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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 8/11/2008 11:45:44 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Rise Above.
This past weekend I had a ‘cry’ day... it doesn’t happen very often. It’s a day when I surrender. The entire world on my shoulders is placed at my Father’s feet and I tell Him that I can’t do it anymore. Do what, you ask? Anything.
It’s a day where I can’t identify the source of my tears… my father’s death, my aunt’s death, relocating, rude bill collectors, a job which is not my idea of a fun job, knowing I will have to send my girls to the worst middle school in town…. feeling alone.
I’m done. I can’t do it anymore… and as I lay on my bed weeping and surrendering… I hear Him.
Help is coming.
Three words. His messages are short when I hear them… but they always pack a punch.
Help is coming… I have no reason to doubt Him. Everything He said in our Bible came to be or is in the process of coming to be. If He tells me, “Help is coming,” than I choose to believe Him.
He led me to open my Bible to James…
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3 NASB
Life is not easy… our faith must be tested… it will be tested.
... we can't rise above our circumstances until we surrender.
I surrender. I believe. I choose to rise above on the wings of Jesus and live as a daughter of the King.
Love always,
Rachel
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.
Psalms 33:20-22 NASB
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 8/28/2008 1:31:14 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Soaking.
Disappointments are everywhere…
They sting.
They hurt.
They cause us to focus on the source of pain.
They block out the happiness we thought we knew…
Wait.
Does finding ourselves pinched by disappointment negate our happiness?
Can we still be happy… and disappointed?
I think so.
I know so.
A small green salamander sunned himself on my window shutter just inches away from my front door this morning. He was exactly at eye-level as I turned around to lock the door on my way out…
He didn’t run… he didn’t move. He just watched.
I wondered if he knew… if he could sense my disappointment.
… and then I felt peace as we quietly gazed at each other.
We shared a moment.
Not moving.
Soaking up the sun.
Soaking up the Son…
Love always,
Rachel
~ * ~
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:22-26 (NIV)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 11/26/2008 3:05:19 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Grateful
There was a table of goods for sale outside of our smalltown grocery store. The sign said 'Teen Challenge'...
I chatted with the men watching over the table... asking them questions about Teen Challenge and in return, sharing stories of my experiences in prison ministry. It was a wonderful time of sharing with my brothers in Christ.
I purchased a simple cookbook entitled Tasteful Treasures. I shouldn't have bought it. I didn't really have the extra money to spend on myself... and the purchase guaranteed one less package under our Christmas tree.
I found myself at the park leafing through the cookbook eager to try a new recipe or two. It was then that I noticed each recipe was submitted by someone directly involved in Teen Challenge.
The recipe that brought tears to my eyes was signed, "Grateful Mother of Graduate."
That's when I realized, it wasn't my money which bought the book...
... it was His.
Humbly grateful,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 12/9/2008 4:19:31 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Ellen’s Favorite.
“Do you have a favorite verse?” I asked. She had just finished explaining how she was doing her best to read through the Bible. She was bright, she was clean, and her clothes matched every other woman’s clothes in the room. So is life in prison.
I was surprised when she eagerly answered me. There was no delay in her response, “Yes! I do!”
“Will you find it in my Bible?” She turned right to it: John 13:7. She boldly read:
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
“This is my favorite verse because it tells me that it’s okay if I don’t understand what I’m learning about Jesus right now. God is going to explain it to me later,” she beamed.
How profound.
What trust.
I’m thankful for her journey with Christ. Thankful that she has found a security in Him which others are afraid to embrace.
That day, I prayed with six women who were truly ready to rededicate their lives to Christ. Six women who were so humbled by their life circumstances that an outward profession of faith was no longer scary or un-cool.
… and I will always remember Ellen. I asked her to sign her name next to her favorite verse in my Bible. I will remember to say a prayer for her every time I see her handwriting. I will remember her genuine faith and her journey with Christ.
Love always,
Rachel
…………
There were 2200 inmates in Dawson State Jail that day. 316 people gave their lives to Christ for the first time. 818 people re-dedicated their lives.
It was a good day...
...in Christ.
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 3/19/2009 10:40:00 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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The Pain of a Faith-Walker
You know.... our church has a BUNCH of members suffering from illnesses... I think the one person who has been on my mind the most is my landlord's wife. They live right across the street from us.
They are true faith-walkers. Their entire lives reflect the love of our precious Lord Jesus. A few weeks ago, Donna started experiencing a bunch of dizziness and was not feeling well at all. She went to the doctor thinking that it may have been in inner ear infection.
She found out several days later that she has a tumor in her ear canal and a cyst which is pressing against a nerve behind her ear. She has been seen by several doctors and finally a 'game plan' has been devised. She will be in surgery tomorrow. My pastor will be there the entire time.
Now, why would God allow this to happen to such a faith-walker?
We all must reach a point where we realize that our lives are really not our own. We all strive to reach the point where we trust God with EVERYTHING in our lives...
Check this out... we have a 'Lost' prayer list. It is a prayer list with specific names of people we want to win for Christ. There are two names on Donna's list that stand out - they are her sister and brother-in-law. She has been staying with them in Houston for over a week while she waits for her surgery appointment to arrive.
Donna sent a message to Pastor through her husband. The message was, "The fields are ripe and ready for harvest."
Could we be bold enough to guess that the LORD has allowed all this pain to happen to Donna in order to win more hearts for Him?
Could we be bold enough, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to realize that sometimes the pain we endure has nothing to do with us... but everything to with someone else?
Just some simple thoughts....
... and if you feel compelled to pray - pray for Donna's surgeons, pray for a miracle in the operating room (they say she will lose hearing in her left ear), but most of all - pray for Larry and Kathy. Pray that they will come to know the LORD through this experience.
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/8/2009 12:49:26 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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TidBits
All I have tonight are tidbits. Nothing exciting. Nothing important. Just me. Just God.
Jail Mail: I love jail mail. I write inmates. I think I've spent so many years in a 'downtrodden' lifestyle, that I have a special place in my heart for those who are experiencing the same kind of crushing.
I write when I can... although lately, it's been less than I prefer. Yesterday I received a letter from an inmate I met in Elkhart County Jail. She moved on to prison. I moved to Texas. We've kept in touch this entire time. She sent me a picture... her college graduation picture- in prison.
...I cried - more like sobbed.
I have so much admiration and respect for her. I can't imagine living penned up in an overcrowded room. Having to deal with outrageous noise day in and day out. Trying to study but not being able to find any quiet time... yet, because of God's grace, she prevailed.
I dare say, many of us would have quit.
She thanked me for being there for her... All I did was write letters, I thought. Somehow, God used those letters as a lifeline. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way... I suspect that we will never really know how far that encouragement went until we are able to see the Big Picture.
Not Nice: Is it just me... or are there more people who are just 'not nice' around here? Maybe it's just me seeing life through new eyes...
I am certainly not one to point fingers... there was a time when I was not so nice, myself. How shameful. How true.
Funny how sometimes the LORD changes us as He pleases... but the people around us aren't able to extend grace enough to see us through His eyes.
... maybe others are changing, too.
... maybe I need to find my grace eyes a little faster.
It's true. I have a long way to go. Sanctification is a life-long process. Loving Jesus is a lifestyle... and spiritual warfare is a daily thing, for me.
Sometimes I need out loud reminders. Here it is for all of us: We are loved. We are cherished. He loves us more than we will ever know.
Lord, please don't let me forget how much You love us all!
Moses and Aaron and Bondage: I forgot that Moses and Aaron were brothers... I've decided to read through the Bible from cover to cover. The only problem is... I can't just read the Bible. Verses pop out at me all the time and I have to write. It's a God-given desire for sure. It will probably take 3 years to finish reading the Bible at the rate I'm going...
Bondage? Oh yes - my notes on Exodus 5v5-14:
People in bondage. This passage seems to be a witness of how Satan holds people in bondage. He clenches them tightly. He will not give them up without a fight. I noticed when I read these verses that people in bondage experience more hardship before they are released. I've experienced this struggle... have you?
The added struggle is very hard on those who are in bondage and some would rather continue to live without change rather than push through with hope for something better through Jesus.
What's the most important observation I saw? Our lives are worth fighting for!
Don't give up, my friend. Freedom is close... freedom is in God's timing... freedom is ours!
Check out the Word: Romans 6v22-23, John 8v36 (Red Letters!), Galatians 5v1, and Galatians 5v13.
It's late... and I think I'm good to go. Are you?
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 9/13/2009 11:10:27 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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From the Piney Woods
I traveled from the piney woods in east Texas to the Bay area in California. Living in east Texas is like living in the past. Access to current technology is limited. You are lucky if you can get a cell phone signal. Most people have learned which hill tops to drive to in order to receive a signal. Internet access is sometimes reduced to dial-up which can take 2 minutes to load a single page – or if you have a substantial income, you can qualify for satellite service. Cable service is not available in some areas. In other areas, the cable service quality (and satellite service quality for that matter) is dependent on favorable weather circumstances.
All this to say – we spend a lot of time interacting with each other. Interacting with each other is a good thing… after all – God wants us to establish strong communities, right? But sometimes I wonder….
Culture shock began to set in as early as the Houston airport. The man in the screening line who was ironing out important contract details as he spoke on his cell through a device which seemed amazingly glued to his ear. The woman who sat across from me in the seating area who made at least four lengthy calls before she finally tucked her cell phone into her purse and turned her attention to her husband. The announcement over the intercom blaring that the lost day-planner had been found….
Our lives seem filled with ‘gadgets’.
I’ve been having a great time here in California. I wouldn’t trade this time spent with my brother for anything in the world. Or should I say – I wouldn’t trade this time spent with my brother and his friends for anything? The first day here, he left his cell (3g network equipped, I might add) tucked away in his pocket. The second day, I got to see all the cool applications it had… the third day – well, lets just say that putting away his cell is just too difficult to do for three days in a row and now all his friends have joined us as we spend time together.
My brother is the best… so I don’t want to dog him about his gadgets, but I can’t help but think about so many people who seemed distracted by the need for constant communication and feedback. Is it possible these people are searching for love and acceptance which can’t be found through technology? Take the girl at the movie theater for instance. She was there to see a movie with her dad. She sat on a bench with me while her dad stepped into the restroom for a moment. As soon as her father disappeared behind the door, her cell phone came out and I’m absolutely positive she was texting at 45 words per minute.
What happens to our lives when we have absolutely no quiet moments? What happens when we fill every moment with ‘I need to call so-and-so’ or the need to continuously check for texts or emails?
What happens when we can no longer ‘be still’?
I am fully convinced that we were created in God’s image. I am also fully convinced that being made in His image also includes the fact that we have His same driving desire for a deep connection ‘something’. I am also fully convinced that the deep-hearted connection we are looking for cannot be truly satisfied with a man-made gadget or our friends waiting for us at the other end.
So here’s the challenge. Are you able to show God that you have no idols before Him? Can you turn off your cell for one day… or shut down your computer for 24 hours?
… can you be still, and experience the complete love of God?
Just a few thoughts…
… from the curly-headed girl who lives in the piney woods.
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 9/28/2009 8:01:36 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Sprint No More
I am realizing more and more that my sprinting days are over.
Years ago I tried reading the Bible in one year. I got a handy dandy check off list and I was behind in my reading after only three days. I tried to catch up… the more I tried to catch up, the more I fell behind. Two weeks later – I gave up. The task of reading the Bible all the way through in one year was too daunting.
When it comes to knowledge and learning… I want to learn as much as I can – right now. Fortunately for me (and maybe you?)- life doesn’t work like that. God did not create life as it is on earth for us to sprint through at blind paces.
We are running a marathon. Now that I’m older, I think I’m finally grasping that concept. I threw away my Bible-reading checklist. I am committed to reading and spending time with God each morning instead. Maybe I read one chapter… maybe I read four. Maybe I read a couple of verses and look up the footnotes… Maybe I just rest my curly head on my Bible and pray or wait on the LORD.
Marathons are long distances. It doesn’t matter how we get there… it just matters that we are daily working towards the goal.
My goal is spending time with God each day… and if one of these years I actually finish reading the entire Bible- we can all celebrate with a happy dance.
What is your goal?
Love always,
Rachel
PS. There is no shortage of Happy Dances at my house. Let me know if you reach your goal. I love celebrations! ;o)
I press on to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize for which God,
through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 9/29/2009 7:50:48 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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The Gaze
My eyes jumped for a moment... something caught them. I was being held captive by the gaze of my lover. My heart beat wildly in my chest as his eyes enveloped mine... He did not look away. He was not afraid. I was drawn into him as if I was a young woman fully engaged in his love. There was no one else but us....
What did I see? An old car with rust patches pulled off the exit ramp... a long trail of footprints up the grassy hill... a forty year old man changing a tire as an elderly couple looked over the man's shoulder in thankful apprehension. I saw the busy traffic of the world speeding by without a care.
I saw him today...
I saw my lover...
... I saw Jesus.
Love always,
Rachel
You are altogether beautiful, my darling,
beautiful in every way.
Song of Solomon 4v7
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 11/9/2009 7:07:48 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Continual Praise
It’s been a while since I’ve written. I’m doing my best at getting back to the place where I knew the LORD the best… exercising at 4 am… Bible studying at 5am… wishing that there was more time with the LORD at 6 am.
My husband, Dave, and I have been working hard at starting our new Celebrate Recovery group. To me – it felt like I did a majority of the work. The hard part is out of the way. There were a bunch of preliminary items to take care of: advertising, purchasing food supplies and items, making signs, organizing a table tub, etc. It wasn’t too bad – I wasn’t freaked out. This is God’s program so no freaking out is absolutely welcomed!
I’m excited as more and more people express an interest in the group. I’m excited because I know that healing waits for them. I also know that God will only build the group as He sees fit. My responsibilities will even out eventually. For now, I need to spend more time with Him.
God has been teaching me about how I talk about Dave. I am too quick to point out his shortcomings to others… Too quick to let his mannerisms and habits get in the way. Too quick… (I know - sometimes the truth is very ugly.)
Jas 1:19b - 20 But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
I can’t say that I was truly angry at Dave at times… but my frustration level was way too high.
.
.
.
...... God also showed me something as I struggle with temptations. At times I feel helpless and hopeless and I do what I don’t want to do.
(Sound familiar? Rom 7:14-15 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.)
When I am thinking about that temptation… my focus is on that temptation. What if…
What if maybe I changed my focus? Check this out:
Psa 34:1-5 A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
No – I’m not saying that I should feign madness to drive away the temptation… look at this part: “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” I have found that it’s even more difficult to carry through with acting out a temptation when I choose to praise the LORD.
Try it – sing a praise song while you are trying to smoke a cigarette. Doesn’t feel right, does it? How ‘bout talking to God while you are thinking about sexual temptations? How about exclaiming, “Praise the LORD!” right before you begin to gossip about someone?
Remembering that we are never really alone – knowing that God is always beside us takes the excitement and fire out of sin, doesn’t it?
This week His praise will continually be in my mouth… because I want more of Him and less of me.
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 12/10/2009 7:58:50 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Does it ever get old?
Once again, I spent time in a women’s prison. I was up at a dark and cold 4 a.m. in order to be ready for the bus ride to the unit. Most of the other women chattered excitedly as the bus jostled down the road. I slept.
“Oh LORD,” I prayed, “please make this experience fresh to me again.” This was my 17th event as I volunteered for Bill Glass Champions for Life. Many of the women on the bus were ‘freshmen’ – first timers. The excitement and nervous anticipation they felt was evident and possibly contagious.
I knew the drill: waiting in line to check in, when to push on the security doors as they are unlocked, listening intently to officers orders with quick obedience. I loved the familiarity of the system.
I met hundreds of women during the two days. I shook hands, smiled and encouraged them as they pursued a relationship with Christ. “LORD, please don’t let me leave without knowing in my heart how special serving You really is,” I prayed quietly in my spirit.
Eight women I prayed with were ready to rededicate their lives to Christ. The tears welling up in their eyes were evidence of God working in their hearts. God always shows up in prison, I thought smiling to myself. My heart was warm because I knew I was witnessing a new and wonderful beginning for these women. They are new creations today….
The last program was touching… earnest tears rolling down cheeks with fervor in a small, cold chapel. God was moving. He was touching lives as no one else can. Our time as volunteers was short. We would be leaving in less than an hour. I silently spoke to God, “Father, please make prison ministry new to me. Don’t forget my prayer.”
I circled up with about twelve women after the program. They all had an active relationship with Christ. “What do you guys want to talk about?” I asked. They smiled from the heart. Each woman had a searching question about Jesus. One woman was so hungry for Christ, she could barely contain herself. She had tears in her eyes and the intensity of her questions pierced my heart with gladness.
The officers determined our time was up. What was left unsaid would never be said. God would have to fill in the gaps – and I trusted Him to do so. The Bill Glass volunteers were asked to line up at the door to the chapel. Surprisingly, cheers went up. The inmates were giving us a standing ovation! Enthusiastic clapping, whistling… and they were calling out our names. They remembered who spoke to them in huddles around the room.
“Bless you, Sylvia!”
“Thank you, Sandy!”
“Kelly! Come back again!”
I was taken aback. I could barely breathe. These ladies found a way to bless us… not through a gift, not through a secret letter… but through their spoken words.
“Rachel! Rachel! We love you!”
… and I choked back the tears as I exited the building with the others. “Thank you, Father, for reviving my passion for prison ministry,” I whispered, “You are faithful… I love You.”
Does it ever get old?
Never.
Love always,
Rachel
~ * ~
Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope;
This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.
Zechariah 9:12 NASB
~ * ~
PS. Please consider being part of my prison ministry team by praying for these women and their families: Sylvia A., Ashley F., Brenda W., Dee Dee T., Nichole H., Eva B., Cynthia McF., Betty W., Darlene (who is so hungry for Christ), and Sancelia’s family.
PPS. My husband, Dave, had a really cool experience, too. He spent two days in two different men’s prisons. The highlight of his weekend was leading a man, who was living in Ad. Seg., to Christ. Jesus met them there… right through the food shoot. God shows up in prison!
(Ad. Seg. is the hole or solitary confinement. It’s where they send violent offenders for separation from the rest of the inmates – also used for punishment. The inmate has no physical contact with anyone.)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 2/4/2010 4:15:12 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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A Surprise January 2010
Austin, TX
It was another weekend in prison. Another line to wait in. Another security search. Excited anticipation.
A hard week of spiritual warfare at home was a foretelling of a fantastic weekend with God behind bars. I knew God had some exciting experiences waiting for me just down the hall. I call those experiences 'surprises'.
I joined maybe seventy-five volunteers as we made our way to a ready room. There we gathered and waited as our leaders worked out last minute details with the Lieutenant in charge. The excited anticipation had surged into loud chatter and nervous laughter.
God’s surprise had a name – Hattie to be exact. She was a dark-skinned elderly woman. She wore a long blue denim dress. Her black curly hair peaked out from under a soft black velvet hat. The joy of the LORD bubbled out of her when she spoke. Her smile twinkled with a little bit of gold which outlined her front teeth. Her servant’s heart depended on her health and what her body allowed her to withstand. Today was a good day for her.
Someone mentioned we should sing. Hattie would lead us. She stood at the front of the room wrapped in grace. It seemed as if she was standing at the very feet of Jesus. We joined in as her strong and sure voice rose to the heavens in adoration. Together we offered up the words to How Great Thou Art to our Maker, our Protector.
I closed my eyes as I sang from the depths of my heart knowing that God was already at work. I felt as though, if I opened my eyes, I would see no less than a legion of angels surrounding us as we prepared to fight a battle for the LORD.
Tears fell. Hearts were broken. We were ready….
Love always,
Rachel
~ * ~
"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth;
I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden wealth of secret places,
So that you may know that it is I,
The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name."
Isaiah 45v2-3 NASB
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 4/1/2010 10:26:26 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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A God Thing
Since I've last written, I've participated in another Weekend of Champions for Bill Glass. I had the privilege of going into a womens' Federal unit.
As we entered the gate - the officers had tables set up with folders of paperwork. It wasn't long before they figured out that they had been given the wrong volunteer list. They needed to run background checks on all 45 participants while we waited.
Waiting seemed like an inconvenience - be we were flexible and made the best of the situation by getting to know one another. We waited for at least an hour before the officials decided to let us in - without completing all the background checks. I'm sure someone in the office was having a high-pressured, difficult time!
This unit hadn't had a Bill Glass program in over 15 years. They were cautious as we started our day. (It really wasn't our day - it was the LORD's day!) The prison officials notified our group leader that no previous offenders would be allowed in - unless they had been released 10 or more years ago.
They didn't realize that one woman with us was a previous offender and she had been released only two years ago. The officials talked with our group leader when they found out. After several minutes of conversation - the officials decided to allow the woman to participate, but they would assign an officer to watch her very closely.
This was all part of God's plan. You see, an inmate will warm up to an an ex-offender much more quickly than anyone else. This woman was able to lead several inmates to the LORD.
Why is this a God thing? If the prison would have had the correct volunteer list three weeks prior, the volunteer would've gotten a phone call telling her that she could not participate that weekend.
Sooo.... our inconvenience was God at work!
-------
In home-life news:
My husband has another brain tumor. These pesky tumors are truly thorns in his side! They are meningioma tumors that tend to grow back after removal. This one is growing in the spot where his first one (the size of a tennis ball) was removed. He is in the process of testing in order to see how to treat this one. This is my husband's fourth tumor.... God took tumor number 2 away. It disappeared from the brain scans. 
A few weeks ago - I found myself in the emergency room waiting for a doctor to check out my husband after he had a seizure. A man in a room next to us just received the news that he had congestive heart failure. Hearing how this man handled the news made me think about how we live each day.
As a Christian - we know that God numbers our days. Most of us are fine with that fact and don't give it a second thought. Why, then, do we freak out when man puts a number to our days? Does man's opinion hold more weight than God's?
I hope that if my days are ever numbered by men... that I will have the strength to live each day to the fullest and that I will continue to spend time loving to the fullest. God numbers my days... and I trust Him with my life.
Living with my husband's challenges with brain tumors has given me a new perspective on life. I'm thankful for.... everything. Mostly, I'm thankful as I wake for another day to spend with Jesus.
Love always,
Rachel
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צוּר On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Psalms 62:7 NASB
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 4/19/2010 10:52:07 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 3143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
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Just a Ramble
Do you ever get the feeling that someone is upset with you... but you don't know what you did?
Those thoughts have been running through my head lately... but in my experience, every time I've had those thoughts, and I've asked the person, I've been wrong.
Soo.... I'm not going to worry. Maybe wonder a little - but not worry.
...
It's been a little freaky in my life lately. People at work making assumptions and then spreading rumors. It's a very sad thing to happen.
I have this to say: I live my life for Jesus. If He asks me to do something - I obey as best as I know how and that's that. The adventures and the closeness to Him I've experienced from this obedience has been phenomenal. I don't live for someone else. I don't live for my church. I live for Him.
...
Here's some news that makes my heart smile. One of my good friends in prison led another man to the LORD a few days ago! Way to be, Charles!
Life is not really about us. Trials are not always about us.
...
Philippians 4:4-9 NASB
(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
(5) Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
(6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
(7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(8) Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
(9) The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ * ~
Dwelling on good things: (in no particular order)
~ how my mom's little dog prances around when he hears my car in the drive
~ enjoying the huge azalea bush in the next yard over
~ watching an armadillo skip through the yard across the street
~ listening to my girls talk and giggle in their bedrooms
~ phone calls with friends
~ listening to my dog gently snore as he sleeps under my bed at night
~ when my husband sees something that tickles his spirit so much that he can't contain his laughter
~ letters from inmates
~ knowing that I'm God's daughter
~ playing my guitar
~ a cool breeze that gently whispers, "I love you, Rachel. You are mine."
~ reading my Bible and spending time with God
...
...... and I've been thinking about my focus. Where is my focus? I choose Christ.
All we can do is live and love one day at a time.
....
Thanks for reading my ramble. I feel much better now!
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/20/2010 10:09:40 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 3143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
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LYF
Father's Day, 2010
I was asked to give the Father's Day message in church today. I was honored to do so. I prepared well and printed out everything I wanted to say. I've found that I am able to speak much better when I'm able to read my thoughts. Doing so helps me to keep on track.
I was a little nervous... I asked Jesus for three simple things: a steady voice, eye contact, and for His will to be done. I wanted to the message to be His and not mine.
He gave me a steady voice and eye contact. He also took care of the rest. The message was great... and the Holy Spirit was there filling in the gaps. I almost felt like I was on the side-lines watching God work as I spoke. It was a neat experience.
The best part was that my uncle is the preacher. The church is a Spanish speaking church - and my uncle stood next to me and translated. My mom was so happy... her joy bubbled over as tears streamed down her face at times.
My father would have been bubbling over, too. He would have been sporting an endless smile if he would have seen me and my uncle standing together sharing God's message. My father was a preacher, too.
Anything that happens in my life is because of Jesus. I can do nothing without Him. Today was His day... and He did mighty and wonderful things. I am thankful for the adventures He brings my way.
I miss my Father... but I must live as well as I know how until the day I go Home, too.
My father gave me a book the Christmas before he died. Written in his own handwriting inside the cover was a short note- at the end of a short note were the letters LYF. I didn't discover the inscription until after he died. LYF - Love you forever. I believe in forever because I believe in Jesus.
One day I will go Home, too... and then forever will be real.
Love always,
Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/28/2010 10:45:47 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 3143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
Status: offline
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Out of the Basket
Into His Light
Many of my forum friends have found themselves in circumstances which tossed them into a basket labeled ‘unemployment’. Some have been unemployed for a few months and one or two have been unemployed for more than a year.
As an encourager at heart, I need eye opening moments. Truthfully, it’s very easy to encourage someone when his or her circumstances are not happening to me. The last month or so has been a reality check for me; it’s been my eye opening moment. I’ve also been tossed into the ‘unemployment’ basket – and I am thankful.
It’s officially been one month since I’ve worked. My finances have been challenged to the level of extinction. Soon, it will be July. The car-loan people will be breathing hot air down my back in about 15 days. The rent is due. There are groceries to be purchased. To tell you the truth – this month is looking a little dim. And so it looks for millions of people across our nation.
I’m here to remind you (and me) that looks aren’t everything – especially when you are walking the path that Jesus walks. There is more to this life than a paycheck and bills. There is more to this life than worry and stress.
There is joy.
Joy comes from being connected to Christ.
Joy is not dependant on our circumstances.
I was reminded of this yesterday as my family and I sat, yet again, in strange pews in a strange church among people we did not know. (Church hunting never seems like a fun activity – does it?) The pastor began his sermon, “We must abide in Christ….” He went on to explain the importance of abiding in Christ using John chapter 15 as his text.
If you don’t remember the passage, than take a look for yourself. Here is a reminder verse for you, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
Living this life as a follower of Christ is not easy. Somehow – somewhere, we got the idea that when we asked Jesus into our hearts, and when we surrendered to His will – life would be hunky dory. Life isn’t hunky dory… because we need a lot of work in order to be more like Christ!
Look at this: “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2 NASB)
I don’t know about you, but being pruned sounds painful. I’m thinking that maybe, just maybe… this time in my life may be part of God’s task of pruning one of His branches – me.
Get our your Bible and read the red letters for yourself. John 15: 1-11.
What does pruning have to do with joy? (I didn’t forget; I just took the scenic route to get here.)
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11 NASB, emphasis mine.)
Here’s a recap: God is the vinedresser, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. When God cuts off the ‘bad’ parts of the branches, the branches flourish with new growth because they are connected to the vine.
So – my circumstances are just that: circumstances.
… and my joy is just that: Joy!
Take heart, my job-seeking friends. Look past the bill collectors, the empty gas tank, and maybe even the peanut butter and crackers in your cupboard to see what really counts – Jesus. He is the source of your strength. He will provide. You will eventually flourish!
I love you, my friends. Let’s step out of the basket and into His marvelous light!
Love always,
Rachel
~ * ~
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
"For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NASB
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/9/2010 1:38:18 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 3143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
Status: offline
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Fix Your Gaze
Sometimes it’s so easy for us as human beings to be caught in a lie that the world, and Satan, tells us – “Follow your heart.” Nowhere in the Bible does it say to do so.
I’ll give you a real (my) life example. Once upon a very long time ago, I was in a horrible marriage. My husband was verbally and emotionally abusive. To be honest, I wasn’t very emotionally healthy, either. I had this crazy idea that I wanted someone to save me from my marriage. Did you get that? Someone. Not God.
“Your marriage isn’t working. Your husband is a jerk. You should follow your heart. How can it lead you wrong?” Satan gently hissed into my ear. I wanted to believe the lie. False hope always sounds so good.
I proceeded to fall in love with my husband’s best friend. Yes, that’s right – his best friend. His friend fell in love with me, too. He was kind, he cared about me, he supported me in all that I wanted to do… he was married.
I was married.
My life was a mess.
I let myself believe that this man could ‘save’ me. I let my heart lead my actions. I was not thinking clearly and I certainly was not considering how my actions affected my husband or my children.
The Bible clearly says, “ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) The Bible goes on to tell us how to guard our hearts: don’t talk about corrupt things, stay away from anything perverse, and don’t swerve to the right or left. Instead, we are to fix our gaze directly before us (not down the road) and make level paths for our feet (this indicates a little work because we are to take on ways that are firm).
The book of Jeremiah drives the point home, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB)
I remember that my father was livid. Yet, I couldn’t understand why he was so upset. I knew that my new life would be fine… right?
Fast forward through a breakup and a divorce to several years later…
I sat riveted in my chair. The pastor was preaching about how precious marriage is. Precious? Marriage is precious? I thought. He went on to say that marriage is precious in the eyes of Jesus. Marriage is so precious that Jesus used it as an example so we could understand how wonderful His coming back to earth will be. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:17 NASB)
Jesus does not take marriage lightly – even bruised or damaged marriages.
I didn’t want to miss one word of the message. I’m pretty sure I was holding my breath. “If a married man is attracted to you, run away as fast as you can!” the pastor exclaimed. He continued, “Ladies, if you are attracted to a married man – put as much distance between you and him as you can. Marriage is serious business! If you have any part of breaking up a marriage – you will be seriously talking to Jesus.” Being accountable for playing a part in a broken marriage does not sound like my idea of fun. I was ready to listen now.
I thought a lot about this sermon over the years. Now that I can see more clearly I understand how important marriage is. Marriage is not to be considered lightly, it’s not something that should be a result of blindly following my heart, and it really is ‘until death do us part’. Marriage is a daily choice to love.
Marriage is not something we promise to another in order to 'fix' a horrible situation.
Thankfully, God didn’t give me a husband until I was ready. He waited until I was really living for Him and focused on Him daily: heart, mind, body, and soul. God restored my life and has shown me more grace and mercy than I ever deserved. He also protected my two youngest children. They have chosen to live for Him and continually make that choice on a daily basis.
All this to say... Don’t listen to the whispers, my friend. Focus on the LORD and keep on the steady path. He knows you, your pain, and your desires. He will give you the desires of your heart – in His way and in His timing. Fix your gaze on Jesus.
Love always,
Rachel
~*~
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/20/2010 11:01:29 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 3143
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: my computer to yours
Status: offline
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You are invited to a day of prayer and fasting for those who need an income.
July 24th, 2010
I'm looking forward to blessings for many beyond measure!
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