Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Eucharisteo

   "Canceled." I read the text and shot back a demanding, "Why?!" A simple response, "The roads suck." I glance out the window and look at the huge snowflakes falling from the sky, slush covers the road and wind whips the snow laden branches. Immediate ungratefulness settles in my heart. "Why can't the plows get out there and clean the road off?! It's completely ridiculous that they haven't done it yet..."

  BAM. It hits. He tells me to knock it off and I sigh with regret. 

   I'm reminded of the message yesterday at church, the one about being grateful. But most importantly, being grateful for the little things. My pastor asked the kids to sit up front, and say what they were grateful for. They answered with: food, family, friends, life, cheese, younger siblings, shelter, and my all time favorite, chicken.

   Maybe we need to have the mind of a child, thanking God for the simple things, and having the faith to believe in Him (that's another blog post for another time.)
  
   We're well practiced in thanking God for the big things: praising His name after a surgery went well, and family member healed from cancer, but we very rarely remember to thank Him for the little things. Something simple and in our everyday life, but we don't do it. I pray that my friends and family will remember to not only thank God for the bigs but also for the littles.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Something simple? I don't think so...

 It's finally over.
This day has come to a close and my eyes threaten to close.

   Another typical day in my house. We joke at how many times people get hurt around here. Too many injuries, surgery, and stitches to count. Hospitals have always made me queasy. The smell of them leaks into my very body reminding me of all those days filled with cancer. Unlike the last times though this time we're here for something planned, it isn't life threatening and isn't horrifyingly scary. A simple knee surgery. Yet something yesterday made me quiver in fear. Three years filled with being in hospitals watching my Mom suffer along with my Uncle, made me scared whenever anyone went into the hospital. Even though my life has dramatically changed, I still have held on to this horrible fear...        
  
  We're all human and all very much inclined to being afraid but my question is why? Why are we always so quick to run to fear, rather than lifting our worries up to God and letting Him take it all? My answer: Because being worried/anxious is easier than giving them to God. When you really think about it though.. how stupid is that? We try to take it in: the pain, worry, and anxiousness when all we need to do is turn it over to God and let him transform that pain into freedom. 

   There's been one thing I've learned over these past few years: He'll set you free, but only if you let Him. Give Him all your worries, He can handle it, trust me. He loves you so much and wants nothing more than to have his Son/Daughter run to Him. Imagine Him, with eyes shinning down on you, standing there with open arms, and encasing you in his majestic arms. Taking all the pain and hurt from your life, and lifting the heavy burdens from your heart. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
~Deut 31:8~

The LORD is my light and salvation-- whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?
~Psalms 27:1~

Praise be to the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
~2 Cor 1:3-4~

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
~Isa 26:3~

Be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known  to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
~Phil 4:6-7~

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's almighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
~1 Pet 5:6-7~



In Him,
Rachel

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble

If you read my blog I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a couple of days. 

I'm bogged down with homework, and it's getting pretty intense.

I won't promise anything, cause after all I am human and don't keep all my promises.

Just to give you a just of what's new in my life( or rather what's not) :


Work



Homework, homework, homework....


#slouchhat I've discovered I love them. 

And for all those who know me, (For those who don't know me, my hair was pixie short.) my hair is getting longer! This girl is extremely happy! What ever gave me the silly idea to chop it all off anyways?


Snow. It's happened.
Needless to say converse, flats and cowboy boots are not going to cut in anymore. Boots are a must, along with mittens, hats, and winter coats, and maybe even long johns....

and.. lets see what else..

 I finally got up the nerve to share my story with my Drama Group. Can you say scary, nerve racking, and physicing out!?
God gave me strength to get through it and I managed to not cry!
okay i did get choked up.. but that's doesn't count!


Well that's all for now. I need to warm my fingers cause the college library is FREEZING!

Have a blessed week!
~Rach~

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

7000

Recently checking my page views on my blog I came across this number:

7000


From various countries:

Germany.
Canada.
France.
Ukraine.
Italy.
USA.
Russia.
Netherlands.
United Kingdom.
Belarus.
Israel.

 A smile ran across my face when I saw how many I actually had.

I had no idea.


7000, sticks in my head as a big crazy number. It reminds me of a verse in the Bible,

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Matthew 18:21:22


There's something about the number 7 that I like.

 In all honesty though 11 is my favorite number, just in case you where wondering...


Jesus wasn't saying that we should only count up to 77 and then stop forgiving someone. He meant that we are to forgive someone unconditionally. 

Forgiving them, just like every day He forgives us.