Life will not Always be like This

I wrote this in June 2018 and just never shared. I still have the same beliefs as written here, so I want to share!

On our way to a camping trip in December 2015

I've had multiple conversations with my husband, friends, and family about the struggles of life in the western world.  Some may label these "first-world problems", but in my situation (and in the lives of some of my friends), they can feel very real and weigh down on us.  We work the 9-5 just to cover the bills.  We struggle to make the rent every week.  We try to pay off debt.  We want to have go out to eat and go on nice holidays, but the budget limits us.  We see others buying houses and new cars and wonder how on earth we could ever "make it" there.  We cannot fathom reaching the world's "standards" without working 24/7 and running ourselves ragged, not to mention missing out on quality time with friends and family.


Now, all of these examples are not necessarily the entire reality for me or for any of my family and friends; but some of these have been my reality, and I'm actually not ashamed of it.  Shame can very easily be insinuated toward adults who already have one (or more) child but are still renting, still driving an old car (and certainly don't own a second car), and who don't seem to have it all or do all the "cool" things.  I have to say, here and now, I am not ashamed of living in a rental home.  I am not ashamed of driving my 2003 car.  I am definitely not ashamed of having had one child during one of the most difficult seasons of my life.  And I am most certainly not ashamed of the life that I CHOOSE to live.

Our fourth house in less than 3 years! Absolutely no frills, but we made it into a home

Between Andre and I, we work 6 days a week.  With a live-in babysitter (shout-out to our sister Nataly!!) we could, on a practical and logistical level, quite easily both work full-time in order to save more, live in a newer home, buy a new car, travel, maybe even buy a house, and do/buy any number of things that the world around us tries to convince us we "need" to do/buy.  However; we have decided that the most important thing to us is our family - to make sure we prioritise time together with our daughter instead of being consumed by work and making money, etc.

And the reason we can so confidently make this decision, without concern for our financial future or living arrangements?

We have HOPE that life will not always be like this.  One day there will be a different life; an eternal life where everyone is welcome no matter of their standing in this world today; a life in which there is no pain, struggle, or suffering... but rather, absolute JOY.

Our fifth house in just over 4 years

In the Bible, in Isaiah chapter 65, we get a glimpse of what is to come in this new life.  I've included the whole passage here so you can see the whole context, but I will comment further below.

Isaiah 65

17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; 

and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.

18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; 

for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people. 

The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

20 No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; 

for the child shall die one hundred years old, but the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; 

for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and my elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; 

for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them."

Verse 17 speaks of the NEW heavens and earth, and that we won't remember the old heavens and earth (the world we live in today) - this encourages me so much to know that the struggles I experience today won't even be remembered in the future!

Verses 21 and 22 were the ones that stood out to me, on this subject of living situations and finances (I'll wait while you go back and read them again!).  This promise that we will have a simple life - to build a house and live there; to plant food and eat it; to live long and to enjoy the work that we have accomplished... SO MUCH HOPE that we won't always feel the pressure to work more and earn more and have more!!  

I have so much to be thankful for, and simple moments like these hit the top of the list!

I am so thankful to believe in a God Who promises a life that will be full of joy forever.  The things I have and do now won't last forever anyway, so really, at the end of the day, if I need to rent for my whole life, who cares?  If I never travel to every country on the planet, what will it matter?  Yes, I need to be wise with what I have (and to be thankful for it, too!), and I am constantly striving to live well and use wisdom in my decision-making.  But I am so thankful that this isn't all there is - an eternal, joyful, simple life is waiting for me!

~Rachel

Are you Convinced?

One month ago I started listening to an audio Bible, attempting to get more of God's Word into my heart and mind, and so far I've listened to a few small New Testament books and I'm really happy about that!  This week I started listening to Romans, and I was enjoying it so much that I decided to read it as well, so today I read chapter 4.  Verses 20 and 21 really struck a chord with me:

20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 

21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

These verses are talking about Abraham (the previous verses give a little background) and I love this picture of Abraham's faith.  It seems that his faith didn't waver, but rather grew stronger; he was "fully convinced" that God was capable of doing anything that He had planned to do.  Wow!!  Everything Abraham believed (as written in these verses) is truth; but how often does that truth get watered down with the lies of the world and all of the voices and demands around me?  How often do I get distracted by other things and God's promises to me get forgotten?  How often does my faith slide and my conviction waver in my daily life?

I'm really challenged to live as if I am fully convinced that God is able to do everything that He has promised me, including...

He is able to provide for me...
He is able to love me completely...
He is able to speak to me...
He is able to guide my life...
He is able to give my soul peace...

...what would you add to this list?  What are you convinced that God has promised you?

~Rachel

You are Chosen

Chosen.

I choose you.

You are chosen.

To be chosen is something that all of us wish for. To be wanted; accepted; desired... chosen.

How many of us grew up always being picked last for the team; overlooked for the band; left behind on the excursion; excluded from the group. I would be willing to bet that all of us have been left out at least once in our lives - but probably far more than just once.

This deep desire we have as human beings to be chosen is not a coincidence or an accident - we were created to desire connection and belonging and acceptance.

Why?

Because God, our Creator, chooses us.

He created us to desire to be chosen... because He chose us.

His Word says,

"But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of Him who called you
out of darkness into His wonderful light."

1 Peter 2:8 (NIV)

Look at that!

Even if you, for your whole life, have been rejected and overlooked and excluded, the most important One has already chosen you! He looked at you and loved you and chose you before you were even born. He pursues you and holds out His hands to you and longs for you to run to Him - where you will finally be accepted and truly belong.

What are you waiting for? You life will change because He chose you - and when you accept, you belong to Him completely.

You are chosen.

~Rachel

Devotional: Spread the Word

"For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything."

1 Thessalonians 1:8

Paul, Silvaneus and Timothy write to the Thessalonican church and commend them for the way the Word is shared through them. Paul writes that in every place their faith was spread.

I am challenged to be like this church. I am challenged to step out of my comfort zone and say the Lord's name and speak of His love. I am challenged to live in a way that people will see the difference in my life.

I want to be remembered for how, when and where I share my faith!! I want to be remembered for the way my life shines for Christ!

Let us be encouraged that this is possible. It truly is possible for Jesus to show Himself through us. When we rest in Him, talk with Him, and follow His leading, this is more than possible!!

~Rachel

Devotional: Gifts

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership."

1 Timothy 4:14

Does this verse convict you? Does it make you question where you're at in your service to the Lord?

It certainly did this to me!

It can be so easy for us to serve in various ministries without even thinking about it - we teach Sunday School, cook meals for those in need, invite fellow believers over to have a meal, lead worship, prepare morning teas, join church and mission boards... The list is endless.

^"6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

1 Timothy 4:14

Every single person has been given special gifts and talents. Along with these, God grants grace and wisdom in how to use them. Our only task here is to actually use our gifts. When we are available, God makes a way.

It is healthy - essential, even - for us to stop and think about our gifts and ask ourselves how we are using them - if we are using them!

Will you join me in using your gifts for the glory of God?

Let's put our gifts and talents to good use!

~Rachel

I can be Thankful...

... no matter what.

No matter the emotions or situations that are affecting me - there is always something to be thankful for!!

Sometimes I am just overwhelmed by all of the amazing gifts that are in my life.

Yet more often than not, I forget to thank my Heavenly Father. Please tell me I'm not the only one who takes precious gifts for granted?? :'(

So today I take time, again, to count up to One Thousand Gifts (inspired by Ann Voskamp, here).


298. Beautiful, fresh mornings

299. The smell of rain

300. The sound of birds singing

301. Awesome chat with my brother last night

All kinds of hotness.
Two years ago, with my bro

302. New friends

303. The Random Writings of Rachel. Not only does this beautiful girl have my name, but her sense of humour is amazing! I love opening Google Reader each morning and reading her latest post - I always get a giggle :-)

304. My Mum, who opens our front gate for me every morning as I drive to work. Such a sweetie!
305. Anticipation of a trip to Sydney in April - it will be my first flight / time away in 8 months!



New Year's Eve 2011

306. Weddings! - two dear couples getting married in the next two months! YAY!

307. The way my man took care of me after I had my wisdom teeth out

308. Help from Bronwyn at Simply Elegant as I try to find a reception venue for my wedding

309. Our new young adults Bible study - what an amazing encouragement our time together each week is!

310. A visit from the beautiful Alicia when I was recovering from "minor surgery" last week



During her visit to Canberra last year

 311. Banana ice cream. Easy as pie, health AND delicious, all rolled into one!! All you have to do is peel a fairly ripe banana and freeze it; chop into pieces and blend with a little milk until creamy. Mmm!

312. A good nights sleep

313. Getting to work on time, even when you miss both alarms. *cough, cough*   314. WEEKENDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     What are you thankful for today?   Go on - find something!! I dare you =D   ~Rachel

Devotional: The Mystery

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God[c] was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory."

1 Timothy 3:16

I love how these few short sentences describe Jesus; how they describe Who He was and what He did on earth. This seems like a simple review of His life, in a nutshell!!

And... this is the mystery of godliness. Jesus. No questions asked. No games are being played here. We don't even need to search it out; look for hidden clues in the puzzle.

JESUS is the mystery of godliness. God manifested in the flesh.

HE is the answer, always the answer.

~Rachel

Devotional: Intercession

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,"

1 Timothy 2:1-5

This passage immediately spoke to me when I read it this morning. A couple of weeks ago, I realized there were a few things in my life that I wanted to work on. Since it was nearly the end of January, I decided to sit down and pray about everything that was in my head, write thoughts down on paper, and then create some goals for February - short-term, achievable goals.

One of my goals was to intercede for others. There are so many special people in my life, and while I can't invest lots of time with them as individuals, I CAN pray for them as much as I like! I find that when I take specific time to pray for others, my heart is filled with joy, because this is such a privilege.

As I read this passage, I noticed the clear reference to "kings and all who are in authority".

Do I pray for my nation's politicians and leaders and officials?

No.

Never.

Wow. I call myself a Christian,  yet I never pray for my leaders! Sure, I make plenty of comments such as "What were they thinking?!?!...this is a Christian country? Doesn't seem like it!...I can't believe the place our country is in..." You get my point.

I expect the best, but don't pray into the decisions that are made by our leaders.

God, forgive my ignorance and pride and selfishness!!

I am encouraged - yes, convicted! - to pursue prayer. Pursue time to intercede for friends and family. Pursue prayer for my nation's leaders. Pursue my Lord and Saviour and all that He has for me.

Will you join me?
What are you convicted to pray for today?

~Rachel

Devotional: Habits of Speech

^"4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. ⁵ Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, ⁶ from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,"

1 Timothy 1:4-6

These few verses are so relevant to me. They make me question the subject of my speech.

What do I talk about most?
How do I talk about it?
Why do I talk about it?
Should I be talking about it?
And must I change the habits of my speech?

Verse 4 notes that some subjects cause disputes rather than godly edification.

I spent some time meditating on this, and realized that there are definitely some parts of my speech are not godly or edifying. They include:

• Complaining
• Criticism
• Quick judgment

Verse 5 brings some very important steps to my attention.
Perhaps, just perhaps, if I "LOVE from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith", then godly edification will flow from my mouth??

I want to change that "perhaps" to "surely". Surely my speech will be godly when my heart is full of love?

Verse 6 points out that some people (may I say, all of us, at one point o r another?!) stray from love and purity and faith and godly speech, and turn instead to "idle talk".

For me, idle talk includes the amount that I lament about my life. I am quick to complain about what people do or say to me; what happened yesterday; how uncaring people are; how one coffee shop never, EVER gets the entire order right ;-) You know what I mean!

Another example is when I say or think that I do better than other people. So often I look at the way things are done and immediately see the failings. As a fairly organised person, something I do very regularly is see how others coordinate events or plan their time, and think of the ways that I would do it differently - aka, better.

Idle talk can simply be a quiet, off-hand judgment. Have you ever turned to the friend next to you and commented about what such-and-such is wearing or doing (in a negative way), even when you don't even really know that person? I sure have. If I don't know someone much deeper than a surface-level "hello, how are you?", surely I have no right to make a quick judgment about their dress code or actions!

So how can I be more edifying?

• When I am about to complain, realize that I am not perfect
• Replace criticism with thankfulness
• Look deeper into people before judging

I want my heart and life to be like Christ's, and my speech is one area I know that I need to improve!

What are some areas of speech that you struggle with?
How can you make your speech more edifying?

~Rachel

Still Counting...up to One Thousand Gifts

Hello, everyone!

I've been busy reading a few blogs - some familiar ones, and some new ones to me - this week, and I have been inspired to open my own Blogger, and start writing again!

In my phone's memos, I have a "To-Do" list, #1 of which (for the last 2 months) has been "Blog". I've wanted to blog, but I haven't felt like it.

I've realized that, over the 6 months away from home, I was writing a lot of emails, blogging semi-regularly (how's 34 posts in 6 months?), and keeping up with things on Facebook as much as I could. Then, when I arrived back in Adelaide, I just lost all desire for anything Gmail, Blogger or Facebook [yes, I checked my emails and looked at Facebook...but the thought of emailing or posting or commenting had no appeal whatsoever].

So.

Now that inspiration's hit, I'm not sure exactly where to start!!

I still want to post about my time on outreach in PNG, with the YWAM ship and in Tauruba village. I want to share about the new season of life I'm in. I want to post a few photos of a few happenings around here...

But I feel like a good place to start is to share the things that I am thankful for, right now. I feel so blessed! Even though life gets on top of me, things frustrate me, and I'm not sure how to handle some things - I am learning that if I just stop and thank God for all the gifts He's given me, my outlook suddenly becomes a lot more sunshine-y!


I AM THANKFUL FOR...

214. My parents. They support everything I do; they're so proud of my accomplishments; they haven't mentioned board payments for the entire time I've been at home [with no job]... So many more I could list... But I just love them!!

215. Tax that has been completed and sent in! A full 7 days before it's due! Boo-yeah! =P

216. My adorable nephew, Daniel!! [for those who don't know, this is my bestie's first baby =D ]

217. Glasses. I'm pretty sure I've been thankful (here in One Thousand Gifts) for these before, but really... Suffering hayfever, working in an air-conditioned office, and wearing contact lenses really do NOT combine well. Seriously. If you've never experienced the pain and tears of these three, you may not understand. So, I am thankful that I can wear glasses :)

218. People, who, somehow, think glasses look good on me. Enough said.

219. 40-50 minutes on the train every morning. I'm loving reading a chapter of the Word; praying; journalling; reflecting. SO worth the earlier mornings!

Waiting for the train

220. My man. Really. How did I luck into meeting this guy, him falling for me, winning me, and then getting to be with him?!?!?! Best. Gift. EVER.

221. Sneakers. Because I can walk so much faster in them =D

222. A dinner and movie date with Andre. Something he's always wanted to do "when we live in the same town". The [slightly] tense, scary movie was totally worth it :-)
 
223. Modern Family. So trivial, yet... pretty funny =P Laughing at everyday things that suddenly become funny on the show; rolling my eyes at the silliness...

224. The way Andre quotes Modern Family, even if he doesn't "get" the comment ;-) [we have to watch those sections about 5 times before we actually understand the meaning]

225. Free. Coffee. Work has a coffee machine. Need I say more??!

226. Visits from friends and family during my lunch break. This week, Mum, Amy and Jarryd came in, on Amy's birthday!

One 14-year-old, two crazy eyes, and Subway

227. Dad and Ryan's Work & Witness trip to PNG. I can't BELIEVE that, right now, they are in the exact same place where I served, two years ago!!! Ryan is having the time of his life, and doesn't want to come home. Don't I know how that feels!!

228. The blessing of being able to get up at the first alarm. No pressing snooze for me!!

229. Tissues. Always a necessity with hayfever.

230. Sunny days and sushi in Rundle Mall.

231. My new job. This is a HUGE one!! I work for Kelly & Co. in the city of Adelaide. My colleagues and managers are amazingly awesome, approachable and affirming (okay, I added that last one just to create an alliteration. Creative, I know!), and the offices are pretty fancy!

232. Hebrews 11 and 12. I have read these two chapters more in the last three weeks than I have in my entire life!! So, SO good!!!!

233. Spring, which means dandelions covering our entire front yard.

234. Sunsets. Amen.

235. A sleep-over and catch-up with a friend that I hadn't connected with since at least the start of this year.

236. The opportunity I had to nanny two precious children for a friend in need.


Caleb's icecream was filled with all kinds of un-name-able toppings. If all baby-sitters were like me, kids would LOVE them!! ;-)

237. Visiting my best friend and having dinner with her little family. A short amount of time, but time that I treasure.

238. Rain-water. Nothing beats it!!

239. The new young adults group at my church!!! This is a huge one! We've never had this many "young adults" in our congregation, and I am LOVING the opportunities to connect with these lovely friends. Our first group catch-up was at Cafe Nova, for dinner, drinks, and Jenga. Such fun!!!

240. Reading. I am re-discovering my old love!!!!!!!! YAYYY for books!!!!

241. For.give.ness. Thank You, Jesus.

242. A [successful] shopping date with my brother =D

I now know what Retail Therapy means. WOO!

243. Birthdays =D

244. People at church who ask me how my new job is going; what is happening in my life. I feel SO cared for and loved by my church family!

245. My Mum's homemade lasagne. The best!!

246. Leftovers from a morning tea that was held at work. (yes, us admins get the leftovers =P )


Nom, nom, nom.
By the way, That little pie in the top left corner? Best. Pie. EVER. No joke. I need to find out where they came from! Real meat, real taste. De-LISH.

247. Weekly devotional times with Andre. Learning together, sharing together, growing together.

248. My African friends coming to church these last few weeks - so fun having them there!

249. Cleaning jobs while I didn't have work, which provided just the right amount of $$ for those weeks.

250. The chance to walk a lot during the weeks without work. This is one scene I passed :-)

251. The good, healthy, productive feeling of making my own lunch to take to work :-)

252. Being able to afford to buy lunch every day for almost 3 weeks... and sometimes dinners... Definitely not a necessity, but a pleasure to enjoy as I settle into work (now the above Gift is to be the norm).

253. Time with Andre just sitting together, chatting, studying, reading, and drinking coffee / smoothies. I love the simple joy of these precious moments!



[although, the banana smoothie wouldn't be my first pick next time...]


There is ALWAYS something to be thankful about! I wanted to make this list as long as I could, so it took me a while. But as I thought and reflected, more and more things came to mind.

God is good, through the good and bad. He remains faithful. He remains just and loving and true. He alone is the biggest gift of all!!!

What are you thankful for today?

~Rachel

Full of Thanks

I am just SO overwhelmed with gratefulness for all that is happening in my life right now. Through the ups and downs, I am seeing over and over again that He is there every. single. step. of the way!

I keep forgetting to count my blessings here, but I want to continue that now!


184. The ring that one of my school leaders, Tim, gave to me - it has The Lord's Prayer on it, in Spanish
185. Cheese and ham toasties

186. My warm sleeping bag
187. When my fringe looks good, even when I don't try to make it work =D
188. Encouragement from Jamie, that my life story IS impacting
189. Coffee
190. The opportunity to share my testimony at church this morning
191. Starting to read a novel :-)
192. Listening to people discuss tonight's church service
193. Keeping in touch with my Third Wave buddies on Facebook

194. Contact lenses! - even though my poor eyes get gritty at night
195. That there was money in my bank account to transfer to pay my phone bill
196. The prospect of seeing Andre tomorrow =D
197. The use of Paul's internet
198. Monday: our day off!!
199. My lovely, soft, pink and green journal
200. Laughing at the people I'm spending time with
201. My new LLFF

202. A "meeting" with Paul - actually, Paul rescuing me [story in another post]
203. Prayer walking in Oyster Bay
204. Muscles that allowed me to lift many boxes to help move house
205. Tim's guitar-playing - WOW. Reminds me of my awesome brother Brento!!!
206. Having fun with my DTS Outreach buddies
207. Andre's visit last weekend

208. This phase of outreach...
209. ...to meet new people...
210. ...do new things...
211. ...get my hands dirty...
212. ...be a blessing
213. The Lord giving me Psalm 115 to meditate on. Here is verse 1:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake."

Praise the Lord for all He is and all He does!!!

~Rachel

My Testimony

Last Sunday (the 23rd of August), I shared my testimony at the (night) youth service.

I'd only found out (a.k.a. volunteered!) that I'd be sharing my testimony on the Friday night beforehand, so I didn't have much time to prepare. I wrote down some main points, and I added in some Bible verses that have spoken to me over the years--mainly the last couple of years.

The points I'd scribbled down to speak about included:

• How I got saved, that I grew up in a Christian home, etc
• Jan 05: I was unsure of who I was in God and with my family--I was insecure
• 2005: I wanted to get so much closer to God, but felt helpless. I felt like God wasn't interested in me, yet I knew in my heart that He was there. I wrote many songs and poems in my journal during this year
• Jan 06: I committed my life to service for God. On that day, and at other times through my life, people have said they believe God will really use me
• I've always wanted to shine for God, and many diary entries over the past 4 years state that
• Many diary entries also stated how badly I wanted to have daily time with God
• Jan 08: Youth Camp's theme was Audience of One, and in the few months before then I had felt really far away from God. I was excited for camp, because with Audience of One, each day we spend half an hour by ourselves, like a devotinoal time just praying, etc, and we got journals to write in. For the whole week, I was just crying out to God, asking Him to reveal Himself to me (don't know what I expected, but I really really really prayed hard!). I wrote pages of songs and prayers. And after all of that, I felt / heard nothing. Absolutely nothing. That was so disappointing and tested me a lot. I had questions like "Why doesn't God speak?"
• 2 weeks ago, Pastor Doug spoke about humility, and that touched me and spoke to me a lot, and he talked about forgiveness as well. I have struggled to forgive in some areas lately, and at the service when Pastor Doug spoke, I just cried cos it really spoke to me, and was convicted that I need to "fix" this problem
• Jan 08: A friend of mine, Kristy, married Steve. 10 weeks later, Steve died in a tragic boating accident. I struggled (and sometimes still struggle) with this fact, and I just couldn't get my head around how Kristy, an amazing woman of God and someone that I have always looked up to, could go through so much, even though she is so faithful. I asked many, many questions through this time, and also wrote lots of songs about that event, and about the struggle my heart was going through. As I shared this, just after the first sentence, I started crying. I didn't expect to be that emotional, but I guess it all came down on me again. I spent a few minutes bawling my eyes out in front of the congregation ( :S ) and took another couple of minutes to manage to talk again... I did notice that quite a few people there had tears in their eyes, too :'(
• Often I feel hypocritical at church. I've had people say things like, "I wish I had your faith" or "I wish I was as close to God as you are", etc. This just makes me think, "Are you SERIOUS??! Obviously that person doesn't know me!! If they know what I go through, they'd be saying the opposite!!!..." I realize now, after talking to a few people, that just the desire to serve God can be a light to others, and even that has touched people

There were other things that I shared, but this is at least part of my testimony. I must say, sharing it at church was easier to write on here; I wasn't sure what to put and what not to put! But these were the main points, and I also shared some Bible verses that have spoken to me over the past couple of years.

I hope it hasn't bored you!

God bless,

~Rachel

Lately...

Lots has been going on lately, which is why I kinda haven't posted...

As you know, netball started last Saturday. It was a full-on day! I got there before 11am, to umpire Modies (these girls are about 8-10 years old). Amy played at 12.15, so I watched her, and then I umpired Under 15's in the next time slot. That game was FAST! But I like that better than Modies, which is really slow and you have to explain everything :S

After that, I played my game. It was a good game, but we were a bit all over the place. Mind you, most of the people we were playing looked like they were nearly twice our age! They were rather good, I must say :) We thought we were getting whomped, but it turned out that we only lost by two goals: 23-21!! We were pretty happy with that.

Sunday was the best day of my life!!!!! Okay, not quite, but I just spent the afternoon at home... I read the Bible, read Boy Meets Girl (Josh Harris), painted my nails (all of this was outside with shorts and a tank top on, in the glorious sun) and went on the computer. At 5pm I went across the road to the school (Xavier College) to a "Youth Group", which a friend from netball invited me to. I helped cooked soup in the great kitchens at the school (I swear that's what kinda sucks about being homeschooled--not getting the experience in a big kitchen like that! lol) while others made pizza and set tables. I had to leave early for church, so I didn't get to eat the food there (or participate in their "prayers"), but someone kindly dropped off 4 pieces of pizza for me!! It was SO good!

Well, that was my weekend. Other stuff has happened this week, but I don't have time now to tell you about it. I'm off to eat some yummy chilli lentils and rice for lunch. Mmm...

~Rachel

5 days

I was going to write a post last night, but that (obviously) didn't happen, so I have to write quickly tonight!

From today until Friday, I'm not going to go on Facebook or check my hotmail account.

After thinking about this for a few weeks (yes, Julia gave the idea to me!), twice yesterday at church, I just felt that I should do this.

Firstly, in Pastor Doug's message yesterday morning, he was speaking about the woman in the Bible who simply had faith, and reached out and touched Jesus' garment. Pastor Doug pointed out that everyone else was pushing and shoving at Jesus as He walked along, but this one lady's simple touch made Jesus stop and say, "Who touched Me?"
As Christians, we should take the time and have the faith to reach out to Jesus, instead of being just like everyone else around us.
Pastor Doug brought up the point that we need to be a praying [people]. Prayer and spending time with God is SO important!

Secondly, last night's service at church, Keith spoke, and one of the things he said was: "For every hour we spend doing something for ourselves, we should spend with God."
While it depends on the circumstances, I took this to mean, if I spend an hour on the computer playing around, I should spend one hour reading my Bible and praying.

So, after both of those things, I decided that this week I would focus on God, and today has been good.

It's great that life really isn't meaningless without the computer/internet, etc! Not that I thought it was, but I think I'm going to really enjoy not even going online all week.

:-D

~Rachel