Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thankful Thursday

“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.” Madeleine L'Engle

I love listening to people's stories...their journey's in life....and how they got to where the are. Some are funny, upbeat, positive...others are inspiring, challenging. All tweek something inside me. A hope that we're all trying to live out our best lives. It makes me grateful....thankful for stories that bridge us....Today I'm thankful for.....

-the six women who shared their hearts with me this week. Each one inspired me to walk more gently, more respectful.....from the outside looking at most of these women, you'd never know the tough stuff they struggle with.I'm honoured to have had them share pieces of their lives with me in a definite heartfelt way. 
-my youngest told me a story....about being lost in the rainforest. She told me she was very dirty and needed me to send her lots of soap.....she wrote her creative story on little index cards and kept running in for me to read another piece of the story. I laughed so hard at her crazy imagination and saw a side of her that is so totally neat. She's my kid that I have to fight with to take a bath but once she's in the water, I have to fight to get her out.
-I wasn't going to do it....but at the last minute I decided to do the namowrite thingy. The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I'm writing about growing up Jewish and how that has framed my faith today. I didn't think I had a lot to say but I'm already over 3000 words.
-The stories of so many people live inside me. My cyber buddy Gaye Anderson who passed away a few months ago from Pancreatic Cancer.....Her stories about fly fishing....and how much she adored her father, husband and son still float in my head. An older man I met at the park while waiting for my girls....his tales about his cherished wife who passed a year ago....and why he loves nature and books and people are there too....and many of the stories from you guys.....funny ones....difficult ones to read.....inspiring ones....they're all there too.
-And the best...the one I could never ever forget.....His story....it's one that changed everything.....A story that really shines and which brought me from no hope to knowing hope.

17 comments:

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wonderful and encouraging post, Nikki. We each have a story to tell. I'm glad you're sharing yours with the world. God bless you and have a delightful day in Him.

Blessings,
Sandi

Cami said...

As always, love your thankful Thursday :) Thanks for the encouragement today. God Bless!

<3-Cami from First Day of My Life

Debbie said...

Just so ya know... this is my favorite Thankful Thursday of yours to date. I loved it. Maybe it's because I just love words, and when those words (or Words) cratf a story, they just get better and better.

I'm totally smiling at your little one and the index cards.

Andrea said...

When we allow HIM....GOD speaks loudly through each of our stories. Thank you for being HIS willing vessel!
Hugs,
andrea

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

I want to thank you so much for taking the time to stop in with your comment and visit!!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I agree with Debbie, this is a great post! I am sure your writing project will be a wonderful read. I am currently doing a lot of soul searching so I can make the most of the rest of my time here on earth.

Chatty Crone said...

I think the thing I see here - is that you HEARD their story.

A lot of people sort of hear our stories - but knowing you - I know you heard them. And that is critical for these gals.

sandie♥

Ginny Hartzler said...

Looks like you are up to this challenge for sure!!! So many friends of ours are getting pancreatic cancer. It seems to be getting more and more prevalent. Years ago, it was hardly ever heard of.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This kinda left me speechless...really, it is just beautiful...and so right on.

Keep up your writing...wow!

Crown of Beauty said...

I love stories too, and the best ones I have read are the stories written by my dear blog friends.

You have an incredible story.

So do I... and all our stories have already been written in God's book, even before a single day of our lives came to be! Isn't that awesome?

Love the way your words flow, from your heart, through your fingertips, and onto to cyber paper.

Keeping you close...
Lidia

Denise said...

Awesome post.

highheeledlife said...

Your Thankful Thursdays are always remind me we do not walk alone. And there is so much out there for us to take in and enjoy. HE really does give us so much we just have to keep believing and a little Faith will take us a long way!! xo HHL

Nana Jul said...

Stories...everyone's got at least one...most of us have many...but there's none quite like the Story God has in mind for us. Walking with Jesus and letting Him write our stories as we go takes a boldness like none other, takes courage, faith and tons of trust. It takes a willing heart to step out of the boat and keep our eyes fixed on HIM and not the storms. You know...like standing up to speak..Oh, the courage that took..writing your book...but you stepped out of the boat..and now your daughter has her mothers courage...writing her own story..How cool is that?! Your story is HOPE shining brightly!
Keep on writing sister!
Love,
Julie

Annesphamily said...

You have so much to give others! Your talent in writing is incredible. You are very blessed. Love to you today and always!

Karen said...

Oh, you shine brightly, Nikki...His reflection is all over you....

Of One Heart said...

I need the bright spark that you are to light me up. I am grateful.

Charlotte said...

I agree that miracles happen all the time. They've happened to me many times. The song is so pretty. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte