Thursday, March 13, 2008

Baby Steps each day

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

Baby steps is what God keeps telling me over and over....the minute, no the second I think I'm ready for these big girl steps, the Lord oh so gently reminds me that I am not there. And then I wonder if we are ever ready and what are "big girl steps"?

I am so tired, I hardly slept at all last night, the girls are up and are getting under my skin as I write this......this is a perfect knock on the head for me that I should've been up over an hour ago to meet God this morning! Ugh..none the less here I am.

Bear with me...I have a lot on my heart today and I pray that it is not taken in the wrong way on this blog, please don't let this post be a "skimmer", read it all or none, please......Last night was bible study, and it went great, I think. At least, I stuck to my notes and stayed focused, but I don't know......I think there was, well, I know there was somethings in my heart that weighed very heavy, and I was having a hard time letting them go and just be used by God. There was a great turn out again, and even some new people which is always great! We talked about Principles 2 and 3, the Love, Honoring and Respecting your husband and Nurture your children. Since this class has a wide range of women and no one is in the exact same walk of life, I tried to focus more on the type of woman Mrs.P31 is rather than these roles specifically. The book digs deep into them so I figure those that want to go deeper specifically can read it, but I've got to make everyone feel apart during class.

I actually came home and sat and cried for a bit.....despite my heart's feelings of defeat, the Lord oh so gently an oh so sweetly blessed me with another incredible donation to the She Speaks conference right there in that moment.....the donation was incredible, but the words that came with the card.....the truly moved my spirit to calm and peace. And I'm so rejoicing because I'm totally at my amount needed for this scholarship!! THANK YOU ALL!!!

However, for some reason, even though it's not been a spirit of pridefulness or anything like, I have felt like I have to prove something to some people in our church. But I think I realized last night, that it was me who was having to prove something to someone......me. Through several circumstances this week I have felt more inadequate, not ready and just overall very negative in this process. I mean ya'll....in a church with over 15,000 members there are some AMAZING women who are leading, the standard is very high. But I totally realized last night.......that's not from God......that's a complete lie from the enemy. He, the enemy, wants to make me feel inadequate, failing and just not ready for this so that I will focus on those thoughts......and I know I am ready, because God has given me the words to say and filled my heart with a longing and passion for Him.

When I got pregnant with Taylor at the age of 19, so many people shunned me.....and I still feel that way from some. And I think what's been so hard for me.......is that I'm still at the same church with the same people, and even though God has done a mighty work in my heart......some people may or may not want to see it. I've always had this strong calling on my heart, I led bible studies in high school, went on mission trips and always have written.....I know that even though I stumbled, I fell.....I still fall, I know that God has said, "It's time. Pick up yourself and let's go." I guess some memories will never leave me....and maybe they are not supposed to, maybe God wants to use that to continually keep me humble and keep me compassionate.

Although I am not a bible scholar or haven't been to seminary and yes, this is my first "teaching class" at our church.......I realized that only through God's grace and His power have I been completely turned around and picked back up. HE has raised me up, HE has given me hope......HE has given me a heart that longs for righteousness and godliness in my life.....but it has all come from obedience to Him. Day by day, walking these steps....baby steps, simple steps. I have walked steps of lowness and darkness....but they have filled my heart with compassion for other women and a desire to bring other women to the heart of God.....completely.

That's why I just loved this verse this morning......it was just what I needed. None of this is for my glory, my name or anything like that.....I am no one. That is perfectly clear to me. But I serve a great God, a God with an incredible name..Jehovah. I don't want to be Beth Moore or Joyce Meyer or Priscilla Shiller (oh I know I spelled that wrong).....although they are incredible, and I mean incredible women.....I just want to be Nicki. And it's only through baby steps that I'm going to figure out what "Nicki's" style is....I can tell you this......I know my passion is for women to leave the darkness and walk in the light!

Everything I do....I never, ever want to shame the name of God. Never. I don't want to "follow" anyone, I don't want to "copy" anyone, I don't want to try and prove things to anyone....I just want to love others, love their ministry's, love their desires to follow God's call upon their lives and rejoice with them as God brings their call's and their desires to place! It's something to shout it out about!! Yes, I am young.....but that passion is there. And I'm not experienced, or anything like that....but that passion is definitely there and it's definitely from the Lord.....I could never do anything for my own glory....never.

My Sweet God,

Thank you again for the sunrise that comes up through the trees right now. Thank you for the breath of life you have given me today. Thank you for this home, this incredible husband, these sweet girly's......but God, thank you for your word that you have spoken to me about this morning.

Lord, I am no one.....I have done nothing incredible......I have a strong passion and desire for you, that's it. Lord, I thank you for those women who came last night. They were like little streams of fresh water to my soul. Their eyes were filled with their hearts, and I just loved to look at them. God they are so beautiful and they all have so many incredible stories, gifts and talents. Thank you for allowing my territory to "expand" so that I can learn from them.

There are so many people on my heart this morning, like Sumi, the sweet momma Lysa mentioned on her blog yesterday. I pray for her and her whole family today. Her story has touched my heart more than I ever knew, she is incredible godly, seeking you out type of woman......even in the midst of it all. Even in the midst of it all, she is willing to surrender her sweet little girl.

I think of all those I know that are dealing with hurt hearts today......Lord it is many, and you know them all by name. You know each of your children by their names and you call them oh so gently. I praise you for the victory some friends have had, in turning their darkness into light!! I praise you for the masks that are slowly coming off and people who are opening up their lives for YOU to work though. Your word says that you work all things out for the good......and that is what I claim today.

Walk beside me all day, be in my steps and Lord, just as this verse says, "Hold me with your hand".....what a precious thought Lord, to know that your hands are under me all the time. Lord I pray that my ways would always delight you, and always bring glory and honor to your name. Give me gentleness in everything I do and say, help me to always look for the good and help me to never think of people in the wrong way.

I love you so much Lord.

Walking in your faith, in your steps and in your guidance,
~Nicki

14 comments:

Stephanie D. said...

Nicki, girl you were GREAT teaching that class. I can't even tell you. I was in Ahh when I left.
I just finished posting my blog, then I looked at yours. All I can say is read mine, it is all about you, and how great you did. Have a blessed day, and congrats on the She Speaks.

JenB said...

Girl, even the "great", experienced, schooled leaders are nothing without God. And the really great ones know and readily admit this.
God is doing a work in you and you have lots to say and a testimony to share. Just do it! Rebuke Satan's words and keep repeating Jer. 29:11 to yourself. Prayed for you today.

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

Jennifer! I love that picture!! It's SOOO cute!! Thank you for your words of encouragment and I love. You are so sweet and this just blessed my heart. Thank you for your prayers! I'm lifting you up as well!

Stephanie, I just left you a comment on your blog too but I just again wanted to say a big thank you for your sweet words!

Denise said...

You are a precious blessing, and a beautiful daughter, who our Father loves very much. Thanks for being a woman who seeks her Fathers heart always.

nanatrish said...

Nicki, although I wasn't there I feel as though you come across with such sincerity. Remember satan is the accuser of the brethern and sisters too. He loves to play with our emotions and I think if we have a tendecy to have some self esteem issues then he really likes to work on that. You are stepping out and doing something wonderful to draw attention to our Lord and Savior and I think anytime that happens the accuser feels he must try to stop it. You are a masterpiece and I think it's great that you are young and want to serve Him with such a sincere heart. If we compare ourselves with some of the big time leaders we will always feel inadequate. It's kind of like me comparing myself with Cindy Crawford. God loves me and He can use me I just have to learn not to beat myself up because I don't look like Cindy. You are a blessing. I am so happy you got your money for the conference. I will be so anxious to hear about all the great things you learn. Love ya, Trish

Valarie said...

Precious girl. Go on the "Life Today" site and link to "Wednesday's with Beth" and listen to her lesson this week. It's all about the Pharisees in our lives that keep us from TRUE freedom and forgiveness in Christ because we think "they remember". Please go listen to it.

I love you and am so proud to watch you growing and using this passion to help others and not hoggin' it all for yourself!! ;-)

CONGRATS on the funds and be prayin' for mine girl!
V

Sharon Brumfield said...

I have in the past been called a Beth Moore wanna be.
BUT.....when they got to know ME..they found out that i just wanted to be like HIM.

I remember Beth talking about how she has special individuals lifting her up in prayer when she finishes teaching. She says that this is a great time of attack by satan.
Just move to the next lesson and begin preparing. Let Him be responsible for what happens. I know you know that. But sometimes it is good that we don't think we were "The bomb". Understand?
If we don't think we were all that the first time then the next time we don't have that to live up to.
We just open our mouth and let Him speak what He wills.
Besides that He is speaking directly to their hearts. They may not even be hearing what is coming out of your mouth.They may think they are. But He will speak to each what He needs them to hear--and He will use your voice to do it.
Kind of like in ACTS when everyone heard the message in their own language. The women will hear the message in their own heart language.
I hope that makes sense.
You tell the devil he is a liar and God's word was spoken and He promises it will not return void.
We are not responsible for the growth--just the planting.
Love ya girl

Karen Hossink said...

Hi Nicki,
I came over here from Leigh Gray's blog to meet you, and I am glad I did. Though I have only "met" you briefly, I admire your heart for God and your desire to honor Him. Keep your eyes fixed upon Him and keep on listening for HIS voice!

She Rose Up said...

What a beautiful heart-felt post! I rejoice with you on your She Speaks blessing! Clearly God is making a way, where it seemed like there was no way!

You are just showing you have a tender and humble heart, that is why He is able to pour into and thru you! You know what they say about those with a past? We ALL have one! It makes us able to love much! :)

Looking forward to the future with you!

I posted something today you may appreciate...Helium Head...

love,
maria

Kim said...

Nicki,
God will and is equipping you. Be confident in who He created you to be...you are a wanna be .... you wanna be like Him. Crown Him King and press on, sweet sister. I am praying for you.
Kim

Jenny said...

Nicki,
You are doing a great job, remember Satan wants more than anything to discourage you, don't let him. God has given you a gift, all you have to do is learn to use it. Kinda like a computer, it does wonderful things, and the more you use it the more it accomplishes. (Ok I really put blender there at first, but what does a blender really do??)

Have a great weekend and I can't wait to met you in person!

She Rose Up said...

Hi, Nicki! Just was thinking/praying about you. Wanted to drop in and say hello!

Happy weekend!
Maria

Lisa N Alexander said...

I feel your heart on this one Niki! Love you!

Sharon Brumfield said...

Good Morning to you!
He sees you!
Keep waving those arms. :)
A little something for you on my MeMe Monday post. Know you don't usually do these--but I wanted to include you.
Keep looking up--the time is getting closer. Don't let the everydayness of life dim your eyes.