“Call me or text me anytime”

You don’t know how much that phrase means to me.  You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear it from several different people. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys (you know who you are).

In the times when my life feels like it’s falling apart, you guys are there to help me pull it back together, to pick the broken pieces up and move on.

There were times in my life when I felt completely alone. You guys remind me that I’m not. God has blessed me with your friendship and I thank him for you.

I hope I can help you as much as you’ve help me. I’m here for you too, k? Love you guys!

On a completely different note, I’ve been listening to this song on repeat. It’s one of my favorites and incredibly enncouraging to me. Interestingly enough, when I first heard the album this song is on, this was not one of my favorites, but the lyrics have taken on their own meaning in my life. I hope you like them as much as I do.

“To Whom It May Concern”

So hold your head up high and know it’s not the end of the road
Walk down this beaten path before you pack your things and head home
At the end of the road you’ll find what you’ve been longing for

I know ’cause my feet have scars to show
I was lost with vague direction and no place to call home

It’s time for you to press on
This is not your war
Set your sights to North and press on
This is not your escape
Wash away what they thought of you
Because in this place, we’re all as good as dead
…end cycle…

Behind the mask you’ll find yourself alone
It’s not the end of the road for you…

Last night, I had my care group over to discuss with each other the wonders God worked in our lives at The Clash. God’s spirit was moving and it was amazing. The ever-present reminder of his presence is a great reminder of his faithfulness.    Since I have come back from the Clash, the spiritual warfare that I’ve been encountering has at times been overwhelming, but even in this, I am reminded of God’s promise to me in 2 Timothy 1:7, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”

I know that meditating on this verse, and holding onto its promise will help me through the spiritual battles that I encounter. If you think of me, please pray for me in this. It’s easy to become weary and frightened.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God has another great promise for me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Two days ago was my birthday, and I had the privilege of my care group (Bible study) sharing evidences of God’s grace in my life after our meeting.

I always find this awkward… it feels a little strange for person after person to tell you how they see God working in your life.

But I was so encouraged!

I loved finding out that the times I confessed things in care group, I encouraged other people! I sometimes feel awful for monopolizing the time, I think, “oh, great, it was ‘Rachel-night’… I need to talk less”. It never occurred to me that those times can be encouraging to other people. (Why I didn’t think of this, I do not know, considering I am always encouraged when other people share their struggles in care group).

My brothers and sisters in Christ pointed out things in my life, that I wasn’t even aware of, and what I loved about it, is that it was understood that it’s not me, it is God’s grace in my life. How kind of Him to pour out his grace on me, and change me, a sinner, who sometimes wants nothing to do with Him!

I was blown away and encouraged, and I don’t know what I’d do without the wonderful people in my care group!