Priceless Masterpiece

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved looking at the night sky. There was just something beautiful about the billions of stars that scattered the dark abyss above, and the moon, full or crescent with its radiant light. I can't even find words to describle how much I love the night sky. I used to live on the out skirts of town growing up and I must say that that is where it is the most glorious. (The city lights block many of the stars that we could see each night.) In my room growing up I used to have those little glow in the dark stars pinned to my ceiling. Every night I, or my mom, would turn on my light a little before I would go to sleep so the stars would be able to glow brightly. My blinds would also be open so I could see the light of the moon shine through. I just felt so comfortable falling asleep like that. One thing I wish I would have done at my old house was to crawl up on the roof and sit there to gaze at the sky. My bedroom window opened up all the way, and the screen could pop out so it would have been easy to step out on the roof. I longed to do that so many times, but I didn't get the chance.

Once somethings started happening in my life I think I started to forget how much I enjoyed looking at the stars. About a year or so ago my eyes were opened again. I realized that since my bed is under a window I am able to open the blinds and look up at the moon and stars again as I go to sleep. I don't need to tell you that just about every night I do just that. I will fall asleep with my face towards the stars or in the moonlight. It is in this moment that I am the most comfortable.

I know that my love for the night sky comes from my Lord, and Savior. Each time I look up I can feel His magnificent love all around me. It is so beautiful to me. Knowing that He created ALL of those stars, planets, and galaxies is amazing. What a gorgious work of art. I know you probably get the picture but I just can't describe enough how the night sky makes me feel.

I could stay outside for hours finding constellations, looking for shooting stars, meteor showers, looking through a telescope (one day I will own one!), and of course praying and talking with God.

I don't know how you feel about the night sky, but I hope that I was able to give you a new perspective. Our amazing Father provided us with a beautiful picture. It is there every night. What will you think about the next time you look up at it? I suggest you take some time to really marvel at this masterpiece. I pray you feel God's love, peace, and comfort as well! Goodnight :)

When one door closes.....another opens

I have been exited for 2012 for a while now. Many people know that my favorite number is 12. Even more that my birthday is 2/12...so therefore I am excited for 2012 if you catch my drift. Even with that though I know that my real blessings come from God. He has provided for me over and over again. Sometimes I don't feel like I deserve all the things He has done in my life....He SAVED me....literally!

Many of my blog posts last year were about the different ways that God has provided for me. I am extremely thankful. Towards the end of 2011 I was ending another chapter in my life when I received my bachelors degree. Although it was amazing to be done with school for a while, I was also nervous about the next step in my life. I started to pray during the beginning of the semester "Please God, show me what I am supposed to do next. I want to do your will. Please lead me in the direction You want me to go." I do want to achieve a masters degreee someday, but I wasn't sure if God wanted me to jump into that after finishing my bachelors or get into the workforce for a while. I kept on praying that prayer all throughout my last semester at school. Don't get me wrong, I had still been looking at colleges and other jobs about a year ago, but couldn't make any major decisions until my graduation time came closer. Again this semester I started looking at colleges and gathering information. I also looked at places that would allow me to use my degree and if there were any job opportunities there. I even considered moving closer to a school I wanted to attend and find a job around there. I knew God would show me what to do, but I still needed to do the work and start exploring my options.

Well wouldn't you know it, God came through, like He ALWAYS does. Exactly two nights after I graduated I was spending the night at the hospital with my mom. I decided to bring my computer to look for job opportunities. I found a couple I was interested in, but for one of them I needed a printer in order to fill out the applicaiton. I ended up filling out one application that night and actually submitted it at about 1:00 a.m. At the time I thought I would go home the next day and print the other application and fill it out as well. Interestingly enough that didn't happen. God moved in that one application. I went in for an interview 2 weeks later, and got a call a week and a half after that that said I was being offered the job. WOW GOD! I know that it was Him that lead me to fill out applications that night. I know it was Him answering my prayers in showing me what He wanted me to do next. In a funny way I feel like the problems I have had with my car, and computer were a sign. A sign that was telling me that right now I need to have a job so I can get some things I have not been able to afford while being a student. I know that God provides, but you still need to be willing to put forth the effort. It has been a blessing for God to stretch my money over these last 6 years while getting my degree, but now it's time to take another step. Another cool piece to this is that the night before I found out I got my new job I was at church and I felt God tell me I could tithe a little bit more this year. I was actually joyful like "sure God I would love to do that".Not once did it really cross my mind where that would come from. God knew.

It is a blessing that God started 2012 off with a big step. I have been praying that this year would be a year of growth, healing, and the development of a deeper relationship with Him. I am excited to see what this year is going to bring. I love You Lord!

Burnett's Mound

There are many times that I stuggle with finding fun and interesting places in Topeka, Kansas. Many different times throughout the year there are a lack of things to do for cheap or even free. The summer time is hot and it is sometimes hard to find nice cool places to be. Then in the winter it is cold and snowy and many people want to stay inside. (I however love the snow and enjoy playing in it and sledding, but I do see many other's points). In the end, no matter how much I complain, I know Topeka is my home. It is not about the things to do or lack there of, but the family and friends that I have here. I have a very good friend who would disagree with the lack of things to do. She is very creative and can continuously come up with things to do and for that I am thankful! I say all of this to introduce one of my favorite places to go in Topeka. Burnett's Mound.

I didn't get to take a picture of the actual hill this time. Usually I am just so excited to get to the view at the top. It is beautiful! Burnett's Mound, is located on the south edge of Topeka, and is said to be named after Indian Chief Abram Burnett. It is one of the highest points in the city. Here is a link for additional information if you would like to read about it .http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/abram-burnett/11999 . This Wikipedia link is about the F5 tornado that ripped through Topeka in 1966. Legend says that Burnett's Mound was supposed to protect the city. Just a bit of fun information if you would like to read about it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1966_Topeka_tornado.

 I really enjoy the different effects my camera can do!

I enjoy Burnett's mound because you get a panoramic view of Topeka. On a clear day you can see I would day about 10 miles out. It is amazing! Me and some friends went up to Burnetts Mound on New Year's Eve. I think it was a great way to end the year. I got some neat pictures and enjoyed some reflaction time. I hope to go up there more throughout the year. It is a nice walk up and a great place to talk, reflect, think, take picutres, even have a picnic!

Some of my friends on an old tree trunk

Again I was just trying to take some cool pictures. I am better with landscapes rather than people. But I am trying!

This picture looked pretty cool. I think Janae is very photogenic! (I am kind of jealous.)

 

Planning Ahead

A lot has happened at the end of this year. I want to start off by saying that it is definitely important to plan ahead and save money.

I took the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class in September 2010. I really enjoyed how my view of money changed and that I was able to be on a budget. I knew I had the money to pay for things I needed, but I really like being able to see what I have money for now because it is split into different categories. I know that no matter how much you plan and save there can be many money emergencies. It seems like just as you start to build your emergency fund, something comes up. That is what has happened to me. Luckily God has provided for me. Each time I have had just enough to cover my emergencies, but I was disappointed because I had to start over.

This year God has really shown me how He has given me the money I need to do the things I need to do plus the things I want to do. I have shared those miracles in some previous posts. Now that the end of the year is coming up I have gotten some new things that I have needed for a while. One of them was a camera. I got a good deal on it an after Thanksgiving sale. Yes I did put it on a Best Buy credit card, but I am trying to build a good credit report. With school being almost over I was sad becasue my computer was dying. It was going off and started to quit on me. Not surprising because it was 6 years old. I am glad that it had lasted me all thoroughout school, but then the time came for a new computer. I also got a great deal on it as well. It was a total of $372 on my part! That includes Microsoft Office product key! What helped a lot was that I got a $100 gift card for Christmas from my mom.

I am not the kind of girl who likes to wait for the things I want. When I need it, I want it right then, and I dont like to research my options. That has gotten me in trouble in the past. With my camera and my computer, I did put research into it. I also waited as long as I could and worked with my broken computer because I knew I didn't have the money to pay for a new one like I wanted. Even though it came down to the fact that I could not go on with the old one I feel that God lead me to the computer I would get. He even lowered the price for me.

I know that I probably could have put more money towards a saving and emergency fund, but I don't make a lot of money. God has provided me with everything I have though, and I know it could have worked. I know now that I do want to start saving better, but I am glad that God showed me in His gentle way. My thinking before was "well when I need it I will have to get it whether I have money or not". That was not a good attitude. I know now that I need to prepare more for what I need. Even when I dont think that it will break ( I had no idea my computer would go down hill so fast).

From me to you, plan ahead. I know that we can not plan ahead for everything, but as long as we are trying, God will work it out.

Another blessing in my life was receiving a piano for Christmas. I have been wanting one for a while now and God answered that prayer through my brother. I had someone else who wanted to give me one, but it was uncomfortable. I believe since I was obedient and willing to give up something that I wanted because the circumstances weren't right God blessed me even more. I did not know I was going to get one for Christmas. It was such a blessing and I am glad it came from my brother!

Full Control

This past Friday, December 16th, I graduated from Washburn University. I know that in a previous blog I posted that my family was going through a difficult time and that I was not going to attend my ceremony. After a lot of praying, thinking, and talking with family and friends, I decided that I would still walk. I know that I wanted to, but still did not like the fact that my mom was going to be going through surgery that same day, missing my graduation. I know that sounds selfish, but my mom has been there for me for everything. No matter what I go through she has been there and that is what I look for the most. I feel like I can't do anything without my mom. She gives me strength when I feel down, encouragement for the times I want to give up, support in my goals, prayers for guidence, wisdom, input, love, and so much more.

Not only was my mom not going to be able to watch me graduate, I also knew I was going to be worried about her and uneasy at my graduation until I found out how she was doing. When we first found out that my mom was having her surgery on December 16th it was going to be at 1:30 p.m. After the initial sadness I thought "well God at least I will be able to know how she is doing before I graduate". So that was good. About a week and a half before the surgery my mom got a call from the Dr. The surgery was going to be at 3:30 p.m. and would take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I was told to be at the site of graduation by 5:45 pm. I thought "ok God that is close but 2 hours would be 5:30 so please let me still be able to know how my mom is before I leave for graduation". I was sad that it was later in the day, but I knew this was something I couldn't control. I, like many of us, like to have control of what I can. It is hard for me to give things over to God because I feel like He will not give me what I want. I think that in this situation I knew it was out of my control, so I was able to give it more to God. Or so I thought.

The day of my mom's surgery came and we got to the hospital around 1:30 p.m. like the Dr requested. As 3:30 came around I started to wonder why the nurses had not come in to prep her for surgery and get the IV's going. About 3:35 the nurse came in and started checking my mom's paperwork and checking that she knew what she was going to have done. Then the news. Her surgery was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. My heart sank. My graduation started at 6:30 and I automatically knew that I was going to have to go through graduation away from my mom, and unaware of how the surgery went until after. I remember thinking "how could you do this to me God? What am I supposed to learn from this? This hurts, not only is it the same day, but now the same time?" Despite my questions, I was able to leave for my graduation a bit teary eyed while giving my mom a hug, kiss, and telling her I would see her later. My brother went with me to my graduation while my sister and some other family members stayed with my mom.

While lining up for graduation and throughout the duration I was at peace. I was more calm than I thought I would be and I know that it was from God. In asking my brother later why he thought God wanted me to go through it I came to find my answer. I felt like God was telling me that even though I gave Him some control, I did not let Him have it all. Did you notice that I said earlier that I was ok as long as I would know the outcome before I left for graduation? That was still wanting control. I knew I did not have a lot in the situation, but I held on to what I could. I still wanted to know how my mom was before I could go on to what I had to do. God showed me that He had to take full control. He had to show me that He could take care of my mom without me. He needed to push me away to where I had no control just to show me that He loved me and that He does not want to hurt me. God was telling me "Rachael I can be there for you, and your mom at the same time. Just because we can't be where we want to be it does not mean that something bad will happen. You need to give me control and trust that I will not hurt you." That was amazing to hear.

I need to mention that I had a great brother, and amazing friends who came to support me. No it was not my mom, but God used this for His good. He showed me that I have people who care about me, love me, will encouage me, and be there for me when I need them. It was so overwhelming to see that I am cared about so much. Thanks God for placing an extended family in my life. I pray that I am able to be there for them like they are there for me. Amen.

A God Opportunity

I had the chance to be a bell ringer with my niece and brother for the Salvation Army. Every year Chris and Allison sign up to ring the Salvation Army bell for her 4-H group. This year for my brother's birthday I gave him a gift certificate of my "time" because he really enjoys being with people. He has been saving it so I would go bell ringing with him and Allison. This was perfect because in a previous blog post I wrote about a bell ringer at HyVee that I was challenged by. I decided to say "Merry Christmas, God Bless You" to each bell ringer I see. I have done it more times than not, however I haven't done it every time. Sometimes I am shy, or feel silly, but I know I shouldn't. Today I felt this was God giving me the opportunity to complete my challenge. Not only to greet the bell ringers, but to be a bell ringer and greet each person walking by.

I am happy to say that I did well with my challenge. I was able to say "Merry Christmas, God Bless You" to many people! I am thankful that God gave me the opportunity, and that I was able to do what I set out to do. I hope that I was able to plant a seed in someone's life today. I was obedient, now it is up to God to do the rest!

Caught in the Middle

I am a big fan of music. Many songs can make me go from happy to sad, or vice versa, in an instant. The lyrics really touch my heart, and it seems like the perfect song comes on at just the right time.


There is a song called "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns, and I have had it since 2007. You know how sometimes you want to listen to certain songs, but ignore others? Or you may even listen to them but there just isn't a connection? That is what happened to me with this song. I have heard it before, but until yesterday I really hadn't given it much of a chance. The song came of my iPhone during my workout. I have been having a lot on my mind lately and someone (God :) ) told me to not skip it this time. I listened to the words very carefully and it was of course just what I needed to hear.


"Somewhere in the Middle" is about being caught in the middle of what you want and what you know is better for you, God's plan. I can't just pick out certain parts of the song because it is all great to me. Here are the lyrics, but I do suggest you listen to it as well.

Somewhere between the hot and the cold
Somewhere between the new and the old
Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Somewhere between the wrong and the right
Somewhere between the darkness and the light
Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me
Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense

Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle
Are we caught in the middle

Somewhere between my heart and my hands
Somewhere between my faith and my plans
Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves

Somewhere between a whisper and a roar
Somewhere between the altar and the door
Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more
Somewhere in the middle You'll find me

Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control

Lord, I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side
Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle

I am so grateful that God reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. I know that, or I try to tell myself, but when I am down I feel alone. Not to mention that the enemy doesn't help. He begins to plant thoughts in my head that lead to a domino effect of negative thoughts. By the end I have beat myself up and feel unworthy of what God has to offer. But that is not true.

This song told me that I am not the only one wrestling with what I want and what God has for me. I am not the only one caught in the middle of knowing God is amazing and faithful, but still holding on to what I want thinking He won't come through this time. The bible talks about how everything we go through is not new. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face . All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13. There is no situation we will face that someone else has not been through. More importantly God can overcome every situation, so we are NEVER alone. 

I believe I have overlooked this song for four years because God had the perfect time He was going to need me to listen to it. At just the right time, it was going to be His voice telling me that He is right there. Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle.