Dylan from Nicole Bronson on Vimeo.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Update.
I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post! Wow!
Tomorrow, Dylan would've turned 2 and a half. That's hard to believe too!
In grief, there are sections of time that seem to stand still. While as a whole, time flies by.
I am doing great! Glory to God! The Israel trip has brought blessing upon blessing. It is truly God's chosen land, and His Word is true. He says that He'll bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse it.
I am absolutely LOVING it at the new salon! God is bringing new clients, new friends, in abundance. I'm grateful for the loyalty from the longstanding clients too!
I've begun a beginning nursing course and am HOOKED! There is a special volunteer project in the works right now. I've offered to visit expecting moms on bedrest in the antepartum unit, to provide haircuts and nail maintenance to those making the ultimate sacrifice. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me in this area!
There aren't any trips currently planned. Though, I am anxious to get one on the calendar!
I have plans to move out on my own next month. Besides being married before, this will be the 1st time I've ventured out solo. I am ecstatic! Praying for open doors & discernment in this department.
I am still waiting on God to bring the godly relationship into my life. I am finding satisfaction and fulfillment without it, but it is certainly still an unfulfilled desire. But I trust(though not always easy) God with my future.
He is so faithful, and so good, and so true.
That's my life in a nutshell.
I still think of, and miss Dylan. The thoughts don't come as often as in the past, but when they come, they are just as vivid as 2 and a half years ago.
I so appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers...Im in awe that there are even followers still reading this. Thank you. :)
Tomorrow, Dylan would've turned 2 and a half. That's hard to believe too!
In grief, there are sections of time that seem to stand still. While as a whole, time flies by.
I am doing great! Glory to God! The Israel trip has brought blessing upon blessing. It is truly God's chosen land, and His Word is true. He says that He'll bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse it.
I am absolutely LOVING it at the new salon! God is bringing new clients, new friends, in abundance. I'm grateful for the loyalty from the longstanding clients too!
I've begun a beginning nursing course and am HOOKED! There is a special volunteer project in the works right now. I've offered to visit expecting moms on bedrest in the antepartum unit, to provide haircuts and nail maintenance to those making the ultimate sacrifice. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me in this area!
There aren't any trips currently planned. Though, I am anxious to get one on the calendar!
I have plans to move out on my own next month. Besides being married before, this will be the 1st time I've ventured out solo. I am ecstatic! Praying for open doors & discernment in this department.
I am still waiting on God to bring the godly relationship into my life. I am finding satisfaction and fulfillment without it, but it is certainly still an unfulfilled desire. But I trust(though not always easy) God with my future.
He is so faithful, and so good, and so true.
That's my life in a nutshell.
I still think of, and miss Dylan. The thoughts don't come as often as in the past, but when they come, they are just as vivid as 2 and a half years ago.
I so appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers...Im in awe that there are even followers still reading this. Thank you. :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home.
And I'm not implying it feels good to be back in the States.
I had the most incredible, indescribable, time of my life while in Israel!
I may reside in the United States, but surely, my home is in Israel. I've been back for 2 weeks, but it feels much longer than that. My heart is yearning to return. To be honest, it was very difficult to get on that plane bound back for the states.
There are so many stories, blessings, "burning bush" experiences, that I won't be able to list them all in just one post.
Until I am able to go into more detail, I will leave you with a few pictures. God is so, so good!
And I'm not implying it feels good to be back in the States.
I had the most incredible, indescribable, time of my life while in Israel!
I may reside in the United States, but surely, my home is in Israel. I've been back for 2 weeks, but it feels much longer than that. My heart is yearning to return. To be honest, it was very difficult to get on that plane bound back for the states.
There are so many stories, blessings, "burning bush" experiences, that I won't be able to list them all in just one post.
Until I am able to go into more detail, I will leave you with a few pictures. God is so, so good!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Reflections. 27 Months Out.
Sit back, relax, and get comfy. This will be a long post.
It's been awhile.
It feels good to be back at this keyboard. I have a lot to say tonight, and that's because God has had His Hand in many facets of my life recently. In fact, He's always been there. I just didn't always realize it of course.
Fighting the good fight of faith isn't always pretty. I wholeheartedly believe that we do each other a disservice by putting up those glass walls, and giving our neighbors the illusion that our lives are "perfect". Insert cheesy, bleached out, mouth full of veneers smile, and you have yourself a Christ follower, right?
Sometimes, following Christ requires all that we have in us. Sometimes, it's us doing all we can do just to get out of bed in the morning because we have been running, and running, and running some more, from the hurts, the deep wounds, the sting of the pains from our pasts.
Sometimes it's laying in the fetal position, alone, soaked in the day's tears, with our face to the ground, arms reached out, mustering up the strength to cry out "Savior, come quickly!".
We're not called to stay in these valleys, I know. But sometimes we're called to walk through the valleys in order to reveal more of God's Glory at the next mountain top. But, that doesn't take away from the very real, raw, depth of the valleys that do exist.
I've been running.
Running from the very real, very painful, emotions attached to the circumstances, or valleys, that I've walked through these past 27 months. I was under the impression that I could "deal" with my losses, and move on. Be happy. Put on my cheesy, bleached out smile, and represent Christ well. Not the case. That's not what grief looks like. In fact, that's not what life looks like.
There are no guarantees in this life, but One. And His Name is Jesus. In my hurt, He is there. In my loss, He is there. In my loneliness, He is there. In my disappointment, He is there. In my joy, He is there. In my successes, He is there. In my past, He was there. In my present, He is here. And, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, He'll be in my future too.
Before these most recent valleys in my life, I believed that if I did the "right" things, prayed hard enough, believed hard enough, my pain would go away. In search of answers, hanging on to the very last shred of hope in me, I called out to God.
Here's what I discovered. Our trials, our pain, our temporary hurts serve a very real purpose. They make us homesick. Let me explain.
This world is not all there is. This is not how life was intended to be for us. There is a void in our hearts that can only be filled by the One and Only. When you've been brought to your knees in complete surrender, knowing that Christ will return and make all things new is the only hope that causes you to stand back up, and keep on fighting another day. For those of you who have mustered up the courage to walk through the valley, hand in hand with our Savior, allowing His grace and mercy to wash over you, you know what I'm talking about.
Christ died a very real, a very painful, sacrificial, death. And, He did it for you and me. The pain is real. The hurt is real. He knows that all too well, in fact. But He calls us to persevere. That perseverance isn't always pretty.
But as surely as the sun will rise, He'll be there.
I'm not sure who this message is for, but I'm hoping you're hearing it.
Our God is a God Who saves. There is no valley too deep for Him to reach down and save us. In fact, He is quite experienced in the redemption department.
God is good. Even when there's nothing good in me.
God is faithful. Even when I'm in the valley.
God is working on my behalf. Even when I stand in utter darkness.
God is love. Even when there's nothing lovable about me.
You see, it's not about me. It's all about Him. What will bring Him the most glory? He had to give up His very own Son to redeem you and I. Who am I that He would be mindful of me? And, who am I to stand in His way. Have Your Way in me, Lord. Even if it's time spent in the valley.
Tomorrow I leave for Israel. I have no expectations. All I am expecting is to stand in awe of the Lover of my soul. To see where He stood as a Man. To visit His Holy Land. Beyond that, is up to Him.
I would covet your prayers for protection, annointing, and an outpouring of His grace.
I pray that all of our hearts are turning towards the Divine Heart Surgeon tonight.
In all of our imperfections, in all of our hurts, in all of our longings, may we be willing to allow Him to have His way in us.
Blessings to each and every one of you!
I'll be in touch!
Nicole
It's been awhile.
It feels good to be back at this keyboard. I have a lot to say tonight, and that's because God has had His Hand in many facets of my life recently. In fact, He's always been there. I just didn't always realize it of course.
Fighting the good fight of faith isn't always pretty. I wholeheartedly believe that we do each other a disservice by putting up those glass walls, and giving our neighbors the illusion that our lives are "perfect". Insert cheesy, bleached out, mouth full of veneers smile, and you have yourself a Christ follower, right?
Sometimes, following Christ requires all that we have in us. Sometimes, it's us doing all we can do just to get out of bed in the morning because we have been running, and running, and running some more, from the hurts, the deep wounds, the sting of the pains from our pasts.
Sometimes it's laying in the fetal position, alone, soaked in the day's tears, with our face to the ground, arms reached out, mustering up the strength to cry out "Savior, come quickly!".
We're not called to stay in these valleys, I know. But sometimes we're called to walk through the valleys in order to reveal more of God's Glory at the next mountain top. But, that doesn't take away from the very real, raw, depth of the valleys that do exist.
I've been running.
Running from the very real, very painful, emotions attached to the circumstances, or valleys, that I've walked through these past 27 months. I was under the impression that I could "deal" with my losses, and move on. Be happy. Put on my cheesy, bleached out smile, and represent Christ well. Not the case. That's not what grief looks like. In fact, that's not what life looks like.
There are no guarantees in this life, but One. And His Name is Jesus. In my hurt, He is there. In my loss, He is there. In my loneliness, He is there. In my disappointment, He is there. In my joy, He is there. In my successes, He is there. In my past, He was there. In my present, He is here. And, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, He'll be in my future too.
Before these most recent valleys in my life, I believed that if I did the "right" things, prayed hard enough, believed hard enough, my pain would go away. In search of answers, hanging on to the very last shred of hope in me, I called out to God.
Here's what I discovered. Our trials, our pain, our temporary hurts serve a very real purpose. They make us homesick. Let me explain.
This world is not all there is. This is not how life was intended to be for us. There is a void in our hearts that can only be filled by the One and Only. When you've been brought to your knees in complete surrender, knowing that Christ will return and make all things new is the only hope that causes you to stand back up, and keep on fighting another day. For those of you who have mustered up the courage to walk through the valley, hand in hand with our Savior, allowing His grace and mercy to wash over you, you know what I'm talking about.
Christ died a very real, a very painful, sacrificial, death. And, He did it for you and me. The pain is real. The hurt is real. He knows that all too well, in fact. But He calls us to persevere. That perseverance isn't always pretty.
But as surely as the sun will rise, He'll be there.
I'm not sure who this message is for, but I'm hoping you're hearing it.
Our God is a God Who saves. There is no valley too deep for Him to reach down and save us. In fact, He is quite experienced in the redemption department.
God is good. Even when there's nothing good in me.
God is faithful. Even when I'm in the valley.
God is working on my behalf. Even when I stand in utter darkness.
God is love. Even when there's nothing lovable about me.
You see, it's not about me. It's all about Him. What will bring Him the most glory? He had to give up His very own Son to redeem you and I. Who am I that He would be mindful of me? And, who am I to stand in His way. Have Your Way in me, Lord. Even if it's time spent in the valley.
Tomorrow I leave for Israel. I have no expectations. All I am expecting is to stand in awe of the Lover of my soul. To see where He stood as a Man. To visit His Holy Land. Beyond that, is up to Him.
I would covet your prayers for protection, annointing, and an outpouring of His grace.
I pray that all of our hearts are turning towards the Divine Heart Surgeon tonight.
In all of our imperfections, in all of our hurts, in all of our longings, may we be willing to allow Him to have His way in us.
Blessings to each and every one of you!
I'll be in touch!
Nicole
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Life on the Wild Side.
There are doors that God has slammed shut for 2010, and others He's flung open in 2011.
I love to travel. It was my initial goal to use my passport every year that it's active. The first year it was used in Mexico. Last year it was used to travel to the far away mountains of Guatemala. This year...
I have planned to make use of my passport while traveling to ISRAEL! The plane departs in about 7 weeks! The weather will be upper 60's. We, all 65 of us that is, will be staying at 5 star hotels, and will be guided by top of the line tour guides! I'll be gone for 10 days! I am so excited to travel where Jesus walked and talked!
And most recently, God has opened the door for a new salon for me to work at! I'll begin there in 1 week! It's a gorgeous facility, with top of line education, and super friendly staff! In fact, it's a salon that I've always longed to work at, but never thought existed in my area. I thought I'd have to live in NY or LA, to work at this top quality of a salon. God has been so good to me!
My apologies for the slacking in the blog department. I am working 50+ hours a week, going back to school, and still trying to maintain a balance with the social life. I can't say that I have it down to an art yet either. Life is busy, busy! Though it would be just as busy chasing after a 2 yr old too, I'd imagine.
But as far as the grief goes, it's still there. More in the background, though. I can honestly say that I feel like a working, single girl now. I don't really "feel" like a grieving mom or an ex wife. I am thankful for the detachment from those "labels". Though, being a mom and a wife are both something I long for. But I am trusting God's perfect plan, and perfect timing for each.
So there you have it. My life in a nutshell.
2010 was a blast! And, I'm looking forward to the adventures that await me in 2011!
Hoping you are anticipating a blessed 2011 as well!
Love,
Nicole
I love to travel. It was my initial goal to use my passport every year that it's active. The first year it was used in Mexico. Last year it was used to travel to the far away mountains of Guatemala. This year...
I have planned to make use of my passport while traveling to ISRAEL! The plane departs in about 7 weeks! The weather will be upper 60's. We, all 65 of us that is, will be staying at 5 star hotels, and will be guided by top of the line tour guides! I'll be gone for 10 days! I am so excited to travel where Jesus walked and talked!
And most recently, God has opened the door for a new salon for me to work at! I'll begin there in 1 week! It's a gorgeous facility, with top of line education, and super friendly staff! In fact, it's a salon that I've always longed to work at, but never thought existed in my area. I thought I'd have to live in NY or LA, to work at this top quality of a salon. God has been so good to me!
My apologies for the slacking in the blog department. I am working 50+ hours a week, going back to school, and still trying to maintain a balance with the social life. I can't say that I have it down to an art yet either. Life is busy, busy! Though it would be just as busy chasing after a 2 yr old too, I'd imagine.
But as far as the grief goes, it's still there. More in the background, though. I can honestly say that I feel like a working, single girl now. I don't really "feel" like a grieving mom or an ex wife. I am thankful for the detachment from those "labels". Though, being a mom and a wife are both something I long for. But I am trusting God's perfect plan, and perfect timing for each.
So there you have it. My life in a nutshell.
2010 was a blast! And, I'm looking forward to the adventures that await me in 2011!
Hoping you are anticipating a blessed 2011 as well!
Love,
Nicole
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
2 Years.
Dearest Dylan,
Happy Birthday!
Two years have gone much too fast. It seems like just yesterday when I last held you in my arms. I still remember your sweet scent, and calming coos. Hearing your voice meant everything was going well. You were alive. You existed. And, you filled my heart until it was overflowing with pure love.
I am honored to have known you for those 9 months. You already had developed quite the personality in that short period of time.
You were strong, fighting against all odds.
You were social, reacting to different people's voices.
You were stubborn. Every time your dad went to feel you move inside my tummy, you'd stop...until you finally succumbed or "behaved" on Christmas Eve.
You were advanced for your condition, sucking my finger even though doctors didn't think you could use those muscles.
You were particular. You didn't appreciate the flash from cameras, and didn't enjoy having your clothes changed.
You were patient. Fighting until the end, allowing all your closest family and friends to hear your sweet voice and rub your precious cheeks.
You were brave. You took your last breath in mommy's arms.
I can't wait to see you again. I will always remember you. You will always be my firstborn son. Happy 2nd Birthday!
Love,
Mom
Happy Birthday!
Two years have gone much too fast. It seems like just yesterday when I last held you in my arms. I still remember your sweet scent, and calming coos. Hearing your voice meant everything was going well. You were alive. You existed. And, you filled my heart until it was overflowing with pure love.
I am honored to have known you for those 9 months. You already had developed quite the personality in that short period of time.
You were strong, fighting against all odds.
You were social, reacting to different people's voices.
You were stubborn. Every time your dad went to feel you move inside my tummy, you'd stop...until you finally succumbed or "behaved" on Christmas Eve.
You were advanced for your condition, sucking my finger even though doctors didn't think you could use those muscles.
You were particular. You didn't appreciate the flash from cameras, and didn't enjoy having your clothes changed.
You were patient. Fighting until the end, allowing all your closest family and friends to hear your sweet voice and rub your precious cheeks.
You were brave. You took your last breath in mommy's arms.
I can't wait to see you again. I will always remember you. You will always be my firstborn son. Happy 2nd Birthday!
Love,
Mom
Dylan from Nicole Bronson on Vimeo.
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