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Sunday, July 27, 2008
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Black Diamonds completed...
I've been meaning to post photos of these black diamonds I painted for quite sometime. here they are for all those who had a hard time visualizing what that might look like... one busy little bathroom! but quite interesting, don't you think?
The exciting news in my world is that I've signed a lease for a loft apartment in downtown Springfield! It's everything I hoped for in my own space, and now all I need is a roommate! and furniture... but that will all come together in the right time, I am certain of it. Hopefully I will be able to move in sometime in the first or second week of August. so, so, so exciting! I am praying for the right roommate. and another part time job. learning more and more to trust my Lord and walk by faith each and every day!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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theme song
I know that some time ago I said I would no longer blog here. but I've changed my mind. and, as a woman, I feel I have every right to do that!
If my life had a theme song (you know, like the beginning of a tv show... think about it...) right now it would be Laura Story's "Mighty to Save" It's a song that resonates with what's in my heart, what God's doing in and around me right here, right now. Last Sunday, as we sang it at Emmaus, the words "He can move a mountain" hit me in different way. I have no need of moving mountains right now (literally or figuratively) BUT I have every bit of need for the faith to do something so seemingly impossible. It's the basic principle of faith, hmm? Believing in that which is not seen or fully understood. to JUST believe. in MY GOD. He is mighty to save. the author of Salvation. He conquered the grave. How could I not believe He could save me from loneliness or hopelessness? How could I not expect that He will conquer my tax issues? It makes me think of Susan in The Chronicles of Narnia's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." When I saw the movie... it struck me how many times she said "but that's impossible!" She had a hard time believing. For Lucy, it was quite simple. There have been times in my life when faith comes quite easily and simply. and I've wondered how others don't simply believe. it's not that complicated. but right now, for whatever reason, it seems complicated.
I've been studying the old testament for over a year now. I'm just now in 1 Samuel. This morning it hit me how God used a servant to lead Saul to Samuel. Saul was only concerned with his father worrying about where he was. His servant, who isn't even named, was drawn to the man of God. He said, "maybe he can tell us something about the journey we have taken" (9:6, NCV) I love that. I keep thinking about Israel, the nation as a whole. It's easy to look back at the stories and think (so pridefully!) they were ridiculous in their unbelief, turning to other idols, forgetting what God had done for them... and then I realize how often I do the same thing, just in different ways. the details change but, really, the story is pretty much the same. God moves, I rejoice, I get distracted, I doubt, God calls me back to himself... "When Thous saidst, Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek" Ps. 27:8 (KJV)
Friday, May 16, 2008
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Life is often surprising, isn't it? I sat on the front porch of Shay's friends' home in New Orleans earlier today, swinging Lena Grace and thinking how odd it is that I am where I am. But is it? Oh, what am I trying to say? I was formatting my blog post in my head at that time, but too much has happened. The chaos of the day took over and my thoughts are scattered. Big surprise. I never imagined that the majority my conversations in a day would center around naps, snacks and diapers. Especially when I'm not even yet married, nor do I have my own children. But to be perfectly content for this to be my life, that's the biggest surprise.
A few interesting events have happened in my personal little spot of the world recently. Are you ready for this? I got braces. again. I had braces for 5 years (age 9-13). Unbelievable. This is what happens when you quit wearing your retainer, kids. So, I suddenly felt as though I'd reverted back to middle school as I sat in Dr.Cash's office, having brackets attached by a wire affixed to my six front teeth. But then I thought, what's it really matter? I spend all day with toddlers, and this will only help the goofiness of the funny faces I make at them. Super! Besides, it's going to be worth it. (above is the best photo so far showing off my newly decorated smile... along with Lindy & Amy, friends at church)
Second, I got a part-time job! I'm going to be working at Akin's Natural Foods on the weekends. Still hoping to land a part-time job at a coffee shop as well.
God's really impressed on me the importance of intercession lately. He's making me ever more aware of the needs of those nearest and dearest to my heart, as well as those far off I don't even know. Each personal crisis I come to know about, I am heartbroken for. It's not something I've asked for, but am accepting and am thankful to be able to stand in prayer for the broken and suffering. Last Sunday, He brought to my attention that I could possibly begin a Women's Bible Study / Discipleship / Prayer... I don't yet know what the focus would be... group in our church. They've been going through 1 Corinthians, and as we talk through the various gifts the people of the church have, I am inspired to intentionally use the gifts God has given me. in the Body. for His glory. Which brings me to another pursuit I am psyched about... art. I am looking towards setting up a studio in downtown Springfield and really working as an artist. I am thinking it would take the summer to really get it set up as I'd like. Gather materials, find the location. and then, CREATE! This is exciting. I'm already brainstorming the subject matter and focus of the work.
I think that's all the big news in my life at the moment. We're in New Orleans, where Shay is visiting her close friend, Erin, from Law School. I came as the traveling nanny. But I've been sick, so I sadly haven't been much help. Today I felt a bit better, so I spent all day with the mommies and kiddos. Thanks to Wendy and Courtney, I made a single request (to go to Cafe Du Monde for a beignet) and we did that this afternoon for the kids' snacktime. I thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Tomorrow, Paul will be joining us and we will drive to Baton Rouge to celebrate Rhye's graduation from LSU. Mom and Dad are coming as well, so our whole family will be together for the first time in 2 years. quite exciting!
Graham has missed his Dada (Paul) so much this week. He is, after all, one of his 2 most favorite people in the world! I can't wait to see his excitement when he sees Paul tomorrow. It makes me think of how amazing it was to return to my Heavenly Father when I'd been far away. It may have seemed like He had gone far off, but I was the one who had moved. Yet He always comes for me. How amazed I am by His unending mercy and grace!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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Black Diamonds
For the past week, I've been painting black diamonds in the half bathroom next to the kitchen. this is Shay's design (she has a really fun sense of design! love it). It's a tedious task for sure, but I've enjoyed holding a paintbrush again and at least feeling like somewhat of an artist. I few times I thought... I sure would like to be skiing some black diamonds instead of painting them!! I haven't been snow skiing in two years. It's one of my favorite things to do, though I've nearly forgotten about it living in thailand. Yesterday I bought some awesome ski pants... because there was a massive sale at Dynamic Earth (a really great outfitter that I would so LOVE to work at)... and my brother teased me because it's now spring time and there's no snow skiing to be done anytime soon. especially not around here. But some day I will get to go again. And I'll get to wear my rad Marmot pants. yes...
Last Sunday I went to Emmaus, a very young, non-denomenational church here in Springfield. Loved it. I've found a church home. What a treat, because I expected finding a church to be a long, drawn out process (though I expected to quickly find a part-time job... ha!) I love how God provides just what I need when I need it. He certainly knows best. I went to an Emmaus house church on Thursday and that was spectacular as well. It was wonderful to meet some new people and worship God together and pray together. There's a girl there who's going to Thailand this summer, so it was a lot of fun to talk to her about what to expect. She also offered to help me with painting projects around the house! and we're planning to go to the first Friday art walk next week. So exciting! There was another girl named Rachel who's also an artist. and another girl who's majoring in Graphic Design in school. neat connections. Last night I met up with Wendy Shelton's sister, Missy. Quite nice as well. I really enjoyed getting to know her a bit.
It is good that I don't have a job yet, because I'm able to do so much more around the house (like paint black diamonds in the bathroom). Also, we've just planned a trip to Louisiana to see my sister, her baby Ariana and to be there for Rhye's graduation from college. Very glad to be able to do that! Mom and Dad will be coming down as well, so it will be wonderful to be all together as a family for a brief bit. before going to Baton Rouge, Shay and I will be visiting a friend of hers in New Orleans for a few days (with the babies...) that should be fun!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
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here I am
Monday evening, I left Chiang Mai. Many of my amazing friends were there to see me off. Thank you so much, you all blessed me so by being there. Your love, hugs and prayers made the journey a bit more endurable. I made it to Springfield. I did indeed! Yes, it's so nice to be here. I'm freezing. The trip was pretty good. didn't sleep at all from Seoul to Chicago and thought... almost there. But on my Chicago to Springfield flight, we started to descend for landing and then had to be re-routed to Tulsa because of weather conditions. I don't think I've ever had that one happen. We landed in Tulsa, filled up the gas tank, and sat there until it we got the go-ahead to be able to land in Springfield. So we did make it. and I'm glad to be here. Had a good night's sleep and then had breakfast this morning with my dad, brother and nephew. Have you ever had sweet-browns? Sweet potato hash browns. yum. Here are some pics... at the park with Graham, and then holding Lena Grace for the first time! and Dad (Papa) with Lena.
well, really just wanted to let you all know I made it. I'll try to write more soon. as well as send out a proper update.
raeart
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- Name: Rachel
- Country: United States
- Birthday: 8/6/1980
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 10/6/2004
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About Me
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I was the graphic designer for two companies - a marketing company that does conferencing and travel arrangements in thailand, and a restaurant which has two locations. I lived in Thailand for nearly 5 years but am originally from the Carolinas in the USA. Now I'm a nanny for my niece and nephew (brother's kids) and I work part time
Pulse
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the to-do list isn't so overwhelming lately
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trying to get some work done
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avoiding my way-too-long list of all I need to do
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