Modern Day Miracles

Jesus healed the blind, the sick, the lame and cured lepers.

He  walked on water, cast out demons, turned water into wine, fed the five thousand, and calmed the storm with the word of His mouth.

AND...
He rose from the dead!


Why don't miracles like these listed above happen today? Why don't we see the powerful hand of God doing things today like He did back in Biblical times?

I think the answer is more simple than we may believe.
It all boils down to faith.
If you don't believe that God can and will do what He says He can do...He won't do it.

The Bible says in Matthew 17:20,
        "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Now if you ask me, moving a mountain is a pretty big miracle and Matthew tells us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed...He will move a mountain for us. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It isn't very large, in fact it is quite small. And with that little bit of faith, God can perform that big of a miracle for us.

One of the most amazing and clearly identified miracles I've seen happened on Labor Day weekend 2010

What started as a family fishing trip ended in tragedy when a thirty-eight foot boat began taking on water twenty-two miles of the coast. On board the boat there were 7 people (4 adults, 2 teens, and one child).

After beginning to take on water, the thirty-eight foot boat sank and settled in sixty-five feet of water with three feet sticking out above the surface. You do the math, 38+3 does not equal 65. Nothing other than God's hand held up that boat.

Then imagine being in the water for 20 hours, waiting for someone to come and find you.
Jelly fish, sharks, blistering sun, and spilled gasoline.
And the whole time praying and singing.

The odds were not in their favor, but God was and...
Early the next morning the guys were spotted and rescued by the US Coast Guard. (Praise be to God!)


To tell the entire story with all the details of what happened, one would need to write a book.
Still today I am still learning all the details of what went down. If you want to read more you can check out the Lost at Sea story that was published in Guide Post Magazine.

Since the accident the family has been invited to various churches to give their testimony and have seen numerous souls find Christ through their story.

I can say that I believe the main reason this family is still alive today is because they have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and because they had a group of strong and faithful women back home praying and pleading with the Lord for the safety of their men.

God is as powerful today as He was back in the Old Testament, and He will be just as powerful tomorrow as He is today. He never changes. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End.
He will always protect His children.

So the next time you catch yourself asking God why He doesn't do miracles today like He used to, just remember to have faith and look around carefully.
Just the fact that we wake up in the morning is a miracle in itself.
God shows us His power every time we take a breath, every time our heart beats, and every time He saves a dying soul from going to Hell.

But sometimes we catch ourselves taking that for granted and we need to see a larger display of power and the Bible says in  John 14:21 that if we love Him and follow His commandments, He WILL show himself to us. 

So just a tip... be-careful what you pray for. 
Don't test God.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save

God still performs miracles every day.

For with God nothing shall be impossible  

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

When the waves are taking you under, hold on just a little bit longer. He knows that this is going to make you stronger.

I would like to dedicate this post to the men and women of the US Coastguard. Thank you for your service.
I would also like to say a special thanks to the Gouge family for allowing me to use their story in my blog.

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Give In, Give Up, or Give It Your All

Let me begin by saying this was not the post I planned on writing tonight...

Through a series of circumstances, my mind has spun in a totally different direction to speak on the idea of determination

What is determination?

Determination (as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary) is having "firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end"

Have you ever gotten to the point where you just felt like continuing on would be pointless?

Ever thought to yourself, "Why do I even bother any more?"
or maybe even, "No matter how hard I try, I'm not seeing any results." 

Sometimes we come to the end of our rope. We feel like we are walking on a tread mill...we are working so hard and chugging along, but it doesn't matter how hard we run we aren't making any progress. At the end of the day we remain exactly where we started.

We look around and see the success of others and ask God why that can't be us. 

It's at times like these Satin begins to eat away at us, isn't it? He whispers lies in our ears, telling us that what we are doing isn't important and that we look foolish just wasting our time on something that has no reward in sight. 


We get discouraged and quit, but God is up there looking down at us saying "What are you doing?! I had such great blessings to pour out on you had you just labored a little bit longer! Why are you falling for satin's lies? Have I not told you over and over again that I have great things in stored for those who labor in my name?"

Which is what we so often forget. As long as we are working in the Lord's name to further His kingdom purpose, nothing we do is useless.  

The Bibles says in 1 Corinthians 15:58:
           "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."


I love the part in the movie "Facing the Giants" when Mr. Bridges comes into Coach Taylor's office to share a word of encouragement with him.
 For those of you who haven't seen the movie (or it's been a while since you have...) the school's football team was in a major losing streak and everyone was crashing down on the coach.  It would have been easy for him to say "You know what, why even bother with this anymore!? I work with these players every practice and we still lose! Everyone has something negative to say about me and how I coach. It'd be better off if I just gave up and went to another school." But is that what he did? Thanks to Mr. Bridges', no. 
Every time I listen to Mr. Bridges speak I get goose bumps. He refers to Revelation 3:8 which says:
              " I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
He continues to tell Coach Taylor that the Lord still has an open door for him there, and until the Lord closes that door he is to bloom exactly where he is planted. 
Taylor then confessed that he had been feeling discouraged. He had been praying, but didn't feel the Lord moving. Mr. Bridges then responded with a story of two farmers who both needed rain. Both prayed but only one prepared his field to receive it. He said that God will send the rain when HE is ready....all we can do is prepare for it. 
(I encourage you to watch the movie scene, you can do so by clicking here.)


One the best things about investing time, energy, and talents into the kingdom is that we are promised our work will not return void. Every little thing we do, God can use to bring about His will. We just need to remain diligent and determined. When satin attacks you and you feel like all is pointless, you have 2 choices. 

1. You can give in to Satin's lies and give up on God and His plan OR
2. You can remind Satin of the truth of the scriptures and give God your all.

What would you do?

We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength fir each new day, He will make a way.

For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

I will send rain on your land at the right time, both in the fall and in the spring.

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Support Our Troops

Are you able to freely speak your mind?
Thank a soldier

Are you able to vote?
Thank a soldier

Are you able to read this blog post in English?
Thank a soldier
.
.

Are you relaxing at home with the AC running with out any threats of a bomb being thrown through you window?
THANK A SOLDIER!


Today we celebrate "Memorial Day"

Today is not just another day off work. Today is not just a day to have a cook out or go to the beach. Yes, we may be doing those things. Yes, those things may be fun. But don't let the festivities and excitement keep you from remembering the real reason for the day.

Memorial Day is set aside for us to remember those who have fought for our country and for freedom's cause.

We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for the brave men and women that selflessly give them self to fight terrorism for our freedoms.

I had the chance to visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during my Senior Trip, and it was an experience I will not soon forget.  The feeling that came over me when I looked out and saw nothing but small white tombstones for miles is one that I have never felt before.
It was a mix of...
shock, that all these countless men would put their lives on the line to protect their fellow man
and gratitude because they did.

Our military do not receive the credit due to them.
On the news we hear all about what the skanks out in Hollywood are doing and who is sleeping with who, who is pregnant, who is getting married/divorced, and so on. 
When what should be being reported is the sacrifices going on out in the war zones.

Everyone knows when Michael Jackson died, when Whitney Houston died, and when Steve Jobs died...But can you name even one soldier who has died in a foreign land away from the comfort of their family in the past month? Past 2 months? Past year? I didn't think so...

When was the last time you saw a person in uniform and stopped to thank them for serving our country?
I believe out military deserve our utmost respect and honor. Thank you!

To those people who can go out and bash our military...I have one thing to say to you "If you can't stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them on the battle field."

For those of you reading this who have served or are presently serving, please leave a comment below stating you name and branch so that we may personally thank you for your service. 

The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it, the American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died serving it.

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.

For love of country they accepted death

  

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.

Today's post is in honor of all of our military members both living and passed.
But I would specifically like to dedicate this post to the loving memory of Marine Todd Alvin Benjamin. Thank you for serving our country! We love and miss you dearly! You will never be forgotten!


Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time, 
Racheal <3

True Friendship

Everyday we come into contact with hundreds of people. Some we know and others we don't.

I once heard it said that "strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

Not to mean that we will be compatible with every person we come into contact with, but until communicate with someone...you will never know!


I saw a picture on facebook a few days ago that said "When I first met you, I had no idea you would be so important to me." I can totally relate to that. When I met my best friend for the first time...Lord knows I didn't think to myself "I really like her, we are going to become close friends and be inseparable." To be completely honest...she kinda sorta intimidated me (go ahead laugh :P)

But God has a funny way of bringing the just the right person into you life at just the right time. He doesn't all ways give us who we want, but He all ways gives us who we NEED. But give it sometime and I'll promise you the person you need will turn into the person you want very quickly!

Friendships are a very important variable in the equation of life. Everyone needs that special friend they can talk things through with, that will hold them accountable, that will laugh or cry with them, that will just be there no matter the circumstance. We all need a companion, and God knows and understands that.

But what makes a friend a true friend? How can we tell the difference between someone who is meant to be a CLOSE friend and who is meant to be just a friend?

The first question you need to ask yourself is....Is the person a Christian?
If the answer to the question is no, them read no further. That certain person should not be someone you confide in and look to to give you advice. Does that mean you shouldn't associate with them? Absolutely not! But they shouldn't be you go to people when you are facing the storms of life. When something goes wrong and you become weak...it's way easier for them to pull you down than it is for you to pull them up.
"Bad company ruins good morals" "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch" "You lay with the dogs you're gonna get fleas" and the list of expressions could go on and on.

Secondly, you need to examine their personality and their morals.

• Are they living for Christ or are they back-slid-en?
• Are they trust worthy? 
• Are they loyal?
• Are they honest?
• Are you compatible with them when it comes to likes and dislikes? 

When choosing a  friend they should be able to challenge you spiritually and hold you accountable to God.  You should have things in common, but still be able to respect any differences. You should be able to be open with the person fully knowing they will not use anything against you or try to hurt you with it. You should be able to find someone who is trustworthy...someone who is going to tell you the truth when you ask for it and not have to question the validity of it.

In the Bible God says He is our best friend. "No greater love has any man than this that he lays down His life for His friend." Which is exactly what Christ did for us on the cross. Is it not?

But like I said earlier. God knows that we need and crave human relations.
In fact the Bible gives us what I believe to be one of the greatest examples of true friendship between 2 people. It is found in the book of 1 Samuel.




It is the story of Johnathon and David.

Johnathon loved David with a deep and uncomplicated love. (and no this is not a gay or homosexual love like some people try to make it seem!)

Somethings we notice about their relationship is:

1. Johnathon loved David more than he loved himself (18:1)
2. Johnathon selflessly gave of himself to David (18:4)
3. Johnathon protected David (19:2)
4. Johnathon spoke well of David (19:4)
5. Johnathon stood up for David (20:32)

I strongly encourage you to read the full story of Johnathon and David (1 Samuel 18-20)

Do you have a Johnathon in you life?
The bible say in Proverbs that a man who has friends must show himself friendly.
If you said you don't have a Johnathon...are you being a Johnathon to anyone?

Friendship is a wonderful gift that we get to enjoy opening each and every day.

When is the last time you thanked God for the people He has brought into you life?
God gives and God also takes away. He can remove people from our lives just as easily as He brought them into it.  Never take your friends for granted. Tell them how you feel. Never miss a chance to wrap your arms around them, hug them tight, and tell them how much they mean to you.  Over use 'I love you' and mean it when you say it.

True friends are rare and far between, so if you are lucky enough to find one...hold onto them tight and with both hands. They are worth more than their weight in pure gold!

I thank God everyday for blessing me with the friends He gave me. I don't know where I would be without them. I just hope I can be a Johnathon to them :)

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today just the way you are.

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.

Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with. 

The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.  

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. 

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer. 

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow.  If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.  If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow.  If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.  But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me.

 
 Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Inward Vs. Outward Beauty

Everyone has probably heard i said many many times in their life... "Don't judge a book by it's cover"

But sadly...in today's society, whether we want to admit it or not, our first impressions of a person are usually based purely on looks.

Face the facts looks are the first thing we notice about someone. We typically see someone before we hear the words that come out from between their lips.

Is that wrong? In it's self, no. It's when we judge someone solely on appearance and fail to give them a second chance, or learn anything else about them.


But there are two different types of beauty. Inward beauty and outward beauty.

Outward beauty (as defined by Hollywood) is easy to spot.
We are bombarded by it on a daily basis (Magazine covers, television, movies, clothing ads, ext.) It is shoved down our throats that to be considered beautiful you have to have to be a size 2, you have to have a flawless complexion, your hair has to be perfectly styled, and your nails need to always be manicured.

We all have our typical stereotypes

• People who get good grades are nerds
• Fat people have no self-control
• Skinny girls are stuck up and look obsessed 
• Hot guys are jerks
• People who wear revealing clothes are desperate
• People covered in ink are thugs

And my all time favorite....

• Blondes are dumb! (And for those or you who are reading this that don't know me, I am in fact a natural blond and proud of it!)

Let me set the record straight, I am not saying I agree with these stereotypes.... As a matter of fact, these above stereotypes sicken me! The fact that someone can look at me or anyone else and make these types of assumptions with out knowing any thing about them, their personality, or their background is appalling!

Bleed Red is an amazing song that describes the similarities among all men (and women :p)
Wow, basically what I get from that is no matter how different we may look on the outside...inside we all faces struggles, we all have fear and regrets, we all get lost and we all fall down. All humans have a interconnection with each other because we are all made by the same creator whether you believe that or not.
Which bring we to the second type of beauty, Inward.

I believe inward beauty is more important in the long run than outward because "beauty captures the eye, but personality captures the heart." Beauty is only skin deep. As we age our skin wrinkles, things begin to sag, and you will no longer be able to wear those 6 inch spike heals (hate to break it to ya sweetie!)...but our personality never fades ~~ It's who we really are!

There is so much more to a person that what meets the eye. Look a their likes....their dislikes...their beliefs...their hobbies...the way they speak to people...look at those things to decide whether or not to start a relationship/friendship with someone. 

And make up can't cover up an ugly personality. If my face ain't that pretty...I can fix that ;)

What it all boils down to is >>>

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What may be considered ugly to one person may be irresistible to another. Opinions...everyone has one, but the only one that matters is God's, and He thinks we are drop dead gorgeous! He looks at our heart, not our faces. He formed us in the womb to be exactly who we were meant to be. He sculpted us and designed us perfectly to execute HIS will and to bring glory to HIS name. So who are we to question ourselves? (Mercy Me has an amazing song out called Beautiful, give it a listen!)

And let's face it, the people on TV do NOT look like that in their "all natural" state! (it's not like it's a big secret or anything, but it takes major airbrushing, surgery, make up, and Photoshop to make them look the way they do!)

Random though speaking of TV... Just the other day I saw a man stand up on National television and and ask his wife for a divorce because she reach 200 pounds after having their first child and she couldn't get it all off. He said he wanted her and the baby to "hit the road because he was done with them and couldn't be seen with a 'fat woman'" even after the woman told him she had gastric bypass to help her lose the weight, he still refused to stay with her,  How shallow is that??

So...
Is it wrong to want to look nice? No
Is it wrong to want to get in shape? No
Is it wrong to wear make-up No
Is it wrong to judge people based entirely on their appearance without knowing a thing about them? YES

Honesty time,

When I look at myself in the mirror...I am definitely not happy with what I see.
There are a MANY areas that could use A LOT of touching up. I am extremely self-conscious and my esteem is at an all time low.
But when I look at myself in the mirror of God's Word... I see a strong and beautiful woman trying her best to please her Father.
I see a woman who know what she believes and who isn't afraid to say it.

And I'd much rather be beautiful to my God than to the random guy in the mall!

Western women have been controlled by ideals and stereotypes as much as by material constraints.

Judgment is Content Without Context

Don't judge a book by its cover

You are perfect just the way you are

Don't change yourself so someone else will like you. Stay true & you'll find someone who likes you for you.

For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Beauty captures the eyes, but personality captures the heart

Beauty is only skin deep

I can wipe off half your "beauty" with a tissue

Fake hair, fake nails, fake boobs, fake tan, and women wonder why they can't find a real man. 

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Price of Perversion

     WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO???

That is the question that has been running through my mind for the past month or so...

When did we become so far off track and allow such perversion to flood our government, schools, work places, homes, and even churches!

By accepting a little here and a little there, we have completely altered the moral compass of our nation and or world!



But when did the morals threads that hold society together all begin to unravel?

Although I can't claim to know the exact turning point in history when the morale began to plummet, I can in my humble opinion say it could have something to do with parents and the theory of "do as I say and not as I do."

Let me start of my saying that is one of the DUMBEST things I've heard in my life! I hated hearing that growing up (but I will admit to using it once or twice myself recently).

Parents need to step up and be parents and stop leading by word of mouth only. Kids need an example! Children watch their parents and learn all most all their mannerisms and world view from them. In a little child's eyes... mommy and daddy are super heroes that can do no wrong.

If mom and dad get wasted every weekend, cheat on each other, use profane language, watch/listen to inappropriate things, and yell and scream and carry on...why would a child see that as wrong? That's the normal to them, it's what they are used to.

Don't even get me started on the media and it's influence. Shows like "16 and Pregnant", "Desperate House Wives", "Teen Mom",  and "Two and a Half Men" (just to name a few) glorify the idea of sex outside of marriage. What idea is that implanting in the mind of today's youth? hm?
MTV recently sent out a pitch for a new show that was to be titled "Losing It". The title may give the plot away but for those of you who don't know, the idea behind the show was to get volunteers to sign up for the reality show and have them give the camera crews permission to follow them around "on their journey to losing their virginity." WHAT?! And we sit back and wonder why our kids are turning out the way they are. I've heard people joking around saying "in 16 years are we going to have a show call '32 and Grandma'" and you may life or chuckle at that, but that's the direction we are headed and it's scary.
Even the homosexual agenda is being push with shows like "Modern Family" and movies like "I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry".

In the public school system...Protection is being taught over abstinence,homosexuality is being taught as an OK 'alternative lifestyle', and the biggest word everyone is hearing nowadays..."Tolerance"
Just today I asked a young girl to hand me my ball that was laying on the floor. She looked at me giggled and replied, "Ew Miss Racheal! I'm not touching your balls. I didn't even know you had any." When I questioned her on her response she just laughed it off and said "I go to a bad elementary school, you should hear what my friends talk about." All I could do was shake my head.

Nothing is sacred anymore.
Sex is no longer viewed as an intimate act of love between a married couple.
Marriage is no longer being viewed as a sacred commitment before God between a man and woman.
It's all a game.... It's all about 'shacking up' and seeing how many partners you can have. 

There is a serious problem...
When 12 year old girls are having babies and 12 year old boys are concerned about finding condoms
When people have to go on national television and ask for a DNA test to be given to 4 different men to find out which one is their "baby daddy"
When there are more porn outlets in a 25 mile radius than there are McDonald's

The whole mind set of  "Eat. Drink. And be Merry" and "YOLO" (you only live once)

It really makes you stop and think.
Should we blame Hollywood? Some do....
Should we blame the school system? Some do...
Should be blame the church? Some do...
Should be blame other parents and other kids? Some do...

But where should the blame be put? It should be put on bad parenting. Parents have more control over how their child turns out than anybody. It's when parents hand their most important job over to the teachers and the TV that the problems occur.

I'm not saying that sending your children to a public school is sinful. I know plenty of kids who have gone to and are attending public school and they are some of the most on fire for God and strongest young people I know! They never miss an opportunity to stand of for what's right and to share what they believe. But why is that? It's because they have parents that live out what the are saying. They have parents that have stood up and claimed responsibility for how their kids are behaving.

Some of you may laugh at me for this and that's OK, but I'm proud to admit that even at the age I am...I'm still considered by most to be "naive" and "in-experienced".
Not be because I was overly sheltered, but because my parent's cared enough to keep the evil and the filth away from me. They raised me in a God-fearing and God-loving home and I thank them  from the bottom of my heart them for that.

It's been said that all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. How true is that. 
We are so afraid to stand up and speak up for what we believe and it's going to severely bit us in the butt.
Society's morals are falling at an alarming rare folks.We are back in the days of Noah and of Sodom and Gomorrah. We know how that ended. In one the world was destroyed and in the other a whole city.

So what is the high price for perversion?

• unwanted pregnancies
• sexual transmitted diseases
• trust issues
• divorce
• higher suicide rate

and the list could go on and on... is that the price you are willing to pay? Is it worth it?

The perversion of the mind is only possible when those who should be heard in its defense are silent.

 

Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals.

 

Young people are moving away from feeling guilty about sleeping with somebody to feeling guilty if they are not sleeping with someone.

I'd rather see a sermon than hear a sermon any day.

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Storms of Life

"Lord!  My life was not supposed to go this way! I had it all planned out, and you're ruining it. Throwing me all these curve balls and obstacles. I didn't plan on having all this rain down on me! What are you doing??  Did I do something wrong? I go to church...I pray...I read my Bible...I even volunteer and help other people in your name! Why are you allowing this to happen to me? WHY?!?!"




Have you ever caught yourself talking to God like to person in the paragraph above? You may have not said those exact words, but maybe something similar to it. Everything was just going one way, you were out enjoying the sun light and all off a sudden...BAM! it starts storming.

I believe that just like there are different storms in the weather, their are different storms in life.
You can usually put life's storms into about 3 categories. I call them:

1. Hurricane type storms
2. Tornado type storms
3. Sudden Storms

First. Hurricane type storms,
In weather, hurricanes are the storms that can be tracked. Thanks to the National Hurricane Center, we can track hurricanes days before there is any threat of it making land fall. We can know the approximate time and place of impact and the approximate wind speeds. We have plenty of time to prepare. To stock up on equipment and food. Or in severe cases, to plan an escape out of the path.
Just like hurricanes, we can see some of the storms of life coming and we can prepare for them.

Second. Tornado type storms,
Tornadoes aren't as easy to track as hurricanes are. We can see areas with favorable conditions and set out a "watch" and one may happen and one may never happen. You can chose to prepare or wait until a warning is issued (which means one has already been spotted....) By that time you can still grab a few supplies and make a quick plan, but not nearly as thoroughly as you can with a hurricane.

Third. Sudden storms,
I actually experienced one of these today. I was outside on the playground and felt a few drops of rain, one clap of thunder, then next thing you know it is POURING sideways, lightening, thundering and carrying on. Hail was falling (some the size of quarter!) And i had absolutely no way to prepare for it. The only thing I could do was duck and run for cover.

I say all this to say. Storms of life can come in all different forms, and we may not always be able to prepare for them like we would like too. Sometimes they just pop up out of no where when we are least expecting it, and in the most in-opportune times. Sometimes we even see the storms falling hard on others around us and think to ourselves, "That would never happen to me." So when it finally does happen to us we have 2 choices...

We can chose to look up at the sky and shake our fists at God and in anger curse His name, shouting "It wasn't supposed to be this way!"

OR...

We could chose to look up at the sky, lift our hands towards Heaven and calmy and humbly say "Lord, I don't know what you are doing...but I know that you are the One who controls the trails in my life, you can calm the storm just speaking. You said in Your Word that you wouldn't give me more than I can handle, and I believe that to be true."

It's through storms we become stronger and more mature in our faith.

So in the sunshine PRAISE HIM, and in storms PRAISE HIM

God has a purpose for evey storm He throws our way, and it will always work out exactly according to HIS will and for HIS glory.

A few song that kept playing in my head while typing tonight include: Praise You in This Storm (Casting Crowns), Bring the Rain (Mercy Me), and Sometimes He Calms the Storm (Scott Krippayne)
Go ahead and click on the songs and give them a listen :)

If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

Mark 4:39-41 (HCSB)

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?” And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!

In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun.

 

The tree that does not bend with the wind will be broken by the wind.

 Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Hold Your Fire

Nobody likes it when they are questioned.

Nobody likes to to be judged and called out.

Nobody like to be the center of someone else's rampage.

Nobody like to have their morals questioned.

Nobody likes to be called a liar to their face.

Nobody like to be put down and called stupid.

And above all else nobody likes to have to remain silent while their confronter attacks them.

Hold your fire!!

When I say that, I'm not speaking in a literal sense (although refraining from shooting someone is a very good thing), I'm speaking in a more figurative sense.

Which is where the title came from. The tongue is a deadly weapon of destruction (much like a gun, sword, bomb, or fire) that slays thousands and injuries an unimaginable number.

In comparison to our entire stature, the tongue is a very small part of our body, but it can cause more damage to a person than you can ever know!

Words sting the deepest and hurt the most, because it is not an external ailment that can be cured by a band-aid or a trip to the local family doctor. 
A broken arm will heal itself in a few months when properly tended too and looked after, but a broken heart can go years without even being addressed because the person doesn't want to talk about it and the injury is invisible to the human eye. No one else can see it.


The Bible says in James 3:
            "...Consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way.  Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?  Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water..."

What do you get out of that?

What I get is:

1. The tongue is small and powerful 
2. The tongue is hard to control
3. We should not use our tongue for both good and evil   

You may be thinking to yourself, "Yea, I know that...but they started it!" "It's there fault!" "It's their tongue that is out of control! I'm just defending my self/another person." "They needed to be put in their place!"

Well, the Bible also says in Romans 12:19,
          "....Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord..." 

If you are a child of God (and I hope you are), the Lord will protect you. He will fight your battles for you all you have to do is trust Him. 
It's like the whole mama bear and baby bear scenario, don't mess with a mama bear's cub cause she will be right around the corner ready to put a hurting on your butt if you harm her little one.
God is the same way, He won't let someone harm is children and get away with it.


Now, don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to put on a "holier than thou" facade and tell you I am perfect in this area. Because believe me, I am FAR from it. Like it said in James, no one can tame the tongue. Not me. Not you. Not anybody.
 
But what I can say is that I have been on both ends of the equation. I have said some hurtful things to people out of spite and had to humble myself, go to them and apologize for my hurtful words.

But many more time I have been on the receiving end of hurtful words. I have (recently in fact) been called "hypocrite", "stupid", "un-qualified",  "annoying", and "full of ****" 
I have also had those whom I love dearly talked about to me in a negative light (which in my mind is far worse than having myself called out.)


I can't tell you how easy it is in the heat of the moment to attack right back. To point out their flaws and imperfections just as quickly as they point out mine. But what good will that do in the long? Will it change anything, or just add fuel to the fire?


This is something I deal with on a daily basis. But I'm working on it. And that's all anyone can ask me. 


I've never claimed to be perfect, and I never will.


Just think before you speak. Take time to cool off. Keep any rude comments or opinions to yourself. Just because you disagree with something someone is doing, doesn't mean they are wrong and you are right.


Go back to what you were told as a child..."If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
Repeat that every time you're about to open your mouth... and if that don't work, carry duct tape around in your pocket! It ain't that expensive and it comes in funky designs ;)

The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.

The best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust.

Tell a girl she’s pretty; she won’t believe you. Tell a girl she’s ugly; she’ll remember it forever.

If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue.

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Care Too Much?

"Is it possible to care about TOO MUCH?"

I will be the first person to admit, I can be extremely overprotective. Sometimes I see it as a good thing and other times I view it more negatively.

The reason for the topic is the fact that I have recently had my tendencies questioned because of the fact that when a friend of mine is talked to negatively, "I always come running."

That's what friends are for though, right? To stick up for you? To make sure you are safe? To be there to back you up when some IDIOT attacks you for no apparent  logical reason whatsoever in public where all can see??? (sorry got a little carried away there).

But when does healthy care become an "over protective" care?

Maybe to answer that question we should first examine where the seed of care originates. The following (in my opinion) are the top reasons why one may develop an "overprotective" care:

• You were raised by overprotective parents, and because you are/were treated with such close boundaries and restrictions you pass those same restrictions to others. With a fear that if you don't they may end up "lying in a ditch somewhere" (as most parents put it)
• You have experienced the pain associated with losing someone close to you and you take extra measures hoping to never experience that pain again.
• The people you care about are clumsy or accident prone, and you begin to worry about their physical safety.
• You could have a co-dependent personality and feel the need to have the affirmation of another at all times and you fear that in losing the person you are attached to, you in turn lose a portion of yourself.

You can take all four reasons above and condense them into one word: "WORRY"
worry passed down from parent to child, worried of losing another, worried for another's safety, worried about losing our-self worth. worry. that's what it boils down too.

Worry in itself is wrong. The Bible says that God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers. Of course He will take care of His children. Worry though, is one of those sins we try to justify. We say it's OK and it's just how we are. I can't tell you how many times I have caught myself saying, "Sorry, I'm just a worry wart and there is nothing I can do about it."
Yes there is though. I can take it to God just as I do any other sin, and He will forgive me and help me move on and conquer my worries.

Now don't take what I'm trying to say the wrong way. I'm not saying that it's wrong to care about our friends/family. I'm not saying that their problems are theirs and theirs alone. I'm not saying to not be helpful, and I am definitely not saying that by not caring everything will be perfect. What i am saying is not to take it to the extreme.

People can handle somethings by themselves, and they don't need you jumping to the rescue every time some looks at them in a way you don't like.
I've heard it been said that people are like bars of soap. if you hold them to loosely they will slip on through, and if you hold them too tightly you will crush them. 

If you truly love someone, lighten your grip on them and put them in God's hands...That's the safest place anyone can be :)

I am an over protective, jealous, and selfish human being all because I love you.

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere. 

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Age Is Just A Number

 "Age is but a number"

How true is the above statement?

I personally believe it is 100% true

Age shouldn't bound us, group us, or define us

When people use the above quote, they are generally referring to one of three scenarios, which I will state and explain in this post and. I will be backing up (with my opinion) why in each scenario age is just a number and nothing more.
 



 Age is just a number it should not be a boundary placed on us. We shouldnt be discriminated against or stereotyped just because of how many (or how few) years we have been alive.

I believe the top three scenarios in which the saying ("age is just a number" ) is used are as follows:

1. Someone being too young
2. Age gap in relationships/friendships
3. Someone being too old

There may be more, but these are the three on which i will be focusing.

First, someone is too young.
As a society, we have tried to keep people young and dependent as long as we can. 
"You're too young."
"That is for grown-ups"  etc...

Well,
Josiah was 8 years old when he became king of Jerusalem and ruled for 31 years! (2 Chronicles 34:1)
Mary was probably no older than 12-15 when God found favor in her and she bore Jesus!
Tutankhamun became king of Egypt at only 9 years old!
Joan of Arc was 13 when she began hearing voices on how to defeat the French!
Mark Zuckerburg was only 21 years old when he created Facebook, and became the youngest self-made billionaire!


The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth."
Or in basic English...Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. 
OK. Typically the younger you are the less educated, experienced, and qualified you are...BUT God doesn't always call the qualified, He qualifies the called. If He wants to accomplish something through you, He WILL accomplish it through you. Sometimes that's what it takes to get someones attention, to use the most unlikely person. Think about it...Moses had a speech problem, Thomas doubted, Peter denied Him, Paul was a murder, and Lazarus was DEAD. I don't think age is a problem for God to handle :)

Second, age gaps in relationships/friendships.
Have you ever been told someone is too young (or too old) for you? Chances are you probably have. Mainstream society seems to believe that for two people to hit it off and develop a close friendship or relationship, the two need to be close in age or at least in the same area of life. This I don't agree with.
A younger person can learn many life skills from an older friend, and can even learn from the elders mistakes and not make the same ones. In return, by hanging around a younger person, the elder can regain the sense of being young. They can have someone to "let lose" with and hang around with forgetting the stress of adulthood and just relaxing. Love know no limits. You're only as old as you feel! Hang around those with the same energy, mentality, humor, and beliefs.

Also going along with the whole, you're only as old as you feel...
Third, someone who is too old.
Who are we anyway to label someone as being too old??
A majority of the population has the idea that once you reach a certain age, you are "old" and can no longer have fun or have a social life.
You don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you quit playing.
Sure I have seen some sickly elderly people, but I've also seen some elderly people who are in way better physical health than 95% of American teens! It all has to do with how active they remain, how well they take care of themselves, and how independent they are. The next time you see an old man outside mowing his lawn don't think, "oh poor old man, bless his heart". Instead think, "Way to go! I wish i could be that healthy and well off by the time i reach his age!"

I hope by reading this today, you will be a little more mindful about judging someone or someones relationship based merely on age. There are many other contributors to happiness and capability than just a number! :)

Age is a question of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.  

 When it comes to staying young, a mind-lift beats a face-lift any day.

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

The Green Eyed Monster

I would like to start off by apologizing for not having a new post up for awhile. I have been a way from my laptop, but I'm back now (Hold your applause!)

Today I want to talk about the green-eyed monster...AKA Jealousy!

Nobody likes an overly jealous person. That's just a fact.

 But let's admit it, being in the flesh we all carry around a small amount of jealousy in our hearts whether we want to admit it or not.

I will be the first person to raise my hand and admit that to a certain degree, I do struggle with a form of jealousy.

I believe in the right context and circumstance a small dose of jealousy can be a healthy aspect to any relationship. I once heard it put that jealousy is "a sentiment which is born in love and which is produced by the fear that the loved person prefers someone else."

If you are in a serious relationship with someone and you notice that they are still "looking at the menu", you have every right to become a little jealous, but you should not allow that jealousy to consume you.
You should either confront the person with your issues, or remove yourself from the issue.
By allowing your healthy jealousy to fester and grow you are causing more harm than good


Jealousy can be bad for you though if not in the right circumstances.
When people become jealous of others (especially of friends and others close to them) problems can arise very quickly.

 The Bible says in James 3:16
         "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

An example could be your friend has a new boy friend.
You really want a boyfriend, so instead of being happy for your friend you become jealous.
You begin to harbor bitterness in your heart towards your friend, and you become infuriated with her and you secretly begin to wish that her and her new boyfriend would break up...I mean let's be honest why should she be happy if your not, and come on she already got that new sports car for her birthday, and that one of a kind (really expensive) prom dress. Why should she have everything!?
This type of jealousy is wrong. I mean HELLO! let's have a reality check. Did your friend do anything wrong because a guy liked her and asked her out? no. Did she do anything wrong because her family decided to surprise her with a new car? no. Did she do anything wrong by saving up her money to buy that perfect prom dress she had her eye on? no.
Then why would you decided to punish her if she did nothing wrong?
And you want to know the worst part? I bet you haven't even told her how you feel, your'e going on pretending all is well, and she has no clue. Am I right? Then what good is it doing anyway? You're only hurting youself!

Let your jealousy and bitterness go people! It's only holding you back from the wonderful blessings God wants to pour out on your life. We become so concerned and focused on what so-and-so has or what God is doing in so-and-so's life that we forget to look around and see what is going on in our lives.

No God may not chose to give us what He is giving someone else, because that is not what we need at that exact moment to be able to fulfill His plan the way it was meant to be.

And who's to say someone isn't looking at what you have and feel the same way toward you that you feel towards your friend.

Satin will use anything and everything to distract us from following God. He takes our areas of self-consciousness and inadequacies and uses it against us.  Don't let him. God has something great for you too, concentrate on that.

Jealousy is nothing more than a fear of abandonment

Yet he was jealous, though he did not show it, For jealousy dislikes the world to know it.

Jealousy is said to be the offspring of Love. Yet, unless the parent makes haste to strangle the child, the child will not rest till it has poisoned the parent.

In jealousy there is more self-love than love.

Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire.

Whoever envies another confesses his superiority.

Jealousy lives upon doubts, it becomes madness or ceases entirely as soon as we pass from doubt to certainty.

O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on.

Jealousy is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

The Eyes of a Child

Albert Einstein once wrote in a letter to a friend, "People like you and me never grow old. We never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”

How true is that in your life?

Have you ceased to be amazed by the little things around you?

Have you become so busy trying to get ahead that you have forgotten how to slow down?

Have you taken the simple beauty that crosses your path everyday for granted?

What if we could all regain a child like wonder again? 

Imagine with me back to child-hood. Remember how it was the little things you would discover that made you go, "OH WOW! LOOK AT THAT!" Whether it be a flower, or a lady bug, or just a cool colored rock.
Now, look at yourself today. Would those same things make you even stop for a second?

I work as an extended care teacher  with 3 and 4 year olds at a local preschool. One of my favorite parts of the jobs is seeing the wonder and amazement in the eyes of the children (especially while outside!)
I can't even count the number of times that this has happened:
I will be sitting there talking with a child and all of a sudden another kid will run up to me and would say something like  this, "MISS RACHEAL!! MISS RACHEAL!!! LOOK AT THIS ROCK!" to which I would reply, "wow! that's a nice rock." just to hear them say, "IT'S NOT JUST A NICE ROCK! IT'S AN AMAZING ROCK! SEE!", and they will continue to point out every little thing that makes that certain rock different than all the other rocks on the playground.

It took me quite a while to realize exactly what was going on. In the back of my mind i sometimes caught myself say, "whoopdy doo. It's a rock there is a billion of them out here. what's the big deal."
I'll tell you right now. That's the wrong attitude to have. Never take away a child's amazement and wonder for the little things. That is one of the worst things you can do. Instead take it and try it out for yourself.

Everyday it's something different.
In fact it was just yesterday  this really started turning the wheel in my head.
There is one little girl that i call "The Flower Girl". Everyday she picks all the little flowers she can from along the fence of the playground. She makes a bouquet for all her teachers, and one to take home to her mom and dad. Yesterday though, instead of a bouquet, she brought me one single purple flower. As I looked at the flower closely, I noticed that by far it was one of the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen in my life! I showed it to the teacher beside me and she said "cool", I said "no, really look at it closely." she did and had the same reaction I did. It was gorgeous!

God made us to fall in love with the beauty of his creation. As we grow older though, we sometimes get to wrapped up in trying to get ahead and living the "American Dream", that we forget to just live life. There is more to life than just money and gadgets. There are those things that don't cost a cent that can be just as filling. We over look the beautiful butterfly God put in our path to make us smile, because we have our noses stuck in our smart phones arguing with someone on online we have never even met before!

So let me ask you, when was the last time you took a walk outside and picked a flower?
When was the last time you dropped the stress of your typical crazy work day and thanked God for the clouds, the rain, the sun, the flowers, the rocks, the trees, the butterflies?

If we could all just for one day, one hour, or one minute refocus our vision to be like that of a 3 year old child....I think we would realize just what we have been missing out on. Never put a child's mind in an electronic box.

The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which mean never losing your enthusiasm.

Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

Man does not cease to play because he grows old, he grows old because he ceases to play.

There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes.

Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child

 Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

A Matter of Trust

There is a saying that goes something like this...
"It takes years to build someone's trust and only seconds to destroy it."

How true is that to you?

Would you go up to some stranger on the side of the road and tell him your deepest darkest secret?
I know I wouldn't!!


First off when it comes to trust I believe there are 2 categories of people out there:

1. Those who trust you until you prove to be un-trustworthy
2. Those who don't trust you until you prove to be trustworthy

I personally would place myself into the second category.
After having given my trust away too quickly multiple times and having it shattered multiple times, I decided the best way to protect myself from any future pain would be to build up a fence around my heart and refuse to let anyone in until they proved themselves to me. Even then though only a little information was to be given at a time. That worked for a while...but alas a few bad apples still managed to fall over the fence... so once again more fences would go up, each time being built taller and stronger.

Trust plays a vital role in any friendship/relationship.  It gives us safe place. It gives us a safe place to speak out loud the mess going on in our minds, knowing that anything said is kept safe. Sometimes open communication is exactly what someone needs to think things out and make decisions.

For me, I can go over the same scenario in my head over and over and not get anything accomplished and not find any peace. That's when I go to one of my close and trusted friends and pour my heart out.
Knowing that I will not be judged. Knowing anything said is in confidence. Knowing if something I'm doing is wrong, I will be called out. And lastly knowing that any reply or criticism given will be in nothing but love.

I can tell you from experience that it is a dog-eat-dog world out there, figuratively of course, and some people will do anything to advance themselves not caring who they hurt in the process. But why hurt yourself or somebody else because  of some idiot's stupidity and lack of self-control?

People are going to hurt you but you need to hold your head high, keep moving forward, and remind yourself that there is someone out there better for you. Someone who won't break your heart or your trust, and when you find that person hold onto them with both hands and with all your might. They are worth keeping around and so valuable to our sanity!

Being overly trusting can hurt you just as much as under-trusting can. It just depends on the people and the situations.

If you know how it feels to have your trust broken, why would you put someone else through the same pain? Be careful what you say, and always think twice before you speak.
A friend was told me, "You can tell me anything and I will keep it a secret unless, it is illegal or a matter of life and death." If you ask me, that's a pretty good deal :)
I thank God everyday for my inner circle. They are awesome and they have showed me that there still are good and trustworthy people in this crazy messed up world haha

You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment unless you trust enough. 

Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.

Trust is letting go of needing to know all the details before you open your heart.  

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly.  

Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3

Ps. When all others may fail you and hurt you....God is always right there saying "It's OK, I love you, You can trust me, I will never leave you of forsake you."

Communication is KEY

I'm sure at some point in your life you have heard the quote, "Communication is key."

If you haven't, now you have. hehe

Anyway, what exactly does that mean?



 A key unlocks something. Whether it be a house, a room, a car, a lock box, or a diary.
With out that key you would not have access to the item you are trying to open.

Well, communication is the key to opening up other people. Communication is key to beginning friendships/relationships (and keeping them). Communication is key to survival.

Imagine you were locked in a room with a random stranger for 1 day with absolutely no way to communicate. Your voice was taken, you don't know sign language, there are no items in the room to write with or draw with, and no one is there to relay messages...Do you think by the time you were let out, you would have developed in relationship with that person, most likely not.

Now imagine you were locked in the same room with the same random stranger and you had the ability to clearly communicate with each other. by talking you discover that you both follow the same religion, like the same music, believe the same thing politically, enjoy the same sports and hobbies, watch the same movies, like the same foods, both have kids around the same ages, work in the same profession, and live within 10 miles of each other. They  request each other on facebook and follow each other on Twitter....Do you think by the time you were let out , you have developed a relationship with that person, yes. it may not be extremely strong and sturdy, but there is something there.

Now imagine after the second scenario, both people go the opposite direction and never speak again, never send any facebook messages, never tweet each other, and never run into each other agian. it that relationship going to grow into anything else? probably not.

But, imagine you guys chat on facebook every other day or so, you meet randomly and grab some coffee, you introduce your kids to each other and they get along well. will this relationship continue to grow? the chances are good. Better than the above for sure.


Communication plays a vital role in any relationship. It needs to be open and 2 way. If one does all the talking it only benefits one, where as if both take turns talking, it benefits both parties.

Now, think of the person closest to you. Whether it be a best friend, marriage partner, or a family member. How often do you talk? What if out of the blue all communication ceased. stopped dead. nada talking-o.
That would stink, wouldn't it. you would be begging and longing for that communication. you would feel the relationship was becoming strained. you would think you maybe did something wrong, or that you were growing apart. you would be desperate for just one text or email or facebook message.

Recently with the stress of everyday life (work, school, families, kids, and bosses) communication has dropped. and people are suffering because of it.

Which kinda got me thinking. If we were are desperate to talk to God as we were to talk to our best friend, how much better would our lives be? If we desired to have one on one time with God as much as we desired one on one time with our significant other, how much less stress would we have?

Just as communication is key to human relations, it is also key to our relationship with God. Prayer is a powerful weapon and is very rarely used today.

I guess what i am trying to say it

• make time to talk to people
• listen when others talk
• don't judge someone based on appearance. talk to them and get to know them, and above all....
• PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Communication is key and it unlocks a world of happiness :)

Bad human communication leaves us less room to grow.

But communication is two-sided - vital and profound communication makes demands also on those who are to receive it... demands in the sense of concentration, of genuine effort to receive what is being communicated.

Who would know but ten years ago that kids would be texting each other all the time, that that would be one of their main forms of communication.

Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating.

 

Live...Laugh...Love

Until Next Time, 

Racheal <3