Is my husband on eHarmony?!?!

As much of a blast as this season of my life has been, and as many things that the Lord has healed and restored to me, I can't help but wonder why in the world my Godly, manly husband hasn't found me yet!!! I have seen a lot of hurt and brokenness in the relationships around me- even the close ones in my family- and because of these I have chosen to wait patiently on the Lord to bring that man into my life, knowing that the best things really are worth waiting and fighting for.
I also can't help but glance around and see so many people dating, marrying godly significant others, and raising up families to the glory of God and I so desire that for my own life. I also can't help noticing when I'm doing that glancing, that I just don't see anyone out there that I personally just couldn't live the rest of my life without! Not that there are no godly, manly men- oh there definitely are, especially at my church, it's just that I can't see myself with any of the ones I know (and love for that matter- I have some awesome brothers!!!) which makes me wonder if I need to place myself in a situation to meet some more godly, manly men elsewhere...
Once upon two years ago a friend encouraged me to join eHarmony... I was convinced that it would at least be fun, so I paid for a couple of months and talked to a few folks on there- it was fun, but again, I didn't meet anyone I couldn't live the rest of my life without. Considering the website again, I'm just wondering if it makes things too easy for the men- aren't they supposed to chase after us and all?! I guess there's still that who talks to whom first game, but good grief! Jesus take the wheel and send my husband!!!! This whole dating thing stresses me out! Praying through joining again and whether or not that is truly waiting on the Lord for my mate. Wisdom or input anyone???

How Long?

Sometimes I wonder just how long the Lord will let me go along in my own little ways of stubborn disobedience and misery- when I just KNOW that I am SO right and that others have SO wronged me. Separating myself & justifying it under the cover of being busy or tired or whatever the excuse for the day may be.
It's in places like this that I see just how wretched I am and just how much I need the Lord to heal the hurt places in my heart- that while people can hurt like daggers to my heart, the Lord sees purpose in all of it. (and that the biggest dagger is sometimes the one in my very own hand, bent on destroying my own life)
Oh that I would lay it all down (including the nasty dagger in my own hand) and trust the Lord for restoration...

Break every chain

'there is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain, break every chain, to break every chain...'

Have you ever tried to break a chain? It is pretty impossible on your own- even when I am making jewelry, I still have to use some sort of tool to cut the chain to whatever length I'm going for. And usually that's little chain. What about the big chains? I have this picture of Marley's ghost from 'A Christmas Carol' trudging with all of his chains- and I see me sometimes- a ghost with regrets and misery... But it doesn't have to be that way!!! Jesus already paid the price for these crazy chains I drag around with me- and He desires to break them once and for all- that I may walk in freedom with Him. He delights to break the chains. But do we recognize the chains? Oh that He would reveal them and that we would ask Him to break them and to help us not to pick them back up again.

Never Felt So Right

Ok, I confess, I am just GUSHING over how much He loves me tonight! Today, I got to do 3 haircuts at work, and I've never felt more loved by Him- How much He cares for me that He'd lead me to a career that has brought me so much JOY!
As I worked on a couple of friends today, I couldn't stop beaming & marveling at the wonder that these hands He's given me can create. These hands can minister. These hands can glorify Him. I'm so humbled that He's given me a niche & that He wants to use me in this way. Today has truly been a beautiful day.

"Religious Infections"

Last night, the Lord brought such a powerful message through one of our pastors... I'd heard about "religious infections" from him before, but maybe I wasn't in a place to be real with myself and confess the searing pain that I was sick with more than just one of the six on the list. I'm not talking about chicken pox, but infection far more painful and much less noticeable...

1. Humanism- "I need to get better"- the attitude that the sanctification process is my own to work out.
2. Moralism- "I need to be good"- the attitude that if I'm good enough, maybe I'll be obedient enough to make it.
3. Religious Zealot- "I'm more interested in religion than love", rules & guidelines become more important than people
4. Religious Hypocrite- "I'm good on the outside, and great at pretending I know the right answers, but my heart & motives are out of line"
5. Religious Folly- Zeal with no knowledge or wisdom
6. False Religion- We create God in our own image and forget we were made in His- when we have the attitude "Oh no, god would never do that..." Exactly. Because that god doesn't exist.

You need the Gos-pill. (and so do I every moment of every day)

www.ChristChurchGainesville.org You can hear the full sermon here.

Praying that you are deeply wounded by these truths so that the healing balm of the gospel may be applied generously to your wounds & that you would be healed as you surrender to the truth that this life is not about you, but it's all about Him & bringing glory to His name.

Squishy

An excerpt from my journal today:

"Thank you... for softening my heart. Jesus, I want to be squishy & love with my heart wide-open because that's how Your heart is to us. Unworthy, worthless messes & You love the messy, the ugly, the haters- and You love us all the way into Your Kingdom & Your love, it softens, it beckons, it transforms. Even me. A new creation. A heart of flesh in exchange for a heart of stone. Forgive me for trying to protect this soft heart with my own walls of stone because I don't understand fully the freedom that lies in leaving it in Your hands & that's how to guard a heart- to realize it's on loan from You anyway..."

I have not abandoned you!!!

So, it seems that it's been a few months since I have posted on my blog & that is kinda sad, I think. I have not abandoned jewelry-making, it's just that sometimes life and stuff get in the way. If only I could add a few more days to the weekends! Well, thanks to my mentor at the salon, I kind of have- I'm only working now Tuesday through Friday, which has taken some serious adjustment, but I'm finally getting to a point of being disciplined enough to actually get some sleep, as well as work on important things on Mondays! Yay!

Anywho, I'm trying to make jewelry-making and posting to the blog a weekly priority, as I could really use some extra financial support with the apprenticeship budget. I know who my Provider is, so I trust that He will take care of it all, but I'd be lying if I told you that the balance in my checking account right now is freaking me out. Seriously. Like no security there...

I'm asking that you tell your friends & family about me, about my jewelry, and my story- God is up to something BIG here & I want to tell everyone- What an adventure this has been since July of last year & the Lord working everything out for me to begin learning a trade that will not only take me places, but will allow me to meet people in so many different walks of life whom I can minister to. Already, I pray over our guests when I'm shampooing their hair and what a cool thing that legally I can be all up in their personal space like that- laying on hands & praying! (whether they know it, want it, or not! haha)

My prayer for myself daily is that God would continue to mold me into a usable vessel, that I would be in constant communion with Him, and that He would guide my hands and my mind to understand and do well the tasks before me in learning to cut & style hair- that my work would honor Him & bring Him glory, no matter what it is I set my hands to do. Join me?

Call me Grace...

So, a couple of weeks ago I decided it would be a great idea to drop my camera... long story short, it's going to cost more to fix than to purchase a new one :(  That camera and I have a lot of memories together! Sad. Anyway, I am on the prowl for a great deal- hopefully I will find one that will do all I need it for on Black Friday! Let me know if you know of a great one on super-sale since I am on an increasingly tight budget!

In other news, I think I'm going to start hi-lighting other jewelry designers in my blog who are fabulously talented- This week, I'd like to introduce you to Jessica Drexler, the creator of J.Drexler Designs
I find her work fabulous and inspiring- a lot of it made from re-purposed or parts of antique pieces- SO beautiful! She now has a booth in the Chic or Shabby store in Gainesville, GA- check this chick out!!!

Making some GREAT changes!

Ok, so I have the ability to accept credit/debit cards for jewelry & Mary Kay now! Yay! So, let me know if you'd like to purchase anything!
Also, I am letting my Etsy postings expire, as I have made no sales from my store there. Still making most of my sales through friends & family & am really watching my budget at this time, so paying to post items is not the most frugal thing for me, no matter how cheap it may be!
I've updated my Facebook page to more easily display the jewelry available RIGHT NOW! So, hop on over & choose some Christmas presents! :D

Thanks for your loyal support & please tell a friend about me!

When you pass through the water, I will be with you...

Excerpt from Exodus 15 (ESV):

6Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power,
your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.7  In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries;
you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble.8  At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up;
the floods stood up in a heap;
the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.9  The enemy said, 'I will pursue, I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil, my desire shall have its fill of them.
I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.'10  You blew with your wind; the sea covered them;
they sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11  "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness,
awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?12  You stretched out your right hand;
the earth swallowed them.
13  "You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed;
you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.14  The peoples have heard; they tremble;

Excerpt from Isaiah 43 (also ESV):

1  But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.2  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.3  For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

*********
Can you imagine with me, just for a moment, sitting on the beach, when all of a sudden, you are being hotly pursued and there's no way out but to swim? Then suddenly, the Lord brings about a gushing wind and a path is carved into the sea for your perfect escape route! Imagine running through that path & the sea piled up in walls on either side- fish probably swimming by- (I get a little picture of the tunnel at the Ripley's Aquarium in my head) All this seems pretty crazy, huh? But the truth of the matter, is that God REALLY did this. He REALLY made a way of escape for the Israelites from the Egyptians. That is the power of my God. He who commands winds and waves. He who makes the perfect escape from the enemy, who wants to seek, kill, and destroy. 

That perfect way is Jesus, His one and only son- born of the virgin Mary. He lived the perfect life that you or I never ever could. He was beaten, bruised, and spilled every. last. drop. of. his. blood. All for you. He gave His perfect and sinless life up for you and for me, and died a cruel death on a Roman cross. He was mocked, beaten, and even pierced on His side- an innocent man, who actually BECAME sin & bore the weight of it. God, His Father poured out His wrath on Him, so that you and I might enjoy restored relationship with the Father, because guess what... Three days later, Jesus rose TRIUMPHANTLY from the grave defeating death, making His sacrifice our saving grace! This is the good news! But do you know why there had to be good news? The bad news is that you and I are wretched, filthy, stinking in the nostrils of God, sinners. Every single one of us. Apart from Jesus saving us, every one of us doesn't even need to be taught how to sin. We are fleshly, and we lie, cheat, and steal. We are selfish. We are angry murderers- even if we're only killing people with our words. We deserve death and hell. I need a savior. You need a savior. Jesus is that Savior! That is why He is the good news!!!  

Let this word be an encouragement, that He who is mighty to make the seas dry ground, is the same who is mighty to save you and I!

New Stuff!

New Jewelry & new stuff going on in life... I have several new bracelet/earring sets on sale for $20 that would make GREAT gifts for Christmas! I am also selling Mary Kay and you can order straight from my website for any gifting needs! Hopefully I can get some photos up on here & on Etsy by the end of this week so that all these fabulous creations can find their way to YOU!

Also in the life of Nicole, I visited a local apartment complex last night that has won my heart. We played games and loved on some kids who live there & I got to share with some little girls how beautiful they are and that Jesus really does love them! By the end of the night, I was being called "Mami" and being told that I am beautiful and that God loves me... Praying for the children who have stolen my heart, that they may truly come to know this Jesus who has wrecked and re-shaped my entire life, and that He may do the same in theirs!

Long Days and Great Gifts

Week 3 completed of my apprenticeship at the salon, check! This week was a lot smoother as far as me knowing what in the world was going on, keeping up with the fast-paced schedule, and my body being used to the hours & being on feet all day. Praise the Lord! I feel like the Lord has placed some pretty incredible people in my life who are absolutely 100% not ashamed of the Gospel and who share Christ with no fear and total confidence and boldness (at least they seem that way to me!)
Anywho, I started praying that that would be me- totally unashamed and totally comfortable in sharing Jesus, whom I love, with hurting people I come into contact with (and most likely shampoo at some point of my talking to them!) Little did I know, that God would send a sweet little fifth grader my way on Saturday, named Grace. She spoke to me like a grown-up and I so enjoyed her sweet spirit as she sat at the shampoo bowl while I shampooed her hair! She was telling me about her friends and what her family was doing this weekend, and so on... I finished rinsing her conditioner and walked with her back to the chair and proceeded to brush out her hair. The stylist came and began her haircut as I observed and she started talking about school and her friends again. I leaned in closer to hear what she was saying as she proceeded to talk about how she had a friend who was Hindu, and how she shared Christ with her friend, and how He is the only one true God. I choked back tears- partially because it was such a sweet picture of how we should share the Gospel with the people around us, and partially because I was ashamed at how fearful I become sometimes and I don't share because of it. How beautiful it was, and such a simple delivery, from the mouth of Grace.

This one step of obedience, of quitting a full-time job with some "security" about it, has revolutionized my entire life. Each new day, my eyes are being opened to the opportunities for ministry- even if it's only a silent prayer over someone as I shampoo their hair- I am humbled and eager to taste and see even more how beautiful and good He is.

Be Brave!

This inspires me to do the things that are seemingly impossible in my life. (click "this" to see what I'm talking about!)
Ever have those mountains that just seem like they are far too impassable? Or those things that you desire to do, but wonder how in the world you'll ever get there? I am learning more and more these days, just how much I really CAN'T do on my own and how a lot of those desires are given to me by God, so that I will trust and seek Him to accomplish the dreams He's given me. So that I will be humbled. So that I will know Him more & see His glory on display in the everyday impossible.
If that doesn't pump you up, I'm not sure what will- Knowing that He who has called you is faithful & He will do what He says He will do!

The Lord is Good

So, I am two days into my apprenticeship at Salon Pure Aveda and I am LOVING IT!!! Why have I not realized that hair is my calling until now?! Maybe I just needed to go to school, work a job (or ten) that I didn't love, and truly seek the Lord about what I need to be doing to finally land here- a creative, fun, interactive, beautiful world where I get to help people relax and feel comfortable, and eventually, I get to make them look and feel their best! Looking back, I am sure that the Lord has had all of this in His plan up to now, I just maybe wasn't praying to see? He has drawn me into Himself in ways like never before through this process of leaving something that was a little more secure, to pursue the unknown...
Finances are scary if I am totally honest, BUT I know who my Daddy is and He will never let me go without! I'm selling Mary Kay on the side now, too, and launching my business with them next Wednesday night! Please join in supporting me through this season, both financially & prayerfully!
I can't wait to see how the Lord shows up & shows out in this time of my life because I know that He will do it and it will be beyond my own understanding!
ND

Birdie nest!

How fun is this?!

Who would like to rub my feet?!

Ok, so that title should've at least caught some attention, right?! For those of you who may not know, I just got a new job! I am going to be a cosmetology apprentice at a salon! Eeeeek! I am SO excited, but let me just tell you, my feet are not having it today! Ouch! So, if there's anyone out there who would like to rub them, I'd be much obliged! HA!

ANYWHO, with the new job comes some new obstacles to work through, like, how in the world will I afford my rent? Since being an apprentice means that they are showing me the ropes, part of my compensation is my education, which rocks because I am not spending several thousand dollars to go to school, however, it is a pay cut (no pun intended) and I'll have to adjust my budget for sure.

God is good & He always has been & He has always shown me time and time again how He perfectly provides. While I am a little freaked out & not sure how this is going to work, I know & trust that He has it all in His hands and under His control...

All that being said, PLEASE send your friends to my Etsy shop & help a sister out in this new adventure!!! Also, if you'd like to pray for God to send me a Godly, rich husband quick, that would work too...

New Stuff!

Check out the new little plug for my Etsy shop just above this post! I am geeked up about the new items I've posted & the new season of my life happening right now!
I hope this jewelry inspires you & makes you want to buy it :)

Thanks for all your loyal support!

ND

Picking up the Pieces...

Quite literally, today. I'm on vacation this week & was hoping for a wonderful getaway from real life to get alone in the quiet places with Jesus and to seek Him about what to do now that some dreams have been shattered (ie grad school). Well, I'll be honest, I have not really been diligent in seeking Him since I've been on this vacation and He allowed something to happen today that has brought a lot of insight to this little season I am in...
Today, I was watching the Adams' little girl while they are both at work, and I was about to take her for a walk in the neighborhood when someone came knocking on the front door. I peeked through the peep hole and saw a little Asian woman standing outside. I opened the door and she proceeded to ask if I was the owner of the white car outside. I am. She apparently was in a huge hurry and backed out of her driveway across the street at mach-90 and rammed into the back passenger side of my car, sending shards of broken taillight as far as 13 feet away, and leaving a huge dent and scrape marks bigger than the size of a basketball....
Don't worry, Shanaynay is still drivable, and her insurance is paying to repair her and for me to drive a rental around for a few days. (My luck it'll be something like a Prius) I'm taking her to their claim center back in GA when I get home from vacation....

Basically, as I sit here and think about the shards of taillight I picked up off the ground and how it is seemingly impossible to repair- I know I couldn't do it- and how it is going to be about a week before she is made whole again, I couldn't help but see these parallels:

1. I can't do it alone
2. The pieces are not going to be put back together, but replaced with a whole new one
3. It's going to take some time
4. It's going to be ok
5. I don't know what it will cost, but Someone is taking care of it for me
6. He has everything under control
7. There's a reason for it all
8. In both instances, I was even a little angry, but was able to emit Grace instead because of Jesus...

You are GOOD

The wait is over, the results are in, and after all this waiting, I will not be a full-time graduate student this fall. Sad? Yes. Tears? Oh yea, but in the wisdom of a sweet lady I really look up to, tonight, I was reminded that I had been asking the Lord to make things so clear if grad school was not the door He had open for me, that it would remain shut, and locked, the key being the finances to go.  In a frenzy, I thought, "Lord, do I just not know how to hear Your voice anymore? Didn't You lead me to apply in the first place? What is this place You have brought me to, only to not allow me to cross the threshold?"

After the mail came this afternoon and I sat at the bottom of the driveway tearing into the scholarship letter from Richmont, I sat as the tears welled up after reading the words that rang with all their negative connotation... "unfortunately", "thank you for your interest, but", etc. A flurry of emotions came over me, but the one most shaking was, "Lord, I NEED to hear from You- I'm desperate for You to remind me I am Your sheep and that I hear and know YOUR voice. Please Lord."

In her sweet and gentle spirit, my dear friend reminded me that I had asked the Lord to keep all this in His hands, and that the decisions to make would be clear, and that if the door needed to stay closed that it would. So it did. So in this glorious revelation, I was reminded that I had indeed heard from the Lord. Maybe it wasn't the answer I was hoping for, but He is still God, still so good, and I receive it. Yes, Lord, I receive whatever it is You have in mind, instead of this plan I had in mind for myself. I receive from Your hands because YOU are the GOOD Giver, the GOOD Lover, the GOOD God. May my heart ever be, "yes, Lord" no matter the circumstances.

Now that the dust has settled and I can see a little clearer, and my heart is open to what He will say, I am ready & willing to hear it and boldly respond, "Yes, Lord, because I know that You are good and You are for me and You will never leave nor forsake me. Yes, Lord, because I long to trust and obey. Yes, Lord, because You have the best way, even if it is a painful way. Amen!"

Perfect Timing

In case anyone was wondering... I'm still waiting to hear about scholarships, but I am ok...

While I'm waiting, will You hold me?
As I fidget, will You comfort me?
While I'm waiting, will You show me what it is?
As I squirm, will You remind me of Your unfailing love?

The Truth of Your word, this prayer You have heard
I know You will lead me & never deceive me
That this timing is Yours and not my own
Perfect provision will prevail and Your plan will be unveiled!

Oh that You would grant me the patience needed for one more day
So that when You've provided, Your Glory will be on display
In this life full of cracks and impatience
Your light will shine through and be full and so gracious

So, I'll hold my horses and wait for Your timing
and in the meantime, keep on rhyming
of the day I look forward to when You show me Your glory
and hide me in the cleft of the rock to display Your story