Beautiful For Me - Nichole Nordeman

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME Lyrics
Nichole Nordeman

Every girl young and old has to face her own reflection
Twirl around, stare it down
What’s the mirror gonna say
With some luck, you’ll measure up
But you might not hold a candle to the rest
“Is that your best?” says the mirror to the mess

But there’s a whisper in the noise
Can you hear a little voice
and he says

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

If it’s true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
What my life and what’s inside to give him something to behold
I want a heart that’s captivating
I wanna hear my Father say

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

Close your eyes
Look inside
Let me see the you that you’ve been trying to hide
Long ago, I made you so very beautiful
So I ought to know you’re beautiful

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Yeah
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful
You’re so beautiful
Beautiful for me
So beautiful for me
Has anybody told you?

A Rare Beauty

Today is one of those rare days where I did everything right.

            -My hair went the way I wanted it to go.

            -My makeup went on nicely in a fun way I decided to wear it today. (Bonus   

Points as it covered up my blemishes and spots on my face.)

-I wore the right outfit that is both modest and complements my looks and   personality.

This is a rare day where everything I wanted to go right with my appearance did. But when it came down to it, I remembered my verse I sign next to my name, 1 Peter 3:3-4:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

I am quite happy with my appearance today; but at the end of the day when I’m sitting in my big comfy chair in my sweats and an over-sized T-shirt with my hair in a messy ponytail on top of my head and my makeup washed off, I want to be beautiful. I’m not talking about the outer beauty that is here today, gone tomorrow, and ever-changing by the world’s standards. I am talking about the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit – a young woman who is humble, loving and compassionate to others. And whose outer character is a reflection of her inner character. I want my beauty to be genuine, and a reflection of who I really am.

In our world, people constantly are saying how you have to look and dress and act. They are constantly pressuring us to conform to what they say is beautiful. Tell me, who are they to say what is beautiful? Who are they to say what is worth more? God’s creation is beautiful, and He doesn’t make mistakes. When you start thinking along the lines of what the world says about beauty and putting your appearance down, you are saying that God did a bad job. That is a lie. God knit you together in your mother’s womb ever so perfectly. From your eye color, to your hair color to your personality, your genes, God purposely created you this way, and you know what? He is enthralled by your beauty. (Psalm 45:11) [Emphasis mine].

Do not believe the lie that your worth is based on your looks. But know the truth that when you realize just how beautiful you are and see who you are in Christ - that is true beauty.

What is the kind of beauty you want to exhibit in your life?              

My Cause Today

Every day in the United States of America over 4,000 American

citizens are silenced against their wills. They have their voices

permanently silenced and they never get the opportunity to speak on behalf

of themselves. Today we stand in silent solidarity with those who have been

silenced. Today we are silent, but by doing this we are being a voice for the

one-third of our generation that will never have a voice. These victims are

not only being silenced; they are being killed. The victims we stand on

behalf of are not going to be mentioned on the news. The victims we stand

on behalf of will not have a funeral. The victims we stand on behalf of were

ripped from the safety and warmth of their mothers’ wombs. The victims we

stand on behalf of were not blobs of tissue, but beautiful human persons,

with hearts that beat, brains that gave out brain waves, and a soul. These

are the victims of the abortion holocaust. Every day over 4,000 babies

have their lives ended in the name of choice. Since January 22, 1973, over

46 million babies have died. The time is now to stand on behalf of

these innocent victims. Visit www.standtrue.com to find out

how to be a voice.

^{Psalm 139:13-16}

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

 ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

 ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

 ¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

A Month Without You....

They say that time is healing
when it comes to dealing with loss.
But I still miss her as much as day one.

I've heard that just because death comes,
doesn't mean you stop living.
But the world is so much different without Nana in it.

But I'm still here trying to get through,
Living with a love that she constantly proved.

I guess I'm afraid to find that life goes on.
Because it just doesn't seem right to with her gone.

I'm going to start living and she would be proud,
cause I'm gonna live with the love that she was all about.

I have mourned my loss and rejoiced in her gain.
I'm always going to miss her,
and some days there will be pain.

But I have to keep living even if it doesn't always seem right
and I'll keep her alive in my memory as I go through life.

Today I will start living again, and of my day she will always be a part.
because I'll keep every memory of her close to my heart.

She is in a better place now
where there is no more sadness and pain.
So although I may mourn my loss,
I will live life celebrating in her gain.

It's only been a month without her,
but seems just like yesterday
that God took Nana away.

This time apart, it breaks my heart,
but I can't wait to see her again someday. <3

~~~~~~~~~~

In Memory of Joan M. Plocki
October 18, 1947 - July 31, 2010

A time for everything....

"For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven....a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance....He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3: 1,4,11

August 2-7 I spent in Detroit for National Fine Arts with Emily, Erica, Rikki, Casey, Eden, Lydia, Jess, Miss Connie, Mrs. Marshall and Pastor Katie. (whew! Hope I didn't forget anyone! That's a lot of people...hrm...didn't seem like it when we were together...) The week itself was amazing, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. i learned so much through that week and God met me in amazing ways!

Having just lost my Nana as she passed away on Saturday afternoon, I questioned if I could even take the trip. By Sunday t was debating on whether or not I SHOULD go. I really felt that I needed to be with my family and also that I should be helping with arrangements. All in all I needed time. But after praying about it, I felt a peace to go. As much as I wanted to stay, I decided to go for three main reasons.

3) I didn't want to let my team down.

2) One of my last conversations i had with Nana was after she watched my dance, and she was so proud that i was going to Detroit for it! She would have wanted me to go. So I decided to go and give God my best in honor of Nana.

1) Ultimately God brought me there for a purpose. And even looking back on the week, I'm not sure that I even see that purpose in it's entirety. God maybe will reveal it to me in the future. But a few things I learned there were definitely reasons God brought me there.

~I have the most amazing friends and church family EVER! No comparison! They can't be beat!

~ There is a time for everything.

~When life is crumbling around you, you got to keep living.

~God orchestrates everything most beautifully! Even if you don't think so at the time, looking back, and seeing how God was in the situation is the most amazing thing!

"He makes everything beautiful in its time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11

A breakdown of the week looks something like this:

Monday, August 2

We drove up to Detroit and had first service. PressPlay led worship followed by an inspiriting message from Robert Madu! This guy was amazing!!! he spoke on Spiritual gifts and using them as well as how to find what your spiritual gifts are. He went even deeper to the dirt of it all! (literally!) His theme being "Jesus <3 my dirt!"

Quote of the night I think had to be "The next time you start thinking that you're all that and a can of pringles...remind yourself...YOU'RE DIRT!"

There was so much more to His message! It was so awesome!

Tuesday, August 3

For the first time, we had ALL events (minus the large vocal ensemble) in one day! It rocked! So we spent the day at the COBO center running from one event to another! I loved seeing everyone using their gifts! I never cease to be blown away by how great they are!

Rikki's short sermon was a knock-out! This girl was born to preach! i see her teaching to thousands! She was just amazing! (And she got SUPERIOR for her short sermon!)

Emily's sermon rocked! She was amazing! I've heard her sermon many times, but it never hit me so hard as this time! Especially on her points with seizing our divine moments and having a willing spirit! (She received excellent on her sermon!)

Em and Jess's duet I missed the first time, but I know they were awesome because 1) They always are and 2) They got a call back and are in the top 16 in the nation!!!! I did get to see their call back, and the anointing of God was just so clear over them! (They also had Superior)

My Worship Dance Solo to "East to West" was...interesting. Really It just felt so great to dance again and share my gift. Just making it there was amazing enough! I'm so blessed to have been there!

Send Judah First - was the most fun I had in my events all week! We weren't perfect, and we had a few mishaps (whoops) but I think that's where we all really got it together...we had fun and were worshiping in dance. I'm so blessed we had the opportunity to dance there! It was amazing! (LOVE YOU GIRLS!) We got Excellent in Worship dance troupe! :)

Emily's Solo brought half of us to tears! her voice is amazing! I loved the song and the message in it! And even more listening to her sing and watching how she connected with the song. This girl got a gift, and she knows how to use it! Emily received a "Superior" ranking in this category.

Jess's solo was awesome! That song is still going through my head! It was pure worship and just...wow! She blows me away every time! I love listening to her sing and play guitar and just watching her worship! She got "excellent" with her solo!

Tuesday night we had a rockin' speaker! She was really good! Julie gave her testimony and taught quite a bit! Loved her! PressPlay led worship again and just all in all - awesome service!

Wednesday, August 4

Hearts Ablaze sang "Still My God". Wow! you should have heard! it was perfection! I love listening to them! They got "excellent!"

After, we took the monorail to Greektown and ate dinner there before heading back to the Joe Louis Arena for The After's Concert! I LOVED them! (but of course before that we had to put up with the trauma of Troma...that was musical torture!) Oh but we also had Michael Jr. That night too! Loved him!

Thursday, August 5

Jess and Em's call back rocked! After, we went back to Greektown for some Mexican!!! And then we went to the GM building to see out the glass elevators to see the city...but that didn't happen...so we just rode th elevator to the 70th floor for the fun of it! :D Waiting for the monorail and in the COBO lobby we were all jamming. Skipped Troma and service and went back to the hotel where the girls were jammin' with the Sherman Mtn Boys! They were awesome! They won nationals last year, and won in 2 categories this year! That's amazing!

Friday, August 6

We had the whole day to chill! Most of it was spent poolside with the Sherman Mountain Boys! Then pizza before the Fine Arts Celebration service! And back to the hotel to jam some more. All in all, amazing week with the girls! (and guys)

Saturday, August 7

Sad to leave Detroit. mostly because this was it! Final year of Fine Arts for me! But it was amazing all the same! In spite of my circumstances, I had a blast with my friends and they really helped me through a lot.

The last four years in Fine Arts have been an amazing time for me and a time of growing. I'm so blessed to have been part of this and involved with my most amazing friends!

This week i also saw something I didn't see as clearly before I guess because I didn't look. But what I saw was how much Miss Connie, Pastor Katie and Mrs. Marshall just pour into us all. And it really got me thinking watching that. All the time and effort that they put into us...just...wow....There is no doubt how much they care and the love of God just comes through! Seeing that really hit me. So, thank you for all the time and effort that you pour into us all. It's not wasted and you are all such a blessing! Praying for you all as you continue to minister!

As for you girls, it's been awesome! I'm really going to miss you! but you've made these last few years just awesome! I love you all! keep using your gifts for the Lord. it brings me such joy to watch you use them for His glory. You all hold a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see where God will take you in the future. Love you so much! Thanks for all the memories! I will never forget any of this! You have all been awesome!!

To Emily - Keep it up with that voice! Song or sermon, your heart is seen so clearly in it all! you got power girl! I can't wait to see how God will use you!

To Rikki - You have such an anointing on you for speaking! And you really rock it! I know God is going to use you in awesome ways to further His Kingdom! Rock on girl!

To Erica H - Keep dreaming, cause your dreams will take you somewhere. God has gifted you in so many ways! I love watching you use those gifts! God will do great things with you! never stop runnning! He has the best plans!

To Jess - I've been so blessed by your song and musical gifts as well as your dance and your heart. i love your passion and joy! Keep on moving in the Lord and using your gifts. I know it will lift many eyes to heaven and many hearts to Jesus!

To Eden - I don't know what to say, but....KABOOM!! (of course you're the only one that will get that....) You never cease to surprise me! You're always unpredictable! I love the quiet strength that you have about you, and I love it when you sing! You got a voice! (When you have a voice that is....lol) Don't ever think otherwise! I know that God has gifted you in amazing ways! And you're awesome with communication! Keep pressing on! I'm so proud of who you are and who you are becoming!

To Casey - Wow, where has the time gone? I love your ability to make everyone laugh! All around you're great to be with, and I love your heart and seeing how you care for people. God has awesome plans to use you, and I know he has very special gifts placed in you. (more than just the gift of looking good! :D ) Keep going after Him! :)

To Lydia - It seems you've gotten so old! I can't wait to see how God uses you! You write amazing songs and have an awesome voice! And are so musically gifted! Never give up on your music and keep serving God with these awesome gifts He has given you! You rock!

To Miss Connie - Thanks for the last four years! They have been amazing! And thank you for willingly and whole heartedly pouring into us! I hope we make you proud and I pray that God blesses you in all that you do! You've been awesome!

To Pastor Katie - Thank you for all the time and effort that you have invested into us all. I can promise that your investment is not in vain, but will produce much fruit. You're awesome! Praying for you as you continue in God's perfect will! Love ya!

To Mrs. Marshall - Thank you for the support over the years and for all you do and the ways that your pour into u. Praying that God continues to bless you in all that you do!

I love you all!

Thanks for making the last few years so awesome! Prayers and Blessings to you! <3 You're the greatest!

NYC Missions

When I went to New York, I went expecting to minister and to change lives for Jesus. what I never knew was how much it would minister to me and change my life.

The first night we had orientation and then went to Times Square and got a nice look at the city. The next day, Thursday, we did a VBS for a group of about 20 kids. They were just awesome! This was the best VBS in my opinion. We got there, not knowing how many kids we'd have or what we would be doing. We didn't know if we'd be running everything or just helping out, but it was awesome seeing just how God brought it all together!

Another thing I thought was really cool was the woman who runs the daycare, Mrs. Miller told us how the night before two of her helpers called and told her that they couldn't make it the next day. So she would be alone with all of these kids with no help. So she was praying and as soon as she got up off her knees, NYSUM called her and told her we were coming! So it was a real blessing to her that we were there that day, and the kids were such a blessing to us!

We did some praise and worship songs, puppets, crafts, face painting and played outside. Daniel decided that he would give one of the kids piggy-back rides....and so then **all** the kids wanted piggy-back rides. Some of us had multiple kids on our backs at once! But it was awesome! We had a blast! The kids were amazing and blessed us all. They were so open to us and so hungry for love, that it really touched me.



One of the kids, Xavier really got attached to my brother, Aaron. He was adorable! It was so sad that he cried when we left! Another girl, Brianna, was my little buddy that day. But the others were amazing too! WE did a dance competition and wow! Those kids could dance! Some of them were five or six years old and were flipping all over the place and spinning on their heads! They were awesome!

I was so sad we weren't going back to see them again! that first day I think got me the most. I was so blessed by those kids!

That night we did homeless ministry. We were in New York City and were passing out care packages, water and sandwiches to the homeless people. We got to talk to a lot of them, and that was really awesome! Many of them were so happy just to have someone to talk to! I loved to sit and listen to their story, and while listening, it really opened my eyes to the fact that these people out on the streets actually have family and friends and lives. And it was not their choice to be homeless. Something happened that forced them out on the streets. It could happen to anyone. Some of the people we met up with didn't really want to talk much. I loved being able to minister to their needs, not only physical but to their spiritual needs as well. We had the privilege of praying with several of them. And one of them, who has been on the street for 12 years actually ended up ministering to us! He had his Bible out and was reading verses and wow, that whole ministry just really blessed me!

I also met up with a man who had been on the streets for 7 years. WE talked for about an hour. He claims to be a Christian, but said he wasn't sure yet of everything he believed. Miss Sheri, Eden, Emily, Daniel and Alexsey met up with some interesting people too. All of them had a story, and some of them let us pray with them. I admit it took a few steps out of my comfort zone, but it was so worth it! God did some amazing things through that! That is something I'd love to be involved in more often!

On Friday we went to Terence Cardinal Cooke Chapel - a long-term care facility with over 700 patients. Most of the people there have Huntingtons disease where they slowly lose control over their body. We did the protestant service there for some of the patients who were there. Emily, Eden and Casey led worship and Erica and Sarah did sermons. It was really cool during worship because the people there didn't know all the words to some of the songs, but they tried to sing them anyways. And then the songs they did know they sang with us! It was just awesome! Afterwards we helped the patients back to the elevators to go to their rooms.

To end the day, we went to Coney Island Gospel Assembly for a VBS. Almost all of us were dressed like clowns!



We did water balloons, face paint, puppet ministry and worship songs! It was a great time with the kids!



Afterwards we went to see the fireworks and then headed back to NYSUM. :)

Saturday began with street ministry at Tomkins Square Park. Emily played her guitar and everyone sang. We also got to go around the park and minister to the homeless people there. It was really great to be there! There were a few people there so happy that we were there and playing worship songs. They told us that we were a blessing to them, and that alone blessed us! Just knowing that you blessed somebody really has a way of getting to you! God is so good!

To end Saturday, we visted a Metro Family home that was made up of mainly DV Victims. We got there and had almost no idea what we were doing. We did the clowns again and Daniel, Sarah and Eden went door to door looking for kids there to come down to the VBS. The kids loved it! We did the puppet ministry again, gave out stickers, and did crafts, making necklaces, and another dance-off, worship music! It was all great! Sad to leave so soon! We spent about 2-3 hours with them. :) The kids there loved it!

After ministry time, we had a bit of free time. We went on a cruise and saw the statue of Liberty, and did some sight seeing! It was pretty sweet.



Afterwards we went to Times Square and did some shopping...and went to the M&M's store! :D




all in all, that was a great night! Thank you Pastor Seth, Pastor Katie and Miss Sheri!! :)

Sunday we went to Times Square Church and then we were off to go back home.

Ultimately, I was blessed through all the ministry done. Everyone was so grateful and appreciative that we came and a lot of them were just awesome! I can not wait to do this again! God is so good!



I am certain that God brought us there...this was my favorite pic taken here above! :) LOL.But it about shows what the week was like. Something that we had to keep in mind was that God has us there for a reason. We have a purpose to be there. We may not have a second chance. We were given this opportunity and with it, I constantly reminded myself that having the privilege of being there, meant giving everything I had. No holding back. But going out boldly to do the work that God had set out for us. I think DIESEL did an amazing job of that. Proud to have spent my week serving with you all! You are amazing and I cannot wait to see how else the Lord will use you!

Love you!!



Our totally awesome NYC Missions team! :)



Miss Sheri made a rockin video to sum up our trip...click here to see!

Between the Dreaming and the Coming True...

Sometimes the hardest place to be is between the dreaming and the coming true. Where you have seen the dream and are going after it, only carrying it with you in your heart as you have not yet reached it. This dream is not yours yet.

Between the dreaming and the coming true is work and obstacles and trials that strengthen us. We don't so much make the dream as the dream makes us. It pushes us to pursue, and if we truly want it, we will go to great measures to gain it.

Right now, one of my dreams I'm carrying is to have a book published but between the dream and the coming true is a lot of work writing, and obstacles that include but are not limited to agents, publishers, time, relations and such. When I first saw this dream,, it seemed so easy, but now standing between my dream and it's reality, I realize just how hard it can be in this place.

Sadly, not everyone reaches the reality of the dream. i see it as God give you a dream to store away and carry and to nurture, but before it can be fully grown, you have to make it to the promised land where it can be planted. The dream needs to take root in your heart so you can make it through the rough season - or through the desert you must pass through to reach the place where your dream will flourish.

Don't lose heart, and don't leave your dream behind in the desert. Doing that can leave you wandering for years. God has a dream placed in each of us. One that we need to take hold of and allow it to take root in our lives. And ultimately, we need to follow where He leads us, even through the deserts to reach the place where the dream will flourish.

But, easier said than done. The dream at first has us excited and on fire, how long does that last in the desert?

But I tell you, keep heart and don't lose faith when you are between the dreaming and the coming true because God is greater, and keep looking to Him and you will find rivers in the desert you're walking through.

Ultimately God is faithful. he has entrusted to you this seed, this dream...let Him bring you to a place where it will grow and spread and where it will thrive and prosper.

Consider a pearl and all the time it takes to be cultured. But in the end it becomes a priceless piece of beauty. The culturing of a pearl is much like standing between your dream and it's reality. It's hard, but it shapes you, and changes you. It makes you into a thing of beauty.

With every dream that God places in our lives, He has a purpose in mind and a person that He wants us to be when we reach it. God equips the called to do His work. this is God's purpose and vision for you....when it seems like you're stuck in the desert, remember that he's preparing you for the dream to come true. And being always faithful, your dream will not die unless it is you who leaves it in the desert as you wander. Looking to God, He will always be more than enough, even when you can't see. We walk by faith, not by sight.

What is your dream?

Where are you on this journey?

Has your dream taken root?

Are you setting out toward the promised land where you will flourish and thrive,

or

Are you wandering through the desert now? Are you worn and weary. Has your journey been long?

or have you reached the place and seen your dreams and the fruit that has come from them?

Is your dream taking root? Go deep.

If your in the desert, have faith and rivers will flow.

If you've thrown your dream in the desert sand. Go and pick it up again. You can still make it. Have faith.

If you've reached the place and have seen the dream flourish - well done. Continue in your dream.

To everyone who is between the dreaming and the coming true:

Be strong. Stay focused. Have faith. Never give up hope. Keep your dream rooted deep down , and trust God to bring you through to where he has a purpose to plant you.

Learn and enjoy the journey. Let it make you. And God through your trials, mold you for the dream he has placed within your heart.

Blessings always,

Brittany L. Ketter (1 Peter 3:4)