Beauty.......Defined.

Want to share a quick thought on some “late night thinking”…

I’m learning that most of what we do in life boils down to choices…

Choices to do one thing or another… doing what we think is right at the time.

There does come a point in life where we do become responsible for those choices and it’s SO important to think ahead, that’s where maturity lies. Determining what’s best for your tomorrow and sometimes putting today’s feelings aside, seeing the overall picture and not reacting to what’s happening right now, this moment. Being able to hold back and not act and react based on emotion is a learned behavior… watch people who do it and compare their outcome to yours. It might be God working in your life, showing you someone else’s grace to help you realize your own.

Listen, I love my life, I am so greateful!

In no way am I saying you should be anyone but who YOU are, however… when you go through life thinking you have no room for improvement and no room for change you become foolish.

I understand that although I love ME (sometimes too much) I need to look around me, I need to improve, grow, and change to become the person I want to be… a better me, not a different me.

Be accountable, stop being selfish by saying “I’m me and I don’t care who doesn’t like it”… the fact is you should care who you are and how people see you because it may just be the way your kids see you, your family sees you, and even the way Christ sees you.

I’m not perfect but I have learned that the ability to listen and receive knowledge and wisdom is a GIFT that is instilled in every person… it’s the failure to use it that troubles us and makes life difficult. Open your mind, stop thinking small.

Nothing is more frustrating that someone, a beautiful person, with an UGLY heart, evil motive, and refusal to see the REALITY of their ways.

When all else fails, and I do mean ALL else--- from lying, cheating, stealing, and evil motive--- we tend to wonder what happened and why we are so miserable. If you don’t LIKE yourself don’t expect someone else to LOVE you. Beauty is inside out… and being beautiful isn’t easy. If you think I’m referring to perfect figure, made up face, and long hair… you’ve missed it and you don’t know beauty. 

Do the right thing, give yourself a chance to shine, and be beautiful!

AnyOne can be someOne… and dreams are for EveryOne…

but as a individual you need to see yourself as the ChoseOne and do what the UltimateOne calls you to do.

 

New Levels- Where does your Trust lie

Have you ever met someone and days later wondered if they were God sent to teach you something...? With my job I meet lots of interesting ppl so it's a privilege to see and hear many views from successful ppl as well a those who struggle. It's literally the most broken ppl who are the most humble... And I often listen rly closely to what is said and am amazed by the peace ppl have in the midst of trials and tribulations. Personally, I freak out-- all the time-- and my life is not close to the struggle others face. Makes me think alot (as I do anyway) abt how I handle things an my attitude toward hard times. I tell myself that I trust God and know He wld never fail me... But in the moment do I believe it, prove it, show it...? & how does my lack of trust make Him feel? I believe there are several levels of faith, my grandmother for instance is one of His masterpieces and her life is proof of how He works in ppl and how far true faith will take you. Me, I'm young... And I have work to do. :) at the end of everyday I DO trust God however in moments of chrisis or struggle, even financial hardship and not being able to have what I WANT when I want it, I often look at the situation and MYSELF rather than looking UP for His guidance. I freak out, wonder why things are happening to me Or my family, get angry, bitter, frustrated... And overthink ways to "make things right." too many timea I've placed my trust in money, people, or ideas... Those things are garanteed to fail you.
Humble, complete trust---That's a new level of faith I want to complete bc I want to be humble each day and those who FULLY trust Him are humble. Life throws things at all of us, we go to church, we worship, we read His word, we praise Him, we pray... But how much do we TRULY TRUST Him.?.?
So in the midst of situations I've made a vow to look UP and do something real simple--- ask Him for help. He's there, He doesn't leave us, so it's up to us to look to Him and thank Him for ALL experiences bc He is perfect, doesn't make mistakes, so it all has a purpose.
My Mom was this way, she had moments but overall she was alwayssying that God would make a way for her... Naive and young I'd say "Mom WE make our own way..." honestly thinking that God had nothing to do with success... I always based it on skill and motivation. Again, NAIVE. Truth---God has planted seeds in me from the beginning and as I grow/improve/learn/experience I simply water them and they blossom into successes... How dare I not recognize that and THANK Him!
Today, I realize where it ALL comes from, I'm grateful, I know without Him I cld be as talented as I wanna Be, I am NOTHING. New levels of faith, I'm getting there--- giving Him
Glory... Credit where it's desired, and being the Christian I'm called to be. Trust the right One and you'll never be disappointed, He doesn't fail.
He gave me my family, motherhood, called me to be a wife, a friend, a leader, an example... And I want to be just that. At time I fall but never levels of faith are tweaked and I get back up- stronger, wiser, and better.
All glory to Him... The center of my heart, love of my life, and reason for my being...

Have a Bleased day.
Rachelle
the GLORY and trusting Him, all the time (good and bad).

Dear Devil...

Dear Devil...
I know your plan, I know your motive, and I understand what you want from me.
See, I've been here--- the closer I get to God the harder you work on me. You send ppl
Who test my patience and try and make me resort to my old self... &&& it's actually
Pretty tempting. I mean I'd feel much better by snatching some ppl up and making them
Think twice before opening their mouths again.
But... At the end of the day, when I look at MY life, MY child, and above all MY blessings
I realize it's useless. Ppl will be who they wanna be regardless... And who has to deal with
That everytime they look in the mirror, not me.
Issues, we all have them... But life is TOO SHORT to stress over ppl who speak with
Little to say, get off on hurting others, ppl who base their "womanhood" on Facebook, and hide behind a user ID and
Password.
Im not perfect... Never will be... But I'm mature enough to understand that
There is a time, place, and way to handle things.

In closing... Christ always wins over my heart, He hears my heart's cry. I pray and it all works out... It also Saves the lame ppl who test my patience.

So....... Devils get up off me, move around! If ppl
Think of me as anything but who I am... I'll laugh it off and pray I have my WWJD
Bracelet on when I see them... Bc based on position and relevance... The proof is in the pudding.
Now that's some truth for you, nothing fake abt it. If you can't love, respect, and understand me...... Too bad.
My Shuga, my husband, and my blood are my LIFE... nothing and no one can take that away, its straight from God.... get used to it. I know, it's hard right... well write it down, study it, and maybe one day you'll find peace.

Satan test me, he even wins sometimes... But we all know I come thru. The devil lies, he sneaks around, he's jealous of God's love, he causes turmoil, and above all he hates successful ppl who live with Christ in mind. Don't twist it, I can handle my own, act a fool if need be, and hurt you without touching you... But I'm above that.... I'm better today than yesterday.

So... Dear Satan, find a new soul, a new test, a new friend, and a new hobby... Bc I ain't the one. You can't beat me, God loves me way to much for that, my faith is bigger than your lies and fake promises, I love myself to much, and I depend on Him, not you. Momentarily you get some ppl, your temptation is acted on... But in the end--- you're a total loser.

Night night!
Rachelle

Have a good night.

The Glory is His....

So... today was interesting.
I've always seen people in our ministry as "extraordinary"... they live right, speak the word of God, and pave the way for people like me, regular people with "regular" issues... so I thought.
Today, a close friend of my husband (and I), someone he grew up with, actually his childhood best friend, introduced himself as "Pastor Maxile".
Now, some may say "so what"... but the magnitude of this didn't hit me until I saw him at that podium....this was a huge wake up call for me and I'm very grateful for the expereince. Aside from the great word given by Pastor Maxile and guest speakers I sat and had so many thoughts running through my mind.
One: Pastors are human, they are just like you and me. They are called to lead and guide people to Christ... but they aren't Christ. They can't MAKE you love, obey, or even follow Christ. Seeing someone we grew up with, someone we know, become a Pastor actually made me really proud. It's admirable to lead a life assisting others in getting to Heaven, Glorifying God, and devoting time away from family and home to minister God's word to others... and all for His Glory, not your own.
Two: People are placed in our life for a reason.... Before you reject what your pastor and leaders tell you, think about this: When you die and meet God as we all will... and we answer for things we have done or not done--- He will remind you of the people He placed in your life to HELP you, to guide you, and make sure you know the word of God... such as Pastors. When I ask my Pastor questions I real answers, not what I want to hear, what I need to hear... I am the one who is typically broken or confused... I need to know what's real. So far I've had some very real expereinces with my Pastors and I'm so grateful for them.
If Damon, or any pastor for that matter, questions or doesn't fathom the impact pastors and leaders do and will have on lives let me break some of it down for you.
People who are lost, you help them get found... people who don't know Christ, you introduce them and change where they spend eternity... addicts, you bring them hope telling them that Christ is bigger than any addiction or any giants we face in life... in home life- marriage and family, work-- you teach us that no matter how hard we work, how rich we become, how many material things we aquire, the Glory goes to Him and Him alone... it actually has little to nothing to do with us. :) This is hard for me to accept sometimes because I work really hard... but it's all possible thru Him-- NOT me.
These lessons, the few of many that pastors teach, are HUGE. Your average person---- expereinces adultry in their marriage, some are abused, loss of faith, death of loved ones, financial hardship, expereince hatred and bittness in their heart, battling the enemy (satan), so when you bring the hope and glory of God to ONE person you are successful.
Example: two people who didn't even know me basically saved my life.
2 years ago I lost my mother, lost and broken I almost gave up on life and God- literally. Had it not been for my daughter and partly my husband... I'd be in a grave with her. I am almost ashamed to say it but losing my mother has changed my life in more ways than I'd like to say. Depression wasn't the word, I didn't step foot in church for a year, and I was so bitter with God I carried a chip on my shoulder about life in general. He wouldn't tell me why He took my mother and my heart grew hard, rather than turning TO Him i turned AWAY from him. I was officially lost, living daily with no purpose other than my daughter, sad, crying, and really broken. With the help of my pastors, I was found.... once was lost but now I'm found. Restored and renewed, God gave me another chance at happiness, life, and faith. His picture became clear, Broken I came to him at an all time low and literally got on my knees, threw up my hands, and said do whatever you need to do to me to get me right, I'm desperate and I need you. Today, I'm a Christian woman in prgress, with a acceptance of my mother's death, and a sincere love for Christ. He is my backbone and I know without Him I'm nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
Another: Less than a year ago my marriage was a mess... close to failure... and we all know I don't fail! My husband was lost, I was lost, and together there's no way we could find our way... almost called it quits... with the intervention of our amazing pastors we were... FOUND. I realized that the only person who could take my marriage and my ability to love my husband God... no one else. I needed Him and had to relinquish control to Him and accept His will... this situation was far to much for me to handle alone... I needed guidance, love, and understanding.... today, we are strong, we are FOUND, and we are united as husband and wife should be... all because of God, and God alone. My marriage is a result of His glory.
Lesson: Pastors have very difficult jobs, people depend on them, and WE need to pray for THEM more. We attend Our Saviors Church in Lafayette, and they have been life changing to me and Byron and I pray for our pastors.... I can't express it in words what they have done for us....
Again, to see someone I know so well give his life to Christ and devote life to spreading the word is amazing. I pray for him, his beauitful wife Casey, and their kids. I pray they be blessed, in abundance, and that they always have the courage and strength to lead. Like it or not, you're an example now, to people you don't even realize. I'm so happy for you and I will definitley be praying for you. We love you very very very much!
Thanks for everyone who put service together today, hope there are many more to come, and I'd love to be involved if I'm needed. God wants to do big things for all of us...
Casey---- btw-- don't forget, we need to start a women's ministry if possible!!!! Women need so much help, single mothers who do it all alone, wives of successful men who fall down the priority list- it breaks their spirit, I work on a daily basis with people with tons of money--- but lost souls, successful women who need to balance work and home, broken females who have been abused and thrown away, female addicts of young children (I was one of them)-- repaired mother daughter relationships,women who have been cheated on and hurt by their husbands, young women who need to know their worth, if momma won't tell them ministers need to before the first boy rolls along and does so. I have a dream about this, I really do... because women old and young need to know that God doesn't forget about us, He isn't far away, and people like you (and me) have been through so much,and can bring hope to them....
May God bless Damon and Casey's ministry and I love you all very much!
Rachelle

Thank You God... I haven't said it enough!

So today I'm sitting in a class with about 15 peers... and something took over my mind, made my stomach turn honestly. I look around me and see people who have been working for our company for 25-30 years... and I'M on the side of them, interacting with them, learning with them, and working with them. What they have done in 20 years I have been able to do in 5 (work related), what a blessing. At that moment I became really humble... thinking to myself "Really Rachelle... why do you not realize how truly blessed you are. How often do you thank God for your career?"My career, your talents, your motivation... all given to me by Him... and I don't thank Him often enough.

I've learned over time that being an over acheiver has it's good and bad... for one you work your tail off, constantly, to get where you want to be, then when you get there you decide you want to be elsewhere you start busting tail to get somewhere else... and at the end of the day you are rewarded with self satisfaction, the position you want, maybe even the salary you want... but the cost is lots of stress, hard work, time away from your family, ect. The problem comes when you and I fail realize who has given us these blessings,we think they are simply a result of our hard work right? Wrong... God alone.... has blessed me/you in my/your career and my/your heart will be empty regardless of how far we/I move up without acknowledging where it all comes from. So when I looked around me and saw people twice my age I had to feel pretty rediculous that I haven't recenently "thanked Him" for my career and opportunities and that I've actually complained about working so hard at times. At 27 years old I'm taking college courses, almost have a Bachlors degree, I work for a very reputable company, I'm an Assistant Manager of a very successful branch, working toward being a manager, and I work with some amazing people who show me, teach me, believe in me, guide me, and above all know my potential.
I haven't sat back in a while and actually thanked God for my opportunities, my job, for the talent He's given me, for my mentors, for my family support, for my position, and for my career. I tend to take credit for it because I work hard and acheive things... but really it all comes from Him. It is only through Him that I am where I am, can get where I want to be... my hard work must not be done in honor of money or pride or self satisfaction.... but in honor of Him. I need to be thankful EVERYDAY for this. The Glory is His, not mine, for without Him I'm just a flawed person with a title. Ephesians 6:6 says it all... Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching.  As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with  enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for  people.Fact: all credit and honor go to God and God alone. Thank Him, over and over again. Apologize for taking credit, strive to serve Him, and turn to Him in your times of needs, in tough decisions, in career moves, in everything--- the answer lies in Him. All success, hard work, all pay checks, all promotions, mean absolutley nothing if we don't aknowledge the source of it all... God.  In closing, You true "promotion", the biggest of all, comes when you go from visiting Christ occassionally in times of need to leaning on Him in every aspect of your life (including your pareer) and embracing His truth and mercy.... You are promoted from a person-- a hard worker with a title, to a man/woman of God with a purpose (to serve) .Have a Blessed Night! Rachelle

This thing called Life...

You see, everyone has people who are out to get them, everyone. You can single yourself out... none of us are that special. I've learned over time that GOD and GOD alone puts people in your life, some you like and some you don't. Without them where would you be?
The hard part, recognizing His work in the midst of struggle.
I've been married for 4 years, known my husband for 16 years... and I've been thru hell and back with him, but honestly I wouldn't know how much I love him if it weren't for those hard times. This man and myself, as anyone who knows us knows this is real, have expereinced anything you can possibly think of, and still love one another... how does that happen?
Society tells us to leave imperfect people, to find something better, to be "me-centric". Is that easy to do, of course, in the moment... I'm sure it causes future pain. Am I saying remain loyal to a man who treats you like you don't exist, of course not... be reasonable. What I'm saying is that any married couple is obligated to love one another until they don't have the power to do so anymore... where does that power comes from--- your friend, your neighbor, your mothers... No--- God and God alone.
I've been there, turn to people around me because I was lost. Now, I look back and laugh thinking... who has better advice to offer than He who created me? What was I thinking turning to someone who is so screwed up, did I do that to make myself feel better about my situation?People test you, some of them could really care less how you end up. I've learned that No one determines the fate of my relationship with my daughter or my husband... they may test it--- but they don't determine it.Stop seeking approval from those who haven't figured out their purpose on earth, focus on your purpose. Focus on why you are here... what does He need from me today? People will snatch happiness and faith from you without thinking twice... don't let that happen.  When you find something special embrace it, embrace happiness and maintain it at all cost... nothing worth having comes easy. Nothing. People who break you, pray for them and watch your life go from brokeness to bright. Hard part, praying for rediculous people who can't see past themselves... the outcome-- peace. See He gives us all peace, but we have to sometimes battle our own demons to find it, whether it be selfishness, misunderstanding, greed, pride, ect. Open your mind and your heart... His love is matchless! It's not a matter of IF society will test you, especially when positive things are happening... it's WHEN. Situations can define you, decisions you make can create you... but at the end of the day He is there... especially when you are at your lowest, broken, and willing to admit it. He doesn't shelter the proud, He doesn't bless the greedy... He welcomes those who need His grace.  At my weakest I always remember I am nothing more than who He sees, people around me don't even matter. He knows my heart, my motive, I can't hide from Him--- neither can others. There are no free passes. Whatever you need to do to rid yourself of demons who consume your soul and cloud your mind, do it. Stop blaming Life, Life is easy--- we complicate it.Love yourself, respect yourself, respect what and who you love, enjoy your relationships- they are a gift- and defend what's right until you are powerless--- to Him and Him alone. When you don't focus on The Man (Chirst)-- ANY man becomes good enough.    Thought: Hate is Easy, Love takes Courage. Have a blessed day!    

Finding Christ amongst things of the World...

I decided to shed some light on a battle we face in life.. Worldy things Vs Him.I've often wondered what it would take to become a "christian woman", you see I have such a strong past, good and bad, for years I didn't even feel worthy of being a woman of Christ, I didn't even live life by His word... I lived by my own rules. I had a child out of wedlock, drugs, drinking, partying, denied Him, ect... how could I now claim to walk with Him. I've often had trouble defining things of this world verses Him. See, I really enjoy things of this world... television, entertainment, music (especially hip hop)... and I couldn't draw a line between how important those things were verses my future, my eternity
For a long time after losing my Mom I didn't go to church, in fact I shook my head and agreed when people told me how she was in a better place... but the fact is I didn't even believe it. My worldy emotions blocked what was real. I was so haunted by things that I had done to her and myself, I was broken from the inside out. Faith, lost- love, hard to accept- life, what life?
Finally I came to terms with my feelings and admitted to myself that I was so wrong--- God DOES love me, He would NEVER abandon me...I had abandoned myself... but how do I find my way back. I've gone astray for so long, does God even want me back, does He even know where I am and what I need, am I worthy of His love and forgiveness? I've always found that the harder I search for Christ the further away He seems, when I'm not aware of how much I need Him I almost take Him for granted I guess--- but when it's bad and I search for Him, He seems so far away. At this point, there is nothing to lose, search for Him and don't stop until you find Him.
Things of this world blur our vision, they cloud our judgement, it's like a dark cloud hovering over us when we are vulnerable, satan hard at work. When we are at our best, confident and proud, dark clouds seep in and drown out the light we have.... and it's hard to find Christ in the dark, especially with all the worldy things around us... drugs, music, tv, friends, negativity, ect.Through this I've learned how to find Him and how things of this world can create a barrier between me and my eternity, my beliefs, and my pureness. For instance, I love music, hard core rap music (I know I'm flawed right)... the lyrics, the hype, the excitement, I enjoy it. Television, I like it, movies are my thing--- both are things of this world. When my faith, my eternity, and my sanity are at stake I have to let these things go if I want to find Christ. I have to focus my attention on what I NEED, not what I WANT. God doesn't want to come second to your lifestyle--- he should be our lifestyle.He doesn't need our opinion, He KNOWS what we need and commands that we live through Him... but we don't. We live through our own eyes, our own heart, our own emotions, our feelings, our expereinces, our desires.... and when it all fails--- we look to Him for help to pick up the peices. See this isn't judgement, this is a way of life... I've lived it too. So many times I see people lost, unable to find their way to Him, to salvation, to happiness, because they have a wall--- a wall of worldy things that clouds the truth, clouds His promises. Again, I'm flawed, I get caught up in the moment and enjoy worldy things a little to much... but I'm very blessed to have been given the chance to know the difference between the life that Christ promises me and the misery Satan offers. Eternity verses this world. I'm writing this blog for people who have the same problem finding light when it's dark, finding Him when He seems so far away... drown out the worldly things and He is right there... very close. When I question whether or not I'm "worthy" I open the good book who gives me PROMISES, not ask others who offer an "opinion" on who I am and where I'm going. I drown out pain of the world, promises of the world, and I focus on Him and what He says. The devil lies, all the time, and he will tell you what you want to hear to get you as far away as possible, believe that and stay aware of it.  Example: It's so important that we distiguish between Lil Wayne's lyrics and the truth God gives us... if you can't- get rid of Lil Wayne until you can-- it's entertainment and should never be your way of life. My lifestyle, my thought process, my choices, my pride kept me so far away from God for so long, I didn't think I was coming back--- after all it was easy to give up, finding hope and love took courage. I had to drown out people, activities, and entertainment- worldy things- to find Him... today I know what worldy things are, and they are temporary. My future is my eternity and focusing on the big picture rather than momentary satisfaction is critical in finding Christ. Although I still feel "unworthy" of His love, I believe Him and all He says... and I've learned through the rain and pain I still have to seek Him and believe Him... and it never fails--- through all the worldy things in my life, I find Him. I'm confident that as long as I can distinguish between the world adn eternity I will always find Him, He's never lost, I am.  Have a blessed night! Rachelle