Greater Courage To Speak Truth

"Joy sometimes needs pain to give birth. Fanny Crosby could never have written her beautiful hymn, 'I Shall See Him Face-to-Face,' were it not for the fact that she had never looked upon the green fields nor the evening sunset nor the kindly twinkle in her mother's eye. It was the loss of her own vision that helped her to gain her remarkable spiritual discernment." - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Streams In The Desert

My book, Not Really A Princess deals with going through adversity and finding joy then in turn helping others through their own trials and struggles. When we realize that many things we go through can be beneficial to help others, it opens up a world of possibilities.

Last night I was reading Philippians 1:12 and I totally understand Paul's feelings as he pens this letter. "Now I want you to know brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the LORD and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear." NIV

When we have perseverance and a willing heart we can reach out to those around us and not wallow in a puddle of despair. I have spent so much time in my life questioning why things happened. This just breeds negativity.

Have the courage to push forward and share God's grace with others. Paul shared his joy while in prison. He is one of the most influential men in history.

Leave a legacy of mercy and grace. Courage and perseverance. Break the chains. Live life fearlessly.

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What Goes Around, Comes Around

Yesterday was an interesting travel day. I am attending a conference in the lovely Pocano Mountains in Pennsylvania. My husband was asking why they would have it in PA in January. I think he was hoping for warm weather. That is partly because we are from the west and the mountains are big and the passes are more difficult. It was an easy drive on highway the entire way though and the mountains are more like hills. You are gradually climbing. I kept thinking how gorgeous it must be in the fall with all the colorful leaves on the many, many trees.

My husband, Craig was returning from a business trip and was going to meet me at Newark airport. His flight would get in about an hour before mine and then he would be able to come with me. Yay!

I got up at 4am Boise time and went to the airport and had no issues getting on my flight. I benefit from Craig's air miles and am a lifetime 1K so I am able to get on the plane first. I got on the plane, found my seat and put my briefcase in the …

He Has Your Back

I am sure you have heard the old question --when you see the word "therefore" you have to see what it's "there for". I think one that stands out the most is in Hebrews 12:1-3.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart."

I have read this passage dozens of times, I have it underlined in my Bible but as I was studying chapter 11 and kept reading into 12, a bell went off in my head. I am not quite sure why the chapter break is even there. I mean, it is a great passage by its…

Did I Mention Food?

Writing a book on Hospitality encompasses far more than I ever thought it would. I mean I began with the idea that we should all invite others into our home and make them feel welcome. Like they can come any time and put their feet up and have no worries. I wanted to convey somehow that we can also be helpful to our neighbors and friends especially in a time of need.

So I began writing. I had my chapters planned. HA. I had no idea what this project would entail. I decided that it would be a good idea to add a few recipes and home ideas to help people who struggle with having people over. Maybe it would make them more at ease inviting people. Wow, it just exploded. The more things I added...the more I wanted to add. Now there are over 35 recipes, how to's, testimonies of people telling how others helped them in hard times and quotes and Bible verses encouraging us to show hospitality to those around us.

The photography for such a project has been amazing. I hav…

From the Heart of Nicki Corinne

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