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.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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 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.
Monday, November 17, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
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."
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."
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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.
PS... I have created a page for my Chip-In account. click here for more information.
Friday, November 7, 2008
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.
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.
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