Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Holy Spirit Jump Start~~ Are you up for it?

Sometimes, it takes a good friend with a nudge from the Holy Spirit to get your juices flowing again! When God talks, are you willing to listen?

Almost a month ago, our family moved out of the state of Florida after living there since 1982. We took a leap of faith, left our past life behind, heading for something new and different. It was my husband's idea and I have to admit at first I thought he had lost it. But, after we talked and he told me that God has spoken clearly to him, telling him to let go and let Him have the controls, I was all for it. I have to admit, it was a scary prospect at first. Quitting his lucrative job and "Flying Away" as he called it (he hasn't had an income in 3 1/2 months, and we are still carrying both mortgages (our home in Sarasota is still for sale)...talk about a leap of faith!

But after we talked and prayed about it, I knew he was the right, of course. He was giving it all to the Lord and letting Him take the lead.  He was living by Psalm 25:4 "Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths." My hubby does have the opportunity of a new job in the Kentucky area which we are hoping pans out later this year. But if it doesn't, he's happy to find something right here in North Carolina. We're just waiting on the Lord and His perfect timing for everything knowing that the Lord will take care of us in the interim, as He always does. Bowling Green, KY or Waynesville, NC, Jesus is going to be the one to determine what happens next.Thankfully, we are at peace with that~~ Thank you Lord for that peace which surpasses all human understanding.



So, off we went, moving ourselves, our two dogs and our younger son (who wanted a fresh start) to our mountain home. I always wondered why our vacation home in North Carolina never sold when we put it up for sale, I know why now. God's plan all along was for us to come up here to begin anew. Closer to God, closer to our younger son, his wife and our sweet granddaughter Grace, and closer to my family in Tennessee. The whole clan lives in the Nashville area which is only 5 hours away. Honestly, in all my wildest dreams I never thought we would move out of the state of Florida. That in itself is totally a God-Thing.

So, that is my hubby's part of the Holy Spirit Jump Start. Now for mine.

Over the course of my life, I've numerous people tell me that I should write a book, telling people how I've handled the challenges of my life especially during the time of my diagnosis with MS, with Jesus by my side. I do have a blog, and I also have an online Facebook prayer group, plus I love to post inspirational Jesus Quotes and verses on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. I've always felt the nudge of God to share myself to others and always thought that was enough.

Then, feeling God pressing me on, a few years ago I began writing a book. I had about 5 chapters under my belt, but stupidly did not back it up on my tablet. It crashed a year ago and I lost everything. I thought God was telling me that was it, give it up, you aren't cognitively up for writing a book. Having MS, I do admit to sometimes having severe cognitive problems. Some days are good, some days are bad, but still it nagged at me to begin writing again, but didn't know where or when to start.

About 3 days ago, I got a book from a sweet Facebook friend of mine, Denise Manley Derick. We've grown close over these last 6 years through our love of the Lord and our common interest in CCSVI, the venoplasty procedure for those suffering with MS, that changed both of our lives.

The book, "The Dream Seed, God's Blueprint Within You"


changed everything for me in about 4 chapters or about a hour's worth of reading! This wonderful and meaningful book is about finding your true purpose in life and going after it so you can glorify God. Honestly, it was like a punch in the stomach. I knew immediately it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me, telling me to get going, quit making excuses and move forward with my book. No more excuses Nicki!

I felt exhilarated pretty much instantly. I also felt thankful that my sweet friend sent me the book. When I asked her about it, she said she wasn't sure why the Holy Spirit told her to do it, but she obeyed and was so happy to realize the reason was because God wanted me to get back on track. God used her to speak to me. She asked me to share my story with the author. Pastor Clarence on Facebook which I was so happy to do: https://www.facebook.com/Living-Faith-Ministries-International-Inc-142222799142226/?fref=ts&__mref=message_bubble. I love to share God stories whenever I can.

You never know how God is going to work or who He is going to use to touch your spirit. Just be aware that angels are all around us, and the Lord can use them anyway He wants. Be aware of His Spirit. It is all around us, we just need to slow down long enough to listen to Him.



My verse is above in red.

My prayer for today:

Thank you Jesus! Thank you for using Denise to touch my soul. Thank you for her willingness to listen to Your Holy Spirit and move when you wanted her to!

Help me Lord, Help me to seek you to give me the strength to work on my book to completion. Help me to have the cognitive abilities I need to finish the task. I know you will be with me in all I do Lord and I will do everything to Your Glory! 

Amen and Amen