Saturday, December 31, 2011

A New Year

Linking up with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday & Laura at Beholding Glory

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Oprah Winfrey

2011 was mostly a good year...but still....there were tough things that happened that tore at my heart..... and in ways changed me. 

My good friend Gaye Anderson lost her battle with cancer and my friend's sister got sick and died quickly and unexpectedly.  

All year I received letters, gifts and emails from people who read my story, identified with it and wrote to tell me theirs. One was from a 13 year old who found my blog and reached out to me. Her many emails stunned me. I ended up working with the child abuse division of the police to locate her and ensure her safety. That experience showed me how powerful our words can be and how they can make a difference in someone's life. 

I also learnt that life is fragile....and all we have for sure is this moment. For 2012 I want to keep reaching out...keep shining His Light....keep showing the hope that's in Him....b/c that's what really makes a difference.

Happy New Year Guys....Praying it'll be a good one.   

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go and help us to be wise in times when we don't know.....

26 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Nikki, thank you for sharing your triumphs and pains for 2011. I guess really we all can relate as well. You are truly an inspiration to so many. I am privileged to know you. Blessings and hugs.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Nikki,
It just touches my heart how you have taken the steps to help that thirteen year old. She needed an advocate and you became one for her. God is so proud of you, my friend, and so am I!
I so love how the Lord takes our own pain, heals it up, and turns it into inspiration to help others.
Wishing you and those you love a Happy & Healthy New Year filled with many blessings.

Hugs,
Sandi

highheeledlife said...

Nikki - you are a miracle and Angel ... God has chosen you for the the strength He knew you had (even though you didn't know you had it). You will continue to touch lives in the most positive way and help save some so that they too may go on to make a difference. Thank you for your openness in your writing! You are both an inspiration and motivation to me, to keep going , believing, and holding on to faith! May 2012 be all that you need it to be , and may it be filled with abundance and many blessings, xo Celia (HHL)

Esther Joy said...

Hi, Sarah, Happy New Year to you!

I had a dream the other night - don't remember much about it, but it ended with these words ringing in my mind "Words have power!" Your blog just reminded me of that.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

What a testimony of God' grace as He reached out through you to help a girl in need...yea! for being His hands and feet here on earth

I love this song...Blessings to you and yours in the New Year

Lisa notes... said...

You've done such meaningful work in 2011. I know the Lord has special plans for you in 2012 too. I look forward to what he will do in each of our lives. You are a blessing! Happy New Year!

Wanda's Wings said...

God's grace is never ending. Have a blessed New Year.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Nikki, we're watching Anne of Green Gables tonight too! A great way to spend New Year's Eve! I'll be thinking of you.
Have a wonderful evening, and I pray His blessings will pour into your lap in 2012.

Hugs,
Sandi

Nana Jul said...

Happy New Year Nikki! 2011..was one with many "growing" pains. I'm sorry about your losses..they're hard. But at the same time your gains...Telling your story..His story, Helping this young girl...and stepping out of your comfort zone to publicly testify! So many lives you have touched...and I'm so proud of you!
Thank you for touching my life with your writings, and your heart!
Love ya girl!! May the LORD bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you!
Jul

Sherry Southard said...

It seems like the older we get, the more people we lose in our life. Knowing we won't ever lose God is refreshing and helps us continue to love and share God's love with all those around us. Blessings to you this New Year.

Shelley said...

Happy New Year to you too! <3

RCUBEs said...

Happy New Year sister and I think it's so awesome for you to be able to share His love and comfort with others the way He did with you. God bless and protect you.

Chatty Crone said...

Happy New Year! sandie♥

Raine said...

You have a beautiful soul. Happy New Years

Dianne ... Walking In His Grace said...

Happy New Year Sarah, and God Bless You as you continue to let your Light shine for Jesus. You are an inspiration and have a wonderful testimony.
Wishing you all the very best according to His Will.
Dianne :)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

That is great that you could help the 13 year old...Sorry for the losses too

Pamela said...

It must thrill the heart of God to see His child reaching out to others. I ordered your book for my Kindle. I hope to begin reading it this week.

David C Brown said...

His compassions fail not; they are new every morning.

Anonymous said...

Amen, Sarah. By God's amazing grace and endless mercies, in 2012 I desire to be MORE PURPOSEFUL in all the things I do - for His kingdom and glory.

I wish both our families ALL THE BEST in 2012!

Rina @ Healing Moments

Debbie said...

What a story about the 13 year old! God used you in such a wonderful way.

I wasn't looking forward to the new year, but in the past day or two, I've gotten on board.

Looking ahead!

Now, to enjoy Celine Dion and a favorite song...

Charlotte said...

God is using you to touch many people. Thank you for sharing this splendid example.
Blessings for a fulfilling new year.
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

Nikki,

Just stopping by to say, "Hello." I hope the writings for your new book are going well.

-M. Wildflower

Deborah Ann said...

Sounds like you had some sad times mixed in with the good. Me too. Too many funerals, including one double funeral a few days before Christmas.

I love that your ministry is touching people, and they are sharing their stories with you. They're in good hands, I'm sure,

Have the best new year ever! Love you...

Sharon said...

Nikki, I was thrilled to hear how God used you to reach out to that dear young girl. Your story is so very powerful - and I do applaud you for your courageous willingness to share it vulnerably.

Yes, life is fragile - and so is the human heart. And the greatest gift we can pass on is the HOPE that was born in a manger, died on a cross - and LIVES so that we might be healed!

GOD BLESS!

Charlotte said...

You have some wonderful goals for this new year. I know the Lord will help you fulfill them. If God is for us...who can be against us!

Your words ARE important...keep speaking them...keep sharing! You never know when they will fall on hurting ears.

You are a blessing!

Of One Heart said...

You are power, Nikki. You impress me with your courage.