Mission Ethiopia Trip Update

So, today I registered for my trip.
Erica and I had a garage sale at her home on Friday and Saturday and we raised a little bit in that way. However, we are still in need of quite a bit of fundage. I know that nobody likes to be asked for money, and let me assure you it is not fun to be on the asking side either, but the time has come (and probably passed) for me to ask. So, I would ask that if you would like to donate money this Christmas to a charity or mission organization that you would think and pray about donating to this trip. We both still need to pay for our airfare and a few other expenses. I don't expect anyone to make it their responsibility to personally sponsor mine or Erica's trip single-handedly. However, we are selling bracelets for $2, and Erica is planning on posting a list of things needed by the Guest House and Orphanages in the area which you could donate for us to take. However, as space is limited in our suitcases, we plan on bringing a monetary gift to the people of Ethiopia, and we would love it if you could help us make that gift even greater.
Please pass this message along to anyone you know who is mission-minded. Thank you all for your prayer and support.

A Month of Thanksgiving

Here's a Summary of my Thankfulness list from last month:
1.Freedom in Christ.
2.My parents.
3.My sisters.
4.My brother, his wife, and his two children.
5.My dear friend, Amy.
6.All my friends at CCS.
7.My brothers and sisters in Christ at EMCC.
8.I live in the United States of America.
9.My job.
10.My car.
11. The Military!
12. My legs.
13.Technology.
14.The Bible.
15.Coffee.
16.Calvary Chapel Surprise, my church.
17.Little things that remind me of God's love.
18.God chose me.
19.Education.
20.Celebrations!
21.Old friends.
22. Mrs. Swinney
23."Flea" people.
24.Things that beep.

Fleas!!! Days 20 - 24

20. Thursday was an awesome day full of things to be thankful for. So, mostly, I will just say that I am thankful for celebrations and everything that they entail. From the thrill of seeing a long-planned project come together, to the simple joy of consuming delicious foods made by good friends and the laughter and smiles and silly anecdotes. Thursday was a medley celebration pot-luck at Christian Challenge. It was also the longest day of my life. But it was fun!

21. Friday, also a long day, I am thankful for a special family. I saw some friends on Friday that I have missed. A family with whom I was very close, and am now barely connected. So I am thankful for them despite our somewhat strained relationship.

22. On Saturday, I was very grateful for Mrs. Caroll Brown Swinney. She was my high school theatre teacher, and as a chaperon for the thespian festival, I was so grateful for her continuing influence in my life, and for her stand against moral compromise amid the craziness of performing arts.

23. Sunday we talked about being thankful for the "bad" things or fleas in life. So, I will be thankful for the people who are daily teaching me patience through their lack of kindness and giving me an opportunity to share the concept of unconditional love.

24. Today, I am thankful for things that beep. I hate them so much, and often wish that I could live in a world without alarm clocks and kitchen timers. There are at least half a dozen beeping apliances at my house. Thankfully they have probably prevented some terrible things in my life.

Thanks!

Okay, so today, day 19, I am thankful for Education. That may sound silly, but I really have been trying to focus on all the things that I am least thankful for and turning them around to see why God has brought them to me. So, as I finish up my silly essay about how Hinduism relates to "The Matrix", I write down my praise to God for allowing me the opportunity to learn more about how others think so that I may reach them for His sake. So I am thankful.

Thankful for...

Day 18:
I am thankful that God has decided that He will use me for His service. I am thankful that He sees me as worthy of persecution. I am thankful that my ability to serve God is in no way based on my ability.
Right now, I am trying and trying and trying to do the right thing. Over and over I am reminded that I need to just let go and trust that God can do this (with or without me) and that He has chosen me as the vessel.
Thank you, God for choosing me. I don't know why You did, but you did.

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed what God has planned.
I only know at his right hand
Stands One who is my Savior.

Days 15-17, thank you

15. Saturday was a long day of work. A lot of work. I pretty much drove home on auto-pilot. So, thank You, Lord, for coffee. It really is wonderful. I love it, and I am so glad God created it.

16. Yesterday, I was so thankful for time to just relax and worship God. I was thankful for our Pastor and his faithfulness to preach the Word of God, no exceptions... We finally finished Galatians! I am thankful for my church.

17.So now, today. Today, I am thankful for little things that remind me of God's love. For flowers, sunsets, and the voices of small children. For the extra quarter in the tip jar and the smile of a stranger. For my favorite song playing just when my day was going all wrong. For the feeling of a soft pillow and sincere peace... I am thankful.

Day 14 already...

Today, I am thankful for the written Word of God. It blows my mind to think of how many details throughiout history were carefully laid out so that I could have an English Bible. Yesterday at Christian Challenge, we had aquired, finally, a few more Bibles. I was thrilled. Since it is usually my duty to pass out Bibles to those who are lacking, I have been rather depressed lately at our slim supply. But yesterday there was a giant stack. Since then, I have been thinking about the fact that in so many places, Bibles are not only in short supply, they are often illegal, sometimes unheard of. So today, I am thankful for the Bible. For my little blue personalized Bible. And for all the Bibles we have printed in all the languages so far, and the ones to come.
I am also thankful for my favorite passages of Scripture and how faithful God is to speak directly to me through His Word.
I Timothy 3:16&17 -- "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped for every good work."

Oh, yeah... about that...

So, since I woke up today, I have been trying to come up with something I am thankful for... Something that today specifically God has revealed to me that I take for granted.
Well, here it is. I am thankful for technology.... yep, that's right. Me, Rachael, the technologically challenged blogger who took three months to find the picture upload icon is thankful for technology. Me, Rachael, the only person I know under 25 who can't make their own Cd's without help. Me, Rachael, the one who has notebooks filled with poems and journal entries, and yet avoids writing essays when it involves a keyboard.
For those of you who do not know, I can hardly set up a DVD player. However, I have learned (with much coaching from my younger sister and sister-in-law) how to use several programs and websites to get stuff done. And as much as I complain about cell phones and the Internet and cable television (and it's more evil competition satellite) I have become more and more aware that these things are often taken advantage of by me.
Through these, I have been able to keep contact with several friends. I have created beautiful gifts for family members. And I have been better equipped with resources that have helped me study the Word of God.
Also, most recently, they have kept me aware of just how much there is to be thankful for... just how much I have taken for granted...
So that concludes Day 13, the day I am thankful for the things I dread.

11&12

Day 11: Veteran's day!
I am so thankful for all the Military! I am thankful for my brother (and men and women like him) who have served in our country's armed forces. I am thankful for my grandfather who I have never met and his siblings who all served our country during war time.
Every year in Sacramento, this was a sobering day, as my dad spent this day at the cemetary.

Day 12: My Dad's birthday!
Today I am thankful for my legs. This may sound silly, but recently a dear friend of mine was injured at work. He is now unable to walk or drive for the time being. I am so glad for the full use of both of my legs. Even when they hurt. At least they work. And they allow me to continue all my work for my job, for school, and for ministry.

Thanks to all you who are also posting your thanksgiving. It is very encouraging.

Days 9 and 10

Day 9:
Yesterday, I did not have the chance to post. But I realize now what I should have been thankful for yesterday: My job.
I was very grumpy about going to work. I was frustrated that I have been working a lot lately. I was thinking, "I got paid much better before. Why did I switch jobs?"
But I know I did the right thing. I actually love my job. I enjoy making coffee and meeting new people each day. I love my co-workers (even though my two friends I knew when I started now work other places). I don't mind cleaning the bathrooms or doing the dishes. It's waaaay less stress than my old job, and just plane ol' fun. Plus, who doesn't love free coffee?

Day 10:
Today, I am thankful for my car. I want to give it a great name. It has been through so much. Let me mention, first, that I have an.... interesting driving history. I got this car not long after my last one had some reverse cosmetic surgery in the form of my "failing to yeild while making a left hand turn" (at least that's what the cop said). It had also suffered a couple garage door incidents and been the weapon in a dog's murder (or so the PETA activists yelled as I cried myself home).
Well, let's just say that my other car had some not-so-fond memories attached to it. So, last Christmas, my parents and I struck a deal, and I got my new car. He's a lovely little thing. I have even adorned him with a Calvary Chapel Surprise window sticker and a girl praying at the cross. My rearview also sports the great charm my mom bought that is pretty fitting, "Take the road less traveled, but don't get lost."
Well, last week, I had an incident involving bushes. My poor car survived with barely a scratch.

Day 8... Thankfulness

I am thankful that I live in the United States of America. For so many reasons. First, because I can worship God without fear of persecution. (For now anyway.) Secondly, because even our poor are not as poor as most of the world. Because I have clean water, FDA approved food, and medical care available (even if it is sometimes expensive).

PS... I have created a page for my Chip-In account. click here for more information.

It's about that time again..

I know every one's been asking for pictures of my nephew, but there just aren't very many yet. Soon... soon.
This post is actually about something else. My birthday, kind of...
For those who have been around me for my birthday, you may have noticed that I love birthdays. I know many people who see birthdays as dreadful, and just a day of embarrassment. I, on the other hand, love to have people sing to me, and wish me happy birthday. I love cards that show me that the people I love also love me. I am not big on gifts, but I do enjoy any gesture on my birthday.
In the past I, like most people, have had my share of good and not so good birthdays. Last year was definitely the not-so-good peak. And my 16th birthday was definitely the best.
This coming birthday (as well as the birthday of my friend Amy with whom I shared the best 16th birthday ever) I will be in.... wait for it.... wait for it....
ETHIOPIA!!!
That is if I can raise (well, if God is willing to provide, that is) the funds necessary for this trip.
My friend Erica, who recently adopted from Ethiopia, told me that she was going alone. I just could not allow that. Besides, my passport is getting rusty.
Actually, it was a total God thing. I had been praying about how I could serve God oversees and still do all the things I have already committed to do here. I just kept thinking, "It would be awesome if there was an opportunity in the winter."
Then, a few weeks later, Erica told me about her trip. I told her I would pray about it. And I did. I was not really sure. So I decided to talk to my dad. He was really supportive. Which shouldn't have shocked me, but it did.
Then I told my brother and his wife, only seeking their prayers and opinions. They offered support in "any way they could help."
So, then I went on the Women's Retreat, and returned knowing God wanted me to commit to this. So, I did, but I guess not fully, because it took me awhile to tell anyone (even Erica). So, here is me proclaiming my commitment. And my faith that God will take care of me and everything He has called me to do.
So, please pray for me, and for Erica, as we prepare to follow God to a far off land.
This is my prayer:
"God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us-- Selah. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations." --Psalm 67:1&2

Ok, and now, here I am about a week late starting this so here is what I am thankful for:
1.Freedom in Christ (Galatians...fireworks...4th of July...yep, those illustrations really stick.)

2.My parents. I truly don't know where I would be without the parents who have given a balance to my life and raised me to love God and His Word. Especially my father, the walking concordanance and my earthly (not quite perfect) example of my Heavenly Father.

3.My sisters. I love them both, and their differences help me to respect and care for others that I might not otherwise love.

4.My brother, his wife, and his two children. In adulthood, my brother has become the sibling that I am closest to, and Stephi is one of my best friends. Their kids are the joy of my life, teaching me so much about the beauty of God.

5.My dear friend, Amy who I miss so much, who has just this week surprised me with a lovely gift in the mail.

6.All my friends at CCS, who pray with and for me, who inspire and encourage me and serve along side me.

7.My brothers and sisters in Christ at EMCC. (And those who no longer go here.) They brought light to a world of darkness otherwise known as Public College.

More to come.

NO More Glass

This picture was taken a few days ago. Serene got to see her baby brother for the first time. Unfortunately it was with a glass wall between them.

Yesterday, however, she got to see him up close. She could touch him, hear him squeak, watch him eat and sleep. Yesterday, Skyler came home. Praise God. My dear sister-in-law was almost in tears thinking that she could finally bring him home. My brother was practically cheering the whole day.

It was a long day, but it had a happy ending.

My sister-in-law, Stephani, doesn't even know how much of a blessing she has been through this past two weeks of uncertainty. She continues to remind me that she is blessed that Serene is perfectly healthy and that Skyler just 'has a little trouble breathing'. We were talking the other day about the families at my church that are going through cancer treatments with their children.

Considering her circumstances, some might think she has the right to be very self centered now more than ever, but her little experience has helped us all focus on the situation that lasts much longer for so many others.

Now that Skyler is home, there will be no more daily trips to the hospital for the Morss family, but for so many families, that is a reality that they are learning to deal with. One that will not go away in two weeks, or even two months. For some families, this is a reality that they may face for years.

So today, rejoice with me as we praise our Creator for billions of lives sustained around the globe. Most in fairly good health. Some with the need of hospitals. Praise God that we have medicine for so many who need it. And praise Him that He has been merciful enough to remove pain from some, and to remove others from pain.

And pray for the strength of families who are now watching their children fight grown-up battles.

Thanks Monica

Monica just gave me a blog award. So I am posting this blog to thank her, and to recognize those blogs that I appreciate.

Monica has already recognized most of my favorite blogs. However, I would like to recognize those she has not.

Basically... that means the AZ Mannings. So go check out their page. It is a crazy fun blog written by the various members of one of my favorite families to follow. Sometimes it's serious. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes it's just strange. Gotta love them Mannings.

And for those like me who don't understand what the award says, I copied this from a friend:

This blog invests and believes, the proximity. [meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' -being close through proxy]. They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize, and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut, or that they propagate?

The official rules say we need to nominate 8 blogs.... so here are the others I will award:

Litten Lamn Academy- That's Monica's blog about homeschooling. Fun stuff. She also has been a real encouragement to me through comments.

Harrell Hearts at Home - Malinda always tells me that my blogs are "deep", but I have only godly women like her to thank for the wisdom I have so far gleaned.

The Road Less Traveled - My first friend at our church, Erica has become so dear to me. I always feel excited to read about her and David's adoption story. I love all their kids so much, and I think Erica is not only a great blogger, but a great mom, and a great friend. Quirks and all.

Meli's Family - Melissa's having a girl.... and we all are excited for her! That's because her blog has a way of making the every day stuff sound exciting and adventerous.

My Blessed Life - I love Tammy's fun style and her sense of humor that comes through in her writing. I love hearing about her fun kids.... both who are very trustworthy.

Sissy23 - Lauren reminds me of myself sometimes. Keep strong in the faith, girl. It's a harder race the longer you run. Thankfully, you don't have to run alone.

Contentment Corner - Julie is the reason I started blogging. She always is an encouragement in the real and virtual world. I love her genuineness, and her desire to learn is inspiring.

So these are the winners.... Love you all.

I'll post a real blog later, but this took all the time I have for now.

Big Sister Serene

This is my niece Serene. She is a big sister now! And she has been a blessing to me in so many ways. For the past week and a half, her life has been crazy, especially for a child under 3. I have spent several nights with her since her brother was born, and every night she reminds us to pray for her brother, Baby Skyler because she loves him and misses him and wants him to come home.
She reminds me of how important it is to stop and pray and place our cares at the feet of the one who can handle them... Because guess what? We can't.
My word for the year is "Prayer". It is very fitting. In fact, I knew it would be prayer when we picked our words at the retreat. I said, "God, I know that my word is prayer, and I am okay with that as long as it isn't contentment again." And since returning home, I need more prayer than I thought.
My nephew is okay, but not where we had hoped, and he continues to be not at home. This means a lot of trips to the hospital for Mommy, and a lot of inconsistency for Serene.
However, she has benefited with a Big Sister Party and gifts from her Grammy and Papa and all her Tee-Tees. (That's Serenese for Aunts.) It's funny to look at your life and realize that the person you care about and think of the most is your preschool-aged niece. She is also the person that teaches me the most about life. She has started carrying the Bible her parents bought her everywhere. She asks for me to read it to her, and I am totally blessed by her love for God and His Word.
Man, I love this girl.
I just thought I'd share.
Continue in your prayers for Skyler, and for Aaron (3, recently diagnosed with cancer) and Jesse (16, recently diagnosed with Leukemia). I have to say, I think prayers are working now as these families face Job-like struggles.

Skyler

This is my nephew. Several weeks early, he's our little fighter. Keep him, and his mommy and daddy in your prayers please as we wait to meet him at home.

His mommy got to hold him for the first time last night. Even though he was born on Friday.

13

This is the title of a song about testimony. The basic idea is that all Christians have their own story of how Christ has changed them and used them. Mine goes a little something like this.

Every Friday was Chapel day at VCA (my school). As a seven-year-old, this was usually a time for me to sing fun songs and to talk to friends without getting caught by the teacher. The pastor was always talking about wisdom and Proverbs. He seemed pretty angry. One week, he got up and was talking about how we were all going to Hell because we are sinners. Well that really scared me. After chapel, our teacher told us about a prayer that could save us. We were learning about Heaven that month, and she said if we said this prayer, we could go to Heaven with God. Well, I may have only been seven, but I knew that Heaven with a loving God was much better than Hell with the devil.
So I raised my hand and said the prayer.
The next week, I knew I had messed up again, and I was certain that my magic prayer should be said again. So I raised my hand.
My teacher promtly informed me that it was ok if I wasn't sure, but that I only needed to say the prayer once, and that God heard me. I wasn't so sure. The magic words must have worn off by this point. So, I repeated them again.
The next week, I didn't tell my teacher, I just said the prayer. I said it every week for a few months.
Then one day my children's choir went to a crusade. The preacher told us about how God loved us even though we mess up. He told us that when Jesus died it was to cover our sins. He said all we had to do was let Jesus come into our lives and be our Lord. To accept His salvation.
I had heard all these words before, but on that day it all made sense. On that day, I knew that God had sent His Son to die just for me. It finally clicked.
Well, this time, when I said the prayer, the words were a little different, and I knew they weren't magic. I just told God how I felt, and I knew that I was set for eternity. And the next week, I didn't have to say the prayer again.
And that is the beginning of my story. It is a long story full of good and bad times. Full of doubt, tears, and fears, but more than that full of Joy, Hope and Grace.

"So, what's your story about His glory?"

Praying for Aaron

I think that it's time I posted something on here about our dear little friend, Aaron. Aaron Robinson is not even 4 years old and has recently been diagnosed with cancer. I have been Aaron's Sunday school teacher for about a year. I saw this little boy almost every week. He's normal and healthy with his own strengths and weaknesses. Like every child in my class, I have learned what makes Aaron smile, and what makes him cry.
I was shocked to learn that he has cancer, but I am so glad to know that there are so many people who are praying for Aaron.
The Bible tells us that prayer is powerful. So right now, whatever you are doing, I would like to ask you to stop and pray for Aaron.
Now pray for Ben, his little brother.
And Barbara, Aaron and Ben's mommy.
And Damon, their dad.
And now pray for Aaron, one more time.
Thanks. I know God will use our prayers.

I See the Moon

Lately my niece has become totally obsessed with the moon. If we are together at any time, she will search the sky for the moon and ask me to join her on her mission. Once the sky-gem has been found, we sing "the moon song" together and follow that with a hug, a kiss, and and a verbal reminder of our love for each other. She is thoroughly convinced that the moon was made by God just for her. That this beautiful work of nature has the sole purpose of giving her pleasure and reminding her and I of each other's love. A few times at night, she has asked her mom to call me so she could tell me that she saw the moon and thought of me.
Her obsession with the moon got me excited about it. I find myself thinking of her more when I see the moon. I use the moon to teach her about light, shadows, the earth, and also about God, and about His love and power. Through the moon, and my Moon (my niece), God has showed me so much of Himself.
The Moon: Unlike the stars, the moon is very small, and completely dependent on another source of light, the sun. The moon, however, is very close and familiar. It is comfortable, and its surface is attainable. It reflects the light of the sun in such a way that we can appreciate its brilliance without being blinded by directly gazing upon its brightness. The moon, unlike the sun, gives us light within darkness. It does not fully remove the darkness, but merely helps us see through it.
In the same way, we as Christians can be moons to the world around us.
We: Although very small, and completely dependent on The Source of Light, The Son of God, are very close and familiar to the world around us. We are comfortable and attainable to the lost who are seeking answers. We can reflect God in our lives in a way that others, who are separated from God by their sin, can still see that He loves them. We, like the moon,are exposed to our Light Source constantly, but others only see Him once in awhile. They are otherwise in darkness. We can direct them to that Light.
I am not the first one to use this analogy. I am sure it has been more eloquently relayed, but this is what God has showed me through the eyes of a little girl who has been the moon in my life.

Heroes

" A hero cannot deny his destiny." Somehow, Hiro's words to Ando strike a cord in me. Every time he speaks about his calling and his heroic purpose, I get excited. But, it is not vainly that Hiro believes he is a Super Hero. He has a gift. This gift is the evidence of his destiny.
Like all my favorite Super Heroes, Hiro, Claire, and Peter from the show Heroes use their powers (their gifts) to save the world.
As much fun as it is to watch imaginary people with imaginary powers save the world from imaginary destruction, Super Heroes, at the end of the day, are just that: imaginary. No matter how awesome you think the Green Lantern is, or how often you sing the Batman theme, they cannot save you, or the world.
But let me suggest, once again, an unexpected image of spiritual things.
The Bible says that all Christians have been given the Spirit of the Living God. This God possesses powers that Super Heroes would die for. And He has blessed us with these powers. We call them Spiritual Gifts.
"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit to another gifts of healing"[and here I imagine my friend the cheerleader] "by that one Spirit, to another prophecy," [like the painter, Isaac Mendez] "to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, ant to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." (1 Corinthians 12: 7-11)
And I know right now you are sitting in front of your computer screen thinking, "Well, yeah, but Rachael... you can't take on Venom with the gift of discernment."
But you are wrong. You are looking at this from a temporal lens. My dear Christian, ours is not a battle of this world, or of Gotham or even Krypton.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
And like Batman we are equipped with a super armor. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
And not only that but we have been guaranteed of a rather favorable outcome. (Romans 8: 31-39) The love of God protects and empowers us as Spiritual Super Heroes. Even Quail Man can't stand against that.
So get out there and fight. Remember the word of the Japanese time traveler, "You cannot deny destiny."

"All the world's a stage."

As a theatre kid, I love this quote from Shakespeare. As a Christian, it truly got me thinking. Who's directing my play? Am I in the play of this physical world with Satan as my director? Or I denied the role of "sinner" to play a part in God's off-Broadway production simply title, "The Body."
This is a revolutionary show, truly. The cast is vast and varied, and yet they work together to play the part of ONE BODY.
This cast gets together every Sunday morning and once in awhile during the week in small groups for rehearsals, which are always open to the public. The show runs almost constantly with new members being added simply because the show's message compels them.
More people are becoming aware of injuries and mistakes that have occurred on stage daily. And some cast members have been known to apologize ahead of time for what might occur on stage. Others have even encouraged the audience to leave and explore other shows.
Although some great actors have taken pride in The Body, the show is rarely advertised, and critics rarely give it good reviews.
People work very hard to degrade the character and nature of the show, but it is somehow able to survive.
Why? The Director is brilliant. The crew: angelic. And the Producer's resources are vast, limitless really. And although He has never been seen and rarely been heard, He has communicated through His Son, the original Star of the Show, that the show is what means the most to Him. It is the Biography of His Son put into action on stage.
So no matter what the opposition, He has made it clear: "The Show must go on."
So, how about you? What;s your role? Right now, I'm the mouth.

The life of a Christian college student.

As a college student, there are a few questions that I get asked A LOT. I really must admit that sometimes I rattle off an answer I know people expect, even if it is not the whole truth. So here are the questions and the REAL answers.

Q:What's your major?
A: This is usually a loaded question. When college students ask each other this question, they mean "What classes are you taking?" They usually want to find a common ground for conversation and friendship. When "responsible adults" ask college students this question, who knows what they really mean. I've often had professors use this as a launching point to suggest I switch majors. Friends parents want to know, "Are you a responsible person, or a loser that is a bad influence on my child?" The truth is, there is not an answer I have given that seemed satisfactory to those who ask this question.... But I have not promised a satifactory answer. I only promised the truth. The truth is, I am a General Studies major. I will graduate in May with an AA in General Studies.... I know, I know. I told you I am asked this question a lot. I have also answered it a lot. I know what you're thinking.

Q:How many classes are you taking?
A: Another trick question. I am always taking to many or too few. I really can't help that. My usual answer "I am a full-time student." That is usually vague enough to weed out the truely nosy from the casual conversationalists. The nosy one always asks again until I give the more specific answer they are looking for. "I am taking 12 credits right now." This is the part where an unaproving eyebrow raises and the question is known without being asked. "But I take summer and winter classes. Besides, I work 30 hours a week." I often leave out my volunteer work because some people suggest I drop it in order to take more classses.... Let me just go on the record saying "I take 12-13 credits a semester." Period.

Q:What do you want to be when you are done with school?
A:I have changed my mind so many times on what exactly I am going to do that this question might never be totally answered until I am retired. I want to teach in some realm. I know I am going to be in ministry somewhere, but what I'll do for money (which is what this question really means) I don't know. I may come home after college and work at Starbucks for the rest of my life. (Actually, that sounds kinda perfect.) Or I may get a paying position at a church. Or I may marry and never actually work a paying job after I'm 25. Who knows? Yes, Mom, I will keep my options open. I may go back to school and get my teaching credentials. But the truth is, and we are talking truth here, I don't know. And really don't think many "kids" my age do.

Q:Where are you going to school?
A: This is another status question. It usually comes from co-workers and people I went to high school with. They want to know how smart I am or how much money I have. I go to a community college and live at home. No, it's not the exciting "college experience" that we all imagine, but affordable it is. And accredited also.

Q: And after that?
A: I would love to say that I am positive that at this time next year I will be in Lima, Peru. Honestly, I don't know what tomorow will bring. I believe God wants me at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima, but He may lead me somewhere else. So I am trying not to rush ahead. I am planning for it though. I am doing my research and saving some money. We'll see where it all ends up.

Q:How do you pay for it?
A: Scholarship. Work. Living at home. These are all honest answers. They all factor in. But the truth: God. I don't know how I will pay for next year without a miracle, and when I graduated I felt the same way about my first semester. God has it under control.

Q: What do you do in your free time?
A:What's free time? Any time I have free, I immediately fill. This blog takes up most of my "free time." But really, like many college students know, blogging usually happens when you should be studying for that Psych final you have in two hours. Friends often ask me what I am doing on the weekend. My answer, "Not much." The truth: What am I not doing? I work. I go to school. I teach Sunday School. I am involved in several ministries at my church and on campus. I volunteer at my sister's school. And I have a large close-knit family that has stolen all my heart and free time. But like I have told some friends, "If you want to do something, I will make time for you. It's just not free."

So that is my truth. I mean that is obviously not all there is to me, and my life. And this may not be the answers that any other person would give to these questions. But I am pretty sure that most college students can relate to at least one of these. And keep in mind that we do hear these questions.... A LOT.

What've You Been Doing Lately

Your life could use improving greatly.

I just wanted to know what's going on

when everything that goes is going wrong.

--Relient K

In Hebrews chapter 12 it says: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."

I've been getting some tough lessons thrown at me lately. And I'm just taking in all this spiritual muscle toning, awaiting the trial I know must be coming. God has definitely been testing me, and I think spiritually, I'm falling way short of my perfectionist 4.0 GPA.
Some tests I pass with flying colors; others I fail... miserably. But through this, God has proven faithful.
About a year ago, I had a friend tell me something that has stuck with me, and has helped me keep pressing on. She said, "God is the same today as He was a month ago. And He expects just as much of you now as He did then. Probably more."
God is immutable. He never changes. But He does change us. And He expects us to change to be more like Him.
Paul warned Timothy of the importance of being faithful to God's calling.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, and in purity... Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1Timothy 4:12, 16)
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2Timothy 2:3) That part doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but it is important to endure.
And there is a promise. Paul wrote to the Philippians reminding them that he was "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
So we must be disciplined and continue to grow. I must live the life God has called me to. But He will be there to do all the work.

Today I will...

"If you are going to college for any reason other than to be a missionary, you are going for selfish and sinful reasons."
(Please understand the context of this quote. In this case, missionary does not mean a person who is paid to spread the word of God to people in other countries, but merely a fisher of men, a disciple-maker.)
Ouch. The leader of my college's Christian Challenge said this to our group at an event about a week ago, and it really hit me. I started thinking. Why do I do the things I do? Do I do them because of something I will gain? Do I do them out of obligation? OR Do I do them for God?
Do I work for God? Go to school for God? Volunteer for God? Go to church for God? Do I generally live my daily life for God?
Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) As a Christian, my life should belong to Christ. Do I give him that control?
When I really searched myself, the answer was "no". There are many things I realized were not in the more than capable hands of the Creator.
Giving Him these things, I strive to say with a sincere heart that "the life I live in this body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:21) It's the least I could do, but it's all I CAN do. And it's only logical.
One thing I need to give to God is my schedule. But when I give this up, I realize it needs to be me giving time to God out of a love response, not some "spiritual" obligation.
I recently have been beating myself up for missing quiet time. Every time I think I've figured out the perfect time for God, my schedule changes.
But the problem is I have gone about this the wrong way. Instead of staring at my planner trying to "squeeze God in", I should be staring at my God. It should be easy to find time for the Lover of my soul.
Don't get me wrong; we all need a little discipline, and I have learned to make quiet time a priority, even when I don't feel like it. But the point is, living for God is not about setting up a life around godly works. It's about letting God change you to be more like Him.

Falling in Love

It's like the wind. I can't see it, but I feel it.
Jamie Sullivan-A Walk to Remember

My First Love - A Poem

My first kiss was at your feet,
and as I pray, and our eyes meet,
I can't help, but be
overcome by you.
My First Love

I held your hand for the first time:
a shy girl, afraid to even try.
But you drew me in
and held on tight.
My First Love.

The angels joined, our first time dancing,
and I could hear their rejoicing.
Now, deep in my heart,
I am waiting
On My First Love.

I see our wedding in my mind.
You waiting as I walk down the isle,
and I just fall
in love again with
My First Love.

Christian radio is full of songs that rightly express love for God, but sometimes, they seem awfully romantic. Last week, in my blog, I talked about God as a Father. Well, as true as it is to say that God is our Father, that is only 1/3 of the Trinity. And that definitely doesn't even come close to describing the depth of even that personality.
Most of my life, being raised in church, I have seen God as a Father. As a teenager, I started to finally see God as a friend as His Spirit quietly consoled me. But, recently, through books based on Biblical Truth, and my own quiet time with God and His Word, I have learned something radical about the heart of my Savior.
He is in love with me.
He is head-over-heels, googly-eyes, to-the-moon-and-back, hold-your-hand, in love with me!
Why? I really don't know. No one else has ever been in love with me. But sometimes, I am so aware of this truly romantic love that it makes me blush.
When I first realized this, I thought that I must be mistaken. I thought, Rachael! How dare you think of God this way! But I've come to realize it is very right and good. In fact, it is Biblical for me to see Jesus as my lover.
He constantly romances me. He is wooing me. And he's begging me to love him back. In fact, our earthly ideas of love and romance seem almost silly in light of this love. They pale in the radiance of the Lover of us. He set up marriage as an example of his own true love story.
John and Staci Eldredge wrote a book that helped me realize this. In Captivating, I found this description of our Author of Romance:
Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.
We (the church) are the bride of Christ! He finds us absolutely breathtaking. And while I have been romanced with gifts of my favorite flowers and romantic dinners, and even some very thoughtful items, no one has given me gifts like God. And once I opened my eyes and heart to these gifts, I wanted only to bask in His love.The truth is, right now, I can't help but love my Jesus. I feel like I'm in a new relationship, and when I remember that this Lover of mine knows all my fault, I turn red, and my palms sweat.
But then, He draws me close and as I stiffen in His embrace, He whispers, "I love you. I always have. I always will. I made you perfect, and that's how I see you. You are more than beautiful. You are beauty."
And I melt. I melt in God's love for me.

Here's some verses and song lyrics that spoke to me about this.
Revelations 2:4, 19-20, 22; 22:17; 1 Corinthians 7:34; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Song of Songs 1:2-4; Esther 2:17; Genesis 29:18; Ephesians 5: 25-27, 31-32; James 4:4, 8

You've been a mistress my wife,/chasing lovers that won't satisfy./Won't you let me make you my bride.//You're my beloved./Beloved, I'm yours./ And death shall not part us./ It's you I died for.... Come drink of my lips and you'll taste pure life.
Beloved- Tenth Avenue North

You're better than drugs./ Your love is like wine.
Better Than Drugs - Skillet

For You, I sing; I dance./ I rejoice in this divine romance./ Lift my heart and my hands to show my love./To show my love.
Divine Romance - Phil Wickem

I'm getting into you/because you got to me / in a way words can't describe./ I'm getting into you/ because I've got to be./ You're essential to survive./ I'm gonna love you with my life.
Getting Into You - Relient K

I love you more than the sun/and the stars that I taught how to shine./ You are mine,/and you shine for me, too./ I love you./ Yesterday and today and tomorrow./ I'll say it again and again./ I love you more.
More- Matthew West

SHUT UP!

This was a big line in one of the best movies I saw in Jr High. The Princess Diaries. This movie follows the story of Amelia Rinaldi, or Princess Mia, who was raised as the daughter of a struggling artist. On her 16th birthday she learns she is a princess. Her response? "SHUT UP!" Which we were quickly reminded means "OH MY!", "GEE WHIZ!", "GOLLY WHOLLY!", etc.
The movie shows how Mia struggles with her new identity, and almost gives up her position, but eventually she realizes that she was born to rule, just like her father.
Well, guess what my dear sisters (and I suppose my brothers, though I no of no male bloggers who read this), as Christians, we are not very different from Mia. Galatians 3:29 says: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." We were born (and born again) to be princesses, royalty, just like our Heavenly Father. This is the new identity we must come to terms with.
This week, our blog journey is not only going to focus on what I am studying in Galatians, but also a chapter that is one of my personal favorites: Romans 8. This may seem like a strange passage to pick for this topic. It's definitely not the common, but it's the one that spoke so strongly to me. And there is a beautiful picture of our domain.
OK, the chapter starts by explaining that we are no longer controlled by sin. We are no longer under the laws of this world (just like Mia's grandmother had diplomatic immunity). We now belong to Christ (who, by the way, is a Prince). Just like Jesus told St. Nick (Nicodemus that is), we must be "born again" (John 3:1-21). We are re-born as princesses into the royal family.
In case you doubt you are truly able to be called royalty, look at Romans 8:15-16.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. and by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with out spirit that we are God's children."
That word, Abba, is best translated into English as "Daddy", or "Dad".
Galatians 4:6-7 says, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hears, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So that you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."
I have a great dad. Often, I don't appreciate him enough, but when I am in trouble, He's the first person I call. Why? Because he's my Daddy, and he's there to comfort me and help me. Yes, sometimes he's there to direct me to a better route or remind me of what the Bible says. To convict, and when I was younger, to discipline me. But even when I am upset with him, I know that he would DO ANYTHING FOR ME.
That's how we should see God. He's our Daddy. If you doubt this spend time in prayer and let your spirit confirm what you know to be true by the Bible. This is important. God is a Judge, but as Christians, we need to remember that we are no longer condemned. God sees us as his beloved children.
Now let's look at the next idea. We are heirs. Galatians says so; we just read that. And Romans 8 says that too. Look at verse 17: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ ... that we may also share in his glory."
Did you get that? We are co-heirs with Christ. SHUT UP! It's OK, you can say it. We share in His glory! You are a princess! And your kingdom, God's kingdom, our kingdom, is everything!
This was God's plan from day one (read Genesis 1 and 2). But after that fall, "creation was subjected to frustration" (verse 20).
Look at that again. This earth, all the beautiful beaches and mountains and flowers, and the universe, the moon, planets, sun, stars, it's all for us. God created it for his glory, but also for our pleasure. And right now all of creation is waiting for us to be redeemed, and they are waiting for Christ to return us to our rightful place so they too can be "liberated from ... bondage to decay" (verse 21).
SHUT UP!
So that's out identity, and our inheritance. Why would we deny it? Why would Mia even consider giving up her crown? Because there is more. We have a responsibility... and a struggle.
Verse 17 speaks of a struggle that comes before the glory. It is very real. For a long time, I identified more with a struggling soldier than with a beautiful princess. Verse 22 says our spirits "groan within". Waiting for the day when we can live in our full glory, the way God has planned.
But we are on God's side. The all-powerful King, Lord of all is not only our Father, He's our Daddy. and it's because of that we can say, "What then shall we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?" (Verses 31-32)
Like Mia, we ca accept the tiara we were born (again) to wear. Because we too have a royal Father, who has promised us a great inheritance.

contentment

Ok, so my Bible study compatriots and my close friends know that this was my word from the Women's Retreat. And it has been driving my nuts. And teaching me a lot.
On Sunday, Todd spoke of us "getting in the wheelbarrow." And I have to say, I was convicted. I know I still have a few thing to load on top of that wheelbarrow so that God can push them across that tight-rope.
Looking back I can see how God has used my life to prepare me for this word. Then, used this word to prepare me for life.
Last April, God gave me a verse, Romans 15:13. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This may sound like a fluffy, hang-it-on-the-wall, encouraging verse, but it's not. This is more like a God-is-trying-to-tell-you-something-so-pay-attention-to-this-whisper-or-it-will-be-followed-by-a-yell verse of conviction. It's all about choosing to rejoice in God. You see, God has already given us the all joy and peace. We just have to trust in him. Ouch... maybe that means that I need to trust God. You think? Of course I need to trust God.
I told you this contentment stuff is kicking my butt.
Paul makes it sound easy when he says, "I have learned to be content." (Phil 4:10) But watch closely to what happened to Paul as he traveled along the path leading to contentment "whatever the circumstances", "the secret to being content in any and every situation". (v 12) He first had to "know what it is to be in need".
Many of us think we know what it is to be in need, but it didn't lead to the secret of being content. Why? Look at the next phrase: "and I know what it is to have plenty."
I don't know about you, but I have always had enough to survive. Physically, emotionally, intellectually, and, after receiving Christ, spiritually. I had enough. I may have wanted more, but I was not "in need" or even "in want". I did not ache.
I then learned what it was to have plenty. (I think for some people it is harder to be content with plenty. They always want more. Others feel guilty about what they have and forget to be thankful.) My family had been poor, but we got to a more stable living situation and had more money to spend on what my parents called "extras".
I was at my spiritual mountain top. I felt God's presence almost physically and heard his voice almost audibly. I was learning a lot at school, and enjoying it. I had finally made a great friend and was growing closer to many others.
I HAD PLENTY!
But I had not learned contentment.
So, God told my parents to move to Arizona.
Here, without my "plenty", I learned what it is to be "in want". I felt desperate for what I lacked.
I WAS IN WANT, and (at least I thought) IN NEED.
But I still hadn't learned contentment.
So God gave me some plenty. Let, me tell you I was showering in blessings. Slowly I began to value some thing in my life. Some people. Some situations.
None of these things were bad. Even enjoying these blessing was not bad. I was praising God for what he had given me. Indeed, I had learned to be content. But not "in any and every situation." I had only learned to be content with plenty.
So what do you think God did?
He very lovingly, pointed out to me verses and passages of scripture about this whole issue of praise, joy, trust, and, yes, even CONTENTMENT. Then he gave me this word to study.
Then,when I still had not learned, he pulled my rug of plenty right out from under me.
As I grasped for the little pieces of rug fuzz, God slowly swept them away, too.
And so, on my concrete floor of nothingness, I did what any self-reliant, spoiled, spiritual 2-year-old would do. I cried and screamed and kicked my feet. I through a big ol' fit.
And when I was through, and ready to repent, my Daddy God reached out and comforted me.
So, now, I am learning the secret to being content. The one that Paul shared in verse 13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
And here's another secret I've learned, "I can do nothing without him."
Because God is in control. And if that scares you, you're not alone. It scares me, too. But I am learning to rejoice in the wheelbarrow.

Oh, Barney.

I would like to preface this with a warning. This blog is pretty long.
So most Americans over the age of 5 have probably heard of the Flinstones. And even those deprived few who haven't seen the show probably would understand a off the wall reference to Fred and his pal Barney. And then, of course, even those who did not grow up on cartoons probably know that famous Sheriff Andy Griffith and his Deputy. What's his name again? Oh, yes. Barney. And no one could forget the giant purple dino who has been best buds to many a preschooler. His name also, you guessed it, Barney.
Now, you may think that this is just coincidental, and you may be right. But how many Barneys do you know? Personally? If your number is greater than 3, you are in the minority on this one. Sorry, but Barney is not exactly a common name. However, there is one more Barney I would like to share with you. One who I think these three media friends may have been named after.
Who is this Barney? Well, I don't think he ever was actually called "Barney", but that is the modern nickname for Barnabas. And the Barnabas I am speaking of was sidekick to none other than the apostle Paul.
Paul's Barney could teach us a thing or two. Just like Fife and Rubble, he is compassionate and encouraging to the man usually in the spotlight. He is a lesser known hero, but today, I will give him the spotlight as I share with you what God has taught me from studying this Barney.
One Sunday, Pastor K. reminded us that we all need a Barnabas (an encourager) in our lives. (The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as I have recently stumbled upon my own just recently.) However, he didn't stop there. He also reminded us that we need to be a Barnabas to those around us. That challenged me. So I began to think. How do I get to be that to someone else?
From Todd: 'Barnabas' literally means "son of encouragement".... hmmm... no excuses not to be that.
From "Extracting the Precious From Galatians", by Donna Partow-- "Barnabas started as Paul's mentor (Acts 9:27) became his ministry partner in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26) and fellow missionary (Acts 12:25)"
So of course, I started reading all those verses in Acts, and this is what I found. He wasn't just a softy with a big heart. He was brave. He stood up to the apostles on Paul's behalf. (Check out Acts 9) When's the last time I stood up for a brother or sister? And he stood up to the most powerful church leaders!
Then, those same leaders chose him to accompany Paul in Antioch. I suspect not only because he was Paul's buddy, but more importantly because they trusted his maturity and discernment. Well in Acts 11, if you keep reading, you find out something awesome about good ol' Barney. He was the tool God used to grow the church in Antioch. His encouragement is specifically noted at the time when believers were first called "Christians", a nickname a little more popular than "Jesus Freaks" but with similar connotation on both sides.
What a hero to look up to! But even though God blessed Barnabas with a compassionate heart, it wasn't always just "a happy family with a great big hug". However, after studying this man, we can relate to Paul's shock in Galatians 2: 13 when he writes that "even Barnabas was led astray". What? Barney? No, way! Can't you just see the look on Paul's face.
Barnabas made mistakes, too. And he didn't always get along with everyone. Not even Paul. In fact, Paul and Barnabas broke up their great ministry team over a disagreement. (Read about it in 15.) However, there is never an attack on the character of this man of God. Even though he stumbled, as we all do, he is a great example of what Christians should be to each other. Ephesians 4: 2 says that we should be "completely humble and gentle; be patient , bearing with one another in love." And that's what Barnabas did.
So, now I need to find a Paul to encourage. lol.

This is pretty cool

So, I just clicked on a link from Julie's MySpace profile and found out that this must be the cool place to blog. I read a little here and there, and decided that this is where I will log the thoughts I wish to share.
I am calling my blog "The Extra 'A'" because of the spelling of my name. I used to think that it was weird and frustrating to have a name that was spelled slightly different. But now, I realize that it just makes me unique. It also makes simple name key chains seem like the best gift ever.
I guess I need to do some nosing around and figure this space out a little, but for now, I will just post something God has been sharing with me.
So, I have been diving into Galatians like I will wake up tomorrow and those pages will be missing from my Bible. It's amazing how you can read the same thing over and over and find God's truth to be new, refreshing, encouraging. I found such freedom in this book. And identity. And love.
For the first time I am starting to see that we are free to serve God. Before, we could try but to no avail. We were prisoners to sin. A prisoner cannot fight a war. If I tried to serve God before I was a Christian (or to reach heaven through works), it would be silly.
It's like there are two warring countries: Law and Grace. Law is the enemy of Grace, and it held me in a prison. So I could not live in Grace. I was under the authority of Law. As a Christian, I live in Grace and it would be silly for me to to live under the authority of Law.
Of course, this is a veeery limited analogy. But it helps us see that legalism has no place in a love relationship with God. If he loves us, and pours out grace on us, why should we not rest in that grace?
Nothing I can do is good enough. I am not good enough. But that is what makes the gospel "GOOD news". That's freedom that can set us free. And free to do what? To make ourselves volunteer slaves! How awesome! We can choose to serve God! And finally, in this grace, we are able to do just that.
That spits in the face of pride, but what a beautiful thing it really is. Especially to those who know God is calling them to do his work. To share his message. And here's what is especially great. The cherry on top, if you will. The message is infallible. No matter how bad we screw up, God's Word cannot fail. It is actually impossible for it to fail.
So, that means God doesn't even need us to be full of his grace and power in order for the work to be done. In fact, the work could be done without us. But he chooses to use us and gives us a sword that cannot break. He let's us be part of something so that we can be called victors in HIS war. How awesome is that!