Author: Nichole

Believing Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
—John 3:16 (NRSV)

God loves you! Did you know that? Okay – if you are reading this…chances are that you did know that. But do you believe it? There is a possibility that at some point, or another, you have questioned if a certain person in your life loves you. A parent, your spouse, a grandparent, your kid, etc. Personally – I have questioned this a handful of times in all four of those areas mentioned. It’s not a good feeling to question if someone loves you. Maybe we logically know they love us, but we don’t feel it or see it very often – which leads to the questioning. We can also have a hard time loving ourselves even.

This can lead to questioning God’s love for us at times. But. I want you to really know, and believe that God has a deep love for you. It’s the reason that He sent Jesus – His one and only Son – to come to the earth as a helpless baby only to grow up and save us all. So if you believe in Jesus you should also believe the love that comes from God. If you believe you have eternal life because of the faith you have in Jesus, then you should believe in the love that comes from God.

God loves you! God’s love is the never failing kind of love. When earthly love can fail us – God’s love never fails. When you fall short as a grandparent, parent, sibling, parent, child – God’s love never fails. When you feel unlovable – God’s love never fails and He demonstrates that love through Jesus. Remember that this Christmas season. You are loved. And because you are loved you can love others.

Maybe you are like me and have given yourself a hard time or two about how you have showed your love to your kids, spouse, parents, grandparents, friends, or people you don’t even know very well. Give yourself a break and then remind yourself that you can love others because you are first loved by God. Then go out and try to show that love again and again and again. Love others the way that Jesus loves you.

2020-12-21
In Love’s Time

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”
—Galatians 4:4 (NRSV)

I will never forget finding out we were having our first child. I was still finishing up my masters and an internship at a church I had been serving at throughout college. We were so excited when we found out, but the timing wasn’t the best. I was super nervous to tell our family life pastor, by boss, that we were expecting our first child. Partially because I knew that being pregnant would mean a crazier schedule with doctor visits and partially because I knew I needed advice. My internship was ending when I finished my masters that spring and that made things sticky.

Johnny, my boss, gave me the best insight that day. “There is never a ‘right’ time to have a baby.” He is right. We could always make excuses or explain why it’s such a terrible time to have a baby. But, we adapt. It made making the decisions to add to our family much easier because we weren’t looking for a magical timing of owning a home or having dream jobs (so long as we could support our family).

This is what makes Jesus’ story even more unique than it already is! The timing of Jesus being born was the “right” time. It was the time that God had planned on all along. While there may never be a “right” time for us to have babies…Jesus being born was the right time. It was the exact time that god had laid out knowing what the next 33 years would hold for Jesus and what that would mean for us.

God’s timing is perfect. It’s not always what we expect, desire, or understand…but God’s timing is perfect. Which is really hard when we have to wait. God’s people waited and waited for a king to come save them. They got a baby. So not only did God’s timing seem off to them because they had waited for so long, but then they were caught of guard. But we know the story. We know how it all plays out. It was perfect. Jesus was perfect and showed us perfect love that is now a part of our stories.

2020-12-20
Room Enough to Love

“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
—Luke 2:6-7 (NRSV)

We just had our third child. I remember when we went from one kid to two I was so nervous about the love I had in my heart. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to love two kids the same way I loved our first child. My heart had been opened up to this child and I wasn’t sure how it was going to work adding a second kid. Was I going to love our second born as much? Was my love for our first son going to diminish a little to make room for the second child? Maybe you’ve had kids and have had some of these fears or maybe it’s just me. But then we had our second child. And our oldest came to the hospital to meet him and I realized my heart stretched. It was big enough to love both boys the same amount (which is a lot). And now we have 3 kids. We added a daughter! But, this time I wasn’t scared or nervous. I knew, because of last time, how our hearts would grow and make room for another child.

As Adam and I talked about this love we talked about how much greater the love God has for us as His children. Love that we can’t even fathom. Love so great that He sent His one and only Son for us. To do something indescribable for us. How often do we, because of that great love, go out and show love for others? That was our next thought.

Truly. God sent His Son to show us love so that we might go out and love others which hopefully in turn makes disciples of all nations – something that we are called to do as Christ followers. So. How often do you go out and love others? I know that is particularly difficult given the current COVID circumstances. So we have to be pretty creative. So, what does that look like for you? This week. Show someone you love them. Go out of your way even if it’s a little, but then try to make it more habitual so it’s not “going out of your way” – rather, it’s a part of your every day life.

2020-12-19
Discipline of Joy

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
—Psalms 32:8 (NRSV)

My boys hate to be disciplined. I guess, probably, most kids don’t like to be disciplined. But we do it as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc…because we love the kid we are disciplining. Right? We do it because we want them to live the best life and to make the wisest decisions. So we lovingly guide them, but not only when they need discipline. Especially when they are younger – but even as they get older we lovingly guide them. When they need help, when they need love, when they need to make decisions, when they are learning, and more. We do this when they are young, but we also do this as they get older.

I will never forget being a full fledged adult in college my freshman year. I was standing in the laundry detergent aisle because I had ran out of clean clothes and needed to do laundry. I called my mom to ask her what kind of detergent we are supposed to use, ha! My mom lovingly told me what she uses, but that I could use whatever I chose to use.

Often in life we need God to guide us. Okay. All the time we need God to guide us. All the time we should be in communion with God and be seeking instruction from Him because He desires amazing things for us. I love the ending of this passage in this version, “with my eye upon you.” God is always looking after us. God is always with us even when we don’t think He is or feel Him. My favorite quote in life: “When nothing appears to be happening; something is happening. Because in the waiting; God is working.” How true!

2020-12-18
Joy Decision

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”
—Psalms 33:11 (NRSV)

Have you ever had to make a big decision in your life? It’s hard! Especially when it affects lots of different other areas of our lives. Maybe it was a big move, a job shift, adding to your family, etc. These types of decisions are big and take lots of prayer and consideration. When I have to make a big decision I seek out counsel. I hope you do too! Maybe you have specific people in mind you go to before you make a big decision. Your spouse, other family members, friends, and even pastors.

I hope you also seek out counsel from God. Because God has a plan and a purpose for us all. I believe that counsel from God is displayed in various areas. Scripture, worship music, listening to Him, and other people. God speaks to us in all of these avenues. God desires for us to seek out counsel when we make big decisions because God has a plan for us. God wants to be intimately involved in our lives. It’s why Jesus was sent to live among us – so that we could be in direct and right relationship with Him.

In this advent season – if you are facing a large decision that might affect multiple areas of your life – I hope you find joy in the fact that God sent His Son, Jesus, so that you might have the counsel you need from God. You are never far from God’s heart. You are always on God’s mind. God has a plan for you. Live into that plan and always seek after God.

2020-12-16
Joy in the Questions

“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.”
—Luke 1:38 (NRSV)

When it comes time for the Advent season and thinking about the story of Christmas—Jesus coming to earth for all humankind…I often think of Mary and Joseph. I think about what it must have been like to be these young teenage kids seeing an angel and getting this crazy, but amazing news. I think about Mary. She had to have known that by saying yes to this plan that God had for her was going to make Joseph question everything in their relationship. She had to have known that this would have ostracized them both from their community and there would be whispers. All the whispers.

She had to have known the repercussions and probably had so many questions for the angel. I mean—wouldn’t you? And yet. She said yes. She said that she would serve the Lord in this way. In this crazy unforeseen way she would follow through with what the angel was proposing to her. She could have said no. She could have! But, she knew (somehow) that God had a bigger plan and purpose here and for her. So she said yes. Yes to serving the Lord in this amazing way. She said yes in the face of potentially losing her fiance, dealing with all the whispers and questions, to caring for the Son of God.

God asks us all to serve. God asks us to serve those around us for the Kingdom so that all might know Jesus. Ultimately this is what I think of when I think of Mary saying yes. When we invite Jesus into our lives we say yes to Him, but also to serving Him. We are to make disciples of all nations.

This Christmas may not look normal. We won’t be in the building like we typically would be for the candlelight Christmas Eve service. But! You can still invite someone to church and to experience the love and light of Jesus. You can invite them to your home to do circle church or you could invite them to watch with their own families. Tell someone about Jesus this year. Bring joy to someone else the way that God has brought joy to you.

2020-12-14
Unplanned Joy

“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you will name him Jesus.”
—Luke 1:30-31 (NRSV)

I was thinking about Mary as I read this passage and her journey after she found out she was pregnant with Jesus. I was thinking of my own pregnancies. Each were different and none of them went exactly as I had planned. I had planned to be super healthy each one. But inevitably I had cravings. I had planned to not get sick each one (not that I am remotely in control of this). Each one I got sick and the last one was the worst! I had plans for how I would give birth. Not one of those went as planned as well and were all very different from each other. Adam, my husband, also had plans. He had planned to not get grossed out each time I got sick. He had planned to not break his wrist a week before we had our last baby.

I wonder if Mary’s pregnancy went as she had planned. Certainly it was not in her plans to have a baby out of wedlock. Certainly it was probably not in her plans to have her first baby be the Son of God who she would eventually watch be put to death for all human kind so that we might have life to the full. So I would imagine her pregnancy didn’t go as planned as well. I assume, also, that having this baby in a manger was not in Mary and Joseph’s plans.

I am a planner. I really am. And so when things don’t go as planned, it throws me off.

But. God had a plan for Mary. That’s why God sent the angel. To tell her of His plan. Thankfully she said yes! I am so sure that this plan gave Mary a lot of joy. Babies bring joy. Watching our children grow up gives us joy. Probably watching Jesus serve others, teach, and love gave her joy. Ultimately knowing that God had a plan through it all gives joy.

I am a planner. Lately it’s been really hard to do that. I know you all can relate. I basically didn’t use my fancy planner I bought at the end of 2019 for 2020 for 8 or 9 months. I didn’t like that.

But. I find a sense of peace, yes, but joy in the fact that God has a plan here. God didn’t will all of what was 2020 to happen. But God brings good out of bad and hardships. God has a plan here. In that we can find joy. In God you can have joy.

2020-12-12
Companion of Peace

“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
—John 16:33 (NRSV)

I think it’s interesting that we see the word “persecution” in this translation. Persecution at its base is ill treatment or harassment. We have seen this for many in our world and especially in the US this last year. Maybe you have even felt persecuted in some way or another in this last year or at some point in your life.

It’s not a great feeling. In fact it downright feels terrible. It feels pretty disheartening to see it happen to others as well. I’m betting, like me, over the last year you have wondered where the peace was in our world.

The reality? Our peace doesn’t come in or from this world. Our peace comes from Jesus. Even when our world is in shambles – our peace and the peace that everyone needs comes from Jesus. That is why it’s so important to tell everyone about the peace that Jesus can bring and already has brought us. That’s why it’s so important to tell everyone about Jesus. What He is doing in your life!

That’s right! Yes, Jesus can bring us peace. But we have to remember that Jesus has already brought the peace. Jesus conquered the world. Jesus defeated death. For us! For you, for me, for our neighbor. We don’t have to be afraid, or disheartened, or face persecution alone because of what Jesus did for us. And this brings peace.

Take courage. Find peace in the fact that Jesus came so that we might have life and have it to the full. So that we might have peace in the face of some really tough circumstances where we see persecution around us or in our own lives. Take courage. Take peace. And then give that peace to someone else that needs it just as much! We all need Jesus. We all need peace – especially now.

2020-12-11
In Peace We Trust

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
—John 14:27 (NRSV)

Okay. I am just going to say it. This has been a very hard year. A year filled with heartache, uncertainty, fear, and more. All the emotions have hit and have hit very hard. There have been moments where I didn’t know what to think and had no words. There have been moments where I have been frustrated and unsettled. Maybe you feel the same?

The world has given us, this year, a lot of crud. The world has not been kind to us this year. This has not been our year.

But. Thankfully Jesus does not give to us as the world gives. Jesus gives us so much more. We don’t have to be afraid or troubled because God sent Jesus to make it so we can have right relationship with Him. God sent Jesus to give us peace. I have not felt much peace this last year. Reading the news every day was hard and did not give me peace. Being a parent and making very hard decisions about my kids did not give me peace. Being a pastor—I have not felt peace.

But lately. I have been praying for peace. I know that because of Jesus I can have peace. And you know what? I have been starting to feel it! Slowly. But it’s there. The more I let Jesus in and pray for peace the more I am able to be at peace. And you know what else? I have been praying for peace for you too! Because peace was our gift from Jesus. He desires for us to have peace especially in the moments where it seems impossible to have it.

Do not let your heart be troubled, dear friend. Don’t be fearful of the things to come. Put your trust in Jesus knowing that He gives you the peace that you need.

2020-12-09
Surpassing Peace

“So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and ponder them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
—Luke 2:16-20 (NRSV)

News about a baby is excitement meets peace. Hang with me for a second here. First let’s talk about excitement. Has anyone ever told you they were expecting and you almost leapt out of your skin?! It is just so wonderful when someone you love is expecting a baby! You almost feel like you need to go out and tell everyone. But, usually it’s not your news to tell.

In this case of baby Jesus…The shepherds got to go and tell everyone! How fun would it be to go and tell literally everyone you wanted and knew that your friend or relative is having a baby?! The excitement of baby Jesus was just too much for the shepherds to contain. They ran to go see the baby and then they left and told everyone and anyone!

Okay. Now the peace part. As a mom to three (one of them being a newborn) I know that babies aren’t always the most peaceful. They are up a lot at night which is supposed to be a peaceful and restful time. But. Have you ever held a sleeping baby or a calm baby? Are they not the most peaceful things you ever did see?!

Jesus brought peace. Jesus brought excitement meets peace.

Do you need peace in your life? Or rather – do you know someone in your life that needs the peace and comfort of Jesus? Will you go and with excitement tell them of the news of Jesus and what Jesus has done in your life – what Jesus can do in their life?

I encourage you to find one person you know that needs peace this advent season – this COVID season. Tell them about the peace you have experienced. Peace that surpasses all understanding.

2020-12-07