Roads that led me home

The roads that led me home reflect the sacred roads we travel, both literal and spiritual. These are the paths where faith is tested, where beauty and brokenness meet, and where God’s presence transforms even the most familiar landscapes into holy ground.

This poem is part of Songs from the Valley: Where I Found Him, a collection of heart-songs written in seasons of wonder, repentance, and renewal. May these words remind you that every path, even the ones that end in shadow, can lead us back to the Light.

Roads that led me Home

The roads I drove time and again
until I had memorized them.

Some roads led me to the most breathtaking views
under the heavens.

Roads that led me home

Some roads led me to the darkest valleys,
which led me to repentance
where I was forged in fire
and learned to trust the Lord alone.

Some roads led me to dead ends
these roads where I dreamed many dreams with You;
some made out of a fairytale,
Some were made of gold from the Scriptures.

Roads that led me home

The lapis, emerald, and turquoise waters
reflect my day as well as my soul
the brightest lights that flashed
and danced along your surface.

Roads that led me home.

Eyes of the Residents

I’ve seen your paths through the eyes of the residents
through the elegant mountain Chickadee
and noisy Blue Steller Jays.

Roads that led me home

I’ve followed the footprints
of the cinnamon Crest Mama duck.
My heart broke with the Black Bears
As I fought for your freedom.

To a sea of ladybugs on your sandy shores
I saw you through those who made you home.

Roads that led me home.

The roads I drove time and time again until I had them memorized.

Some roads led me to the most beautiful views under heaven.

Some roads led me to the darkest valleys, which led me to repentance.

Where I was forged in fire and learned to trust the Lord alone.

Some roads led me to dead ends.

These roads where I dreamed many dreams with You.

Some made out of a fairytale,

some made out of the Scriptures of gold.

The lapis, emerald, and turquoise waters reflect my day as well as my soul.

The brightest lights that flashed and danced along your surface.

A path walked many times

A path walked many times.

About Songs in the Valley: Where I found Him

These are poems, psalms, really written over the years through my walk with the Lord. For a long time, they lived quietly in the pages of my journals. I began sharing a few with close friends, and their encouragement stirred something in me: perhaps these words were meant to be shared.

Much of this writing was shaped by my years living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in a small town called Incline Village, nestled near Lake Tahoe. A place of breathtaking beauty, 6,400 feet above sea level, home to about 9,000 souls. What once was a family vacation spot became my backyard: where I hiked, went to school, escaped, and found home. It’s where I fell in love with my husband and where my faith was forged in both mountain peaks and deep valleys.

These poems are my modern-day psalms, songs of the heart from the valleys and mountaintops of life. My hope is that as you read, you’ll find pieces of your own story woven between the lines, and perhaps a glimpse of the same faithful God who met me there.

“Abide in Me, and you will bear much fruit.” — John 15:5

About the Author

Hi, I’m Nicole. My passion lives where faith meets data, where donor retention becomes an act of gratitude, and where a well-tended CRM becomes a bridge between generosity and impact.

I’ve spent years serving ministries and nonprofits, gathering scattered donor stories, bringing order to the numbers, and helping leaders breathe a little easier. I believe that when the roots are cared for: the systems, the relationships, the steady follow-up, the fruit will come in due season.

From Root to Fruit is my small offering to you: a place to share what I’ve learned, to encourage you when the workload feels heavy, and to help you nurture the donors already entrusted to your care.

If you’re building impact one relationship at a time, I’m right here with you, quietly and faithfully, helping the hidden pieces hold strong.