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 :)