coming soon!  a christmas story written by me.

Chemistry

I recently started chemistry and I love it! (except the homework part with all the math problems)  Anyway that being said, can anybody guess what this is???

                                                It's a real GRAM cracker!!!!  I made it myself!

OMG You make everything sooo beautiful!!!

I love my backporch at 5:00 in the afternoon! It faces the east so when the sun is going down it is the most beautiful shady place to hang out. I love eating dinner on my back porch with my friends or just being out there alone.

                           I love this hill.  it's one of those that they would call "rolling".
                              you can definitely "roll" down it! :)

 

There's the sunset shining over the top of the house.  Best place to view a sunset in the village? Nora's house!

 

criticism gossip and clarity - this i believe

    What would you rather: have someone mad at you because you were straight-forward and honest, or have two angry and frustrated people (you and that person) as a result of "hints" and angry actions?  I believe that in the body of Christ it is ok to be honest and "come out" with things.  It annoys me when there is a lot of "hints", generalities, and "tactfulness".  I know, I know:  In some situations this is necessary because the individual may be in a weak place and may need gentleness.  Also, I understand that I must first have a relationship with the person, in which he or she knows that I actually care about them and that I am looking out for their better good.  But just pretending for a moment that these things are in place, I believe that there is a level of honesty that is, not necessarily pleasant for us to deal out, but is freeing and clearifying for us and our brother.  After all, how else will he see himself through yours and others' eyes?

And I know it's hard!! Sometimes it comes out wrong, sometimes you're not even sure if it's an important issue, but you'll never find out if you don't try. Sometimes you worry if the person will be mad at you. And if you're on the recieving side you may think that the person talking to you hates you or only sees your faults. It's not true! They care. And that's why they summed up the courage to talk to you!

"Let the righteous smite me, in kindness, and reproof me. It is precious oil upon my head: I won't refuse it or despise it." Psalm 141:5

And I am also saying this to my friends about me. I don't want my friends just living with my faults and not saying anything to me when I do (or say) something that offends them or someone else. Thank you to Hosanna who is never afraid to say anything to me about anything! That really means a lot to me. 
I've recently wondered "what if we gossiped about someone TO that someone"  :)  that would be funny. If you think about it, it's really funny how we can tell a million people what someone did but are too afraid to tell that person.  By then it should be clear that it is that important to you and hopefully you'll go tell that person how you feel.  :)

"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."     
                                                                                        ~Alice Duer Miller

Anyway, I hope that this is not words of death and I hope this doesn't offend anyone. I kind of realized as I was writing that I have seen this situation in more than one place so I am not talking to any one person. (am I being too general! :)

~ splendid majesty ~

Sometimes I walk alone on a warm night after a gentle storm.
I here the distant sounds of cicadas cerenading the night away.
The moon makes the rain drops on the grass sparkle!
And in all the beauty around me I start to sing because I have to express how lovely everything is...
And then I am silent. Almost as soon as I begin because I realize that my song can do no justice to what I behold.
I can only be quiet because I realize that it is an honor to witness this splendor and this honor should be accepted with great humility...

courtesy of me (taken from my porch 9/11/11)

I Love You

In my family we say I love you everytime we leave the house and at night before we go to bed. I leave the house a thousand times a day and I pretty much go to bed every night... you can imagine how many I love you's a person is throwing out all day.

I'm not saying that anything's wrong with that except that it loses it's special-ness, you may think (as I have) "what if that's the last time I see them" or "they might not know it if I don't tell them." That's why I think that I should show that person how much I love them through my actions. What is "I love you" going to be worth when I don't talk respectfully to mom when she's annoying me or when I'm not kind to Palal.

I'm always up for less talk, more action and I believe that's what I am feeling right now. Sometimes when I don't get the chance to tell mom I love her I quote Sid on Ice Age:   "Oh well, (shrug) she knows"
Bottom line (literally) show someone you love them first by your actions, then (even though they already know it) say it with words sometimes   :)  <3

= a couple random things =

What I look like when I'm mad (for those of you who don't know :)

My garden now... didn't really turn out the way I wanted, I'm thinking about starting over with some plants that can withstand the fall.  But, hey, the cornflowers are pretty!

                             I like this one. the leaves are pretty but I wouldn't call it a flower.

 I just turned 17 on the 13th and to celebrate I took a ride on this super cool Harley Davidson... (Just kidding the kickstand was up and we asked the owner to sit on it!)

               A new friend of mine. I saw this kitty on my way to visit a friend and managed to coax him to my house where I gave him a bowl of milk and then some cat food. He was very hungry.  I saw him again the next day and fed him again. Maybe he will be mine. I am calling him Kit-Kat.

Short

This is the shortest post in this blog. I hope all of you who like short posts enjoy reading this!  :D

"={practice} +"

It's not easy. Some people (like me) might make it look easy, but really, it's not. To step out and do what you feel God is telling you to do. To try being free is scary.

Some people never try... but if you have to, then you have to. We who live here in the village have it made. We are surrounded by people who love us and will not judge us as foolish when we step out but will rejoice when we do. Our friends will be encouraged because all the while they were waiting for US to step out first!! We have to! We have to try then we have to do it again and again! We have  to practice. Whatever God is asking you to do. What ever is your burden NOW, Dear Sojourners, Dear Messengers, Overcomers and Highlanders. Practice! Don't be afraid!! We are waiting for YOU!

Part 2 of recent events: Mickey Mouse

I am in Florida (said in a taunting way ;) So we made it to florida and most of the big events are over now. We have been planning this super mega trip for months now and it came faster than I could say "uncle Tom" (who is really my uncle) I am kind of rushing cuz im doing 3 things at once so this blog will not be perfect. Anyway tomorrow I go to disney!! woohoo! and i will see mickey and cinderella and the others. See ya'll later, miss everyone!

Part 1 of recent event: Dreams

A few things have piled up to blog about, so I'll do it in parts! On Tuesday mama Dossie took me and some of my girlfriends to "The Dream Center" in Jackson. It's a former school building that has been made into a home for battered women and children.

You could hardly call it a home, it was still mostly a school. Classrooms had been made into bedrooms and the only 'homey' things were a wicker couch, table and chair. When we got there we had no plan whatsoever as to what we would do. We were just going to find out what God had for us there.

I pretended I knew what I was doing and just started playing with the kids. I made quick friends with one 4 year old little black girl (I'll call her Aryanna). She lived there with her mama. We colored and read stories and occasionally I had to (try to) break up a fight between Aryanna and Joey (one of the little boys. I renamed him too)

There was one boy, Cody, who made such an impression on me. He was a little shy to come color but soon came over to join us when Joey went away. He was quiet and so sweet. He colored so nicely, too and talked to me about school. I was so glad that he gave me his picture, all signed and everything, when we left.

Aryanna gave me hers too and asked if we were going to come back. I totally want to go back! I gave them all hugs and told them I loved them as we left. I admit I did get a little tired of coloring but I am so glad I got to go and make a difference in a kid's life...

How do I look in Yellow?

A few months ago Mema gave me a coffee cup with a sunflower on it.  She told me that I was her sunflower.

Now this particular member of the floral species has not ever really been my favorite. When I was, like, nine I had a cow trough full of morning glories.  My dear brothers had to water them every day for me cuz it was too big of a job for a princess like me to undertake.

 ANYWAY, lately sunflowers have begun to grow on me :)  After I got that cup I brought it with me (with tea in it)  to a morning singing time at "Abba's Swing." Mama Faith noticed it and pointed it out. She said that I was a sunflower because of my cheerful attitude. Then everyone started commenting and someone else said "Yeah and they're strong, their roots go deep."

Ever noticed a sunflower? I've started to. They're tall and they grow straight up reaching for the sun! And one thing I've learned (when I tried to grow some in my backyard) is that they can't survive unless they are completely in the light of the sun -- Always. They are so bold and yellow - cheerful. They're also really hairy! Ok! Dont want to be a sunflower in THAT way!

Sooo, I hope I'm a sunflower. I hope I am always growing towards the Son, I hope I am ever-cheerful and take things in stride (as long as it's not a lawn mower) I hope I can be strong, bold, beautiful and a wonder to all who see me.   Just one question:  how do I look in yellow?

Christianity is NOT for Wimps!

     Recently I had a talk with a friend. I did not like the way I had seen him treat someone younger than himself. The younger one was rude but this rudeness was not met with patient correction. My friend thought that what he did was OK and that is was just the way things were between older and younger boys. I did not think it was right at all especially in the kingdom of God.
     I got to thinking and thought of someone else this friends age whom I have a lot of respect for. I knew that he would never mistreat someone younger even if he did not particularly like that person. I knew that he would be kind and respectful.
     Oh how easy it is to choose rudeness! Oh how difficult to say something nice when sarcasm is shoving forward on the tip of your tongue! What a fight to be good, humble, kind, patient, respectful, silent! When was the last time you had to struggle to say something mean when someone was annoying you? Probably never, right?
     Respect. You can get it by two methods:   Intimidation or love. The former is a respect where others end up not knowing how to be around you. They probably learn to stay away and not to stand up to you. When you are never contradicted you may think you have gained respect, but you have really lost it.
     The latter (love) respecting others, treating them as if they really matter, as if they are equals. What a more stout respect you will find! Others will want to be around you, they will desire to please you and they'll talk about how they love you. They know you respect them, that you care. You are respected, and, miraculously, loved. This is the way it should be - at least in the kingdom of God.
     Many people who are tough and mean look really strong but deep down they are just afraid and have fallen back on the easiest thing to do. They put on a false outer layer. Someone meek and kind may look very weak in the worlds eyes but they have found the truth and have stepped out in courage to stand up for what they believe. Christianity is not for wimps!
   


   

..the best way to know God is to love many things (and many people) -vincent van gogh

(I added that last part on the Van Gogh quote above. I dont think he meant things when he said things.
I think he meant flowers and hummingbirds, trees and waterfalls and, yes, people) I feel funny blogging because I don't have many major things happening in my life at the moment like others do.

I was going to write about myself but... I think I will talk about those I love.
Papa Shammah. He is one of the sweetest dads in the village and he has always been such a papa for me. We haven't necessarily had amazing conversations or done really fun stuff together or anything. He's just been there as a shoulder to lean on. Someone to stand next to and sing with during worship of our God. I love how he sings. I love how, when most everyone else is silent, he is singing in his most not-self conscious way! I've started doing that same thing after him, singing at random times. Caleb does it too :-)

I love the Horsts. Papa Asher is like papa Shammah. He is there for you and he's just so comforting to have around. I love Mama Gannah's spunkiness, kindness, wisdom, and bravery. She is wonderful.
Evelyn. She is so beautiful. She has the loveliest smile and she uses it a lot. Evelyn is a great friend and she is so tender. She loves God and her family so much and cares so much for others!

Suzie. What a friend! She really cares about people! She takes care of me. I love her very much. Friday I got in on the bowling trip at the very last minute. Suzie was very concerned that I didn't have a ride and she got a whole other vehicle just for me!! Gosh she is great. Nobody tell her about this blog post! She hates being fawned over, and I admit I am one of the biggest offenders!

                                      

This weekend I went to the Memphis "gatehouse." I go to visit there from time to time to help Ayala out with kids and the housework. A few years ago when she still lived in the Selmer village, I used to come and do the same every week. We called her my second mom but really she's like a much older sister :) I had a wonderful time helping with the kids (especially Aya's baby, Naomi) swimming at the Y, making homemade granola bars, and going to the little boys baseball games. It was at one of these games that I saw a really cute elderly couple. They both had on sun hats and sunglasses and they took such good care of eachother. I decide to complement them and find out how long they'd been together. Adel, the woman told me they'd been married forty-eight years then she went on to ask about me and my interests. I told her I did irish dancing. "I love that! We love to watch River Dance too!" she told me. I told her about Wind Dance and, what do you know? They had seen us! Totally awesome! Our conversation continued and we talked about my interest in massage. The husband Charleston had to "sample" my skills :)  Then we talked about what we believed about Jesus and Christianity. They seemed to have the same views as us - in the belief that Christ is love and that you must not judge others but love them. It was a good conversation and I'm glad I talked to them. Not sure what will come out of it, but thank you, Lord.

In April, I entered the Tennessee Magazine's art contest. The theme was "Anything I Want" so I chose to draw a photo I had taken of my best friend's sister, Donna, with whom I work at our local store. Also in the picture is our little friend Doron. WELL, today as I was coming home from town I hoped to find this issues magazine in the mail so I could see the contest results. Little did I expect to find an envelope addressed to me with TWO magazines inside AND a fifty dollar check AND a certificate of placement in the first place!!! Thank you God!! I had sent my art in late and could have gotten at most 2nd or 3rd place but I got 1st! :) :) :)

Spring Adventures

                                                       here are all my latest spring adventures

                                          Planting a garden...

                 Murdering black widows who think my shower is a good place to make a home-WRONG!!

                               Planting my strawberries in pots- not on the ground where snails like to eat them

                                          Raising a baby bird - this is him when i first got him

      This is him now. I wish he would start eating his food by himself so i can set him free, but he insists on standing in it!

                             The 18th was mom's birthday so I made her breakfast in bed :) <3

Rachel Learns a Lesson

Today I learned an important lesson. And I thank God that I live here or I would never have learned it. I learned that I must slow down....That I must listen to and pay attention to people...That I must not assume that I know what is best. I learned this through massage.

my encounter 12 miles away :)

I believe it was early summer of last year. I was at Selmer pool and I noticed a young girl with the prettiest brown, curly hair. She was a small girl of fourteen and, I presume, part African-American (I will change her name for her privacy)  Anyway, I always make a point to complement people when they look nice, so I swam over and told her that she had very pretty hair. The girl next to her made a big deal about it:  "That 'lady's' being nice to you, Doris. No one's ever nice to you!" This didn't obviously phase Doris as rude, and she simply asked me if I wanted to play with her.  I "played" with her even though it consisted mainly of sitting on the edge of the pool splashing our feet in the water. She couldn't swim very well and was content to float on top of the water in the three foot area.By the end of our time together I knew her birthday (which is in the same month as mine!) and that she had a case-worker, and, by the other girl's remark, I knew that she was not popular. Unfortunately, I did not get a phone number or address so I do not know where she is now or how her life is or what her story is. All I can do is pray that she recieves the love and guidance she needs to have a full life in God and please, Lord let us meet again!

True Story!

I was tiptoeing as lightly as I could, watching where I stepped in the darkness. A gentle wind blew. Just strong enough to make the evening pleasant. Then... I looked up. The stars above were breathtaking! And as I looked, I coveyed this whole scene to myself ending with "I am a strong believer in the fact that if you just look long enough, you will see a shooting star!" and no sooner had the words left my mouth, I saw one! A very prominent one! I gasped in amazement and joy. A few minutes later I couldnt believe that it had even happened!
How true that if you look long enough for your shooting star, you will find it. Am I right?

Papa's OK

Papa (who is one of my grandpas) is doing well now. He had surgery and is getting better. Thank you to all who prayed :)

dresses and jeans

A few weeks back, I went to town with my mom wearing a new dress I had gotten from the pile of clothes that couldn't be sent to Mexico. It was a jumper-style dress, something new that I wanted to try. We went to the book store together and the young cashier asked us what religion we are. He listed a few options and I (a little embarassed but still able to keep my head) told him "No, I just like wearing jumpers." He continued, saying that it was also the long hair (and I suspect, the absence of makeup) We told him that we do believe in God but didnt belong to any specific denomination. My point is, for one, I hate stereo-types and two, I dont think clothes should be what determines your belief. I think that the way you are with people, your conduct, and over-all attitude should show exactly who you follow...

My Papa

I just heard that Papa went to the hospital throwing up. He had a concusion from the accident...please pray for him. We dont know anything yet.

Johnny's Wedding

My brother Johnny's wedding was this morning.  This is what I wrote in my actual journal about it: 
God, You are so awesome! You love us so much! And I am so grateful!!!! Thank You so very much for utterly and totally blessing the wedding! The weather man was wrong! Because You are a better weather man! O God thank you so much! The fun day was fun and no one was seriously injured! The wedding was perfect and all the guests got here safely. Everyone had a great time with everyone else! The performances were wonderful and I was honored to be able to sing "I Long to Be Holy" to You and for Johnny (at his request). Everyone really felt that song and sang it to You! Thank you!  Protect all the guests going home and also Johnny and Natha. Let them have a wonderful time on their honeymoon. Amen.

Feel Free to Read

Hello all my friends and family. First, I guess I want to tell you the story behind the title of my blog:  My history with journals.  To give you an idea, my first journal had written on the inside:  "Rachel's journal, feel free to read!" I could never understand why everyone would write things like "Do not read!" on their diarries and journals.  I wanted and still want people to know who I am.  So, hence the name "Rachel's Journal and, yes, feel free to read :)