My husband started a blog... that's awesome. He is so full of wisdom, truth, longing for God, and obedience to His voice. You should check it out here!
All that being said, once again it has come to my realization that I have dropped the ball in the blogging world. :) So here's some things that have been on my mind lately...
1. I NEED relationships... I am living on a very different schedule than any I've lived before. My husband works evenings at a restaurant, and during the day at our church. My kids are amazing, don't get me wrong, but this Mama needs some adult conversation BADLY :) I have learned that if I want relationships, I must go after them. Friendships do not build themselves, and desiring community with others doesn't just happen. This has become very clear to me, especially in the last couple of years (not living in the same city as ANY of my friends), that I have to make a purposeful, concentrated effort to spend time with others. The friendships in my life are on purpose, they are people that I know make me better, challenge my thinking, encourage my walk with God, and love me too. It can be a very lonely world being a Pastor's wife. It can feel isolating. It can feel as if everyone's eyes are on you, but no one really wants to know you. What a chance to SHINE! To show others you value them, to invite people into your life. To show your flaws, but rejoice in your weakness (because in it, HE is made known). To make others a part of what God is doing in your life and what He's teaching you. As a Mama who knows- we NEED each other!!
2. I am called... I am married to a man that is incredibly strong. Like I said up top, he is an amazing man of God! I look at him daily and know that he will obey God no matter what the cost. He has an incredible calling on his life, and when he preaches... wow- you KNOW he hears from God! (So attractive!!) And I often find myself comparing myself to him... my calling, my devotional life, my giftings, my shortcomings... and truth is, comparison sucks! God has called me to lead along side my husband, to do whatever it takes to make him better, serve him, love him, push him to pursue his dreams, build him up when he feels weak, and always encourage him to be better. Our giftings look totally different, our relationships with God look totally different, but we are in this TOGETHER! No competition, no comparison... My desire to be better comes from a desire to know God more, and be the best me He has called me to be so that my family can be the best US He's called us to be.
3. I'm grateful... I can look back at the last 10 years of my life, and see many people God has strategically placed in my life to prepare me for what He's calling me to next. My bff Andrea has taught me to serve whole-heartedly, to love when you don't feel like it, to forgive deep hurts, to know who God made yOU and never try to be someone else. Aniela has taught me to be faithful no matter what the circumstances. To endure hard times with grace and character. Netta has taught me to laugh at myself, to love graciously, and to express gratitude to others (shows them you value them). Maggie has taught me how to find MY calling (apart from my husband), to truly show worth to my husband, to love the "unloveable" and to expect greatness from my children. Briana has taught me how to give value to others, to FIND the good and express that every chance you get. She's one of the most passionate people I know, and has taught me to GO AFTER your passions NOW! Emily has taught me how to speak my mind and not care what others may think. And to be generous with my time, home, and life... the list goes on and on... these are priceless friendships and priceless lessons that I will not forget, and I am very grateful for.
As we get ready to move into this next phase of our lives (church planting), I really believe that God is using all 3 of the things listed above to prepare me, make me stronger, and to help me depend on Him more. How exciting!!! God's call is nothing short of breathtaking, and i cannot wait for what's to come...
Rachel
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Life
Okay, so I have a very precious group of girl-friends that all blog about the same topic each week... and I am FINALLY joining them. There is a specific passage in the Bible that God spoke to me at the beginning of this year, and this portion of the Word has become what I strive for in my life EVERY DAY!
2 Corinthians 8:1-11
2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. ...7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
*In a time of severe affliction, their Abundance of Joy + Their Extreme Poverty = a Wealth of Generosity.(vs2) They did not make excuses, feel pity for their situation, or count on others to do the job, their TRUE SELF (Joy) added to their SITUATION (poverty), resulted in MIRACLES (rich generosity).
*They were awesome at a lot of things : faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love... but it was their GENEROSITY alone that proved all of these things to be GENUINE (vs 7-8)
*They finished well(vs10-11): READY (eager willingness); and COMPLETING the task (matching their willingness with action)
I want to be a woman, a wife, a mother; that overflows with generosity, in EVERY area of my life, I want to be genuine in my love for others, and I want to be someone who FINISHES what I begin. There have been many moments in my life when I have been overcome with zeal and generosity toward something amazing, but I want my long-term actions to back up that zeal and prove my love to be genuine.
Forever figuring out this thing called life,
Rach
Ps..ooh.. check out these blogs too- Emily, Alyssa, Aniela, and Shelly- I guarantee a good read!! :)
2 Corinthians 8:1-11
2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. ...7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
*In a time of severe affliction, their Abundance of Joy + Their Extreme Poverty = a Wealth of Generosity.(vs2) They did not make excuses, feel pity for their situation, or count on others to do the job, their TRUE SELF (Joy) added to their SITUATION (poverty), resulted in MIRACLES (rich generosity).
*They were awesome at a lot of things : faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love... but it was their GENEROSITY alone that proved all of these things to be GENUINE (vs 7-8)
*They finished well(vs10-11): READY (eager willingness); and COMPLETING the task (matching their willingness with action)
I want to be a woman, a wife, a mother; that overflows with generosity, in EVERY area of my life, I want to be genuine in my love for others, and I want to be someone who FINISHES what I begin. There have been many moments in my life when I have been overcome with zeal and generosity toward something amazing, but I want my long-term actions to back up that zeal and prove my love to be genuine.
Forever figuring out this thing called life,
Rach
Ps..ooh.. check out these blogs too- Emily, Alyssa, Aniela, and Shelly- I guarantee a good read!! :)
Friday, September 30, 2011
30 for 30
I thought it only right that my first blog in MONTHS (seriously) be about my amazing husband :) Today my man turns 30! This is definitely NOT where Felix saw himself being at 30, but he would be the first to say that being married 6 years, having 3 kids, and looking towards planting our own church is a much better plan than his own (just married, no kids, SEDYD)
Felix is my hero- a true servant, an advocate for truth, a courageous father, and a dedicated husband. There is so much I could say about him... but here are just a few reasons (in no certain order) why I am madly in love with this man...
1. He is HOT!! I'm telling you what, I've been checking him out for almost 10 years now, and I am still impressed! :)
2. He's what I like to call a "wordsmith" (lol), he writes songs on a pretty consistent basis for our kids... and they LOVE THEM!
3. He's stubborn as crap! It's so refreshing to be around a man that is truly a MAN- does not back down, leads in every situation, and could care less about being a people pleaser! (let me hear an Amen!)
4. He admits his mistakes. While incredibly STRONG and stubborn, he is also incredibly humble. I have seen him take correction gracefully, and admit mistakes openly. He knows how to say I'm sorry.
5. He makes the bed better than me. Even though I make the bed almost every day, the days he makes it, it ALWAYS looks way better than when I do it. (what's with that? what am I doing wrong?)
6. He has a prayer voice. (its the same as his preaching voice) He won't ever admit it, but he does :)
7. He makes me LAUGH!! Felix can tell a story like nobody else I know! He is absolutely hilarious! Even watching from a distance, his stories will make you laugh because of the full blown animation that he cannot help but incorporate into every one!
8. He sees the world differently. Felix has the ability to think Big-Picture all the time. His wisdom and thoughtfulness open my eyes daily to a different way of living life (more purposefully)
9. He was born to be a dad! I have fallen more in love with my husband every time we have added a child to our family. His tenderness, affection, humor, joy, and strength is incredible. He is a sucker for our kids, and I love it!
10. He is an amazing drummer... that's hot :)
11. He honors me and our marriage. My man takes EXTRA lengths in safeguarding himself and our marriage. He fights for his purity, walks with integrity, and loves me ridiculously! This wife can sleep at night knowing my man only has eyes for me. (another Amen is in order)
12. He's Puerto Rican. LOVE LOVE LOVE having culture in my life (not to mention he has an incredible tan year round)! His incredible family has brought joy, friendship, and really GREAT food into my life. Now if only he could give me a little more of an accent! Ay ay ay!!!
13. He is SO smart! Felix is the kind of guy who cannot stand to only know "headline" information... he is the one researching the headlines, educating himself, knowing details. He can always intelligently discuss the latest news, politics, or sports subjects. Not only that, but my man KNOWS the Word!! I have literally been in the middle of telling him something I read in the Bible when he said "Oh... yeah yeah, in (BOOK) chapter (NUMBER), right?" and he was exactly right! Amazing!
14. He is a servant. The first thing I ever learned from my husband (before we were even friends yet), was how to be a servant. Felix will do anything asked of him, is incredibly generous, and is loyal to the end.
15. He has great hands. Felix's hands are rough, scarred, and strong; yet he takes great care of them. They look tough, but ALWAYS clean.
16. He's a Mama's boy ("nene de mami"). Felix will forever be his mother's baby boy, but at the same time, his love, respect and friendship with her is such a blessing. From her he learned to be a christian, a leader, and a gentleman.
17. He is intentional with our children. Felix can consistently be found spending one-on-one time with each of our children... playing with them, singing to them, teaching them, praying with them. Being deliberate in the lessons we teach our children starts when they are young :)
18. He is patient with me. I need that! Enough said :)
19. He loves others. Even in challenging situations, Felix can find things in common with those around him, and take interest in their lives. And he REMEMBERS the details, and asks about them later- truly giving value to those he encounters!
20. He ALWAYS smells good. My man has great hygiene! He usually smells better than me! Ha!!
21. He obeys God. I can confidently follow my husband and submit to his authority in our home because I KNOW he hears from God AND he obeys!
22. He thinks he's good at accents. You know, he tries English, Australian, German... yeah, it's REALLY bad- basically they all sound exactly the same.
23. He's a hard worker. Felix don't do lazy! Everything he does- he works hard at- doing everything with excellence. He will do whatever it takes to provide for our family, and will do it well.
24. He makes other's better. Felix lives at a high standard, raising the bar for and challenging others with his lifestyle, convictions, beliefs, and wisdom.
25. He spoils me
26. His laugh is amazing. I LOVE making Felix laugh, and when he does, the entire room lights up :)
27. He believes in and practices discipleship. I have seen teenagers and young men's lives changed because Felix has invested, loved, spent time with, and listened to them. He keeps mentors in his life, to never stop learning and growing, and continues to pursue deeper friendships with men in the church.
28. He dreams big. There are a number of "comfortable" "options" out there for what Felix could do with his life, but he doesn't want "comfortable", and there are no "options", just God's will. Felix may be going on a road less traveled than some of his peers, but he is dreaming God-sized dreams.
29. He trusts God. Felix has amazing faith in God. He is a source of strength when my faith has been shaken, and a calming force to my worrying. He trusts that when Jesus says "Go"- that means He'll get us there AND work out the details.
30. He can take you. Yep, my man won't hesitate to protect and defend our family (don't mess :)
Jun, te amo con todo mi corazon.
Rach
Felix is my hero- a true servant, an advocate for truth, a courageous father, and a dedicated husband. There is so much I could say about him... but here are just a few reasons (in no certain order) why I am madly in love with this man...
1. He is HOT!! I'm telling you what, I've been checking him out for almost 10 years now, and I am still impressed! :)
2. He's what I like to call a "wordsmith" (lol), he writes songs on a pretty consistent basis for our kids... and they LOVE THEM!
3. He's stubborn as crap! It's so refreshing to be around a man that is truly a MAN- does not back down, leads in every situation, and could care less about being a people pleaser! (let me hear an Amen!)
4. He admits his mistakes. While incredibly STRONG and stubborn, he is also incredibly humble. I have seen him take correction gracefully, and admit mistakes openly. He knows how to say I'm sorry.
5. He makes the bed better than me. Even though I make the bed almost every day, the days he makes it, it ALWAYS looks way better than when I do it. (what's with that? what am I doing wrong?)
6. He has a prayer voice. (its the same as his preaching voice) He won't ever admit it, but he does :)
7. He makes me LAUGH!! Felix can tell a story like nobody else I know! He is absolutely hilarious! Even watching from a distance, his stories will make you laugh because of the full blown animation that he cannot help but incorporate into every one!
8. He sees the world differently. Felix has the ability to think Big-Picture all the time. His wisdom and thoughtfulness open my eyes daily to a different way of living life (more purposefully)
9. He was born to be a dad! I have fallen more in love with my husband every time we have added a child to our family. His tenderness, affection, humor, joy, and strength is incredible. He is a sucker for our kids, and I love it!
10. He is an amazing drummer... that's hot :)
11. He honors me and our marriage. My man takes EXTRA lengths in safeguarding himself and our marriage. He fights for his purity, walks with integrity, and loves me ridiculously! This wife can sleep at night knowing my man only has eyes for me. (another Amen is in order)
12. He's Puerto Rican. LOVE LOVE LOVE having culture in my life (not to mention he has an incredible tan year round)! His incredible family has brought joy, friendship, and really GREAT food into my life. Now if only he could give me a little more of an accent! Ay ay ay!!!
13. He is SO smart! Felix is the kind of guy who cannot stand to only know "headline" information... he is the one researching the headlines, educating himself, knowing details. He can always intelligently discuss the latest news, politics, or sports subjects. Not only that, but my man KNOWS the Word!! I have literally been in the middle of telling him something I read in the Bible when he said "Oh... yeah yeah, in (BOOK) chapter (NUMBER), right?" and he was exactly right! Amazing!
14. He is a servant. The first thing I ever learned from my husband (before we were even friends yet), was how to be a servant. Felix will do anything asked of him, is incredibly generous, and is loyal to the end.
15. He has great hands. Felix's hands are rough, scarred, and strong; yet he takes great care of them. They look tough, but ALWAYS clean.
16. He's a Mama's boy ("nene de mami"). Felix will forever be his mother's baby boy, but at the same time, his love, respect and friendship with her is such a blessing. From her he learned to be a christian, a leader, and a gentleman.
17. He is intentional with our children. Felix can consistently be found spending one-on-one time with each of our children... playing with them, singing to them, teaching them, praying with them. Being deliberate in the lessons we teach our children starts when they are young :)
18. He is patient with me. I need that! Enough said :)
19. He loves others. Even in challenging situations, Felix can find things in common with those around him, and take interest in their lives. And he REMEMBERS the details, and asks about them later- truly giving value to those he encounters!
20. He ALWAYS smells good. My man has great hygiene! He usually smells better than me! Ha!!
21. He obeys God. I can confidently follow my husband and submit to his authority in our home because I KNOW he hears from God AND he obeys!
22. He thinks he's good at accents. You know, he tries English, Australian, German... yeah, it's REALLY bad- basically they all sound exactly the same.
23. He's a hard worker. Felix don't do lazy! Everything he does- he works hard at- doing everything with excellence. He will do whatever it takes to provide for our family, and will do it well.
24. He makes other's better. Felix lives at a high standard, raising the bar for and challenging others with his lifestyle, convictions, beliefs, and wisdom.
25. He spoils me
26. His laugh is amazing. I LOVE making Felix laugh, and when he does, the entire room lights up :)
27. He believes in and practices discipleship. I have seen teenagers and young men's lives changed because Felix has invested, loved, spent time with, and listened to them. He keeps mentors in his life, to never stop learning and growing, and continues to pursue deeper friendships with men in the church.
28. He dreams big. There are a number of "comfortable" "options" out there for what Felix could do with his life, but he doesn't want "comfortable", and there are no "options", just God's will. Felix may be going on a road less traveled than some of his peers, but he is dreaming God-sized dreams.
29. He trusts God. Felix has amazing faith in God. He is a source of strength when my faith has been shaken, and a calming force to my worrying. He trusts that when Jesus says "Go"- that means He'll get us there AND work out the details.
30. He can take you. Yep, my man won't hesitate to protect and defend our family (don't mess :)
Jun, te amo con todo mi corazon.
Rach
Friday, February 25, 2011
I'M (kinda) PREGNANT!
Romans 8:27-31 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?
I've known ever since I was a child that I wanted to adopt children. It's our Biblical responsibility to help the orphans (and widows...), and I do not take that lightly. I know that providing a loving, godly, safe home for a child that does not have one is part of my calling, and it is something that has been growing inside of me for many years. God placed that desire there, and He is faithful to bring it to fruition! Felix and I have been debating when might be the "right" time. When Felix has a salary position? When we have a bigger house? When our kids are older? When I can "handle" another child? When we have moved to the East coast and planted a church?... It will NEVER be the "right" time, whether financially, emotionally, physically... whatever the excuse may be, God has challenged us to put aside the excuses. I recently read some amazing verses in 2 Corinthians 8:2-8
Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will... Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them... Since you excel in so many ways -- you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us-- now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving... This is one way to prove your love is real.
See, generosity cannot be compartmentalized, "I'll be generous with my finances, but not my home," or, "I'll give you my time, but not my money." You are either generous or you aren't. Generosity is "one way to prove your love is real." It is my desire, that in this time where it is MOST inconvenient financially, that from our "wonderful joy and deep poverty (not in comparison, but you get the idea) would overflow rich generosity!"
So... this thing that was birthed inside of me long ago is finally in the works! Felix and I will begin our training and approval process in March, and look forward with deep anticipation to meeting the new lives that will soon become intertwined with ours :) God knows me better than I know myself. He knows the dreams and desires He's placed in my heart, and He knows the perfect time to complete the work He started long ago! I'm so excited to serve such a merciful God!
I've known ever since I was a child that I wanted to adopt children. It's our Biblical responsibility to help the orphans (and widows...), and I do not take that lightly. I know that providing a loving, godly, safe home for a child that does not have one is part of my calling, and it is something that has been growing inside of me for many years. God placed that desire there, and He is faithful to bring it to fruition! Felix and I have been debating when might be the "right" time. When Felix has a salary position? When we have a bigger house? When our kids are older? When I can "handle" another child? When we have moved to the East coast and planted a church?... It will NEVER be the "right" time, whether financially, emotionally, physically... whatever the excuse may be, God has challenged us to put aside the excuses. I recently read some amazing verses in 2 Corinthians 8:2-8
Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will... Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them... Since you excel in so many ways -- you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us-- now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving... This is one way to prove your love is real.
See, generosity cannot be compartmentalized, "I'll be generous with my finances, but not my home," or, "I'll give you my time, but not my money." You are either generous or you aren't. Generosity is "one way to prove your love is real." It is my desire, that in this time where it is MOST inconvenient financially, that from our "wonderful joy and deep poverty (not in comparison, but you get the idea) would overflow rich generosity!"
So... this thing that was birthed inside of me long ago is finally in the works! Felix and I will begin our training and approval process in March, and look forward with deep anticipation to meeting the new lives that will soon become intertwined with ours :) God knows me better than I know myself. He knows the dreams and desires He's placed in my heart, and He knows the perfect time to complete the work He started long ago! I'm so excited to serve such a merciful God!
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Pride is NOT CUTE!
I'm very prideful.
Psalm 101:5 I will not endure conceit and pride.
Ick... God hates pride. I'm embarrassed to say it, because while it is a very good thing to place importance in parenting, housekeeping, obedience to God, walking in faith...etc I have discovered, that often times I find worth in being complemented about these things. Especially if the comment is coming from a parent, or other authority figure that I respect...
"Your kids are so well behaved"
"How do you keep your house clean with 3 little ones?"
"Your trust in God is such an encouragement to me"
"You want to adopt? That's awesome!"
These are not super impressive things by ANY means... and I should be proud (to an extent) of my children's behavior, the state of my home, and how far I have come in my faith-walk. However, none of these things give me worth. None of these things make me who God has created me to be! God's love is STRONG! Regardless of what I DO or don't do, He loves me! So what if something I do produces good results?
John 4:34 The thing that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started
Where are the comments about my walk with God? My love for His Word? My prayer life that challenges others? When is the last time I lead someone to Christ? These are the things that make me a daughter of God, and THAT is who I am!!
So... there it is...
Working hard to do more than "good" things for me... but do "GREAT" things for Him!
Psalm 101:5 I will not endure conceit and pride.
Ick... God hates pride. I'm embarrassed to say it, because while it is a very good thing to place importance in parenting, housekeeping, obedience to God, walking in faith...etc I have discovered, that often times I find worth in being complemented about these things. Especially if the comment is coming from a parent, or other authority figure that I respect...
"Your kids are so well behaved"
"How do you keep your house clean with 3 little ones?"
"Your trust in God is such an encouragement to me"
"You want to adopt? That's awesome!"
These are not super impressive things by ANY means... and I should be proud (to an extent) of my children's behavior, the state of my home, and how far I have come in my faith-walk. However, none of these things give me worth. None of these things make me who God has created me to be! God's love is STRONG! Regardless of what I DO or don't do, He loves me! So what if something I do produces good results?
John 4:34 The thing that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started
Where are the comments about my walk with God? My love for His Word? My prayer life that challenges others? When is the last time I lead someone to Christ? These are the things that make me a daughter of God, and THAT is who I am!!
So... there it is...
Working hard to do more than "good" things for me... but do "GREAT" things for Him!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Where the streets have no name
I'm missing my Uncle Chuck today... He died about 12 yrs ago, tragic car accident. A mother in a minivan slid on ice, crossing over into oncoming traffic, and hit my Uncle head on. I'll never forget my Father's face and words as he told me that his little brother was gone. I fell to the ground. I did not understand. I blamed God. I questioned His love.
Chuck was the best of God's creations. Quirky, socially awkward by most people's standards, and completely misunderstood. He fed the hungry, clothed the poor, housed the homeless, loved the unloveable... The line at his wake was out the door, for hours... Strangers to everyone there, testifying of Chuck's kindness and generosity to them. He was a beautiful husband and Father, and took God's Word literally.
And I miss him...
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