Author: Julia Nickel

I am a Jesus follower wanting to share the unexpected, impossible for me hope I have.
Desert Psalm

Desert Psalm

He made it all. Though the earth upends and its people wander, Though its people revolt and truth slips from memory, He stands. He stands as Light Light that shines on the truth, Light that calls to the lost and is a beacon to the wanderer. He reminds His people that He made it all: …

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My Lament

My Lament

You, oh Lord, who are good, hear my prayer. I am not foolish enough to come to you Asking can you heal. For healing is easy for He who created caverns and Redwoods. I would not ask can you raise up the oppressed. For you have parted seas and given flight to hummingbirds and condors …

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Live

Live

It is the day before tomorrow. Tomorrow could bring the end of all things. So, today we must live. Today, before tomorrow begins. Because this day, right here, right now, is everything. It is all we have. Hold it close.

Two Thousand Twenty Three

Two Thousand Twenty Three

Today is the second day of 2023.  It is the only second day of 2023 you and I will ever have.  Here is a question to ponder as we begin this first week- What does hope mean to you?

Forever

Forever

“Your righteousness is righteous forever.” Psalm 119:142a Forever is a good word. It’s a word you can depend on. It’s always and unceasing. I like it. Our Father in heaven is forever. He is unchanging in His love and mercy, justice and strength. He is faithful and good. Forever. When I see ugly, hurtful things …

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Today

Today

It’s a new day, but I feel stuck in yesterday and pulled towards tomorrow. My thoughts have been on “current events” that have been troubling me or on what “current events’ may happen tomorrow or next week or… I have been so focused on things outside of my control that I have lost my focus …

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New

New

“So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away, everything has become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Last night, I found myself thinking about my lack of enthusiasm. Apathy may be the better word. I’ve been depressed and discouraged. And when I’m feeling this way, the self-talk starts. That …

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Surprise

Surprise

Some mornings you get an unexpected gift. A gift that comes in the middle of anger and violence, racial and political division, discouragement, and even hopelessness. A gift that reminds me/us that the Creator of the universe is life-giving, beauty-producing, and most of all Love.

Refuge

Refuge

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:2 ESV I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the anxiety of not knowing when everything will be upended again. Through 2020, 2021, and even now this unpredictability has almost become predictable. I’m also …

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