tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72650456721883769152024-02-08T08:33:13.385-06:00Children of PromiseI am a wife and mother and will often blog about issues related to that. My focus however, is about how we as women can face the issue of pain in our lives, turn to Jesus and live a healthy, whole life. I am on the journey as well, and have my own story....Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-61859695474166605932012-02-20T12:38:00.001-06:002012-02-20T12:43:45.753-06:00Heart Happy Memories<img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/15270086206039962_J7abso0C_c.jpg" />
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When I see my children smile, it brightens my day. It seems I get too busy with my schedule, have too much to do, and get frustrated too often.<br />
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When I slow down, look at my family...really look at them, I feel so blessed. Watching them smile, listening to them laugh, and seeing them play are all priceless moments in my life.<br />
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I wonder if I offer those moments to my children. Will they carry memories of me smiling, laughing, playing with them? Will they remember musical happy tones in my voice? Will the tired, weighed down tones win out in their memories?<br />
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I am working this year on slowing myself down a bit to play with my children. Read to them. Make things with them, and really experience life in a special way.<br />
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We have tried to build those memories recently by playing games, building blocks, and having a candlelit dinner. We have been reading through Little Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. That has been both heartfelt and fun. I hope we can continue in this pattern and I encourage others to do the same.<br />
Here are some other ways you can get thoughts about <a href="http://changedbythemaker.com/http:/changedbythemaker.com/make-life-meaningful-monday-the-little-surprises/">Making Life Meaningful Monday</a>.<br />
~~MelissaMelissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-10606017954075259402012-02-18T09:26:00.000-06:002012-02-18T09:51:08.507-06:00Desperate Woman Seeking Prune<i style="font-weight: bold;">PRUNES.</i> It is what is on my mind this morning. Food and menu planning is often on my mind, but this is different. I am desperate. We have been given a 24 lb. box of prunes. I really am thankful. I am also stumped.<br />
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So my ideas so far include <a href="http://onewholeclove.typepad.com/one_whole_clove/2005/10/prune_thursday.html">Moroccan Basteeva Pie</a> with chicken in it, as a main dish. <a href="http://busycooks.about.com/od/appetizerrecipe1/r/devilshorseback.htm">Bacon Wrapped Prunes</a> is another fun idea for a snack night. My last idea for now is a <a href="http://recipes.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Prunes_Stuffed_With_Cheese_Recipe_1">Cheese stuffed prunes</a> recipe. I would make some changes here, but the idea is appealing.<br />
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Being that I am curious in nature, and also want to know what is in the food I am eating, I thought I would look up the nutritional value of prunes. I know everyone really wants to know just how much fiber is really in those little black bombs. :)<br />
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<div class="nutpanel" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; border-bottom-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; border-right-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; color: #333333; display: table; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; width: 257px;">
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col width="5"></col><col></col><col width="30"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="title" colspan="3" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Arial Black', Arial; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 25px;"><b>Nutrition Facts</b></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label" colspan="3" style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Serving Size 1 cup of pitted</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="sep" colspan="3" style="background-color: #888888; color: #555555; font-size: 2px; line-height: 5px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="borderTop" style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="borderTop label strong small" colspan="3" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">Amount Per Serving</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="borderTop label" colspan="3" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><div style="float: right; white-space: nowrap;">
Calories from Fat 6</div>
<b>Calories</b> 408</td></tr>
<tr height="2px" style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="sep" colspan="3" style="background-color: #888888; color: #555555; font-size: 2px; line-height: 5px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td align="right" class="label strong small" colspan="3" style="color: #555555; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">% Daily Values*</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Total Fat</b> 0.65g</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>1</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td><td class="borderTop label" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Saturated Fat 0.15g</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>1</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td><td class="label borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Polyunsaturated Fat 0.105g</td><td class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td><td class="label borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Monounsaturated Fat 0.09g</td><td class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Cholesterol</b> 0mg</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>0</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Sodium</b> 3mg</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>0</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Potassium</b> 1244mg</td><td class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Total Carbohydrate</b> 108.6g</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>36</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td><td class="borderTop label" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Dietary Fiber 12.1g</td><td align="right" class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>48</b>%</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td><td class="borderTop label" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;">Sugars 64.82g</td><td class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="2" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><b>Protein</b> 3.71g</td><td class="borderTop" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="sep" colspan="3" style="background-color: #888888; color: #555555; font-size: 2px; line-height: 5px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td colspan="3" style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><table class="generic" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 243px;"><tbody>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;" width="45%">Vitamin A 0%</td><td align="center" style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><img height="6" src="http://www.fatsecret.com/static/images/icons/myfs_darkcir.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="6" /></td><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;" width="45%">Vitamin C 2%</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td class="label borderTop" colspan="3" style="border-top-color: rgb(188, 188, 188); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><table class="generic" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 243px;"><tbody>
<tr style="line-height: 13px;"><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;" width="45%">Calcium 7%</td><td align="center" style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;"><img height="6" src="http://www.fatsecret.com/static/images/icons/myfs_darkcir.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="6" /></td><td style="color: #555555; font-size: 12px;" width="45%">Iron 9%</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am totally shocked that there are 108 grams of Carbohydrates in one cup of prunes! The 12 grams of Fiber is pretty...ummm...amazing too. If more information about the prune is desired, look here <a href="http://www.californiadriedplums.org/nutrition/nutrition-composition">California Dried Plums</a>. There is some really good stuff there about antioxidants and such. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I challenge you to make something with prunes this week, and post a comment with your recipe, or e-mail me and I will mention you in my blog. I need ideas!! Hoping any readers have a fiber filled weekend. :D </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~~Melissa</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7265045672188376915" name="footnotes" style="color: #034b8e; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></b><br />
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<br /></div>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-11040224013190187962012-02-17T09:12:00.000-06:002012-02-17T09:12:03.068-06:00Sit in the MessYesterday I thought I was going to post tips about the healing process of a wounded heart. After thinking about this more, I think that is unrealistic. Tips for making a better scrapbook. Tips for cleaning a bathroom better. Tips for how to pack your car for a trip. Those are the kinds of things you can give tips for. Pain and healing must be lived out individually. I hope this was no let down. Rather than give tips, I thought I would share my own personal lessons (done with much editing) and thoughts about my own journey. This journey has duly affected my family, hopefully for the better.<br />
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My first lesson that I learned was to learn to sit in the mess. In my own situation I felt as though I was in a huge muddy pit and that I just <i>had</i> to climb out and fix this problem. Basically, I wanted to walk away, hide and pretend there was no problem, no pain. What I was learning was that I was to face it. Not only was I to face it, but was to sit down in that mess.<br />
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Just what was the point of sitting down in a mess? If I did that in my home, it would look like a tornado came and swept down in two hours. The point was to stop, look around, feel the pain of what I was in. To realize that Jesus was with me, there to help me, and to comfort me. This mess would not be forever. But it would have been had I not sat down and looked at it. I wanted answers. What was I to do? How was I to fix this? The feelings and intensity of pain was mounting and I was told to <i style="font-weight: bold;">sit down</i> in that mess?<br />
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Honestly, I was fuming inside at the beginning of this first lesson. I was a person of change, perfection, and was the best at covering things up to look good. This was not feeling good at all, however I did sit in that mess, and sat, and kept sitting. It felt like the longest time that I sat there. The pain was swarming inside me and I just let myself face it. I could not receive God's love and forgiveness and comfort if I did not face my own junk and realize what God could do with my heart.<br />
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Healing is a slow process, one with a goal of hope and joy and of a bright future at the end. I am still heading there. But I desire to pass along where I have been. God has comforted my heart in amazing ways, and has brought hope. He has shown me that HE knows me and loves me above all else and that no matter what is going on around me, I am still okay, because of HIM.<br />
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I pray my readers, if there are any, would also know that you can be okay too. Blessings and peace, Melissa<br />
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<br />Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-11192210693944147752012-02-16T10:27:00.000-06:002012-02-16T11:35:41.272-06:00Let's Wear Our Real SkinWomen hurt. I am sure of that. I have a heart for women that hurt. Women do so much in the world around them and touch so many lives. They can have an amazing impact on people's lives. I have lived through, and have seen how the pain in a woman's heart can cause so much damage. If pain and disappointment are not dealt with, damaging behaviors and thought patterns can begin. The true source of help and comfort lies in the arms of Jesus, but too often we women try to fix things in our lives. Sometimes that could be called micro-managing, controlling...maybe. I know for me it was.<br />
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I have gone through my own junk in life, and have felt a lot of pain. I lived in blissful ignorance for a long time, trying to be perfect, tried to perfect my environment, and then depression came in. Following depression came eating disorders, and more followed that. I am aware that my story is not a lone event. There are others. There are other homeschool mothers, bread baking housewives, and passionate Christian women who fall under the deadly trap that pain can be. </div>
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I desire to see women open up and share more about our life stories. Why do we always feel the need to show a perfect view of ourselves? Why do we not share from our hearts...always holding back? We are in this together...we are all in this world, facing sin and dealing with our own disappointments. I believe if we let down our pretenses and begin to be real, we could really make a lot of change. We mothers who are working so hard, trying to become perfect can be positively or negatively impacting our children to affect the next generation of believers. I truly desire that we live in our real skins, talk openly, and heal fully. I commit to being a part of that in other's lives, as well as my own.<br />
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How can we practically do this? I will blog more about this tomorrow with some of my own perspective's idea of how to heal.<br />
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~Melissa</div>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-29628505115866478872012-02-13T12:50:00.000-06:002012-02-13T13:02:08.636-06:00Competitive ChildrenCompetitive? Me? I never used to think that I was. Once I had children, I did not want them getting involved with organized sports, thinking that a competitive spirit was not good to develop in them. Time has passed now, and the reality of parenting has settled in. We will ALL be competitive whether we want to or not.<br />
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We are in a race the Bible says. We need to always be on our toes to fight the enemy, at least to be watchful. Competition is a fact of life. There is competition in many parts of life...college, trying out for plays or sports, interviews for jobs, among other things. Those are parts of life that we must face and learn how to deal with while we are young. I think that as parents, we need to help guide the competitive spirit, help our children to have self control, and encourage them to be gracious and humble when losing becomes a sad fact for them. Sports for children offer a great way to learn team work, and goal setting.<br />
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[Check out <a href="http://changedbythemaker.com/http:/changedbythemaker.com/make-life-meaningful-monday-what-weve-learned-from-wrestling/">Make Life Meaningful Monday</a>. My friend Michelle, shares her thoughts about goal setting and its importance in life. She inspired me to write this blog entry, and is also helping me along with learning about blogging. (Thanks Michelle!)]<br />
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All of that to say...so far, my children have not been part of any organized sports. It requires a little creativity, not to mention a good savings plan, to enable my children to be involved in sports. Unfortunately it is costly to do, when there are five children who all want to participate. I have it on my heart and mind (and bank account), to make this work for the following school year.<br />
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In the meantime, while our finances are establishing, we are encouraging our children to set some goals and compete in 4-H. My children love 4-H. They do compete on county and state levels, but mostly they compete against themselves. Against themselves? Procrastination, laziness, or lack of creativity or preparation are some of the most common setbacks that homeschool children can suffer when it comes to competitive activities. 4-H encourages children to step up, and battle those internal issues in order to win, to receive a ribbon, and to be able to compete on the next level. There are many other reasons why I love 4-H, and I could go on, but will stop here for now. If anyone is interested in more information about 4-H, or have questions about it, please comment and I will be happy to answer.<br />
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Again, Thanks to Michelle <a href="http://changedbythemaker.com/">Changed by the Maker</a> for inspiring the blog idea. ~~~Melissa</div>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-22050415096470543402012-02-06T08:29:00.000-06:002012-02-06T09:43:52.768-06:00Friendship ConundrumsI don't trust people. There, I said it. It is a hard thing to admit to, and a harder thing to deal with. I have been pondering friendships lately and wondering what kind of person makes a friend like God wants us to be. What is a "God" kind of friendship? I know that we are to strive to be like Jesus, to love one another. Jesus had a purpose on earth, but I am not sure it was to be friends with everyone. He lived out his life for God and carried out His purposes. I know He stopped to eat and fellowship with others, and that he was loving and friendly, no doubt. I really feel baffled by this friendship thing. <br />
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I see many different kinds of friendships out there. There are shopping friends. Facebook friends. Next door neighbor friends. Casual friends. There seem to be the kind that call each other with every change of the tides and share every last detail of life with one another. There seem to be friends that thrive on drama and nonsense, crying and then hugging and so on. I don't say this judgmental..I too have done this crying and hugging and then laughing. I notice what seems to be "friends to your face" kind of friendships. Those are the kinds where people are nice to one another and have great camaraderie for a while and then with great hugs and waves good-bye, move on to the next friend with tidbits of gossip about the last one. I know a lot of people that are truly loving and kind, but they don't seem to be caught up in the drama, nor do they go on gossiping about the last person they heard from. They don't come across with a prideful, know-it all, judge the world attitude, and yet, they do not have "best" friends either. This leaves me baffled.<br />
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My latest conclusion of this dilemma is that though it would be great to have that "best" friend with whom I share my shoes with and laugh over lipstick application at the bathroom mirrors, for now it may not be for me. I desire to continue to become more of a friend that God would want me to be. I want to learn as I relate to my children, and my husband, and my family. I want to become closer to Jesus and hopefully become more like Him. The trust issue...that is something God is working on in me. In the meantime, I will be busy in my home focusing on my priorities and trying to love others well in my life, and if best girlfriends don't come along in my lifetime, that is okay as long as I have my Jesus. <br />
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My desire for closeness with people grows. I would love to share life with another woman, with out the bitter jealousy or judgment. I would love to share ideas, recipes, joys and sorrows. To have someone to hold hands with and pray with would be grand. To have a friendship void of the pretense and the fears would be wonderful, but is it realistic? I plan on trying to practice these things one at a time and even if Female Superfriend never comes along, I want to enjoy life with my Superfriend who knows me best and loves me to the heavens and back. <br />
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I am processing life and trying to figure things out. I mean no judgement on anyone and am thankful for all of you in my life, and desire a deeper closeness with any friend I do have. Enjoy your Superfriend too. May we all be more like Him. MelissaMelissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-44443679847580433902012-01-31T11:13:00.000-06:002012-02-06T09:45:02.598-06:00New DiscoveriesA few years ago, I was so exhausted. I was broken and completely empty. Any part that resembled "me" was gone. God has used all of that for good in my life. Coming to the end of "myself" has been so good for me. I truly thank God for what He has done, and is doing even now.<br />
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At that time, I could not even read a sentence and remember what it said. Watching movies was completely purposeless. I could not remember any appointments and forgot whether I had even showered that day. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn again. I am able to read again and retain information!! I remember details and conversations!!<br />
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This past weekend, I read three books about Ancient China, am learning how to watercolor paint, have started blogging again, and not only remember things, but am able to begin to think ahead and plan. I am enjoying the ability to organize and do things for others outside my home. I am enjoying the chance to randomly think of others and how they might be doing in life. I feel free. I feel like a load of bricks has been taken off my back.<br />
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I am enjoying my chance to explore new things. Learning about blogging, and Pinterest can be a bit time consuming but is oh so fun. It makes my every day life a fun hobby. I hope any readers are able to enjoy new things in their life. If not, please know you are not alone. God bless, MelissaMelissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-42442790236156118932012-01-30T14:05:00.000-06:002012-02-06T09:45:56.969-06:00If At First You Fail...Try, try again!<br />
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It has been a year since blogging and I have been inspired to begin again. My husband says I could write books and books, but I will begin with blogging. I am sure I have said this before, but opening up and speaking about my life is something of a roadblock for me. I feel that God wants to work in me and also use me in some way through this blog. I anticipate many good things.<br />
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My family has changed a lot over the past year. Two of my sons now tower over me in height. I feared these teenage days so much, but so far I find that they are very enjoyable. Did I say time consuming? Ha! Truthfully, I learn so much from them daily, and desire to be a better person. They inspire me and challenge me and bless me. My oldest is going to be 15 "in 44 days," he just told me. Then I have a 13 year old. Next comes the 11 year old, my 9 year old and finally my 2 and a half year old. We have a mix of Toby Mac, Math Quizzes, random scientific trivia, loud singing in the shower, and Thomas the Train all thrown in our every day. We are enjoying life and I desire to share a little with you. Hope to see more of you. Feel free to comment if you wish.<br />
MelissaMelissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-77784246856172474012012-01-22T10:48:00.000-06:002012-01-22T10:48:44.152-06:00This breaks my heart...how can we help? <div>
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<br /></div>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-7451700442030632822011-01-05T15:26:00.000-06:002011-01-05T19:26:23.775-06:00The little girl insideI have been reading the book Captivating written by John and Stasi Eldredge. It has been very helpful to my heart. I love how it explains the needs of a woman's heart beginning from the days when we were little girls. One thing I have learned is that life is messy. It is one great reason we need God. From the beginning of life we have deep needs in our hearts and very soon after life begins we realize that those needs are not able to be met by the people in our lives. Some times those people in our lives try their very best to meet our needs. Life, being what it is, brings tragedy, sadness, and sin in its many painful forms. As women, our needs just go unmet. Our hearts ache with longing and fill with sadness. <br /><br />Two nights ago I dreamed that I was sitting in my kindergarten classroom as an adult, looking on as little Melissa was sitting in her desk. She looked so small, so innocent. She was one of those girls you just couldn't resist hugging. She looked so lost and there was a sadness behind those big eyes. I, as the adult, sat down and began to deeply sob. I am not sure entirely what this dream was all about, but I know that it was good for me to grieve for the way that life did not turn out quite like us little girls dream of. I have always been so hard on my self, so down on myself regarding my failures. To look upon that little girl and her lost hopes and dreams, her heart that was wounded, I began to have some compassion. I wanted to hold her, smooth her white/blonde hair, and comfort her. It gives me great comfort to know that my Saviour does that for me. He holds me, strokes my hair and comforts my heart. He knows all the deep needs of my heart and all that has occurred in my life and longs to soothe my soul. He provides all my needs. He is my heaven here in this messy world. I am so lost without Him and am so eternally grateful for His saving love and mercy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TSTnTijWzxI/AAAAAAAAABk/7MUXeSsK3qE/s1600/me.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TSTnTijWzxI/AAAAAAAAABk/7MUXeSsK3qE/s320/me.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558822162960666386" /></a>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-70021899378802076942010-09-24T16:51:00.000-05:002012-01-29T21:44:15.731-06:00Venting...Ok, I offer a warning to all readers...this is my raw unfiltered thoughts so if this might cause offense, you may want to stop reading. <br />
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Sometimes I hate life and most times I am frustrated with my own existence. It's like the little black cloud over Eeyore hangs over my head all the time. I always feel like I am frustrated, impatient, waiting for something. What in the world would I be waiting for? I have everything a woman could want. I have been offered everything beautiful from my heavenly Father. What in the world is there to wait for? Why is that little black cloud always hanging over my head? I know God gave life as a gift, but maybe I need to be more thankful. I guess there is so much about life that confounds me. I could blog for hours regarding my questions and feelings about life. I feel like I always have my galoshes on and that I am tramping through the mud. Every now and then I have a day where the sun seems to shine through. Why do those days even come?? It teases me to think that every day should be that way. Ideally, it would be nice. I wish I could sort out the questions about our purpose, about our existence, and come to some peace within myself. I am learning so much, but sometimes it is just so stinkin hard and overwhelming! I blogged the other day about wanting to be Pollyanna when I grew up, but instead most times I feel like that persnickety red-headed lady instead. Well, there is my venting for the week. I imagine that a little more time at the feet of Jesus would be the best thing for me. A little quiet time on my knees, maybe a good cry (if I could), and some peace inside. I will be patient and hope that someday life makes a little more sense. <br />
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So, if anyone read this and wish they hadn't...I truly apologize. But if you happen to have any great insights about life, please share. :)<br />
<br />Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-88633854955462097392010-09-22T12:18:00.000-05:002010-09-22T12:56:58.772-05:00Duct Tape Anyone??I wonder if there is any value in a broken vase? I have many things around my house that are broken. They are truly beyond repair. They should probably be in the trash, rather than in my home any longer, but that is beside the point. I find broken crayons that no one wants to use, broken baby toys, clothes that have holes in annoying places, torn shoe soles, and so on. I relish the idea of moving to our new home soon, so I can leave those irritating pieces of junk behind in the dumpster! How grateful I am that God did not leave me behind in the dumpster, so to speak. I truly deserved it. <br /><br />The topic of brokenness is an interesting one. The truth is, we are all broken whether we see it or not. Seeing it is the hard part. Some of us like to go on in life with duct tape covering over our brokenness. Maybe we paint over it, embellish it with stickers, stamps, or colorful beads. Allowing ourselves to BE broken, feeling broken, weak and helpless may give us a greater understanding of what it means to be saved. I picture my heavenly Father picking me up, the broken vase, and in His most majestic way, fixing me. I am not one of those who love hot pink duct tape, I would rather be truly repaired from the inside out. That is when I can truly be useful again. <br /><br />Brokenness is so painful, humbling, and a truly pitiful experience. It takes bravery to enter into the knowledge of how broken we are. It hurts to feel weak, when all we want is to be strong. It is embarrassing to be caught as a sinner. The reward, is falling in love with our Savior. Living a full, abundant, authentic life is unlike anything ever experienced. Denying the enemy of his right to lie to us any longer and facing our brokenness does bring about a sort of suffering, but I would never want to trade it for anything in the world. I finally feel like a real person, able to be used somewhere, somehow. Best of all, I am beginning to truly know my Savior. I always want to be in this place...never do I want to step into a place of pride and selfishness again. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TJpCzspzhlI/AAAAAAAAABY/MfSgQZaMUmQ/s1600/Duct+tape.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TJpCzspzhlI/AAAAAAAAABY/MfSgQZaMUmQ/s320/Duct+tape.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519797749223229010" /></a>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-61928897276503885432010-09-20T13:05:00.000-05:002010-09-20T13:27:46.848-05:00Cinderella ChristianityI thought I was created for more. I am not sure if I had a fairy tale view of Christianity, or if it was blind faith and the zeal of youth. When I was young I wanted to be like Florence Nightingale, or Pollyanna. If I couldn't bandage people's wounds, then at least I could change their lives and make them smile. My dreams were nice. I truly wanted to be something great. A few years ago, we thought about working overseas somewhere as missionaries. I still want to be something great, but I have come to accept that whatever God has given me to do right here, right now...IS great. I may not feel great sitting in my jeans, t-shirt, and hair up in a pony tail. I may be crabby, frazzled and covered in laundry. This work is what God has called me to do. It IS doing the work of God, and it is great. I don't feel holy doing the dishes, though it would be nice. Maybe some day I will wake up and find myself somewhere wiping the brow of a wounded and dying soldier. Maybe instead, I will be skipping down the streets in pretty dresses, singing to the forlorn, and making them smile. I think that even then I would not "feel" like what I was doing was something great, or holy. I think that I can enjoy what I do each day, and know that God looks upon me with joy just for living and loving Him, and doing what I do to the very best of my ability. Maybe I am living out my happily ever after. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TJemOgeSovI/AAAAAAAAABQ/0fYapnxqOh8/s1600/cindyrella.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 206px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TJemOgeSovI/AAAAAAAAABQ/0fYapnxqOh8/s320/cindyrella.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519062636531196658" /></a>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-85580520799385878472010-09-14T14:36:00.000-05:002010-09-14T15:05:15.298-05:00Be still and know that I am God...Psalm 46:10<br /><br />I happen to be the world's worst person at being still. Anyone who knows me knows that I am always moving, walking, running, biking, cleaning, baking, sewing...anything EXCEPT being still. If I am still, I am playing solitaire. I was thinking about this during one quiet moment of my day today and am realizing how much I am missing. Most of us, including me, are on a continual search to make sense of our lives. I have spent much time watching others, reading books, and striving to DO what was "right." When all pretty much failed, I found myself down in the mud. I have spent the last year or more wondering why I woke up with a face plant in the mud. Well, I am seriously wondering if spending more time being still...doing nothing but pondering the activities of my heart and mind would be more beneficial than DOING so much. After all, it was Mary's heart that pleased Jesus so much, and not Martha's. I know God holds all the answers to my life and the answers to my heart's deepest desires and longings. He created me. He knows me best and loves me. I aim to spend more time being still and leaning on my Creator. I have a strong feeling that I may have a deeper sense of peace and understanding in addition to a better relationship with my Father. <br /><br />So in the attitude of stillness....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TI_U4pFKteI/AAAAAAAAABI/MBK7hD5Bv5Q/s1600/calm+waters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4I_hKZrI7mU/TI_U4pFKteI/AAAAAAAAABI/MBK7hD5Bv5Q/s320/calm+waters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516862138117436898" /></a>Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-60298484636879038562010-09-13T12:13:00.000-05:002010-09-13T12:30:47.680-05:00Letting Go...Holding OnIt has been so long since blogging. I am considering giving this another try at my husband's suggestion. I love to write, and have a lot on my heart and mind. I am so hesitant to say much. I have been in a learning phase for so long now. I have tried to be quiet, seeking knowledge and trying to gain maturity. I have been thinking so much about what life means, and more specifically, what my life has meant to me. I have gone over the details of my life, crying inside over many things and learning how to let go. Other details of my life I have felt overjoyed about and am trying to hold on to those. I have felt so weak and have made so many mistakes. I still do not feel strong enough to say that I could lead anyone in a straight direction at this point, but I am willing to share some things and hear from others as well.<br /> <br />I am learning to let go of:<br /><br />1. Striving for perfection<br />2. Looking to people to validate who I am<br />3. Holding everything inside of me<br />4. Control<br />5. People who have hurt me<br />6. Thinking every day has to be happy<br />7. I might add more later...this list could get too long. <br /><br />I am learning to hold on to:<br /><br />1. God's strength in all things<br />2. God's love that carries me through all things<br />3. The love for others who have been there for me<br />4. The love for others who need me<br />5. Gratefulness and love for my husband who is truly the best<br />6. Precious moments with my children who are growing too fast<br />7. Moments that teach me something new...even things that hurt or days that are unhappy<br />8. And more to come.....Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-91310204104748387502010-01-15T21:43:00.000-06:002010-01-15T22:02:27.522-06:00Avacados-a baby's first foodNot all people would enjoy reading an entry entirely based on babies eating mashed up, slimy food. But is my new journey right now with my 6 month old baby. So, I tried powdered rice cereal first mixed with apple juice. He liked that for the first two days. Then I tried some homemade applesauce. That was a no go. I am guessing it was too sour. Poor baby. Then I tried Gerber baby food applesauce, peaches and pears. Again, it was not liked. After trying several new items, he had learned the technique of batting the spoon away and barring the door to his mouth with his tongue. That was too funny, but I felt sorry for him. Back to the drawing board...bananas maybe? No, not really. Batting the spoon away became a game and "No, no" has now been a learned comment from Mommy. He is such a good boy. He listens so well. Tonight I tried avocado, mashed up really well. He seemed to like it better, even though bananas were in it too. The avocado being a first food for babies is something I read on the following website. http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/avocadobabyfoodrecipes.html <br />Now I am excited to try it again. So, for those looking for a good beginner baby food...hope this works for you too. No more sour faces and healthy baby here we come!!Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-12204669135147557152010-01-15T12:30:00.000-06:002010-01-15T12:51:34.874-06:00UnworthyI am overwhelmed today by God's love displayed to me through my husband and children. I look at myself and see so many things I do not like. I see my faults and failures all too plainly. I am truly unworthy of my Father's love, and yet he adores me. That is so far beyond my understanding. My Father has poured his heart of love into my husband and children and it flows out to me unreservedly. I am blessed by the sweet kisses from my daughter, hugs given to me by big boy arms, and little baby fingers stroking my face. Words and songs and years of devotion (not to mention an enormous amount of patience) given to me by my husband stuns me. On I journey through life...never will I be perfect or worthy of God's love. I can trust, however, that God will always be near. He will always love me even though I am imperfect. I thank God for my precious children. The simple things often overlooked as expressions of God's love, like little giggles, cheerful smiles, secrets told and even delicate tears I no longer want to overlook. The trust given to me as hearts unfold, the words "Hey, Mommy..." spoken over a thousand times a day, and the gentle shoulder rubs by my husband in the evening, I no longer want to see as common. They are all beautiful expressions of love. Thank you God for loving me in all my unworthiness....Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7265045672188376915.post-71926090777718379342010-01-14T08:24:00.000-06:002010-01-14T08:32:45.715-06:00First Blog...This is my first time to blog and I am experimenting a little bit. My children are rising out of bed and I sit here and listen to their chatting. They all bring such happiness to my day. At times they challenge me to think deeper, to answer life's unanswered questions. They challenge me to be better, and sometimes I wonder if I did not have them, what I would be like today. I enjoy their smiles, jokes, silliness, as well as their soft hearts for God and for man. Well, I will close for now as I am needed to teach today. Breakfast is almost done for the morning and books are being piled about the house. Baby Andrew is getting close to needing to be held and is tiring of the constant chatter around him. Here we go, another day....Melissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15794425122663441714noreply@blogger.com0