be still and know

Laugh.

2011-05-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

Come Awake!

2011-04-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Come awake

From sleep, arise

You were dead

You’ve come alive

Wake up wake up

Open your eyes

Climb from your grave

Into the light

Bring us back to life

Pray without Ceasing

2011-04-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

When asking if all roads lead to Jesus, Jesus replies "Most roads don't lead anywhere. What it means is that I will travel any road to find you." This quote, (changed a bit to fit my post) is taken from the Shack- an awesome book.

Jesus meets us right where we are- and we dont have to go searching for him. I think we like to make up rules upon rules when it comes to God. Maybe to make it easier on ourselves when we fail to let him be apart of our everyday lives? The Truth is that God is simple. Jesus is simple. We must live everyday keeping our focus on God. Living for anything else is craziness. God told me today, Nicole, if you can not make time for me in your day, what on the heck are you living for? Good Question God. I am living for myself. Thats not what i want.

I desire the freedom that only God can provide me.

My prayer for today is to do as Paul says and "Pray with out ceasing."

Oops...

2010-01-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sooo... I may or may not have forgotten that i have a blog

But i swear to you i have some really good excuses!

Want to hear about what i have been up to?

Ok!!!

1. I graduated from UNF with my bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Welfare

2. I moved back home-ish to Sanford

3. I got MARRIED!

4. I went on my honeymoon (of course) :)

5. i got my self a real job working at the Children's Home as the Foster Care Receptionist :)

6. I started Graduate School at UCF for my Masters in Social Work

The Great Journey

2009-03-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Daniel is back from his big trip- safely :) Praise God!

It was his most exciting adventure, but the great Journey for him only begins here-

Check out the news story!

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=134534&catid=3

Graduate Record Exam

2009-03-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

This Exam determines my future.

GRE= Sucks.

Jeremiah 29

2009-03-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have the best roommate ever!

Laura made this for me, isint is lovely?

I Love it! Thanks Laura!

25 Random Things

2009-02-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well i know a bunch of people who are doing these- so i thought i would give it a try.

1. Popcorn is my favorite food. hands down.
2. I am not a big fan of Animals. and some people get mad about that. Sorry.
3. When i was in 6th grade i auditioned for a talent show and i danced to the Christina Aguilara Song "Genie in a bottle"- I made up the dance as i went. :) I didnt make the cut.
4. I was in the Johnathan Taylor Thomas (JTT) Fan club- and he sent me letters:) But they were not really from him :(
5. I once got broken up with because i "didnt have a personality."
6. I go through phases where i like to rock out to rap music. (generally lasts for like 2 days).
7. I have laughed so hard that i have peed my pants- on more than one occasion.
8. My 4 year old sister is one of the funniest people i have ever met.
9. I get a natural high from cleaning. Really. i love it.
10. I like making To Do lists (alot) and i love crossing things out- It makes me feel good.
11. In my head, I am a Really good dancer.
12. I really like Disney Channel Movies- Expecially HSM 1, 2 &3.
13. I like to blare music in my car and sing along super loud- AND i also like to turn the music down and sing super loud.
14. I am almost done with college and i have never been drunk (or tipsy) and i am damn proud of it. I am a prude- And i am proud.
15. I can quote Mean Girls
16. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of my all time Favorite movies.
17. I own a lot of pink.
18. I am looking forward to married life- way more than the actual wedding.
19. I like all of my beverages with extra ice. (except milk).
20. I will really miss living with Laura when i graduate-but i am looking forward to her calling me with her domestic issues (ex: how to turn an oven off. lol.). Jk Laura
21. The thing i will miss most about Jacksonville (besides People) will be Sala Thai.
22. My dream job is playing Cinderella at Disney.
23. Leigh and I used to prank call payphones at dinsey when we were bored.
24. I once got stuck in an elevator and it was the highlight of my spring break.
25. I am currently reading 7 different books.

My first time...

2009-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today, the Bloodmobile came to our campus (yay!) I have always wanted to give blood, but i had to wait until i turned 18- but when i turned 18 i got a tattoo, so i had to wait one year- then after it had been a year-i went to India- and then i had to wait another year- and then when i went to give blood, someone entered my information into the computer wrong, and they thought i was still in India- Which i am not.
Today that was all fixed, so i finally got to give blood for the first time. :)
I sat in the chair and things were going good.
My bag O blood was all the way filled up and the nurse was weighing my bag and then putting in the cooler.
but when she walked away i looked down at my arm- and the needle had come out...
and my blood was pouring down my arm and dripping onto the table, i tried to tell the nurse, but she was kind of far and i was at a loss for words. She came back over and attempted to stop it, and i remember saying something like " i feel dizzy."

Then, I passed out.

If you have never passed out before- I wouldnt reccomend it.

When i woke up i really had no idea where i was.
There was about 6 nurses standing over me and putting cold cloths on my face and legs, and pouring water on my face. One nurse was asking me what my name was and if i could see her. Yes, I could see her- but i couldnt remeber how to talk. and i know my name- but i dont remember how to say it. Finally some works came out
"mhnnmnicolemhmmhm" or something like that.

It took me a few minutes to be fully awake and realize what happened.
One nurse came up to me and asked me if it was my first time.
Yup. It sure was, and how memorable.
Whoever gets my blood will be one lucky shmuck.

My Internship

2009-01-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Today I started my internship at the Department of Children and Families, Child Protective Services -Sexual Abuse Unit. Yes i know, Its a mouthful. I am not going to lie- I am pretty nervous about starting. Today I met my supervisor and chatted with her a little bit, but i will actually be getting out in the field on Monday. I let you know how this works out.

Done and Done

2008-12-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

Yes!

I am DONE with my finals, so now i can enjoy some R&R.

I feel so good right now :)

And after Daniel's last ever final tommorrow,

We get to spend the whole day together-

which is something we havent done in a VERY long time :)

I can't wait!

This Christmas...

2008-12-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

I will Celebrate the Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVcCalgOruA&feature=related

And the first time
That You opened Your eyes
did You realize
that You would be my Savior
And the first breath
that left Your lips
Did You know that
it would change this world forever

And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
- Relient K

Wedding Update

2008-11-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

We picked out bridesmaid dresses! Pretty :)

Brag Spot

2008-11-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

So Yesterday at Church I won first place in the Chili Cook off!

^And this is what i was doing on the inside. ^

I didn't want to hurt the feelings of the old ladies that have been perfecting their recipes for the past 100 years-

And i didn't want to rub it in their faces, that I, a twenty year old amateur chili maker, beat them.

But now is my time to brag because they wont be reading this:

Ha!

I am the best chili maker ever!

My chili is the best!

Woot!!!!

Shh..I'm Procrastinating

2008-11-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

Me & Laura were discussing how we think some people dont think were very much fun
And i have news for you...We're TOTALLY Fun :)

We ate burgers and chicken fingers the other night...Fun.
I just attempted to go up the stairs like a three toed sloth and Laura watched...Fun.
We watch Gilmore Girls on a daily basis...Fun.

Ok. Im out...but i think of some more fun things later.

Checklist

2008-11-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Awesome seat in the Library? Check.
Comfy Chair? Check.
Silence? Check.
Sweater? Check.
Starbucks? Check.
Notes, Highlighters, and pens? check
Pretzels for later? Check.
Nicole Procrastinating on writing 3 Research essays this weekend? Check.

Well, I am in the library about to embark on a weekend journey of essay writing.:

For War & Violence class i have a research paper on Child Soldiers.
For Social Welfare I have a Policy Analysis on The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999.
And for Data Analysis I have a Paper on the Correlations between Family Structure and Educational Attainment.

I'll be busy.
You know where to find me.
Library- 4th floor.
I ll be here all week[end]- Try the Veil.

Fact:

2008-11-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

There are no peeps at walmart.

Halloween

2008-11-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

This year for halloween I was the question mark box from Super Mario Brothers ( who are pictured above). If you never played the video game- you wont understand (and you are missing out). Everytime someone bumped into me i threw coins at them and yelled "bing!". Many were on the floor. One down a girl's shirt. an another in a guy's drink. Oh, well. It got some laughs. :)

Here's To You Miss Brocco

2008-10-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

So, I have this roommate named Laura "laughs a lot" Brocco. She is awesome! Why you ask? Well I will tell you...

She LOVES Jesus will all of her heart

She Paints awesome pictures for our room

She Dances with her boyfriend (or shall i say Fiance) through a web cam

We share a love of Chic Fil A sauce

She steals all of my good pens

She always makes better grades than me

She is getting married about a month after me :)

She makes me laugh until I cry and then some- Did you know it is possible to hyperventilate while laughing?

She never goes grocery shopping, but still manages to find stuff to eat

She doesnt get mad when my alarms go off 16 times before i get up in the morning (or does she?)

She doesnt mind when i listen to High School Musical on a road trip :)

She Laughs at all of my jokes :) Even if they're not that funny

She has the best laugh ever

I love you Laura! :) <3

Roomies

2008-10-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

these are my roomies- And i Love them :)

What about Jesus?

2008-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

After a conversation I had with Laura today, I am a little worried. OK, a lot worried. Terrified. My first emotion was confusion. then more confusion. then sadness, and later Anger. It seems to be a growing trend that ministries are teaching that Jesus is not the only way to salvation. In John 14:6 Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life, and no one gets to the father except through me" What's amazing about being a Christian is the intimate relationship we have with God. So many other religions are based upon fear and good deeds. God wants us for who we are, after all- He created us. Thats where Jesus comes in. He was sent to earth as a living sacrifice. He gave up his life so that we could live eternally with our Father. The only way to God is through him.
Yet people are preaching something different. I suppose saying that you can get to God through any Religion, is a saftey net. This way your not offending anyone or making yourself seem close minded. What they are preaching reminds me of Shane Claiborne's book Irresistable Revolution. His "motto" is Love God. Love People. Follow Jesus. It's like they saw the first part and threw out the part about following Jesus.

Jesus- I want to be like you. You are perfect in every way. Help me show others your sacrifice for us, and how God's Love and will is for all people.

VP Debate

2008-10-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

If I have to hear Palin say the word Maverick- or Biden refer to himself in third person again...i might shoot myself. Just sayin...

My long Lost Talent

2008-09-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

So Yesterday I was in the car with Daniel and I was singing along to some David Crowder Songs. (When I say sing along, I mean my voice was much louder than the radio. ) all of the sudden Daniel said "How are you doing that? I cant even do that?" I had know idea what he was talking about, so he explained to me that he has noticed that when i cant sing in a certain key (usually when songs are too high for me)- I will sing along with the song, but in a different key. Apparently most people cant do that. He was amazed. Then I was excited. I can do something muscial that Daniel can't? Awesome! And then i thought about it more...What a lame talent. I sing, but not in the right key. Cool.

But its ok because i found my calling in life. I am going to be a drummer. Well, maybe not- but if you have never sat behind a drum set, you should try it. Its thrilling. I played drums yesterday at youth group. ( and when i say Play i mean I tapped the bass drum and hit the symbols a few times- in my head i sounded awesome.) Being a rock star is pretty hard work, but someone has to do it.

The Best sound in the whole world...

2008-09-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Is The Laughter of Laura Brocco.

Seriously.

I'm thinking about recording it and selling it on Ebay. I could make millions.

I Love you Laura!

Old Friends

2008-09-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

It makes me sad when i see you.

I barely have words.

I wish i could make your decisions for you sometimes, but i know its not my place.

I hope you can forgive me for not loving you like i know i should, but it is so hard.

Jesus died on the cross and the only thing he asked of us was to love one another and love the father. Why cant I do it? I think its because when i am around you i start feeling sad. angry. hurt. confused. lonely.

God- give me strength to be with the friends i miss so dearly. Help me to not judge the things I don't understand.

Dear old friend- You will never read this, I am almost sure, but I do Love you and I am sorry if I don't show it. Please know that i miss you.

Lead me on and i will run after you

2008-09-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I17edLkBDCo

This Song speaks to my heart:

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me on magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
To know and follow hard after you

To grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you

Today was Awesome. I went to praise team practice and sang for two hours ( and learned an awesome new song :) ) And then Me and Daniel had dinner to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. I can not believe we have been together for half of a decade. And then me and my new roomie- The awesome Miss Laura- talked about Jesus. It was awesome.
I love how Jesus completely surprises me all the time.

Keep leading me on Lord- And i will run forever for you.

Sissy

2008-08-07T18:19:00.001-07:00

I love that i can still kiss your boo boos to make them feel better. :)

One year ago today

2008-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about it all day.

I cant believe its been a year since we boarded the plane (or shall i say planes) to India.

I remember being so terrified and excited. I didn't feel like it was real. It still doesn't feel real.

I thought i was going to India to help people and share God's love and faithfulness. I didn't realize i was the one who was going to be changed. I remember when i first got there i wanted to leave. I hated the smell and the noise and the crowds. And now ever since i left, I've wanted to return, more than anything. I Hunger. I Thirst for Calcutta.

Who knew that i could find God's true, perfect love in the midst of poverty and filth.

He did. And i think that's why i was sent.

I miss you Calcutta.

2008-07-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to have a blog.
I am not quite sure what I will be writing about, but i think it will help me clear my head.
Cool.
Peace out.