tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68266801043915350362024-03-05T08:35:52.963-08:00Rachel's Random RamblingsRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-78789158306438118452017-03-11T10:06:00.001-08:002017-03-11T10:06:46.695-08:00A Mountain out of a Mole Hill<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bear with me... It was a long, sleepless night and sorting out my thoughts is proving to be difficult..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As many of you know the live action Beauty and the Beast is revealing a homosexual character, Lefou. Also, as many of you know people are outraged by this. Disney is known to produce family friendly films and they are now supportive of LGBT. Since this has come to people's attention I've noticed a lot of disgust and denial. People are conflicted about whether or not they should go and see the movie. I've been trying to figure out where I stand on the subject myself... Because how I see it: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're a bunch of hypocrites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We will sit down for two hours and watch a movie that is filled with horrible language, language that includes taking the Lords name in vain and we'll think nothing of it. But because Disney is supporting homosexuality it's completely different when it shouldn't be. We should be just as mortified about obscenity in the movies we watch on a daily basis as we are about homosexuality coming up in a Disney movie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Proverbs 6:16-19 says:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;">There are</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;">six things that the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; text-indent: -48pt;">hates,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">seven th<span class="offset-marker" data-offset="3351055" id="marker1103976" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>at are an abomination to him:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Proverbs 6:17" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: navy !important; display: inline-block; height: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a> <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.56px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">17 </span> haughty eyes, lying tongue,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and hands that shed innocent blood,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Proverbs 6:18" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: navy !important; display: inline-block; height: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a> <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.56px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">18 </span> a heart that devises wicked plans,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">feet that make haste to run to evil,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Proverbs 6:19" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: navy !important; display: inline-block; height: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a> <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.56px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">19 </span> a false witness who breathes out lies,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and one who sows discord among brothers."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord views lying, swearing, adultery, stealing, murder, coveting, just as sinful as He does sexual immorality. So who are we to throw a tantrum and refuse to watch something when we'll go watch other movies that in Gods eyes are no better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you see where I'm coming from? We need to wake up... We need to stop brushing off the normal, <span style="font-family: inherit;">generic sins we've grown accustomed to and view them on the same level as sexual immorality. Becuase the only sin that takes place above all others is blasphemy of the holy spirit, "</span><span style="background-color: white;">And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." Matthew 12:32</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prover 6 tells us a few verses later...</span><br />
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.56px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">"27 </span> Can a man carry fire next to his chest</div>
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and his clothes not be burned?</div>
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<a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Proverbs 6:28" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: navy !important; display: inline-block; height: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a> <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.56px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">28 </span> Or can one walk on hot coals</div>
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and his feet not be scorched?"</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What we watch affects our hearts. We need to be leery of what may cause us to stumble as Christians. So whether you watch Beauty and the Beast this weekend or you sign a petition, make sure that your reasoning behind it is acceptable and pleasing in Gods sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-82021022073437324172017-01-02T15:11:00.000-08:002017-01-02T15:12:02.133-08:00Something NewIt's been a while.. A whole year in fact. I survived 2016, just in case you were wondering. Some might say it was the worst year yet. Personally I think they need to take a step back and get their head screwed back on straight! I don't think 2016 was the worst year yet, in fact it was the exact opposite.<br />
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This is what's happened in my 2016...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYtFoxSEgcyMc8yEP0mK5hoihSdb9b-15Ilv9Abnf0ICA6__JOUZ5gKcOkCeOEbGBy78uqXfp9frOnKaM8k_znSnBBKfyzVpyndLZQKMJ6ZLNMvzLRK9ifpiaEQspwA4FuetkDGOLORMX/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYtFoxSEgcyMc8yEP0mK5hoihSdb9b-15Ilv9Abnf0ICA6__JOUZ5gKcOkCeOEbGBy78uqXfp9frOnKaM8k_znSnBBKfyzVpyndLZQKMJ6ZLNMvzLRK9ifpiaEQspwA4FuetkDGOLORMX/s320/IMG_4172.JPG" width="320" /></a>January of 2016 I switched over from elementary teaching to attaining a certificate in Medical Assisting. I started taking classes like: Human Biology, Medical Terminology, Filling and Record Keeping, and seeking out acceptance into the MA program at NCMC. It was kinda like culture shock.. Going from English/History/Math based classes to only going to classes in the Science building.<br />
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Also in January, Hannah and Tyler announced that they were pregnant! They made us wait two weeks before we were allowed to tell other people which wasn't easy. We quickly found out that Baby Trout was a Little Miss, and our anticipation to meet her grew!<br />
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3qp25t8skRlC1fZRNGB_JWgmOO76oARYn-uu4GIng_skeW8I73iAB0WhOWnk8r4RR7ytxwW0k6FDwzu7bvzu-Lo4tiBTt-m0cDwQU6d-EVvyysdb_YAgikiMCSbgW_J-DQbYDfPy0Z3E/s1600/13575990_987731174659203_4443804884304717125_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3qp25t8skRlC1fZRNGB_JWgmOO76oARYn-uu4GIng_skeW8I73iAB0WhOWnk8r4RR7ytxwW0k6FDwzu7bvzu-Lo4tiBTt-m0cDwQU6d-EVvyysdb_YAgikiMCSbgW_J-DQbYDfPy0Z3E/s320/13575990_987731174659203_4443804884304717125_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></ul>
The summer of 2016 went by just as quickly: I started working at the Rocking Horse Toy Co. in May after college got out.<br />
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In June, I was able to watch a dear friend of mine say, "I do" to the love of her life!<br />
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Sometime around spring Hannah was put on bed rest, you can follow her story <a href="https://ladytrout.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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July, I turned 21! Woot Woot! And a day later I started a relationship with Tom, as Mom like's to refer to him as, "the young man that we all like!" I'm still on cloud 9!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YBxQ-WcfL0P7kEKkl_z9UBCjTlyIG0tHs9cqMQRZ_h49HEc9EJpS5d-P0vywKW__7XhkaIRKoxBttoOVk4n5S0xk3jwf0JQdw_oAi-gIwcy4mF_a4xDdWUqrLmf2urhRcckrxqsMasmu/s1600/IMG_6186%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YBxQ-WcfL0P7kEKkl_z9UBCjTlyIG0tHs9cqMQRZ_h49HEc9EJpS5d-P0vywKW__7XhkaIRKoxBttoOVk4n5S0xk3jwf0JQdw_oAi-gIwcy4mF_a4xDdWUqrLmf2urhRcckrxqsMasmu/s320/IMG_6186%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a>August went by quickly, I continued to work at the Rocking Horse and still manage my business in Bay View landscaping. I was accepted in the Medical Assistant program and was able to apply for select classes .<br />
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Classes started in September after we walked the bridge on labor day with our friends, Jay and Cindy.<br />
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Elise Ann Armantrout was born September 27th, and she looks just like her Daddy, Tyler.</div>
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We are all smitten with her and love watching her grow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyCdHyskQNwt7tz1BdhzcYYwiVXwC0EvvqnaxD1NYKZRubLGMIdrd1seSEXsogMnaeQ6I7PeNxoKPuUUv5Gzv4TTahwhM0rzjRyaidqy43-kR0390DN7kxzDJR5v_ICYTuCjaO8VwTKA3/s1600/IMG_6321%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyCdHyskQNwt7tz1BdhzcYYwiVXwC0EvvqnaxD1NYKZRubLGMIdrd1seSEXsogMnaeQ6I7PeNxoKPuUUv5Gzv4TTahwhM0rzjRyaidqy43-kR0390DN7kxzDJR5v_ICYTuCjaO8VwTKA3/s320/IMG_6321%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The last few months since Elise was born have gone by just as quickly as the rest! Before I knew it classes were drawing to an end and it was time to decorate for Christmas.<br />
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Some may say that the events of 2016 were awful. We have a new president, famous actors and actresses passed away, and our country has gone through turmoil. But to me, the events of 2016 were exciting, new, and wonderful.<br />
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The difference is perspective, when you don't have the knowledge and hope of Jesus, 2016 is indeed awful. But when you have that hope and the realization that He is the one that holds it all; 2016 doesn't seem so bad.<br />
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Remember that Jesus Christ is the one that you need to put your hope in, the God that knows the future of what is to come. We have no need to fear, because we can put our hope <span style="font-family: inherit;">and trust in the God that already knows it all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the </span><span class="sc" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;">." Is 55:8</span></b></span><br />
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In Him,<br />
Rachel<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-10653359953687910342016-01-27T12:12:00.002-08:002016-01-27T12:12:26.616-08:00Self Worth This has been a topic specifically written for women, has been weighing heavy on my heart. I pray that it comes across clear and precise and that you are able to take something out of it.<br />
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The world has been telling young girls/women that we have to look and act like such in order to stand out and gain a man's attention. And we as women have been listening and paying close attention to what the world is whispering in our ears. I honestly find this kind of ironic because when we dress in the latest styles and act a certain way we aren't catching (the average) man's attention. We're catching other women's attention. From what I've gathered from my brother in law, brother and some of my guy friends, they hardly notice (if at all) if you're wearing the latest shade of lipstick, donning the most recent pair of uggs, or have your hair styled perfectly. I'm not talking about your husband, boyfriend, or fiance; they are important men in your life and they should notice! I'm talking about your average Joe, the guy you walk by in Walmart or in the class hallway.<br />
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First day of classes and I decided to ditch my tall brown boots for my warm bogs. (In case you don't know what they are: picture heavy duty rubber boots that clunk when you walk) As well as pulling on my warm, oversized hoody instead of the original outfit I had planned. I figured warmth was better than dressing,"cute" seeing that we had accumulated two feet of snow in 48 hours. In the first class of the semester the professor likes to make everyone introduce their self. In the 30 seconds of saying my name and sharing a bit about myself I cannot tell you how many young women gave me the up-down. Yet, the men in the class albeit there were only four out of twenty-two just listened and made occasional eye contact. </div>
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Women are such.. Hypocrites. I know both male and female are but it seems to me that women are incredibly talented at it. And that's coming from me, a young woman myself! Why do we feel like we have to impress the other people around us? What has our outward appearance come to? I'm pointing fingers at myself as much as I am the next girl. I've succumbed to looking and acting the part so much that I don't remember who I am some days. When a woman scrutinizes the way I look it makes me feel like I'm the weakest and most insignificant person around, and yet I turn around and do it to the next girl that walks by. Why do we do this? Why do we constantly judge, scrutinize, and analyze what other people are doing?<br />
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Now, please realize I'm not bashing the women that enjoy noticing what other girls are wearing because I do realize that is a thing. But if you're obviously going to analyze someones outfit make sure you compliment them! Otherwise the women that is being looked at will wonder whats wrong! I mean seriously if I was going to give you a complete top to bottom-good-long-stare you're going to wonder what's wrong with your hair, whether your shirt is stained, jeans are ripped, etc. and you will dwell on that for a long time. But if I were to look at what you're wearing and then compliment you on some aspect of it you'll float on cloud nine for a couple minutes.<br />
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We judge becuase we are insecure and we are insecure becuase we derive our worth from the people around us. We are insecure because we are not trusting, relying, and seeking the one who created our very being. We as women seem to have a hard time accepting who we are. There is always something that we will be complaining about, whether it's a bad hair day, our jeans are, "suddenly" too small, or our conditioner didn't rinse. We are imperfect human beings created by a perfect God. A God that see's you as a precious child and holds you in the palm of his hand. He adores you. Utterly adores you and not just the parts that you actually like. He adores the stretch marks on your thighs, your dimples, the freckles, and scars on your face. Every aspect of your body He loves and adores. If I were to take something that you created and loved and told you everything that was wrong with it you would be crushed. So when we take our bodies and complain, destroy, and hate them it deeply saddens our creator.<br />
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It goes hand in hand with how we judge, scrutinize, and belittle a woman for what she looks like/is wearing. We are instructed by God to, "do not judge, or you too will be judge" and not only that we will be judged by God in the, "manner that we judge". So all around we are hurting and causing sorrow to other women and our creator by the actions that we choose. How you view yourself and the way you view others will be taken into account by God, and that isn't something to be taken lightly..<br />
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Dear one, stop looking for the affirmations of the world. It will get you nowhere and you'll only end up feeling worthless. Take your worth from Him because He is the only one that will give you the truth.<br />
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In Him,<br />
Rachel</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-21472966399698101142016-01-18T12:45:00.001-08:002016-01-21T14:15:31.068-08:00Everyday LifeMuch has happened since I last wrote.<br>
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Guatemala was incredible, and I cannot wait to go back.<br>
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Thanksgiving came and went with a table full of family.<br>
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I finished the semester of 19 credits/6 classes, and I'm happy to say I'm still alive.<br>
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Christmas was wonderful with time spent with family and friends.<br>
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2015 ended.<br>
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I changed my degree( ya I know... again)<br>
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College started back up this week.<br>
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In the past four weeks as I waited for classes to start up again I was restless and didn't know what to do half the time. With my job being at the college it also meant I had four weeks off work as well. You might say, "4 weeks off and she's complaining about it?!" Well, that is partially true, there were days that I didn't want to do anything but curl up in my bed and sleep, after all I deserved it right? College isn't easy, finals aren't easy, quizzes, tests, exams aren't, "easy". I worked my butt off and still managed to get a couple B's. At the start of break I was determined to only sleep in on Fridays and Saturdays. Monday rolled around and I quickly shut my alarm off and fell back asleep waking up two hours later. I shrugged if off to the 19 credit semester and continued this pattern for the better part of three weeks. In short, I sleep too much. I could try to blame it on the hypothyroidism and how it causes lethargy/depressions/etc but I've done that for far too long. In all honesty I'm not sure what I'm trying to get at. My break was long and had too many days of sleeping in. I got little accomplished and I am still the same Rachel as I was before.<br>
<br><br>At the beginning of Christmas break I was determined to use the four weeks to become someone that was more happy, cheerful, and over all a better person. I quickly realized on the long cold winter days it was going to take more than just waking up at a decent time, showering, cleaning the house, and staying off Facebook. My lack of productivity after an intense semester was driving me bonkers. It took me far too long to realize that what I needed to pursue was Him and not a myriad of things to keep me busy. I regret not spending those long afternoons wrapped up in His word, learning more about Him... If I had to look back at those three weeks and tell you what I accomplished the list would be short and mainly consist of scrolling through Facebook (don't worry i won't start an anti fb rant in "this" blog). Once I finally realized that I couldn't derive my joy/happiness/cheerfulness/ etc. on what I did in a day I was able to focus on what was important rather than continuing to complain(though that still happened on occasion, just ask my little sister). <div><br></div><div>My point is that the contents of our day should not determine our attitude, but rather how we pursue and talk to Him throughout the day should determine it. When we focus our attention on the creator of that day it builds up our joy. Long days are rough, and ones that are gloomy and raining/snowing are even worse. But when we look to Him and give Him the day that He created we gain an incredible Joy that only comes from Him. Next time there's a day that you can't seem to get through talk to Him about it, tell Him what's on your heart and mind. He wants nothing more than to be apart of your everyday life.</div><div><br></div><div>In Him,</div><div>Rachel <br>
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<br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-50572542003524499392015-10-30T13:46:00.001-07:002015-10-30T17:37:49.303-07:00Going Home.The church van rumbles down the highway, Kimble sleeps in the back seat and Sarah sits contentedly beside me. The 16 year olds chatter back and forth in the front seat, and the not so newly weds take control of the driving. The more, "sophisticated" car follows behind and I sit here with Homors Iliad book 24 on my lap. <div><br></div><div>My heart is content, bouncing off the walls, and filled with joy. In less than 30 hours I will be back in Guatemala and holding my little girls in my arms. A year ago I was able to go on a missions trip with Orphans heart and The Lord has let me go back once again. </div><div><br></div><div>To my family and friends that read this thank you for your prayers, blessings, and helping send us out. Please pray that we would be able to show the love of Jesus to the kids and their nannies. That we would truly be His hands and feet to the people of Guatemala. I ask also that you would pray for us a team. Pray that we would each discover God in a whole new way, that we would each fall in love with Him all over again. Pray that we would let Him change us and grow each team member to grow closer to Him. </div><div><br></div><div>We're taking newbies, experienced travelers, moms, students, teens.. And our team couldn't be more perfect. God allowed each one of us on this trip for a reason. </div><div><br></div><div>So thank you for your prayers in advance and I'm sure I'll have stories to tell when I come back!</div><div><br></div><div>In Him, </div><div>Rachel</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-9586054203637570672015-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:002015-10-11T17:44:35.001-07:00Fragmented SentencesI blinked and summer is over. This summer held so many wonderful memories, and it also held memories that I never wanted to come so quickly. Though there is pain and grief I know that my Saviour will bring joy in the morning.<br>
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The summer started off after my graduation from North Central Michigan College. (That was the easy part.) The college allowed me to walk despite the fact that I wouldn't be graduated until the end of summer because I was two credits short. So I enrolled in a summer class to cover those two dreaded credits,and it was probably the most boring and tedious one of them all. "Administrations and Programs for Early Childhood" Blech, right?<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZfXC4CgNl2wilqiBFivamivGQ7JnxM4UoitdjM39VJrRuKMy9VZNZobxFayor1O3DpvCky4HsFa_k2bjgZfRAWSbgmAjmEq_xdCc6YUMokdlnSnRod0kEP6cHf0qViRb0HfPOhPFUXG5/s1600/DSC_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZfXC4CgNl2wilqiBFivamivGQ7JnxM4UoitdjM39VJrRuKMy9VZNZobxFayor1O3DpvCky4HsFa_k2bjgZfRAWSbgmAjmEq_xdCc6YUMokdlnSnRod0kEP6cHf0qViRb0HfPOhPFUXG5/s400/DSC_1536.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And... I'm still the shortest even with the silly hat!</td></tr>
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So you get the picture. Graduation: Done(sorta). Summer Class: Under Progress. Since the class was online I didn't have to worry with it interfering with my summer job. Though life happened as it always does and I was let go early(like three months early) from my job. Leaving me almost job less at the start of summer. I say almost because I still had a part time job working in Bay View as a personal gardener/landscaper for a lady I met through my job at the Garden Center.<br>
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So I was taking an online class that is close to miserable, and now I'm without a source of income. </div>
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In mid-June Cancer once again struck its head, making me hate the disease even more. There were days that I just wanted to throw everything away and give up. I didn't have a job, and everything felt like it was crashing down. By my standards I was a failure. Then driving home one day I heard, "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten, and as pathetic as it sounds God used a secular song to get my head back on straight. So getting myself back into gear I advertised my business and ended up with five houses that I worked for in Bay View, and in the end doing financially better than I was at my old job. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Dan with my older sister, Hannah in 1994(?)</td></tr>
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Then July 18th happened, two days after my 20th birthday, Uncle Dan passed away to cancer.(I wrote about it <a href="http://randomramblings95.blogspot.com/2015/07/dads-phone-rang-morning-at-6am-rousing.html" target="_blank">here</a>) It came as a shock to us all. Unlike the last death that cancer claimed this time there was a great presence of Gods peace rather than hatred and chaos. Though God gave us peace and we grew closer as a family, though that still didn't make the actual pain of death go away.</div>
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I don't know if you've ever been through the death of a family member but it's a feeling that never goes away. Think of it like sitting on the beach and the waves are lapping at your toes, you're fine for a few moments and then the tide rolls in drenching you in a wave of painful emotions. There are days when that ocean is as still as glass, and other days when there's vast under current threatening to pull you under. The only thing that will help you stand back up and dry off is letting Jesus hold you close drawing you out of the raging waters and set you back up on your feet.</div>
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After July was over nothing too significant happened in August, we didn't participate in the annual Emmet County Fair due to a sick horse. Before we knew it, it was September we were walking across the mackinaw bridge on Labor Day with our friends, Jay and Cindy.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assoc. of General Studies</td></tr>
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It's now October and I'm taking 18 credits at NCMC. I finally have my diploma!!!! And life is back to my new normal. (Yay, for fragmented sentences!) I still miss my uncle terribly and there are still days when I get caught in the undercurrent of emotions. But this summer isn't one that I would trade for the world. God placed challenges in my life, and He showed me how to rely on his mercies every day. For that I will praise Him and continue to live the life that He blessed me with.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br>
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<b><i>"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;great is thy faithfulness." Lam 3:22-23</i></b></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-71526878798683813992015-07-19T10:41:00.000-07:002015-07-22T13:07:52.110-07:00July 18th<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></span> Dad's phone rang this morning at 6am rousing me out of a deep sleep. He didn't answer it in time and 30 seconds later it rang again, this time sounding more urgent. His footsteps thudded down the hallway moving farther out of ear shot with each step. Making out only the words, "Hi Daniel..." I laid in bed wide awake, listening to mom now get out of bed and move down the hallway. "Maybe Uncle Dan has had a miraculous recovery and that's why his son is calling so early.." I knew my thinking was far fetched but I didn't want to believe the real reason behind the phone call. I convinced myself to fall back asleep and woke up three hours later. Doing what everyone these days seems to do in the morning, I reached for my phone and opened up Facebook. Scrolling through my news feed I didn't paying attention to what I was looking at when I heard my Dad down the hallway tell Mom I was still asleep and he'd tell me when I woke up. In that moment I stopped scrolling and looked at my phone. "Pray for the family of Dan Zowada, Tim's brother, he passed away at 5am..." I sat up in shock and stared at my phone.Once again Cancer has struck its head and took one more person out of my life and my family's. <br><br>
My Uncle Dan could make anyone laugh. When I was a little girl he could entertain me for hours with his magic tricks (that I still haven't figured out) as well as always beat me in Clue. He'd take me and my sisters for rides in his convertible, letting us sit on the back and wave like princesses as he drove down the dirt road. Sitting in the rocking chair with his eyes closed he'd listen to me play the piano, often singing along in his rich tenor voice. I'd beam when he told me I play beautifully and play one more song just to impress him. Uncle Dan enjoyed playing his harmonica and telling jokes that would send me into a giggling fit after he explained them to me. He was a man that loved his gadgets and would often bring them Up North to show them off. Often resulting in endless hours searching for a remote-controlled helicopter that flew out of range and landed in the swamp down the road. His eyes would light up when he was about to say something silly, and his deep chuckle could make many smile. Apart from being the jokester Uncle Dan was a man of God. I could continue to tell you stories about all the things he's done but I think his relationship with God is the one that is the most important. He believed with all his heart that Jesus was his lord and savior, becuase of this I know that I will see him again. He won't be in pain or have a body filled with a deadly sickness. Maybe he'll be sitting up in heaven doing magic tricks with the angels, and possibly even beat them in Clue. Today is not a day that I am going to dwell on the fact that cancer won. Because ultimately cancer didn't win. My uncle is alive more than he ever has been before, and he gets to spend eternity with our creator. Today is a day that I will thank God for taking him home, and praise His name that I will be able to see my uncle again.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-8758796957243442412015-04-21T07:55:00.001-07:002015-04-22T05:52:16.407-07:00Breathe I'm graduating this spring in 16 days with my Associates of General Studies, with more Early childhood, and English classes than you'd care to count. With all that being said I have to actually figure out what I want to do with my life. There have been a lot of ideas floating around in my mind... Though none seem like they actually fit. All of them were ideas that other people had come up with, and not me. There is one that still remains prominent in my mind, I'm not really sure yet.<br />
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So, what do you do when you're not sure? When the road starts to turn and twist and you can't see past the next bend? What do you do...</div>
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I'll tell you what I did: I had a major meltdown. Like crying, blubbering, and refusing to do anything but eat chocolate and drink diet coke. Pathetic, right? Coming out of said meltdown with tears plopping in large puddles on the pages of my bible I came across this verse:<br />
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<b>"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name, May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD even as we put out hope in you." Psalms 33:20-22</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAQk6ldxa8rv-_SV4BrsIcDFF5yQG_0Bpd_2rHFeOZUqrQHMyDgDxPK-VHxxdLQvC3r2vQXQNLLzVOasQnEUlSfyEI9UArLSrNMQYsCre21XC8P07X367fXmR54Dv2rCVPRlDJPPsHAR/s1600/35eda7eaf90d25be6acce2db1c21ce5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFAQk6ldxa8rv-_SV4BrsIcDFF5yQG_0Bpd_2rHFeOZUqrQHMyDgDxPK-VHxxdLQvC3r2vQXQNLLzVOasQnEUlSfyEI9UArLSrNMQYsCre21XC8P07X367fXmR54Dv2rCVPRlDJPPsHAR/s1600/35eda7eaf90d25be6acce2db1c21ce5d.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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"In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name..."<br />
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<b>Trust.</b><br />
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So what can one do when everything comes crashing down and you find yourself in a major meltdown?<br />
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We trust in the Creator.<br />
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Who else other than God knows of our past, present, and future? Who else other than God can take our lives and shape them into something absolutely beautiful? He takes sinners and transforms them into His people. He takes broken hearts and mends them back together with so much love that it takes your breath away. Trusting in Him is exactly what we should do, and is the only thing that we can do...<br />
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The things of this world will pass away, the money, fame, jobs, and labels, but God will remain. He's constant and real. Always there in our messed up life. </div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-71027358572840037552015-02-11T10:39:00.002-08:002015-02-12T06:22:53.638-08:00In which I compare Superman to Valentines Day. Since the last time I've wrote not a whole lot has changed, aside from the drivers license that now lays proudly in my wallet. So since nothing has changed I don't really know why I'm writing. My fingers are frozen, my mind is bored, and my stomach won't stop growling. I'm sitting here in the college library on a nasty worn out couch. My friend is sitting across from me all hunkered down in his coat, like he's surviving a blizzard. Though I don't think I look much different. If bored to tears was actually a real thing. We'd both be sobbing.<br />
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Speaking of sobbing, it's been a rough week aka Valentines Day is coming up... Ya, I know. I'm a sap. But for me it's not the 14th that matters so much, it's the day before. The dreaded 13th. It used to flash by on my calendar with me adding another month to my mental list. Now it sits there, glaring at me. It's always been said to be an unlucky number, but I'm not one to believe in luck.<br />
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I do realize that everyone most likely has a day on the calendar that they dread. One that reminds you of the memories that sat in the back of your mind. Or a death of a loved one. Or even both. We can get caught up in those days, and being lost in a fog is not uncommon. Prying yourself away from it is hard, and that day will haunt you for what might seem like forever.<br />
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<a href="http://wallpaperandbackground.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Man-Of-Steel.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wallpaperandbackground.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Man-Of-Steel.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a> I know I've talked about how people just need to move on, and get over themselves. But, it's really not that easy. It's like going to the gym and trying to run 3 miles when you haven't run in ages. It's nearly impossible unless your Superman, and we all know only Clark Kent can be Superman.<br />
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Dear one,<br />
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You're not superman, you need to learn to take every day with stride.<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Warm yourself up, shin splints aren't any fun. <b>(Read your Bible)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Learn to breath again, in through your nose, out through your mouth.<b> (Pray)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Wear flexible clothing, like a favorite t-shirt, and gym shorts.<b>(Be Yourself)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Buy a new pair of shoes, your old ones won't get you through.<b>(Leave the past behind you)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Learn perfect form, arms at your side in a 90-degree angle moving with you as you run, not across. <b>(Be Confident)</b></li>
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In what seems like no time at all you'll be running without even so much as a glance behind you. You can do anything you set your mind to. You are incredible. Don't let a silly number change your attitude, let your heavenly father mend your mind and body back together again. Only the potter can fix his lump of clay.<br />
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In Him,<br />
A girl with shin splits...<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-57506321349310662992015-01-06T09:01:00.003-08:002015-01-06T09:01:59.801-08:00A Changed HeartI've been trying to decide whether or not to even approach this topic... It's personal, painful, and could easily turn into a long rambling rant about my pain. I've been asking God how I talk about this without making it all about me, in response he whispered, "Make it about me".<br />
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Every one has had a broken heart. </div>
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It doesn't just have to be one from a relationship gone bad. A broken heart can be from a huge disappointment, lose of a family member, or your hopes and dreams turned upside down. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's devastating, drastic, real, and often unexpected. And it's something everyone has dealt with. </span></div>
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It cuts deep, sending our minds into the depths of pain. A searing, aching pain that we can't let go of. It hold us captive by continuously bombarding our mind with memories, flashbacks, and broken dreams. It can make us do ridiculous things; pushing people away when we need them most. It convinces us that keeping our thoughts and brokenness quiet inside our raging minds is a good thing.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear you, </span></div>
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Don't let it overcome you. There will be a day when you look back at all you've lost and realize it was part of His plan for you. Don't lock yourself up waiting for life to start, when it's already spinning around you. You're hurting deeply and removing yourself from everything that once was will only prove to hurt you even more. You have family and friends that understand what you're going through. </div>
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<b><u>You're not the only one.</u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are people all around you hurting, aching, grieving, and they're lost just like you. </span> Hiding from life isn't the answer, neither are drugs, substance abuse, anger, or revenge.You need to forgive the one that hurt you, and you need to have forgiveness from them as well. <span style="font-family: inherit;">You have been:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Forgiven. Chosen. Accepted. Loved by a God so incredible heavens declare His name. Be yourself, hope in God, and keep looking at what's in front of you. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"</span>For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. </span></b></div>
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God knew what he was doing when he allowed this to happen, just like he knew what he was doing when he allowed the devil to inflict pain on Job. Think about the story of Job, everything was taken away from him, his family, house, land, livestock, and he was left with his nagging wife. Yet through it all he still proceeded to praise God. </div>
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<b>"The Lord gives and he takes away; blessed be the name of The Lord"- </b><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Job 1:21 </b></div>
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Can you imagine what it would be like if instead of wallowing in self pity, pain, and wishing revenge on someone who hurt you; if we looked to the heavens and thanked God.</div>
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Let this painful time in your life change you for the better, let it make you stronger when life chucks a basket full of lemons at you. God gave you this life because you were made specifically for it, and he knows you're strong enough to live it. Let go of the pain, don't let it hold you down any longer than it already has. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting everything that happened, it means you accept what happen, and learn from your experiences. Letting go is having the courage to accept change and the strength to keep moving. It's growing up, and finally realizing that you can't hold on to anything that isn't yours. </div>
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Dear one, you're going to make it, I promise. There is an end in sight, let go of the pain and let God lead you. </div>
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<b>"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."~ 1 Thes 5:16-18</b> </div>
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A girl with a changed heart </div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-32517751731763626442014-12-22T11:37:00.000-08:002014-12-22T11:37:05.479-08:00This is our God"Now your name is Anne, right?" I shook my head and smiled at the elderly gentleman that can't seem to keep my name straight, "No Sir, my name is Rachel". "Ahhh!" he says,"Rachel! I remember now.. Did you know that you know that you have one of the most beautiful smiles, and you have such a gentle and sweet way about you..." I smiled and thanked him.<br />
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This semester proved to be the most difficult one yet but through it all God was faithful. Through a simple prayer every morning I'd ask Him for strength to get through the day, and he proved to be faithful and gave me the strength I needed to get through the various trials of everyday life. Every time when I felt like I was going to fall He brought someone into my life to catch me and lift me back up again. Even on some days when that,"strength" was through a coffee with a double shot of espresso or an elderly gentleman that called me, "Anne". He knows what we need exactly when we need it, why? Because the maker of Heaven and Earth created you, dear one.<br />
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<b>"You've searched me LORD, and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my laying down. You are familiar with all my ways." Psalms 139:1-3</b></div>
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He will lead you when you don't have the courage to keep walking. He'll give you the strength to let go of whatever you're hanging on to. He is constant when everything in this world changes in ways you couldn't dream of. He never changes, our God is always there, and he will never leave you nor forsake you. He is the, "I AM" the one with no beginning or end. Strive to be yourself, and in His perfect timing everything will have a reason for happening. With God there are no surprises he knows the outcome of every situation, and that is why Christ is the one we should put our hope and trust in.</div>
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Have hope, after all it's Christmas time a season of hope, peace, and joy.<br />
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<i><br /></i>
<i>This is our God, living and breathing;</i><br />
<i>call Him courageous, relentless, and brave. </i><br />
<i>This is our God, loving and reaching;</i><br />
<i>scandalous mercy and mighty to save.</i><br />
<i>Hallelujah this is our God; hallelujah, this is our God</i><br />
<i>Hallelujah this is our God; sing praise.</i><br />
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In Him,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rachel</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-8847548421572504872014-11-20T19:28:00.002-08:002014-11-20T19:56:18.337-08:00Declaring Praise<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm tired. </div>
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I feel like I should be doing something productive other than spilling my thoughts but my brain won't even let me get that far...</div>
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Life, define it and let your brain think on that.</div>
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Did you get tired thinking about it?</div>
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Did you groan and think of all the things waiting for you when you get off work?</div>
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Did you get anxious just thinking about the future and what it may hold?</div>
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Did you think one of these, or something else related to it?</div>
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<br>
Now if you don't want to read a post with me doing nothing but rambling... Please don't continue.My brain is on automatic and I need something to do other than starring at Facebook for the next hour. Who knows maybe I'll actually get a profound thought to work from the back of my head down to my finger tips that are freezing from living in a perpetual state of frozeness.<br>
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Back to what I was talking about in the beginning.</div>
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The word: Life.</div>
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Shouldn't it be a word that's one of excitement? </div>
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A word that makes us happy, and possibly even hopeful when we think about it?</div>
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Why is it one that's filled with anxious thoughts, dread, worry, groans, and sighs?</div>
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Obviously, I'm not going to talk about what other people think, I'm going to talk about my opinion so, here's what I think:</div>
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We are instructed by Christ to live <b>in</b> the world and not <b>of</b> it.</div>
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IN vs. OF</div>
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I could give you the definitions of them but anyone who's been through the 1st grade know what they mean.</div>
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But what do they mean when we put them into context? Specifically the context of this verse:</div>
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<b> "Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2</b></div>
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<b><br></b></div>
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So lets put this into perspective... Christ calls us to be <b>in</b> the world, simply meaning, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations." The will of God is to be proclaiming God's word and His salvation to all people. Like I said in a current post <a href="http://randomramblings95.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-piece-of-my-heart.html" target="_blank">A Piece of My Heart</a> which I wrote when I came home from Guatemala about the will of God.</div>
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But first before we are <b>in</b> the world, we have to stop being <b>of</b> the world. </div>
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<strike><br></strike></div>
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Put off your old sinful nature and strive to live like Christ. It says in Romans 6:6 that we are not slaves to sin any longer, but we act in accordance to righteousness. Gods righteousness, through the gift of His son, Jesus.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4hjXlsplbcz-Xb2sI0V_mVU3T8pch5PR-CwSc35vgKbP9ZmgAnxdgLHW2m4PUBJwFwlHfn7OMMbklikc8WjBjjxWYNTzc7w-OCcxF3-CdrkMwi4llrzjJnanMNo-EbsqWV2A-qNKldAY/s640/blogger-image--394360680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4hjXlsplbcz-Xb2sI0V_mVU3T8pch5PR-CwSc35vgKbP9ZmgAnxdgLHW2m4PUBJwFwlHfn7OMMbklikc8WjBjjxWYNTzc7w-OCcxF3-CdrkMwi4llrzjJnanMNo-EbsqWV2A-qNKldAY/s640/blogger-image--394360680.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin bit alive to God in Jesus Christ. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it's evil desires. Do not offer parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been bought from death to life;and offer parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." ~ Romans 6:11-14</div>
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So back to what you think about when you hear the word: Life.</div>
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As followers of Jesus we are commanded to stop living the old way of life and focus on the task before us: <b>His good, pleasing and perfect will.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwLLf67jvlSiqZ_e1em0gpzQaA7k6JDAg3RXKH7UwmbX5kndzart_zNtLW5RgioInTHxhSIHKhJoJcOylyRLl1xie_5F8EMt5fb2GacQ6Wcg-9E9QdIL3U-L7LnjYIQtagIjO5P_VjfTG/s640/blogger-image--1149609841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"></font></a><font color="#000000"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwLLf67jvlSiqZ_e1em0gpzQaA7k6JDAg3RXKH7UwmbX5kndzart_zNtLW5RgioInTHxhSIHKhJoJcOylyRLl1xie_5F8EMt5fb2GacQ6Wcg-9E9QdIL3U-L7LnjYIQtagIjO5P_VjfTG/s640/blogger-image--1149609841.jpg"></font></div>
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"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you maydeclare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."~ 1 Peter 2:9</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBp-nq6FghbbtNeEVitvNz0ifWI5Mu9n1OFhHp6z99YxRdCG4ZvlZf80PiKdDb8Uu0_Re1D02vFm7hEvKGVPVc6EwNa__JNzgxTHmZ9tH3Z9JuWwT4tcntfD_k-I6daM3FGRXh4DcDBFY/s640/blogger-image-401895274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBp-nq6FghbbtNeEVitvNz0ifWI5Mu9n1OFhHp6z99YxRdCG4ZvlZf80PiKdDb8Uu0_Re1D02vFm7hEvKGVPVc6EwNa__JNzgxTHmZ9tH3Z9JuWwT4tcntfD_k-I6daM3FGRXh4DcDBFY/s640/blogger-image-401895274.jpg"></font></a></div>
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So life as a follower of Christ means we:</div>
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Declare praises.</div>
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Approve of Gods will (meaning you act in His will)</div>
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Living a life of grace, and righteousness.</div>
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So when we grunt, groan, and sigh about the future, or life in general, are we living for Him? Is the Creator of Heaven and Earth hearing our praises, is He seeing us live in his will, and watching us become like Him?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4yVIMWPGsx1KUCaSYH11DOdRL5i8Oy0ICzWx8YIQvvVLnPwyr_oUUxtOKfEtSTp7MkTnjYV3vYzeahVAcpbgJFjU29wTwU-0Vrh3wpRHUMxkU1DjWCpWqrH8rRq_LvDyKxue7L-WxBrm/s640/blogger-image--1576487081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4yVIMWPGsx1KUCaSYH11DOdRL5i8Oy0ICzWx8YIQvvVLnPwyr_oUUxtOKfEtSTp7MkTnjYV3vYzeahVAcpbgJFjU29wTwU-0Vrh3wpRHUMxkU1DjWCpWqrH8rRq_LvDyKxue7L-WxBrm/s640/blogger-image--1576487081.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind...."</b></div>
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<br></div>
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In Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rachel</div>
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<br></div>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-86388772975076180482014-11-11T14:25:00.000-08:002014-11-12T11:03:55.697-08:00Passion<div style="text-align: center;">
What drives us, gives us an escape, and we can do it endlessly...</div>
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<br></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Passion</span></b></div>
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It's a very strong word in my opinion.</div>
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We use it to describe things we love doing.</div>
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<b>Love and Passion go hand in hand.</b></div>
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How can you have passion if you don't have love?</div>
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Google defines passion as,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b> A strong and barely controllable emotion.</b></div>
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Do you know what Google also describes it as?</div>
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<b>The suffering and death of Jesus.</b></div>
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That's right, the suffering and death of Jesus.</div>
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Passion, originated with our LORD and Savior.</div>
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He created the up most act of passion and He portrayed it with perfection.</div>
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What are you passionate about?</div>
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Here, I'll list some of mine:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Music, I could play the piano till I died...or any music for that matter.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My family, I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I am to call them my family.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Friends, and their understanding awesomeness.*</li>
<li>Horses, there's something about riding bareback at a full canter, or galloping through the fields</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jesus... My LORD and Savior. The one who brought me out of darkness and showed me light.</li>
</ul>
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Our passion is what drive us, but we can't do it without love, it's not humanly possible. If I didn't love playing the piano I wouldn't be heading to the piano after I get home from a long day. If I didn't love horses I wouldn't train, put effort, and take care of them.</div>
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Do you see what I'm getting at?</div>
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At the basis of everything is love. Think about this verse,"For God so <b>loved</b> the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."</div>
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Love is at the begining of everything, without it we're nothing. If God hadn't loved the world we wouldn't be here... We'd have no hope of a savior coming down to earth and dying for our wretched lives.</div>
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<b> Love and Passion they're tied together.</b></div>
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I'm not talking about human love, for example the love that you show to your significant other. I'm talking about a love that is patient, kind, compassionate, gentle, does not envy, rejoices with the truth... A love that is out of this world. Something that our wretched lives cannot attain without the grace that is condoned by our heavenly Father. </div>
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We can't find this love anywhere else because it's not attainable without the love of Jesus. </div>
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It all starts with Him: Creation, Love, Passion, our very breaths.</div>
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Love without abandon.</div>
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Live without letting the things of this world hold you back.</div>
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What are you passionate about?</div>
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In Him,<br>
Rachel<br>
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* Sorry, for the weird twist on words, that's the hyper Rachel leaking out...<br>
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<br>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-85260551948451320392014-10-21T13:59:00.006-07:002014-10-22T13:32:48.044-07:00Be like Him I'm home again, and thrown back into college. On Sunday I was lamenting to my Dad about not wanting to go back to class and he asked why, and my only answer was, "Because I have the rough draft of paper due tomorrow and I didn't know that until yesterday.." My answer was only based off a due paper, nothing astronomical or intense. But yet it changed my entire mood. I was groaning, grumpy, and just plain pathetic, all because of a silly paper that was unexpected.<br />
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This situation can be related to a lot of things in life, Ask yourself what you do when someone is late to pick you up, or the people at Taco Bell get your order wrong, or if you have to wait in line at Meijers. We get impatient, upset, grumpy, etc...</div>
<br />
On the way home from Guatemala we came through Dallas, Fort worth. A couple of people from our group had come down with colds, and honestly they had a pretty nasty cough. It literally sounded as if we had a couple of seals on the plane. Because of this passengers on the plane became anxious and scared because we came from out of the country and flew through Dallas. Dare I say it, the passengers thought that we had Ebola. They quickly told the stewardess who addressed the captain, and at 5:30pm we landed in GR. Upon landing there were ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars all waiting for us. We ended up waiting on the plane for two hours before they ruled out Ebola and we were able to get off the plane. (Yes, we made it on the news)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-L7my5y-Ppb2QnP5-iCN0Se5AsucYDlQQEVkg0Khann3k39v9CymWG6X1QKqu_6Z3Es1rxvBDY360WVzOQQSocBwHoZI7lew93rVIhyphenhyphenFtIdRjGKV4UDG-vnoDOcFE1XHOAjwknXTtQj/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-L7my5y-Ppb2QnP5-iCN0Se5AsucYDlQQEVkg0Khann3k39v9CymWG6X1QKqu_6Z3Es1rxvBDY360WVzOQQSocBwHoZI7lew93rVIhyphenhyphenFtIdRjGKV4UDG-vnoDOcFE1XHOAjwknXTtQj/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's what it looked like...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that my long story is done, the main emphasis isn't on Ebola, or the sick people. The main emphasis is on the peoples attitudes that were on the plane. They got mad, impatient, upset, rude, and complained a lot. I'm a listener and after running on three hours of sleep and 7 hours on a plane I didn't have any energy to speak anymore. So I listened. I was in shock at the amount of people complaining, even from people I didn't expect.. like people that were, "Christians".<br />
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(Just a side note: If you want to discover who someone actually is, stick them on an 80 degree plane and make them sit there for two hours, you'll find out within 20 mins.)<br />
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Upon getting off the plane I was walking next to my Mom heading towards the baggage claim and she asked me why people act like that. My answer, " Because we're selfish people, mom..."<br />
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We are selfish.</div>
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Rude.</div>
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Mean.</div>
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Impolite,</div>
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Inconsiderate.</div>
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I could go on, but I'm sure by now you've figured it out that we aren't perfect. We call ourselves Christians and yet we're just as bad as everyone else. Why is that? Is it because we know we've been, "Forgiven" and therefore we can do whatever we want as long as we apologize to our Savior?<br />
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Having forgiveness from Him doesn't mean we can constantly keep using it as a get out of jail free card. We as followers of Christ are called to be like Him!<br />
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<b><i>"Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked."</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 John 2:6</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>"For to this you have been called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps."</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 Peter 2:21</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Ephesians 4:22-24</i></b></div>
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What does it mean to be a christian then? If we called to be a new creation then how do we define Christianity?<br />
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<b>"To be a Christian is to be loved by God, pursued by God, and found by God. To be a Christian is to realize that in your sin, you were separated from God's presence, and you deserved nothing but God's wrath. Yet despite your darkness and in your deadness, his light shone on you and his voice spoke to you, inviting you to follow him. His majesty captivated you soul and his mercy covered your sin, and by his death he brought you life... Jesus died for you so that he might live in you, Jesus doesn't merely improve your old nature; he imparts to you an entirely new nature-one that is completely united with his."." - David Platt</b><br />
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We are Christians merely because of the grace of God. He died so that we might become like him, perfect, whole, and complete.<br />
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In Him,<br />
Rachel<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-43645365647759153622014-10-17T11:58:00.001-07:002014-10-18T17:25:35.629-07:00A Piece of My Heart<div>
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I feel as if I've been here forever, and then also like I just arrived. I'm sitting in a boing 737 looking out at the Gulf of Mexico, and I can't help but feel as if Guatemala holds a piece of my heart.<br />
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I've learned so much, but it's <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">by nothing I've done. I willingly came to serve, expecting nothing in return, and yet I'm going home changed. After spending a week in San Jaun, I now know what real love is. It's a love that lasts, it's real, sacrificial, and unending. The nannies loved the children with a Jesus love, and the children knew. They knew without a doubt that they had a Daddy in heaven that loved them and would never leave them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Jesus te ama", I told 9 precious little girls and a smile would spread across their face as they giggled and say, "Si, Raquel."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I honestly wouldn't have been able to get through the crazy, wild days at the Malnutrition Center without the strength that God gave me. He taught me how to love through Him, giving me a purpose, and telling me that I was bought with a price. I'm not worthless. I am loved. I am cherished. I am complete. I am made complete... in HIM! Because of His love I don't need any,"extras". I don't need someone else to tell me what I am when I already know. I am a child of God. </span><br />
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Don't we want to ask why? Why does the creator of heaven and earth love us? Me, a hopeless sinner, now bein called His cherished child?<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Only to hear Him say,"Because I wanted you, and I came to get you so that you might know me as Father" </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-David Platt- Follow Me</i><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why do we constantly ask what Gods will for us is when it's so clear.. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel." It's not a suggestion, it's a command. We are to show the love of Jesus to everyone. We should have the, "fragrance of Jesus" that people know we are followers of Jesus, and they know without a doubt. We don't have to go into a completely different country to show Jesus. Look around you, there are people that you walk by everyday that need Jesus. They need to know the love of Jesus.. Are we to sit idle and let them walk by without them knowing about His love, and the free gift of salvation that He has to offer to us? </span></div>
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"This is God's will in the world: to create, call, save, and bless his people for the spread of his grace and glory among all peoples. This will is not intended to be found; it's intended to be followed. We don't have to wonder about Gods will when we've been created to walk in it. We have no need to ask God to reveal his will for our lives; instead, we each ask God to align our lives with the will he has already revealed. </div>
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God's will for is as disciples of Jesus is to make disciples of Jesus in all nations. Therefore, the question every disciple ask is, " How can I best make disciples of all nations?" And once we ask this question, we realize that Gid wants us to experience his will so much that he actually lives in us to accomplish it."</div>
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<i>David Platt- Follow Me- pages 135-136</i></div>
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In Him, </div>
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Raquel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-57973342264532199332014-09-14T06:21:00.003-07:002016-10-16T19:22:26.251-07:00Home is where...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every morning I wake up to the sun on my pillow, and the dogs scratching at the heavy wood door eager to say good morning. The family calico jumps on her shelf impatiently waiting for her slave to grant her wish of food in her dish, and I pull on muck boots heading outside into the brisk autumn air.<br>
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Red pines guard my home like tall soldiers. Acres of woods hold memories of four childhoods, and the once young trees are now aged with a charming grace. The spring still gurgles and leaps through the woods; sounding the same as it was 17 years ago. Horses nicker at the opening of the creaky screen door. The dogs run out from underneath you, eager to chase the legendary squirrel that they've never caught. Chickens cluck and squawk at the sound of coming footsteps, quickly followed by the thud of hooves on the soft ground. Dark brown eyes anticipate the fall apples on the ground, nickering in anticipation of the crisp crunch of apples. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And yet I have two homes.</span></div>
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One here, in a little town in Northern Michigan and another that I've only read about in a legendary book. You might know it, it's called Heaven. <strike>Okay now no closing the tab or switching to a different page, no I'm not crazy.</strike> It's described as Paradise, a place with no more sorrow, mourning, or pain, a city of pure gold, clear as glass, a place with many rooms.</div>
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But it's true.</div>
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It's just as real as the phone that you hold in your hand, or the laptop you have on the table. </div>
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It's more real than your Facebook news feed, your twitter, or latest Instagram post. </div>
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It's real, genuine, and a promise from God.</div>
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<i><b>"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>John 10:28</b></i></div>
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Once we are forgiven, we're always forgiven and nothing we can do can change that.</div>
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I know a lot of people would fight this and say, "Once you've committed so many sins.. you're done you've lost your salvation." but to say that you've lost your salvation is going against Gods word, making the God of all creation out to be a liar.</div>
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He says that no one can snatch you from His hand. Not even yourself. But does that mean we just get to live like wild people and do what ever we want because we have a forgiving God?</div>
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No. It doesn't.</div>
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There was a reason why God gave Moses the ten commandments.</div>
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Think about the children of Israel they disobeyed God and ended up spending 40 years in the desert.</div>
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Think about David and how he committed adultery, he later lost his son, because of that sin.</div>
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Our sins have consequences.</div>
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But if we have the forgiveness of our savior, the consequences of those sins is no longer death. </div>
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We repent, and confess and we receive a sweet forgiveness from our heavenly Father.<br>
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<b><i>"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness." </i></b><br>
<b><i>1 John 1:9</i></b></div>
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Life comes with pain, sorrow, mourning, and hardships.</div>
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Life also comes with forgiveness, love, joy, and an eternity in heaven with God.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-76744730085043983992014-09-08T13:40:00.001-07:002014-09-09T14:36:22.295-07:00I got this<div style="text-align: center;">
*breathes out*</div>
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I've got this. The fall semester of 2014 has started and I'm on my way. On my way....</div>
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What does that entail, what does it mean, and what should I do about it....</div>
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*thump, thump, thump*</div>
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My heart's pounding, I suppose that's a good thing...</div>
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I'm learning and trying to breathe while doing it all.. a job, finding a car, payments, studying/homework, and 16 credits at college. I'm learning more this year than I did last year, big life decisions loom over me and threaten to squash me like a I did to the spider in my bedroom last night. But above me is a powerful, strong, and downright incredible God holding that weight off my head. He's letting me take hold of His hand, and He's leading me and transforming every single day. Yes, you read that right.. Every day. And hey, He's doing it to you too.... If you let Him.</div>
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He wants to lead you, guide, you or take hold of your small puny hand. <b>If </b>you let Him.</div>
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We all need Him, we need this Holy Jesus, we can't live our simply crazy lives without Him, trust me I've tried it and I failed miserably. </div>
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We get to know this God, and the thing that sends chills down my spine: we were chosen first, and He's loved you first. I heard this song yesterday go through my Pandora channel. I usually don't listen to the lyrics when I'm doing school, but the genre changed from rocking out to Toby Mac, to listening to Jami Grace. It caught my attention and I ignored my Art textbook for 4 mins.</div>
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<b>We get to love him. Back.</b></div>
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Think about it. We get to Love the King of creation, this Holy, infinite God, who loved us first with a relentless <b>Love</b>...</div>
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and we get to<b> Love</b> him back.</div>
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People, that's BEAUTIFUL.</div>
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We mess up, we fall smashing our faces into the dirt, we're at our all time low ready to do something drastic and the King of Heaven picks us up and dusts us off. He forgives and forgets. He doesn't hold anything against us, and all the while He loves us.</div>
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It's a completely different type of love.. </div>
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<b>A Godly love</b></div>
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<b>Relentless</b></div>
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<b>Forgiving</b></div>
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<b>Unchanging</b></div>
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There's nothing human about it.</div>
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Think about how you love.... Do you follow 1 Corinthians 13 to a tee? No, you don't. Because you're human and there isn't anything perfect about you. </div>
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<b>You're a mess, that's right a mess.</b></div>
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<b>and Jesus loves that mess.</b></div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-73894746378050735212014-07-03T13:35:00.000-07:002014-07-03T13:37:25.349-07:00For everything there is a season and a time for every matterSummertime is finally here! If you just survived a MI winter like I did you'll understand my excitement. This summer however has brought many, many firsts.<br />
Ya know, things that have never happened before to you or your family. Things that can be simple and fun, or huge and stressful, and are all worth it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Tyler</td></tr>
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#1~ MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
Sorry to burst your eardrums but Hannah and Tyler are getting married in nine days! The wedding and reception are being held outside at a friends house that over looks the bay. I'm standing up in the wedding as the third bridesmaid, and I cannot wait to watch to my big sister become Mrs. Armantrout!<br />
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Now.. are you ready for this?.. you might want to put in earplugs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan and Margret</td></tr>
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#2~ MY BROTHER IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
Yep, you read it right. Nathan will be marrying the love of his life, Margret in early August! His wedding is a little less then a month after Hannahs, and let me tell ya, I never knew weddings were soooooo intense.<br />
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okay, now for a more.. simple first<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly little sisters</td></tr>
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#3~ Playing basketball in the dark with the lil sister. Teresa and I got tired of sitting on our butts watching an old (boring) western and we decided to hightail it outside and shoot some hoops... at 10 o'clock at night. We giggled at the fact that we couldn't see much of anything, just shadows, and would scream when a ball came at us. Let me tell ya though, even in the dark Teresa can perform some pretty sweet lay-ups.<br />
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And... a more painful first<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely bruise only two hrs after it happened</td></tr>
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#4~ Last night I was kicked by my horse. Honestly I have a hard time remembering how it happened. I just remember a heavy blow to my thigh and then doubling over in pain trying not to pass out. I'm now sporting a limp, and a pretty intense bruise. I'm so thankful that he kicked my thigh rather than my knee, shin, head, stomach.. even though it's painful it's probably the best area to be kicked by a horse.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulling weeds at the bay view <strike>Mansion</strike> house</td></tr>
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#5~ I now have a job in Bay View, being the gardener for a woman I met through my other job. This job is a total answer to prayer.. and I'm so grateful to God for providing it.<br />
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Now.. I have to go back to icing my leg. Have a wonderful Independence Day!<br />
~Rachel<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-58241366698877088262014-06-22T15:17:00.000-07:002014-06-22T15:17:22.708-07:00HumilityI'm starting to learn through everything that's happened lately that God is giving me a heavy dose of humility.<br />
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Though there have been hard situations, I've found joy in being able to finally answer the, "What are you going to college for?" question.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSApdUCmgZpMhWlnn8fTAH0Iu-R3lkT932ssafXIoMJo1JO9I9P" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSApdUCmgZpMhWlnn8fTAH0Iu-R3lkT932ssafXIoMJo1JO9I9P" /></a>At NCMC I'm pursuing an associates degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and when I'm done with that I will remain at NCMC while getting my bachelors through LSSU. The crazy thing about this, I used to greatly dislike babysitting, being with little people aka kids, and tolerating their antics. Now I look at them and see a chance to make a difference in their lives. I see there personalities that come out at such a young age, and their ability to learn so quickly. God totally turned my perspective around, and I couldn't be more excited to start the fall semester.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToeMUA4rrVIw9PuJ7h3tiKonHo2JBMPiZM4_qL1EQn9Irogtt16g" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToeMUA4rrVIw9PuJ7h3tiKonHo2JBMPiZM4_qL1EQn9Irogtt16g" /></a>I went through a long year at college not knowing what I wanted to do... not even having a desire to do anything, or learn anything. I started out thinking I wanted to be a vet tech, then a music therapist and when that fell through with Western i was frustrated and confused, I told God that he'd have to show me what he wanted me to do. I wanted to make an impact on the world. Only two months later I was sitting in Psychology listening to the professor, he was on the topic of learning and how easily kids adapt to things they are taught, he mentioned, "The opportunity to be a teacher is a gift, a chance to make an impact on someones life." It hit, I don't know what it was, or how I knew, but I did. He knew what He wanted me to do, and all I had to do was stop trying to figure it out on my own, and let my Abba Daddy lead me.<br />
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Letting God lead you and show you His plans for your life takes courage, and humility. Not getting proud that you know what you're going towards, or the typical, "I know everything" 'tude. At times it can be painful letting God use you. Sometimes we suffer and other days we rejoice, but we need to be firm in our faith on the days when we feel like we are being attacked by the devil. The devil has no hold on your life, we act like there's a battle between God and Satan when really Satan doesn't stand a chance against God. God is sovereign, and the devil isn't anywhere close. I was sitting on my bed the other night, leaning over my bible I came across these verses.<br />
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"You younger men(or women), likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.<br />
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all you anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a while. the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:5-20<br />
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So in ending this long post, have humility my friend, and learn to let Him lead you. Cause in the end of it all He knows more than we do.<br />
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~RachelRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-82864688019861177722014-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:002014-04-13T17:12:40.547-07:00Counting Stars It's Sunday, and I can't help but feel like I'm missing something.. Something I was supposed to do, something I had to do, something that I needed to do. Yet when I really sit here and actually think about it there isn't anything pressing down on me, or starring me in the face. My world can so easily feel like it revolves around me. Little ol' me. A freshy in college, taking 16 credits, and working at the bookstore. There I go again... all about me.<br />
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It makes me feel so discontent, worthless, and ungrateful when I do this, and to be honest it's incredibly overwhelming. But why? Why do we as people want to make the world think that we're the best thing since sliced bread, trying to get as much attention as possible? The only reason I can find or rather come up with, is that we are all searching to be loved, and in that searching we tend to make everything about us. When you think about it though, that's downright pathetic. Especially when we have a God that loves us more than we could ever imagine or wish for. We can't find this love in music, food, people, clothes... but in the heavenly Daddy that wants us to run to Him, and hold us in his arms.<br />
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Have you ever watched a couple hug each other? They do it tenderly, gently, slowly, full of love</div>
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Have you ever watched a little kids face light up when they see their Daddy walk through the door? It's filled with joy, anticipation, and love.</div>
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Have you ever watched an old man glance at his wife? The way he glances at her makes you think she was 20 years old instead of 82.</div>
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We all get so caught up in the world searching for love, when we have a God who wants nothing more than to hold us like young lovers, have you run to him like a little kid, or turn to him in awe like the old man.<br />
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I cannot stress it enough how absolutely relentless His love is. It's unyielding, determined, and unstoppable. No matter how unloving you may ever be, when the people of this world turn you away; the God of the heavens and the earth loves you. The God who created the stars and knows them all by name; but most importantly, He loves you because He created you.<br />
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<i>"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." ~Pslams 147:3-4</i><br />
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~RachelRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-4694090527626346212014-01-24T17:38:00.001-08:002014-01-24T17:38:34.653-08:00An Avalanche These two past weeks have brought many surprises, some wanted and some not so much. God has challenged me a lot. The biggest blow: finding out a friend has cancer.<br />
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It happens when we least expect it, and it has the most diverse affects. People all react differently when they find out they have cancer: some rejoice in it knowing that God has a plan, others sulk and get incredibly depressed, and some treat it like a boxing match; like something that has to be beaten. This young man responded with saying that God has a plan and that He knows what He's doing.</div>
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"Where are you?" I texted a friend and waited for a response, he
responded with walking around the corner smirking. We sat down and my phone went
off, <i>"That's odd"</i> I thought, <i>"I thought I put it on silent."</i> I looked
down at the text and quickly opened it.<br />
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I
starred at my phone reading the text I had received. My eyes scanned over it 10 times and my mind tried to wrap around the fact of what I just
read, " I have Non Hodgkins Lymphoma." I quickly passed it over to my friend and let him read it. He
sighed. "That makes the second person in
one month." I responded. A deep wave of sympathy and regret ran over me.</div>
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I was at the college for the rest of the day, trying my hardest to act like nothing had happened. 9:30 hit and I was finally home. I threw my backpack on the end of my bed where it landed with a loud thud, matching the beating of my heavy heart. Sitting down on my bed I rested my head in my clenched fists, taking everything in: the first week of classes, stress at work, decisions about college, and now another person in my life with cancer. "Why, Abba?" I begged, "Why did this have to happen again?" </div>
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Cancer brings back so many hurtful memories. They cascaded over me like an avalanche. A small voice reminds me that He is sovereign, mighty, and that everything is in His hands. There is nothing that I can do, but pray. Lifting my voice to Him and let Him do His will. God is in control no matter what happens, even in the least expected He knows what He's doing. Test results, unexpected plans, bad weeks, and heavy emotions can't change what He'll do in the end.<br />
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Yesterday was a thing of the past, I could look back at all the things I've done wrong, or I could look to the future and know that God has given me a second chance. A chance to help the people around me that are having to deal with this horrible disease. And knowing without a doubt that God holds everything in His hands.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-20440727504577405192013-12-30T08:39:00.002-08:002013-12-30T08:39:45.307-08:00This one's for the GirlsI want to talk to all the young girls out there that struggle with their sense of beauty and self worth. I have watched so many girls get ripped apart by the world. We all struggle to hold to the worlds high standards of beauty. Not only does the world rip us apart, we rip ourselves apart. There are two types of beauty that I want to talk about: Artificial and Real.<br />
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Think about the word, Artificial. It kinda gets stuck in mouth and sounds like a can of worms. It's something that isn't real, something that isn't special in any way at all. When you think of the word: Beauty, what do you think of? I googled: Beautiful Woman, and this is what the worlds standards of the word is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwtJPGh-F5hEJijZvdlysSyrF7jPnpPBbUzK4_vHZc0iDm-Rz6JmqRXymE7vpaLV9EED_kxxtz7eknxERKdoIiMDFoVT-of9xdAQG06E18A70U99ReKJ3aTbl1K8grt1Sqkx3QdzKOsbC/s1600/b%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwtJPGh-F5hEJijZvdlysSyrF7jPnpPBbUzK4_vHZc0iDm-Rz6JmqRXymE7vpaLV9EED_kxxtz7eknxERKdoIiMDFoVT-of9xdAQG06E18A70U99ReKJ3aTbl1K8grt1Sqkx3QdzKOsbC/s400/b%232.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>Scanning the pages I quickly realized a theme: the majority of the woman had long, curly, blond hair, fair even toned skin, blue eyes, and wore a size 2 . If you're anything like me, you don't fall into all those categories. We are so easily pressed to want to hold up to the worlds standards. We'll dress the latest styles, wear the latest makeup, and style our hair to the newest trend. Because, we want to feel accepted. We think we have to appear flawless, perfect, whole, just like all the pictures we see in the magazines in the check out isle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB36BOZXWqacDjnnZ1kLYziPkemqBysC3YvndG_8i_sbtm2oThAvVIppKt_icDVlkvQmbL_EFb3nGWNGLNWzwNQLv2lR8hxGDA8L7nicc8-N79BH-2bo7EAbQnoJx_LeNqcP4wltIlLMq/s1600/b%2356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB36BOZXWqacDjnnZ1kLYziPkemqBysC3YvndG_8i_sbtm2oThAvVIppKt_icDVlkvQmbL_EFb3nGWNGLNWzwNQLv2lR8hxGDA8L7nicc8-N79BH-2bo7EAbQnoJx_LeNqcP4wltIlLMq/s1600/b%2356.jpg" /></a></div>
We think we have to appear beautiful all the time, everywhere, everyplace. Why? Cause who knows, there might be a cute guy that notices you when you're in town. But, is it really worth it? That one smile that he might give you, as you blush and quickly turn away, yet hope with all your heart that when you turn around he'll still be there? Yes, Hon, I know what I'm talking about, because I've been that girl hoping to catch the glance of a young man walking by. We do so much to get a little amount of acceptance. This is artificial. It's not real, and there isn't anything special about it.<br />
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So. We've talked about artificial beauty now lets talk about <i><b>Real Beauty.</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>What is Real Beauty? It seems like the thing of fairy tales, a beautiful romance between prince and princess. Or the fact of the matter, what is a lady? Genuine Femininity, something not many woman know about anymore. It's something of grace and poise, respect for others, love and kindness. It sounds a lot like 1 Corinthians 13:<br />
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<i><b>If I speak in tongues of me or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If i have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains , but do not have love, I am nothing. If i give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship[ that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love do not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects , always trust, always hope, always perseveres.</b></i><br />
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Love sounds a lot like something beautiful. Something worth striving for. This is true beauty, girls! If you end up treating people like it says in 1 Cor 13, you will be not only beautiful shinning on the outside, but gloriously shinning on the inside. And that's the side that truly matters.<br />
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There isn't anything wrong with wanting to dress in the latest style and wear makeup, Goodness I do it! If you saw me on an average day I fall into the category of Hipster aka Skinny jeans, converse, and beanie/slouch hat. This is my style though, it's what I feel comfortable in and it's not me trying to gain any self assurance. We can dress in the latest styles but that doesn't mean we have to be pressured into doing it because everyone else is. Be yourselves, be who God made you to be and not what the world tells you to be.<br />
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I'm not trying to act like I have it all figured out. God has been bringing this verse back to my mind over and over. Enough for me to get the hint that He not only just wants me to read it, but live it out! If you want to go to a website that talks more about genuine femininity go to: <a href="http://setapartgirl.com/">Set Apart Girl Magazine</a>.<br />
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Have a blessed week, this is my last week of sanity before I go back to real life aka College and work!<br />
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~RachelRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-23152011122605764602013-12-05T07:44:00.001-08:002013-12-05T07:44:27.161-08:00A Post on Beauty
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This is the last piece I wrote for English Class. I was instructed to write about something prominent in Northern Michigan, something that made me love living here.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Northern Michigan
is all I know: cold winters, warm summers, wet springs, and brisk autumns. </span>Winter is the
most prominent season in northern Michigan. Months filled with snow,
cold, and wind, people complain
about it and yet they don't think about all the joys there are:
skiing/snowboarding, huddling up by a
fire with coffee, and shocking beauty.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Skiing or
snowboarding is a must if you live in Northern Michigan. Bundling up:
in snow pants,</span>gloves, thick
winter coats, helmets and ski masks. Braving out into the cold and
racing down slopes, riding the ski
lifts, while chatting with friends. Your adrenaline is up as you
speed down the hill, thinking on your
toes as you maneuver over the grated snow and shape of the hill. </div>
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<span style="color: black;"> The
lodge is a </span>safe haven filled
with laughter and friends. Warmth comes easily from the roaring fire
and hot cocoa, making the cold
outside feel like it never existed. Sooner then expected the urge to
attack the slopes again enters your
mind as heat envelopes you from head to toe.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> Snuggling
into a fleece blanket, holding a cup of coffee, and staring into a
beautiful fire can't be </span><span style="color: black;">compared to
anything else. The coffee warms your body, the blanket encases you
like a welcomed hug, </span>the fire radiates
heat, and a golden light dances across the hard wood floors. Chatting
with family members,
and being warmed by the fire, laughter echoes through the house,
remembering memories, and
creating new ones.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"> A winter in
Michigan possesses incredible beauty. A beauty that takes your breath
away, and makes </span>you do a double
take. It's not something that's constant like the Grand Canyon:
Michigan winter's beauty comes and
goes. Some days are dark and gray, and other days the sun shines as
the snow falls down covering the
ground with sparkling diamonds. Green and white splashes the forest
as snow covers the pine
trees and weighs down the branches making them bow down like a
servant. Not</div>
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everyone that
lives in Michigan finds it beautiful, they tend to focus on the cold,
icy roads snow <span style="color: black;">covered cars, and
having to add more layers to stay warm. Michigan has a hidden beauty,
you just have </span>to look for it,
being receptive and eager to winter, rather than complaining about
icy roads and extra layers.</div>
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Growing up in Northern Michigan I have learned not only how to dress warm and have fun in the cold, but most importantly to look for beauty in everything. It's not just in the landscapes of snow, but in the people that live up north. Everyone holds something beautiful about them whether it's their eyes, attitude, or personality. Northern Michigan is filled with people that care for one another, we share in our adventures, and in learning to brave a Michigan winter.<div>
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Have a blessed week.</div>
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~Rach</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-14334092895814308092013-11-26T19:03:00.000-08:002013-11-26T19:03:42.345-08:00Eucharisteo<div style="text-align: left;">
"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. <i>"Why can't the plows get out there and clean the road off?! It's completely ridiculous that they haven't done it yet..."</i></div>
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<b> BAM.</b> It hits. He tells me to knock it off and I sigh with regret. </div>
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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.</div>
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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.)</div>
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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.</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6826680104391535036.post-36959990100487621122013-11-19T09:39:00.001-08:002013-11-19T09:39:56.217-08:00Something simple? I don't think so...<div style="text-align: center;">
It's finally over.</div>
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This day has come to a close and my eyes threaten to close.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> 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... </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> 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. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> There's been one thing I've learned over these past few years: <b><i>He'll set you free, but only if you let Him. </i></b>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. </span></div>
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<b><i>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.</i></b><br />
<b><i>~Deut 31:8~</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The LORD is my light and salvation-- whom shall I fear?</i></b><br />
<b><i>The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?</i></b><br />
<b><i>~Psalms 27:1~</i></b><br />
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<b><i>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.</i></b><br />
<b><i>~2 Cor 1:3-4~</i></b><br />
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<b><i>God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Psalms 46:1</i></b><br />
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<b><i>You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,</i></b><br />
<b><i>because he trusts in you.</i></b><br />
<b><i>~Isa 26:3~</i></b><br />
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<b><i>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</i></b><br />
<b><i>~Phil 4:6-7~</i></b><br />
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<b><i>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.</i></b><br />
<b><i>~1 Pet 5:6-7~</i></b><br />
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In Him,</div>
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Rachel</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12805842991886810950noreply@blogger.com0