Let’s Do This!!

A week ago I was going completely crazy with thoughts of the coming year. It finally hit me, watching all the kids go back to school, and realising how late in January it is already, that it’s getting real now. University is right around the corner and I’m not going back to school. Comfortable school. Where teachers care too much, where there is no freedom and you have to wear uncomfortable uniforms all day. How I wish I was going back to school. I know what you’re thinking: I’m crazy. But think about it: in school, life is easy. You’re teachers are always willing to help, the rules and strict nature are there for your benefit (I know we've all cursed them at some point- but it’s true).

In all honesty, I loved the structure we had in school. The rules, uniforms, teachers, and lack of freedom all played a part in teaching me something. The restricted freedom taught me how to appreciate my free time, respect for my peers and most importantly how to work hard, from which I adapted a ‘need-to-achieve’ attitude. However, even after learning all of this in school, I still feel like I’m not completely equipped to tackle the big world out there. Nonetheless, I think that life will always find a way to throw me in the deep end without warning or arm-bands and I will simply find a way to cope and swim to the shore.

Okay. So, I can check “ways of coping” of my list. Next to worry about is: “ what on earth am I going to do!!” In the last year, the description of my studies has changed about a hundred times- literally! I thought about nearly everything from Speech and Hearing Therapy to a Bachelor of Music. In the end I’ve chosen to do a Bachelor of Arts.  As basic and flexible as you can get. Then comes the part where I have to choose subjects and I go: “HUH?!?!” Since deciding on the BA course, the subject combinations I’ve had have also changed a few too many times. But hey, this part of my life is trying to find my feet, right? trying to discover myself, who I want to be and what I want to do for the rest of my life. At 19 years old, I doubt that anyone is absolutely confident about how they want to spend the rest of their lives. Unless, they were born with the deepest passion for their desired career path. Then you have people all around you, telling you that they see you going in a certain direction that makes absolutely no sense to you at all. Which is exactly why I have finally decided on how to choose my first year subjects. Firstly, psychology- it’s something I feel I would be good at. Secondly, Music- something I have an undying passion for and love with my whole heart. Third, Media studies- voted for by the people (it does spark an interest in me tough) and lastly, Linguistics- also voted for by the people, who think I would make a good journalist (Thank-you’s all round). And... Check!

Lastly on my list: “how am I not going to get my tiny self lost on the gigantic campus?” I know that in about three years time I would look back, laugh at myself and say: “I can’t believe I got myself lost there. It was so simple”. However, I was smart about this one. Yesterday, my friend Candice and I took a trip to the university for the day to explore. We walked around the entire campus, finding our way with this huge map and by the end of the day we knew pretty much where most things were (including every food place). So: Check! (Although, I see myself getting lost inside one of the buildings at some point).

Despite the nerves and all the excitement, I can honestly say that I think I’m ready for this new journey in my life. So, bring it on! I can do this.

Much Love,

<3 Nicole_Kayley

Summer Sunshine and Building Nerves

The greatest thing, in my opinion, about finishing school is the extra long holiday before varsity starts. Although it is a time to put my feet up, chill out and soak up Summer, the nerves are starting to take up residence in my core. As exciting as it is to be starting this new chapter in life, I am also scared to death. What if this is not for me? What if I don’t fit in or fail at what I set out to do? What’s plan B? If you know me, you know I don’t handle failure well, which is why I have a plan! (something else I’m always ready with). I’m going to stay true to myself, believe in myself and work my little behind off! (I’m hoping it will be little by the end of the year- a girl can dream, can't she?).

I read a quote that gave me all the inspiration I need this year: “The cave you most fear to enter contains the greatest treasure” ~ Joseph Campbell. So, this year I’m going to dive head first into all those tasks I feared before. You only live once, right? So why not jump in head first?

This is the part of that motivational talk where the speaker raises his/her hands in the air and shouts: “Who’s with me?” and that is your cue to join me. Stand up and take the lead role in your life. It is your life, after all. And you have every right to change the script as you go along. Follow your heart and give your best performance possible.

Keep your head up and smile,

Much Love,

<3 Nicole_Kayley

P.S. I’m thinking, after this post, I should change my career option to: Motivational Speaker. It may work for me. What do you think?

“I STILL BELIEVE”.... An Inspirational Journey.

You probably read that title and wondered: “What on Earth is she on about now?” Right?

Anyway, I’m going to get right to the point. The inspirational story I’m referring to is that of Jeremy Camp, a contemporary Christian musician from the United States. Most people that know me, would know that I am a huge fan of his music but don’t know why. Well, neither did I until I read his book “I Still Believe”. (Heads up: If you’re looking for the book in SA, find it on Kalahari.com. I couldn’t find it in any stores)

I came across Jeremy Camp’s music one night while surfing MySpace (Once upon a time when I actually used it). I listened to a few tracks and immediately felt an emotional connection to the lyrics. Not long after that I found myself looking for his albums in the local Christian book shop. Much to my delight, I came across his album “Live Unplugged, Franklin, TN” with accompanying DVD. I think I must have listened to it for about two months flat. I loved it! The lyrics were just so powerful. They grab my heart every time. After a while a began to wonder what his story was, and what was behind such amazing music. And so, I did what I always do and jumped onto Google and did a search. As usual, Wikipedia was not exactly that helpful and only gave me the basic details. Who he was, where he was from, and his musical achievements. But not the type of story I was looking for, I wanted something deeper.

Once I remembered that the album I had bought had  DVD, I pulled it out and watched it. My reaction: [speechless]. I literally have no words to describe the way I felt after watching this man worship, although I think there may have been tears rolling down my cheeks. During the performance on the DVD he gives a testimony, and explains what happened to his first wife, Melissa. She sadly passed away at a very young age, shortly after their marriage, at the hands of cancer. Camp explains how he wrote the song “Walk By Faith” on their honeymoon knowing that he would need to walk with faith in God in the coming months. His testimony moved me deeply. To see a man who has lost so much life, and yet still has the strength to hold onto God and pick himself back up and carry on, was truly amazing.

Almost a year later, I discovered that Camp had written a book. I was on Facebook (what’s new?), and came across a link to the first chapter. I literally dropped my Blackberry and was at the computer in 2 seconds logging on to find the link. It took me about 20 minutes to read it. I was blown away and left wanting more. I had to get my hands on this book. Unfortunately, final exams got in the way and I only ended up finding the book online shortly before Christmas. I bought it for Christmas and managed to read the entire book in less than a day! (Crazy, right?) It was just that good. Actually, good is not even a word to describe it. It also left me speechless, not knowing what to think, except that the strong faith I thought I had, was not that strong compared to the faith of Jeremy Camp.

The story goes so much deeper than anything I could find online. Camp tells of how his family were extremely poor growing up, his battles to stay close to God in the real world and all the details of his relationships with Melissa and his second wife Adrienne. In all honesty, this man went through so much hardship and heartache in his life, that many of us would not be able to deal with, let alone keep our faith in God.

To sum up, Jeremy Camp’s story is certainly one of great faith in the darkest valley. There was one thing in particular that really stood out for me in the book and that was something Melissa, Camp’s first wife had said to him: “...if I were to die from this cancer, and just one person accepted Jesus because of it, it would all be worth it.” During her final days, her faith and love for Jesus did exactly that. The nurse who was assigned to looking after Melissa observed the situation closely and came to realize that she longed for a relationship with Christ. With the help of Jeremy’s father, the nurse accepted Jesus into her life and fulfilled Melissa’s wish. After telling Melissa what had happened, Jeremy said to her that: “This is just the beginning. There will be many more.” And I can fully agree with that statement. I do believe that through this emotional journey that Camp had to endure, his and Melissa’s testimony can bring Christians closer to Jesus and help non-Christians to accept Him for the first time. That is the intention I write with today. To see many more people read Camp’s story and accept Jesus into their lives as Melissa had hoped.

In December 2003, Camp married Adrienne Liesching whom he met while on tour with South African band ‘The Benjamin Gate’. (She was born in Port Elizabeth. Great to see one of our own making a difference in the world!) They are parents to three children: Isabella Rose (7), Arianne Mae (5) and 4-month old Egan Thomas.

To quote the lyrics from the chorus of “I Still Believe”:

“I still believe in Your faithfulness

I still believe in Your truth

I still believe in Your Holy Word

Even when I don’t see, I still believe”

Hold on to these powerful words in times of doubt, sorrow and pain.

Walk by faith in Jesus

<3Nicole_Kayley

*All quotes were taken from: “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp with Phil Newman*