Kathy Conley Nicholson

On my journey to reclaim my health, there have been so many people who have encouraged me in different ways. Many have prayed for me. Loads of people send encouragement through posts and messages on social media. Some have given financially, and others have given in a variety of thoughtful ways.

My best friend even helped replace my wardrobe at Goodwill, and while I’ve been shopping there, there have been kind people who quietly picked up the tab so I could have clothes that actually fit again.

This week someone gave me beautiful flowers to plant so I can enjoy the spring and summer ahead.

Linda Bowen makes incredibly gorgeous birdhouses. If you’ve never seen them, you should look her up on Marketplace. My sister Kim went with me to pick up a couple of birdhouses from her, and during our conversation she invited me to take a look at some of her daylilies.

While we were there, she helped me dig up daylilies, Lenten roses, daffodils, and many other bulbs and perennials. Then she said, “This is my gift to you.”

Can I tell you… that went straight to the heart of my soul.

Her gift of plant life encouraged me to plant for my future — quite literally.

Kim and I had a ball hauling the bulbs home and sorting them, and this weekend sweet Alina and Andrew helped me get them planted.

It just goes to show that we all have the capacity to give in one way or another.

Over the last two weeks, I have devoted most of my energy to producing a CD project for Billy Burrell, launching the birthday card campaign for his 96th birthday and then helping host his birthday party. . It honestly took all the energy I had — and then some. But God provided strength, and even in the midst of everything I’m walking through, He gave me the ability to give what I could. It brought me great joy.

I’m not bragging on myself — because the truth is, Scripture reminds us: as you sow, so shall you reap. As we give, the gifts come back to meet our needs and even some of our wants.

I am so thankful for people who hear God’s voice and respond with kindness.

I continue to depend on the support of this amazing community, and I can promise you this: as God provides, I will return that support in the ways He has gifted me to do so.

I love each and every one of you — whether you are my friend or even my critic.

And I pray for our community and our country.

Now come on little flowers let's grow a bright and colorful future!

— Kathy

Today I had one of those moments that felt almost sacred.

I stepped into the recording studio to add a simple background vocal to some hymns Billy Burrell recorded more than 40 years ago. Back then it was captured on a cassette tape… which tells you just how far back this recording goes.

But when they pressed play, something amazing happened.

There was Billy’s voice — strong, joyful, and full of life. Hearing him like that felt like stepping through a doorway in time. For a moment it didn’t feel like an old recording at all. It felt like I had gone back 40 years and was standing beside a younger Billy in the studio.

I went in thinking I was doing him a favor.

Truth is… it ended up being one of the greatest blessings to me.

Getting to add my voice quietly alongside his on these hymns is something I will treasure. And knowing these songs are being restored and preserved — moving from an old cassette tape into something that can be shared for many years to come — makes it even more special.

We’ll be releasing them as part of Billy’s big 96th birthday celebration, and I cannot wait for everyone to hear them.

What a gift to be included in something that honors a life, a voice, and a legacy that has blessed so many people.

My heart is very full tonight.

Today was a GOOD day. 💛

I got to sit beside Mr. Billy and read cards with him — and y’all… he just received his 66th birthday card for his 96th birthday. Every single one is opened, read aloud, and treasured. You should see his smile.

We have a goal now… let’s get him at least 96 cards for 96 years. I know we can do it.

If you’d like to bless this sweet man, send a birthday card and know that it will be read to him and bring him real joy. There is something so powerful about kindness showing up in the mailbox.

Let’s fill his 96th year with love. 💌💛