Sunday Morning Announcements

Written by on January 5, 2011 in Divine Pursuit, One Word 2011 - 3 Comments

It’s that time. The time when you’ve just started to get into your worship groove and your pastor starts making announcements about the parking shuttle or the need for volunteers in the nursery or please pick up your coffee cups when you leave.

But it’s a necessary part of community together. So this is the Sunday morning announcement blog, just a bunch of random housekeeping and a BIG SECRET at the end of this post:

1. One Word 2011.

OK, this idea has gone wild. In my mind, it’s a resolution revolution–to take one word to focus on and make it your theme for the entire year. It’s not too late to get on board; chances are, God is already bringing something to mind and this is your chance to act on it. If you head to my One Word post and leave a comment, I’ll add your word and a verse I’ll  pray about for you and put them up on a prayer page.

And definitely go over to the brand-new www.oneword2011.com, and leave your link if you’ll be blogging about it.

Here’s some other One Word Resources:

Get a badge for your site

Check out the Twitter Trending #OneWord2011

“Like” the Facebook Page

2. The Divine Pursuit

My study on Jonah, The Divine Pursuit, will launch two new FREE online groups. I’ve moved the start date back to 1/18, so you’ll have plenty of time to grab the guide and complete the first week of homework. If you need a great place to start with studying scripture, this study will be perfect for you. With 15-minute homework, it’s a short study that goes deep. Go here to order the book, and sign up for a FREE online chat group here.

3. Shameless, I tell you…

But I’m so excited about my feature in this month’s Kyria magazine. Not to mention I actually like this magazine so much. Kyria takes a spiritual discipline and focuses the issue on that exclusively. I got to contribute a “make it personal” section on how to apply the discipline (simplicity) to your life. It’s a great and inexpensive resource, plus you’ll make me feel good if you read it. If you read it and don’t like it, just don’t tell me, HA!

I also got to write an article for Fullfill magazine on my leadership resolution. I am not exaggerating: if we commited to this ONE THING the world would be a better place.

AND, as if you didn’t hear from me enough, I’ve written an article for Richmond’s GRID magazine on the difficulties of teaching faith to my children. Ooo–I feel so controversial, talking about faith in a secular magazine. I’m such a rebel.

4. Finally, what is WITH the bird and fish deaths this week? I read somewhere that the birds were found with broken BEAKS and BACKS. What the heck? And if that won’t encourage you to share your faith with someone, I don’t know what will.

5. If you haven’t heard this homeless guy, watch this video. I saw today on Twitter that the Cleveland Cavaliers offered him a job:

end of announcements. Feel free to resume your regularly scheduled inspirational reading. If you read on because of my BIG SECRET announcement, you have fallen prey to some terrible and deceptive marketing. Love ya!

Last Week of Our Online Chat…Join us!

Written by on October 20, 2010 in Divine Pursuit - 2 Comments

Hey everyone,

tonight concludes our online chat. We’ve had some technical difficulties, but joining up with us tonight is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Head over to Meebo (www.meebo.com)

2. Choose a name for yourself, and then click on the “add buddy” icon and friend “stubbornservant.”

3. I will then invite you into the chat room.

See you at 8:30EST!

WOW Today & Chat Tonight!

Written by on October 6, 2010 in Divine Pursuit - No Comments


Have no fear, I have fixed our chat room. All you need to do to participate in the online chat tonight is go to the Online Resource page, scroll down to the chat box, and get going!


Today I was with the wonderful women of WOW–Perimeter’s women on Wednesday. Today’s message was about God’s grace:

God loves it when we give up. He just requires that we show up!

Here’s a few pictures from today:
Getting ready: (Jonah’s not just for kids!!)

The Divine Pursuit:

The Aftermath:

The hottest Christian buzzword

Written by on September 22, 2010 in Divine Pursuit - 1 Comment

Story. We Christian folk love a good story. Seems like the idea of story is everywhere, from the conference to Donald Miller to Youth For Christ to our teaching series at Thrive this semester. It makes sense why we like it. We all want to be part of a story. The idea of God writing a story in our life. The idea that God is using us in a bigger story. That alone can give even the most ordinary of days a greater meaning.

Story is also a great way to interpret scripture. Youth for Christ developed a way of teaching called “3Story.” 3 Story is about God’s story in scripture, what we learn about our lives through God’s story in scripture, and how we can talk to others about God through our story and the scripture story. It’s brilliant. It encompasses the heart of our inner transformation while also keeping an outward focus.

I’ve been dreaming for a while now that God would use my story, and my study of scripture, to allow others to tell their stories. And, amazingly, he’s using technology to do it. Our online study group on The Divine Pursuit has been “meeting” for about 10 days. And what inspiring stories have already come out! Here’s a sampling from our latest question: Do you believe God has orchestrated actions in your life to pursue you?

“From the time I can remember (back to 3rd grade), I have lived for the approval of people… I wanted to be the prettiest, smartest, most athletic, the best girlfriend, most laid back, the craziest, and the funnest (etc,
etc).  Whatever would “get me in” with the popular crowd, I went after.  The Lord slowly began peeling away layers and exposing me to my idols and showing me how unfulfilling temporary pleasures in this world are.  I
painfully began to see the security of having a boyfriend wouldn’t last, the dress I could afford and wear for a season wouldn’t buy me lasting identity, the friends I had let me down and couldn’t provide for me lasting
fulfillment.  It was a painful experience, but the Lord orchestrated it in such a way to draw me to His grace…”

 

“I ran from God and what I knew to be true for 15 years! By the time I realized that something was significantly wrong in my life, I had almost forgotten that I had ever had an encounter with God – now, when I look back, I see God had been trying to speak to me for a long time, but my hearing was very dull…I wanted to die…I knew it was God’s voice and I knew I had a choice. I did not want to die.  In desperation, I curled up in a little ball and cried out to the Lord, “If you will save me, I will come back to you. I will believe.” Instant silence. The storm was gone as fast as it came. It left a path of destruction all around my house, but I was not touched. The realization that I did not want to die was profound. All I really wanted was for someone greater than all my circumstances to rescue me and He did and I did as I promised…God really does pursue!!”

 

“…I was in a storm for about 12 years…but I’m beginning to see the end of it!”

I love the realness of each story shared this week. I know that as I’ve opened my heart to the idea of God writing a story with my life, I begin to see so many circumstances differently.

Wanna join us to discuss Week Two of The Divine Pursuit? Come back tonight at 8:30PM (Wed) for our live chat. Just click on the black “chat here” button on the right side and jump in!

Fish Guts and Throw Mountains

Written by on September 17, 2010 in Divine Pursuit - No Comments

I’m over on Throw Mountains today, talking about the “if-onlys” in life. Throw Mountains is a website and speaking tour for twentysomethings who are passionate about the church. I have come to love and admire both Renee and Sarah, who started the ministry, and would recommend them to your church!

Fish Guts

Those that cling to worthless idols forfeit the

grace that could be theirs.” –Jonah

Have you ever felt like you’ve attached all your heart and your strength on the wrong thing? The wrong idea, the wrong person, the wrong belief? Have you ever “if only’ed” your life? As in, if only I had _______________, then I would be fine. If only I was (married, employed, secure, independent) then this feeling of emptiness would go away. Keep reading….

Sharing Faith With Kids

Written by on September 1, 2010 in Daily Life With Jesus, Divine Pursuit - No Comments

Blog Party Alert:

Today my friend Suanne has me over on her new blog, The Rough Cut. Suanne is a great writer, and even more so, has an honest heart for seeking God that I know will inspire you. Go give her some blog love today! :)

Now, today’s topic: Faith and Kids.

A couple of days ago Jason Boyett posted a blog about Doubts and Parenting that got me thinking.

I’ve wrestled with this issue a ridiculous amount. Although I’m thankful for my solid upbringing, the black-and-white brand of faith that I picked up in my childhood, the rock-solid, doubt-dispelling way I was taught about God’s will, Jesus’ action and the ways of the world couldn’t stand up to the tough questions of life. When I began to doubt and wonder about where God was in this mess, I found myself often clingly too tightly to principles and not tightly enough to the big and mysterious nature of God.

Then I read Kristin Tennant’s post on the same topic and I wanted to share a few bits from each of them:

Jason, talking about his kids:

But when they ask me about God, I’m less confident. Do I tell them what most Christians believe? Do I tell them what I used to believe? Do I tell them what I’m learning to believe now? What do I tell them when my confidence is shaky? How do I help ground their faith?

Read on Here…

Kristin:

Ultimately, I think our kids can avoid a lot of confusion, stress and frustration if they see how doubt is an integral part of faith—not only do go hand-in-hand, they MUST go hand-in-hand. When we are taught about God in absolutes, faith is no longer required. We can rely on our intellect, logic, and a blind acceptance of what’s being said by those who are older and wiser, right? That doesn’t seem like *faith* at all. That seems like studying for a standardized test.

(Read the rest here)

I liked Jason’s questions and Kirsten’s response, and one of the comments on Jason’s blog also caught my attention. The commenter said that sometimes it’s more important for him to not answer his kids with anything except “God Is.” I’ve found myself shying away from biblical indoctrination, memory verses and catechisms, but yet I see how quickly my kids can absorb so much information. I long for them to have biblical knowledge, but I’m not sure how to do it without turning it all into moralistic points. Even to talk about Jesus, I need Jesus! And I’m thinking that’s the way he intended it. Maybe it’s just not supposed to be that easy to figure out.

How about you? What do you do when you struggle with doubt but want to teach your children?

Joy–And The Party Goes On!

Written by on August 31, 2010 in Daily Life With Jesus, Divine Pursuit, Guest Bloggers - No Comments

I’m working on an article for Kyria and I just love this quote from a commentary regarding the idea of “rejoice always, pray without ceasing” from 1 Thessalonians 5:

“Prayer and Rejoicing are closely related, for often believers find in prayer the means of removing that which was the barrier to their joy.”

Whether worry, or fear, self-indulgence or self-pity, misplaced longings or isolation–going to God in prayer removes that which keeps me from experiencing his joy. And this picture certainly captures that joy!

If that’s not a good reason to get praying……

In other news, The Divine Pursuit is like my crazy sorority sister, popping up all over the place:

It’s a Blog Party, woop woop!

Written by on August 26, 2010 in Divine Pursuit, Guest Bloggers - 1 Comment

I rock the party that rocks a party, you rock the party that rocks the party, party, party…

Brilliant lyrics from MC Lyte and fabulous memories of my days as a hip-hop instructor. I do not lie.

The blog party continues. Two of my favorite, quirkiest bloggers are up today. I love that they both picked the same day. Let me sum them up for you this way.

Kirsten, at Still Hate Pickles, posted yesterday on Facebook “you should get your copy of the Divine Pursuit, or be like Jonah and run the other direction.”

Mary, at Mary Goes Round..and Round, emailed me yesterday to say, “Is it alright if I call you Nicki? I feel like I should.” Keep in mind, Mary and I have NEVER met in person. How was she to know that I actually went by Nicki (spelled Nicci to be unique and cool and different) for all of my glorious middle and high school years? Ah, the blogosphere, how I love you. (Despite the fact that I just had an article published on loving technology too much.)

So today I want these girls to shine:

Kirsten calls herself “an alternative to the mainstream mommy blog” which is the only reason I started reading her blog, because I’m not too much into the mommy scene. So yea, she blogs about mothering, but she also writes pretty durn good (joke) and does roller derby. Yeah, you want to know her. She’s cool like that.

Mary is quirky and fun and somehow has almost 3,000 facebook friends. I seriously don’t know what to do with that, except to say, girl, you are living some life if you know that many people. Love that she’s doing this bible study, love that I’ve gotten to know her a bit, and I hope she’ll bring her sassy self around our online group as well!

I’ve got one more friend for you to meet: Natasha and I met briefly at Synergy last year. We share a mutual friend and even in our few minutes together, I knew I had found a fellow get-it-done kinda girl. So it’s no surprise that Natasha has since started a blog, written for Gifted for Leadership and is working on her first book, a spiritual memoir. Hop on over to A Sista’s Journey and get inspired!

3, 2, 1…BLOG BLITZ

Written by on August 25, 2010 in Divine Pursuit - No Comments

The Divine Pursuit by Nicole UniceCue the confetti! Spin the disco ball! The Divine Pursuit is on a blog blitz and you are invited!

Over the next 10 days, I’ll be visiting a bunch of blogs talking about The Divine Pursuit, and reporting back to you over here!

Over the last two years I’ve met some seriously awesome people. Some of them you’ve met here on the blog, and some might be new to you. And although I cringed a bit to think of this was a big ol’  promotional tour, the truth is, this is a great chance for me to introduce you to some bloggers that I think you will love. So without further ado….

Divine Pursuit Blog Blitz

Theology Mama: This girl is smokin with passion. I met Shayne Moore via her writing before meeting her in person, and when we did meet this spring, I got warm just being around her fiery energy. Our small talks about her passion for social justice made me feel passionate about social justice–she was just contagious in her energy and drive and well, FIRE to bring freedom to the oppressed and minister to the poor. Her book, Global Soccer Mom, releases in January 2011 and I’m sure you’ll hear more from me about it then–I can’t wait to read it!

Judy Douglas– I met Judy before she met me. It was at Synergy two years ago, and I was a snotty, blubbery mess about being a woman in ministry, trying to raise young kids and follow a call. Judy was leading a workshop on the very topic, and her deep joy and peace, not to mention eyes that always look on the verge of twinkling with laughter, lodged a memory of her deep into my heart. And now that I’m working on the Synergy board, I’ve had the opportunity to know her a little more–and I love what she has to say on her blog. So head on over and check her out–this is a lady who’s lived enough life to always be worth reading and heeding her advice.

The Downers’-The Downer Family is a great family from my church. Naomi emailed me to say that she’d love to help with the blog, although she mostly writes about family. But I think there’s tons of life and learning to be had in the everyday life with kids, so of course I wanted to share that with you all too!

And it’s not too late to get in on the action! If you blog and want to join the party, just email me at nicoleunice at gmail dot com, and I’ll even give you a free book to giveaway. It’s not a party without free stuff! Alright, I’m off to spin the disco ball and dance around with The Divine Pursuit guide. Kidding. Kind of.

To-Do Lists

Written by on August 12, 2010 in Divine Pursuit, RESOURCES - No Comments

Today I look forward to:

  • playing punchball in the pool with my mom and my kids
  • eating dinner that I won’t prepare (yay for takeout!)
  • finishing the Leader Guide for The Divine Pursuit
  • maybe hiking up to the waterfall behind my parent’s house: beautiful!

What YOU should do:

Sign up for email updates (see top right of blog), or download or purchase The Divine Pursuit. Do it by tomorrow, when I post an interview about Soap Hope, it’s founder, and what she’s doing to help women out of poverty–and I’ll email you a coupon for a free bar of their soap. Mmmmm….free stuff!!

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