HEY FAM!
I just got back from the most incredible week filled with so much joy, vision, worship, community, growth, and Jesus!!! I have a deeper YES in my spirit overall for this journey. I can’t believe that in only about 3 weeks I’ll be getting on an airplane with my amazing squad to head to Guatemala.
This week was overwhelming at times, but it allowed me to push deeper in relationship with the Lord and trust Him like never before. Here is a quick list of twelve takeaways/truths I am holding near and dear to my heart:
1. Eleven Months into Eternity – One of our speakers said, “The price for His presence is time, the purpose for His presence is change, and the product for His presence is power.” This is what I am taking with me on this 11 months and into life. I am thirsty for more of Him and my prayer for this journey is that out of this heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:37-38
2. Walking with Holy Spirit –Life is more abundant walking with Holy Spirit and I want It overflowing in every step I take. Romans 8:4-5
3. Reconciled and Filled with Grace – I am not seen or known by the wasteland of my past, I am a new creation and can walk forward like the heir to the kingdom that I am. 2 Cor 5:17-20, Gal 4:6-7
4. Relationship over Religion – We studied John and his relationship with Christ, and I want nothing more than to just be that close in deep, genuine, relationship and friendship with my Savior. My prayer is that I am constantly hanging on to His robe to be close enough to hear and follow His every word intently. John 10:27
5. Sacrifice, Surrender, and Trust – I learned that an open hand posture to life is where it’s at! There are definitely going to be some things that I need to abandon – perspective, expectations, etc. I am ready to not just surrender those but TRUST Him in that process wholeheartedly. Psalm 9:10, Col 3:12-14
6. Posture of Prayer – “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” Psalm 141:2, 2 Cor 2:15
7. Cultivating Communitas – Communitas; brought together spiritually and in unity with Christ. We are not just any old community, we have a deep bond as we have committed ourselves to Jesus and each other. It is going to be a beautiful year living this out and doing life with this amazing squad of people. I feel honored to have something this special in my midst. I am encouraged and excited to practice how to really love and exhort each other like Christ calls us to. Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47
8. Hardship, Helper, & Hope – There were some times where I felt challenged and spiritually under attack. The Lord was SO gracious and warm and faithful in those struggles. I know the Helper is forever inside me and I have a hope for all that is to come, knowing my Abba Father calls me an heir and I am no longer in bondage. John 16:7-8, Gal 4:6-7
9. Leadership and living water – I am BLOWN away by the leadership and the way the Lord has used them to speak to me. My heart is deeply connected to our squad coaches and mentor already!! The Lord called me to baptism and a shedding of the former things, I now walk boldly into this new thing, flowing as a river in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19, Isaiah 53:3
10. Predestined for discipleship – He has chosen us and in His love we are adopted, to pursue and live out His will. Ephesians 1:4-5
11. Kingdom builders the real definition of “K” Squad – I am on fire to be doing this with you all. When I think of all of you, I see seekers of the Kingdom of God and my heart overflows. Matt 6:33-34, Matt 16:1
12. YES & AMEN – He loves us, He has delivered us, & MY HEART IS SCREAMING YES! Col 1:13-14, 1 John 4:19-20
I am so excited for you & what God has done, is doing and will do. In the Name of Jesus may you be especially blessed!
Sweet Nicole! You brought together so many powerful lessons and experiences from the week. Makes my heart so so happy! Cannot wait to see how the Lord will work in and through you during this season — and maybe I will get to follow you even beyond 🙂
Thank you SO much for your encouragement & support!!
AH, Karen!! You are so dear to me already!! Your heart for this is captivating and I am so grateful for you!!
AHHH, My heart is so happy too!!! SO on fire for all that the Lord has ahead!!!
These are so beautiful, Nicole!!! I cannot wait to spend the next few months closely serving alongside of you. I am so thankful for you and your beautiful heart. Love you!!!
Wow Sarah!! Love you so much and so grateful we get to do this together!!
Keith!! I am so beyond grateful for you & Karen!! Thank you so much for your heart!! I can’t wait to learn, grow, & be challenged this year alongside such strong leadership!!
Oh, my heart! He is definitely doing a “new thing” in and through you. And I can’t wait to see all the ways He shows you His love and His heart for you on the journey ahead—above and beyond all we could ask or imagine! Love you, dear heart!
Your kind, courageous heart was on full display last week, Nicole. I pray these 12 amazing takeaways burrow deep into your heart. Thanks for sharing… can’t wait to learn even more from you over the next year!!