Walking in love

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; walking in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Ephesians 5:1

What does it mean to be imitators of God? How do we do this? 

This verse seems to give us a crucial piece of information: "...walk in love..."

When we see this it is easy to think, I walk in love. I tell my wife I love her. I give to charity.

Yes, in some ways you may be walking in love, but you are not fully walking in love until you grasp the depth of what it means to love "just as Christ also loved".

You can be doing wonderful things for people outside of the home and once you step over the threshold, loving the ones you live with seems ten times as hard.

Christ loved. When I say he loved, I mean it killed Him. He brought it all to the table and held nothing back. He "...gave Himself up for us..."

Your family may be hard to love at times, right? Why?

What difference should it make that you live with them? The very fact that you know them gives you the perfect opportunity to love them best. You know their weaknesses and you see their strengths. Just to pray for them every day in a heart of humility would be loving them! You can't wait for someone to change before you start loving them the way you ought, the way you have been commanded to love them by God.

Jesus didn't wait for us to become more holy or more worthy before he started to love us.

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6 and 8.

Would you die for a sinner? Would you lay you life down to save your fellow man?

This is the call to love, brethren. Will you walk in love?

"Greater love has no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

I'm not telling you to go out and look for opportunities to die for people, honest. I'm just expressing the extreme side of this "walking in love". Christ commands us to love as he has loved, "This is my  commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12

So way does this mean for us? How can we apply it?

Well, I would say a good place to start would be within the walls of your own home. Remember, a family who loves one another is a greater light to the world  than someone who thinks love can be expressed through the mere giving of money or an outward display of charity. To love your family is to sacrifice your time and energy to be with them and pray for them. To love is to commit to be strong through the storms with them. To love is to be honest and grace filled. To love is to be yourself, not what the world says you should be. To love is to lay down desires to help fulfill the dreams of others. To love is to be courageous and truthful. To love is to honor and respect. To love is to put your pride away and act in humility.

Ah... What a picture. If we all took Christ's command to heart and loved to the best of our ability in Christ, this world would be completely turned upside down. People would be changed. The lost wold be found. The hope of the Cross would bleed from our lives lived in the glorious reality of Jesus's sacrifice for us. 

What are we waiting for?! What is keeping us from the beauty of "walking in love"?

Let us strive to attain to our Lord's command to love one another. Let us lay down our lives if we are called to do so. 

Let us walk in love, beloved. Let us walk in love.

Our God Isn't A Vending Machine Y'all

Have you ever sat down in the quiet of the morning and listened, I mean, really listened for God's voice? Have you ever been able to escape the noise and the busy of the day just to bask in His presence and praise His holy name? Have you put aside time to make this happen?

So many times a day I breathe a prayer asking God for something. Well....how many times a day do I expect Him to do great things? How many times a day do I fall on my knees and give Him my full attention, my heart and soul? How many times a day do I actually listen for His answer?

Oftentimes frustration and anger can come out of many prayers prayed in a hurried thoughtless manner. Why should the God of the Universe answer me if I am treating Him like a vending machine? In goes a dollar prayer, and out comes a package of happiness, joy and peace. And sometimes the package gets stuck and no mater how many dollars you throw into the thing, what you've asked for just won't come out.

News flash #1 Our God isn't a vending machine y'all.

He is holy. He is sovereign. He is truth. He is light. He is life. He is grace. He is mercy. He is righteous wrath. He is redemption. He is love. 

Because our God is who He is (see notes above), it just doesn't cut it to throw prayers at Him like spendable money. He is able and He does answer prayers, but why should He answer yours? *What makes you think that He wants to give you good things? *Why do you think He listens when you have little time to give to Him?

Listen to what Scripture says about prayer:

"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." Mark 11:24 (NASB)

"Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us how to pray...'" Luke 11:1 (ESV)

"Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:8-9 (ESV)

"The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 15:29 (ESV)

"If you them, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

I could go on and on. There is so much in the bible that points to prayer, the attitude of it, the importance of it, and how much God's servants prayed.

*God wants to give you good gifts
*He listens to your prayers

News Flash #2 Our God isn't a child.

In biblical times, prayer was communicating with the Creator. It wasn't half heatedly mouthing a prayer while driving down the street, talking on the phone with the radio blaring. For one thing, don't do that! It isn't safe! Also, it isn't showing God the respect He deserves. He is a holy God, not your younger sibling. He deserves more than a pat on the head or a few short words to "make him feel good." If we are being honest and serious with our Lord, we will treat Him with respect and honor as we take time out of our busy schedules just to spend alone time with Him.

We do pray a lot, I am sure, but how often do we pray just to be with our Lord? When we pray to ask something of our God, how many times do we actually expect Him to do great things? How often do we really know that He is hearing us? When we do drop to our knees are we praying in belief or in doubt?

We have so many plans and so much on our hearts and minds. Often it is hard to see through the fog and hear above the noise. It is plain difficult to discern His voice in the midst of life's clatter.

Yet....we must. He is our breath. He is our sustainer.  He is the one we should be most ready to run to in the weary days, in the damp of the evening, in the cool of the morning. He is the one who gives life, breath, and rest. Why do we run to everything but Him?

Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Notice the red lettering. My Lord spoke these words and He meant them. He was beckoning to all of us. He was saying, "Come to Me, child. Find rest in Me."

At the end of a long and busy day, don't just drop into bed and half pray, half fall asleep. Kneel down (I've got to do this so I don't fall asleep) and plead with Him. Pour out your heart. Give it all to Him. Don't let this nagging world turn your eyes from Jesus.

Please don't take this post wrongly, friend. I am not saying that a quick prayer in the car is a bad thing. In fact, I encourage you to lead a praying life where quick prayers are filling up your day with praises and requests, but at the same time I hope that a special time be set aside where you can be alone with your Lord. A time where thanksgiving and honor can be bestowed upon the Almighty.

Also, pray with an expectant heart. Don't cast your prayers at God like they are going to bounce back at you. Seriously; believe and you will receive. Pray as if you knew something great were going to happen. Pray like you expect an answer. Pray and listen. When you listen you may just hear that 'still small voice' beckoning to you. Don't give up my friend. There is always hope. Revive your prayer life and watch as your heart begins to blossom in Him.

Blessings Always,

Rachel

Finding Contentment

Ahhh...sitting down to write again. It seems like I have neglected this poor blog, and you my dear readers! I hope you will have grace with me! These last few weeks have been interesting and crazy, to say the least.

Life in an apartment is different than I am used to, for sure. Back home in the country we only knew one neighbor and could hardly see his house. Now (I am ashamed to say) I don't know any of my numerous neighbors, and I can see all of their front doors.

The pace is different here as well. Everyone seems so hurried. Like there is something grand to be done, somewhere exquisite to go, or someone famous to visit. back home, no one seemed rushed. The pace was easy and "It'll get done when I get around to it." I miss many things about "back home", but it is also exciting to be a part of this new culture and city. I am a farm girl at heart, so even the city couldn't drag it out of me. A few months or years here will only allow that part of me to steep and grow stronger...I think(???). But if the "farm girl" does start to fade, I guess that is what God wanted. Hello city girl!!! Right? I might as well embrace it at some point if that is what He has!

I am content here. I think. I want to be content, and I think I feel content, but it is hard to tell at times. I want to always be happy where my Lord has me. I want to bloom here, where I have been planted.

I pray every day that God creates in me a heart that can deal with any living situation and still find joy in living in His world. I want to be able to glorify him through the little things as well as the big things. In my day-to-day walk I want to always be pointing to Him in some way or another. Isn't that why I was made? Isn't that why you were made?

Even in the busy and the noise, I pray that I can see His hand working and leading me onward. Doesn't He work in all situations, at all times? Is His almighty hand stayed because I live in a strange new city or because I am in a new chapter of life? Never. His plans are true and His hand is strong. He is the Grand Weaver, the Potter, the Molder and the Maker.

"Lord, let me never forget to praise your name for what You have done. Let me never forget Your promises. Let me always lean on thee when the storms come. Help me to be grounded in You always, for there is nothing else greater or more mighty to place my hope in. Bring peace and contentment as I endeavor to settle here in the city. Show me how I might glorify You to the fullest while I am here living in this little apartment. Allow me to bloom where I am planted and give You honor by doing so. Amen."

May we all learn what it means to rest in Christ. For if we rest in Him, there our hearts find
contentment. Contentment does not spring from any outside source but rather flows directly from the heart that has been saturated in Christ.

Blessings Always,
Rachel

Chai Tea and A True Two Year Old

Here is the quickest of posts...sorry friends! I am writing this on my husband's iPhone (which he recently acquired from his work...this company is awesome!!!) and it is nothing like snuggling up with my laptop and writing a good long post with a warm chai tea in my hand and a pair of fuzzy socks on my (usually) cold feet. Mmmm...the good old days, huh? Anyway, welcome to the "good present days!"

Wow, life has been a whirl as of late! My dear husband and I just celebrated our "month-iversary". It is crazy that we have been married a month already! The wedding was yesterday, I could almost promise you that!

We have since moved and are now in Memphis Tennessee where I am setting up house and Z is getting established at work.  Our apartment is small, yes, but it is perfect for the two of us. We are not right in the city. We actually live in a small town that is kind of an overflow of Memphis. The area is nicer than actually being right in Memphis. We have some grass and trees (to remind us of our country homes back East) to admire. We also have a two year old...

...just kidding! It's Phoebe, my two and a half year old Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. She likes to go outside and play around, but sadly we cannot let her off the leash here. She is doing well despite all the new smells, people and strange cars; so well that she had a good old time getting into our trash can last night to shred up a few paper towels and a sausage wrapper. I honestly don't think she regretted it. She acted like it, but I wouldn't put it past her to do it again tonight! It is literally like having a two year old in the house! It isn't funny. It's like, "Hey honey, would you mind baby sitting Phoeber while I take a shower?", "Hey Rachel, have you seen Phoeb in a while? What do you suppose she's getting into?", "Z, maybe you can make her listen a little better than I can right now." Tell me, does it not sound like we are dealing with a two year old?

I'm jumping all over the place, but I can't help it. I have not posted in forever, AND so much has changed since my last "hello". My name is new, my home is new, my town is new, my responsibilities are new, my "family" consists of one other person and a dog, so that is new...it's like I've stepped into another world that is wonderful, crazy, awesome, hectic, sweet, chaotic, joyful, different and good. What an amazing month, whew!

I feel God's blessing everywhere we turn. It has truly been a humbling experience walking through the wedding planning process with the help of so many close and cherished friends.  I feel so blessed to have the lovely family I do. My mom was a godsend when it came to quite a few of the last details of the wedding. She was super with asking what I wanted, how I wanted it, and what she could do to make it happen. Love you Momma! You are amazing! My husband was good about listening when I chattered on about the details and giving me input when I asked for it or when it was clearly needed. My dad was supportive and extremely generous. My siblings all pitched in (not to mention they were all in the wedding). My sister in laws all made their dresses and helped with a ton of stuff. My mother in law made some of the food, helped organize things, and had really good advice...oh my goodness, I could go on for a page and a half! Z and I were so blessed! The wedding was beautiful, no bad bloopers, no injuries, nothing. It was all God. He made it happen the way it did, and I pray it gave him glory.

Anyways, I'd love to catch y'all up on everything, but this post has already gotten out of hand! I best be getting off to check and make sure my book hasn't sprouted dust and my chai tea hasn't grown cold  and dejected ;)

Love and blessings,
Rachel H.

Grace Like Rain

A storm went through this afternoon. The sky got dark and the rain pounded on the roof. A little hail came down as well. The storm wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either, if you see what I am saying. I generally like thunderstorms and lightning. Both remind my of the power and majesty of our Creator.


I think the real treat came once the storm was ending. The sun burst out from behind the clouds and the rain continued to pour down, washing and replenishing the land. I couldn't help myself, I sprinted (barefoot) out into the driveway and twirled around, amazed by the beauty of the moment. The sun pierced through the sky and caused the rain to glisten as it fell. Grace. It is the only word that came to mind. It was like God's tangible way of showing me Grace. Sunshine and rain are like God's grace, bright and powerful, strong and true, cleansing and pure, glorious and merciful.


I think I got to see a little taste of heaven a few moments ago. It was beautiful!


~Rachel

Prayer for Us

It really feels like ages since I have written to you all. I have been living a life filled with busyness!!! It's alright. Yes, it is :) I am busy because...well, it's summer! Summer is always a busy time for my family because we are planting the garden. The other reason why I have been so busy happens to be wedding planning. I am glad for every second of it, though. I would do this and so much more if I needed to in order to marry my fiancé.



Every day it strikes me that I am getting married! I can hardly imagine being called "Mrs." right now :) I can't wait, though. I feel so blessed. God is so good.



Yes, it is easy for me to say that now, right? I pray that in five years I will still be as excited and thankful as I am now. God is giving me a huge blessing by allowing me to be joined in marriage to this man! He has challenged me to be a better person, to walk as Christ walked. He has shown me in many ways what it means to pray. He has taught me what a godly, strong young man looks like. He made it easy for me to say "YES". There wasn't a question in my mind whether I should accept his offer when he proposed.


A few years ago I would have asked you, "How do you know when he is The One?", "What if you marry the wrong man after all?" Don't pay attention to these whisperings. If you are in the Word and in His will, it will be clear. Whether he is everything you ever dreamed of or not, he will be who you dream of ;) When God places Prince Charming in your path, don't automatically assume it is him. Wait and watch the Almighty work. He will draw you into his plans and write your love story for you.



Anyways...now that I have come back from a bunny trail.



The wedding is in 26 days! I am getting super excited! I pray that God really speaks to people through the ceremony...



I would ask for prayer. We will be moving five hours away from home. We will still be in TN, but five hours seems so far. God has a work for us where He is leading. I know He is going to use us for His glory there. I just ask that y'all would pray for a low-stress move. We are moving some stuff on the 17th and we will actually be moving sometime after the 12th of June.



I continually pray that God would help us settle into a church where we can best honor and glorify Him.



Thank you all for your prayers!

Blessings,
Rachel S.

Passing By

And do the days fly by! Can you even see them, hear them, or remember them? They are like a swallow swooping over, ahead, and behind. Like water that slips through your fingers, so the days are.


Make the most of them as they pass, mind you, or you will never remember their former existence.


There is no glory in a day gone by without purpose or passion. one must take hold of the time given and act upon the strength allotted  by God. If the energy sits wasted and unused, it will be a disgrace and dishonor to the Giver.


Why ask for strength if there is no purpose behind the request other than personal gain?


Ask for a healthy body and a strong back so that you may use them laboring in the harvest. Maybe you cannot labor. Don't let this stop you, beloved. Run onward and upward. Pray, encourage, love, do what you can for His glory.


Days do pass where you feel like you are not working for the glory of our Lord. Examine your heart and ask yourself why this time passes by. Seek what is high above. Lean on the Almighty.


Place your EVERY day in His hands. He will turn your hearts to himself.


Is there anything you can do of your own power that is good? No, beloved. Christ, and only through Him, can we endeavor to do what is right.


May the ruler of the skies, the oceans, and the mountains also be placed in your heart as the ruler over your time and the gifts He has bestowed upon you.


Blessings,
Rachel

Your Hands - JJ Heller