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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 5/4/2005 9:46:29 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
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Hope
~Confident trust with the expectation of fulfillment ~
I struggle with hope. The struggle is most evident during singles discussions about future mates. I often hear, “I hope he’s the one!”, and my heart drops.
Instantly, a wall goes up inside of me. When I think about hope, I envision myself carrying an old grain sack filled with disappointments and empty dreams. These are items which are leftovers from previous hopes not realized.
I trust that God is bringing a special guy my way, he’s confirmed it in my spirit. I know for a fact that someday I will find myself in a position to choose a Godly man. I was created to be a helpmate for someone, and together we will work for Christ.
My point of failure is my loss of expectation of fulfillment. This was brought to my attention yesterday by the Lord, through a couple of caring friends.
I need to allow myself to hope. Not to hope in the world or those who flirt with my heart, but to place my hope in Christ. He has the plans, he’ll make it happen.
Who gives us hope?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Why do we need hope?
Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and patience. Hebrews 6:11-12 (NLT)
I encourage you to examine your hope, or maybe even lack of hope, in all situations. Drop you sack of disappointments and empty dreams at the feet of Jesus and accept his true gift of hope instead.
I pray in agreement with Paul:
“So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 5/10/2005 9:51:09 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
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Shazaaam!!
Dirty wheels with strings caught in the joints bump along shiny grocery store linoleum. It’s after ten pm and I relish in the solitude of finishing my last task of the day. My body is exhausted, but for almost an hour, I find time to myself while I carefully pick and choose groceries that fit in my small budget.
My mind wanders back to a time when I thought I needed a man in my life to save me from situations like this. I was a fool to believe that life cheated me out of a spouse who could help me with the mundane tasks of the day.
I was sadly bitter with emotions because it was my responsibility to take care of everything in my little family’s lives. The seemingly unfairness of my single parent life stung often and deep.
I often cried after long days of never ending chores. I clung to my exhaustion, making sure that others around me were aware of my misfortune. Yes, I was the perfect picture of a single mom.
Then on day, something extraordinary happened. Shazaaam!! God healed me! It wasn’t a physical healing, it was an emotional healing. All of the sudden, I realized that I didn’t really need a man. The successes of my life do not hinge on whether or not I ever get married again. What a liberating revelation.
The squeaky wheels of the cart jostle my mind back to the present. I smile as I make a quick heart check. “Am I ok by myself?” I pause just for a second to see if any discontentment pops up… but nothing is revealed. I am secure in knowing that God is in control.
On my way home, I enjoy the late night warmth in the air. I let my hand drop outside my open car window as I drive through the dark night. The wind caresses the palm of my hand as I smile and joy fills my heart. God is with me. I may have to put all the groceries away by myself, but who could ask for better company? 
With love, Rachel
The LORD is for me, so I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
~ Psalms 118:6
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 5/17/2005 10:13:48 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Car Conversations
My kids and I have the greatest conversations in the car.
So here's today's car conversation.... We're driving along to school and I'm feeling frustrated because my ex boyfriend keeps calling me.
Background info: Yes... I know I work for him, but it seems he does extra stuff for me just for an excuse to see me, and today is one of those mornings. He called at 7:45 this morning and I let the voice mail kick in instead of dealing with him right away.
Then... since I've now got a voice mail, my cell phone keeps vibrating until I check it out.... which then gives me the opportunity to choose to be a little cranky.
Ok... back to the story...
We're all in the car, my youngest two (ages 9 & 10) are in the back seat, my oldest (15) in the front...
Feeling more frustration than anything I yell, "I WANT A DODGE RAM EXTENDED CAB WITH A SHORT BED PICKUP TRUCK FOR MY BIRTHDAY!"
Complete shell-shocked silence from the girls.... and I'm wondering if you can get a shortbed on with an extended cab.
"AND DARK PURPLE WOULD BE NICE!!" I finish up....
Christine's quiet voice from the back seat, "Beth, I think we better start saving up..."
lol!!!!! It was hilarious, and just what I needed to break up my mood! 
Have a great day, guys!
Love always, Rachel
_____________________________
"...life is for the living. And I am still living.
And I intend to do more than just merely exist on this planet; I intend to live my life. " -Sharon-Marie
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 5/24/2005 10:02:48 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
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The Stretch
Its hard truth, but we all know it. We are better people when we stretch ourselves and deliberately walk out of our comfort zone.
As some of you know, my second job is working on Saturdays for a small lawn maintenance/landscaping company. The first few weeks were very slow. I didn’t have to work because of rain. For two weekends I laughed because I got paid for raking leaves, cleaning out flower beds and planting spring flowers; all enjoyable work in my book.
Last week, rain messed up the mowing schedule so there was much to be accomplished in a little amount of time. I was promoted to running a lawn mower. (I did learn to run a riding lawn mower, but a majority of my day was walking behind a normal lawn mower.) Mowing lawns professionally for others as an actual job is definitely out of my comfort zone!
Picture this: Rachel standing in front of a ritzy white house, beautifully landscaped with a small front yard full of flag poles, trees with borders and bushes.
“Ok. Here’s the push-mower,” says my boss. “All you have to do is mow this yard at an angle, ok?”
“An angle?!” I ask, mortified that someone would trust me to mow this masterpiece on my own.
“Yes, an angle. It’s ok, just do the best you can. Angle it up to the right.”
I secretly sigh… angle it up to the right, that at least was language I could understand. I did mow that lawn, and several others after. My confidence was building one lawn at a time.
Free spirited Rachel struggled the whole day, wanting with all her heart to drag that lawn mower around backwards and in artistic patterns.
Did walking out of my comfort zone make me a better person? Yes, but not because I learned to mow in straight lines. I am a better person because I was able to rein back my free spirit and yield to instruction and directions from others, even to the point of accepting correction.
Now let me tell you a little secret…
I mowed my own lawn when I got home that day. Surprisingly I didn’t mow in abstract shapes; I practiced mowing in straight lines!
Love always, Rachel
“I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles.”
Psalms 119:26 - 27
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 5/26/2005 9:59:49 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
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ONE FLAW IN WOMAN
This was in my mail box this morning. It's probably been forwarded to you at some point in time. Reading this blessed my heart. I hope it blesses my lady friends, also.
By the time the Lord made woman, he was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart --and she will do everything With only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."
She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in a woman, it is that she easily forgets her worth.
Love always, Rachel
_____________________________
"...life is for the living. And I am still living.
And I intend to do more than just merely exist on this planet; I intend to live my life. " -Sharon-Marie
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/3/2005 10:54:43 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Skeletons in my Closet
There is a “Skeletons” thread in the singles folder. One of my posts reflected that a skeleton in my closet is:
quote:
I am afraid to trust someone completely with my heart....
So… this thread had me thinking seriously about marriage for the last few days. This is what I’ve figured out… (My thoughts are a little more complex, but I like to post simply.)
Marriage as defined by:
* A dictionary: a close union
* The Bible: two united into one, based on trust
* Rachel: a life partnership, based on trust
My thoughts traveled to my past…
What were my previous experiences with my marriages?
Marriage #1
* married out of obligation/desperation
* two separate lives, different goals
* different beliefs never discussed
* unfaithful lifestyle leading to broken trust (his part)
* no partnership, no unity
Marriage #2
* married out of desperation
* two separate lives, different goals
* different beliefs, little discussion
* abusive lifestyle leading to broken trust (his part)
* very limited partnership, no unity
What do I really want a marriage to be?
* marry out of love and desire
* similar lives, similar goals
* similar beliefs, unlimited discussion
* respectful, caring, and passionate lifestyle
* life lived in unity and harmony
Back to the skeleton in the closet:
I recognize that it’s my choice to completely trust and place my heart in someone else’s hands; knowing that at any point in time, they may choose to betray that trust.
I recognize that in turn, I will hold his heart in my hands; knowing that at any point in time, I may choose to betray his trust in me.
I also recognize that if I take the time to obey and listen to God’s voice, I will be blessed with a man who I will be able to trust with my heart, and in turn, he will be able to trust me with his.
Marriage as defined by Rachel: a life partnership, based on trust, lived out as one in harmony, under the guidance of Christ.
Love always, Rachel
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 32:8-11
(New International Version)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/8/2005 11:01:00 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Joyful Anticipation
The heat of the sun beats brutally on my shoulders and the intensity of the sunlight hurts my eyes. Perspiration beads on my forehead as I look forward to the next thirty minutes of my life with joyful anticipation.
Every muscle in my body aches from the previous day’s activities. I worked hard all day, caring for the earth God gave us. I mowed acres of lawn, trimmed bushes, and weeded landscaping until my fingernails hurt. I enjoyed every minute of it, thanking God for his creation and the opportunity I had to car for the earth. I relished in the sun, warm breezes and bird song that graced my ears throughout the day.
Fast forward to joyful anticipation… I am about to do something that the average person would not do. It started as a fleeting thought, and is now ready for realization. My heart bubbles with joy as I imagine the acceptance of my anonymous gift.
You see, my aunt has new neighbors. An elderly couple has been moving in all week, struggling with heavy boxes and furniture on their own. Their bodies have yielded to the frailty that comes with age, and I can imagine the fatigue they must be experiencing from this new upheaval in their lives.
I smile with authentic joy as my aching muscles pull the starter chord, and my lawn mower rumbles to life….
Love always, Rachel
~*~
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:9-11
(New International Version)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/13/2005 11:12:28 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Picnic of Compassion
Today I saw Christ. He was in the rain that soaked the parched earth; he was in the joyful banter of conversation as we waited eagerly for our sizzling burgers to finish cooking. He was with us as we sat down to thank him for his provisions and he was there when our thoughts of prayer were completely forgotten.
We looked at each other in surprised shock as a cloud of dust rose from the county road next to the entrance of the park. The sound of crumpling metal slowly sank into our brains as realization that something terrible had just happened. A pickup truck speeding over a small bridge caught a wooden guard rail, sending the truck careening out of control. The young driver was ejected and the crumpled truck came to rest near the bank of the river, radio still blaring.
The driver, a young man in his twenties, was lying in the middle of the road on his back. He was fighting for his life as thick blood slowly seeped from the back of his head. Jesus was there, working through one of the brothers from my singles group. He stayed close to the young man, encouraging him to hang onto life. Reassuring him that he wasn’t alone and help was on its way. I witnessed compassion at its finest.
I asked what I could do to help as I surveyed the damage. There were pieces of the wreckage scattered everywhere. The cab of the truck was severely crushed. I was given instructions to search the wreckage and the banks of the river for another possible victim. We had no idea how many people were in the truck.
I headed for the truck, not sure of what I would find. The 4x4 was almost folded in half. I gingerly walked around the front of it noticing the shattered windshield and the steaming radiator. I was frightened of what I might see. I called out, but there was no response. I was relieved to find no one in the cab, and no one in the river or along the bank. The entire scene was surreal.
One of my other friends took charge of heading off traffic, requiring the vehicles to turn around and take a detour. Most people willingly complied, and then there’s always one… a lady who was complaining because she lived just on the other side of the accident scene. She was feeling inconvenienced about having to turn around, taking a longer route home.
Time seemed to stand still as we waited for the emergency rescue people. A volunteer paramedic was on the scene first and immediately radioed for a helicopter to transport the young man to a hospital in a nearby town better equipped to handle his injuries.
My friends and I stepped back as ambulances and sheriff cars pulled up. We huddled to pray for the young man, his family, the emergency workers, and even my children who waited with looks of worry on their faces back at the picnic sight.
As we headed back to the picnic area, I realized that the only active people initially helping this young man were people in my singles group. All other witnesses and bystanders backed off- it seemed as if they were watching like sports spectators from the sidelines.
I was honored to be a part of the game. Those bystanders saw more than a broken body lying on the pavement. They witnessed the love and compassion of Christ, demonstrated through the members of my singles group.
God rocks and I am blessed to have such awesome people as my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Love always, Rachel
Light arises in the darkness for the upright;
He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Psalm 112:4
(NASB)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/17/2005 12:44:39 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Update:
The young man in the previous blog entry is named Thomas. I was able to find out updated information for those of you who are including him in your prayers.
This came in an email from one of my friends yesterday:
quote:
Talked to Thomas's sister tonight. He has not regained consciousness. He has severe trauma to the brain, three concussions, his right eye socket is smashed, his right jaw broken and one collapsed lung -- and that's all the list that I remember. They have him on life support.
Please ask everyone to keep on praying. They appreciate the prayers.
I want to thank everyone who's been praying and will continue to pray for this young man. I want to encourage you to think of specific areas or needs that you can pray for and pray knowing that God is listening and working.
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/24/2005 2:51:16 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Where is your mind today?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 (New International Version)
Peace out, my friends.
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 6/29/2005 11:08:57 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Passing the Baton
My side ached as I gave it all I had. My feet seemed to tread air in slow motion. My lungs felt like they would burst. I could see my goal ahead. Go Go Go! cheered the crowd from the sidelines. I clutched precious cargo tightly in my hand, afraid it would tumble out of my grasp. The last few steps seemed excruciating yet joyous as my team-mate matched my pace and deftly relieved me of the baton….
This website is much like the memory I described. People come here from all corners of the earth. Sometimes they are looking for fun, but mostly they are aching and searching for relief. I was one of those people. I came to Faith Community Network (FCN) looking for nurturing relationships.
One special person befriended me and took me under his wing. He made time for me in his busy life. He prayed for me, offered guidance, and cheered me on. He loved me as a big brother loves his little sister. The Lord used my friend as an instrument of healing.
Now, over a year later, it is my complete pleasure to be healed and strong- passing on the baton to others through prayer, guidance, and my all time favorite activity: cheering them on. I carry high hopes from the depths of my heart that my friends will reach their goals.
My friend no longer posts in this forum and our emails have been lost with time. I will forever be thankful… for the passing of the baton.
Thank you, Iarna, for being there for me and cheering me on.
Thank you, Fritz, for working hard to make FCN a safe place to heal and grow in Christ.
Love always, Rachel
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
John 21:16
(New International Version)
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/8/2005 1:45:16 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Reaffirmed Hope
(A handwritten journal entry, July 3rd, 2005)
I’ve been looking for opportunities to connect with people along my journey to Seattle. Hoping that God would fill my mouth with encouraging words, or maybe just to sit and listen to people. This is a story about a man named Les, who encouraged me, reaffirming my hopes for the future.
~ * ~
The O’Hare Airport was busy, people hurrying around me as I casually found my gate for my next flight to San Francisco. I scanned the seats in the waiting area, but most of the seats were filled. There were only single seats left and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to squeeze in while I waited for my flight to arrive. It was a toss up between a seat next to rambunctious children and a seat next to a man reading a newspaper. The man reading the newspaper won out.
He eagerly invited me to sit next to him. He was instantly friendly and I was captivated by his Scottish accent. He asked me about my travels and I sheepishly admitted to flying out west to meet up with an Internet friend.
Les’ eyes lit up and stories tumbled from his lips about experiences where the Internet was used to reunite him with old classmates. He also talked about meeting and marrying his wife, who had been divorced twice. He had been divorced once.
He commended me for beginning a “real” relationship with my Internet friend, face to face. He encouraged me, saying that there is always hope for love. He reminded me of how you can see a special spark in a young girl’s eye at the tender age of sixteen- sweet sixteen, a time of life before heartbreaks happen. He said often during his life, he doubted he would ever find that spark again. Les continued to tell me that he witnessed that spark return in his wife and in himself in their fifties.
There is still hope for true, unguarded love- love for a person where there are no walls. The kind of love that melts your heart, and love that draws your mind back to that special person when you are apart.
Les unknowingly ministered to my heart in that short fifteen-minute conversation. Talking with him brought me to tears as I realized that I am not hoping for love in vain. I am reminded that someday, I will find the love that God is molding for me, and I will be blessed abundantly for my perseverance through the wait.
Love Always, Rachel
“Sometimes things people deserve- happen. Those things are not necessarily bad.” ~ Les
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/10/2005 11:37:52 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
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Bird Man
(specific memories from a handwritten journal entry on July 4th, 2005)
The torn piece of bread seemed to sail endlessly through the air only to be snatched out of flight with a hurrying frenzy by a sharp witted seagull. There must have been at least one hundred seagulls, the majority of the flock waiting below in the water. They all frantically waited for crumbs of tempting morsels thrown at random. They cackled as they flocked to the small pieces like a bunch of riled up old women.
I relished at the sight of being amidst flying seagulls, their bodies seemed so much larger and stronger as they closely swooped past me in flight. They acted as though they hadn’t eaten in a week, the aggressive ones circled past, and kept an eye out for crumbs. Some were brave enough to snatch stale bread from fingertips.
He had gentle blue eyes, framed by a gaunt and dirtied face. I noticed tattoos on his arms, most old school. He was thin yet strong- sad yet content. He was a real life picture of my broken spirit.
“Do you come here every day?” I asked, not sure if my questions would be answered, but willing to take the risk.
“I collect bread all week from the back dumpster of the restaurant,” he told me. “I save it up and come here usually once a week to feed the birds.” A paused moment, “It gets me out of the house.”
I smile as I recognize the human need for acceptance and love. “Wow… I’m sure not many people are as dedicated to feeding these birds as you.”
“Yeah,” he says, “I often wonder what people think when they see me carrying two large trash bags full of old bread. I’m sure they laugh, but I don’t care.”
We carried on the conversation for many more minutes, I enjoyed the sunshine, the birds, the hint of salt in the air from Puget Sound, but most of all- a moment of companionship with a stranger. I’m sure he enjoyed the same. Eventually he worked up the courage to look me in the eye as we talked; he had a smile on his face.
I wanted no other thing at that moment… except for time to stand still.
I will forever remember the man I met as the Bird Man.
I am blessed.
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/19/2005 2:33:51 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Closed Doors
The Internet is a strange place. People from all parts of the world gather together, sharing each other’s lives. Some people will stay for a season; some will stay for a lifetime.
There have been some very special people that have been rocks for me to lean on. One special man found me on the Internet. We instantly struck up a friendship. He was there for me during my highs and lows and vice versa. We had a fantastic friendship.
One day we had a falling out. I won’t post any details, but it was apparent that we both needed some space.
Several months have passed and even though I knew there was space between us, I always felt like he was there, somewhere in the background of my life.
Today is his birthday, and today I found out that all his contact information has changed. He has chosen to leave my life forever.
I see his absence in my life as a closed door as far as a future relationship is concerned. Knowing him was a healing part of my life, but God has different plans for me. He knows that if I am to move on, this season must end.
To wholeheartedly move on, I must continue my journey, hand in hand with Christ; trusting in Him as I take each step. Somehow, I am looking forward to what may be ahead.
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/22/2005 11:05:42 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
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Puzzles
Odd shapes scattered about, splashed with an array of colors. It looks confusing at best, but it’s a welcomed challenge.
I enjoy working on puzzles every once in a while. With time and diligence, everything seems to fall together sooner or later, and in my case, it’s usually later!
Rayofson and his wife gave us a beautiful 1,000 piece puzzle when we went up for a visit this summer. It’s a beautiful watercolor print of wolves, my oldest daughter’s favorite creature. Right now it’s consuming our small kitchen table.
My daughters and I work on this masterpiece every day. We started with the edge pieces, filled in the tree, and they sky surprisingly came together easily. I fill in a piece of two in the morning as I sip my cup of coffee and enjoy a quiet breakfast. I usually have my Bible open and contemplate several verses as I search for shapes or colors that spur the puzzle on to completion.
This morning, I realized that life with Christ can be likened to a puzzle.
~ * ~
Growing in the Knowledge of God
As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.
So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away. And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-11
(New Living Translation)
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Peter drops a hodge podge of pieces on our lap. He tells us that if we can put these pieces together, we will become productive and useful in our knowledge of Christ. Sounds good to me!
Read the verses again. The observation I made about this passage is that each piece of the puzzle depends on another piece of the puzzle for completion.
moral excellence -> knowing God -> self-control -> patient endurance -> godliness -> love for other Christians -> genuine love for all
Life just happens, and these pieces will not fall together in this particular order. Sometimes when you are working on a puzzle, the pieces seem to meld together and eventually all seem to look alike. The only way to get clarity back is to work on a different section of the puzzle, or take a break and come back later; and each idea requires perseverance.
The same principle works on the pieces that Peter shows us. We work hard in one area, but it’s ok to put it down for a moment while we work on another area. The pieces will eventually come together and we are building our faith in the process.
I love this puzzle and will relish in the satisfaction I will receive from my diligent work when it is finished. Can you imagine how breathtaking it must look from heaven?
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 7/26/2005 10:46:47 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
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My Name
“Rachel Ann?”
I caught my breath, unwilling to hear the words that follow. My body cringed with anticipation. It was my father’s voice coming through on my voicemail. My mind was instantly transported back to my childhood. Not so pleasant memories danced in my head.
In my family, middle names are traditionally used when you are in trouble.
“Rachel Ann! Come and clean up this mess!”
“Listen to me, Rachel Ann!”
“Rachel Ann, I’m spanking you because I love you….”
The voicemail continued, “We ran out of syrup. Do you have any? Call me back, mija.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. The girls and I had been invited to Sunday morning breakfast, catered by my folks.
A revelation hit me as I pressed the delete button on my phone. My father used my middle name as a term of endearment. I think that when I was younger, my father not only used my middle name to get my attention – he used it because he loved me. He wanted me to know that he loved me, even during moments of correction and discipline.
My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:11-12
(New Living Translation)
I will forever embrace my middle name because I know without a doubt, my father loves me. I am reminded of this each time he calls my name….
Love always, Rachel
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RE: ~ The Journey ~ - 8/2/2005 10:04:05 AM
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AlwaysR8chel
Posts: 4207
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
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Amazing Lord
"Pay attention, O Israel, for you are my servant. I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget to help you. I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." Isaiah 44:21-22
(NLT)
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The LORD is amazing. He is more than we can fathom. Read this and know in your hearts that we are not forgotten, know in your hearts that we are clean. Know that He loves us- more. How very cool to experience complete freedom in Christ.
Love always, Rachel
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