Saturday, January 7, 2012

Everyone Needs Compassion

Linking up with Charlotte at  Spiritual Sunday  and Laura....Brag on Friday

"Walk where your heart leads you" GAO XINGJIAN  

I've got plans for this year...goals....dreams...
to live with purpose...to make a difference....
to use everything I've gone through to shine a Light wherever I can...so others can find freedom too. A few things in the works which I'm both excited and nervous about.....

-received an email about the women's group I'll be running starting next week...registration is full.  Talking to all those women makes me feel like bungee jumping...but the desire to show hope pushes me to not chicken out. 
-I spoke with a chaplain of a women's prison who just finished reading my book. He was blown away by it and now we're meeting this coming week to discuss how I might be able to help incarcerated women in desperate need of hope. Gulp!!!

-an old friend I lost touch with found me. He's had a tough life....spent most of it in and out of jail. Something happened to him when he was ten which changed and hardened him. But now he's a believer and travels all over the world telling people about his faith and the freedom he found in Christ. He asked if I'd write his story. The weird thing about it.....he had written me tons of letters when he was incarcerated in the last prison....letters I've kept. In the back of my mind I always thought...one day I'm gonna write his story. His story is amazing. I want to honor what he lived and both of us want to help others to know the hope and freedom that comes from the touch of His gentleness.  

Everyone needs compassion..a love that's never failing...everyone needs forgiveness...the kindness of a Savior

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

God bless you! Your blog is very encouraging and inspiring. It's ironic that you shared in this post,your "plans to use everything I've gone through to shine a Light wherever I can." I came to your blog to share with you, that I nominated you for The Candle Lighter Blogging Award. God is truly awesome! To find out more about the award, simply click on the link below.

http://pbus1.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/the-candle-lighter-award/

Paulette

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Yes and this song says it so well...as you have also done. May the Lord continue to direct your path, may he continue to be there when you bungee jump...may you feel His presence as you extend His light to a world in such need of it.

Blessings on writing his story...we all have a story, because it is His Story.

Blessings to you..thanks for the inspiration.

Aliene said...

Enjoyed your post. You are so right.
Everyone needs a second chance. Our Lord showed compassion and we are to follow in His steps. God bless you as you continue to post for His glory.

dawn said...

I have new goals and dreams this year as well Nikki! I pray I may be an Epiphany light used by Christ to move women toward positive change in recovery!
Bless you !!! You're new undertakings sound extraordinary!

Michelle Holderman said...

Wow Nikki! Sounds like the Lord is opening many doors for you. It is inspiring and important that you are using your own life experiences to reach out to so many; to shine the light of Christ, as you said.

I'll be praying for you. Bless you, friend :)

Renee said...

Wow, how exciting Sarah...God has certainly been enlarging your territory just like Jabaz asked for in the OT. To God be the glory as you listen and obey His will for your life. Hugs to you as you continue on your journey!

Cami said...

Fantastic song. And fantastic words you wrote. You are wonderful! :)

<3-Cami from First Day of My Life

Debbie said...

God is just all over your life! He keeps opening new doors and inviting others to be blessed by you, your story, and mostly what He has done through both.

I happen to love that song so I'm clicking the video. Of course, for the rest of the evening I'll be humming...Savior...He can move the mountains... our God is mighty to save...

highheeledlife said...

Girl! You are going to inspire so many and change their lives in such a positive way ... God is certainly letting you know how much he believed in you and your strength to rise above all the lessons, challenges that were put in your way. Now you are armed to help others, who have not been as strong, to gain their strength. Many wonderful blessings to you as you set out to make a difference in the world!! Hugs, xo HHL

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Nikki, you continue to bless and inspire me over and over again.
I'm so glad your friend touched base with you and wants you to write his story. God is amazing!

I probably won't be able to visit you next week because I am having surgery on Thursday morning but I will be stopping by when I am able. In the meantime, take care and God bless you!

Hugs,
Sandi

Lisa notes... said...

I love that song.

And I love your courage, Nikki. You keep putting yourself out there, in more and more places. For His glory. Wow. I admire what you do so much! I thank God for bold women like you, who reach out even when it's scary and hard.

Judy said...

Hi Sarah,

Wow what a testimony! I pray you fulfill all God's plans for you in 2012. Your women's group sounds awesome. Definitely write your friend's story.

Blessings,
Judy

Anonymous said...

God is so amazing! I love hearing how His spirit is moving in people. Thanks for sharing!

nannykim said...

Amen! So glad and I am rejoicing with you that God is opening up doors of service for Him. I hope your life will touch many with the power of His Spirit.

http://nannykim-nannykim.blogspot.com/ (nannykim's place)

Mary said...

oh just look how God is using you and your story...nothing is wasted...he uses it all.

so thankful!

xxoo

Ruth said...

Excited for you and what God is doing. May He give you strength and courage as needed.
Blessings.

a joyful noise said...

Our God is so amazing as He opens doors and inside that door is another one! Reconnecting with old acquaintances is not happenstance. God's ways are past finding out.
May the Lord anoint and pour out His Spirit on you AND speak through you as you offer HOPE to those you minister to.

Just Be Real said...

Always enjoyed this song Nikki. Blessings to you dear one.

Sharon said...

Oh Nikki - what a blessing to see how God is expanding your territory!! I just know that He will give you everything you need to accomplish His purposes.

He is mighty to save indeed.

And He is compassionate and forgiving. We need to pass that on. Whatever happened to kind and gentle people?

Well, you are one of those dear people, for sure. Giving out what has been given to you - grace and mercy, hope and love.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Chatty Crone said...

Very positive - it is never ever to late to find the Lord - no matter where we have come from!!

Sandie

Charlotte said...

You can do it! One step at a time, one day at a time...you can do it!

You are going to be a blessing to those women and a testimony of God's love. I know it can be a little scary stepping out in faith, trusting God to work through you.

I was scared when I started teaching a Bible study group at my church, but I kept reminding myself where fear comes from and kept turning my focus back on Christ.

He is your validation. If He calls you, He equips you. I'm excited to hear about all He will accomplish through your witness for Him:)

Fear not!

Anonymous said...

Ya know Nikki, sometimes I think people as your friend have a much deeper level of gratitude for the extreme richness of salvation found in Christ. Prayers will go forth for you as you continue to be a light to all those you know, meet daily, and those who are passer-bys....May God continue to pour out his abundant light, love and life to you. Could not listen to song, blogger not working for me this morning...! ;0(

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Wow! I like the fact that your book is helping the people in prison!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Gosh, really big things are happening for you! the prison ministry, writing this book about your friend, and what sort of women's group? A bible study? Where will they meet and how often? I am just back from sick leave and trying to catch up. Wishing you only all the best in the coming year, and you have a great start already!!

Of One Heart said...

Your posts make my hair stand on end. You are a miracle, Nikki. Thank you for just being, for writing, for telling, for living and for believing.

Anonymous said...

I know that talking to women in a big group would definitely make me quite nervous. However, I feel that the Lord has lead you to this point, so I am sure you will do fine. You'll have to let us know how this goes for you over time on your blog.

Wow! Another writing assignment? Now, this will be your third book now? I haven't read your first book yet. :)

Anyway, take care dear friend.

-M. Wildflower

Charlotte said...

Wow, Sarah, God has amazing things in store for you. You are such an inspiration to so many. We are blessed each week as you share your heart with us. I can hardly wait to see how God will use you next.
Blessings,
Charlotte