Sarah Nichols

A letter to my 16 year old self

Dear Sarah,

Hello, young lady. My heart is overwhelmed right now. I don’t know where to begin. But I feel like there are some things I need to tell you. I want to bring you hope but also warn you. So let’s just talk. Pretend like we’re drinking a cup of coffee and chatting like girlfriends.

First things first- the Packers will go 4-12 this season. Don’t worry though. Things turn around. You’ll get to see them play in real life. It will be an amazing moment. And they win another Super Bowl! You’re love for them will just continue to grow. It’s only because they’re the best team. ;)

Another thing that will continue to grow is your love of coffee. But learn how to make good coffee at home. Don’t waste your money on Starbucks. It’s good coffee but it’s not worth the investment or the extra calories.

You are young. Stop acting like you are older than sixteen. You are missing out on some pretty awesome opportunities. It’s great that you want to think about the future but live in the present day. You’ll get to college and adulthood soon enough. Stop wasting your youth. I know that things are hard right now. You don’t feel like you have any real friends. The girls at lunch treat you like a friend but you still feel out of place. It’s okay. Those girls don’t know what they are missing. Those relationships shouldn’t taint your view of people or what real friendship looks like. You’re going to have amazing friends soon. They will build you up and encourage you. You’ll have late nights of laughter and tears. The girls at the lunch table will be long gone and won’t matter anymore. Forgive them. They’re young, too.

Forgive your parents. Don’t let bitterness grow in your heart. It’s not cool to be mad at them all the time. Show them some grace. Say “I love you.” Talk to them. Try to let them in.

Boys. You’ve already experienced a lot of disappointment here. But stay strong. Don’t give into the first boy to show you attention. Having a boyfriend does not complete you. I know that it seems like it will make your world better but it won’t. Be strong enough to say “no.” Remember how you’ve always said you would wait until you had a ring on it. That boy isn’t worth it. He will try to push that boundary every time you are together. After you cross that line you can’t go back. You’ll feel attached to him and be too scared to end things. Please, be strong enough to say “no.” You are worth more. You are young, he is young, and you both deserve more. Trust and believe that there is a man out there worth waiting for. You are worth waiting for.

Stop pushing God away. Start reading your Bible and going to church. The only way you’ll be complete is in Christ. Without Christ, your life will get a little messy. You need Him. I’m not promising that life will get easier but trials will be bearable. Your joy will be abundant. Please let Him heal your heart. Let God show you who He has created you to be. He has great plans for you. God wants to take you down paths that you never saw yourself on but He knows what he’s doing. Trust me. His plans are more than you could ever dream. Start chasing after Him and you’ll get to see those plans unfold.

Last but not least: be confident. You are beautiful. You are smart. You are worth more than rubies. There are some trials and tribulations ahead but don’t lose hope. Great things are coming your way, too. Like I said, His plans are pretty awesome. I can’t wait for you to experience them.

Love,

Your 22 year old self

thankful.

Again, my writing has taken a backseat to my school work. But thankfully my semester is coming to an end. It feels like my professors are just as tired as we are as students. I have wanted to sit down and write several times these past few weeks but did not have time. As November ends I wanted to just share a few things I am thankful for.

• School- I blogged last week about how crazy my past few weeks have been. And I really meant it when I said I was thankful. I am thankful that I am at LCU. Thankful that I have an opportunity to earn a degree. And I am thankful for the knowledge that I have gained through my academic career. This does not mean that I want to be in school forever. May 2013 could not come fast enough.
• Church Family- I am so thankful for Trinity Church! My church family is amazing! I am surrounded by people that truly love and support me. They show me what it means to live in community in Christ. I am blessed to have these people in my life.
• Roomies- Amanda and Geoffrey are a blessing in my life! They take care such great care of me. Dinners, candy, Lifetime movies, and so much more!
• Family- I am thankful for the family that God has given me. So thankful that I have brothers, sisters, and parents that love me! I am also thankful that I have little ones that call me “Aunt Sarah.”

Most of all though I am thankful for Christ. God sent His son as a sacrifice for sin but he didn’t die. He rose again! Without God’s grace, love, and Son I would be lost. I am so thankful that I am able to have a relationship with my Creator!

I am looking forward to December because that means I can read, write, and do everything a little more!

hello, again!

Whoa, has it been a while! I have missed sharing my victories and struggles with everyone! My goal is to share more regularly but that depends on school. First, I think we should catch up-

This season has been so wonderful! The Lord has really filled me with his peace and joy! It has been exciting to be back in school, teaching on Sunday mornings, and hearing Him speak to me in every situation. He has been stirring new things in my heart that I cannot wait to see come to life. Good things are coming :)

One thing that I have really been dealing with lately is stress. As a college student, or just a human, I tend to stress about finances and the future. But as I began to seek God, I just felt His peace come over me. I have no reason to fear or doubt because He provides. Fretting and doubting will get me nowhere. But God can take me anywhere. I want to encourage anyone who is stressing to pray. Seek God in that situation and just watch His peace come over you.

Two fun things:

1. I have become an official author on our Prize31 Blog! Check it out!!! The women of this blog offer so much encouragement and wisdom!

2. I have been cooking a lot lately! The past year or so I didn’t cook very much because I was so busy. But I have been determined not to use that as an excuse for anything. So cooking is back on my agenda! I may share some recipes or tips in the future!

Where does your help come from?

On Wednesdays I am usually exhausted. I am just waiting for a day where I can stay in my comfy clothes and make my schedule. This morning I was struggling. But I found my encouragement where else but in God’s word! I wanted to share it and encourage others!

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The LORD will keep Your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121

day ninety-nine

I wanted to take a break this weekend from a few things and writing everyday was one of those things. And even after a weekend of resting I am exhausted from one day of my normal routine! So here’s a quick run down of my wonderful weekend of working out, resting, and family!

Day 96 (Saturday)
I spent the morning working then the afternoon doing laundry. I also spent the evening with Amanda, Geoffrey, and Amanda’s parents. It was great! I love being able to spend time with families, even if they aren’t mine! That evening I did ab work outs! I was sore Sunday.

Day 97 (Sunday)
What a day! It was an eventful morning at church but thankfully I had an afternoon to relax. I got to spend it with my family before heading off to another group of kids! After watching little ones on Sunday night I went for a walk! It was late but nice to have some time to myself!

Day 98 (Monday)
I got to sleep in! It was so awesome! After lunch with a new friend I spent my afternoon lounging on a couch! For dinner I hung out with my family and enjoyed our day off! I had another late night walk! 1.5 miles- knocked out, no problem!

Day 99 (TODAY!!!)
I am so pumped! Today is day 99! Tomorrow I will have completed my 100 day challenge! Tonight I was occupied watching some cut kiddos but found time to do some ab work outs. And I am exhausted! I cannot wait for a good night’s rest!

ninety-five!

Yesterday was a late night! I got to spend it with my three favorite little ones! We had fun running around the living room, laughing, and staying up late. I thought it would be fun to watch Cars on the floor with lots of pillows and I hoped they would fall asleep. I was wrong! They intensely watched the movie. It was actually really cute to hear Josiah quote the words quietly to himself. And Josh would remind Josiah of the parts coming up next. I didn’t realize how long the movie was because they went to bed later than I expected or hoped. But it was fun to have quality time with them. When I got home it was a little late to go walking so I ended up doing crunches in my room. I made up for the lack of cardio tonight though!

Allie and I went for a two mile walk. We discussed our weeks, Fridays, God, and sports. It was so nice to hang out and debrief from a long week with her! We then made our way to Chili’s. What a great way to fill up after a walk! We talked more about sports and life. And watched some of the TCU vs. Baylor game. I think we were both surprised that it turned into an actual game! And now my weekend begins. I am looking forward to homework and cleaning. Yet another thrilling few days ahead of me!