tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16329436645640501882024-03-05T09:57:36.202-08:00The Musings of a NewlywedRachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-25597228597769796432013-08-15T10:30:00.000-07:002013-08-15T10:30:30.051-07:00ImpressionsThe older I get the more I realize there is no need to be impressed by people. I put myself at the front of this list, and since I have no need to impress myself, I am beginning to find no need to impress others. What a huge weight lifted!<br />
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It happens to all of us. We meet that dazzling person who shines above the rest, outwardly successful, easy to like, and hard to compete with. We are star struck and we think, "Now that's really someone." It doesn't ever look the same. It could be someone who looks like Mother Theresa, always offering something of value to everyone around her. It could be the mom who appears to juggle life with ease, always organized, always doing something creative and fun with her kids, yet still somehow managing to be an amazing wife to her husband. Maybe it's a missionary who is giving up his whole life to live in a foreign country to take care of orphans. It could be the straight A student, the athlete, or the celebrity. It could be a million different people doing a million different significant things that we ourselves wish we could emulate.<br />
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We are so easily impressed. We are so drawn towards putting people on pedestals. I'll tell you what happens to people on pedestals. They fall. The higher the harder. I've seen it happen. We all have. Presidents, actors, pastors, family, friends... anyone we exalt above imperfect humanity will disappoint.<br />
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This is what is so beautiful to me about the concept of sinful humans needing a perfect savior. This is why I am so enthralled by Jesus, who He is and what He stands for. We don't need to look far to realize that perfection in this world is obsolete. We allow ourselves to be impressed with seemingly good people only to be hurt and disappointed. This sounds critical and pessimistic without the other side of the story. The grace side.<br />
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You don't need grace if you don't have a problem. And boy do I need grace. I have a problem... a sin problem. My motives are selfish in everything I do. I enjoy self-promoting. I like to make my life look perfect on Social Media (or funny, or ironic, or interesting, or dramatic). I sometimes look through all my "likes" on Facebook just to see who supports me, cares about me, and is watching me. I think if we're all honest, we can say the same things. Sure... these things may be a little ego-centric, but they are essentially harmless, right? Wrong. What I say with my actions, what is emerging from the depths of my heart is that I want to be lifted up, noticed, and admired. I desire man's approval. This heart condition rebels against the God who made me. He made me to reflect His glory. He did not create me to be the center. He is the creator, I am the created.<br />
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Art is to be greatly admired. It is to be appreciated. It is even to be praised, but the Artist is the one who gets the glory. I believe it is possible to appreciate people, to admire people, and even to praise people in a way that glorifies God. It all centers around grace. You never expect a piece of art to fix a flaw in itself. You immediately look to the Artist. In the same way, I cannot look at another person, or even myself and say "right this wrong." I am forced to look to the focal point. The Artist must hold my attention.<br />
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When our eyes are fixed on perfection, everything else around us looks dim. People seem less impressive, and rightfully so. We stop giving ourselves such a hard time. We aren't surprised or even upset when we fail. We take correction because we know we need to be corrected. We give more grace to the "just people" who are stumbling through life just like we are. We stop judging, and we are moved to come to each other's aid, saying, "Look! Do you see Him? Perfection is calling out to us! He is making us more like Him. He is doing what He said He would do. He is righting all wrongs. He is faithful. He is beautiful. He IS!"Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-59579694534954029352013-06-03T21:33:00.000-07:002013-06-03T21:33:09.315-07:00SacrificeIt's late and I am tired. I am lying here in my bed, keys clicking, while my sweet husband faces the wall patiently so that I can write. I am writing because I cannot sleep. I cannot sleep because there are so many things on my mind.<br />
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I am praying. I am praying for family. I feel so acutely aware of some of their situations right now. It's like a window has been opened suddenly and I am looking through. When I was four my grandmother had an aneurism in her brain. She should never have lived, but she did, and for twenty two years my aunts have taken care of everything for her. They have fed her, bathed her, given her meds, taken her off meds, changed her, watched her diet, changed her diet, taken her to thousands of doctor appointments, lost countless hours of sleep- they have lived and breathed all of her needs for over two decades.<br />
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I was only four. When you are young and something drastic happens, you slowly forget, and over time, things become normal. At least that is what happened for me. It has been that way for me since I can remember, my grandmother being taken care of and my aunts doing the caring. It hit me like a ton of bricks tonight for some reason or another, what that must take... the kind of sacrifice involved. The kind of will power to put what you want in life aside for the sake of someone you love. And I'm thinking, "would I do it?" I hope so. It has meant so much, seeing it all play out. Even though I never really realized it at the time, looking at it now, it all means so much, the things they do and the life they lead. It literally squeezes tears out of my eyes and makes my heart ache with thankfulness.<br />
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I can so closely relate my aunts' sacrifice to another one that has been made on my behalf. I am the needy one, and the caregiver is Jesus. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He lived his life not to be served, but to serve. He did not have to come. He could have passed us off and let us die. But He did come, and he gave <i>everything</i> so that we could have life, and he did it from a perfect heart. No home, rejected, accused, betrayed, disbelieved, spat upon, beaten, cursed, and eventually killed. The tears are really coming now. The hope is palpable. Where my aunts could only provide a temporary life, fraught with health issues and pain (and they have done the best job possible... it's amazing really), Jesus provided abundant, eternal life. He satisfies every need in life. The life He gives starts here in the shadowland, where pain is ever present, but it goes on forever. It begins in pain, but it ends in endless euphoria. I know it does. I believe in the power of Jesus Christ to save. I trust him with my life. I trust Him with my family's life.<br />
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All these things are running through my mind tonight. It makes me miss my family. It makes me sad that I don't live closer. But it gives me hope for a better future where pain doesn't exist at all, and where every heartache is healed.<br />
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Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6<br />
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I suppose the verses below sum up what I feel right now.<br />
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<b>Romans 8:18-30</b><br />
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<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-18"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28135AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Rom-8-19" id="en-NIV-28136"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28136AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> to be revealed.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-20" id="en-NIV-28137"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28137AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> in hope</span> <span class="text Rom-8-21" id="en-NIV-28138"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28138AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28138AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-22" id="en-NIV-28139"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>We know that the whole creation has been groaning<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28139AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-23" id="en-NIV-28140"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>groan<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> inwardly as we wait eagerly<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Rom-8-24" id="en-NIV-28141"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>For in this hope we were saved.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28141AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> But hope that is seen is no hope at all.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28141AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> Who hopes for what they already have?</span> <span class="text Rom-8-25" id="en-NIV-28142"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28142AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-NIV-28143"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> himself intercedes for us<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> through wordless groans.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-27" id="en-NIV-28144"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>And he who searches our hearts<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28144BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup> knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28144BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-NIV-28145"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>And we know that in all things God works for the good<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> of those who love him, who have been called<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> according to his purpose.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Rom-8-29" id="en-NIV-28146"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>For those God foreknew<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28146BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> he also predestined<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28146BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup> to be conformed to the image of his Son,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28146BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup> that he might be the firstborn<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28146BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup> among many brothers and sisters.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-30" id="en-NIV-28147"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>And those he predestined,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28147BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup> he also called;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28147BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup> those he called, he also justified; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28147BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)"></sup>those he justified, he also glorified.</span></span></div>
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<br />Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-53364101749454814282013-04-22T19:28:00.003-07:002013-04-22T19:28:53.710-07:00MotherhoodI am a mom.<br />
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It hit me like a ton of bricks today as I struggled to keep up with my laundry and dishes, simultaneously taking care of my sick husband and my sick 10 1/2 month old.<br />
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I'm really only writing for some kind of mental break right now, so if you're not a blog fanatic and you get bored reading about an average life, you should probably just stop reading this.<br />
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Despite my seemingly bleak introduction, it really has not been a bad day.<br />
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God has revealed to me over the past several weeks that I am engrained with a complaining spirit. I see it most clearly when it rubs off on David, and yes, even a baby who can't talk somehow picks up my negativity when it rears its ugly head.<br />
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At first I was offended.<br />
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"Obviously, I complain... look at how many inconveniences I suffer through. Look at all the work I do that no one sees. I HAVE to talk about it to get the necessary affirmation."<br />
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Next the shame hit, but only for a minute.<br />
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God has also been freeing me from years and years of built up guilt over being a human. I saw a glimpse of my heart's true intent underneath all the layers of pretense I so carefully weave together to cover my naked desires, the desires that seek to lift myself up, make myself look better, and get as much as I possibly can from everyone else. You know... those desires. So I was ashamed.<br />
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Finally, the true repenting feelings came. The ones that bring me to my knees in desperation, but not in hopelessness. I confessed. I thanked God for showing me yet another layer of the sin that He already paid for. I thanked Him for the freedom that comes through that payment and also for the Holy Spirit who helps teach and guide me. I told him I didn't know how to change, or even want to really.<br />
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I asked God to change me.<br />
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Today could have been a hard day. It could have been one where I add up the lists of things I do and hold it against the world, saying, "SEE ME STRIVE!" But God quieted my heart. He actually made me able to enjoy caring for my sick family, cleaning my dirty house, and having hours of no conversation. He did it, not me.<br />
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So here I sit at coffee by myself, processing this hectic day, and I am peaceful. I feel refreshed and made new. Praise God for transforming every day ordinary life into moments of worship. Praise God for being everything I need.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:1-2</i></b></div>
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<br />Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-28427033926456601582013-04-09T06:15:00.003-07:002013-04-09T07:55:39.238-07:00HonestlyLately I have been incredibly emotional. It bothers me, because I have grown to look at emotionalism as weakness, and have attempted to dull my feelings, or at least the expression of my feelings. <i>Children </i>express every emotion freely. Sophisticated adults contain themselves properly.<br />
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So I've tried.</div>
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Generally, I succeed when I'm with most people. It's David who sees the worst, and I even feel ashamed to allow him to view the raw parts of my heart. I don't believe this is "right," its just that this is where I'm at if I'm honest.</div>
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I feel very angry frequently. Angry, misunderstood, and lonely. The anger isn't directed at anyone specifically, but it lands on David the most. This grieves me. I think I struggle... well I know I do, with <i>doing. </i> </div>
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I don't <i>do </i>because I am called or compelled by something greater than myself. I <i>do </i>to impress and to earn. So I do and do, and when it seems no one is impressed and I <i>seem </i>to receive nothing, I become angry. </div>
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There is a story in the Bible about two women named Mary and Martha. Jesus visited them at their house, and they were sisters. Mary was so overwhelmed and wrapped up in Jesus, that she forsook all her responsibilities to sit at his feet and listen to him. Martha was indignant. She scurried around the house doing. She was probably even doing some things that Mary ought to have been doing. She worked and worked for recognition, but she was ignored, and no one even seemed to notice the things that were getting done. Finally, she burst out in anger to Jesus: </div>
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"Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all of the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40b)</div>
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Jesus' response is unexpected: " 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' " </div>
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I so envy Mary in this story. She had no guilt in sitting still. Martha was self-righteous, proud, indignant, and exhausted. I get it. That is literally who I am most of the time. But today, I am listening to the gentle rebuke of my Heavenly Father. I am listening to his beckoning to come and rest. </div>
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Acting on the call to obediently rest in Him is more important than what other people think of me. </div>
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"Holy Spirit, beautiful Helper of my ragged soul, enable me to grasp Jesus' insructions and to <i>act </i>on them immediately in obedience. Teach my soul to <i>rest </i>in You. Then, and only then will I have something to offer other people."</div>
Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-81012731702603837002013-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:35:55.534-08:00Peelin' CarrotsMan... two posts in a row about my kitchen and my mom. **Somebody's homesick!!!** I seem to have flashbacks of my childhood when I'm in there, peeling, chopping, shredding, cooking, cleaning. I think kitchens remind me of my mom because that was sort of her domain when I was growing up. It was really comforting to come home from school every day and smell something amazing on the stove or in the oven. I hope I get to be that kind of comforting presence in our home as our kids grow up.<br />
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Today I was peeling carrots for a chicken soup, and I had a funny string of memories about my family, specifically my mom. I was probably l0 or so, and we had gone to the New Hampshire State Fair. We came home on an emotional high. It was like we had seen one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At least that was how I felt. Dad bought me my first ever pocket knife while we were there. It was wooden on the outside, nice and sharp on the inside, and with it I was sure I could do amazing things. I planned on whittling things no kid had ever whittled and impressing everyone with my skills.<br />
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My mom was having her own thrill. She has always been a passionate person. Black or white, in or out, all or nothing, she has no middle ground really. At the fair, there had been a man selling vegetable peelers. Not just any vegetable peelers, friends. Oh no, these were the real deal, made to peel with great ease and comfort! They had a funny handle that was easy to hold, and the blades... the blades would slice through the thickest of squash skins with never a sweat broken. The man charismatically showed off his prized peelers, and we watched in fascination. Mom was hooked. She immediately bought two. I remember how excited she was because for the next week or so (maybe several weeks, because it's burned pretty well into my memory), she told everyone about them. She exhibited them in front of friends and family with flare. She openly cast aspersions on the old peelers, and she asked everyone she talked to what kind of peelers they used. There was a new way to peel vegetables, and we were on the cutting edge. We had the best vegetable peelers in all of New England, and maybe the world, right in our house! I was sure of it. So was my mom. It was a joyful time indeed.<br />
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All this came rushing through my mind as I peeled my carrots today. To this day, I take pride in my peeler. It isn't the same funny shape as my moms, but it glides over my vegetables just like I remember my mom's doing. You have to have a good vegetable peeler. I learned that from my mom.Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-89738314480589699332012-12-04T13:07:00.001-08:002012-12-04T13:07:13.267-08:00I Started to ChuckleI was cleaning out my kitchen sink today, trying to enjoy being faithful in the little things, when a memory popped into my mind that made me chuckle. Yes, chuckle, like a plump old man with a beard in a flannel shirt tucked in with his belly hanging over his belt. No, not Santa Clause... just a nice plump old man.<br />
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Anyway, I was chuckling because I was remembering a scene in my old townhouse kitchen where I lived during college with three other girls (and whoever else needed a place to stay at the time). My mom was in town, and we were standing there in the kitchen by the sink. I was staring at it with that sort of hopeless vacant look, when my mom said, "Wow! You're sink really needs to be cleaned out!" Understatement of the century. It was horrible. It was so bad that it made the whole kitchen smell old. None of us were amazing housewives (yet!) except one of us, who was on her way, but was also taking like a million credits in classes, working, and keeping up a long-distance relationship. Needless to say, we had let the kitchen sink fester in its filth for... well for who knows how long.<br />
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My mom, like moms do, whipped out the Dawn, grabbed a scrubby something (who knew we even had that?), and went to work. Within minutes it was like we had just driven ourselves to Lowes, bought a new sink, and installed it in place of that nasty old thing. I was floored. No, seriously, in that moment, I thought my mom may actually have possessed a super power.<br />
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In that very moment, I thought, "You have to clean sinks?!?!" It was a revolutionary idea. In my mind, sinks were FOR cleaning. Why would you have to CLEAN a CLEANER??? And to think that all these years my mom had been doing that... I had no idea!!! I know, people, it's not rocket science. Give me a break. Or don't. I've heard it both ways.<br />
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So there I was in my shock and awe, my life changed forever in regards to sinks and their hygiene. Thanks, Mom. How many things do moms even do that no one realizes? The longer I'm a mom (and it hasn't been long at all) the more I realize.<br />
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So that's who this post is dedicated to. It's to moms everywhere, but especially mine. I love you, and I'm thankful for everything you did all those years.<br />
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The End.<br />
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<br />Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-46901745313412934502012-10-31T12:46:00.001-07:002012-10-31T12:46:44.650-07:00I Will Not Give You a SnakeLately I have been in an all-out battle with fiery darts from the enemy concerning the goodness of God. I wake up. I thank God for David and Macy-Beth and for the roof over our heads. I take care of the cozy home He has blessed us with. I keep thanking Him and I try to listen too. I ask Him to help me understand His Word in the Scriptures. I need to spend more time reading them so I can defend myself against these lies, though. I feel bad about that and I tell him. I ask Him to provide what we need for the day, and I try to believe He will. Mostly I worry about the days after today though. I feel bad about that too and I tell him. I spend time with Macy-Beth and start to prepare for my day and the things in it. I fight worry. I stuff down doubt. I war against the lie that I am teetering on the edge of God's good graces, and that someday I'm going to do something bad enough to screw it up.<br />
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What would become of me if God's good graces depended upon me? Holy crap. I'd die. No... like literally, I would just become a pile of mush. Shame would eat me up and everything. The thought makes me shudder. I know more about myself than you do. I know more than the actions I take every day. What I do looks pretty good I think. But I know the why. I know the reason I do the things I do. Mostly it's to make myself look better than I am. I desperately want people to think I am at least pretty good. Thank God he knew all of this long before I did. I remind myself he has it covered; to breathe deep. So I do. Did I use that semi-colon correctly? I always get confused about the semi-colon.<br />
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So I breathe deep. I re-collect myself, no, I spill myself out in the presence of an infinitely good God. I remind myself of his promises. I tell myself that it's ok that I'm not good, that I can never become goodness itself. Only God is good. The rest of us are depending on that.<br />
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Last night Macy-Beth was playing in her bouncy seat, and David and I were just watching her. I was pouring out my thoughts about the lies I have been fighting on the goodness of God. David, never taking his eyes from our beautiful daughter asked me, "You never thought you could love anyone so much, did you?" I stared at her with so much love it hurt and said, "Never." He kept talking, "...and would you ever want any harm to come to her?" I shook my head even though he wasn't looking. I moved and sat closer to him and he put his arm around my shoulders. We just sat there looking at this tiny cooing creature who we love so much it hurts. "It doesn't even come close." It was all I needed to hear. My eyes filled up and I succumbed to the emotions that were welling up too strong for me to stifle.<br />
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It doesn't even come close. My love for her is nothing compared to God's love for me. It leaves me speechless.<br />
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"You parents- if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." - Matthew 7:9-11<br />
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<br />Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-22095912118322874082012-08-21T13:04:00.000-07:002012-08-21T13:04:49.755-07:00SeasonsFall is coming. You can smell it in the air, and the breeze is crisp and dry on your skin. Fall is my favorite season these days. Maybe that's because it's where we're headed, and I always love anticipation. Today has been blissfully simple and sweet. Macy-Beth and I have been in all day, and that's been just fine with me. I love being a wife and a mom. I love making home sweet. This week I made a marinara sauce from the tomatoes we harvested. We have a garden at a friend's house and got a bumper crop of tomatoes this year! I could eat them all day long.<br />
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Right now, the silence is golden. Macy-Beth is snoozing away, and I have the house all cleaned and nice. Dinner is prepped and ready to go, and I'm just sitting here looking out at the corn stocks on our patio and the cars driving by on the highway. It's a beautiful day.<br />
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The older I get, the more I realize that seasons happen in life. You can't begin them or stop them. Only God can decide. The only thing you can do is let go of control and enjoy exactly where you are placed. I think this is a little of what "faith like a child" is about. I have enjoyed so many seasons it seems. Some were hard to pass through at the time, but regardless of the difficulty, each season is littered with sweet memories. Even darkness is light to the Lord.<br />
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It truly is a blessed thing to spend life walking in submission to God. The Holy Spirit is a gift greater than most any other gift. He is wisdom and understanding. He helps. He comforts. He nurtures. The Holy Spirit is much like a mother. No one can soothe or nurture like a mother. All moms get this attribute from God.<br />
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Being a mom has quickened my senses and pricked my heart in terms of the gospel. To think that God loves Jesus, his son more than I love Macy-Beth, my daughter is unimaginable. Then to realize the fact all over again that He sacrificed him to the death so that He could adopt someone like me; someone who constantly overlooks Him and takes Him for granted. Someone who doubts and complains and never quite thanks Him enough for the gifts He has already lavished. The thought is breathtaking, heartbreaking even. Yet all of this to bring Him glory forever. He truly is worth an unmentionable amount of treasure.<br />
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So in this season of motherhood, this sweet, simple time I have been given, I will be thankful. I will trust that God will take care of what's next, and I will enjoy Him exactly where I am now.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30368AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise." -James 5:13</span>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-16534229255623710502012-06-13T13:33:00.002-07:002012-06-13T13:40:00.190-07:00Macy-BethMacy-Beth McKinney. Born June 7th, 2012 at 11:49 a.m. 6 lbs and 13 oz, 19.5 inches long.<br />
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Today she is 6 days old and my heart still jumps when I look at her. We are just under 30 minutes until her next feeding... they say "sleep when they do," and I would honestly love to, except my mind won't allow it. I have to write.<br />
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Looking at the tiny, downy soft head sleeping all snuggled up in her chair, I think to myself, "how did you even get here?" It brings me back down the paths of memories I have stored up over time the way we do in life. I remember falling head over heels in love with my husband and wondering what life had in store for us. Who could have told us our future? We have been blessed beyond all measure. The bumps and bruises along the way have shaped and molded us. We really try to choose to let our circumstances prove the faithfulness of God, and He has proved faithful without fail. I know He will continue His faithfulness in our parenting days. We really have no idea what we're doing.<br />
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The first night we brought Macy-Beth home, I had a melt down. I couldn't get her to latch on like she was doing in the hospital, and I was exhausted with a huge headache from an un-detected spinal fluid leak. In my hormonal, fatigued moment of crisis I honestly thought she would starve to death. The weight of responsibility came crashing down on me as I looked at her tiny, squirming body and all I could see was frailty. She screamed louder and harder, and eventually just fell asleep. By that time I had reached my limit and started bawling myself. David wrapped our little girl up in a bundle and put her in her bassinet. Then he crawled in bed and just held me while I sobbed into his chest. He let me cry it out and told me comforting things. He told me what a good job I'd been doing and how good of a mom I am. What a sweet time to remember. Even the worst times are sprinkled with sweet memories that I don't want to ever forget.<br />
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Sometimes when I look at my little girl I want to cry because I feel so un-equipped to teach her all the things she should know. Last night while I was holding her I whispered in her ears all kinds of things she never will remember hearing. I told her how much I love her and how much her Daddy loves her. I told her we want to do everything we can for her, but that we don't know what we're doing. I apologized for all the mistakes we will make. I told her that there is someone who loves her perfectly, unlike her very imperfect parents. I told her that He is someone who knows <b>everything</b> and that we are trusting Him to show us how to be good parents. I let her know that He brought her into this world for a special purpose, and that is to bring glory to Him. I told her his name- Jesus... that Jesus paid a special price just for her. I explained to her that she needs Him desperately, and that I hope she realizes this on her own someday. And then I told her that I can't wait to introduce her to Him.<br />
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My sweet Macy-Beth. She has changed my life forever.Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-79605105051123080612012-04-02T04:28:00.000-07:002012-04-02T04:28:04.401-07:00The FightHere we go... early morning again. I keep waking up with anxiety in all shapes. I helped facilitate a college girl's retreat this weekend that was called "UNVEILED." We unveiled the truth about lies Satan tells us and equipped ourselves with the way to combat them, Scripture being the main weapon of defense. Funny how attacked I feel after such a powerful weekend... God must have moved because I can feel the enemy pressing in all around me.<br />
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In the heart of "ministry," whatever that vague word means, I feel ragged and worn. I am weighed down when I think about the many girls I have encountered who have been abandoned and abused. I feel helpless when it comes to offering the cup of cold water I so desperately want to give, because sometimes I honestly just don't know what they need. I know they need Jesus. It is so crushingly clear to me that I am not the Healer- He is. But how can I deliver Him to them? How can I lift up their weary heads, or open their blind eyes to behold the only saving hope they have? Some need professional counseling beyond what I am capable of offering. What happens if they never go? I see answers to problems, and I ache to fix them, but I cannot be the decision maker either.<br />
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A wave of hopelessness crashes down, and the lies with it. Oppression. Why did he choose me for this? I feel so inadequate and empty. I keep trying to hold all the pieces together in my short arms, but the pieces seem to tumble everywhere. The problem is, the pieces aren't just objects, they are people. And all of them already broken in some way. I just don't want to bruise them further. Oh yes. It is so crushingly clear that I am not the healer.<br />
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And then there is me... I am just so messed up myself. Craving acceptance. Wanting to find worth in that. Apathetic. Insecure about dumb things. I drag myself to His Word. I must find clarity and truth. I must battle through these lies.<br />
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"Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calameties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:8-10<br />
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"...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:10-14<br />
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"He makes me lie down in green pastures.<br />
He leads me beside still waters.<br />
He restores my soul." -Psalm 23:2<br />
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"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;<br />
his mercies never come to an end;<br />
they are new every morning;<br />
great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23<br />
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"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.'" -John 4:10<br />
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Tetelestai- It is finished. The picture is complete. The battle has been won. I am among the broken being healed. I am not supposed to carry the weight alone. He has done it. For me. For the girls. For all the broken, hurting, and captured. Tetelestai.Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-32157032171107569342012-02-19T05:33:00.000-08:002012-02-19T05:33:40.351-08:00Scarlett O'Hara and My Crazy Interconnected BrainIf I were to write a book, I would have to get up before 5 every morning. Seriously, the best time to formulate uncluttered thoughts for me happens in a very small window, and that window is just so early.<br />
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On that note, over the past two days, David and I watched "Gone With the Wind" for the first time. It was so interesting to watch it as an adult (I've watched bits and pieces as a young girl, but never could keep myself focused long enough to even remember the plot as an adult). For one thing, so many quotes I know come from that movie! It's crazy. Countless girls and women have the quote "You should be kissed, and kissed often by someone who knows how," glittering their Facebook pages, and who knew! It's in "Gone With the Wind." (I guess I should have).<br />
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So, there we were, sitting on our couch with melting chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven dripping on our hands (we ate them for the entire four hours... not really, but we wanted to), watching in horror as the plot unfolded. We had no idea the movie would do such a riveting job of displaying the depth of human character. I suppose that's the main reason the movie is so famous. The whole time I was watching, I was angry. Angry with the deception and the hypocrisy of Scarlett, and angry with the weakness and denial of Ashley. Mostly I was angry with the selfishness of both characters as the destruction in their lives mounted. I seriously had to remind myself it was a movie.<br />
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Basically, what I am saying, whether I want to admit it or not, was that I was hooked. You don't have to fall in love with something to be captured by it, and that was just my plight. I think the main thing that made me uncomfortable is that I saw myself in all those ways. I know that the heart is deceitfully wicked, and that if anyone decides to be honest... truly honest with themselves about the reasons they do things, the negative characteristics I mentioned that seem to consume these fictional characters apply very directly to us all. We are all deeply flawed, but who wants to be reminded of that? No one. Especially not me last night. It's so strange that a movie could make you wrestle with real things, but God works in many ways, so there I was wrestling. I was wrestling with self-righteousness, mainly. It felt so good to watch a movie like that and think, "Thank God I'm not that screwed up." Well, guess what? But for God's grace and His blood payment, I am entirely that screwed up!!! Feels good to get that off your chest, right?! As long as there's hope for something else. No one wants to come to the realization that they are infinitely more jacked than they ever realized without having some semblance of hope placed in front of them.<br />
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And seriously... THANKS BE TO THE GOD WHO SAVES!!! He knows our plight, and He graciously accepted us as we are before paying the price for all of our failures. But He didn't only pay the price for us so we could keep on living in this horrible nightmare of self-consumed living! He paid so we could become a new people. THIS, my friend is the power of Christ's blood! He loved us before we loved Him. Wow... it really does just blow my mind. So this is the weird outcome of my thoughts from watching a movie about southern belle's and the Civil War. A little over-dramatic to be sure, but hey, at least I've come to terms with being that way. It's not soon to be changed I'm sure. :)Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-32229630150867837052012-01-07T17:21:00.000-08:002012-01-07T17:28:08.625-08:00OverdueYes... I am finally updating my blog. And there are pictures!!! This truly is a momentous occasion. Before I go on to quickly summarize my ever changing life I will just say that there have been reasons I have left my blog in such a dilapidated state. The first has been my computer... my poor old computer which basically needs an overhaul (I am currently typing away on David's million-times-nicer one). My second reason has been that in all vulnerable honesty... I have been in the pits. Seriously. The pits aren't always bad though, and sometimes they even mean amazing things. For example the reason I have been on such low swings emotionally and have battled fatigue, nausea, headaches, backaches, and have felt well, just plain nasty is because...<br />
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WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!!! I know, I know, we announced this basically forever ago, but given the circumstances of feeling so gross I didn't really have the energy to type about it. Call me lazy. We literally could not be happier. David and I have both looked forward to parenthood for most of our lives and the sheer fact that the Lord has entrusted us with something so special and costly is quite baffling. It is still sinking in (though I'm almost half-way to my delivery date!) that there is indeed a tiny little person dwelling within me, ready to make his or her debut this summer. I can barely wait that long to meet this little one. I want to scoop up my little son or my little daughter close in my arms. I can barely wait to see fingers and toes and to feel the soft downy skin of my firstborn child.<br />
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So in honor of this phenomenon, this miracle of life that is taking place even now, the first picture in this post will be the first picture we ever saw of this precious little baby:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a cutie, right?!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here are a few pictures of my swelling tummy:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">13 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">15 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuGvnDwRBvMHpxrp3ZXCYigBng3OG0BGMvIFJ4Yd3hZbluHRJybyOJFYFaS23R7Ih4r_u4VX5ykr4Jf8pNKlTbXX8LFr2sXTrOG12VXGtmEE14FqoYWVO6UD8LFqmhkr84r_aJxixcUR3/s1600/15+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuGvnDwRBvMHpxrp3ZXCYigBng3OG0BGMvIFJ4Yd3hZbluHRJybyOJFYFaS23R7Ih4r_u4VX5ykr4Jf8pNKlTbXX8LFr2sXTrOG12VXGtmEE14FqoYWVO6UD8LFqmhkr84r_aJxixcUR3/s320/15+weeks.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">16 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DYNl6ialA27M6ri8z4dozWJ8LoKLklvVmiHJeZRKmLd3dng9Xt5b5vHrM9KXnonlxMqnENIox4eVevTmAJ45Uq8on9xj2yGc5LjUFa8w824ntuu5oNNlfGVWbMgxfrXfXaTdY2Z3AZyi/s1600/16+Weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DYNl6ialA27M6ri8z4dozWJ8LoKLklvVmiHJeZRKmLd3dng9Xt5b5vHrM9KXnonlxMqnENIox4eVevTmAJ45Uq8on9xj2yGc5LjUFa8w824ntuu5oNNlfGVWbMgxfrXfXaTdY2Z3AZyi/s320/16+Weeks.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">18 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PdNSCCNrRd4DSwp8wxxn09VgnhO4UkuleHziKDYy3KjKg_uoMVeL6JSFLTMCQRDFNs__mD_FnqbAp2_qecqyK1JEIAmhRtsLQyACd2eF0DLTIva-x5RtCxkP_f50b2GnRfDYbMtis57i/s1600/18+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PdNSCCNrRd4DSwp8wxxn09VgnhO4UkuleHziKDYy3KjKg_uoMVeL6JSFLTMCQRDFNs__mD_FnqbAp2_qecqyK1JEIAmhRtsLQyACd2eF0DLTIva-x5RtCxkP_f50b2GnRfDYbMtis57i/s320/18+weeks.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
So that is a tiny update of my last few months. I still need to post pictures of our anniversary trip that we took, but I'll save that for another post. Right now I'm enjoying a nice quiet evening with my best friend. :)Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-12650507348300752402011-12-06T12:19:00.000-08:002011-12-06T12:19:48.309-08:00"Pure Religion Is This"It's a cold winter day and I have soup on the stove simmering. I'm in the mood for baking, but my heart is thoughtful and I haven't updated my blog for a while, so here I am... updating.<br />
<br />
This morning's bible study was mainly about adoption and foster care. I was reminded that as a follower of Christ, I am not called to live a life of perfect peace and tranquility. I am called to enter the mess of the unfortunate and the vulnerable. I am called to visit them in their time of need... to offer them the nourishment that I have so liberally received. And believe me... there are messes to be entered. Right now the shelter for foster children in our community is completely full. There are hundreds of children abandoned to this kind of a life in my very own city. In the world there are millions. I was overwhelmed by the need this morning, and today I am asking God, "what do I do?" I need to take action, but what action does He want me to take now? Volunteer at the local crisis pregnancy center? What is He calling me to do in the future? Foster a child? Adopt? Maybe. I am coming to a place where I hurt enough over people's needs to make some sacrifices. I am ready for God to speak to David and to me about His plan for us to defend the vulnerable.<br />
<br />
It's a beautiful thing to have your heart broken. I want to allow pain to transform me. I want to allow the needs of others around me to permeate my thoughts and to burden me to the point of action. I have never really wanted this before. It's not natural. I have always wanted to be happy and peaceful and to have the lines of my life drawn in such a way that no color escapes the right places. Life on this earth just wasn't meant to look that way. I'm coming to see that. It's awkward. How do you deliberately color outside the lines? How do you embrace a feeling you have spent your life learning how to flee? Heartache. Suffering. How can I learn to embrace them as gifts?<br />
<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
I know I'll find out if I continue this following with everything I've got. I am counting the cost and my heart is stepping forward. May my actions follow swiftly behind.Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-283320337673909822011-11-07T04:50:00.000-08:002011-11-07T04:50:01.796-08:005:00 a.m. ThoughtsIt's a little after 5 and I woke up about an hour ago. On most occasions I would be quite put out about being in any way conscious at a time like this, but wakefulness came in a gentle way this morning. The rain is steadily pouring over everything outside, and I am warm and cozy inside- the best feeling when you hear that soothing sound of rain. David is sleeping peacefully in the other room. I left the bed when I woke up so I wouldn't wake him, because he is a hibernating bear when he's sleeping; you don't want to mess with a hibernating bear... trust me. Besides, he needs his sleep. Yesterday was a long day for him, leading four services in worship at Cross Church.<br />
<br />
I woke this morning with a sense of ache over time- the beautiful ache that comes when you remember the good things about your life. So many times I wish I've recorded more of it, but sometimes you get too busy living life to take time to ponder it and record the special things.<br />
<br />
I remember starting to notice David for the first time as someone I could spend the rest of my life with. How could a girl in her right mind not fall in love with him? I loved everything about him, and the more I got to know, the more I loved. Love sneaks up on you sometimes. I loved his boyish grin and his eccentric shirts. I loved his bouncing gait and his attention deficit in a crowd. I loved the freckles on his face, and the red birthmark that always made it look like his pink-lipstick-adorned grandma kissed him on the cheek. And I loved to watch him with people, treating them as though they meant something and that they were important to him. I felt I understood him, and he seemed to understand me, but not in a forceful or assuming way, for there is always more to discover about a person. We discovered love together without trying, and it felt like fireworks.<br />
<br />
The engagement and the wedding followed shortly, and we were off!! Building a life in a tiny gray house we bought with a black mailbox and black numbers stuck to it's siding. "4926" - our first address. We had the time of our lives in that little house. I personally didn't think I would ever want to live in anything bigger. I was so happy there, and it felt like that season would last forever. We built a snowman and had designated hot chocolate nights (alright... hot chocolate night was almost every night for a while). We had no television, so we would curl up in bed and watch Netflix movies on his computer (with our hot chocolate). I baked muffins, and cookies, and pies, and tried my hand out at new dinners. My favorite thing was to have the house shining clean, candles and music flickering, and dinner in the works when David got home from work. He loved it, always making a huge fuss about how great my dinner was, or how beautiful the house looked. We went hunting and fishing together (I mostly napped), and enjoyed our first family vacation with his family at Myrtle Beach, then with my family in Kennebunkport, ME. We shared Christmas Day at our own house, and swapped visiting our families between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
Being a newlywed seemed to last for so long, and sometimes I feel like we're still there. Life does bring changes, though, and changes in life bring change your relationship. In May of this year we were called to Fayetteville, Arkansas where David would pastor the college students at Cross Church. We moved in June. I had never so quickly gone through so many changes in life before. We moved 15 hours away from our little gray house in a matter of 2 weeks, leaving family and friends scattered up and down the east coast in order to obey the call we knew was placed in both of us... Reach Northwest Arkansas college students with the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples among them, teaching them what walking with Christ means. David became so much more than a perfect playmate- we became partners in a mission assigned by God. The changes have been difficult at times. Packing everything you own and moving half-way across the country to start a ministry from scratch is not something you want to do every day. The stresses could have worn us down, but our relationship stands on a firm foundation. Through all of these changes I have not lost the love and the deep affection I have for that boyish grin. I still love all those things that I loved back then, but I love them differently now... not with fireworks, but in a slow steady way that happens every day.<br />
<br />
There have been times in my marriage, just as in the other parts of my life, when I have felt identity crisis. I clearly remember mourning over the loss of my maiden name... I didn't realize how much giving up a name meant. It really is a symbol of what marriage is... self sacrifice. Of course, in a healthy marriage the self sacrifice is mirrored on both sides, making it a lighter burden, but a burden it remains, and love requires it. It requires you to put self further down and look to the needs and wants of someone other than you. It is not for the self-consumed, and it does not always pay back in full- not when you are married to a human. This is not the bitter ranting of an angry housewife. These are true words, spoken with realistic expectations.<br />
<br />
I know God understands this truth all too well, having set the example for us in Himself. He experienced human love on a real level in the person of Jesus, and also experiences to this very day the pain it causes, having loved much with nary a returned glance from some. He experienced the ultimate sacrifice in identity. Philippians 2:5-8 sheds a beautiful light on the kind of sacrifice He made on our behalf:<br />
<br />
"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.<br />
Though he was God,<br />
he did not think of equality with God<br />
as something to cling to.<br />
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;<br />
he took the humble position of a slave<br />
and was born as a human being.<br />
When he appeared in human form,<br />
he humbled himself in obedience to God<br />
and died a criminal's death on a cross."<br />
<br />
If Jesus Christ, who is God can give up his privileges as God to take on the identity of a slave and a criminal, I think I (imperfect and in need of much grace) can give up my identity as an independent woman, successful in the world's eyes if I am called to it. And I am called to it. I find joy in sacrificing myself to serve David and to serve WITH David in ministry regardless of David's ability to make it worth it. I find joy in all of this because I am filled up past the measure of fullness by the love of Christ. His love compels me.<br />
<br />
The rain is still pattering and it's now getting close to 7. Ha! Where does time go? I think I'll have some breakfast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-90304532074630682012011-08-12T14:41:00.000-07:002011-08-12T14:41:21.301-07:00Life Is a Balance BeamSometimes you just need rain. Anything in excess is wearing. I grew up in cold New England, where winter seems to drone on forever, and summers are compiled of short but sweet memories. Summer in New England is kind of like Christmas to a little kid. You wait and dream of the day you'll be able to go out with a t-shirt on. When it finally hits 65 you practically leap for joy. Your winter skin begs to be exposed to some semblance of sunlight; even a windy 65 degrees will suffice. I can remember waiting sometimes until July to really feel warm enough to even want to swim.<br />
<br />
So here I am in the middle of the country where hot is the new cold, sweat is the new shivering, and jackets are the new goal. 108 will take your breath away, and even 10 days in a row above 100 is a little much. Try 32. That's what just happened here. I never thought I would grow to resent heat, but like I said... too much of anything will wear you right out. You can imagine my delight the other day to hear a rumbling of thunder and to feel a cool breeze sweep in. The heat wave has been broken, and the rain is coming through! I am loving just watching the earth drink it up. I have my WoodWick candle flickering and my guitar handy. It's been a nice day.<br />
<br />
Tonight David is taking me out on a date. I'm excited to spend some special time with him. I have a job interview on Monday, so I'm enjoying my days of no obligations to the fullest. Lately everything in my mind keeps drifting back to balance. I have loved not working and getting adjusted to our new life, but I know I was designed for a purpose, and I feel ready to take that on again. I love summer, but fall seems to beckon me more loudly every day. Our Creator is the author of balance. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. He designed us to thrive in seasons. I just think that's so cool.<br />
<br />
So I suppose my theme Bible verse for today to dwell on would be from Ecclesiastes 3. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:" You can read the rest yourself.Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-77730577897672932052011-08-10T15:25:00.000-07:002011-08-10T16:37:03.528-07:00Coffee Shops and Familiar PeopleI'm sitting here at a local coffee shop called "Arsaga's" and I've officially been here for 6 hours. Holy cow. I don't know what it is, but I just got sucked in. We know the owners (they go to Cross Church Fayetteville), and the atmosphere in here was just so inviting that I haven't felt the need to leave. One sandwich with chips, a mocha latte, and an espresso later, here I am now joined by my awesome man, and I'm pretty happy.<br />
<br />
I think I'm going to like living here. It's starting to feel a lot more like home. I'm really thankful, because this transition (though it's been much better than it could have been) has been hard.<br />
<br />
Today we bought our tickets to go home for Thanksgiving... Woohooo!!!! I can't wait to see the family. AND to top it off, my parents are planning to come for a week in September.<br />
<br />
Basically, today is awesome. I just had to write a little blurb about it.<br />
<br />
Hope your day is as good as mine!Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-83781968153490867272011-08-10T12:49:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:49:01.681-07:00Was it a disaster or a success?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since you've all been asking...here's the rest of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4FjHvgKhjjv5qZfB0-pvm1fq2KPBzRTz4JpTkhBMORNFmf6aghiWoy0W3TggGZ_i-DtU8VKdyQfkzTGnjbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and finally...it was a SUCCESS!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvBbzyoHmzybt0zbzG3Aapqjr9IyEEE4_WyQxTA6WoUUCHU4vGk0h8rtGU4CzGNVrl2KOpy-S0325r3cn0fQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-87122164038416243652011-08-05T17:32:00.000-07:002011-08-05T17:32:50.919-07:00Embracing Awkwardness- A Cooking Show For Your Entertainment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, let's give this another try... This time I'll try to take myself seriously. Yeah right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1FFGlim8hwoJdwTIyLOAsIGt0l5EnsKeKQzd6AeKCaPD9jNu2uXaBo_Yuq-26nbTwr1B-nFMzQJwyO73HKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is a great example of a smooth transition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-cwAYMOA5VuVbpuSqgwJLC6L0ON5FJ15n97Aw2AfDtj8xTXNaAimFqvdo3qwZ08fHUSxWK-aijcpLC5HQsA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1862579303"></span><span id="goog_1862579304"></span></div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-30846281670634429302011-07-30T20:19:00.000-07:002011-07-30T20:19:10.161-07:00"Rachel's Cooking Dinner... In the Kitchen..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first take is always a little bit bumpy... right? Here's the birthday man... and the birthday man's... wife. ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzD3-QHPbZa3FZ348Ql4Tir6z7_xYApPCwGBlk1IbBZKEDU8TpV0zNY7vFrW0um3vWylgIKT9BzutbLHTO7gQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-49825939431272826672011-07-27T11:52:00.000-07:002011-07-27T11:52:10.372-07:00Cooking Show Intro... Ha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9PUZ4-sYEDpEh_eFXWH04iZrnsr0O1csF3t4jHA14t7fPV_8_Alfvxjpii6S3C41Bv3cbVshfmLCqSzs8JQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-53113717185459473392011-07-22T10:53:00.000-07:002011-07-22T10:53:54.020-07:00David's Birthday!Tomorrow is David's 28th birthday. Unlike him, I am completely excited. I love his birthday. Haha! I have reminded him so many times all week about it. Every time I back into it laying down hints as subtle as an elephant knowing full well he'll refuse to pick them up. <br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
"Lovie! Guess what happens this Saturday?!"<br />
<br />
"What?!"<br />
<br />
"Your birthday!!!!"<br />
<br />
"Oh. I forgot."<br />
<br />
We've been playing this game for two weeks now. I can't decide if it's the fact that he's in denial about being in his "upper 20's" or if he really cares so little that he keeps forgetting, but it makes it fun either way. I just love that guy. I hope, if you are single and you are reading this, that you wait until someone like my David comes along. Someone you would never live your life without because you've experienced something too good to let go of... that's what David is to me.<br />
<br />
Don't be mistaken, he is not the thing that gets me fully or satisfies the deep wells of longing inside my soul. No... our relationship looks more like an awkward, stumbling, dancing attempt to understand and to love. This is not because we are failures at love, but rather because he is a man and I am a woman. Human... oh so human, we cannot "get" each other without trying very hard (sometimes with an effort that looks downright laughable, like a man straining, cheeks puffed out and red in the face to lift a heavy object). Needless to say, we are having fun in our wild attempts to understand one another. We keep the humor in things, and it helps to ease the frustration of countless failed attempts. I suppose what I am trying to say is that we are not "enough" for each other. Only One can be enough. When we remember this, our expectation shifts from expectation in each other to expectation in the One who can deliver and who does satisfy- that is the Lord. This is the way we live happily and in the depths of contentment. Through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ who is everything we need.<br />
<br />
Anyway... I'm done rambling. It's time to head out for a day with my love!Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-8978847669601017132011-07-15T15:06:00.000-07:002011-07-15T15:06:36.399-07:00The ResidencyToday David and I became official residents of Fayetteville, Ar. We got our new licenses, registrations, car tags, and registered to vote. Needless to say, David is passed out on the couch sleeping after running all over town getting this done. He'll love me for this:<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrZJzWs0FKsUYH5j4ySVbV2eKU2399uwUQFChx9GnZXaYdImRaeXCK5HKeM6nE-HjWtHxcmq3sf8E0AXv-Ied6U7fAO7PWYU4NsrbSJlbSvH6rz0OC98uXo2DNAawIc-j5PfBFyIQzEI1/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrZJzWs0FKsUYH5j4ySVbV2eKU2399uwUQFChx9GnZXaYdImRaeXCK5HKeM6nE-HjWtHxcmq3sf8E0AXv-Ied6U7fAO7PWYU4NsrbSJlbSvH6rz0OC98uXo2DNAawIc-j5PfBFyIQzEI1/s320/IMG_0515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div><div>It's hard to believe we've almost been here for an entire month. That's 1/12 of a year. Holy cow... seriously I never thought the day would come when I would spread my wings and leave the great mother-land of Lynchburg, VA. Haha does anyone ever leave that place?!? But they do... and here we are, hundreds of miles away proving it actually happens. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I took some pictures of the apartment the other night so you could get a little feel for where we live. I should have taken some of the outside. We live in a huge building that's four stories tall and has two wings that stretch out like arms. I've never lived in real apartments before. It's always been a townhouse or something like that. This is the real deal. Haha!</div><div>Anyway, here's the inside (we're still working on it, so no judging!)</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPlYuMNoaNOLHRHo2Mbx-uL3y-7ZaE4OJ57BenQxPSBQCrvJEnaegbAdL0K__ZZIhPFfav7pZ1OT-WBdHN62sCYDAJggJ56kWdASTVHWFxJWtcIVVYjNY8D7irxfxd6Rq0QKu8CZo7tHw/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPlYuMNoaNOLHRHo2Mbx-uL3y-7ZaE4OJ57BenQxPSBQCrvJEnaegbAdL0K__ZZIhPFfav7pZ1OT-WBdHN62sCYDAJggJ56kWdASTVHWFxJWtcIVVYjNY8D7irxfxd6Rq0QKu8CZo7tHw/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I painted the living room light green this week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eR0e6d3RUgAmBmwW4oJ9zu_SMNV4TWzSZK9pNNtDopWoJKWmY0gw8A83F0SitaAgUc3x8v2UQSKyySK__WUMpphC9PNom4Lwy02nvO0O1IGs15i4rD8JyrVCHPUZkAnY3C18R12mm8sS/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eR0e6d3RUgAmBmwW4oJ9zu_SMNV4TWzSZK9pNNtDopWoJKWmY0gw8A83F0SitaAgUc3x8v2UQSKyySK__WUMpphC9PNom4Lwy02nvO0O1IGs15i4rD8JyrVCHPUZkAnY3C18R12mm8sS/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still working on this project, but I'm painting these bookshelves and stacking them for the guest bedroom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OtMHdQr2Srq9ZW2V37l8ImOYrx6Djq472qlnMyB7cWcL15FKwiaMcKyZYCTDmrXGZuDNDzvwH8wz0BgKFHNQXomePdIZPQ2O1tCo150ZEqfVlnwXfs3SzkApN7johX8mOAUu0aP_MtyP/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OtMHdQr2Srq9ZW2V37l8ImOYrx6Djq472qlnMyB7cWcL15FKwiaMcKyZYCTDmrXGZuDNDzvwH8wz0BgKFHNQXomePdIZPQ2O1tCo150ZEqfVlnwXfs3SzkApN7johX8mOAUu0aP_MtyP/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our living room is getting more cozy. :) Still waiting on the drapes though!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPmDHOHRh4knpGXZ0UgfZe8y05HwBrVM7mnxTky0ZEKLp-dFJ-aGhaKjn0UHzJtuwN_XSrFrnnHiFyD59tpLjaxnoOwy6Hy5bN5PDnG1BHc9RRFq_h3YtgXPfwFpGQ0gMqbQ5aW-8iUTJ/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPmDHOHRh4knpGXZ0UgfZe8y05HwBrVM7mnxTky0ZEKLp-dFJ-aGhaKjn0UHzJtuwN_XSrFrnnHiFyD59tpLjaxnoOwy6Hy5bN5PDnG1BHc9RRFq_h3YtgXPfwFpGQ0gMqbQ5aW-8iUTJ/s320/IMG_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front door is to the left of this picture. This is right when you walk in looking into the house .</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj65KXMm9w3MIWzC0UsjrB4jWxrVJ6j_8MV3w_QA0VwjVMMOSY_n9yJZpfHLHJAbon-aMFkP7RvJPhvJCedvKxweDMORuBniNzU7_himj7FjkQraF7s4Rfaf3FN06AOzIkTB0AwCTeabEk/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj65KXMm9w3MIWzC0UsjrB4jWxrVJ6j_8MV3w_QA0VwjVMMOSY_n9yJZpfHLHJAbon-aMFkP7RvJPhvJCedvKxweDMORuBniNzU7_himj7FjkQraF7s4Rfaf3FN06AOzIkTB0AwCTeabEk/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We still need something for above our bed. Any suggestions?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPgOmhkKwF-Zxsj2ZFWTrbN3cFmHXSTXTXny9bnST9tbLf34pE0nWngXClkmbWVOsb5tHkE9c99q7f-fNSdNSZ1EF9uk2y_bH8izqbiMyQ2U-uLf-kdkMevQ4tF3DXV0Op9E4CfuFPGop/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPgOmhkKwF-Zxsj2ZFWTrbN3cFmHXSTXTXny9bnST9tbLf34pE0nWngXClkmbWVOsb5tHkE9c99q7f-fNSdNSZ1EF9uk2y_bH8izqbiMyQ2U-uLf-kdkMevQ4tF3DXV0Op9E4CfuFPGop/s320/IMG_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our room looking out into the living room. We have our wedding vows above our dresser in that frame.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6uQ6VfMIohkDZvp6UP5mgViYHUcsvG8Bxtm9O8KGsRKiegrUEEYET11d-R84YpttTsQuiiLKrYyfkO7xiqHfOXDSvm5U-XXO8welqeNvoHl_WT1Zy7s12ONvGZ-I22hPWQ_MofiJUQfl/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6uQ6VfMIohkDZvp6UP5mgViYHUcsvG8Bxtm9O8KGsRKiegrUEEYET11d-R84YpttTsQuiiLKrYyfkO7xiqHfOXDSvm5U-XXO8welqeNvoHl_WT1Zy7s12ONvGZ-I22hPWQ_MofiJUQfl/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bathroom. Simple, but it works. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBFBtjFEjRKFO5KjLtQp6nuu_dAlQ1PZAB5jmqdsAPK3ARyROn5J6R-IUagoy3TtDA4lBcbeEDcX4tWahz8mOBJDVqgrTrHojKek-e9g4__7mUv38EOYe4tse9xqDGuMLstKzhpYU7kMs/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBFBtjFEjRKFO5KjLtQp6nuu_dAlQ1PZAB5jmqdsAPK3ARyROn5J6R-IUagoy3TtDA4lBcbeEDcX4tWahz8mOBJDVqgrTrHojKek-e9g4__7mUv38EOYe4tse9xqDGuMLstKzhpYU7kMs/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Bathroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAIRdI9bX_DoEVX9FW_1ZChLBmFhyphenhyphenZg2QIHontPtf0agOQCpnKS2goMgvEaesPrqNvzogh0Nb4-x87UPc5zi3Mhvgmjnjy3g7FH9mnKn5wS3i6dCJgiX0Gahl2cSQhU-11rZew76f5gJR/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAIRdI9bX_DoEVX9FW_1ZChLBmFhyphenhyphenZg2QIHontPtf0agOQCpnKS2goMgvEaesPrqNvzogh0Nb4-x87UPc5zi3Mhvgmjnjy3g7FH9mnKn5wS3i6dCJgiX0Gahl2cSQhU-11rZew76f5gJR/s320/IMG_0507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the kitchen from the living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnslycK5O-j2wkmxxXm9SrCwwLUA2MorEwhqwCNLYivN8qZxCakIThdtvSWrVneLUh38Llm347moiWeLd4OO0i0M_RU14ms-xjeh2p_vv2Otb9eHEjIc3IZZHPo1oYgFZff4qKxG2u6Mt_/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnslycK5O-j2wkmxxXm9SrCwwLUA2MorEwhqwCNLYivN8qZxCakIThdtvSWrVneLUh38Llm347moiWeLd4OO0i0M_RU14ms-xjeh2p_vv2Otb9eHEjIc3IZZHPo1oYgFZff4qKxG2u6Mt_/s320/IMG_0503.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stole this idea from a friend! All my cleaning supplies tucked away and organized! I love it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzef7sHObCWAgv5Nr9IuFT1bWIuYxz249UqP3NIp2qsUmTLsiBOBTrjDjLb-oCdP8sGZst763EJ-4LTqCcUubtuLcwhObc7-_FvpZAt1ePzchBD5SquMAs9bkyuuhcxSZHxrurRMCEMzO/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzef7sHObCWAgv5Nr9IuFT1bWIuYxz249UqP3NIp2qsUmTLsiBOBTrjDjLb-oCdP8sGZst763EJ-4LTqCcUubtuLcwhObc7-_FvpZAt1ePzchBD5SquMAs9bkyuuhcxSZHxrurRMCEMzO/s320/IMG_0499.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I guess this is a weird idea, but I wanted this to be the toothbrush holder for the guest bedroom. It's a sand bucket.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5P3G00LnSSCvdyvMJ6TavZLiY88YGhujrTMmlyOii7Y-_-ct8Wg33xMq-bqqlQJTK3TPKwNqoPdYQAbePiYP5rWBL89yJQWrFp-qyB6GWjnlrtOoO4Gyl0A5ioASKQS7uGczzEGLo2II/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5P3G00LnSSCvdyvMJ6TavZLiY88YGhujrTMmlyOii7Y-_-ct8Wg33xMq-bqqlQJTK3TPKwNqoPdYQAbePiYP5rWBL89yJQWrFp-qyB6GWjnlrtOoO4Gyl0A5ioASKQS7uGczzEGLo2II/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's a duck, and its company is a little home-made cup with two chicks on it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-MTdbLGGUZOyJzhLTEf-DzTlcnNppVi4QxVS75wGbx4LDslOEzwFTGBqQ6VMaMNWbvXttgDy4wrllVi73PDjUku0met3yCssKp7Vck0RaeYADLdy31KfNjyjhTmXbQzoJRmbslWnhuZi/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-MTdbLGGUZOyJzhLTEf-DzTlcnNppVi4QxVS75wGbx4LDslOEzwFTGBqQ6VMaMNWbvXttgDy4wrllVi73PDjUku0met3yCssKp7Vck0RaeYADLdy31KfNjyjhTmXbQzoJRmbslWnhuZi/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Julie and LeighAnna! We love this little cup!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTur8kqUixOQ-Wn12VA04BYudpPRQgoz21nqjgZssYh3mQY8Qexm44xHPsGkp7z2l51y10QN1kNBAFRzVI8kMwrf0JhjssH4bUzDspQsGSFU7ANOx9L2sq_up8vxwk_7boNDN-t4h8P6Z/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTur8kqUixOQ-Wn12VA04BYudpPRQgoz21nqjgZssYh3mQY8Qexm44xHPsGkp7z2l51y10QN1kNBAFRzVI8kMwrf0JhjssH4bUzDspQsGSFU7ANOx9L2sq_up8vxwk_7boNDN-t4h8P6Z/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever been homesick and someone sent you a package? My Grammy did that. :) I like the red ones the best. You can tell because there's only one left. Haha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>So there's a little peak into our world. We're making it happen. David's been doing an amazing job coming up with ideas for this fall when school starts for the University of Arkansas (the U of A). I am so privileged and honored to be able to partner with him and to join in on dreaming about the influence we are going to have in this city. Greater things are yet to come! By His grace and the power of His perfect will we will press on in the goal set before us!</div>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-56393836783891674602011-07-14T08:06:00.000-07:002011-07-14T08:06:24.369-07:00All to Him I OweJesus paid it all,<br />
All to Him I owe,<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNmP19Fx7BEDlmMtLf2z0liz9Qu4fqa-PbpcicPjNFwPKBT_wlxwuSLY3nBZzV-8u6FCq-_BNdZakcb0KTwTnlZAGKkVC2PF1P41XMuj9Poh-dUcMW5qFgxDaQSCLcGfmdyB3wBEVUTBs/s1600/IMG_6378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNmP19Fx7BEDlmMtLf2z0liz9Qu4fqa-PbpcicPjNFwPKBT_wlxwuSLY3nBZzV-8u6FCq-_BNdZakcb0KTwTnlZAGKkVC2PF1P41XMuj9Poh-dUcMW5qFgxDaQSCLcGfmdyB3wBEVUTBs/s400/IMG_6378.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This week my Grammy Lamy passed away. I think she was almost 95. The Bible says that this life is just a breath and that mankind is like a flower that quickly fades. The older I get, the more real that becomes.<br />
<br />
This morning as I sit alone in our new apartment a rush of emotions wash over me. The strongest emotion of all is peace. It's amazing, the peace rushes over everything tumultuous that I feel. My family is all together right now 24 hours from my little apartment. They are driving to the funeral. I should be sad and lonely and depressed, but instead I feel refreshed and hopeful. I cannot be held captive in the strongholds of my physical world when all my focus is fixed on the One who never leaves me. Matthew 28:20 "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."<br />
<br />
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is <i>nothing</i> on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the <i>strength</i> of my heart, and my <i>portion</i> forever." -Psalm 73:25-26 (read the whole Psalm... it's amazing).<br />
<br />
My portion... He sustains me.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">John 6:52-59</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v43006052-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">52 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v43006053-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">53 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">So Jesus said to them,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43006054-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">54 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43006055-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">55<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43006056-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">56 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43006057-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">57 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me</span>.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num woc" id="v43006058-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">58 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="woc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v43006059-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">59 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">Jesus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.</span><br />
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He is my portion. He has given Himself to sustain me. He is all I want.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Psalm 23: 4</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19023004-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;">4 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">I will fear no evil,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">for you are with me;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">your rod and your staff,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;">they comfort me.</span>Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-79350511763691987732011-07-12T09:56:00.000-07:002011-07-12T09:56:48.797-07:00Happenings in the OzarksFriends and Family!!! I miss you all. These past few weeks have been a blur (isn't all of life??), and David and I are finally getting settled into our cozy apartment. It's actually quite spacious compared to our tiny house that we left in VA!<br />
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Last week we went to The Rodeo of the Ozarks! This was the first rodeo I had ever been to, and it was so much fun! I really felt like I wanted to be a cowgirl after experiencing something like that. Watching these girls fly around the arena in their sparkly sequins on beautiful horses was a blast. Ok, so the sequins were a little much, but the horses... seriously y'all... they were awesome. I've never seen a horse all-out gallop like that before in person. It's a beautiful sight. So here are a few pictures for your enjoyment!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ5oCHm7Mz31QMbPPAvEYbiIwL2T5HU9_YR5imyGkWhDBe9ugVA0FsrangWzaM91M9pTfvYLFH9jFyBM-QTR4I0dLhuBTQsoejyo8r7o2IdNY6aLKRwhDunYKdPrqKQKyBi_TFD0YiqU1/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ5oCHm7Mz31QMbPPAvEYbiIwL2T5HU9_YR5imyGkWhDBe9ugVA0FsrangWzaM91M9pTfvYLFH9jFyBM-QTR4I0dLhuBTQsoejyo8r7o2IdNY6aLKRwhDunYKdPrqKQKyBi_TFD0YiqU1/s320/IMG_0351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq7y17JiisK13iJGyK7ErlgCbbgXWq5rbvTGcbKzLCf_pSZwOFbuCwSl2IXebMFIaf89neSkX81Rgq7x8jUCtJAOqD-7-10RjyyUs38RO6ZX52Yu9B-m5g1XocPjVDAPqbaPUJeFnK_BO/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq7y17JiisK13iJGyK7ErlgCbbgXWq5rbvTGcbKzLCf_pSZwOFbuCwSl2IXebMFIaf89neSkX81Rgq7x8jUCtJAOqD-7-10RjyyUs38RO6ZX52Yu9B-m5g1XocPjVDAPqbaPUJeFnK_BO/s320/IMG_0360.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landon and Morgan- New friends who come to our college Bible Study on Wed. Nights! We love them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxLIuvgpZ9QHxo_U5awDf6qpe5rNWr_eBm3EHnLdE67GqLSjehwIGWZ1OzZkbNZf3n_1ooHz1ir5OWzWUExS5b0U-n3Udj7cUTqJ0hyqwgJYjN9cWdQt-aBPdNyrC1NZXq30bNGI1V1U-/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxLIuvgpZ9QHxo_U5awDf6qpe5rNWr_eBm3EHnLdE67GqLSjehwIGWZ1OzZkbNZf3n_1ooHz1ir5OWzWUExS5b0U-n3Udj7cUTqJ0hyqwgJYjN9cWdQt-aBPdNyrC1NZXq30bNGI1V1U-/s320/IMG_0361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trina and Jordan are a married couple with no kids that we are getting to know. Married and no kids is a rare find around these parts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GD9-SDa12Cn2Hq1iAY0NKnezz-TBzZW3ZlsG23Xi56OTJHhLHxku4Zy0uuafKry05sLYIXMKT8eKt5bRB4DuQ9BFwdorDpAJOdpb-67U5WhFtbwQDYbzyZH86emvugE6DHkqwEUl6as4/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GD9-SDa12Cn2Hq1iAY0NKnezz-TBzZW3ZlsG23Xi56OTJHhLHxku4Zy0uuafKry05sLYIXMKT8eKt5bRB4DuQ9BFwdorDpAJOdpb-67U5WhFtbwQDYbzyZH86emvugE6DHkqwEUl6as4/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Laura are another great couple we met! They don't have kids yet either!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmzF8Rg7DGORQTOBxS6WXcsTlIIcqQ8IWCrpiPMcUuDXjvlxY5jyAUcwymlyk8wgbZFFLQ_gnaN54uq6sIkLTit79RTLwFBZeAJqoxPzJigwYheSk8iGMagSG1Wg0CUEd2Y3sx4SyweA8/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmzF8Rg7DGORQTOBxS6WXcsTlIIcqQ8IWCrpiPMcUuDXjvlxY5jyAUcwymlyk8wgbZFFLQ_gnaN54uq6sIkLTit79RTLwFBZeAJqoxPzJigwYheSk8iGMagSG1Wg0CUEd2Y3sx4SyweA8/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, so these are two extremely precious ladies who have made the move one million times easier for me by taking me under their wings. They are both amazing, godly women (Trudy on the left and Marita on the right) who I am so thankful to have in my life!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDXjx5xG7UI_5YVKJHhsJhirebh42eUwl01rrfJol6EreoyjtHvPibt0sHszBQ1bYlQJWoKHst8e_7GUH0DXa_DIyMBCoOzG3AIn-J03zhz33qlia4z_NirVolULRlwtCCd9E8ssWcPQm/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDXjx5xG7UI_5YVKJHhsJhirebh42eUwl01rrfJol6EreoyjtHvPibt0sHszBQ1bYlQJWoKHst8e_7GUH0DXa_DIyMBCoOzG3AIn-J03zhz33qlia4z_NirVolULRlwtCCd9E8ssWcPQm/s320/IMG_0386.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is pretty cool... it's an actual stage that the bank "Wells Fargo" used to carry gold with. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATzMdpNDt0Hnb7GqLEVzXz6ez3kdGjFRiqRtSGeiWhsH-SduNVdLxulww_XW3b1wQGQwwuvWCvj79CPy4oYhI0g65oKpCDeV-WXgosURZb1y4w9XHYhsXqgDWwP6WYuU6HJMBmJtQM17_/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATzMdpNDt0Hnb7GqLEVzXz6ez3kdGjFRiqRtSGeiWhsH-SduNVdLxulww_XW3b1wQGQwwuvWCvj79CPy4oYhI0g65oKpCDeV-WXgosURZb1y4w9XHYhsXqgDWwP6WYuU6HJMBmJtQM17_/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride 'em!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUy-vDb80PKYm-ZInOwtgWPdd19yfcNn27ngg-v9Qj5E0mccPkj37yheNFrs48e-oICpaHCtdhbWjy5G0QtoME6w00MXKDg3bAYKXDirroFDGshGNgezfS6qc8ij8meahypsnz8x4XwMU/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUy-vDb80PKYm-ZInOwtgWPdd19yfcNn27ngg-v9Qj5E0mccPkj37yheNFrs48e-oICpaHCtdhbWjy5G0QtoME6w00MXKDg3bAYKXDirroFDGshGNgezfS6qc8ij8meahypsnz8x4XwMU/s320/IMG_0374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the Rodeo started they paraded all the horses and riders out into the arena. There were a LOT of horses out there at one time! There were only a few run-aways...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjbvo8vnjeKINE3Psq_9eOodKOtldM9bzachDTSYPQJQaDvryHr1qJUtVMqsC9_KePfRfKgdlYTjqeVVyihWvxwZWvGUxlMFva7Tw9GDaoM9pClmRUsWFARtLrm5HGPPm_w_Xn3EmP-V3/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjbvo8vnjeKINE3Psq_9eOodKOtldM9bzachDTSYPQJQaDvryHr1qJUtVMqsC9_KePfRfKgdlYTjqeVVyihWvxwZWvGUxlMFva7Tw9GDaoM9pClmRUsWFARtLrm5HGPPm_w_Xn3EmP-V3/s640/IMG_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJfSX1DLYWDD-ytnX3qEAgHTtbafhqLGBNpTIsl9f-xzMqj9xe2fU_DrpgsPPcUf4zkToCb9Lo3m_1LSiFCneGy7wVuay3VZC_bZLsz2Gr-sk4A_6OwfRfOX_Cmnry3id6qatpse4vMBc/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJfSX1DLYWDD-ytnX3qEAgHTtbafhqLGBNpTIsl9f-xzMqj9xe2fU_DrpgsPPcUf4zkToCb9Lo3m_1LSiFCneGy7wVuay3VZC_bZLsz2Gr-sk4A_6OwfRfOX_Cmnry3id6qatpse4vMBc/s640/IMG_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8twq4fd1n65wLWyDVomzwtEv_CtXFWJvIpXBSJkY3snPSK1ycucXa5LdUMnoBVKTMh9S_r3QCQH1ZeGQgHyowBOgKyXAmoQJet-loQo-_JWNbJt2dn5BHHSq_SB5rbuhy6NcjiGB0c9UL/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8twq4fd1n65wLWyDVomzwtEv_CtXFWJvIpXBSJkY3snPSK1ycucXa5LdUMnoBVKTMh9S_r3QCQH1ZeGQgHyowBOgKyXAmoQJet-loQo-_JWNbJt2dn5BHHSq_SB5rbuhy6NcjiGB0c9UL/s640/IMG_0379.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out for those hooves!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcicytBT859lHRiTNAKh23LkVQ60Zd8GvyLxt-s_p_g_hP70DkJOSHviQiLsjk9xPh-oq4Ke7B0YFZri209DBvlRv1WL9E1qbMLHWK2N64v26UxxCLg1BCH7PcNhb_JVaLa1JebvSRogH-/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcicytBT859lHRiTNAKh23LkVQ60Zd8GvyLxt-s_p_g_hP70DkJOSHviQiLsjk9xPh-oq4Ke7B0YFZri209DBvlRv1WL9E1qbMLHWK2N64v26UxxCLg1BCH7PcNhb_JVaLa1JebvSRogH-/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one example of the crazy amount of food that was being sold. A HUGE turkey leg is being devoured here by Will. I ordered a "Chicken Finger Basket" when I heard that only 2 chicken fingers came with it. I was sure I could handle that! Much to my dismay the chicken "fingers" were bigger than my face. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXhMOk0Zf8izk3owmSq44lXleN1RbQic9PZgAJrCz3KSWdNPu9ksfhTSleTygEoFN6bEfuyuqHN8sF5nj1XVTOrlAKnJwSoOKS1sw16MNzQ585GJcuAeNT1tT2G1vQAUBTTUPWG-TY6LW/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXhMOk0Zf8izk3owmSq44lXleN1RbQic9PZgAJrCz3KSWdNPu9ksfhTSleTygEoFN6bEfuyuqHN8sF5nj1XVTOrlAKnJwSoOKS1sw16MNzQ585GJcuAeNT1tT2G1vQAUBTTUPWG-TY6LW/s400/IMG_0414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX1We2Wg943T6UC_ZZaT2eFVCFS6ioUGoF4S4AiDZohFXR1K0KKDmmX74SdFUsT21FLKI2VxjpvJ2J2has2UqqZvJAWmj5-0aJoXJSQ-Dc14mnpCN2Wjwv64mfbgukaKRGVl2OE9XPOjI/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX1We2Wg943T6UC_ZZaT2eFVCFS6ioUGoF4S4AiDZohFXR1K0KKDmmX74SdFUsT21FLKI2VxjpvJ2J2has2UqqZvJAWmj5-0aJoXJSQ-Dc14mnpCN2Wjwv64mfbgukaKRGVl2OE9XPOjI/s400/IMG_0419.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Smith family. Chris and Trudy are a great couple and I've become really good friends with their daughters Emily and Sadie. They really make us feel at home here.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, that's all the energy I have to post pictures for now, but I promise to post more later (especially as the apartment starts to look better). David and I led worship this Sunday at one of the campuses for Cross Church. I just recently found out it's all posted online, so if any of y'all want to see that you can go here to watch! :) http://crosschurch.com/category/portfolio/springdale-worship-33/<br />
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To all of you who I love and are far away: I love you and I miss you more than you can know! Thank the Lord for technology that helps us all stay connected!Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632943664564050188.post-56959973677915516902011-06-26T20:58:00.000-07:002011-06-26T20:58:26.688-07:00Home is Where The Heart IsToday was great. My body feels tired, and I've been taking naps daily, but my spirit is so full and refreshed even despite the ache that comes from leaving mostly everything you know. Haha I just read that over and laughed. I have a knack for sounding dramatic... Almost everything I know? I'm still in the U.S. for goodness sake! But you understand...<br />
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I'm sitting in my bed right now just enjoying the fact that I can't see a single piece of cardboard in sight. Of course if I got up and walked across the apartment to the spare bedroom with all of its boxes I would be reminded of the work I have left to do, but we're not talking about that right now. We're talking about Fayetteville, Arkansas and the vast amount of color this place is bringing into my life.<br />
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I've been trying to immerse myself in this place, and in less than a week I've learned a little bit about how to get around and a little more about all the best places to go in town. The key is having all the locals take you around. And oh, the locals! Never have I met a more generous and kind group of people! This church is really being the church. They have poured their time and resources into us and welcomed us as if we were long lost family. The town has so many facets to it that I feel certain I will not fully grasp it for some time. <br />
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Well, it's officially past my bedtime and I am getting sleepy. My husband is also doing something possibly destructive in the kitchen and I feel the need to look into it. I love that guy. <br />
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Goodnight all!Rachel Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674491257128562125noreply@blogger.com2