tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11613202508882387352024-03-12T17:46:44.306-07:00Laughter is a Smile with the Volume Turned UpThis is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-43183949948718136822016-10-05T06:36:00.002-07:002016-10-05T19:31:25.895-07:00In the morning...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus</i><i>."</i></span><br />
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For the longest time, I've been struggling with getting up in the mornings for work. It seemed no matter what I did, I was always rushing. Recently at Bible study, we were asked to pick a Bible verse we wanted to claim over this new season. I had totally forgotten to look for one so I quickly scrolled through my camera roll looking at all the special verses God had given me throughout the year. But inside I knew that those verses were verses for those seasons and God wanted to present me with something new. My mind flashed back to that moment in worship earlier when I was talking with God scrambling for answers to everything. And like He's been reminding me over and over, He said, "I love you. Is that not enough?"<br />
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I thumbed over the pages of my Bible with a short prayer, "I know this never works, but God could you just let me open to the verse you want me to have?" Not wanting to end up in Psalms like every single time I've randomly opened the Bible before, I stopped over the New Testament and opened. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to one section, the verse wasn't underlined but it might as well have been, I could see the pen sneaking through from the other side: <br />
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Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." John 14:8<br />
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I love you. I love you. I love you. I guess you could say I'm pretty stubborn and sometimes I don't really listen, because this is all He's really been answering lately. Of course, there's a lot going on and of course, it's just natural to want the solutions just handed down to us, but that's not what He wants. He wants me to understand that everything is irrelevant when I understand how much He truly loves me. If He loves me, then nothing else really matters. <br />
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As I've been fighting a cold this past week, I've had a lot more time to just relax and listen. I can't spend countless hours singing and playing guitar, dancing to the point of over-exhaustion, and I can't talk. So I've been forced to spend my time reading, enjoying His presence, and just being still. And surprisingly despite the fact that I've had so much more time to let my mind roam around and wander, I've found myself to be less confused about life. He loves me, which means that everything else will make sense in due time. <br />
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Maybe it's been all the extra sleep I've been getting lately, but as I learn about the importance and power of prayer and choose to be silent, it's been easier to wake up. Rather than getting up and immediately checking out the news on fb, I've been choosing to open up my "First Five" devotional and then just sit in my bed, Bible open, waiting to hear what He's saying. Overall, my whole days have felt lighter, less stressed, and more fulfilling. I've even began trying to take walks around our school campus before having to clock in. Yes, it does require waking up earlier, but to feel that cool, crisp autumn air filling my lungs and see the beautiful sunrise, I'd wake up whenever He asks me. Waking up doesn't feel quite so burdensome when waking up with Jesus. And the constant prayer I find myself saying as I circle our campus in the morning is, "In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus..." cause there is nothing as beautiful as time spent with Him.<br />
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<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-76313392315838025502016-07-17T02:29:00.002-07:002016-07-17T02:35:37.678-07:00Stepping into the Faith Zone<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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"Delight yourself in the Lord, </div>
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and He will give you the desires of your heart." </div>
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Psalms 37:4</div>
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During my trip to Bethel, I picked up the book "The Faith Zone" by Steve Long, where the author describes faith as "acting on a revelation." And he calls the Faith Zone, the point where we step out on a revelation from God see miracles happen.<br />
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Throughout this year, God has been repeating Psalms 37:4 everywhere, from the random artwork I bought myself on New Years, the prophetic word I got from a girl at church, or the verse my friend wrote in the cover of the book she gave me as a gift. It's been popping up everywhere! "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." <br />
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I used to believe that meant He would shift our desires to be Godly ones, which He does, but I didn't know that meant we'd actually be given <i>our</i> desires. Just this past week at Bible study, one of the girls spoke on how our dreams must die for God to resurrect them in their glorified state. And I've come to find that when I finally hold my dreams with open palms, God usually doesn't take them away from me. Rather in surrendering them to Him, He rewards my obedience with everything I wanted and more!<br />
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A few weeks ago, a guest speaker came from out of state to speak for our generations night at church. On my drive over, I found the financial challenge card I had picked up when I visited my former church on my brother's birthday the week before. It read, "Giving: Pay for a stranger's meal." As I read it, I could already feel the urge to throw out the card and pretend I didn't read it. But instead, I shot up a quick prayer, "God, I'll know who's meal to get, because you will let me know." Throughout that night, the speaker mentioned various times how much he wanted In'n'Out, so when the service ended and no love offering was received I knew what I needed to do. I tossed the idea in my mind of checking my car for a smaller bill than the one in pocket, when I heard that stern voice in my head scold me for my stinginess. God is calling you to bless someone. So bless them.<br />
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I felt pretty accomplished afterwards and thought my job was done, but lo' and behold, there he was again the very next day speaking for our main service. Not too long before the tithe was collected he mentioned how "God will restore in seven fold what the devil has taken." And there it was in bright big words in my mind. SEVEN FOLD. "Take yesterday's number and multiply it by seven." Ahh! The horror!! I had just taken a two week vacation from work and was already going to be earning less than in the usual school year, AND I had just given him money yesterday, but I knew who was speaking to me. If faith is acting on a revelation from God, then, how could I not obey? <br />
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As I sat calculating my finances later that week, I couldn't help but wonder what God was planning and why He was asking me to take huge leaps of faith. That very week, I attained two new students for tutoring, I was unexpectedly called into my school's office and given an amazing financial blessing, and had a phone interview for my dream job!!! to teach dance to little kids at a Christian dance studio!<br />
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It would be amazing if it was all that easy, but it wasn't. I was in the faith zone, where God likes to work what we call "miracles." I heard back from the dance studio, a few days earlier than expected and was scheduled a follow-up interview--the technical interview, where I would dance for them and show them a sample of choreography appropriate for young dancers and another routine to demonstrate my style as a dancer. Well, I was terrified. I already knew because of the timing and all the dandelions, that this job was exactly where I was supposed to be, but I still couldn't help but be so scared. And of course, four days before the interview I sprain my foot jumping and dancing during morning recess with my students. But there was no way I was about to reschedule the interview and no way I wouldn't practice for it, this job was a dream come true for me. Just the opportunity to try for it was more than I ever imagined, I could ever receive.<br />
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I was trying to choreograph a routine to "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott (lead singer of Lady Antebellum), and it was really hard. I remember hearing the line repeat in my head "it's hard to count it all joy, distracted by the noise..." as I would painfully land my grande jete on my exhausted feet. "Thy will be done." I prayed and prayed and even asked others to pray for my foot. All week, I was teaching class after class of dance with my students and constantly walking back and forth across campus watching recess and running errands. Why did I have to get injured now? That night before the interview, I prayed something different. I prayed that if God would not heal my foot, that He would grant me the strength to dance through it, so that all the glory may go to Him. And that night, I was given a different song. He told me, I want you to dance to "Feathers" by Lilah Burger. He wanted all the glory to be His. <br />
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"He will cover you with his feathers, </div>
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and under his wings you will find refuge."</div>
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Psalms 91:4</div>
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The next morning, I wrapped my hurt feet and slid on my dance shoes. I helped assist the mini camp, and then had a fifteen minute break to rehearse the choreography God had given me the night before. I was so nervous. I had barely gotten a chance to practice this routine, and it seemed too "simple". <br />
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But it was all a blessing, the whole preparation and interview process. During the interview, they asked why I wanted to teach dance and I admitted that my training was not as much as I would like, but I loved dance and kids and that I believed that God had been blessing me with dandelions and asking me to dream bigger. Wiping tears from her eyes, one of the ladies responded saying, "Well, we believe that you are God's answer to our prayers, because we have been praying for someone with a heart like yours." <br />
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And that is how, God worked the most beautiful miracle in my life, that while I felt unqualified and scared and even injured, He was able to do what I believed was impossible. Now I will get to teach ballet and tap dance to little three year olds starting in August, and I am completely overjoyed. I was disappointed when it seemed like the door I believe would open didn't, but that's because God had something even more beautiful in the making. Dreams really do come true!<br />
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FAITH</div>
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Sees the invisible</div>
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Believes the unbelievable</div>
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And receives the impossible</div>
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Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-75527819701854392472016-06-08T23:34:00.000-07:002016-07-16T20:20:55.980-07:00Dandelion Seeds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're never to old to wish on dandelion seeds.</td></tr>
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A few months ago during a walk with my best friend, we stumbled across a single dandelion. It was the beginning to my journey with dandelion seeds. For as long as I could remember, every birthday candle, penny tossed into a wishing well, and every dandelion seed I blew were spent asking God for the same thing. (which I can't obviously say, cause that's against the rules of wishes) But this time, I finally chose to ask for something different. It kind of went like this, "I want, Lord, what you want."<br />
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I had always been a pretty big dreamer, specifically a day dreamer with huge aspirations! I wanted to write books and music. I wanted to inspire the younger generations and change the world. I'm not exactly sure when I gave up on dreaming, but I do remember a point in life when I considered myself dumb for dreaming. I don't think it was a coincidence that it was around the same time I was tied down to my race against time. It wasn't until I could finally break off those chains that I felt it was okay to dream again. When my womens' Bible study prayed for me last year, one of their prophetic words for me was that God was going to give me dreams again, dreams I had since birth and new ones He had yet to grow in my heart. And that's what He's been doing for me.<br />
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I really like how Stasi Eldredge said it, "When you let God's love overwhelm your fears, He replaces them with desires and dreams." (Becoming Myself) As I read her books, "Becoming Myself" and "Captivating" I realized that our dreams are not dumb, they are what makes us unique. They are our God-given desires for our lives.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.<br />
Psalm 37:4</td></tr>
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I found myself a few weeks later I was with my friend again talking. It seemed that life was turning upside down for both of us. Doors that had seemed to open were shutting on us, and things were not going the way we planned or hoped. We were about to end our conversation feeling a bit discouraged, when there again was one single dandelion waiting for us to wish on. We already knew what the next step would have to be. We may not be sure of where we're headed, but we wanted to have the courage to follow God when He did reveal our path.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even when everything seems up in the air, don't stop dreaming, <br />
because one day all those wishes will land exactly where God has planned.</td></tr>
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A few days later, I went on a nine mile hike up in the canyons with some church friends. Being out of reception it felt like the perfect place to be still and listen to God speak. So He sent me dandelions. But not the cute normal fluffy ones. These ones were huge and silver with spiky seeds. At first there was one, then another, and another. I knew exactly what He was telling me. Because I knew that deep inside I was too afraid to ask God for what I really wanted. It's not because I didn't believe He could do it, but I didn't believe He would do it, because I feel many time undeserving. But here I was on a nine mile hike with Him surrounded by hundreds, maybe thousands of dandelions. Too many, I couldn't even possibly have that many wishes. It was like He was telling me, I don't want to give you just one dandelion, all of these are for you. You can never ask too much. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And when you think your dreams are too big or too much to ask God for, <br />
He says, dream bigger.</td></tr>
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Over and over again, He has brought me to full on tears, just completely overwhelmed with how much He <i>loves </i>me and <i>wants </i>me to dream. <br />
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Just this past weekend, I was with my bestfriend again, but this time in Redding visiting Bethel Church. I was looking forward to a weekend of crazy spiritual encounters and who knows what else God would send my way. I had a coupon for the bookstore, so there I was, searching every nook and cranny in that place for my gift from Jesus. Just like my times at Ross, I knew it would be evident when I found the book. And there were so many. Books on having faith, interpreting dreams, starting a dance team at your church, etc. etc. whatever you could think of, they had it. I kept picking up book after book, without any hope. So in my mind, I said, I'll know I have found my book because it will have a dandelion on it. I had searched the whole store, disappointed that I was obviously wrong again. Maybe I wasn't so good at hearing God. My friend called me over to check out their journal section, pulling out a single journal. This looks like you're type of journal. I barely glanced over, and suddenly waterfalls poured from my eyes.<br />
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There it was. The book God promised me. Through unrelenting sobs I quietly squeaked out, "It has a dandelion." Nothing was too much, nothing was too dumb to ask. Here I was overcome that God loved me so much as to grant me such a petty petition. Keep dreaming He told me.<br />
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Knowing God, I'm sure I'll continue to have more dandelion experiences, but I thought I'd share the few I encountered today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When your dreams seem broken, maybe it's because some of them have finally taken flight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">And my favorite so far, the dandelion-covered field waiting right outside our hotel room.</span></td></tr>
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<i>He spoke to me through dandelions seeds, blowing in the wind,</i></div>
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<i>On the gentlest of breezes, in the rose-colored sunsets.</i></div>
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<i>And He whispered in my ear, "Darling, dream again."</i></div>
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<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-19262582581729037152016-04-15T23:57:00.000-07:002016-04-16T00:32:25.800-07:00Discovering Your Dreams<div style="text-align: center;">
"Dreams! He will show you dreams that have yet to be unraveled."</div>
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Let me just start by saying, God is absolutely amazing. I have a thing for dates and numbers, and for whatever reason I like to keep track of them. February last year, our ladies Bible study prayed over me, many beautiful prophetic words and pictures. Today as I sat down to reread the notes taken from that prayer, I read the date, "February 12, 2015." Something so simple, but it brought tears to my eyes, because for me, February 12 became the day this year, where I let my anger and fears determine my actions and ruin something God had been working in my life. It also became the beginning to what has been a wonderful journey of discovering who God made <i>me</i> to be.<br />
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During these past two months, I've grown leaps and bounds in my relationship with Christ. From dancing in the rain, singing for hours on end, and drawing and coloring; I've come to understand so much more what it means to rest in God's embrace. Every day, I grow a little stronger and gain a little more patience, and every week something new occurs trying its hardest to bring me down. <br />
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Monday hit me like a tidal wave. I was enjoying the sunniest most joyful day I've had in months, when discouragement reared it's ugly head, again. It left me shaking and in tears, and with a tremendous craving for vanilla ice cream. But having listened to Candace Cameron Bure's book "Reshaping It All" over the weekend, I knew food was the wrong choice. Because food, even friends, are not where we should find our refuge. So I ran to God.<br />
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I put on my running shoes, my headphones, and ran. And for the next hour, I cried, I prayed, and then I listened. And He answered:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, <i>with thanksgiving,</i> present your requests to God. And the peace of God, <i>which transcends all understanding,</i> will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So despite the pain and discouragement I was feeling</span><span style="font-size: small;">, I</span> chose to get on my knees and praise God for all knew to be true about Him. That He <i>is </i>good. He <i>is </i>faithful. And most importantly, that He <i>loves </i><b>me</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That night, I began a new prayer. I started by thanking Him, and I asked not only for His peace, but that He would teach me to be content no matter the surrounding circumstances (Phil. 4:11). I chose to fight back differently. I realized that my battle was not against the people around me, but against the lies the devil feeds us. I began coloring and coloring and coloring some more. Like a little kid, I hung the Bible verses I drew on my closet door, colored in pencil, crayola marker, and crayons. And over the next few days, my whole perspective shifted. My heart found peace in areas of my life I had been struggling to release or understand. And there was so much joy in my heart. Like the doors to all my biggest dreams were being thrown wide open. And requests I believed were too much to ask of God were being offered to me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the audio book "Becoming Myself" I'm currently listening to, the author Stasi Eldredge mentions that when we allow God's love to overwhelm our fears, He replaces our fears with desire--those intrinsic desires that make us unique. In quieting my mind this week and focusing my eyes on God's truth. I've come to discover more of these desires and even see them become realities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've <i>always </i>wanted to paint! As a kid, I would spend my weekend mornings watching Bob Ross create beautiful landscapes. I never took a single art class, but God blessed me with the creativity and good enough cursive to make some pretty cool calligraphy, and it turns out I'm a decent painter when I try. I also loooove dance. Of course, I would love to be more trained and have had years and years of classes as a child, but for me, I dance because God blessed me with dancing feet and a passion for it. Never in a million years would I realistically think I could ask God for the opportunity to teach dance, and yet, here I was this week spending everyday of spring break in our school's day camp sharing my passion for dance with my students. My heart could not be any more content. As I step back and let God sit in the driver seat, it allows me to look out the window and enjoy the scenery around me. To see the leaves blowing in the wind, enjoy the flowers blossoming around me, and feel His presence in every moment of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Discovering God is a beautiful thing because He is beautiful. But it is also beautiful, because in discovering Him, we discover who we are as well. As I let His peace and love drive away fear, my soul is satisfied and my being is filled with overflowing joy. My hope is to be so grounded in Christ that one day, I can say Psalms 31:25 describes the type of woman I am. Leading a fearless life. Living boldly. Laughing without fear of the future, because I know it rests in His hands. </span><br />
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I told my friend just yesterday, and I pray I can continue to believe this statement just as profoundly as I did that night: "I know God is faithful. So, if I heard Him correctly, I know He will make things work. And if I was wrong and I heard incorrectly, then I know God has something even better in store."<br />
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Fight the lies with God's truth and always remember:</div>
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<b>He is Good. </b></div>
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<b>He is Faithful.</b></div>
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<b>And He Loves You. </b></div>
Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-9404495439342343492016-03-27T22:02:00.000-07:002016-04-07T12:06:45.556-07:00Oh Lover of My Soul, You Have Filled My Heart with Greater Greater Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 13:44</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the longest time, people had been telling me, just take it to God. Ask Him. And I wanted to, but in all honesty I didn't know how. How do I know where He wants me to go? How do I know if it's Him or just my mind making things up like before? This year has already been quite an adventure. From pages and pages of letters to God, silent dances under the stars in my church's empty parking lot, and many many tears. Life feels like a rollercoaster of ups and downs, many which don't make sense now, and perhaps never will. Last year, God had to let me wander into deep waters to grasp how much deeper His grace is, and ultimately how much deeper His love is. For most of my life, I've known Jesus as my God. Last year, He became my Savior, and now my love. It may seem crazy to talk about the Lord of Lords as my lover, but He is, and we are His bride. As I let His grace erase my shame and heal my deepest hurts, it's opened the doors to know God in a much more intimate manner.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one will ever understand our hearts and deepest desires the way God does, after all He made them all. Since I've entered this chapter with Him, I've seen His provision in so many ways. Whether it's something trivial like a $10 bill the floor right outside the ice cream shop or something big like the refund check in the mail that came in the week my car broke down, He's always watching over me and providing. I see His beauty and guidance in every step. I've had multiple times when I was about to buy something at the store that wasn't quite what I was hoping for and stopped because I heard His silent nudge to wait. Sure enough, not too long later, Jesus would bring me across what I actually wanted. Little reminders, that even my silliest desires are important to Him. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could write for my whole life and never ever run out of words to describe how amazing being in love with Jesus is. If you don't know Him this way, let me urge you to open the door to your heart and let Him w</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oo you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a girl, my biggest dream has always been to marry one day, to find someone to love and love me back. Seeing so many of my friends now getting engaged and married makes it so much harder to be patient. But that's what this year has proven to be about, learning patience. Not just in relationships, but in every aspect: my dreams, my future, my music. Patience for me has been one of the hardest things to learn, because it takes time. As a person, who spent a good portion of my life living in my past and running a race against time, sitting still and letting God be in control is not easy. At first, I thought patience just meant waiting it out. I realized pretty quickly it wasn't. Patience isn't just waiting, but releasing the outcomes to Him and trusting God to do what He knows is best. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crazy beautiful thing is the closer I draw to God, the more tangible He becomes. After being a grooms-woman in one of my friend's weddings, I couldn't help but repost everything wedding related on pinterest and listening to any possible love song about waiting or weddings I found on my spotify. My best friend warned me to be careful with my daydreams, because as much as God wants to give us our desires, we don't want to obsess over it and lose focus. But the more and more I heard these songs, the more comforted I felt. Because I no longer found myself dreaming about my future husband, but delighting myself in being Christ's bride. It's like every waltz I'd dance was being led by Jesus. No one else may see Him, but I know He's there, because I can feel his arms around me, and there's so much peace in my soul. What He speaks in my heart resonates so deeply, I just know it's Him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never in my life have I felt so loved and beautiful, as in those silent moments, spinning like a little girl with dreams of being a princess one day to the lyrics, "You are my beloved, and I am yours to keep. Take my heart forever, You have captured me." Now when I'm asked if I've prayed about whatever is going on. I can say with confidence, "yes" and really know that I have. God tends to answer us in three ways: yes, no, and wait. So when things don't go my way, I can rest assured in what God has revealed to me already and know that He is faithful, and it will all come together as it should, but in His time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't say it all makes sense now, or that it's even easy. I still struggle with patience, but the overwhelming peace inside I have when I let Him wrap His arms around me brings much joy despite the fear that comes with seasons of transition. In being silent and waiting, God's been able to lead me into some beautiful new beginnings. After twenty-two years, I started attending a different church. I've returned to helping lead worship after a five month break. I sang in our choir today! I'm helping direct my school's spring performance. I've even decided to finally return to school for a Masters degree. And my songwriting inspiration has returned. So many things, I probably wouldn't have received or done on my own. But He gives me courage to push past my fears and past hurts and to follow confidently. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the point where it finally clicked for me was one day lying on my bed, when God asked me, "What do you fear most? ...and even if that happens, what do you know to be true?" </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"That You love me, and I <i>am </i>valuable." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then wrapping His arms around my broken self, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He held me and whispered in my ear, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Then You're going to be okay."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have patience and trust in the Lord always. "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" Luke 1:45</span></span>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-91822569966634278922015-02-25T22:11:00.001-08:002015-02-25T22:11:12.799-08:00Like Thank-You Letters<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Ps-100-4" id="en-NIV-15513"><img height="451" id="irc_mi" src="http://thebarnprincess.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Psalm100-4-960x720.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="601" /> </span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">I struggle understanding why tithing for some people is so hard. God said He would always provide. So as a child, I'd tithe, and even now when I have procrastinated on my giving and the check has turned out to be enough to afford another month of rent, with a sad wallet and even sadder bank account, I'd do it anyway. It's a non-negotiable for me. I could adjust anything else on my budget but tithing had to stay. Now don't get me wrong, as a kid I'd see my friends around me pull out handfuls of change or dollar bills to place into the basket as it tumbled through the pews, I just thought they were crazy and that giving that way was pointless. Shouldn't you actually be aware of how much you're giving God and not just throwing in random numbers? Isn't tithing supposed to be an act of worship?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">I see it as a thank you letter. In this case, the thank you letter my first elementary classroom </span></span>gave me. Stepping into the classroom halfway through the school year, my fifth graders were very thankful to have a new teacher willing to take on the job. I saw them passing notes that first day of class, but decided to look away and pretend I didn't see. Why? Because I noticed they were writing letters. At recess time, my children presented me with 3 hand-written letters welcoming me to their class and thanking me for being there for them. They had drawings and rhinestones! One even had a Legacy Loot (their classroom money), a scented marker (for grading), and a real $1 bill. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">I never asked for money, or for anything really, but the kids gave me these gifts anyways. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">They did, because they were <b>thankful</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">That moment I learned more from my students, than I could probably </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">ever </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">teach them. They showed me what God wants from us. He's not asking for our money cause He <i>needs</i> it. God doesn't need our money. He asks for cheerful givers. Not givers who feel obligated, but givers who are happy to give their money because they're so <i>full </i>of gratitude! The same way my students excitedly presented their letters and precious dollar bill because they were thankful. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">God blesses us with so much! Our problem is we think that what we are given is ours. We think that every penny we "earn" is ours, and ours alone, without realizing that God was the one who provided that job and continues to provide for us every single day. Our time, talents, finances, bodies, everything is His. When we look at our lives that way, I just wish I could give God back more! That I could give Him everything I earn and live in His love alone. But life doesn't work that way. We need money to pay bills, have food to eat. Everything revolves around money in our culture. It's almost impossible to spend time with other people without something costing money: internet, coffee, gas. Maybe we don't struggle with the "love of money" but I sure LOVE the freedom that comes with having money!</span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4">I'll be the first to admit that lot's of times I don't tithe in thankfulness. Many times I tithe in pure selfishness! because God promises to bless us:</span></span><br />
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty, “and see if I will not </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">throw open the floodgates </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">of heaven and pour out so much blessing </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><span class="text Mal-3-10" id="en-NIV-23131">that there will not be room enough to store it.</span>"</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-100-4"><i>Malachi 3:10 </i></span></span></div>
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But my goal is to let tithing become an act of worship. Being aware of what I am offering back to Him--learning to give back to God out of gratitude and not just for His blessings. He will bless us, and He will provide. But our tithes should be like thank-you letters. We don't write thank-you letters because we hope that person will give us more next time, but because we are thankful for what they have done, whether or not it will happen again. Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-23791528004424308942015-02-25T01:42:00.001-08:002015-02-25T01:43:16.009-08:00Coincidence or God?Throughout life there have been many things I have pondered whether were truly just coincidences or something more. Like back in college, it never rained until after I arrived at work. I'd walk to work almost everyday, but never in the rain. Would it be too much to say "that is God"? Are there things that truly are from God?<br />
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Over the past few weeks, since I started attending a new women's Bible study and diving in the Word so many things have been happening.<br />
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It started a little into our study of "Blessed Is She" based on Luke 1:45, <i>"</i><i>Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"</i></div>
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I like to consider myself to be someone with strong faith and courage, like Esther. But I find myself being more of a Thomas--a doubter. One week during our study we wrote lies we sometimes believe onto the back of 3x4 cards, and then the truths on the other side. My lie was: "God will not follow through on His promises." It didn't take long for me to forget what I had written and just move one, but I find that lie still lingering.<br />
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Every week, we elected a different girl to be prayed for, and despite being new to this group, I was chosen rather quickly. We would pray for the person and the Bible passage they had chosen as their promise from God for 2015. Mine was Micah 7:5-7, <i>"Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words... But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." </i>I felt so blessed to hear the girls' prayers, words, and pictures God brought to their mind for me.<br />
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A week later, I visited my friend's charismatic church. (Just know, if you ever visit a charismatic church, you WILL hear from God. lol.) Sometimes I feel skeptical of prophecies, and tongues can make me feel uncomfortable at times, but I also believe in a God of miracles and that nothing is impossible with Him.<br />
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Anyways, I missed the whole worship set because of traffic and taking the wrong exit... whoops! And mid-sermon got distracted by a text message from a very good college friend of mine who happened to be in town at that exact moment and wanted to meet up. I was enjoying the lesson thoroughly but couldn't pass up the opportunity to see a close friend I hadn't seen in over a year. The service had just ended and the prayers were calling up people they believed God was speaking to that night. I was waiting for a last text to tell me where to meet, when suddenly one of the girls pointed straight into the pews at me. I had to disconnect myself from my phone and listen to what God wanted to say. Wandering up to the front, I felt afraid and nervous. In the moment, everything was a blur. There were so many distractions: my phone I left on the pew, the hands on my shoulders and back, the dizzy and light sensation I was feeling, the occasional person praying in tongues. When I returned to my seat, my phone had a missed call and text. My friend's phone had died. I had almost missed God's reason for me being there that night. After the service, another girl approached me and gave me another word. It's hard to explain what exactly were her words and what happened, but it touched my soul and cut through fears I was holding onto tightly.<br />
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Growing up in a conservative non-denominational church, the Holy Spirit and supernatural was kind of a subject swept under the rug. Nobody really mentioned it, but there was no denying this and saying it was all made up. These people did not know me at all and yet spoke into my life about areas that I needed to know that God had not abandoned. The craziest thing was that the words aligned perfectly with what the girls at my Bible study had also prayed and spoke over me. And many of the words overlapped with things God had been telling me individually as well.<br />
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I wish hearing from God made things easier. But it hasn't, it just gives hope. It still is hard to hear when God blesses others and my dreams seem to be rotting away. It fills me with jealousy and anger, things I don't want to feel, like abandonment, like I'm being lied to. <i>Can </i>God? <i>Will </i>God really follow through on His promises? I recalled to my father today everything the pastor spoke during the sermon that Saturday, how we are made strong in our weaknesses, so that God can be exalted, rather than ourselves. I then handed him the old set of house keys my mother had randomly just given to me. They came with a key chain reading, "God keeps his promises." We both quietly chuckled over the coincidence. When I opened up my daily devotion minutes later, 2 Corinthians 12:9a was written at the top, <i>"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'." </i><br />
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Coincidence or God?</div>
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<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-30627343043197884092013-12-23T19:16:00.000-08:002013-12-23T19:16:25.429-08:00Life After College<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Diploma being placed in my hand, am I ready to face the world in which I stand?"</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What does come after college? Grad school? Marriage? Babies? A full time job? A big black gaping hole??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sometimes I see a cliff overlooking darkness. Other times I don't know what I see... or if i see anything at all. I just spent two decades of my life earning this degree and now I'm not sure where I'm headed. I'm not getting married. Psh, I don't even have a boyfriend. I'm definitely not financially independent. And going back to school wasn't part of my plan. I wanted to work on my music, record a cd and maybe even become famous! What I got instead was to move back in with my parents, indefinitely, (I love them TONS but I gotta say it's def an adjustment after spending three years on my own at college) and the realization that going to grad school would have probably been a lot less scary than figuring out what to do with my life. As a nineteen year old college graduate, you'd think I'd be well set on my way to having a successful career.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course, along with my twentieth birthday came the responsibility of bills and getting a "real job." After all I was a grown adult now, pros and cons. I found myself working at several places: as a choreographer for a small youth theatre company, a babysitter at my church, and the ballroom dance instructor at my old high school. My free time was quickly used up pursuing my passion for dance, and slowly I stopped writing as consistently, set down my guitar, till eventually almost all my spare time was being spent with our local CSU's competitive ballroom team, which I joined this semester. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The scariest thing is that I was way more sure of where I was headed before I graduated, and now my entire world has flipped! God blessed me with so many new friends, the opportunity to take dance again, and be with my family. It seems the happier I am, the less dependent I am on songwriting. I don't need to express my sadness in lyrical genius anymore, I can just dance and love everyone around me. And as scary as the future might be, I know it'll be okay cause I got God and my family here with me.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11</span></strong></div>
Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-13630088893051393592012-08-14T07:42:00.002-07:002012-08-14T07:42:57.142-07:00Who I was is not who I am todayHey everyone! As the time approaches to start my senior year of college, I keep thinking about the future. I don't know exactly yet my plan for after school, but I honestly have been trying to change and become more and more the person I want to be, to be the best I can be. It's a lot harder than just saying I'm gonna change. Cause you need to make the changes a part of you and who you're becoming. So I started making simple but steady changes for myself.<br />
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<b>1. De-clutter my life and home.</b> Letting go of things has been difficult but it makes it sooo much more relaxing. Whenever my room goes crazy it just seems my entire life feels chaotic. Limiting the stuff I decide to keep is pretty much choosing what to I want to spend my time stressing about. <br />
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<b>2. Read my Bible everyday.</b> It's amazing how something so simple can make such a drastic change. When you read God's word on a daily basis it just helps you refocus your life on what's really important.<br />
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<b>3. Exercise Consistently.</b> This one is so easy to slack on, especially when you're sore. But thankfully with pinterest, I've found great workouts and awesome inspiring quotes. My goal with this one is not specifically to lose weight but to be able to feel better about my physique. Being fit and strong makes you feel better like 100% of the time. You don't have to find as many clothes to make you look good, they just do, and it boosts self confidence, cause even if you might not look great, you feel great. Exercising creates endorphins which make you more energetic and it helps you sleep better at night.<br />
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<b>4. Control Food Portions.</b> Nothing stinks worse than making the choice to have an extra portion of food and then not being able to enjoy the flavor or the food because you're overstuffed. Becoming healthier isn't something you can keep putting off till tomorrow or else you'll just never change. It starts and continues everyday. For me, rather than cut out all unhealthy foods I just choose which ones I have. I won't even the doughnut and have a few chips instead, yea I still ate chips but much better than having both. Think about it this way, unless it's something you REALLY are craving, just don't have it. Cause once you have a little, you'll want it all, just avoid it completely. That way you can save tummy space for what you really want and be able to savor every bite.<br />
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I've met so many girls who always seem to appear their best all the time. Honestly, it's something I wouldn't mind. I mean who wouldn't want to look stunning even while they're working out. lol It didn't take a long time to realize it's cause they take care of themselves <i>all </i>the time. They don't have to do anything out of the ordinary to look amazing. If you already are fit practically any outfit will make you look like a beauty queen. After realizing all these small changes I've started to make part of my everyday life, I came to the conclusion that I even though I definitely don't look my best all the time. I actually do take a lot of care of myself, and it feels good. Makes life just a little easier and happier. Which I know life isn't about, but why not? And while I'm taking care of my physical life why not take care of other aspects of life? <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.<br />Watch your words, for they become actions.<br />Watch your actions, for they become habits.<br />Watch your habits, for they become character.<br />Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”</span></h1>
Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-61446382669790942002012-08-03T22:16:00.001-07:002012-08-03T22:18:31.231-07:00DIY - DresserSo a few Saturdays ago, I started the process of fixing up my "new" dresser. Thankfully I come from a line of carpenters ;) My dad's a pro at fixing things and building them. Before I bought the dresser he made me aware of the fact that the top of this beautiful dresser was not actually wood but particle board, thus trying to re-stain the dresser would be futile. However my plan was to paint it, so all I would need to really do is sand down the bumps and make sure to take off the top layer of gloss so the paint would actually stick. I'd explain all the details of the process but that would take forever..... so here are just a few pics instead!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BEFORE:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3h4vgJdyFGc/UAr7sLPkvXI/AAAAAAAAA-o/3zUzDyuGevU/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3h4vgJdyFGc/UAr7sLPkvXI/AAAAAAAAA-o/3zUzDyuGevU/s640/IMG_0468.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - $5 from neighbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcioySvjt6A/UAr8Jptj6cI/AAAAAAAAA-w/xoar7224rzY/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcioySvjt6A/UAr8Jptj6cI/AAAAAAAAA-w/xoar7224rzY/s640/IMG_0469.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original dents and stains. You can't really see, but there's some water damage on the back part too, where the particle board is a bit swollen.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE PROCESS:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHcohaAKTUY/UAsJ15oL86I/AAAAAAAAA-8/XDTV4uy20ek/s1600/DSCF6622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHcohaAKTUY/UAsJ15oL86I/AAAAAAAAA-8/XDTV4uy20ek/s400/DSCF6622.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the hardware</td></tr>
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Even though I couldn't re-stain this, we had to do several rounds of sanding. 1) to get rid of bumps, 2) to take off the top layer of gloss so the paint can stick, 3) to smooth everything down, 4) Repeat #3 until you achieve desired finish :) This included filling in little holes and scratches with spackle and other stuff and more sanding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atNdE_ZoT_s/UAzbB_t6QEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/0azjjYX1nBA/s1600/DSCF6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atNdE_ZoT_s/UAzbB_t6QEI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/0azjjYX1nBA/s400/DSCF6627.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad fixing drawer glide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling in the holes</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gtTZpvOD-U/UBytd9QA8_I/AAAAAAAABAM/GzTRcQQ1f8s/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gtTZpvOD-U/UBytd9QA8_I/AAAAAAAABAM/GzTRcQQ1f8s/s640/IMG_0691.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting is a lot of fun!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>By the end, it looked practically brand new! I was soooo proud of myself! My dad helped explain me what to do, but most of the work I ended up doing myself, so yeah.... :)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Oh yeah, and it took me less than a week to finish this project! </b></span><br />
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</h4>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-663045301204933622012-08-03T21:59:00.001-07:002012-08-03T21:59:58.924-07:00Smile!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey Everyone!<br />
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Summer's been crazy and for some reason I've been having difficulty uploading pics onto blogspot. So I finally decided to just write a post without pics. <br />
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If you hadn't notice smiles and laughter are a big theme here on my blog. For as depressing a person I feel like I am, I'm surprised people almost always describe me as joyful and passionate. I even had a friend ask me last semester, "how are you always so happy? I don't think I've ever seen you not smiling." haha something I wish I could say is true.... but I definitely know I'm not. Though I think we really do have a choice when it comes to being joyful.<br />
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Cause joy and happiness are two very different things, I may not be happy all the time, but I try to remain joyful and look at life optimistically. <br />
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So I'm gonna share a few of my favorite quotes (there are a ton more on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/luv2songwrite/">pinterest</a>). These are a select few I have chosen to really take to heart.<br />
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<ul>
<li>A smile can brighten the darkest day.</li>
<li>Between every rock and hard place a crack exists from which hope and opportunity can grow. ~ Steve Baker </li>
<li>You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.</li>
<li>Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. ~ Oscar Wilde </li>
<li>When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it may be because they take better care of it there ~ Cecil Selig</li>
<li>The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd,
those who walk alone are likely to find themselves in places no one has
ever been before. ~ A. Einstein</li>
<li>Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.</li>
<li>Better to be hated than be loved for what you're not. ~André Gide</li>
<li> Coincidences are just miracles in where God prefers to remain anonymous. </li>
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</div>
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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in your life.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>God Bless!</b></span></div>
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<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-7549372845173647002012-07-21T00:57:00.000-07:002012-07-21T00:57:00.390-07:00Stop Wishing, Start DoingSo it's impossible to tell the entire story of my summer so far cause
so much has happened! But as August closes in I realize it's almost
time to head back to college, thus I guess I should update you on as
much as possible. These past months I've really focused on actually
completing my summer goals this year, than just hoping they'd be
accomplished. One of the biggest ones has been making my bedroom a room
I love! Organized, pretty, one that expresses me.<br />
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This
has been a difficult process as I've collected lots of clutter while
away at college, and when I add it to my room back home... ah,
disaster! So I've been slowly getting rid of things and stealing ideas
from pinterest. ;) It's definitely a miracle worker. I've made my own
ways to store my jewelry. Such as using soda bottles to store my
bracelets and a tie hanger for hanging my necklaces. I've even learned
how to make candles. heehee I stole the wick from a really ugly
smelling candle and used the left-over wax from my former fave candle to
create a new candle.<br />
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On top of all this, I bought a dresser from a neighbor across
the street for $5. It's not the best, but with some sanding down and a
new paint job, I think it will create a beautiful addition to my room
:) It's got really pretty knobs.<br />
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Well my amazingly wise older brother told me a really good way to know what to keep and not to. I have a really difficult time especially when it comes to clothes or things I had as a kid. Almost everyone's heard of a "To Do" list. It's a list where you write down all the things you need to do whether it's a homework assignment, a favor, a long term goal, etc. But not as many people have heard about the "To Be" list. It's where you write down who or how'd you like to be: honest, organized, responsible, reliable, fit, professional, etc. This is especially important to the idea of a To Do list. With a To Be list you can determine what on your To Do list are things that are important to you. If you want to be responsible finishing that homework assignment would be something important to you, if you want to be dependable or reliable, helping out your friend like you promised you would suddenly becomes a priority. Same thing comes to the things you keep in your room. Your bedroom is a metaphor for yourself and represents who you are to others. When deciding what to keep or not think about whether it lines up with your goals on who you want to be.<br />
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Well I'll post again later.<br />
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Continue enjoying your summer!<br />
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<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-3925108706559542182012-06-27T20:47:00.001-07:002012-06-27T20:47:49.246-07:00One Step At A TimeWow! So I didn't realize that my last blog post was way back in April. Time sure flies! With finals, moving back home for the summer, getting a job... So I've had barely anytime and the little I have had, I've either spent sleeping or in my new obsession, Pinterest. But I have one friend who's mentioned several times that I haven't posted anything, so now that I have time I decided, why not?<br />
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Anyways my summer has lately consisted of babysitting--my new job. It's fun and the kid's are amazing, but it definitely wears you out. I think I finally understand why moms get so tired lol. On top of that my goals this summer consist of recording at least one of my original songs, organizing my room, and buying a car by the end of the summer.<br />
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One thing. If you ever want to complete a goal such as "cleaning your room" you <i>have</i> to be specific. I completely unpacked all my college junk and such and have found spots for everything but that doesn't mean my goal is complete, in fact it technically can go on forever. So as a way to know I've completed at least the minimum, I added specific requirements such as: donate at least 2 boxes of clothes and get rid old desktop computer. This way I have a specific goal that is actually attainable and as soon as I'm done with that I can add another goal to my list, if time permits ;)<br />
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Summer is probably one of the hardest seasons for most people, especially students, mostly because we're always used to being super busy and constantly seeing people. So this summer on top of earning money for my car, I've been trying to dedicate time into developing friendships in my hometown and helping out with my church's youth band (I've even started learning how to play drums.) Doing all of this has helped me find some purpose to the summer, cause it can sometimes get depressing or boring. And through it all God has been blessing me more and more. I started working my second week back from school and just a week ago started to teach private dance lessons. So my plate's been plenty full. Hopefully I'll get to post some more, and a little more frequently, but it's getting late-ish, and I need to go to bed soon if I want energy for tomorrow's babysitting. lolNicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-65880336798977105722012-04-29T08:58:00.002-07:002012-04-29T08:58:57.227-07:00Vintage Style CurlsAhhh!!! So I found a super easy way to get Vintage Style Curls without heat, which is great since I don't have a curling iron. haha <br />
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But anyway this is absolutely the best! I've always been jealous when I see movies where the actresses have really cute shoulder-length hair, since it feels like I've barely been able to do anything with mine. Growing your hair out from a pixie cut takes forever! It's been about 16 months since I've had long hair. :( <br />
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It's a little messy in the first pic, cause I had already slept on it... but you can kind of get the idea of what it looks like. It's so cool, cause it only takes like 15 minutes to put up (the girl in the tutorial takes 13minutes total, and she's explaining everything as she goes. pretty quick, unless you're internet stops working every few minutes *sigh*) <br />
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So I hadn't finished styling the curls cause my roommate is asleep and I didn't want to turn on the light. (there seriously is no door dividing the bedroom from the mirror/sink room (whatever it's called).... but I guess that's how it is at a hotel.<br />
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And here it is complete and styled!!<br />
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Anyways, you should really watch this tutorial! This girl is amazing!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYxS1ohz4Ao&list=UUKXE-JIL_XIgTOpqOeE2nMA&index=41&feature=plcp"></a>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-62868496537144929512012-04-26T16:44:00.001-07:002012-04-26T16:44:47.166-07:00HVZ Continued...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombified!</td></tr>
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Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!! OMG! These games are getting INTENSE! Our school is going Crazy! must admit I am too. Lol But might as well have fun. Though getting homework done this week is very hard, I'm way to distracted. Jumping at every noise worried it's a human or zombie hahaha. And the weapons are getting even crazier, not just the usual nerf guns and socks anymore. People got Nerf blow darts and sock maces. <br />
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Anyways continuing with my story, on Tuesday I was infected and became a zombie... thus Wednesday I spent my afternoon spreading the infection, I caught 4 people muahahahahaha! Pretty intense! I only needed 4 more to have the most kills ;) So much fun!!! You also get to meet a lot of other students you didn't know, cause it's almost impossible to survive if you're not in a pack or horde. But then at the mission last night, the humans won and spread the "cure" to 20 zombies in which I was randomly selected! Kind of killed my dream to be the ultimate Zombie or do Zombie make-up but I'd have a chance to be the last man standing and to be a Zombie Slayer. :)<br />
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Unfortunately those dreams were killed this morning when I was ambushed before my second class today. I was able to stun two of the zombies with my sock maces but when I grabbed the class' door handle to jump inside to safety I got tagged from behind. Guess I do get to do Zombie make-up. It's so hard to decide which I prefer to be Human or Zombie.... My quote on FB pretty much summarizes everything:<br />
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<i>"<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The
hardest part of the Zombie Apocalypse is that one hour where you shrink
in denial that you have become your enemy. You keep thinking over what
you could've done differently, cause deep inside your heart longs to live... while your flesh thirsts for blood, but eventually your heart stops beating
and you no longer feel just feed...." </span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankfully indoors Zombies and Humans can still interact without fear of dying. lol Even off-campus isn't safe. I hear the zombies infiltrated some of the local coffee shops. Haha</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Slayer with my sock maces ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting down humans and turning them to the "dark side"</td></tr>
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<i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></i>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-263053953251343762012-04-24T21:28:00.001-07:002012-04-24T21:28:26.800-07:00The Zombie Apocalypse<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the beginning of the day #TeamHumans</td></tr>
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So I have no clue if you're school has ever played Humans Vs. Zombies. But things are going crazy at mine! I've never seen college students get so into a game. I gotta admit though with the crazy bandanas, socks, and nerf guns everyone was carrying around, I had to join in. And being as crazy as I am, I had to take advantage of the fact I had my bike on campus and try to sock a few zombies. Unfortunately I ended up getting cornered and I couldn't just turn around... since the bike was going forwards..... thus Zombified. Fail. Guess, I'll just have to become the ultimate Zombie ;) Why kill the fun?<br />
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Today I've been playing it cool, since you have to wait an hour after being tagged to get the full transformation from the infection, and then we were in class, where it is illegal to tag humans or shoot/sock zombies... Nonetheless, my choir teacher socked me in the face, just in case. And my ride socked me after I promised I wouldn't tag him.... talk about lack of trust. lol <br />
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The game lasts till Friday, so maybe I'll go really crazy and dress like a Zombie sometime this week. Until then, you better watch your backs, because we'll be showing NO MERCY!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I caught the infection #Zombified</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-13263501871186118962012-04-20T21:00:00.004-07:002012-04-20T21:00:58.857-07:00What the Sheep is Going On??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not everyday you get to take pictures with sheep, but it's definitely not everyday you find sheep munching on the grass around your school. Apparently my roomie says they were eating the fields by our hotel over spring break lol.<br />
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It's just so bizarre to have them here, there's seriously nothing but rocks and these yellow fields, but I guess it's "greener" and easier to have the sheep mow the fields.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is why I called it Rock-land..... notice the lack of GRASS. </td></tr>
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So I was just thinking of the old song, "Mary Had a Little Lamb" which I could totally see my English teachers looking way to deep into it and saying how it's symbolic and refers to the Virgin Mary giving birth to Jesus who was the lamb without blemish.... etc. and etc..... I guess that's what happens when you study English at a Christian School. But anyways. We did have lambs, and they really are stupid, and it makes sense why we're compared to sheep in the Bible. We need our shepherd!<br />Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-36946873546145291202012-04-16T22:20:00.000-07:002012-04-16T22:20:25.734-07:00Amor Ministries: Cristo Me AmaAah... there's nothing like taking an extended-spring break to make you not feel being in school anymore. After not doing any homework for two weeks the last thing I want to do is sit through a class lecture. So much happened over spring break... or should I say the week after. I didn't know till I got home that my church was having a missions trip to Tecate, Mexico, and I just <i>had</i> to go! 1) I love working with the kids in Mexico, 2) I'm one of the only fluent Spanish-speakers in my church, 3) I was only going to be missing three days of school and two of my classes were canceled anyways ;)<br />
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There's no better way to fully understand God's love than stepping out of your comfort zone and serving others. Going on mission trips to Mexico have been by far one of the most fulfilling and favorite things to do. This was my third missions trip to Mexico and every time God manages to show His amazing power in different ways. <br />
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This year we had from 40-60 students at our Vacation Bible School, which lasted four days. Through sunshine and rain we were able to share God's story with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping the younger students who couldn't read memorize their Bible verses by using hand motions</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making lunches for the Mexican children</td></tr>
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Every year we deal with different hardships. When we went two years ago we fought a fire, had an earthquake, a missing 2-year-old at our VBS, and crazy winds that broke the rods of all our tents. This year however we dealt with rain, leaky tents, really cold weather.<br />
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Going to another country and especially the parts that in poverty really display to us how blessed we truly are. For an entire week, we got to shower using solar showers and buckets. We slept in tents. We used outhouses (aka port-a-potties). And they live in conditions like this or worse, everyday. And yet, when I see these people they do not express anger or jealously but real joy and gratefulness for our willingness to come serve them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing our feet at the "showers"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house our construction crew built. </td></tr>
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I use to get really frustrated when some of the students would steal extra lunches, till it dawned on me that they were trying to because they didn't have food at home. Many of these kids have heard of Jesus and God but didn't know it's even possible to get to heaven that Jesus died for them. </div>
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EASTER CELEBRATES THE FACT THAT: Jesus died for our sins and conquered death by raising from the dead, and because of that we can go to heaven one day.</div>
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<br />That's why I think it was amazing to spend my Easter sharing that with my VBS kids, I definitely miss them and I don't know if I'll ever see them again, but at least I know that I can see them in heaven one day because now they know that God Loves Them. </div>
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GOD BLESS YOU!</div>
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<br /></div>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-18348571085407727092012-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:002012-03-26T07:53:18.420-07:00Hey There Girlfriend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBSR8Rg23bU/T3B6qL0lc3I/AAAAAAAAAz0/TX6OJUwwRmw/s1600/IMG_0311+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBSR8Rg23bU/T3B6qL0lc3I/AAAAAAAAAz0/TX6OJUwwRmw/s400/IMG_0311+-+Copy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yesterday was absolutely amazing. I got to reunite with my bestie from the dorms. We only live like half hour drive away from each other, however without either of us having cars, we barely get to hang out. You never realize how much you miss someone until you see them after a long time. We seriously talked the entire time. Ultimate girl talk! Except for the few times she explained how things were going with her boyfriend we didn't talk about guys... just girl talk: nails, clothes, bras, shoes, jewelry, Hunger Games, make-up, soaps, perfume, everything and anything girly that you'd find in a mall.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This girl here despite the fact we rarely see each other is definitely still one of my best friends and hopefully will be for years to come. She's the one who got me into the Hunger Games (in spring 2011), into blogging, into magazines.... She brought out my girly side. My sister from another mister.... and mom lol</div><br />
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There are so many special women in my life right now... I doubt I could mention everyone without forgetting someone. But it's made me realize how vital girlfriends are in our lives. They just understand us in ways a guy never can and never will be able to. Whether it comes to our strange obsessions with looking cute or why we get so crabby once a month or how going to the mall is actually healthy for us girls :)<br />
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Plus I don't know if you've ever gotten fitted for your bra size... interesting stuff. It's definitely incredible what you find out. Most of us actually wear the wrong size and wonder why we never get the support we need. <br />
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Well anyways, after six hours of exploring the mall with my girlfriend I realized, that in this past year I've definitely developed a better fashion sense, and one that's more age-appropriate. No more dressing like an elementary student. And it makes me really wanna write fashion posts again. So what if I'm not an expert? I enjoy it, and I hope you do too! :) Practice makes perfect, anyways.... right? And if you're ever bored.... feel free to check out my new tumblr: <a href="http://lifelaughterandsmiles.tumblr.com/">http://lifelaughterandsmiles.tumblr.com/</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish this were my closet..... one of those things guys will never get</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-77299330004695586722012-03-25T22:05:00.000-07:002012-03-25T22:05:36.628-07:00So what if I jumped the band wagon?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prKWCXZsf5o/T2_wmaY6GRI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6Sr0keFkgu8/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prKWCXZsf5o/T2_wmaY6GRI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6Sr0keFkgu8/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I honestly don't care what people say about the Hunger Games. They can say I jumped the band wagon cause I didn't read it till February, but does it really matter? The series was still AMAZING! Just cause everyone else read it first doesn't change the storyline. I definitely recommend it to those of you who still haven't gotten the chance to read it.<br />
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The storyline is so much deeper than just a love triangle. Katniss was a real heroine. Strong, brave, loving, someone you could definitely look up to. It's a must-read! <br />
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Well anyways the movie came out on Thursday, March 23, 2012. and as a die-hard fan of the books I HAD to go see the movie, I was gonna go today with my girlfriend from the dorms, but lucky for me.... my friends accidentally bought an extra ticket to the midnight premiere! I don't think I've ever been soooo excited! I actually started crying tears of joy right before the movie started lol<br />
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The movie was soooo good. I felt like it was a bit rushed, but as with any book turned into a movie, there are minor details that will always be missed. However it definitely stuck to the book and the actors were perfect. The movie just brought to life everything I couldn't actually imagine. Reading the book first I felt like also filled in all those extra gaps that couldn't be spoken, life all of the character's thoughts. and I won't give anything away for those who haven't seen the movie yet.... but Katniss' dress was LEGIT! So...<br />
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Let the Hunger Games begin, and may the odds be ever in your favor ;)Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-65993265967530434382012-03-19T13:34:00.000-07:002012-03-19T13:34:30.381-07:00Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pShwkYStek/T2eIuSg_Y8I/AAAAAAAAAxc/bgUzIf1RzMU/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pShwkYStek/T2eIuSg_Y8I/AAAAAAAAAxc/bgUzIf1RzMU/s200/IMG_0163.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
If you've never taken group classes such as Zumba or Yoga. I definitely recommend them. Nothing gets you up and moving like dancing. Today I've totally been stuck on music from Grease and Mamma Mia. I love the genre, it's just so upbeat and fun! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkpIghRKe1c/T2eE41Sd1vI/AAAAAAAAAxU/OVtyfRlAdQg/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkpIghRKe1c/T2eE41Sd1vI/AAAAAAAAAxU/OVtyfRlAdQg/s200/IMG_0164.JPG" width="200" /></a>So Sara Bareilles' video for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUe3oVlxLSA&ob=av3e">Gonna Get Over You</a>" has got to be my favorite music video! Her fashion choice is totally awesome. Very Grease. White sneakers, denim jeans, white-T, leather jacket. LOVE IT! Plus she looks like she's having so much fun! Who wouldn't want to just dance and sing down the aisles of a grocery store? This is totally me. <br />
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I'll admit I'm one of those <i>crazy</i> people you see randomly dancing down the streets and hallways...... I even did it today. The question shouldn't be why, rather <b>Why Not?</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Dance </b></i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Like Nobody's Watching, </span><b style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Sing</i></b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Like Nobody's Listening, </span><i style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Live</b></i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Like Today's All You Got</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mQkdJBlbx0/T2eYE0a222I/AAAAAAAAAx0/k038XJrckwQ/s1600/nicole+alejandra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mQkdJBlbx0/T2eYE0a222I/AAAAAAAAAx0/k038XJrckwQ/s320/nicole+alejandra.png" width="320" /></a></div>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-82899139110738738732012-03-18T22:17:00.000-07:002012-03-18T22:17:06.837-07:00and if time ever stood still...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKP3pmd1Otk/T2aMgjA4PfI/AAAAAAAAAwM/N74IW8np-Co/s1600/Suite+Life3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKP3pmd1Otk/T2aMgjA4PfI/AAAAAAAAAwM/N74IW8np-Co/s640/Suite+Life3.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I can assure you, it would happen in that split moment when your heart reaches the maximum adrenaline, the rain beating against your face, fresh air rushing into your lungs, and life's song blasting in your ear.</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe it's the fact that spring break and summer are coming up. Or that it helps me sleep better at night. Perhaps it's cause for a brief moment life pauses, and winning the race again time seems possible. Then again, it's probably just because I can. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But I've started running. I've never been a runner. In fact, I've never been able to run before. Last semester I'd barely last two minutes before I'd be out of breath. However, this week has been different. I've really pushed myself to do something new, and I slowly started building up my stamina till yesterday I successfully ran for an entire hour. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I usually despise the rain, however the other day, my friend and I decided to run outside despite the weather since neither of the treadmills in the workout room were running. Wow. Incredible. It was just the picture I needed to know it's possible to survive the storms in life, in fact, it's possible to thrive despite them. It's what inspired my song. God's been teaching me how to see the beauty in trials. The silver lining in a cloudy day. Today I actually rushed out flip-flops, shorts, hair undone, no jacket into the hailstorm outside. Beauty in pain. So refreshing. I felt so alive. Just twirling, feet splashing in icy water, singing out, "and I will dance in the rain." With a head lifted to heaven, smile shining into the rainy day, arms outstretched, I let the hail beat against my skin. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyways. Running feels amazing. Yes, I've been running indoors... but it still feels great. The endorphins released when working out are sooo addicting! Lol. You know, when people say running isn't about what you physically can do but what you put your head to. They're right. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well have a great day, I think I'm gonna go for another run ;)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LOVE ALWAYS!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uYI9eWQexM/T2bA5qVP3qI/AAAAAAAAAwc/jjILugYdEOc/s1600/nicole+alejandra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uYI9eWQexM/T2bA5qVP3qI/AAAAAAAAAwc/jjILugYdEOc/s320/nicole+alejandra.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..." </div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Hebrews 12:1b)</span>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-22983821077070946022012-03-18T00:22:00.000-07:002012-03-18T00:22:44.110-07:00Table Set For Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(James 1:12)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's nothing like spending a rainy day embraced in God's presence. I may not see Him physically, but He's definitely there, speaking the exact words I need to hear, patiently waiting for me to just listen. </div><br />
At first I wasn't sure how exactly to spend a date with Jesus. After several minutes of just staring at the index of my Bible I decided to read James. It felt like every verse was written specifically for me. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3) Before I even knew it, I had finished the entire book. It made enduring today so much easier. Life didn't feel quite so empty. Slowly but surely my heart beat a little stronger, a little more passionately, more joyously. I even started songwriting about life with a genuine happiness. As trite as it may seem I started writing about learning to dance in the rain. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few sneak peaks into my life. [1] Chocolate & Piano, my two best friends when I'm sad. [2] My new songwriting notebook (a gift from my bestie Ashley), it's extra special cause it has regular paper on one side and staff paper on the other side, a cute cover. [3] My songwriting corner: keyboard, Bible, iPod, all the wonders [4] The amazing fire in the downstairs lobby [5] and the super comfy sofas there too :) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rip open the skies,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let the rains pour, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Release the rainbow concealed in the storm. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The waters can beat, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Till I’m on my knees </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But still I will learn how to dance in the storm, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I will dance in the rain...</span></div><br />
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</div>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-59615530868675274062012-03-17T00:55:00.000-07:002012-03-17T00:55:53.027-07:00Random Facts About Me:<ul><li>I live in a hotel. </li>
<li>If you looked at my facebook you would never believe that I can't write happy songs, cause I always seem to find at least one good thing to update my FB on.</li>
<li>I graduated Community College at age 16.</li>
<li>Piano has become my favorite instrument, but in reality I always wanted to play guitar</li>
<li>My dream is to eventually be able to write like Sara Bareilles.</li>
<li>People tend to describe me as passionate, joyful, and vibrant! I don't know how that happens, I feel so bummed and out of it most of the time. lol</li>
<li>I love the smell of coffee, but I don't really drink it.... I take 95% whole milk and then a teeny-weeny bit of coffee then a hot cocoa packet (poor man's mocha!) Yes, I like coffee with my milk ;)</li>
<li>I absolutely hate being sprinkled by water... Water guns are Evil!! I tolerate the rain.... but still.</li>
<li>Butterflies have been one of my favorite things in life since childhood.</li>
<li>I've always wanted to paint like Bob Ross</li>
<li>I was a tom-boy growing up. climbing trees, playing with (toy)guns, rough-housing, etc. </li>
<li>Romantic comedies are my favorite movies</li>
<li>Cookies and cake? Not appealing. However Ice-Cream.... All day, any day :)</li>
<li>I love falling asleep at my piano</li>
<li>I don't really know how to dance many styles of music. I just pretend I do and every one believes I do. hehe</li>
<li>I love to blog, though I have no idea ever what to really say</li>
<li>I like to pretend I'm a fashion expert, even though I grew up in a households with brothers and no sisters haha</li>
<li>I tried to pack "light" for this semester and..... I brought more shoes than I brought clothes :-/</li>
<li>Being spontaneous is fun!</li>
<li>My celebrity crush growing up was Pierce Brosnan. </li>
<li>I talk ALL the time</li>
<li>I could never get a tatoo cause I like to switch things up too often.... (e.g. my hair)</li>
<li>I'm so good at procrastinating I could probably get a degree in it.</li>
<li>When I was a kid I use to daydream all the time. I was so distracted when it came to school... I always thought that it was bad, but now I'm a Creative Writing major. Daydream away! Lol</li>
<li>I used to want to be a singer when I was little but I decided it wasn't possible cause I'd have to sing my own songs, and now I songwrite all the time. dream, here I come! </li>
<li>Why try for music? barely anyone gets anywhere..... barely but not no one. cause someone does! that means I have a chance :)</li>
<li>I live in Rock-land! </li>
<li>I sing along with the radio when I'm at the gym. No shame! gotta live up life.</li>
<li>My big heart and passion have always been my downfall.... I always manage to pour wholeheartedly into the wrong areas. Is loving on people too much even possible?? Apparently!</li>
<li>I've come to realize I'm a lot stronger than I thought, especially these past two years living at college. It's all about learning how to dance in the rain.</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnKBkppoxYM/T2RBUMFsRSI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xx8EBMCetSo/s1600/beautiful+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnKBkppoxYM/T2RBUMFsRSI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xx8EBMCetSo/s400/beautiful+life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161320250888238735.post-84561659988879047002012-03-16T23:47:00.000-07:002012-03-16T23:47:13.794-07:00Head Under Water... LiterallyRainy days always seem to have an overly powerful affect on my emotions. I'm not sure why... today it hit me really hard. I actually seriously considered throwing on shorts and a tank top and just standing outside in the cold rain. Maybe it's cause my teardrops really wanted to hang out with their cousins the raindrops. But with the type of wind we get here there was no way I would be able to chill in the rain without getting sick and I didn't really feel like taking a third shower today. Thus the hot tub and pool were ruled out with that too. <br />
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Chocolate, however, really is an amazing gift from God. I know I've been working out a ton and trying to develop healthier habits and such but every once in a while we need to be allowed to indulge in these great gifts. Coffee, gummy warms, chocolate, hot chocolate, piano, girlfriends, Sara Bareilles. Is there any better way to spend a tearfilled day? I don't think there really is. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0ddIouEws/T2Qm2lWC2CI/AAAAAAAAAtk/TnC8VXWiSS8/s1600/letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0ddIouEws/T2Qm2lWC2CI/AAAAAAAAAtk/TnC8VXWiSS8/s400/letter.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>The other day I found this anonymous letter in my school mailbox. I honestly had no clue how to react. Half of me felt extremely touched, the other part was wondering how the heck whoever it was knew what I was thinking, and then slightly angry at whoever would play such a torturous trick on someone really struggling with something so serious. Then I realized they had been placed in all the mailboxes and it kind of lost its magic but I guess I couldn't be angry at anyone lol. I'm convinced though that Papa God put it there at that exact moment cause it was what I really needed to hear. <br />
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Today's been difficult, thankfully God always manages to bring just the right people in my life when I need them. You can never have too many close girlfriends.<br />
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Sometimes it's really difficult to stay strong. The problem with pouring everything into a person is you become deeply attached. Life seems dull and purposeless when they're not involved. Even though most of my day has been comprised of trying to spoil and care for me, myself, and I; I keep finding myself trying to find an excuse to hangout in the lobby, by the pool, or the workout room, and I know myself well enough to know it's cause I'm looking for him. I'm not passing by his suite, texting him, or anything like that, but he's just become such a big part of my life it feels empty when he's not around. Maybe it's cause I really am empty, from pouring too much of myself out for him.<br />
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So I really wanna start pouring into my relationship with God but I honestly don't know where to start, I feel like I always start reading my Bible in Esther. heehee. What girl doesn't love a story with an inspirational heroine? Plus there's a beauty contest in it! Biblical version of the Bachelor lol. <br />
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Anyways a girl will never be able to develop a healthy relationship with a guy if they don't have a good relationship with their father (that includes God!) so I think it's time I spend some well needed time with Papa God, we'll probably just have a date downstairs where I can just munch on candies, watch the rain, and drink endless amounts of FREE hot chocolate and milk <3 I will probably call my actual daddy later too. I miss him a lot.<br />
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May God Bless You and Give You the Strength To Pull Through One Day At A Time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4advF7d61Ds/T2QxPqFxCLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/cwdPJyuafYw/s1600/nicole+alejandra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4advF7d61Ds/T2QxPqFxCLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/cwdPJyuafYw/s320/nicole+alejandra.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."<br />
Psalms 147:3Nicole Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314925569301097462noreply@blogger.com0