Nicole Edgmond's Blog

If you are anything like me, you have a lot on your plate. You are busy. There are kids to feed, clothe and care for, husbands to love, a home to keep up, bills to be paid and a job to do. With all that to do, it is no wonder that women are hurting and strugling to find peace. There is no mention of God, self-care or just plain old fun in that list! And, without God and a little fun, life can get very mundane, boring and hard. So, what is a busy woman to do?

First of all, make a list of all that MUST be done in that day. Then, pencil in time for God, self and friends. You need to get in on the calendar or it won't happen. There will always be dishes and dirty laundry. But, your heart needs more than that. Take time to nurture the relationships in your life that "bring life"...God, your friends, your family (plan an outing!) and yourself.

Can you make the commitment that "Just for Today" you will spend time with God, spend time with a good friend, and do something just for you? If you feel empty, then the truth remains that you need to get full...Where will you go before your cup runs totally dry? What will you do to give yourself some life...You can do it. Your family will better for it. You will be much better for it.

So, go get your calendar. It is time to take care of you.

An attitude of gratitude creates blessings.

I love this line. Why I love it so much is that nothing tangible in life changed…rather a mind set changed. And the result…Blessings.

Do you ever feel like your life is a mess? Like you have so much “less” than other people? Like you are always in need and never satisfied? Like your life is full of challenges? Disappointments? Frustrations? Pain?

Maybe it is.

But I challenge you to change your attitude to one of gratitude.  Give it a month. 30 days. Make a list of all that you have to be grateful for and begin to pray with a heart that says… “I am loved. I will be taken care of. I will be given all I need, when I need it. I can trust God.” And see what happens.

What you believe determines how you behave.

So, start believing you are blessed and maybe you will see that you are.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.” Phil. 4:6-7

Sometimes the things in life we want the most require that we walk through pain to get it. To gain something of great value, at times, requires we face the pain, walk into the pain, even embrace the pain, rather than aviod the pain. We must learn to welcome the pain. And that is not a "normal thought" in our culture today! Our culture tells us to aviod pain at all costs, and at the end of the day-Do whatever brings the most "self fulfillment" or happiness. In the end, hoewever, that is counterproductive. There are just some things in life that REQUIRE us to face our fears and walk into the pain.

Two things come to my mind-the discipline of working out or training for a sport and childbirth. If you want the end result of a gold medal or a beautiful baby...you are going to have to face the pain. And it won't be easy or fun...but everyone who has ever birthed a child or competed at the top level knows...no pain, no gain. And if you have ever won a top honor in a sporting event...you know, it was worth every drop of sweat! For those of us who have birthed a child and held that sweet little one, we'd do it all again. The pain, a distant memory in comparison to that bundle of joy in our arms!

The same is true for emotional health. There will be some pain involved in getting healthy and rather than avoid it, deny it, or try to escape it...it must be felt and experienced-Head on. The phrase, "that which doesn't kill you can only make you stronger", is true! We often live in fear of the pain, but really facing it and feeling it is what will set you free! You will find that facing the pain will NOT kill you! You will be empowered...facing the truth of your life (and most likely the pain) sets you up for becoming the REAL YOU. In order to gain your reward, your "prize", your heart...you must face the pain. In the end you will see that pain is not your enemy, you will survive, and oh...what beauty awaits you at the end of the "race"!

Do you need to "face your fears" and embrace the pain of lost dreams, a wounded heart, or inner brokenness? Then here are some suggestions:

1. Do not do it alone. Seek godly counsel...in friends, a pastor or a professional if needed.

2. Have a proper mindset-remember that pain serves a purpose.

3. Invite God into the process. He is your Healer.

4. Journal your thoughts and emotions as you go.

There is HOPE. In Christ, we have the ultimate example of experiencing great pain for great gain.   "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Is 53:5                                                Bring on the pain...Let the healing begin!

Counseling is really about a journey to understand why we do what we do. Often the life we are living has been "passed on to us" by observing and believing things around us as truth. Our "normal", however, is not always healthy. The journey begins wtih addressing our thinking and understanding how it is affecting our choices and behaviors. This is where counseling can be helpful...we are not always able to name the lies that have created our "normal". An outside perspective can be invaluable!

A young woman who I have been meeting with for about 4 months has embraced the hope that life can be different if she would believe the truths God has for her and begin to make new choices based on His Love for her. This is the place where we all must begin in our journey to healing. She wrote a poem to express what God has done in her life. She has given me permission to share it with you. I pray you are encouraged and blessed. There is always hope in Christ!

My Way Back

Fighting my way back

As a fierce warrior I attack.

Slashing all sin that stands in my way

I’m making a path led by God who gives light to my day.

I sing His praise, declaring the Lord’s name!

Love flows like the tides in oceans tow

Stirring emotions I never felt before.

This is a world I did not know.

Shattered pieces of my life are formed into whole again

By the possession of the Lord I have within.

Broken free from chains of past slavery

No longer bound to a world not interested in me and my safety.

My eyes now see with clarity

And my voice sings His majesty.

The Lord has not forsaken me,

Into my life He has brought peace.

I am clay in potter’s hands

I am mold and rest in the shape of your plans.

Courage undaunted by schemes devised by the wicked

I rebuke Satan’s name and follow through in which I am gifted.

O’ Father in Heaven, You have saved me

Please bless me in your bounty.

Anonymous Female Client, Age 23

Are you ready to fight? It all starts with your mind.

Some steps that are essential:

1. Name the lies that are shaping your thinking.
2. Replace the lies with God’s Truth for you from His Word.
3. Choose to believe God and take every thought captive.
4. Act according to His Truth, not the lies that have been whispered into your heart by other’s sin, your circumstances or your past experiences.

Read: Romans 12:2, Romans 8:6, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:2-10

VICTORY is not in the changing of our FEELINGS, but in the CHOOSING to BELIEVE GOD despite our FEELINGS.

We live in a very fast paced world. Our culture knows very little about taking a break and slowing down. Solitude is a scary and somewhat intimidating word. I live my life at a rather busy pace as well. It seems there is always one more thing vying for my time and attention. But is it really necessary? And at what cost?

I am home today, ordered to “bed rest” for my lack of slowing down in this season of life. I am trying to rest and yet, my mind races with all that I want to “get out there and do”. But I sit. I turn off the tv. The house is empty and quiet. I take out my favorite bible study/quiet time book: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. She writes as if God were the One writing to me. I read today’s entry, “Thank me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again.” I am always amazed at how her words seem to be written just for me.  

Stillness and quiet are essential in the journey to healing and wholeness. We must get alone with God and be still. We must quiet our hearts to all the lies and whispers of the enemy and ask God: What is true? What do you want to tell me? It is hard to hear from God when we are moving at 100 miles per hour. It is hard to discern truth when we do not slow down and reflect on His promises that are found in His Word.

I am forced to be still this week, maybe you are too. Instead of resenting it, let’s see what God wants to teach us. Let’s enter into His presence and find the healing that our Counselor wants to bring us.

Here are some practical steps to Enter into His Rest:

1. Turn everything off.
2. Set a timer if you need to…start with 10-15 minutes.
3. Read a passage or verse in God’s word.
4. Meditate on it’s meaning and truth. Write it in a journal.
5. Pray. Ask God: What do you want to show me? Write again.
6. Breathe deeply. Repeat the truth you have learned.
7. Open your heart to His filling love and truth.

There is nothing more important than entering His rest. It is where our empty hearts are refueled with His love and truth. Without it, we are human and needy. With it, we are full and able to love others well. I need to be filled. How about you?

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Is. 30:15

What brings a woman to the place of desperation, looking through the internet, phone book or church doors just to find a person who claims they can "help with your problems"?  There are many. Depression, anger, frustration, hopelessness, hurt and an ongoing struggle to make life work are a few.  I have been there, in the pit of despair and back. Nearly seven years ago I faced the most devastating reality: I was getting divorced.  I was a single mom with a passion for God, His word, and relationships.  So, how does a woman like me face the reality that life as she knew it would never be the same?  There were many things I had to face... but I thank God I did not have to face them alone.

My journey through divorce, emotional healing, and single parenting led me to the place where I knew I was called to walk alongside other hurting women.  For over fifteen years I had led bible studies and mentored young women, yet there was knowledge of the heart and mind that I needed to gain.  So, in 2007 I began my masters in counseling degree at Liberty University and started a non profit organization called Embraced Ministries.  Embraced Ministries has offered hope and truth to hurting women for the last three years, free of charge.  Upon completion of my master's degree in counseling, I joined CCS staff full time to continue the work God has begun in my life.  My passion is to see woman walk in freedom and joy.  Life is full of challenges and unexpected events.  I believe there is hope.  I, most of all, believe you were called to live an amazing life, full of promise and purpose.  God has a plan for your life.  There is help.  You do not have to travel alone.  

If you feel you would benefit from talking to someone about your struggles and pain, then I would be honored to walk alongside you. You can call our office today and we will set up an appointment for you to begin your journey towards hope and healing!