are fine but must be laid upon the altar once the votes are tallied and the decision is made. We must submit to the ruler God has chosen for us. Why? Because He commands it. We honor God when we honor His plan.

“When we complain about the difficult people we have to live and work with, blame circumstances for all the inconveniences that make life miserable, or become bitter due to a season of adversity, we are accusing God of mismanagement.” – Jerry Rankin

Warriors Wanted

October 17, 2012 // by Nikol// 1 Comment

Ten-ish years ago, I was lying on the floor in my bathroom praying that I would not wake-up. I didn’t want to kill myself, but I didn’t want to live.

In my moment of grief, a fleeting and odd thought went through my head: I must be really dangerous if the devil wants me dead.

I’ve thought about that statement a few times over the last couple of years, but the truth of it did not hit me until last week: The devil, indeed, wants me dead.

It came suddenly. Unexpectedly. Ferociously.

Only days before I had been playing in the spiritual surf; laughing and splashing around with my friends. Life was good, and everything seemed to be falling into place.

Then, out of nowhere, an unseen current grabbed hold of me and took me under. As soon as it hit me, I knew I was in trouble.

Serious trouble.

Further and further down I sank. Unable to breath. Unable to escape the grasp of the darkness.

The strength of the monster gripping me was remarkable. It’s determination astounding. I knew I was no match for it. I knew I couldn’t fight it on my own. I knew I needed help.

I could see the Light flickering overhead. Beams of Truth shot through the darkness just beyond my reach. I saw people peering into the water above me. Though their words were muffled and their faces blurred, I could make out what they were saying:

“Fight, Nikol. Fight!” But how can a paralyzed person fight?
“Believe, Nikol. Believe!” But belief wasn’t budging the grip.
“I’m so sorry this is happening” But sympathy wasn’t going to save me.

And while Satan did his best to kill me; God was using it to teach me a lesson I will not soon forget.

It is ridiculous to tell a drowning person to save themselves.
It is absurd to discuss what is happening – or how they got there -while someone is fighting for their life.
It is preposterous to worry about breaking a bone when someone needs a breath!

When Peter lost his faith while walking on the water, did Jesus watch him descend into the waves while yelling, “Believe, Peter! Believe?” Of course not! He reached out and saved him (Matthew 14:28-31).

When Jairus’ daughter was dead, did Jesus require her to believe? Don’t be ridiculous. A dead person can’t believe. But a fighting father can; and after throwing out the mourners and the doubters, Jesus grabbed her hand and restored her to life – not because of her faith – but because of his (Matthew 5:35-43).

And that is what it took to save me (this time around).

It took someone taking a stand and saying, “No! You cannot have her. She belongs to Jesus!” They couldn’t yell it from the shore where it was safe. They had to be in the water with me. They had to get up the courage to say, “I’m going in after her. I’ve seen enough.” They had to reach out and grab my hand.

Ultimately, it was Jesus who saved me. Ultimately it was His Name who made the darkness flee, but I often forget the order of things this side of Heaven: God uses people to accomplish His work. Jesus living inside of us motivates us to intervene on His behalf. Sometimes, often times, intervening requires prayer. But sometimes intervening requires action. Listen to James’ words:

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless (James 2:14-17).

The purpose of our faith isn’t for us; it is for others. The battle wasn’t really about me. Satan thought it was. The battle was about us. The battle was to show me that we are all in this together, and sometimes that means we have to fight for someone who can’t. We can’t fight by standing at a distance. We fight by getting in the game. And we cannot back down.

Ever.

We cannot back down because the next time it could be us that needs saving. We cannot back down because that death – someone’s spiritual death – is the only death that can harm us.

I’m not sure what the future holds, but I am grateful today for the Light. I’m grateful for the warriors – bloodied and battered – who love me enough to fight for me. I’m grateful for the prayers that motivated someone to action. And I am grateful for the warriors who reminded me (once I safe), that I cannot quit. I have to see this through. Even when it doesn’t make sense.

Music Monday: That’s What Faith Can Do

August 27, 2012 // by Nikol// 1 Comment

I love me some Pandora radio. I specifically love my Andrew Peterson channel. It’s gotten me through many days at the office.

But do you know what I don’t like?

When a song comes on that is freakishly appropriate. You know…like when you are getting ready to give up on something and this songs plays:

What Faith Can Do

by Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Overcome the odds
You don’t have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

Abundant Blessings

August 22, 2012 // by Nikol// 2 Comments

Mary C. Neal, M.D. says in her book To Heaven and Back: “When you are doing God’s will, everything seems to happen without much effort or many obstacles.”

This quote didn’t sit well with me when I first read it, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it.

I wonder if Abraham would agree?
Or Joseph?
Or David?

It just seems too neat, too tidy, and a tad over simplistic.

But then there are people who would probably agree. Take my buddy, Nehemiah, for example. Did you know it only took him 52 days to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem?

52 days.

Unbelievable.

Earlier this year, I felt God’s leading to sell my townhouse. This was not good news because the main reason I had called my cozy little place home for 10 years was less because I liked it and more because I was terrified of the buying and selling process. Yet, 4 weeks after I put my townhouse on the market, I had an offer in my hand to purchase it for cash!

4 weeks!

Astounded (and a little freaked out), I frantically started the search for a new house. Would you believe that four days later I found the perfect one?

4 days!

And when I say perfect. I mean PERFECT! It had everything on my wish list and then some. And look how cute it is!

Of course, that’s not to say there weren’t obstacles. Obstacles like…

The price for the house needed to be a tad-bit lower.
I needed the super awesome refrigerator to stay because I sold mine with the townhouse.
My A/C unit in the townhouse decided to call in sick on inspection day even though it had no problem working the 3,649 days before.
And I needed a relatively large sum of cash for closing costs.

So, I prayed.
My accountability group prayed.
My Sunday School class to prayed.

And one-by-one God knocked down every single obstacle with little effort from me and minimal impact to my pocketbook.

And He didn’t stop there.

He sent some divine connections. Divine connections like…

Mrs. Morris (the owner) grew up with a lady in my Sunday School class.
My lender taught Sunday School to their son when he was little.
That same son actually lived three townhouses down from me.
One co-worker – who just happens to grow pretty awesome roses – lives right around the corner.
And another co-worker is BFFs with my next door neighbor.

Weird. Right?

But God was just getting started.

Blessings came in the form of the Morrises who should definitely win an award for Best All-Around Sellers. Check it out.

Despite the doubts of my realtor, they kindly agreed to leave the aforementioned refrigerator, and while love seems like a strong word to describe my feelings toward an inanimate object, I do like it a whole lot!
They took exceptional care of the house. I mean, I don’t have one single project on my “to do” list. It’s that awesome.
They invited me to a party a couple of weeks before closing so I could meet the neighbors. (And Yes! You read that right!)
They made sure I knew how to turn off the gas, work the fireplace, and turn off the water at the street.
They gave me tips and tricks on adjusting the thermostat, setting up the dog house, and working the dishwasher.
They even checked in on me after a big storm the first night I was in the house.
They not only gave – but installed – the old cord from their dryer after the move so I wouldn’t have to buy one.
And…they did some majorly awesome work in the backyard. It is simply spectacular. My prayer is that Holy Spirit will impart upon me a serious green thumb so I can keep it this way.

Y’all! There was not one detail God didn’t work out! Not one obstacle He didn’t fix!

Blessing upon blessing was poured out on me.

My prayer at the beginning was for God to be glorified somehow through the buying/selling process. So, I giggled and clapped for Him as I watched co-workers, friends, and realtors stand amazed at His handiwork. No one could deny that I had the best house-buying experience on the planet.

Ever.

So, maybe – in some instances – Dr. Neal’s statement is true. Maybe – when God’s timing is right – things fall into place “without much effort and many obstacles.” Afterall, “much effort” doesn’t mean no effort, and “without…many obstacles” doesn’t mean no obstacles.

I don’t know the answer.

But I do know this:

Despite a tough housing market, it only took God 80 days to sell my house and give me a beautiful home.

80 days!

I know that, for now, God has chosen me to take care of this house, and I consider it a priviledge.

I know that sometimes, God wants us to remember that He is the same God who rebuilt a wall in 52 days.

He is the same God that does – in fact – give us immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

And He is the same God who is worthy of all praise (Psalm 96:4)!