The series is on the church and how God has created it to be a movement. It’s  unstoppable not because of our own doing but because Christ has built the church and is driving it to its mission. No matter how small we think our duties might be, God has in that place for a reason.

Will I hold the hammer?

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

As I see the movement that Christ has given to the church and to me I realize that if I don’t listen to the call Acts 1:8 has on my life or when I fail to keep Christ at the center of my life I might stop the movement in my own life. God is orchestrating my life to be a witness and if I don’t become part of what God’s doing right now in my life I might miss out of being a part of the movement.

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)

God has shown me these past few months that God has placed me where I am for a reason. I would honestly say I wouldn’t have chosen what I would be doing if I had my choice. I would probably not be in St. Louis living at home, working a job in sales and leading out in areas where I don’t feel qualified or adequate.

God has placed me in the work environment where I am for a reason: to witness. God has placed me at my home for a reason: to witness. God has placed me in a position of leadership for a reason: to witness. Witnessing is when my actions, words and deeds reflect God and direct those who don’t know Christ to Him. I’m an eye witness of what Christ has done in my life. Although some of these situations might have not been what I envisioned doing, I realize how awesome God’s blessings are.

“The safest place in the world is to be in the center of God’s will.”

So am I doing my part? Am I holding my hammer?

• I was dead, now alive!

God has been showing how immensely awesome and miraculous my testimony is, even though I was saved at a young age. No matter how young I might have been I was dead, but raised by Jesus. We can never exhaust God’s mercy He has for us (even when we were dead he loved and desired us to be His). Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that God who hated and despised sin; loved me, a sinner who was dead and sent His son Jesus to take my place so that I could be made alive and have a relationship with Him forever! How humbling and overwhelming!

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient…….But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1-2, 4-7)

• Ineffective light in the light

Christine Caine gave an illustration at Passion that really hit me hard. Her daughter wanted to buy a flashlight and while standing at the store in the flourescent lighting she made the statement that she couldn’t see the light. How effective is my light that I reflect Christ when I shine it in an already lit place? Do I spend time with those who don’t believe? Am I a light in a dark place? These questions will require me to take a serious look at my life and see areas that need to change. Where are some places I find myself on a weekly basis that allow me to reflect God’s light? Do I associate with people who don’t have God’s light?

• Unashamed

There was a song we sang throughout the time in Atlanta which had a lyric: ”I’m not ashamed of the one who saved my soul.” This lyric hit me hard because if I wanted to be completely transparent and honest with you there have been instances when I have been ashamed. I have failed to take opportunities to share or speak up because I’m fearful of what might be thought of me or what might be said afterward. When I process the realty that those God is providing opportunities to share His love with might not have another opportunity to accept Him, it doesn’t seem that important what they might think about me or my relationship with Jesus. All that matters is that I share so they might have the opportunity to come into the saving grace that only Jesus has the ability to give a person.

• Fearlessly Sharing

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth; words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19)

I think that this point might run into the last but I think it’s fitting especially how God clearly spoke to me as His Word was being proclaimed in one of the sessions. As the Word was spoke I instantly felt God directing me to this verse and telling me that this should be my prayer. No matter what comes out of my mouth, my words should fearlessly make known the gospel of Christ. As a follower of Christ, I have chained my heart to Jesus and my greatest fear is to have an inadequate life. I plan on writing this verse in several locations and memorizing it so that wherever I’m at I can remember to fearlessly proclaim His name!

• Raising the White Flag

“We raise our white flag, We surrender all to You, All to You! We raise our white flag, The war is over, Love has come, Your love has won!”

So I entitled this blog “Raising My White Flag” because ultimately I believe that is the one thing that will allow everything else to come to fruition. How will I fearless proclaim Christ unless I am completely surrendered to His will? How can I stand unashamed for Christ if I haven’t realized that He is the only one I should be wanting approval from? How can I be a light in the dark if I haven’t given Him everything?

This past week I see how God is smoothing out some rough edges in my life. As I’ve been encouraged, challenged, uplifted, saddened and elated  I’ve realized that I need to be submitted to walk daily with God and be in this moment. I like to plan and although planning is not necessarily bad I think it has caused me to want things a certain way and not see what God has in store for me–His plan–the best plan I could ever imagine.

God might call me to move to another country, be persecuted, love on the hurting and oppressed or a variety of other situations…..all I know that His plan for my life is fuller and more beautiful than I could ever imagine. I know He can use me where I am right now and that is a huge burden off my shoulders. God’s will isn’t in the distant future, off in the fog. God’s will is right now. God wants me to be surrendered and walk daily in it.

So Now What?

I am super excited to announce that I will be running another half marathon this April and you can be a part! I will be participating in the Go! St. Louis half marathon April 15. Not only this, I will be running for a girl named Ratna and partnering with an organization called As Our Own. Please consider joining me in running or participate by donating. Please visit https://iwillrun.myetap.org/fundraiser/stlouis/ to see how you can get involved.

Question 1: How many times have I place stipulations on following Christ in what he commands me to do?

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him (Jesus), ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’ He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God’.” – Luke 9:57-62

I think this stipulation thing is best pulled from the third would be disciple: “I will follow you, Lord; but first….”  I think there are several instances I’ve done this in my own life: “I’ll go wherever You want me but first I want to….” “I know You want me to do….but I want to try….”  This thinking goes on and on but Bonhoeffer makes a valid point when we try  to make stipulations to God.

“But then discipleship is no longer discipleship, but a programme of our own to be arranged to suit ourselves, and to be judged in accordance with the standards or a rational ethic……By making his offer on his own terms, he alters the whole position, for discipleship can tolerate no conditions which might come between Jesus and our obedience to him.”

Question 2:  Am I relying on Christ’s Word alone and not in the “securities” of this world?

This is a huge question that I’m sure every believer grapples with. Another way of rephrasing would be how we can live in the world but not be of it. This is a super hard especially with uncertainities I have right now in my life…but the Bible shows countless examples of people who were uncertain about things yet God took care of them: God telling Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, Moses leading the people out of Egypt despite being a poor speaker, Paul being called on the Damascus Road although he persecuted Jesus followers at the time, Barnabas coming to Paul and sharing with him even when he was uncertain he would have a life….just to name a few.

I think worry is one of the easiest things satan uses when trying to counteract what God is doing in our lives. For example, a couple weeks ago at REvive I really felt in the presence of God, sitting in the throne room, singing face to face with my Creator…an awesome moment cannot begin to describe what God did that night. I went to sleep with huge amount of joy and peace, woke up desiring more time than I had to spend in the Word and headed off to work. Unfortunately at work I began worrying about “important,” but really trivial things in the grand scope of things: my job, finances, etc. God knows we’ll worry about things but it’s clear in Scripture that He’ll be there and provide.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:25-34

~Am I being obedient with what I’m doing, where I am, who I am? Is God telling me to do something or move someplace and I’m not listening? Am I disobeying where I am?

This is a pretty hard question for me to ask yet alone answer, especially the where one. I’m at the stage in my life where relationships are changing. Friends I’ve grown up with are marrying and moving away. My younger sister and brother-in-law might be moving as well and here I am, settled back in St. Louis wondering “Is this where I should be?”

God wants me here; not sure the length of my time, but I’m seeing God use me to reach out to people: at work, at Brookshire, in the college ministry….God is using me. The one thing I don’t want to happen is that if God calls me somewhere else or to do something else that I’ll not take notice…that I’ll be distracted and won’t listen…that I’ll be disobedient in staying where I am.

Another thing I don’t want to happen is to hop on a bandwagon thinking God wants me to move, to change jobs, to get involved with a new ministry when that’s not what He wants for me. I don’t want to overstep and run ahead of God. I want to continually be able to say that I’m doing what I know God wants me to do and not simply do out of feeling I have to….I desire to follow God where He leads, I just need to remind myself that God might use things not in my own line of sight.

3. Is Jesus Christ my exclusive allegiance?

I think that this question kind of ties the other two together. If Jesus Christ is the one I give allegiance to I won’t be worried of the what if’s that consistently try to get me to lose focus. If Jesus Christ the one I give allegiance to I won’t have to ask “Am I obeying” because I will know that His Word is what goes and that I have a desire to follow Him.

I hope that through this post you might begin to ask these same questions. I know that they’re hard, but I think that when you have muddled with answers it might help shed some light on what God wants of you and what’s the next step in your relationship with Him.

In this book, David Platt brought some challenges for the church to band together and unify with a Gospel-centered vision. The one question Platt wanted to answer was “How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?” In the book he went through the following points: 1. One of the worst enemies of Christians can be good things in the church. 2. The gospel that saves us from work saves us to work. 3. The Word does the work. 4. Building the right church depends on using all the wrong people. 5. We are living–and longing–for the end of the world. 6. We are selfless followers of a self-centered God.

So here are my thoughts…..

Tyranny of the Good:  Many times the church has programs and budgets and ways to reach out to the community and world, but many times these “good” things are hindering us from achieving the great things God has for us. In this chapter, I had to ask myself what are some “good” things that I should let go of to pursue the great things God has in store.

“When Jesus calls us to abandon everything we have and everything we are, it’s almost as if he is daring us to put ourselves in the flood plain. To put all our lives and all our churches, all our property and all our possessions, all our plans and all our strategies, all our hopes and all our dreams in front of the levee and then to ask God to break it. To ask God to sweep away whatever he wants, to leave standing whatever he desires, and to remake our lives and churches according to his will.”

We are called to lay everything on the table and let God direct us the way He wants, but too often we let our wants, our pride, our very sin nature in letting God take those good things and direct us to His best things. We are called to do this individually as well as a body of believers….are we willing to say “Lord, we don’t want to settle for good things as your people. We want only your best”? It’s a scary question but it’s a question that needs to be answered.

The Gospel Misunderstood: Many times we struggle with maintaining the correct view of the gospel. We will never be radical enough, no matter what we do we can’t be accepted before God but in the same sentence real faith always creates fruit. It’s understanding we can’t do enough, but Christ has. It’s the understanding that the gospel is the reason for radical living. We must avoid becoming a church who continually “work hard to earn the approval of God while ultimately wearing out in our assignment from God” but we also must avoid becoming a church “constantly defending the gospel while rarely demonstrating it.”

The Word does the Work: This was an encouraging chapter as I prayed whether or not to be a community group leader. I felt I wasn’t adequate, that there was someone better but I realized I don’t do the work, the Word of God does.

“Scripture is clear that any leader who wants to unleash the people of God in the church for the glory of God in the world must simply be competent to communicate and faithful to follow the Word of God.” (Matthew 28:20; 1 Timothy 3:2)

As I read this chapter I became increasingly aware that it wasn’t me who would lead but that as we studied the Bible together the Word would guide and direct. I began to pray “Lord, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.” It wasn’t about how good of leader I was or could become but about the Word. “The Word is sufficient to hold the attention of God’s people and satisfying enough to capture their affection.” 

The Genius of Wrong: Platt posed the question: “But what if the church itself–the people of God gathered in one place–is intended to be the attraction, regardless of who is teaching or singing that day?” As I read this chapter I began to see that it isn’t about the buildings, the programs, the pastors but the people of God who attract. I began to see opportunities and platforms to spread the gospel.

” And if you are a member of the church, start dreaming and strategizing. Consider where God has placed you, who God has put around you, and how God desires to use you for his glory where you live and work. If you are single, how can you make the most of your singleness for ministry?…If you work outside the home, how can you share Christ in your workplace? Be careful not to let programs in the church keep you from engaging people in the world with the gospel. Make the most of the opportunities for ministry that God has built into your life.”

So I’ve begun to dream (for those of you who know me this isn’t hard at all), how can I make the most of my opportunities for ministry that God has built into my life? I have begun to build relationships with my coworkers and try to see the opportunities to share with them. I realize that even though I live back under my parents’ roof and with my siblings which wasn’t ideal at first, God has placed me there to help encourage my  siblings to grow as they become young men and women of God. I have seen that God is using my singleness to give me time after work to help create environments that bring college students and young professionals into the throne room of God. I also see how I have extra time to sit and learn from amazing authors and ultimately sit at the feet of Jesus during quiet evenings of reflection.

Our Unmistakable Task: ”This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). This was a hard chapter for me not in the sense that our mission is to reach the whole world, but the fact that I’m longing for the end of the world to come. Me? A twenty-four year old, single girl who has just finished school and who has a whole life before me? Yes, I’m longing for the end. The end when I can stand (or probably lay flat) in front of Jesus, who paid the penalty of my sin. The Jesus who so victoriously rose from the dead and who counts me as an adoptive child of God. Goodness, I get chills just thinking of how awesome that will be that day!!!!

I could spend more time on this part but it was only an introduction to what Platt spoke about in the rest of the chapter, so I will try to continue..we need to be able to make disciples of every people group and if we just spend our lives in the comfort of our nation, in the comfort of our day-to-day life this won’t happen: “for while we spend our lives on the people we see in front of us, more than six thousand people groups for generations have never heard the gospel and remain in the dark.” Platt doesn’t stress either/or but both/and because within the context of biblical discipleship we can reach locally and globally.

Short term missions can impact long-term if it fuels a long-term disciple-making process in another context and fuels a long-term disciple-making process in the sending church. “As we go together into other contexts, we grow together in Christ.” This short-term impact of a mission trip can then fuel us on our long-term mission to make disciples….wherever we are through our professions, relationships, etc.

The God who Exalts God: Throughout this chapter, God spoke to me through Platt’s writing. This was a great chapter of encouragement to read about people who have radically altered their actions and have begun to do some hard things God has called them to do….

“It is certainly not because they read an orange book entitled Radical. Rather, it is because they are gripped by an overwhelming God. They know they belong to a God who desires, deserves, and demands absolute devotion in their lives and in their churches, and they want to give him nothing less. He is worthy of their all–their lives, their budgets, their ambitions, their programs, their relationships, their possessions, their careers, and their trust.”

One of the biggest things I was confronted in this chapter was my prayer life and a constant dependence on God. ”Unleashing God’s people to accomplish God’s purpose in the world requires that we devote ourselves to relentless prayer in the church.” Platt told the story of how on a mission trip he continuously prayed that he would make it without being bit by a highly poisonous snake and whatever he did he prayed. I was convicted that even though I might not have the likelihood of being bit by a snake I need to have that same prayer mentality everyday. Just as Platt on that trip, I am on a mission field and my relentless prayer and dependence on God will help me through my day.

“As long as church consists of normal routines and Christianity consists of nominal devotion with little risk, little sacrifice, and little abandonment, then we can do this on our own. But what happens when we give ourselves to something that is far greater than what we can accomplish on our own? What happens when we dare to believe that God desires to use every one of our lives and every one of our churches to bring about kingdom advancement to the ends of the earth? We will find ourselves around every corner and at every moment dependent on his power and desperate for his grace as we devote ourselves to his purpose.”

I want to be dependent on God for everything in the good times, in the bad times….I desire to wake up every day thanking God for new day He has given me to be used by Him–asking Him to direct and use my as He wants (not how I want) and to lay my head on my pillow praising God for what He has done in my life and what He has done….I yearn for that and pray that every day will be a step towards a deeper realization of this dependence I desire. I want prayer to be fundamental and not just supplemental in my life.

Secondly, I realized that God doesn’t need me. We should be selfless followers of a self-centered God but many times I allow my pride in the way of thinking He needs me. Here are some thoughts by A.W. Tozer on the self-sufficiency of God that brought my knees:

“Probably the hardest thought of all for our natural egotism to entertain is that God does not need our help. We commonly represent Him as a busy, eager, somewhat frustrated Father hurrying about seeking help to carry out His benevolent plan to bring peace and salvation to the world…

Too many missionary appeals are based upon this fancied frustration of Almighty God. An effective speaker can easily excite pity in his hearers, not only for the heathen but for the God who has tried so hard and so long to save them and has failed for want of support. I fear that thousands of younger persons enter Christian service from no higher motive than to help deliver God from the embarrassing situation His love has gotten Him into and His limited abilities seem unable to get Him out of. Add to this a certain degree of commendable idealism and a fair amount of compassion for the underprivileged and you have the true drive behind much Christian activity today.”

I know there have been times of foolishly believing that God needed me to do something and this chapter hit me with the truth that God doesn’t need me. God doesn’t need my church. God doesn’t need our conferences, conventions, plans, programs, budgets, buildings or mission agencies.

“The reality is that your and I, your church and my church, all the structures we have constructed and all the stuff we have created could turn to dust, and God could still make a great name for himself among the nations. God does not involve us in his grand, global purpose because he needs us. He involves us in his grand, global purpose because he loves us.”

Ultimately God allows me–a sinful, fallen, prideful lady–to be used by Him because He loves me and desires that I know Him better. Right now, God is graciously letting me be involved in ministry at First Baptist in Arnold with college and career–He’s allowing me to have a part of His kingdom here on earth and get to discover Him in real ways.  Like Platt said God involves me because He love me–He doesn’t want me to miss out on what He’s doing.

As I drove to Katie’s (my first stop) I jotted a few mental notes of what  I wanted to accomplish on this trip. I wanted my vacation to be more than just a time to relax but ”spiritual retreat”–a time where I could spend more time reading and soaking up what He wanted to say to me. Ultimately I wanted the week away from the distractions of my everyday life and gain some clarity of what God wanted me to do with these new opportunities.

Katie’s was a blast! We went to the fair, hung out, watched movies, worked out, shopped (Katie bought a dress!) and met some really cool friends in her life. Sunday morning we spent listening to a downloaded message and later that night we headed to the house church she attends. There Katie shared that I was praying about some opportunities and they asked if they could pray over me.

Prayer time was an amazing experience! Even though I had just met them, they embraced me, prayed, encouraged and helped me see what God  wanted to see–just like the body of Christ should be. God spoke to me that night: He reassured that He was in control–He wants me to empty myself, be filled with Him and poured out–I’m His girl and His plans for me are real. He spoke through the Word in Proverbs 3 and lastly as we got ready for bed I read a quote on Twitter: “God expects of us only what He Himself has supplied” (AW Tozer).

When I arrived in Nashville, Robyn and I automatically started talking about God was teaching in each other’s lives. It’s so neat to know that even though miles separate us, our friendship is tighter with Jesus working in our lives and how we have the bond of Christ.

Although this trip is over, the things I’ve learned and the time I spent with God will continue to impact my life through the things He taught me on this trip. The main opportunity I prayed for I’m jumping in head first. I’ll be leading a small group on Sunday morning…I’m really excited and at times a little nervous but know that Jesus will help me through any difficulties I might face.

Jayden....one of my many friends

I wanted to continue my post from a couple of days ago….

So on top of discovering how God wants to use my talents and passions for His glory, I recently went on a mission trip where I got to use music to build relationships with some awesome kids. This mission trip wasn’t around the world in a quiet village in Thailand, it wasn’t even across the county. This trip was about forty-five minutes from my house: 15th Street Baptist Church in East St. Louis.

“This past week I learned so much. I came into the week uncertain of what would occur & even had doubts of why I was there to being completely blessed & realizing that I haven’t given God my all.” – Excerpt from my journal

So I led music and although the week started out rough with not a huge plan of what would take place it ended with me making friends with several of the church members at the church and building relationships with children such as Jayden and Dante. Simple songs became songs that the kids referenced as “my song,” rowdy kids became kids that ran up and gave me hugs and the intimidating East side became a place where I saw God working mightily.

Throughout this week I was able to have a great week at work as well. My coworker pretty much called me a saint and said I was going to heaven because of the work I was doing during that week. I was able to share with her the reason I was going to go to heaven–I had a personal relationship and that didn’t have anything to do with the “good” things I did. This was completely a God moment because I have no idea what came out of my mouth; the only thing I know is God used me and I’m excited to be used by Him more as I interact with her on a day-to-day basis.

Another great thing is that Brookshire has started up again! Brookshire is a mobile home satellite church that FBCA started. Each Sunday I have the opportunity to go on a mission trip and reach out with the kids during the kids club. Already I have seen old faces and some new ones too. I’m super excited what God has in store through the summer and beyond! I will continue to update on what God is doing as I interact with the people.

Lastly, God has been speaking though men God has placed in my life in the capacity of teachers. Last Tuesday Brad spoke about the blind beggar being healed by Jesus. I was hit hard by the questions: Apart from Christ, is there something or someone I’m dependent on? Do I come expectant for Christ to come in our presence? Is Jesus my primary passion? What are my obstacles or distractions?

Today, Pastor Kenny started a new sermon series on the Beatitudes: “Non-Blended Believers.” I was again pressed by the reality that as a Christ follower I’m not supposed to be blended into the world but rather be distinctive from the world. I liked the definition of a Sore Thumb- To be easily noticed. To be clearly & obviously different from all things around it. We’re supposed to be sore thumbs in the world.

“It’s our full time job not to blend in with the world……Normal is overrated.” – Craig Groeschel

God has been completely teaching me new things day after day….I’m excited what God has in store next.

]]> http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/creative-outlets-part-2-the-joy-of-mission/feed/ 0 nicoleonamission Jayden....My Bud http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/monte-carlo-illuminates-some-of-classic-hollywood/ http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/monte-carlo-illuminates-some-of-classic-hollywood/#comments Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:20:17 +0000 Nicoleonamission http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/?p=160 ]]> This romantic comedy follows three girls as one is mistaken as a British heir and the group is whisked away to Monte Carlo and go on several adventures along the way.

The film starts out as Grace (Selena Gomez) works the typical small town job, a waitress. We soon find out that she has been saving up throughout high school for the trip of a lifetime, Paris and is almost there–high school is almost over. We also meet Emma (Katie Cassidy), the small town woman who dropped out of high school to make it big but found herself back in the same small town. It’s not too bad for her with the friendship she has with Grace and the long time boyfriend, mechanic Owen (Cory Monteith).

The day of graduation is soon here and we’re soon introduced to the last of the three young woman, step sister Meg (Leighton Meester). We quickly realize that Meg is much more reserved than her adventurous step sister and her free-spirited friend. As they soon find themselves jetting off to Paris, Grace’s mom (Andie MacDowell) warns her daughter about her trip:

“It’s not magic. It won’t turn you into a different person.”

We soon find however that the trip does turn her into a different person, in a case of mistaken identity.

After a whirlwind of rushed sightseeing, they are soon left at the Eiffel Tower. As they desperately try to head back to their roach motel Emma is mistaken as the heiress, Cordelia Winthrop Scott. After spending the night they find themselves having to play along so they aren’t caught and are sent to Monte Carlo where Emma helps a charity the heiress is supposed to help to appease her parents.

Throughout their time in Europe, Meg begins to break out of her shell as she continues to run into and eventually falls in love with hot Aussie, Riley (Luke Bracey). Emma realizes that the big time of being glamorous and famous isn’t the image she thought it was and how her love for Owen is true. Grace also finds love with classy and humanitarian Theo (Pierre Boulanger) and realizes the impact she can have with people in need just by being herself.

There is definitely humor, romance, adventure, intrigue and classic hollywood magic throughout this movie. Much of the music soundtrack has 40-50s styling which definitely helps bring out the classic themes. The setting of this movie brings out the Classic Hollywood flair even more. As I watched the scenes play I was drawn to remember watching To Catch A Thief, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Many of the same locations are used and this classic movie is even played in one scene.

I took my ten-year old sister expecting this to be more of a tween movie, but as the movie progressed I found that this movie illuminates many of the classic Hollywood elements I love. I hope that this might bring a trend for future movies.

]]> http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/monte-carlo-illuminates-some-of-classic-hollywood/feed/ 0 nicoleonamission Monte-Carlo-Movie-Poster http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/151/ http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/151/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:42:13 +0000 Nicoleonamission http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/?p=151 ]]>

Created by Aimee Wegescheide

“Stop looking. Start creating. Appreciate imagination.” – Kyle Francis, 6-Word Memoirs on the bottom of my Honest T cap

“Great art is something that, when experienced lifts you out of yourself, puts you in another dimension, & places you back down transformed.” – Sister Wendy Beckett

So this might be a long blog….I might actually divide it so I can organize my thoughts better. I miss so many things that I don’t get an opportunity to do much any more. Writing, photography, studying…..all things that I wish I had more time to do. So here I go with a blog updating you on my life.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I’ve started rereading “Saying Yes.” This book explores how artists are vital to the Church and how they can effectively direct people to Christ through the use of a variety of artistic elements. The book mentions the artists in the Old Testament and how they were vital to the development of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. Without these vital people, the Israelites would be a little lost as to how to appropriately follow the directions God had given them. Could you see a shepherd trying to cast gold or make garbs for the priests to wear? I think not. I started this book again because it is a little more pertenent to my life currently since I’m the point person on the creative team. I was able to coordinate a wonderful and talented painter, Aimee Wegescheide, to paint through the sermon series: The Story. You can visit her site at www.fineartbyaimee.com.

I’m excited to see how God will use me in this role. I’m excited to see how God will bring people closer to Himself through the use of painting, poetry, videography, drama, music, photography, writing….so much other creative outlets! This role also helps me take part of things I mentioned I miss earlier in the blog. I’m using my creative skills again! Ha!

I have to get up early so I will continue this post tomorrow sometime….stayed tuned for more information.

]]> http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/151/feed/ 0 nicoleonamission The Restoration http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/tired-weary-an-update-day-49/ http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/tired-weary-an-update-day-49/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 04:18:30 +0000 Nicoleonamission http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/?p=149 ]]> For some reason I must like updating my blog on odd days….but in all seriousness a ton has happened since I last updated this and I can’t help but be disappointed that I can’t find time to write….I really miss writing and wish I would have more time to do it….I would write in this everyday if it wouldn’t get so monotonous for those who read it…so anyway here are a few updates and then I will explain my title of “Tired & Weary.”

First, I have decided to run a marathon! Now I know what most people would say since I’ve already heard it, “That’s great, but I could never do that.” I was in the same boat several years ago….I would have never thought of running a marathon let alone running at all, but I have found it to be something I truly enjoy and want to accomplish.

A couple of years ago my dear friend Katie decided to run a marathon…at first I thought she was a little crazy but as she continued to train for it and stayed committed I grew more inspired to try to run and eventually do a marathon….little did I know that it would be in a few short years. I’ve somewhat maintained a bucket list of things I want to do at some point in my life (November 10, 2009 is when I posted the beginnings of this list) and I mentally put this down on my list. My aunt recently took up running and has already done a few races urging me to do one with her. One night as I ran around the Festus track and had a heart to heart with God about my desire to do run a marathon, I instantly knew the answer–run it. Not run it for myself because I will be able to do it in my own strength, but run it with the strength that only God can give me.

It might be silly for some but since I’ve started training for my marathon (Started training May 1st, Marathon Oct. 23rd) I can see more parallels between Scripture talking about training and running the race and my spiritual walk with Christ…a perspective I don’t think I would have gained without training for this marathon. I’ve learned so many things from training…the power of prayer, the importance of Scripture memory, importance of having people to stand by and encourage….I’m excited as I continue on this journey of training and will from time to time update on it.

Another exciting thing that has recently taken place is that I am the creative point person for the College & Career ministry at church. I will be helping organize the creative elements that will go along with sermon series and helping delegate tasks to others within the creative team. I was pretty excited when I joined this team since I was able utilize many things that I’m passionate about to help make an impression in the minds and hearts of the people who come to ReVive on Tuesday nights. I’m really excited to see how God uses this team to reach out and present things in unique ways so that it can touch a someone. I’m now re-reading a book entitled “Saying Yes: Accepting God’s Amazing Invitation to Artists and the Church” by Cindy West and will have a book review on her at some point.

“What will you do with the powerful gift of ar? It’s a question for every artist. It’s also a question for the church. And while both groups might come up with different answers, God offers a remarkable invitation that both encompasses and enriches the kingdom at the same time.” – Back of the book summary

Now on to my final topic: my blog title. I am very tired and weary and it’s becoming more intense every day. God has graciously given me a job with people who I have been able to connect with and slowly direct toward Him, but at the same time I feel almost like I’m in a sinking ship…that I continuously feel like there is no way out and that I’m stuck. I have a feeling that the extra stress at work doesn’t help: I will be the only “inside person” at work which means instead of helping two outside reps, I will have five (luckily some won’t need as much of my time). On top of this my boss is talking like I should be making calls nonstop….I just don’t see how I’m going to get this all done. I’m just tired and would like to take a break…if only it was that easy.

Today I was reminded of Isaiah 40:26-31:

“He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

I was reminded in this passage that even though I might not think that God is responding to my frustration or weariness, He does and will. He will give me the strength I need to continue to press on and work diligently until the time comes for me to go elsewhere. He will continue to give me strength to press on in this job like He does with the marathon training and will continue to find places to connect and serve in that feed my interests and passions.

Time to go to bed….hope to post more thoughts in a couple of days.

]]> http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/tired-weary-an-update-day-49/feed/ 0 nicoleonamission http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/update-into-my-radical-experiment-day-13/ http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/update-into-my-radical-experiment-day-13/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:51:46 +0000 Nicoleonamission http://nicoleonamission.wordpress.com/?p=134 ]]> So I’ve been participating in the Radical Experiment for about two weeks and it has been quite a challenge. Every time God shows me something that He wants me to do or something awesome I need to practice in my life, I’m hit with a blow from satan. I’ve been on mission trips before where I’ve experienced spiritual warfare, but I’ve never felt it quite this hard at home, in my own element. I realize that satan isn’t too happy that I’m trying to deepen my walk and actually want to see a Radical change in my life.

I’ve been really trying to be intentional with my coworkers. Times before I had been careful about what I say and how I say but now realize the importance of me being authentic and truly sharing my life with the people I spend 8 hours with. I think this job is where God wants me to be right now and I’ve been able to share and be encouraging to coworkers dealing with some hard things.

Last night was ReVive and it is always a highlight of my week. The ability to join with other believers around my age and worship our King is simple yet profound at the same time. We have been doing a series on the Kingdom of God and the passage we looked at was Matthew 6:33.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”

God spoke and convicted:

“Everyday we put aside the Kingdom, it gets harder the next day”

Boy has this been the case in trying to witness to my coworkers and instead of sharing when chances present itself decide to postpone to the next day….then I later heard:

“Jesus accepts no apologies when you postpone obedience.”

Now God really had my attention and made me realize that I won’t hear a “Oh, okay. You can wait until you get to know them better” or “That’s great! Wait until you have more time to get into a conversation.” Every time I postpone sharing, God doesn’t accept my apologies for waiting. He wants me to seek Him first and His Kingdom.

The night didn’t end in complete frustration of myself but lifted my spirits when I realized that God would be with me even in the times when I don’t feel like I know what I should say or when satan is planting doubts within my head.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”….. That’s all I need to do.

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