tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23024100721852758362024-03-08T13:57:19.624-05:00Niki's Thoughts...and MoreThis page began as an informal blog by Niki (author of the Niki's Thoughts devotions) for talking about whatever. Going forward, it will be a mix of blogging and devotions. My inspiration comes from my relationship and faith with Jesus. Drop me a line and let me know if there's anything you'd like to hear me weigh in on...Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-88155536142223446942015-02-21T09:07:00.001-05:002015-02-21T09:07:46.866-05:00Love Your Neighbor...Unconditionally<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Owe
no one anything except to love another, for he who loves another has fulfilled
the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” ”You shall not
murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall
not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this
saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm
to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">True love, love that comes from a pure and unconditional place, will
never steer you wrong. That is not to say you will never get hurt…life is not
easy or pain-free and because of sin it never will be. However, love will heal,
love will guide, and love will overcome when love is true and when it is
applied to all areas of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">God is love and love is from
God. No one can show you what genuine love is like our heavenly Father can. If
you strive to reflect His love everywhere and in everything you do, you will
reap the rewards. No you’re not more likely to win the lottery. I’m pretty sure
it’s not going to make you famous or an instant overnight success. It might not
even make everyone like you – some people have had so little love in their life
that it turns them away to encounter someone who lives love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Love’s reward is inside you. The feeling you get from acting in pure
love, from showing love to those around you, is irreplaceable by any other
thing (or person) in this world. It’s rewarding, but not in the sense we have
come to know in this sin-filled, get-your-fifteen-minutes-of-fame world…love is
the “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” kind of rewarding. It’s a
peaceful, comforting reward that gives you a warm feeling of content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not encouraging you to love
because of what it can do for you. Love “does not seek its own…” (From I
Corinthians 13:5). What I am saying is that there is an unavoidable benefit to
loving unconditionally and loving your neighbor. All of your neighbors in this
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">You don’t even have to take my word for it, try it yourself. Give
yourself time, a good bit of time, and start small. Choose one person in your
life to love unconditionally. No matter how they behave, no matter what they
say, do, or how they treat you, make all of your interactions with them come
from love. True love, love that does not expect anything in return and does not
require anything from the recipient. Journal through it if that helps. Over
time you should notice a difference. Maybe not in how the other person acts,
but in how you feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Some might say that my personal quest to love my neighbor has led me
astray, gotten me hurt time and again. They tell me I am too trusting and I try
too hard to see the good in everyone. I don’t try to see the good, I see it. We
all have good in us because we are all loved and made in the image of God, who
is love. Seeing their good may cloud my ability to see ulterior motives or bad
intentions on their part but in the end I know there is good in each and every
person and in love I forgive and move on. Well, I try my best – I am after all
a sinner and only human. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I have a lot on my mind this week and I may ramble more than usual
but… Pray with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Heavenly Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Thank You for showing us love. Real, true, genuine and unconditional
love. Please forgive me for the times I have fallen short of Your love and for
the people I have let down by not showing them love as You have shown me. Help
me to love my neighbor, and to do so unconditionally. Lord, where I cannot heal
with love, please share Your healing, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually
to all who need You. Protect those who protect us and please let them never
forget they are never alone because they are loved and because You are always
with each and every one of us. Please may Your will be done, not mine. I ask
this all in the name of Your one and only son, Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Have a love filled weekend and an even better week ahead! May God’s
love surround you and fill your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">All my love through Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'AR CENA'; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Niki</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889546031058706017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-70291277349109064582015-01-31T08:44:00.003-05:002015-01-31T09:33:42.689-05:00Forgive Me, Father<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Verse of the Day:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">"You, Lord, are
forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." Psalm 86:5
(NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Forgiveness has been on
my mind a LOT lately. When I get stuck on something I usually begin to wonder
why it is on my mind so much. If I have a person come to mind and stay there, I
pray for them as I believe maybe the Spirit is leading me to do so. I’m puzzled
though, with a topic like forgiveness, as to whether I am needing to forgive
someone in my life…or if I am in need of forgiveness. Then I wake up to this as
the emailed Verse of the Day in my inbox. Message received.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">So my plan today is to
find some quiet time to reflect and to get right with God. He’s probably
disappointed in me that I have not attended much church lately. I am certain it
doesn’t help that I have not written for Him in months…or more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">God is understanding and
loving however He is also all knowing so He can see through my excuses about
having no time. I could most definitely replace my small window of TV time with
some writing time. It would not hurt to give up a few rounds of Trivia Crack
for some Bible reading. Instead of scrolling through Facebook, Instagram or
Twitter on my lunch, I could be writing notes, ideas and concepts for my next
devotional. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">As with anything, if you
woke up today then you have a chance to start again, to do things better, to
make a difference. I am not trying to have a big ego here but for some of the
people who read my posts, I know that God has been using my words to make a
difference in their lives. That is all about Him folks. I am honored and
blessed to hear your feedback but He gets ALL the glory there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I am a sinner and I fail
and fumble often. I need His forgiveness and I know the moment I ask for it He
will offer it up and my blemishes will be washed away by the Blood of the Lamb.
But maybe, just maybe, you need it too. Perhaps God has led you to read my
words today because He wants you to get right with Him on something you have
been avoiding. Don’t take my word for that. Pray your way through it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Most Heavenly Father,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "AR CENA";">Today I come to You on my knees and
I pray for Your forgiveness. I know there are things in my life that have kept
me from You and I am sorry for allowing these walls to prevail. Please help me
to tear down the facades. Guide my by Your Word and Your Spirit to get right
with You. Shine Your Light on the path so my footprints may not stray any
longer. Thank You for not forgetting about me, even when I have made little or
no time for You. In Your Son’s most powerful and beautiful name I pray that
Your will be done. Amen</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "AR CENA";">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">May God grant each of
you, reading this, a most blessed and restful weekend. May His favor go before
you and may His peace surround you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">All my love through
Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "AR CENA";"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Niki</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889546031058706017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-86825404766442969732013-09-28T10:05:00.000-04:002013-09-28T10:05:13.088-04:00Human Nature<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a run today for the first time in...too long. I had forgotten how calming it could be. When I run it's just me and the pavement. I'm not trying to prove anything - except maybe prove to myself I can improve with every step. It's me against me. It's mindclearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A funny thing happens when you clear your mind of all the crap life throws at us. All the bad. All the stress. All the things you wish you could change but have to accept as hell on earth. When your mind is that clear you notice the little things. The raw beauty around us. Like a bird stopping to catch its breath. A grasshopper bouncing from blade of grass to blade of grass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you let go of all the dirt and grime of life that drags you down so far you can't see the top anymore, you begin to ponder the good. You think of the heartwarming story that you heard of some random person helping a stranger in some small but impacting way. You think about how people describe other people who do good things as being angels. Or heroes. Or saints. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Human Nature gets blamed for all the bad things. Someone has some self destructive habit and it's human nature to do that. Someone makes a poor choice against better judgement or advice, oh well, it's just human nature. Or is it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Human nature is actually perfect. Genesis tells us that God created us, male and female, in His image. God is perfect. The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that we are perfect beings at our core. We were made to do good. To bring praise and honor and glory to our Maker. We are not angels on earth when we help each other. When a community pulls together after a tragedy, that is our human nature shining through - not some aberration or anomaly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sin is bad. Sin is the anomaly. Society wants us to think that good is the rarity. Maybe it is but that isn't because human nature is to gravitate towards evil. It's because we are bombarded with so much bad that many of us get pushed past our breaking point. It's a choice. Everything in life is a choice. Always has been and always will be. There's a great line in a song that says something about if you decide not to choose than you still have made a choice. We have the choice to listen to our human nature to be kind, caring, considerate...good. Or not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you choose? Does your choice change often? </span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-88288567446001683692013-09-22T17:02:00.003-04:002013-09-22T17:02:59.301-04:00Timing Skews Perception<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning I came to the conclusion that I stink at asking for help. I have a panic attack, I fumble my words, I put it off and avoid it if at all possible. Then I decided that maybe it's worse because 99% of the time I ask for help I don't actually get help. I can count on one hand the people who have consistently helped when I've been in a bind. I could more easily count the stars in the sky than tell you the number of people who have told me that they would help me if I ever need it only to turn me down when I ask. The friends that Tracy Lawrence sings about here: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://youtu.be/_jyafQe_2Do"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/_jyafQe_2Do</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But then I did what I always do...I prayed. Now, some people pray by closing their eyes, bowing their heads, hitting their knees and formally speaking to their Maker. That's how people who don't pray a lot probably envision those of us who talk about praying like we talk about breathing, right? Well, let me break your stereotype up a bit...that's not how I pray. Not typically. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite hymn growing up was What A Friend We Have in Jesus. (Lyrics here: <a href="http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht">http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht</a> ) I believe prayer is simply a conversation with my best friend. So I talk to God like He is sitting, standing or whatever right beside me. It's an unending conversation. Well, okay, so I do too much of the talking but those of you who know me best, are you really surprised? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do quiet my head to try to listen at least once a day...today, when I let it all go and shut myself up, He showed me the error in my logic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I asked myself, how many times have I wanted to help a friend but because of timing or circumstance I wasn't available? How many times was I actually stuck in a spot where I wanted to drop everything but doing so to help one friend or loved one would break a promise or let down another friend or loved one? Too many to count, just this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not alone. I have the most amazing Father in heaven. I have a loving family. I have the most caring friends who are my second family. I am blessed. Blessed beyond my deserving. Blessed that my loved ones have the patience to wait for me to wake up and realize that I am not a burden in their lives. The understanding to see that my hesitation isn't because I doubt them but rather because I don't want to pester them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, it turns out that the timing of needs can be a serious hindrance on perception. I'm awfully thankful that God's timing is always perfect cause heaven knows my timing is atrocious! </span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-28610362102783553312013-09-11T00:15:00.001-04:002013-09-11T00:15:13.787-04:00Freedom Most Definitely Is Not Free...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Days like today I see an increase of patriotic activity...strange to me how many people only think about their freedoms and our country's sacrifices a few times a year. Here's what's on my mind tonight:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freedom isn't free. Every freedom we have has been paid for. Through blood of our soldiers, sweat off their brows, tears from the ones the fallen have left behind. No freedom has never been free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's east to forget as we go about our busy lives. It isn't on the news daily. If we are not personally affected by a loved one serving, either in the military or as a first responder, than it is all to easy to only reflect on the freedoms they're protecting on days like 9/11 and the 4th of July. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember. I think about it daily. I pray for God to bless each of them, and their families for the sacrifices they daily make for us. I pray His protection over them, be they near or far as they serve an ungrateful nation. I pray for their peace and comfort as I cannot begin to fathom what they go through emotionally, mentally and physically day in and day out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freedom may not be free but prayer is. Thoughts are. Remember these brave and selfless men and women on more than just the days that are obvious. Because believe me, they think of us daily as they pull on their boots and prepare to face the unknown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gratitude is free. I give mine to every veteran, every serviceman, every first responder, to each and every person who has ever stood up and said with their actions, "You can sleep in peace tonight because I'm on watch duty and won't let you down." My thanks isn't nearly enough but it's a start. You have that and my respect forever and daily. And all my love.</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-19939080365554967532013-08-23T00:45:00.001-04:002013-08-23T00:45:20.431-04:00When You're Down To Nothing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something." I've always liked that quote. I'm not sure who said it, and yea I could Google it but frankly I don't feel like it. Today hasn't been the best of days but it hasn't been the worst. I've had good moments and I am clinging to those but most importantly I am clinging to God. I'm sure there's a lesson in all this. My heart and my head may not be in full agreement however I'm not about to let negativity rule my little corner of the world...if you've been reading me for any length of time I'm sure you've picked up on that. I've struggled with it the past few weeks but how's that Mandisa song go...? "I'm an overcomer!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I write. There's a line in a song that goes something like, "people got their ways of coping and I got mine..." my way of coping is this. I write. I could write in a journal but have y'all noticed my inconsistency here? Yea, a journal is not my thing. Am I causing drama by sharing my turbulent life publicly? Maybe. Am I helping others who have, are or will go through the same or similar experiences? Judging from the comments, private messages, phone calls and emails I have received I would go out on a limb and say yes. And for that reason alone, if nothing else, I keep going. I write.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How does writing help? Well, I guess it's my outlet. Some people are athletes, some are musicians, some drink, some smoke, some party, some pray...everyone has an outlet (at least I hope & pray they do!), a place where they can escape their stress, their reality, their life...for better or for worse: I write. When I don't write I can tell that it's all bottled up inside and I end up losing a piece of myself and come off a few more shades of crazy than I normally am. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The good Lord gives and He takes away..." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suppose the argument could be made that talents fall into the category of what God can give and take. I pray He never takes away my talent for writing because I can't imagine a life without written words. However, I know that if I find myself "down to nothing," even find I can no longer right, I will still have multitudes of thanks to be given.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of the day, today for example, I may have unanswered questions, I may have doubts and fears (yea, I'm still working on those!) but I have blessings in abundance. I have a Heavenly Father who has already saved me, I have two of the most amazing kids I've ever met (not just my opinion, others have told me as much), I have family that is loving and supportive, I have friends who have become family in every way that matters, I have a man who has opened my mind and my heart to possibilities that I thought I would never look forward to again after shutting the door on a fourteen year marriage that ended in total heartbreak...I am blessed beyond my deserving and no material thing on this earth could ever compare. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you feeling like you are down to nothing? Believe me, my friend, you simply need to take a breath and say thanks for the air that fills your lungs. Then, find a slightly bigger blessing, and so on and so on...I bet you loose track of time by the time you count your blessings! (By the way, if you're reading this, than you are one of MY blessings, and I thank you!)</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-82395510665937904632013-08-20T01:49:00.000-04:002013-08-20T08:21:24.871-04:00What Are You Afraid Of?Fear. It can influence us without knowing. It can infiltrate its way into the nooks and crannies of our lives, our decision making, our relationships, our faith. Sometimes fear isn't vague, sometimes we know we're avoiding things on purpose because of our fear. Why? Why do we allow this irrational emotion rule any part of our existence.The Bible tells us, "God has not given you a spirit of fear..." (II Timothy 1:7) so one could make the argument that fear is a byproduct of sin...but we have been saved from our sins...<br />
<br />
So I ask again, why? Why do we not stand up to our fears? I would venture to guess the answer to this is quite different for each of us. It's hard work to stand up to your fears. It can be draining. It can feel impossible or unrealistic. Sometimes the hardest work is recognizing that fear has control of us and we have to dig deep with a lot of "why" questions to ourselves in order to pinpoint the origin of that fear so we can begin to move past it.<br />
<br />
I have been working on this one. I'm a work in progress, I know, and I usually take a few steps forward then a few steps back and so on but I want to share what I think I've learned. I always am hopeful that in doing so it will assist someone, somewhere. Even if only one person is touched or helped than it makes sharing my life and the chaos in my head worth every moment spent typing my thoughts and emotions.<br />
<br />
I think my biggest fear (besides my motherly fears of not being able to provide, causing my kids to need therapy later in life, etc, etc) is acceptance. Or rather, not being accepted. I'm a people pleaser, I try to make everyone happy. I know it's an impossible task. Sometimes it causes a bigger mess than it should. I have been working on it though and while I see some regressions at times I am overall seeing an improvement. It took a lot for me to get to the root of that. To admit it to myself. Then to start working on overcoming it. Pray helps. A LOT!<br />
<br />
I mention prayer because it is a big part of my life. I don't always think of it as prayer though, I have a conversation with God and since I know He's always with me it's kinda a constant, never-ending one.<br />
<br />
I have come to realize that His opinion is the only one that matters. His acceptance is the only one I need. And I already have it, He accepted me, a sinner, and loved me so much His Son paid for my transgressions on a cross a long, long time ago. This of course does not mean I just live my life without considering my choices and their implications. It means that I get myself, my choices, right with God and let the rest of the world worry about themselves.<br />
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I have also come to realize that my true friends accept me for who I am and will always support my decisions. Those who love me unconditionally will be happy for me and with me if I am happy. I am blessed to have these people in my life. I am ashamed I have not given them more credit. And by that I mean, I should trust them to have my back no matter what anyone else says or does to react to what is going on in my life.<br />
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As people learned of my separation and impending divorce from my husband the support that flowed out was overwhelming. The understanding, the love...I had feared the worst and never saw it. So I'm putting it to the test. I'm kicking fear in the teeth tonight. I have been letting the fear of, "what will people think?" and "what will people say?" keep me from talking openly about something positive in my life...<br />
<br />
I have met someone. An amazing man that I can only describe as being a blessing sent from God. He is a kind, thoughtful, gentle, caring, generous and God-fearing man who has lit up my world. I could go on and on but I think what my friends would say is important is that I am happy. To say I am being treated well would be an understatement, he makes me feel like a princess. For the first time in my adult life, I feel cherished. It's an odd and wonderful feeling. I, in turn, am cherishing this feeling and this man. One day at a time. God is great. Life is good. People will call me crazy. I like crazy, it's a good place to reside.Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-59056403521017514042013-08-06T00:58:00.001-04:002013-08-06T00:58:55.296-04:00Honesty Hour...Human or Hypocrite?<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Oftentimes I get friends, family, even strangers coming to
me for inspiration. Often I hear that my faith inspires them; my strength in
the Lord inspires them; my words inspire them. I am humbled, honored and so
grateful for those moments, for the people, for those interactions. That God
would choose a broken, battered, imperfect vessel like me to share a small
glimpse of His love is the kind of legacy I hope to leave behind.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">But…</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">On days like today…no…on weeks like the past one, I feel
unworthy. I feel like a hypocrite. How can I tell of His love, advise to be
patient on His timing, praise His name one moment and then a few more moments
later I end up telling a friend that I’m not on speaking terms with the Man upstairs?
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I sound like a phony, right? Here’s why
I think I’m not, maybe why I had to fall into that pit of despair…maybe part of
my purpose is to write. Maybe that is how I am supposed to shine God’s love.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Huh?</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have a friend who lovingly jokes with me, we both are
convinced that God needs to frequently pull out a 2x4 to whack us on the head
before we receive His message. Guess what’s been pulling gently at me for a
while? Writing. Guess what’s been really tugging hard at the hem of my garment
for the past few days? Writing. You don’t even need a guess as to what I knew I
couldn’t go another night without after the day I had today…you’re reading the
true-to-Niki style chaos of the results.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Have you ever been in this predicament (as either party):
person A asks person B to help out with something but person B says, “Yea, but
first…” Person A comes back after a while, person B again, “Oh yea, I will, I
will, but first…” and on and on until person A is all, “HELLO???” (The 2x4 to
the head, right?)</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have heard from multiple sources the concept that you
should be careful what you pray for. A “please teach me patience” prayer can turn
into raising a toddler & a tween at the same moment In time. A prayer
asking for wisdom and peace to learn to hear His still, small voice can turn
into coming to the point where you text your friend, “Well, I would pray for
you but I don’t know how much merit it would hold today because He and I are no
longer on speaking terms,” and it turns into an hour long conversation, by the
end of which I am writing this blog.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have the privilege of worshiping at an amazing church
with a very wise, very humble, very down-to-earth priest. He spoke to us a
little while back about the myth behind being “called” to do God’s
work/will/etc. I won’t go into it all (partly because this is already
half-novel-length but mostly because I wouldn’t do it justice) but it shocked
me a little when I first digested it. But the more I played it over in my head,
the more sense it made…</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">God doesn’t need me. If I don’t write, someone else will. If
I am not a reflection of His light in the world today, others will be. Does
that mean I shouldn’t write? Nope. Should I allow His light to be covered
instead of shine through me? Of course not! What it means to me is that while I
may not be ‘called’ to write this blog or my devotionals, or anything for that
matter, I am called, as His child, to share His love with the world. </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">There are
many ways to do this, it’s not going to look the same for each of His children,
it won’t even look the same to each Christian who writes about Him…but when we
share His love unconditionally, when we share His love without judgment, or
strings attached, then we are fulfilling His calling, His purpose for our
lives. We can do that in a blog, or by paying for a strangers meal; we can do
that by volunteering our time or by donating goods; if we do it in love it will
ultimately point to Him.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Yea. I am human. I am broken, battered, bruised. Earlier
today I was not on speaking terms with God. I felt like He had failed me. I
felt like He had broken His promise from Matthew, chapter 28 when He said He is
with us always even to the end of ages. I was wrong. Of course I was wrong! I
read something last week, scrolling through Facebook, it said something about
having to hit rock bottom to learn that He is our Rock.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I hope that sharing
my flaws, sharing my struggles and tantrums (because clearly I was having one
today if I tried giving God the silent treatment, am I right???) can somehow
help. If even one person can find their light renewed, their spirit refreshed
from something I rambled out here than I have shared His light tonight. I pray
none of you ever has to feel as helpless and hopeless as I did however I
equally hope that if you ever do than God will send you an olive branch the way
He did for me tonight.</span></h3>
Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-16443544802896946052013-06-02T15:28:00.003-04:002013-06-02T15:28:52.891-04:00Sometimes Silver Linings Look Grey<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Six weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will have six weeks to fill with non-momma time. That's a LONG time to go without hugs, kisses, laughs and all the joy, laughter and love that fills my days now. Okay, if I'm brutally honest the reality is that my days are also filled with frustration, headaches and patience killing moments. But those happy moments make every challenge worth it and are the reason I smile when I think about my children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My kids know that I won't put up with negative thinking or overloads of complaints. We look for the positive spin in everything, it's not a rugged obstacle it's an adventure. Sure we have moments when we do have to vent to each other but then we help each other find the silver lining. Right now, the silver lining of their impending visit to another state some 800+ miles away, without me, is looking more grey than shiny and sparkly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my challenge the next 8 days is to reinforce what they already have come to expect from me, I have to help them see the positive! They are going on vacation, to a state that they have spent little time in so there is much to be explored! They are going to get to spend time with family they have rarely seen over the past nine years, my son will meet aunts, uncles and cousins he has never laid eyes on! God has His hands on them and He will make sure they are cared for and blessed! I have to focus on that and most importantly: I have to show that side of this trip to them...I need to help them get excited about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't done a great job of that over the past five days and shame on me for that! My kids need the momma they have come to count on for finding the positive when no one else can; the momma who makes anything, even chores, fun; they need their momma to be their ray of sunshine in their uncertainty over the upcoming journey they are about to embark upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can do this - I have found the positive in being unemployed, in a house foreclosure, I can certainly tackle this with sunshine, rainbows and butterflies! However, I can only do this because God is my strength. I know He is here with all three of us and even while we'll be half a country away from each other He will keep us in each others' hearts, thoughts and prayers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prayers...please keep my kids in yours. Pray with me that they will have so much fun and such an adventure this summer that they won't miss me even for a minute. Pray for their safety and comfort. But most of all, pray they will begin to rebuild the broken relationships in their lives so they can face the future with all their loved ones securely in their corner.</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-81147300644374637302013-05-31T22:20:00.001-04:002013-05-31T22:20:07.012-04:00Addictions We Can't Escape<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reading through some tweets during the NASCAR Truck race tonight and thinking to myself how much I agreed. There were several people stating they were tired of seeing a particular Cup racer compete and dominate so many Truck and NNS events. I feel like I can see multiple sides to it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are the people who say they're going to stop watching NASCAR all together, or certain series within it because they are fed up with the same old boring winner week in and week out. I've been there, I said I was done watching Cup myself if Jimmie didn't stop winning Championships! (Thank you Stewart & Kesolowski and sorry Laura!) The more drivers who are competitive, the more unpredictable each race is...the more unpredictable each race is the more people want to watch to see what's going to happen, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A handful of people just complain. They don't offer a solution, they don't say they're going to change their actions...they just moan and whine and see who else will join in. I'm not a fan of this. If you don't like something it is up to you to help find a solution or to walk away - don't just sit and sulk. Life is way too short to spend valuable moments doing something or watching something you don't love. Period.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I understand the logistics that tell me that those Cup drivers, while annoying as all get out when they win week in and week out in the Truck (and NNS) series, are bringing in sponsors, fans and advertisers. I get it. In the spirit of not being the person who complains without offering solutions I am going to hop up on my soapbox and use my blog for what it's meant: a place for me to share MY opinions...if you're easily offended you should probably proceed with caution because I honestly have no idea how abrasive this is going to get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shame on the fans. Shame on those who won't go see a Truck race because they have no idea who any of the drivers are. Shame on those who won't go see a Truck race unless there's a big name driver like Kyle Busch or Kevin Harvick or Brad Kesolowski wheeling around the track. Where do you think these drivers made a name for themselves? There would be no Cup level talent without the skill building series like Trucks, and while we're at it, K&N, ARCA, NNS, Whelen and so on down the line. Wouldn't it be amazing to watch a driver work his way up the ranks and be able to say you cheered for him/her before he/she made it to the big time? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shame on the tracks. You want to really pack the seats for your lower series events? Lower your ticket rates! Ignore what the mainstream, ignorant media are saying about the recession being over or getting better! There are still thousands of people (like me!) losing their houses, struggling to find work that will provide for their families, pinching pennies just to feed their families that simply cannot afford to attend as many races as they want to. Try it for a season or two and if it doesn't increase attendance then you go back to the drawing board. But, don't just drop prices a few dollars, slash them! A family of four cannot afford $35 a ticket when they are barely making ends meet. Can you imagine a Truck race having more fans in the stands than a Cup event? With the right marketing program and slashed prices it could and would happen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shame on NASCAR. You have created a developmental series that could bring in amazing talent that one day will have sponsors drooling over the possibility of special paint schemes and incredible ad campaigns but you fail to highlight and advertise these young drivers and their talent to the full potential that you could. You are a very influential organization that has the power to promote the Truck (and other lower) series in a way that would get more fans excited to watch... Instead, because it's easy and it's "working" you allow Cup drivers to dominate races that are supposed to be set aside for drivers who are learning and growing and trying like hell to make a name for themselves. Guess what...it's not really working...fans are disgusted, attendance sucks and the people who want to cheer for up and coming drivers like Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace are turning off their TVs and heading to local tracks for non-NASCAR events.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shame on sponsors for having no vision. Imagine finding the next Jimmie Johnson or Kyle Busch (with less attitude maybe?) and getting in with them before they became so popular that everyone wants a piece of them? Imagine being the one company that took a chance and propelled a superstar to multiple championships? Wouldn't that be a branding and legacy phenomenon that not only gains long term ROI but creates a reputation for excellence? Why aren't more of you jumping at the chance to tap into a sport that has more fans than any other?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I haven't lost you yet then let me challenge you this: if you don't already have a favorite driver in the Truck series, go get one! Read up on who's out there, pick a favorite or two and then for the rest of 2013 cheer for no one else! If you're a Kyle Busch fan and he runs a truck too bad, stick to your guns! Love Brad Kesolowski? Better save it for Sunday because on Truck day you are hereby DARED...no double...wait, TRIPLE DOG DARED to ONLY cheer for a NCWTS Driver. What are you waiting for? Get to it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Hops off soapbox* For now...</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-52729347406765098652013-05-08T12:08:00.002-04:002013-05-08T12:08:27.535-04:00A Time To MournIt's crunch time. I have no business 'wasting' time on the computer and yet when the inspiration to writes hits me I will lose it if I don't run with it. I've tried notebooks, there has been a time or two that I have been able to salvage a thought from scribbles jotted down but usually my luck is that I get hit with an idea while I am driving and there is no where to pull over. So today...I write.<br />
<br />
In three weeks' time I am simultaneously losing my house to auction (unless they accept this short sale by some miracle!). Before you ask, I am still looking for a job, applying new places daily and no, I have no idea where the kids and I will be living. I am clinging to God's promises that He will provide all our needs. Oh, so if that's not enough, the same day they auction the house I have to sit across from my estranged husband for the first time since he left back in the middle of December.<br />
<br />
My ex. That is how I refer to him because there is no more us. The only thing standing between that being a legal term and the awkward place we are now is a law in the great state of North Carolina that requires we wait. A year. One year. I was packing up some trinkets in my dining room today, Precious Moments to be exact, and came across a figurine that my ex gave me on our first anniversary. The first thought I had was sell it on eBay, make some money. Too much hassle with the busy few weeks I have ahead of me. Maybe I could dump it on Listia, gain some credits towards that video camera I want. Again, I don't really have time to auction anything at the moment.<br />
<br />
I thought back to a conversation I had with a very wise man who told me that I had to remember to give myself time to mourn my marriage. The same you do when you lose a person who is close to you because in essence my marriage is dead. I have struggled with this, on several levels. Here's the biggest one: I have been extremely blessed so far in my life, I have never mourned anyone that I was so close to that I needed the true grieving process. So I don't know how to grieve. I don't know how to let things go to the point that I can look back and smile about the good times without being sad that they are over.<br />
<br />
So as I stood in my dining room, alone in the house because my youngest is playing out back with our furbaby, tempted to smash it into a million pieces, I stopped to remember the road of grief. I thought to myself that if this had been a gift from a loved one who had died would I really throw it away? No. I would save it to remember the happy times we had. I am moving forward, one step, one breath at a time by saving this...right? Time will tell, but I think the momentos, the pictures, the trinkets; they are all linked to happier times and someday I will look back on them and smile at the journey that made me who I am today. A stronger, smarter woman.<br />
<br />
So I will find my way, my way to mourn what I have lost and I will learn to let go, truly and completely. I owe that to myself. I owe that to my kids, to be able to show them that is it alright to be sad for a moment...but then show them that we pick up the pieces and move forward. We cherish the happy memories and we let go of the rest. We will survive together and we will ultimately have a kinder, gentler understanding of those around us going through hard times because we have walked through our own fire and came out heads held high, smiles on our faces and tears erased from our eyes.Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-2842398767847568152013-04-26T10:55:00.001-04:002013-04-26T10:55:25.398-04:00It's NOT A Diet (And YES You Can Too)I never thought of myself as a runner. I never understood why people would say they actually enjoyed it! Some of you reading this are nodding your heads and thinking, "She's right, they're crazy!" Call me crazy because I am loving the amazing 'high' I get from, yes, running. It's more than that though, it is almost like a badge, to be able to call myself a runner. A badge along my journey...<br />
<br />
Some of you reading this know that I have been on a journey for a little over a year. Not a weight loss journey, although I have gone from a size 18/20 to a 7/8 (believe it or not I still have thirty pounds to go!), but I have called it my Healthier Me Journey. I have had people ask me what diet I used to lose weight. None. I don't do diets, and you shouldn't either. Diets are fads, they don't last. We often talk about wanting to lose weight (I just said 30 lbs to go!) however what we really need to focus on is our health.<br />
<br />
I'm no doctor, nutritionist or fitness expert, I'm not going to lecture on what you should or shouldn't do. If you have questions about the specific changes I have made in my life please let me know, but today I want to talk about challenges and successes. The challenge we all face when wanting to make a change is habit. We have to break our habit and keep consistency and momentum built long enough to create new habits. I've heard conflicting talk about how long that is exactly however I would say a month is a good benchmark.<br />
<br />
Everyone reading this has different challenges, I will tell you about a few of mine...<br />
<br />
At 26 years old, eight years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my thoracic spine, in laymen's terms I guess you could say the center of my spine is deteriorating. There are days (fewer now that I have stayed active and yes, lost weight) when I cannot move because the pain consumes my back and any movement of any part of my body. I spend those days lying flat, with a heating pad and plenty of ibuprofen. If I can alleviate the pain enough to move than I push myself to do so, carefully. This can cause a huge break in momentum however I know the healthier I can get my body, the longer I will go between episodes, at least in the near future.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year I was diagnosed with asthma. It's quite difficult to run when you can't get oxygen into your lungs! I have trouble breathing in temperatures below forty degrees in general, if it's below fifty I can't get in a run outdoors. Last year I was training for a 5K run that I completed in the beginning of December, this air temperature challenge was frustrating but I ran up and down my hallway and in circles around my room a few times, simply to help build my lung capacity. Yes, I have heard of a treadmill, no I do not have access to one. Shocking, I know.<br />
<br />
One of my biggest challenges wasn't health related at all, and truth be told, I still struggle with this one: I have a massive love affair with...junk food. I have learned that it doesn't impede my progress too much if I remember that when I indulge I have to keep it in moderation. I also need to remove the word "can't" from my vocabulary. If I tell myself I can't have something it is only going to make me want it more. Yes I know that's a teenagers mentality but it still works on most adults, tell us we can't and we shall show you that we can.<br />
<br />
So yes, running is a badge, it's my personal trophy that reminds me how far I have come. I haven't just lost forty-five pounds and a bunch of inches, I've gotten in better physical shape...I've become a healthier me. I'm still a work in progress though! Now, I'm not saying I want to be a size 0, or that anyone should strive for that. I am not saying that anyone can become a runner, there are some challenges that need a work around and others that need a different healthy plan. What I am trying to say is that with determination and perseverance, anyone can create new habits.<br />
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This can be applied to things other than a healthier you! I'm talking about all changes in general here. Yet, you have to want the changes. Not because someone else thinks you need them. Not because you want to impress this or that person. Not even because you think it's the right thing to do. It has to be a want, a passion, a deep down desire for change that makes you fight for the chance to break the chains of being set in your ways. I didn't go on a diet, I changed my life...and yes...you can change yours too!Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-11090373640915369862013-04-25T18:23:00.000-04:002013-04-25T18:23:09.882-04:00Who Shall I Be?Fourteen years ago today I married a man I was sure I would grow old with. Seven months ago that dream of a starry eyed girl came to a crashing halt. If you've been following my blog, you already know my story. You know that as a result of where I've been I am now on a journey to find me.<br />
<br />
Most people don't like change. Change scares the daylights out of them. I'm not most people. I enjoy change. I thrive on it, yearn for it, relish in it every moment of the adventure. We are ever changing, growing creatures, we were designed that way, we should celebrate it, not fear it.<br />
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I would be lying if I said I didn't care what anyone else thinks about me, my journey, how I have and am changing. I am human. There is a part of me that will always long for acceptance and pride. I want to make my grandparents proud. I want my parents to speak of me with a gleam in their eye. I want to make those I love most in my life proud of me, I do, it's a part of me I struggle with daily.<br />
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Struggle? Yes, struggle. Here's why......at what point am I living for them instead of for God and for me? Where is the meaning in their pride if I am not being true to myself? I can't be anyone but me, right? So how can I live my life with no regrets if I am living it for other people? Simple: I can't. At the end of the day, I need to be able to face myself in the mirror and my Maker on my knees. Plain and simple. No one else's opinion matters. What's best for them isn't what's best for me in so many cases.<br />
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I have to be comfortable in my own skin. I need to have confidence in my choices, each and every moment I am breathing. If I'm not being true to myself than I'm not giving anyone anything to be truly proud of because anything other than the real me is just a facade. It's a mirage and everyone around me thinks they're drinking water when it's actually sand, grainy and unsubstantial.<br />
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More importantly, the only way I can teach my children that it is best to be themselves, even if they're different, is by living the example they should follow. Showing them that it's not only okay to be themselves, that it's something they should take pride in, no matter who they are. Society is so obsessed with fitting in, I want my kids to know it's OK to dare to be different!! If people don't understand you, don't accept you, that is their loss, not yours. If I can't instill that lesson in my own kids because of my own insecurities or misguided efforts to be what other people think I should be than that is the greatest injustice of all.<br />
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Be yourself. Be true, be real, be honest and kinder than necessary. But don't be a doormat. Live in love, that includes love for yourself.Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-62956411747229776042013-04-12T11:33:00.001-04:002013-04-12T11:33:37.042-04:00The Drive To Make Your Dreams Come True<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dreams. We all have them, right? Sometimes we share dreams with other people, we have similar or seemingly the same dream. But I believe even if we have the same goal, our dream is unique...because it's ours. When we close our eyes, we see ourselves there, in that moment, the one where we've made dream a reality. Go ahead, close your eyes a moment...we'll wait....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you see it? Did you picture yourself living your dream? Hang onto that! We need dreams to keep hope alive in our life. We need them so we have something to work towards, to look forward to, to give us a light at the end of the tunnel. Dreams are a part of who we are and who we want to become all at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been watching several friends going hard after their dreams. It's inspiring. It's motivating. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. Heartbreaking when you watch them go through setbacks but heartwarming to watch them plunge forward with renewed determination time and again. Dreams of a college degree, of getting physically fit, dreams of finding love, of working on pit road or of getting behind the wheel and racing at speeds that would scare the average person. Whether the dreams seem big or small to the outside world, they are the world to those who hold them in their heart and soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For instance, my friend who's working towards a dream of a college degree...imagine the determination it takes to take on school as a single parent of two active children all while working two jobs and trying to find time to make life for their family and friends in the process. Don't tell me that isn't a big deal, don't tell me it's just college...it's an incredible journey that teaches you what you're made of. I can't begin to say how proud I am of this friend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could break down each one, I'm tempted to...my friends who are working on their fitness dreams are all in different walks of life and would be able to easily say, "I'm just too busy" but instead they are fighting their overbooked schedules to get to the gym, to put in that effort every single day. I am honored and inspired by them daily and could not be prouder of not only how far they've come but also of their reaction to setbacks and wane in motivation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding love, that's another that I have seen several friends who are dreaming of...as a glimmer of hope my heart is bursting with love and joy for a friend who recently found the love of their life and is now planning the rest of their lives together. Fairy tales can give us a false sense of what love should be and how it should happen...it's so much better to watch this dream in reality and see people overcome when the odds are against us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last two examples I may know several people who have these dreams but for each one I have a specific friend in mind. They have some similarities and some differences. Their dreams are related yet unique. I haven't done much in the way of interviewing for print however I am tempted to ask each of them to do an interview for some follow up blogs...since I didn't ask them ahead of time I won't call anyone out by name here. If you're a mutual friend and know exactly who I am thinking of please do not call them out in comments or shares. As a friend, a bystander who has been able to watch a small part of each of these individuals journeys, I am proud of their passion, conviction and courage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What stands out to some may in fact be brushed aside by others. I think part of the difference between people who say, "I wish I could go after my dream," and those who say, "I am going after my dream," is that the latter are not concerned with what others think. That is not to say they are not caring people, in fact, every single person that came to mind while I was writing this today is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off of his/her back if you were in need. I mean to say that they are not letting naysayers come between them and what they know is the one thing that is most important to achieve in their lives at this moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One last thought on dreams...they can change. We need to recognize when they do because then when we let go of that dream it's not failure, it's not giving up...it's moving on. We change constantly, so it's understandable that our dreams do as well. How do we know if we're changing or if we're giving up? I think there's a simple test...if you wake up every morning with your dream on your mind, contemplating how you can move towards it today, analyzing over breakfast what's working, breaking down during lunch what other paths may take you there, looking forward through supper to the days when positive progress is made and the last thought as you drift off to sleep is a picture of you living your dream then you need to keep pushing. If it fades to the back of your mind, some days doesn't even cross your conscience thoughts and/or you go more than a day without spending time on picturing it than it may be time to move on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember this: dreams are important! If you come to a time when you need to move on from your dream then be sure you know what your new dream is. Take the time, for you, to search your soul and find that deepest, inner passion for whatever it is and then put everything you have into making it become a reality! Also keep in mind, when you achieve your dream, after you take it in and let yourself celebrate the victory, don't forget to set your next goal...to dream your next dream. Life is too short to stand on the sidelines, to just go through the motions, find your dream and go claim it!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-13371018063277171702013-04-11T02:33:00.000-04:002013-04-11T02:33:32.709-04:00Taboo Topics That Hit Close To Home<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure when I will publish this but if I don't write it when it's on my heart I never will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read something today that hit me hard, "Domestic abuse is not just physical, it includes verbal and emotional abuse." As I write this I am currently separated from my husband. He never physically assaulted me. In the latter half of our near fourteen year marriage however, I lived with increasing emotional and verbal abuse from him. I am not writing this to disparage him, as the father of my two amazing children I have every hope that he will seek help and move beyond his inner demons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am writing this because I never associated this type of abuse in the same category as physical violence because I have no scars that I can show others. I never had to hide in long sleeve blouses or pants. I never needed a pound of makeup to cover a black eye. I lied to myself that what I was going through was completely different. But the mental state you end up in is very much the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fear that anything you say can set someone off, the feeling of shame that you cannot stand up for yourself, the pain of wanting to love and be loved yet simply receiving nothing but anger and criticism in its place. I think these and more truly do convey among all types of abuse. I wrote in my last blog about not knowing what my passions were until my recent journey...it was more than that...I didn't know myself. I still don't fully know who I am but I am closer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think for me the big difference is that the threat of physical violence is what woke me up. When I was in fear for my children's and my own safety, I finally saw clearly what I had been hiding from myself for years. In the days and weeks that followed, I began to see signs that I didn't know why I had ignored. I felt guilty for not removing my children from the situation sooner, for not pushing my ex harder to get help, for not seeking help myself. I wanted to crawl into a hole and not come out until everything was over. I didn't want to face my family. I barely wanted to open up to my friends who I had only told parts of my story to. I felt like a utter and complete failure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been blessed with a few, select, extraordinary friends who have been my support team. They have seen me at my worst and they haven't left my side because of it. They've given me tough love when I have needed, they have listened to the same complaints time and time again, they have held my hand and gotten me through the hardest, darkest days of my adult life. If you have at least one true friend, you have the world. I have several, I am overwhelmed some days at how blessed I sincerely am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My biggest saving grace through all of this has been my Lord. My faith and relationship with Him has been the string that gives me my last hope on the days when I don't even want to get out of the bed. I don't read my Bible enough. I have missed too many Sundays to count. But, I talk to God every single day. Most days it is an open, unending conversation from when I wake up until when I go to sleep. My friends can't be with me 24/7 but God can and He never leaves my side. Additionally, and this has been important in my journey to forgiving myself, God teaches me about redemption. "We all fall short..." Think about the powerful love God has for us...He knew we would mess it all up in the Garden of Eden. He knew sin would enter this world. He knew He would have to sacrifice His one and only Son to redeem us. Yet, He still created Adam and Eve. I cling to His love when I am finding it hard to love myself. I remind myself that if God loves me than I am worthy of love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worthy of love. We all are worthy of love. Does it always find us when we want it to? No. Will it come to our lives in its true and right timing? I believe it will. But we have to know who we are before we can see who anyone else around us is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't broken free of an abusive relationship on my own. I have had amazing people placed in my life who have helped me break down the walls that I didn't even realize I had built. I can't find the words to express my gratitude for helping me begin the journey to realizing who I am and what I am capable of. But I'm here, I'm a little stronger each day and I want you to know that you are able to get there too if you need. </span></div>
Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-56935839021046746872013-04-10T13:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T13:00:04.276-04:00Passionate Madhouse<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bowman Gray Stadium. Cars up on the rails/wall, whole field pile ups, fighting in the infield at the start/finish line, cautions breeding cautions and more cautions. GWC's, drivers showing up in the bleachers/stands, the unmistakable roar of Saturday night racing. A passionate crowd that is often louder than the cars on the track. Quarter mile chaos - enough said! WILD!!! FUN!!! Can't wait to go again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote the above a whopping ten months ago. I had titled the blog as, "They Don't Call It "The Madhouse" For Nothing!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" I'm not sure what else I wanted to add to it or why it has been sitting in my drafts all this time...but I can say over the course of the last year my love for more types of racing than I had been able to experience in my limited scope has grown by leaps and bounds. But more than just that, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been on a journey to discover myself. I had not just lost myself, I lost the path to unlock the door to where my true passions were hiding. Passions that make up who I am, that give me a thirst for life, love and fun! Let's face it, without all three of those we would lose hope quickly! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always had a passion for God, for my faith, for my relationship with my Savior. Has this passion ebbed and flowed? Of course, that's why I have always liked the description that "we are ever becoming Christian." There is always room for improvement, always room to grow. Conversely, there are always setbacks, stumbles and roadblocks. I believe it is how we overcome those that help shape our personal faith and mold our character, personality and ultimately our soul. This passion I have clung to through all my trials. That is not to say that I haven't screamed out "why" and "God take this" or even "where are You?"...I would be lying if I said I had an unshakable faith. I have been shaken. However, as my head and my heart battle I remind myself over and over that God will never leave me, that He will turn every bad to good for those who love Him and most of all that He is my only true shelter. Sometimes I have to remind myself a LOT of times! At the end of the day, I'll never question my passion for God and I am so blessed and grateful to have Him in my corner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have a lot of memories from my childhood. I have been blessed with a poor memory and I trust there's good reason for that but one of my earliest memories I have is of Road America. My dad took me there when I was 4 or 5, at least that's what I remember, it's possible we went more often, I should ask him! Ha! But I remember being fascinated with fast cars from an early age. I don't remember telling a lot of people about it, maybe because I didn't grow up going to racing events often. Our weekends and free time in the summer was spent out on Lake Michigan, catching supper! I love to fish, that's in my blood. But I have a passion for racing, all forms, there is this explainable peace that comes when the engines roar and I can feel the rumble in my chest. I cannot help but smile when I close my eyes and inhale the scent of octane and race tires. If I could, I would spend every weekend at a racetrack. One definition of passion is "<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">any</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">powerful</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">or</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">compelling</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer; font-size: x-small;">emotion</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">or</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-size: x-small;">feeling</span>"...ask any die hard racing fan if this is an accurate description of their love of racing. You will see big smiles and resounding "Oh yeahs!" for certain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have passion for my kids, they are the center of my world right now and will always come first when it comes down to needs. I have a passion for my family, blood is thicker than water, right? Right! I have a passion for my friends, I would do anything in my power to help them, any time, any place, no questions. I have passion for singing, writing, summertime and sunshine. These are not your simple everyday favorites or priorities, they are powerful loves that I am compelled to pour my heart and soul into experiencing and having in my life. They all have upsides and downsides. They all have the potential to bring heartache, fear and tragedy into my world. Does that change my passion for them? Never! My passions may make my life its own 'madhouse' but I am learning that I wouldn't have it any other way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is too short to live with regrets, there are only lessons learned and memories. Live happy, share love, find your passion and find a way to fill everyday with a piece of it!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-38572340427391555092012-08-31T18:10:00.000-04:002012-09-25T18:13:29.532-04:00Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've battled internally on who and when to share what I'm about to tell you...I convinced myself I was not holding it in because of pride, if that was the case there would be no one who knew before I wrote this. I had to pray. A lot. I had to self reflect on the real reasons for sharing or not sharing and I had to find a way to glorify God no matter where I landed...and believe me, God's glory shines through in the most unlikely of places.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband, children and I are moving. Not big news, right? We're moving because the bank is getting ready to foreclose on our house. Yea, that's an attention grabber, huh?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am imagining at least a hundred different reactions to that but here are the possible ones that stick out to me: </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "How awful!" </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "I'm sorry."</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "How can we help?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "How can this glorify God?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The truth is that many people who read this have likely watched the news, seen the talks of foreclosures, unemployment and overall increasing poverty levels. They have said to themselves, "how awful" or maybe even "I'm so thankful that will never happen to me." For most people there is a disconnect, in this digital age where more and more is done on automation, via the internet or in otherwise impersonal manners, it is easy to loose sight of those 'poor people' on the television who lost their home, job, everything. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sharing my news to be another one of those people, the ones you look upon with pity, compassion or remorse. I want to show you God's hand in my life and in my humble words attempt to shine a bit of His glory on your day. But Niki! No! No but's here, God's glory is alive and well...let me try to explain.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Someone close to me told me this morning, "<span style="background-color: white;">I think to you, He (God) has given a great gift of spiritual blessings and those blessings are a sign of God’s grace to you to bear fruit for God and be a blessing to others.</span>" This person has been a blessing to me in many ways for most of my adult life but the most important way is that they have been a spiritual rock in my life. When I am struggling to see that I need to ultimately model my life to be a reflection of God's love to others, this amazing influence in my life has been an earthly mirror of God's image. I know they are reading this right now and I pray they realize how much of a blessing they have been not only to me, and to my family, but to countless lives they have touched and will continue to touch as long as they are here. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I read that and I asked myself, "How can I bear fruit for God? How can I be a blessing to others?" From my kitchen in North Carolina, hundreds of miles away from all but a handful of friends and nearly all of my family how do I go about spreading blessings and love? I guess it's obvious the answer I came upon? It always hits in the weirdest of times too, like when I am driving to the store to pick up free boxes. And me without my notebook! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am humbled and honored that God has blessed me with an ability to write. I want you to know that any good you see in it, my writing, or in me, that is not me but my Savior shining through me. I hope He continues to use me to share His love with you. It is a blessing to think that it's possible even one person would be touched, uplifted or inspired by my words. But it is not my glory, it is God's.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So far you are probably thinking that I make this sound good, what an amazing strong woman I must be to walk so closely with God. Wrong! I'm sorry but I have been a mess. I have screamed out "Why me's" and I have wallowed in self pity. I have cried at the gas pump while I put $5 into my tank, hoping it will take me to the grocery store to use my last $5 to buy milk and eggs for my kids. I have cried at the drop of a pin, countless minutes, hours, tears. This has not been a flowery, beautiful faith walk. Yet, God tells us through St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, "My power is made perfect in your weakness." Glory to God. My weakness shows His power, because my weakness has not overcome me, I am still here. Albeit I may be on my knees, going back and forth between prayers and tantrums, but I am a survivor. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My amazing, inspiring person who prompted me to share my blessings also reminded me of Job this morning. I want to share with you the verse that was shared with me, "<em style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.</em>" Job 2:10 There are so many metaphors that come to mind that I would probably butcher if I tried to use so let me try to bring this back around without them...God's glory shines through the good and bad times in our lives when we allow Him to work in us and through us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God's glory is seen through our trials in so many ways; the lessons learned, the strength gained, the examples set, the love shared. I am just beginning to pack my house and already I have learned so many lessons, about myself, about my life and about my Lord. Each day I walk with God through the rubble, He strengthens me for another round on this roller coaster called life. The most amazing blessing, beyond God's love and His glory although completely intertwined within it and extending from it is the blessing of my friends and family. I have received moral support in spades and I cannot possibly ever explain how even just crying with me, answering my messages or sharing a bit of news that can help take my mind off things has helped me to pick up and carry on. Thank you. Thank you all for reading this, please feel free to share it if you feel it may help someone else. Please pray for all those who need to feel God's love and glory in their lives. Please know that you are in my prayers that God may grant you His favor, His protection and His many blessings. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you take away from this the important lesson that God' glory is all around us. He is with us even in the valleys of our lives and He will never leave our side. His glory is also in forgiveness, the gracious blessing that is our key, along with faith, into heaven's gates when our Father calls us home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May you find God's glory today and every day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All my love,</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Niki</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-25606146592112204092012-08-05T00:28:00.001-04:002012-08-05T00:28:10.057-04:00There's Always Good To Be FoundHow does that saying go...smile because you never know what kind of battle the person you're smiling at is going through? Well, something like that, right?<br />
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How many times a day do we let the little things get under our skin? There's a great song by Francesca Battistelli where she talks about how the little stuff makes us forget how blessed we are. I'm not gonna go all Biblical on you but I will say this - God is good and how often do we take Him for granted?<br />
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Sure, we may struggle to pay our bills, we may have a loved one who doesn't see eye to eye with us, we may be struggling with a disease but are we alone? No. Are there others who are worse off than we are? Always. So why does it drag us down and pull us through the dirt? Simply put: because we let it.<br />
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I apologize if you're a long time reader of mine, this may sound a little redundant, but this needs to be said again and again...it is our choice! Our attitude determines our mood. We can approach things by looking for the silver lining, the positive side, which is always there somewhere...or we can wallow in the pain and let it suffocate our lives.<br />
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It doesn't matter if we're talking off the Richter Scale pain here y'all, there is always a way to re-channel that energy into something positive. I'm gonna drop one more Biblical reference, God promised us in His word that He would work all things to good for those who love Him...if that's not hope to cling to I don't know what is. So cling to the good, search for the positive, push past the pain and see the blessings in your life.<br />
<br />Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-70118915081732147812012-06-02T02:02:00.001-04:002012-06-02T07:20:54.414-04:00Pinch Me Please ~ I Think I'm Dreaming!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{This warning is getting redundant but beware of rambling ahead!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! If last week had been any more amazing I may have passed out from the excitement! I may be enjoying this a bit more because I am such a huge NASCAR fan but honestly I feel incredibly blessed to have added the memories the past two weeks that I have - and the fun's not over yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If y'all read parts one and two than you are caught up through the All Star Race last Saturday night. If not, you should totally go back and read those first! Go ahead, we'll wait...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ready? I'm gonna have to break this into two separate adventures again! So, part one starts on Tuesday. Hubby, Baby Bear and I went to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing in Concord to look around and run an errand for my good friend, Sara. Baby Bear of course wanted to sit in the racecars. EGR of course did not let him. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're a part of JR Nation (Who isn't? JK) you don't miss a chance to visit Hendrick Motorsports while you're in Concord...so that's where we went next. I am proud to say we simply walked around and looked at everything without spending any money we didn't have! That's an accomplishment in there y'all!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday night on Twitter we got to interacting with the Front Tire Changer for Turner Motorsports'/Justin Allgaier's Team who also happens to work at Michael Waltrip Racing. His name is Kyle Turner and if y'all ain't following him on Twitter (@ksturner84) you should fix that. Go ahead. We'll wait. Again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle asked if we were going to be at MWR's Fan Fest Wednesday and I honestly didn't even know it was going on but I said we'd try to stop by. This leads us into one of my most treasured memories of the past two weeks. Easily! We met up with my friend, Silly Girl (if you're not on twitter just roll with it) but she could only stay a few minutes. We got to say hey to Kyle but then he had to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They still had wristbands left for Martin Truex, Jr and Clint Bowyer's autograph sessions so we got a couple of those and stepped into Truex's line. Let me tell you the coolest thing we witnessed! They were wanting to limit autographs to one per person but there was a lady right near the front of the line with two items. The PR person leaned in to say something to Truex (I assume it was, "Only sign one" or something to that effect?) but he shrugged his shoulders and signed everything anyone brought to him. Very cool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after we got Truex's John Hancock (swoon!) we strolled over to Miss Sprint Cup so George could drool, er, I mean get his picture taken and have her sign his hat! While he was happy dancing I got a tweet from Kyle saying that if we were still gonna be around we could watch pit practice at 1:45. We looked at the line for Clint Bowyer, which wasn't moving, and decided to walk around for a lil bit until we could go watch. I got the location from Kyle, he came and showed us where to go and introduced me to Chuck, ( </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">@cefaw0922 on Twitter!!) the rear tire changer. At 1:45 we headed that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So MWR has these bleachers set up right outside where they do live pit practices. There was no one else watching, just George, Baby Bear and me. We got there in time to see them warm up, prepare all their equipment and run through several stops (I frankly lost count because this was such an amazing experience I was in awe!) . After they were done Kyle came over and gave Baby Bear some lugnuts from the ground that had come off that car! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">George asked Kyle if we could get a group shot with the whole pit crew. Kyle and his buddies were completely cool with that! I was about to take the picture when one of the crew guys came over to me and offered to take it so I could be in there too! I hope this link works: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150951900363566&set=a.10150930302363566.443175.524523565&type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150951900363566&set=a.10150930302363566.443175.524523565&type=3&theater</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're only up to Thursday! We took our wristbands on over to EGR to see Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya. Now I am not a JPM fan but it was a package deal so we went cuz Jamie Mac is too cute to pass up. I mean...um...moving on! We got there about fifteen or twenty minutes before the session started and wouldn't ya know they were having pit practice out back. Now at EGR we had to stand quite a far ways away and watch through an iron barred fence but lemme tell ya Baby Bear and I were captivated all the same! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once we got inside for our autographs, I was pleasantly surprised. I will say this about JPM, in person he is very friendly and genuine with the fans. I wouldn't have guessed that in a million years. Oh, and yes ladies, Jamie Mac is even more adorable in person. That is all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another cool person we got to meet at EGR was a fellow #TMSFanCrew member, Tommy and his beautiful fiancee! Of course you know hugs were exchanged! We took a pic, talked a lil bit and parted ways. Baby Bear oogled the cars some more and then Baby Bear and George both drooled over another Miss Sprint Cup lady. Another autograph on George's hat and we got a pretty adorable picture of the three of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had seen signs for Rousch's Fan Fest down the road so we decided to head there next. They happen to be right next to Richard Petty Motorsports so we headed there first. Got a free Krispy Kreme. Yum! Ran into more awesome friends, more hugging of course! The coolest thing, by far, that happened while we were there...can you guess? We got to watch pit practice!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were still behind an iron fence but closer to the action than at EGR. (EGR if ya happen to read this, hahaha, you should work on this, fans LOVE pit crews!) After they were done they brought Baby Bear a lugnut! They were still working out there and Baby Bear didn't wanna leave so we stuck around a lil while. The same pit crew guy came over and gave Baby Bear another lug nut! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before he walked away George asked him if the pit crew guys would all sign our 5/3rd Bank Hat I won at the Fan Fest up the hill. They happily obliged us so we are now the proud owners of a hat signed by the whole pit crew! YAY! I was beaming all the way back to the car as we argued over who's hat it was!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As if our day wasn't epic enough, when we left Rousch/Petty Fan Fests we headed over to the hospital to see my surrogate family. There's a new baby and I got to hold him! He's such a cutie!!! We spent a good half hour visiting, during the whole time of which my Baby Bear snuggled with my surrogate Momma. It was priceless!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left there to see my best friend, Amber, who's sister it was that just had the baby. We got to spend almost an hour, over lunch, just chatting and laughing at Baby Bear's antics. We only live about thirty minutes from each other but we don't do this nearly often enough so it was a treat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to cut this off here and work on Friday, Saturday and Sunday's adventures a little later this weekend! I hope y'all don't mind me rambling! If you made it to the end it must not be all that bad! Ha! Seriously, thank y'all for letting me share a lil bit of my crazy semi-rock star (in my head) life with ya. I am on cloud nine thanking God daily for these and so many more blessings! </span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-32924753454191658402012-05-21T20:03:00.002-04:002012-05-21T20:03:45.893-04:00My Day As An Almost Rock Star<div style="text-align: center;">
{Caution: This is (another) very long post! Got your readers ready? Let's do it!}</div>
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After my epic and amazing Thursday and Friday I was on a happiness high already, but that did not make the alarm clock at 6:00 am Saturday any easier to hear! I know if you read part one you are wondering why I set my alarm that early!<br />
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For those of you who do not know, I have the honor of serving as President of our church's ladies group, Philoptochos. Essentially, our name means, "friend of the poor" and we try our best to serve our community in that way. Saturday morning we hosted a hands on serving event, we made blankets for the local children's home.<br />
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I was amazed at our turnout, though some may think five ladies is a small group, in comparison to the size of our church and our Philoptochos roster this was a great turnout! We finished four no-sew blankets and made huge progress on three quilt-like blankets. All in under three hours!<br />
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I love these ladies with all my heart, and being that I have no 'family' in North Carolina, my church makes up a big part of who my local family now is. I started off my Saturday being reminded of why just knowing these amazing women has blessed my life immeasurably! As I locked up the church and walked to my car I thought even if nothing else great happened that day I would have had an epic weekend for that interaction alone!<br />
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We loaded up our van and were off to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the second time in two days. Just that morning alone was epic enough for me. I was not expecting anything super special, just some good fun with some great friends. I had no idea that it would turn out to be the best day I've ever had at a race track!<br />
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We arrived, parked, turned off the car and called some friends we were supposed to meet. They had saved us a parking spot! So we hopped back in and drove a few rows down to where they were tailgating. After some happy dances, tweeting and pictures I tried to text another friend I was supposed to meet. He tried to call me but I had no signal. I tried to climb on top of the van to get one. Literally! I tried this at least three times throughout the day, it made my friends laugh. I like to make my friends laugh, maybe next time I'll actually get up there and dance! Ha!<br />
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I used my friend's phone to call him back, left a voice mail, then hubby and I decided to head to the infield for what was left of the Blake Shelton concert. When we got inside I got a text from my friend Jordan. Finally, I had enough signal to call him, we met up, hugged and went in search of Jeff Gluck's infamous tweetup! The hug is epic that's why it made it in here, I love hugs - just warning you now that if we've never met and we someday do meet there will be hugging involved!<br />
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We're walking back and forth near the scoring pylon because that's where this tweetup is supposed to happen when I make eye contact with someone who looks at me like they know me. They said, "Are you..." and as they trailed off I said, "Looking for the tweetup? You bet!" They said, "No, I was going to ask if you're Momma Bear?" (For my non-Twitter friends, I'm Momma Bear to my Twitter family!) "Oh my gosh, yes I am!!" "You'll never guess who I am." At this point I am trying to scroll over 800 faces of people who follow me and I'm coming up with nothing. "I'm sorry, you'll have to tell me, I don't know." They gave me a big grin and said, "I'm A Checkered Flag!" More hugs!!!<br />
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After a little more walking around the general vicinity of the scoring pylon, we found the tweetup! David Ragan was there! He signed my hubby's hat!! It now has James Buescher, Miguel Paludo & David Ragan's autograph's on the front of it! We saw Mike Calinoff & Brandon Igdalsky. Mike said hi from across the crowd. Mr. Igdalsky shook our hands and told us to come on up to Pocono!<br />
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Jordan took the lead with getting Jeff Gluck's attention. Jeff was gracious enough to listen to our whole spiel about the #TMSFanCrew. Then he asked me to send him an email with the #TMSFanCrew info in it on Monday (already sent BTW) and he would see if he could at least get a tweet out for us. Considering the man has a following of over 28,000 awesome people this is pretty epic in and of itself but add to that how cool he was plus the picture I now have with his arm around my shoulder, just wow!<br />
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As if the day wasn't amazing enough already, I can't stop there, nope, don't worry there's more! So, I'm talking with Jordan about the wow factor of the epic (yes I use this word a lot!) conversation with Jeff Gluck...and I'm laughing about how I told him to watch for tweets from Momma Bear...when I hear some one give an excited OMG to my left. Well, I immediately start looking around thinking someone super famous has showed up! But a second later I hear, "You're Momma Bear? OMG You're Momma Bear! I totally follow you!" Can I tell y'all that between@acheckeredflag & this follower who I'm so sorry I didn't catch their name (message me if you're reading this so I can fix??? Please???) I was feeling so honored and humbled. My Twitter family makes me feel like a rock star for real. In fact, in honor of how y'all made me feel I barely took my sunglasses off the rest of the day!<br />
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We're looking around trying to decide if we see anyone else we know or know of when I looked over and saw someone who looked familiar. I asked Jordan who it was. He took a minute to follow my gaze, then said it was none other than Bob Pockrass! While Jordan made his way over to try to get a chance to speak with Bob, I ran into another friend, Crystal. More hugging! I made my way over to Jordan and Bob just in time for me to fill in a little bit of the 'who we are' for the #TMSFanCrew. Another picture was taken and another email was requested!<br />
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Jordan and his buddy Alex headed in search of food while George and I headed back to the tailgate party, more epic hugs first of course! We got to the van as our friends were packing up to head inside and I got a call from my awesome friend Amber (more standing almost on top of my van!) and she headed over to hang out with us. We met up with Amber and walked around a little bit before she had to head in to work and we had to head in to the track for the festivities. Of course there were some more epic hugs here!<br />
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All these epic hugs and pictures and conversations just kept making this day more and more epic. When I thought it could not get any better I get a text message from none other than my dear Twitter friend, Laura! We met by my gate and let me tell y'all: she gives the best hugs, like ever! I only wish we had been able to spend more time together. But we all had a race to go see!<br />
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We found our section and before going up we noticed they were letting people stand by the catch fence. We walked over and took some fun pictures to tweet to @TheCatchFence (if you're not on Twitter just ask me later! LOL). We asked the Guest Services man if we were allowed to stay there and he pointed to the yellow line and just said that while the cars were racing we had to stay behind that line. Really? SO COOL!!!<br />
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The rest of my night is a blur, but here's the highlights:<br />
*Met a guy who's sister works in NASCAR, I now follow him on Twitter!<br />
*Chatted for a few minutes with some sponsors from Carlisle (Brad K & AJ Dinger's cars)<br />
*Made friends with two Guest Services guys, got pics, handshakes & hugs<br />
*Screamed my head off with what little voice I had as JR raced his way in to the All Star Race!<br />
*Chatted & cheered with a guy who said he used to race with Trevor Bayne way back when (said he knows my buddy too, have not confirmed but cool nonetheless!)<br />
*Got a golf cart ride back to my van "rock star style" for the 'after party'<br />
*Last but not least, our after race tweetup/taligate party was crashed by the obligatory drunken fans who could not find their car (they said they were parked a few rows over but I'm not convinced!)<br />
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So here it is two days later and I still haven't found my voice, I'm still flying high on the memories and I'm even more stoked about the #TMSFanCrew than I ever imagined I could be! I can't list all the people and blessings I am thankful for. I am too blessed, I cherished every moment, every interaction, everything!!!Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-7240024865685010152012-05-20T13:39:00.001-04:002012-05-20T13:39:59.420-04:00EPIC Memories!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{CAUTION: Very long blog post! Put your readers on!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where do I start? At the beginning I suppose...way back, a little over thirty years ago on a beautiful Palm Sunday evening...oh, too far? Ok, how about I start with last Thursday? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alright, when my epic adventure began was really last week. I retweeted a post on Twitter from Miss Sprint Cup (@MissSprintCup) without really thinking about it. Turns out I was one of the first however many to retweet the post. I won two tickets to the Sprint Cup Pit Crew Challenge. We've always wanted to go but have never had the chance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A dear friend, Sara, came down from Kernersville, NC to spend the day with us and attend the event together. We had an epic lunch, sitting on the bus inside the legendary Lancaster's in Mooresville, NC. After that we headed over to the NC Auto Racing HOF & Museum. We looked around a bit but realized we were short on time so we made a quick pit stop at Wal-Mart and headed home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After making some neon signs to try to get on tv with, we scooped up my daughter and headed over to Turner Motorsports. We delivered some goodies to Ted Bullard, their Chief Marketing Officer and dare I say a good friend? Well, on the way to that status I hope! We were sitting there waiting for Ted to come out to say hey and who walks out? None other than James Buescher and his adorable wife Kris! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They said hey as they walked out the door and my husband says, "Wasn't that James Buescher???" I said yes, he got so excited he knocked his sunglasses off his own head! James & Kris walked back in and came over to us! My hubby got James' autograph! Kris told me that she had said to James outside, "I think he wanted your autograph but was too shy to ask." Tell me that is not the most awesome couple in racing y'all!!!! Then Kris took a picture of us & tweeted about how sweet WE were! WHOA!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They chatted with us for a few minutes, during which my son told Ted that he wanted to sit in the race car (show car). Ted, being the awesome guy he is, picked up my son, Baby Bear, and put him inside the car/truck. Kris took a picture I think. There was so much going on and honestly I was a little star struck at how amazing the Buescher's were/are! Baby Bear totally tried to put the belts on, he wants to drive so bad it's almost scary! Too expensive! But if it's his dream, well hopefully we can make that happen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next into the truck was George. If you have not already, you need to check out this picture of him as he was climbing out: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151743039055253&set=a.10151743032130253.861833.662480252&type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151743039055253&set=a.10151743032130253.861833.662480252&type=3&theater</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a great tour around the shop, it was so different to see some of the cars not in there where we had seen them lined up before...made it sink in how it was race weekend and all. My daughter, Honey Bear, was in heaven as she stood next to Kasey Kahne's truck and his car. George got a second autograph, from Miguel Paludo! Have I mentioned this was our most epic trip to Turner to date? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all hung out in Ted's office till literally the shop was closed and locked up for the night. We had some great conversations about the #TMSFanCrew and more! Every time I get a chance to talk with Ted it is an epic good time, I have such respect for positive people who know their passion and go for it! We got to sneak in a quick hug with the amazing Ted's even more amazing & beautiful wife, Merrily before we scooted out the doors!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our scramble to find a sitter and get the kids there, we headed out to Time Warner Coliseum in Charlotte, NC, barely making it in time to see the first challenge. I was hooked the second the buzzer went off. I was screaming like a die hard fan from way back. To be honest, I kinda am one of those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think the pit crews are the real rock stars of our beloved sport of NASCAR. Oh, and if you dare to disagree with me that it is a sport than I point you to exhibit A. Go to the pit crew challenge yourself, sit close enough to see the action first hand...than come at me with your theories. I dare you. No I double dog dare you. But I digress! (For the record, even if you're wrong, you are entitled to your own opinion.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yea, I always knew that the pit crews were the superstars who make the drivers look good but I will never forget the amazing skills being highlighted that night. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been able to witness that. It made it totally worth completely losing my voiceou. I'm seriously not kidding y'all, I couldn't even squeak Friday morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're up to Friday morning now, right? We lounged around a little after getting my daughter off to school. I remembered talking with Sara about Penske's Race Shop and since it is literally down the road from us we decided to head up there and look around. It was really cool, in my humble opinion. Of course, walking around the shop one on one is the best experience, but the observation deck at Penske is wild. It's a walkway that literally goes almost the length of the shop and you can stand up there to watch the guys work. Plus it is an open air experience, you are in the race shop while you're above it and so you still get all the smells you get on a traditional tour. Mostly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we were out and about, and since we're part of JR Nation, we decided to head the few minutes down the road to JR Motorsports next. We were walking around their gift shop when the gals behind the counter announced they had free tickets for that same night's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race! No purchase necessary! Um...YES PLEASE! Double bonus? Free shop tour! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, this shop tour was pretty inclusive, we walked past the offices of the likes of Tony Eury, Sr as we headed into the shop. We saw so much I can't begin to describe it all. I will admit, when I saw the #3 Wrangler tribute car I got chills...and when the tour guide reminded us that it was the last ever tribute that Jr did for his dad I felt a few tears escape. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in love with the sights, sounds and smells of the inside of the race shops. If I could go every day it still would not be often enough. I know my passion, It is NASCAR. More importantly, it is the behind the scenes heroes who work on making those cars rock, and the pit crews who win races a few seconds at a time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We got home just before my daughter came bursting through the front door with her own epic news! She passed her EOG's! (NC's End of Grade standardized tests) So when we shared our plans for the night we asked if she wanted to invite a friend to come with. Her friend was jumping up and down excited about it. Score one for the parental units!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packed up and ready the five of us head off to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. We hit up the Will Call window and left extra tickets for Merrily who would arrive in a little bit. We headed inside to find we were seated just before the Start/Finish line on the front stretch. Not bad! After a mix up with kids tickets (my bad!!) Merrily, her mom, her son, her neighbor & neighbor's son all joined us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was still nursing my voice back when our boy, James Buescher, took the lead! It was all over for my vow of silence at that point. I would buy a bottle of Chloroseptic the next morning. Or two. Hey, they might make a good sponsor for our guys at Turner...oh, but I digress!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end, all three Turner trucks would end up with some bad luck but we cheered them on to the end. We know that our team is dominant this year in both its main series and we look forward to many more trips to victory lane regardless of how the 'hometown' race went!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stayed up too late talking with all my amazing friends on Twitter about my epic night until the internet went out. The alarm clock at 6:00 the next morning was a harsh reality but I drug myself outta bed and got ready for another memorable day. I had no idea it was going to turn out as insanely epic as it did! I have to say since this is getting so long...to be continued! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful for: too many blessings to list! My cup & saucer overflow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2nd thanks: NASCAR fans who rock my world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Even if you think you left early enough on race day...you didn't!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I will never get tired of chatting with my friends about #TMSFanCrew & NASCAR in general!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*My husband has a silly side!! He may have missed his calling! LOL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*My son has discovered a passion for racing! We may be in trouble! Ha!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*My daughter has discovered her as well & is making plans already to achieve them! So proud!!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-62049200847079725552012-05-05T10:55:00.001-04:002012-05-05T10:55:07.316-04:00How Do You Find What You're Passionate About?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not entirely certain there is one set way to do this! But I'll tell you what I know!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think you need to be open minded first and foremost. What you want to be passionate about and what you are passionate about may be two ends of a crazy spectrum. Be prepared to learn things about yourself you never expected! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've got to ask yourself some important questions, and you have to be honest with yourself about the answers! What is it that you have the most fun doing? If money were no object what would you be doing right this minute? What is it that you could talk about all day every day and never run out of things to say about? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you answer those? Go ahead. We'll wait for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, were you surprised? I know I was!! My biggest surprise is that I have more than one passion. I just wish I could split myself into three or 4 people so I could pursue all of them at the same time!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's something else to consider, when you have decided to go for it then you won't struggle to find the time to do what you are most passionate about. It will rise to the top on its own as naturally as oil floats to the top of water. It's not going to be pulling teeth, it's going to be fun! Well, unless pulling teeth is fun for you? Maybe that's your passion!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dreams are what gives us hope, passion is what fuels our drive to get there! Passion is the ultimate motivator! So...what are you waiting for? Go find your passion! Now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful for today: People! All people! I love people! Y'all rock!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's 2nd Thanks: Grace! Being blessed with that which I do not deserve!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Read the local events in the paper before picking your garage sale date!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Be willing to compromise, forgive and be generous w/ your time & talents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Being honest with others comes naturally, being honest with myself is a huge struggle!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*There is NO corralling a 3-year-old on garage sale day, no matter the bribe!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*A lizard in the garage will make 3 out of 4 family members scream & laugh simultaneously while the 4th tries to catch it!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-74529553643339435952012-04-17T14:23:00.001-04:002012-04-17T14:23:12.315-04:00Tackling ADD One Step At...Hey! Look Over...Wait, What Was I Saying?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you know me well you might need a moment after reading the title of today's blog...go ahead, collect yourself. We'll be waiting right here...or over there...or...hey who's out there? Do I know you? What was the question again?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've just stumbled upon me today well first...Welcome to the crazy train! If you go back through the older blogs or through the links (you can find me here too: <a href="http://about.me/NikiNikolopoulos">http://about.me/NikiNikolopoulos</a> ) and you'll be up to speed in no time! We're just here to have fun because life is WAY to short to be boring! ;o)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am slowly beginning to realize the oxymoron that is my life. I can be MEGA organized when I need to be and yet I get easily distracted by the littlest...hey, is that a...oh my bad, where were we? Organization! I've tried a daily planner, guess what I'm supposed to be doing according to that right now? Well, it has nothing to do with this computer on my lap!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of the day the important things all get done and the rest gets shuffled around as needed. When you are tackling so many ideas and projects all at once your brain sits on overload much of the time, however you quickly realize what truly is important, where your passions really lie and who will help keep you focused or motivated! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of these days I may look back and wonder where I got all the energy to juggle so many irons in the fire and not get burned but life is too short for regrets! I'm a big user of the Life's Too Short mantras, because it is so true! Tomorrow is not a given! Today is called the Present because it is a gift! The rearview mirror is small because what is behind you is not nearly as important as the path ahead of you! Enjoy the journey! Live life to the fullest! Leave a trail of smiles in your wake!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful Today: to have the honor of reflecting God's love to as many as He puts into my path! Can you see a Light shining in me? I assure you 100% of the good you see in me is ALL Him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Thanks: amazing friends & family who put up with my ADD, my high energy and my zest for all things positive in life! Y'all make my heart smile big!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*You can never have too many BFFs! Each serves a purpose and holds a special place in my heart! Each is as unique as our friendship and an equally treasured slice of my soul!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Age Three is the beginning of the end of sweetness and innocence!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Kids will surprise you when you least expect it and they make life a precious if not crazy adventure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Sometimes we love our friends and 'adopted' family more than blood relatives but there's plenty of room for all in our hearts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*There truly is a silver lining in every single situation we encounter! Find yours even if you have to dig with your fingertips!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-41838739846808237262012-04-09T22:16:00.001-04:002012-04-09T22:16:43.477-04:00Give It To God!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I said that this blog was going to be my informal, just for fun outlet and keep my religious banter to my Niki's Thoughts emails, Google+ and Facebook page but...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">twent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is on my mind big time today and I can't walk away from that, it means to me that I'm supposed to share. So, please bear with me! No Bible verse quotes but I'm gonna bear my heart a bit, okay?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I went to the post office, yes we could all use God when we have to go there! I had a delivery confirmation receipt for my audition video that kept showing me online that it had been delivered to Charlotte, NC. But the destination was California! I waited in the longest line...ever. I tweeted to avoid boredom. I smiled when I got to the front and asked the man behind the counter how his day was. He was not cheerful. I mailed a package to my goddaughter in Chicago. I asked about the delivery confirmation. He told me to step aside to the window while he got his supervisor for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ! Wow, that was loud! I wait in front of a closed window, feeling the stares of twenty or so people in line. I was tempted to tweet again but I didn't want to get caught red-handed by the supervisor who's help I needed. The window opens, a large man in a bold pink shirt appears and says to me, "How may I not help you?" REALLY? Is your day so bad that you greet people that way? Eeeek! Poor, sad man! Bless his heart!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told him my story, he told me I should have paid for a signature instead but he'd look and see if he could find anything out. I leaned on the window ledge, I folded my hands, I bowed my head and I prayed my heart out. I waited. I prayed more. I waited more. Finally he reappears holding a full sheet of paper and tells me my package was delivered last week to the correct address in California! YAY!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I skipped back to my car. Smiling from ear to ear. Then it hits me. It's no longer in my hands. I am completely out of control of my fate. But that's life really. "Control is an illusion." God holds us all in His hands. You know what? I am comforted by that powerful fact! I make far too many mistakes to be left on my own out here! So I'm letting go.I refuse to count down the days. I will practice as if I'm in but live as if I'm not. Life is a journey! It's way more fun if we sit back and enjoy the ride. So give it to God y'all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful today: for an amazing birthday yesterday, and all y'all that made it epic!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2nd thanks: connecting with new friends! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*An extra large shirt from HMS is the equivalent of a medium anywhere else!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*You can build real friendships with people you meet online, step cautiously but love freely!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*The smallest gesture can make the biggest impact!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Skipping like a school girl is an activity that should be partaken of often!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Everyone needs a least one person in their life that makes them feel cherished! Cherish them back!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302410072185275836.post-46197276514777527632012-04-06T13:06:00.000-04:002012-04-06T13:06:04.396-04:00Lucky Thirteen?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got to thinking today about my marriage, we're going to be celebrating thirteen amazing years together later this month. It's been a roller coaster ride! I remember when we met, George had a full out mullet and it was 1998 for heaven's sake! But he had on them cowboy boots and I've always been a sucker for those Mediterranean men!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a whirlwind romance I guess you could say! Started dating August of 1998, knew he was 'the one' by October, engaged December and we were married in our very own "Big Fat Greek Wedding" on Sunday, April 25, 1999. Crazy, right? Seems to be a theme in my life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our life has been full of its ups and downs. We've had epic fights, we've had amazing memories made, we have been through it all together. So what makes it work? Well, communication is huge! Of course there's love, that's a must, and you can only get so far without respect and trust! It's being ready to fight for your marriage against all odds, it's being open minded and a good listener.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about you? Are you married? What's working for your success there? Still single? What are you looking for? Do you have an ideal mate in mind? I thought I had and I was wrong, but then I always thought I'd mess up if/when I got married yet here I am thirteen years and counting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wasn't looking for love when I found George! In fact, you could maybe say I already thought I had it! I was in a pretty serious relationship with my best friend from HS when George 2-Stepped into my world. Sometimes when we plan, God laughs, right? Good thing my 'fate' is in the hands of Someone a lot smarted than I!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful for: A real marriage that has made it through thick & thin so far!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2nd Thanks: The ups & downs in life that bring us closer to each other!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*My husband will always be my favorite cowboy even if he doesn't ride horses! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*We can push ourselves into realms we never thought possible while we're not even paying attention!<br />*God's plans are always better than anything we could dream up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Faith is not just about Jesus, it covers the ones we love in our trust as well!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Life is too short to not appreciate every moment and every individual you're blessed to receive!</span>Niki’s Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389971821533425390noreply@blogger.com0