Wow, I'm practically speechless. The amount of love and kind words today have been overwhelmingly great in number. So much more than I could ever ask for or begin to imagine. I count myself blessed. So very blessed. I have the most amazing friends and family, and I cannot help but love them all oh so much! You all know who you are - thanks a bunch! You guys are fabulous/splendid/superb/etc. :)
I have no idea what this next year will bring or what the age of 22 will be like, but I'm optimistic. So here's to being one year older and hopefully one year wiser, but more importantly, here's to celebrating another year of God working in me and through me.
Cheers! :D
Heavy Heart
I've come to realize that one should appreciate hardship in one's life. Trials, consequences and/or small testings of faith are what forge a stronger and deeper relationship with the Almighty God.
It's the moments where I endured and conquered something that produced much fruit. It's the moments that I fought many tears that cleansed my soul. It's the moments that I waged war with the devil that I found freedom. It's the moments where I wrestled with God that produced a stronger foundation of knowledge and faith.
While in the heat of the those hardships, all I wanted was to be done and over it all, but looking back, it's those moments that are most precious and valuable. Yes, I enjoyed the joyful moments of life and the restful moments of life, but I also really enjoyed seeing growth come about and knowing that God has been building a stronger Christian and a more faithful servant.
It's the moments where I endured and conquered something that produced much fruit. It's the moments that I fought many tears that cleansed my soul. It's the moments that I waged war with the devil that I found freedom. It's the moments where I wrestled with God that produced a stronger foundation of knowledge and faith.
While in the heat of the those hardships, all I wanted was to be done and over it all, but looking back, it's those moments that are most precious and valuable. Yes, I enjoyed the joyful moments of life and the restful moments of life, but I also really enjoyed seeing growth come about and knowing that God has been building a stronger Christian and a more faithful servant.
A 21yr. Old's Playlist
My roommate and I are huge music junkies. I've already lost count of how many gigs we've been to this year and how many new bands we have discovered. This shared phenomenon has created endless memories and amazing dynamics for the T&R Flat (Tif and I's humble abode). In our obsession, Tiffany and I like to put together countless mix tapes/CDs and come up with soundtracks for our current season of life, thus the purpose of this post.
My days of being 21yrs. old are dwindling down, so in an attempt to preserve the lovely moments and memories of this past year, I decided to compile a playlist of music that represents my most listened to, favorites, impressionable songs, etc.. Some are recurring oldies of mine, but most of them are new.
My days of being 21yrs. old are dwindling down, so in an attempt to preserve the lovely moments and memories of this past year, I decided to compile a playlist of music that represents my most listened to, favorites, impressionable songs, etc.. Some are recurring oldies of mine, but most of them are new.
A 21yr. old's soundtrack/playlist:
**(push ctrl + the link to listen to the music/watch the music video on youtube)**
lost! - coldplay
bloodsteam - stateless
earth - imogen heap
alleluia, sing - david crowder band
in a cave - tokyo police club
odessa - caribou
percussion gun - white rabbits
sweet disposition - the temper trap
broken lungs - thrice
boy lilikoi - jonsi
chocolate - snow patrol
chicago - sufjan stevens
fight song - the appleseed cast
breath me - sia
Love Languages
I started this post last Sunday, but just now had the opportunity to sit down and finish typing out my thoughts. So without further interruptions/breaks/etc., I'm going to finish this post & publish!
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My love languages: quality time & words of affirmation.
I've known about my love languages for several years now, but for some reason they have been placed back into the foreground of my daily thinking. Especially today. I was sitting in my bedroom contemplating life and all its details, and then suddenly I rediscovered the importance of understanding my own love languages and making sure I also learned the love languages of my loved ones.
Before I go into further detail about my love languages, I will first explain what exactly I am talking about. Some of you may be scratching your head and wondering "what is a love language?", well... Gary Chapman's website, books and/or wikipedia-page are great resources to learn just that, but here's my own summary:
Everyone is different; we all express our love and feel love differently. However, many people do not grasp that idea. People pour out their hearts thinking that everyone should understand and reciprocate their love, but frequently enough, that love isn't returned because the recipient doesn't acknowledge those acts/words/etc. as actions of love. Gary Chapman (a doctor, author and pastor) recognized this pattern and decided to research it. He found 5 key love languages that people use to express their love and feel loved.
The Five Love Languages:
- Words of Affirmation
- Quality Time
- Receiving/Giving Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch
Sometimes people share the same love languages, but in some cases they don't...
Until I found out my top love languages, I had some serious relational issues. I couldn't understand why some people made me feel valued and loved, but others made me feel like I had no value at all. Therefore, when I was introduced to the whole love language idea, it was like a blindfold being taken off my eyes. Suddenly everything made sense and I understood that not everyone shared love the same way as I did. This helped me to mend relationships and ultimately make my life a lot easier.
Here are two examples from my past, from before I knew about my love languages:
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My love languages: quality time & words of affirmation.
I've known about my love languages for several years now, but for some reason they have been placed back into the foreground of my daily thinking. Especially today. I was sitting in my bedroom contemplating life and all its details, and then suddenly I rediscovered the importance of understanding my own love languages and making sure I also learned the love languages of my loved ones.
Before I go into further detail about my love languages, I will first explain what exactly I am talking about. Some of you may be scratching your head and wondering "what is a love language?", well... Gary Chapman's website, books and/or wikipedia-page are great resources to learn just that, but here's my own summary:
Everyone is different; we all express our love and feel love differently. However, many people do not grasp that idea. People pour out their hearts thinking that everyone should understand and reciprocate their love, but frequently enough, that love isn't returned because the recipient doesn't acknowledge those acts/words/etc. as actions of love. Gary Chapman (a doctor, author and pastor) recognized this pattern and decided to research it. He found 5 key love languages that people use to express their love and feel loved.
The Five Love Languages:
- Words of Affirmation
- Quality Time
- Receiving/Giving Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch
Sometimes people share the same love languages, but in some cases they don't...
Until I found out my top love languages, I had some serious relational issues. I couldn't understand why some people made me feel valued and loved, but others made me feel like I had no value at all. Therefore, when I was introduced to the whole love language idea, it was like a blindfold being taken off my eyes. Suddenly everything made sense and I understood that not everyone shared love the same way as I did. This helped me to mend relationships and ultimately make my life a lot easier.
Here are two examples from my past, from before I knew about my love languages:
In my early high school days I had a youth group leader [and only the *best* leader ever ;)] by the name of Ms. Kelli Scanlon. This mighty woman of God would set aside time, usually twice a month, to meet with me for breakfast at Bean Traders (one of our favorite coffee shops). When we met, we mostly talked about family issues or boy issues (aka the current drama in my life), but no matter how many times I vented with Kelli or cried with Kelli, she still wanted to spend time with me. She would smother me with words of encouragement and affirmation, which I so appreciated, but more importantly she continued to invest one-on-one time with me, which spoke volumes. She made me feel valued as a person.
At the same time that Kelli and I were meeting, I was severely struggling at home with my relationship with my mom. My mom would express her love through gifts, which I didn't acknowledge at the time. I was so badly seeking and desiring quality time and words of affirmation from her, but because those weren't her main love languages, I wasn't receiving them to the extent that I needed. Therefore, I felt unloved by her. This caused me to grow very distant and bitter towards my mom. It wasn't until we both acknowledge each others love languages that our relationship started changing for the good. Fast forward several years, my mom and I's relationship is strong. We both make an effort to love each other through our different love languages and it's paid off. I'm now 100 percent sure that she loves me, and therefore, I feel valued by her.
I could go on and on, but this post is already quite lengthly, so I'll wrap it up...
If I can, I would like to challenge you (if you haven't already) to take the love language assessment test and encouraging your friends and family to do the same. The test only takes a matter of minutes and I'm thoroughly convinced that it'll be beneficial to you and your loved ones! Also, I would love to hear your thoughts regarding this subject! Feel free to comment away ;)
Later alligators!
Rach
At the same time that Kelli and I were meeting, I was severely struggling at home with my relationship with my mom. My mom would express her love through gifts, which I didn't acknowledge at the time. I was so badly seeking and desiring quality time and words of affirmation from her, but because those weren't her main love languages, I wasn't receiving them to the extent that I needed. Therefore, I felt unloved by her. This caused me to grow very distant and bitter towards my mom. It wasn't until we both acknowledge each others love languages that our relationship started changing for the good. Fast forward several years, my mom and I's relationship is strong. We both make an effort to love each other through our different love languages and it's paid off. I'm now 100 percent sure that she loves me, and therefore, I feel valued by her.
I could go on and on, but this post is already quite lengthly, so I'll wrap it up...
If I can, I would like to challenge you (if you haven't already) to take the love language assessment test and encouraging your friends and family to do the same. The test only takes a matter of minutes and I'm thoroughly convinced that it'll be beneficial to you and your loved ones! Also, I would love to hear your thoughts regarding this subject! Feel free to comment away ;)
Later alligators!
Rach
Reminiscent
If you were to ask me to describe the last few days in one word, I would choose the word "reminiscent." I have flipped through photo boxes & albums, reread journal entries, pulled down old paintings & drawings, reorganized my memory-box, and so much more. Why the sudden urge to ramble through things of the past? I'm not really sure. I think I was secretly trying to rediscover something that would make me laugh or smile, but most of all, discover something that would inspire me. I had been feeling like I wasn't utilizing gifts & talents that I knew I had. For example, it's been years since I've picked up my drawing pad; I think the last time I had used it was back in 2005 or 2006. Now, to set everyone straight, I do not consider myself an artist in the drawing and painting realm; however, I do really enjoy the feeling of charcoal underneath my fingertips and the stroking of a paint brush in my hand. I love watching a blank canvas unfold into a masterpiece (with many mistakes along the way of course...).
Long-story-short, I ended making a mess with my charcoals and 16x24 drawing pad, but I am so glad I did. It doesn't take long for me to realize why I love working with artsy mediums; for me, any art-media has a way for letting me decompress, relax, grow, etc., but even more importantly, it has a way of making me feel closer to my Heavenly Father. I think it boils down to the fact that when I take a break from my mundane schedule and allow myself to unwind and be transparent through art, it's an act of worship. To many people, worship is a congregational activity, but Jesus is quoted in John 4:24 saying "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." So in my opinion, worship is a heart matter, not a corporate meeting. Worship is an act of praising or rejoicing in God; giving credit and honor to where it is due. Therefore, when my heart is rejoicing because of words being sung from my mouth (in a congregation or not), let it be called worship, but also, if my heart is rejoicing unto the Lord because I am marveling at his beautiful creation, twiddling with drawing utensils or writing a blog post, let it also be called worship. "My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing praises, even with my soul" - Psalms 108:1. "For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" - Psalms 96:4a.
A Different Adventure
It's been over a year since I've written a blog post here. Many adventures have taken place, but absolutely no documentation has been made (...at least on this blog). Oh my, this is the story of my life; I repeatedly start new journals and blogs, but don't keep up with them. Sigh. Will I ever learn?
The main reason for writing this post is not to tell about a grand vacation pending, but rather to propose that I start blogging about a different kind of adventure. An adventure about everyday life as a Christian and what that walk entails.
I'll start off with saying that my walk hasn't been easy as of late. I have found myself discouraged, lacking in faith and hopeless of God's providence. Why? I really do not know. He has never failed me before. There is really no reason for me to feel distant from Him because I know He never leaves my side. Therefore, a self-check must be in need. And sure enough it is. I, the human, who am so often wrapped up in the things of the world, forget to pursue the only substantial thing that truly satisfies my soul. It is I, Rachel Grace, who hasn't been investing, seeking, and challenging my faith.
...Oh, how many times will I place God on the back burner? How many times will I forget to actively pursue Him? The answers to these questions only God really knows; however, I can say that no matter how many times I fail or I wander off, God won't let me go too far and I am so very thankful for that. And to top it all off, even in the seasons where I am the most desperate and least deserving, God will still be there with me, and he will be actively using the season for His glory and for my better good.
"Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." - Romans 5:1-5
God really rocks. enough said :)
Well, that's it for today. Thanks for reading!
Your adventurous writer/blogger,
Rachel Grace
Fin
I don't speak French, but I felt like 'fin' was more sleek than 'the end' :)
My trip is officially over and has been for awhile now (this post is sooo overdue).
Leaving Seattle was hard. While there, I felt completely happy and peaceful (as I should on a vaca), so when it set in that I had to leave and get back to the life that continually frustrates me and leaves me confused (as well as crazy stressed at times), well, it made me kinda bitter. In my time of separation/saying goodbyes, I heard myself cry out to God, asking Him "why do I have to go back to a life where I do not see as much worth or joy as I do here?". I heard God whisper in my ear "Beloved, I know where I have you and I know the desires of your heart". Part of me wanted to say "well God, I want to stay here, that is my desire" but I would have been fooling myself. Really I just wanted to escape from my frustrations and that would ultimately do me no good. It's shameful how selfish I can be. I was so focused on what my emotions were telling me and not listening to my brain or what's really in my heart. There is so much here in NC that I love, like my friends and family, and my church. But my frustrations with my career, singleness, education, living situation, etc. have slowly been eating at me and causing me to become bitter and angry. This is so not a good place to be. No wonder God was probably laughing at me a while back when I called out "God, I am ready. I want some change". He knew that I needed to work on what I had right in front of me before I bit into another mouthful of something. He wants my roots deeper, so that I can stand the stronger winds that are going to come.
...Now that it's been almost 3 weeks since I arrived home, I feel like another vacation would be lovely and welcomed ;). But then again, I really don't feel like I have to escape (good sign!). Life is okay, it's not exactly what I had in mind, but I know God's present and his way for me is prosperous. I need to continue to learn how to trust in God and learn to rejoice over the simple things/the things in front of me.
Okay, to sum everything up... Seattle did the trick, I came back relaxed and overjoyed. I felt God nurture me in a way that I so badly needed, and I walked away feeling like I was more in love with Him than ever before. And even though coming home wasn't exactly what I wanted, it's been for the better. Life in NC can be great too... at times :)
Until my next big adventure,
Rachel Grace
My trip is officially over and has been for awhile now (this post is sooo overdue).
Leaving Seattle was hard. While there, I felt completely happy and peaceful (as I should on a vaca), so when it set in that I had to leave and get back to the life that continually frustrates me and leaves me confused (as well as crazy stressed at times), well, it made me kinda bitter. In my time of separation/saying goodbyes, I heard myself cry out to God, asking Him "why do I have to go back to a life where I do not see as much worth or joy as I do here?". I heard God whisper in my ear "Beloved, I know where I have you and I know the desires of your heart". Part of me wanted to say "well God, I want to stay here, that is my desire" but I would have been fooling myself. Really I just wanted to escape from my frustrations and that would ultimately do me no good. It's shameful how selfish I can be. I was so focused on what my emotions were telling me and not listening to my brain or what's really in my heart. There is so much here in NC that I love, like my friends and family, and my church. But my frustrations with my career, singleness, education, living situation, etc. have slowly been eating at me and causing me to become bitter and angry. This is so not a good place to be. No wonder God was probably laughing at me a while back when I called out "God, I am ready. I want some change". He knew that I needed to work on what I had right in front of me before I bit into another mouthful of something. He wants my roots deeper, so that I can stand the stronger winds that are going to come.
...Now that it's been almost 3 weeks since I arrived home, I feel like another vacation would be lovely and welcomed ;). But then again, I really don't feel like I have to escape (good sign!). Life is okay, it's not exactly what I had in mind, but I know God's present and his way for me is prosperous. I need to continue to learn how to trust in God and learn to rejoice over the simple things/the things in front of me.
Okay, to sum everything up... Seattle did the trick, I came back relaxed and overjoyed. I felt God nurture me in a way that I so badly needed, and I walked away feeling like I was more in love with Him than ever before. And even though coming home wasn't exactly what I wanted, it's been for the better. Life in NC can be great too... at times :)
Until my next big adventure,
Rachel Grace
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