Post link: Unusual Wisdom. You Know You Want It
The below link is to a post my sister Kristin wrote for her Purposeful Homemaker blog. If you have time to check it out, I would so encourage you to do so! Kristin shares her heart about wanting to attain Godly wisdom and how scripture instructs us to do so. It's great! In a lot of ways I think it's frosting on the cake for the post I published Tuesday (March 22nd). I say that because to find peace amongst your trials you must seek God's wisdom in the situation. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading her post as much as I did. Much love, RGA
Post link: Unusual Wisdom. You Know You Want It
Post link: Unusual Wisdom. You Know You Want It
Deeper
At the beginning of 2010 I remember speaking to my dear sister Kristin over the phone and us both agreeing that the year would be a good one. We both felt spiritual growth readily in front of us and excited to embrace it; we knew it would better us and bring us closer to our Heavenly Father.
Now, here I am three months after 2010 has concluded and I remember Kristin and I’s conversation. I meditate for a while on what really did happen last year and I am humbled and overcome by love. God revealed so much and dug deeper within my soul and my heart than He had ever done before. Last year brought many trialing times, but they always ended with freedom and thanksgiving; they taught me how to rely on God more and surrender the control I wanted. He targeted the things that had crept into the crevices of my being, freeing me from lies, fears and pain. I felt Him actively at work in my life, such as a gardener weeding his garden, and the result of His work created a healthier, stronger and more faithful daughter.
Now here I am in 2011 and things really haven't changed. The work begun last year has only intensified with each passing day. Deeper and deeper in the canyons of my heart my maker is at work. He's stretching, pulling, refining and solidifying. He is allowing trial after trial to come my way, but not because He wants me to fail or to suffer. No, that's not it at all. It's because He knows that the trials I face will only make me stronger; they will purify my heart and drawing me closer to Him. Satan may try to deceive me, accuse me, and belittle me, but the only one being fooled is him. The devil has no foothold in my life. The destruction he tries to bring my way will not stand.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
For the waves of death encompassed me;
The torrents of destruction overwhelmed me;
The cords of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD,
Yes, I cried to my God;
And from His temple He heard my voice,
And my cry for help came into His ears.
~ 2 Samuel 22:2-7
Christ is my shield, my fortress. He loves me. And in loving me, I know without a doubt that He wants to prepare my footsteps and prepare my heart. Just as He prepared David for battle by using the bear and the lion (1 Samuel 17). God will ready my spirit and allow me to face challenges that will strengthen me. "He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze" (2 Sam. 22:35). He prepares me for the tough times so that I am strong enough, can endure them, and reap the benefit of having gone through them.
I really wish I could continue, I feel like I have only scraped the surface, but I must run and therefore save the additional items for a later post. Thank you so much for giving this post your time, I really hope you walk away feeling blessed and encouraged.
Until next time. Cheers!
Rachel Grace
Now, here I am three months after 2010 has concluded and I remember Kristin and I’s conversation. I meditate for a while on what really did happen last year and I am humbled and overcome by love. God revealed so much and dug deeper within my soul and my heart than He had ever done before. Last year brought many trialing times, but they always ended with freedom and thanksgiving; they taught me how to rely on God more and surrender the control I wanted. He targeted the things that had crept into the crevices of my being, freeing me from lies, fears and pain. I felt Him actively at work in my life, such as a gardener weeding his garden, and the result of His work created a healthier, stronger and more faithful daughter.
Now here I am in 2011 and things really haven't changed. The work begun last year has only intensified with each passing day. Deeper and deeper in the canyons of my heart my maker is at work. He's stretching, pulling, refining and solidifying. He is allowing trial after trial to come my way, but not because He wants me to fail or to suffer. No, that's not it at all. It's because He knows that the trials I face will only make me stronger; they will purify my heart and drawing me closer to Him. Satan may try to deceive me, accuse me, and belittle me, but the only one being fooled is him. The devil has no foothold in my life. The destruction he tries to bring my way will not stand.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
For the waves of death encompassed me;
The torrents of destruction overwhelmed me;
The cords of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD,
Yes, I cried to my God;
And from His temple He heard my voice,
And my cry for help came into His ears.
~ 2 Samuel 22:2-7
Christ is my shield, my fortress. He loves me. And in loving me, I know without a doubt that He wants to prepare my footsteps and prepare my heart. Just as He prepared David for battle by using the bear and the lion (1 Samuel 17). God will ready my spirit and allow me to face challenges that will strengthen me. "He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze" (2 Sam. 22:35). He prepares me for the tough times so that I am strong enough, can endure them, and reap the benefit of having gone through them.
I really wish I could continue, I feel like I have only scraped the surface, but I must run and therefore save the additional items for a later post. Thank you so much for giving this post your time, I really hope you walk away feeling blessed and encouraged.
Until next time. Cheers!
Rachel Grace
Cat's Out of the Bag
I knew it was bound to happen sometime, and now the secret is out of the bag ~ I'm moving to Seattle.
Towards the end of December I was really wrestling; I knew that God was bringing me into a season of change, but I had no idea what that change would looked like. I cried out asking God what I should pursue, what change I should embrace, and His answer was an audible question. He asked me “what do you want? What do you really want?” I struggled with that for awhile, feeling like I couldn't make a decision. I knew I had nothing to lose, but I wasn't able to make sense of it all and therefore felt uncomfortable and hesitant to take a leap. But then I remembered something: God is my rock, my salvation, my fortress (Psalms 62). Wherever I go, I know He will bless me (Numbers 6:24-26) and watch over me (Psalm 1:6b). Why was I afraid? Why was I wrestling so much? I really had nothing to lose, but rather something to gain, no matter what I chose.
With a battle raging inside me, being pulled in so many directions and trying to make sense of chaos, I suddenly felt stillness wrap around me and heard for the third time “Rachel, what do you want?” My reply was the usual one - I wanted to go anywhere and do anything that was in God’s will for me to do. But then I heard more loudly “If an earthly father can lavishly give gifts, imagine what I can give you (Luke 11-11-13). You just have to ask and seek (Luke 9-10). That is my will for you.”
I knew right then that I was supposed to pursue moving to Seattle Washington.
Seattle has been on my heart for almost two years now, since the very first time I visited. My love for the city began as a simple seed of admiration, but grew into an overwhelming desire to immerse myself in the environment that touched my soul like no other. When I'm in that rainy city and I see the majestic cascades or olympics in the distance, I cannot help but feel God's presence and the love He has for us, even the least of us.
One prayer that I have prayed far too many times to keep count - "God, help me shine like a light in the darkness. Help me be a living vessel that displays your love, your peace, your joy, and your heart. Use me to reach the unreached and to reveal your love to them." I want that prayer answered wherever I go, but especially in WA.
Though doubts have crept in and spiritual battles have been almost constant, I know that God is preparing me for something spectacular. I really do believe He's going to bless my time in Seattle and use it to bring much growth to my personal walk with Him, and possibly to my career/ministry. I am sure there will be hard times (withdrawals perhaps... from my beautiful nieces and nephews especially; just thinking about distance hurts), but through thick and thin I believe God will reveal Himself and help me find a life of eucharisteo.
Before I wrap this up, I would love to ask my dear friends and family to please keep me in your prayers. I have felt more spiritual warfare in the last two months than I have the last few years combined. I believe I'm stepping on some toes and getting ready to do something very influential in my life and that has satan not so excited.
If you would please pray for:
- restful sleep
- extra income opportunities
- a smooth transition for my trainee at my current employer and for my coworkers as they handle the switch off
- a job/income security once I move
- confidence as I meet with future photographers/employers
- and for opportunities to get plugged in at a new church community and with new friends in Seattle
Thank you dear ones.
With much love,
Rachel Grace
Towards the end of December I was really wrestling; I knew that God was bringing me into a season of change, but I had no idea what that change would looked like. I cried out asking God what I should pursue, what change I should embrace, and His answer was an audible question. He asked me “what do you want? What do you really want?” I struggled with that for awhile, feeling like I couldn't make a decision. I knew I had nothing to lose, but I wasn't able to make sense of it all and therefore felt uncomfortable and hesitant to take a leap. But then I remembered something: God is my rock, my salvation, my fortress (Psalms 62). Wherever I go, I know He will bless me (Numbers 6:24-26) and watch over me (Psalm 1:6b). Why was I afraid? Why was I wrestling so much? I really had nothing to lose, but rather something to gain, no matter what I chose.
With a battle raging inside me, being pulled in so many directions and trying to make sense of chaos, I suddenly felt stillness wrap around me and heard for the third time “Rachel, what do you want?” My reply was the usual one - I wanted to go anywhere and do anything that was in God’s will for me to do. But then I heard more loudly “If an earthly father can lavishly give gifts, imagine what I can give you (Luke 11-11-13). You just have to ask and seek (Luke 9-10). That is my will for you.”
I knew right then that I was supposed to pursue moving to Seattle Washington.
Seattle has been on my heart for almost two years now, since the very first time I visited. My love for the city began as a simple seed of admiration, but grew into an overwhelming desire to immerse myself in the environment that touched my soul like no other. When I'm in that rainy city and I see the majestic cascades or olympics in the distance, I cannot help but feel God's presence and the love He has for us, even the least of us.
One prayer that I have prayed far too many times to keep count - "God, help me shine like a light in the darkness. Help me be a living vessel that displays your love, your peace, your joy, and your heart. Use me to reach the unreached and to reveal your love to them." I want that prayer answered wherever I go, but especially in WA.
Though doubts have crept in and spiritual battles have been almost constant, I know that God is preparing me for something spectacular. I really do believe He's going to bless my time in Seattle and use it to bring much growth to my personal walk with Him, and possibly to my career/ministry. I am sure there will be hard times (withdrawals perhaps... from my beautiful nieces and nephews especially; just thinking about distance hurts), but through thick and thin I believe God will reveal Himself and help me find a life of eucharisteo.
Before I wrap this up, I would love to ask my dear friends and family to please keep me in your prayers. I have felt more spiritual warfare in the last two months than I have the last few years combined. I believe I'm stepping on some toes and getting ready to do something very influential in my life and that has satan not so excited.
If you would please pray for:
- restful sleep
- extra income opportunities
- a smooth transition for my trainee at my current employer and for my coworkers as they handle the switch off
- a job/income security once I move
- confidence as I meet with future photographers/employers
- and for opportunities to get plugged in at a new church community and with new friends in Seattle
Thank you dear ones.
With much love,
Rachel Grace
Happy New Year!
Just a quick little post.
Wishing each and every one of you a very grand year ahead. May 2011 bring many joyful memories to you and your loved ones. Have a blessed New Year!!!
Much love :)
Rachel Grace
Wishing each and every one of you a very grand year ahead. May 2011 bring many joyful memories to you and your loved ones. Have a blessed New Year!!!
Much love :)
Rachel Grace
Merry Christmas :)
May today bring much joy and love to you and your loved ones!
Best wishes,
Rachel Grace
India Conclusion Letter
So, I was debating whether or not to post this here, but I decided to go ahead... wouldn't want to leave my blog readers hanging, right?!
Anyways, the below letter is something I sent to all my India trip prayer warriors & financial supporters.
------
Hello Dearest Friends and Family,
It has been over a month since I returned from Ooty India and I am just now able to sit down and write you (oh my!)… Life’s activities have been quite the juggling act recently, but really that is no excuse, I apologize it has taken this long.
I must say that I miss Ooty. I miss the rescued girls, the Freedom Firm staff, the hours of jewelry making, the foggy mountains, and even eating with my hands ;). Yes, India made quite the impression on my heart.
Before the trip even took place I knew that God was calling me there. He placed the desire to go in my heart and then sovereignly pieced together every piece of the puzzle – finances, prayer support, visas, health, etc. He prepared the way for me and my team and displayed His favor and love in such a mighty way. To this day I still feel overwhelmed by His love and the providence He showed us.
My team and I arrived in Ooty after 34 hours of traveling, but despite the lack of sleep and weariness from our journey, we were able to jump right into the scheme of things and hardly suffer jet lag at all. When it came time to start working with the rescued girls all of us were full of excitement and anticipation. God had great plans for that week, we just knew it. I walked into the Ruhamah building (the aftercare facility) and felt overwhelmed with butterflies; I was so happy to finally be there, but also nervous about what to expect. I said a prayer that I had already asked many times before, but thought it was worth repeating. I prayed that our actions and our words would reveal God’s love and mercy to the girls and that they would receive our teachings and our friendship with grace. Marvelously, that prayer was answered. As we met the girls and started working with them, we began to see hope and joy instilled in them. We all started the day off a bit shy and reserved, but by the end of the day the girls were already asking if my team and I could say for forever. They were happy to have us there and accepting of almost everything we did. Yes, there were tough moments, but they never lasted very long, and the joyful moments always outweighed the difficult ones.
When it came time to pack up and say goodbye, I was a bit heartbroken; the week had passed so quickly. As one girl and I said farewell, she began to hug me tightly and wouldn’t let go, both of our eyes filled with tears and in that moment I caught a glimpse of vulnerability that she had refused to express the entire week before. That strong and independent facade melted away and revealed a girl so tender and sweet. Her grip still strong, she said to me “I do not want you to leave” and right then my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I knew God had brought us there and wanted to bless the girls through us, but to hear those words and to see the impact we made right before my eyes, well, it penetrated the deepest part of my heart. We are all called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and right then I understood more of what that meant than ever before. I pray I never lose sight of that revelation and I never forget that precious moment in time.
I'm sure I could write a novel about all the wonderful memories and opportunities my team had, but with Christmas preparations awaiting my attention, I really must conclude this letter. So last but not least, I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for helping make the trip a reality; your support was invaluable and treasured beyond measure. Thank you!
Much love and many blessings,
Rachel Grace
----
Here is a short recap video that I assembled for all my amazing supporters. I hope you all enjoy it!! :)
Anyways, the below letter is something I sent to all my India trip prayer warriors & financial supporters.
------
Hello Dearest Friends and Family,
It has been over a month since I returned from Ooty India and I am just now able to sit down and write you (oh my!)… Life’s activities have been quite the juggling act recently, but really that is no excuse, I apologize it has taken this long.
I must say that I miss Ooty. I miss the rescued girls, the Freedom Firm staff, the hours of jewelry making, the foggy mountains, and even eating with my hands ;). Yes, India made quite the impression on my heart.
Before the trip even took place I knew that God was calling me there. He placed the desire to go in my heart and then sovereignly pieced together every piece of the puzzle – finances, prayer support, visas, health, etc. He prepared the way for me and my team and displayed His favor and love in such a mighty way. To this day I still feel overwhelmed by His love and the providence He showed us.
My team and I arrived in Ooty after 34 hours of traveling, but despite the lack of sleep and weariness from our journey, we were able to jump right into the scheme of things and hardly suffer jet lag at all. When it came time to start working with the rescued girls all of us were full of excitement and anticipation. God had great plans for that week, we just knew it. I walked into the Ruhamah building (the aftercare facility) and felt overwhelmed with butterflies; I was so happy to finally be there, but also nervous about what to expect. I said a prayer that I had already asked many times before, but thought it was worth repeating. I prayed that our actions and our words would reveal God’s love and mercy to the girls and that they would receive our teachings and our friendship with grace. Marvelously, that prayer was answered. As we met the girls and started working with them, we began to see hope and joy instilled in them. We all started the day off a bit shy and reserved, but by the end of the day the girls were already asking if my team and I could say for forever. They were happy to have us there and accepting of almost everything we did. Yes, there were tough moments, but they never lasted very long, and the joyful moments always outweighed the difficult ones.
When it came time to pack up and say goodbye, I was a bit heartbroken; the week had passed so quickly. As one girl and I said farewell, she began to hug me tightly and wouldn’t let go, both of our eyes filled with tears and in that moment I caught a glimpse of vulnerability that she had refused to express the entire week before. That strong and independent facade melted away and revealed a girl so tender and sweet. Her grip still strong, she said to me “I do not want you to leave” and right then my heart broke into a thousand pieces. I knew God had brought us there and wanted to bless the girls through us, but to hear those words and to see the impact we made right before my eyes, well, it penetrated the deepest part of my heart. We are all called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and right then I understood more of what that meant than ever before. I pray I never lose sight of that revelation and I never forget that precious moment in time.
I'm sure I could write a novel about all the wonderful memories and opportunities my team had, but with Christmas preparations awaiting my attention, I really must conclude this letter. So last but not least, I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for helping make the trip a reality; your support was invaluable and treasured beyond measure. Thank you!
Much love and many blessings,
Rachel Grace
----
Here is a short recap video that I assembled for all my amazing supporters. I hope you all enjoy it!! :)
Redeemed from Rachel Armstrong on Vimeo.
P.s.s. You can also check out my Flickr page to see more photos of my adventure.
Emotional Battle
I feel horrible that this is the first time blogging since my return from India. I’ve been meaning to sit down and articulate some of the things that have been jumping around in my head [and in my heart], but have been submerged in photo projects, Holiday events, emails, etc.
At the moment I feel overwhelmed, stressed out even. So I think this post is needed. I’m still processing everything that took place and trying to make sense of what’s going on inside me. I feel changed. I know I am changed. Slowly and surely I believe things will unravel and maybe, just maybe, I will uncover the purpose for this tug-o-war in my heart.
Sunday night I was compiling a video to send to my supporters (don’t worry; I’ll share it here as soon as its complete). And well, I was just about to call it a night when almost out of nowhere I started balling my eyes out. I knew I really missed the Freedom Firm girls and life in general was stressful, but common. I’m not usually the crying type. I mean…. I do cry (trust me), but not very easily. I was completely bewildered by the boiling pot of tears spewing. I felt a bit helpless really. BUT, in the end it was really good for me. I had been walking around with so much of my emotions hidden from everyone; I didn’t know how to communicate what I was feeling, let alone make sense of it all. So I tried to keep them bottled, but it turns out that all I needed was someone dear to come along and listen for my gibberish to begin to make sense of it all. Thanks to my very sweet friend Kesi, that exact thing happened, last night to be exact. Kesi asked a simple question of “how are you?” and that was it, that’s all I needed. Her tenderness and ability to pinpoint an area that needs a little prodding helped me connect some dots and communicate some of the emotions that were lost inside me.
I know I am being really vague, sorry, but that’s because I need to be right now. I’m trying to guard my heart.
Got to get this sleepy girl to bed. Night!
Rachel Grace
At the moment I feel overwhelmed, stressed out even. So I think this post is needed. I’m still processing everything that took place and trying to make sense of what’s going on inside me. I feel changed. I know I am changed. Slowly and surely I believe things will unravel and maybe, just maybe, I will uncover the purpose for this tug-o-war in my heart.
Sunday night I was compiling a video to send to my supporters (don’t worry; I’ll share it here as soon as its complete). And well, I was just about to call it a night when almost out of nowhere I started balling my eyes out. I knew I really missed the Freedom Firm girls and life in general was stressful, but common. I’m not usually the crying type. I mean…. I do cry (trust me), but not very easily. I was completely bewildered by the boiling pot of tears spewing. I felt a bit helpless really. BUT, in the end it was really good for me. I had been walking around with so much of my emotions hidden from everyone; I didn’t know how to communicate what I was feeling, let alone make sense of it all. So I tried to keep them bottled, but it turns out that all I needed was someone dear to come along and listen for my gibberish to begin to make sense of it all. Thanks to my very sweet friend Kesi, that exact thing happened, last night to be exact. Kesi asked a simple question of “how are you?” and that was it, that’s all I needed. Her tenderness and ability to pinpoint an area that needs a little prodding helped me connect some dots and communicate some of the emotions that were lost inside me.
I know I am being really vague, sorry, but that’s because I need to be right now. I’m trying to guard my heart.
Got to get this sleepy girl to bed. Night!
Rachel Grace
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