Peace Luv Babies

I spent my weekend taking the SAT and babysitting! Now those of you who know me well, might be confused at my enthusiasm concerning tests and children, but I'm here to explain.

It's no secret that I am simply not a kid person. At least, I used to not be. Long hours standing around a country club pool watching 25+ kids all summer is frustrating to say the least. But recently I've grown to love the precious kiddos I've been babysitting, and there is so much you can learn from them.

First, is the miracle of life. Tonight I watched three kids, one of which was a 6 month old baby. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that one day this baby wasn't here, and the next day he was! I think God gives us babies to show us that there is wonder in everything, no matter how simple. Just watching this precious being look around at the world was one of the most darling things I've ever witnessed.

I also think God gave us children to show us that life is so so SO much fun. Saturday night I had the pleasure of having two sisters (ages 4 and 6) fix my hair a million different ways, and none of us ever stopped laughing the entire time. And tonight, I spent a solid hour standing outside blowing and popping bubbles because it was just so much FUN! I love the sweet giggles of these cute little kiddos.

I definitely needed this weekend of downtime after one of the most stressful weeks I've had this school year. I'm definitely going to use my time with these precious children of God as a reminder to smile and laugh and enjoy all of the wonder and beauty God has put into this world for us to find!

xoxo,
Rachel

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15

Independent

I'm thankful for perfect little coffee shops and good conversation.

Tonight I found myself at Midtown Coffee with my fellow blogger (706stories.weebly.com) talking about life. And more importantly, talking about independence.

A lot of times I find myself relying on others to feel secure, but I've recently decided that this is not the way I want to live my life. If I am going to advocate independence and self-love, I have to live it as well.

I'm not going to lie and say that I don't struggle with insecurities- because let's face it, everyone does. But I can trust in the fact that God made me EXACTLY the way I'm supposed to be. Philippians 4:6-- "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I have a hard time letting go and trusting God's plan for me, but I must remind myself every day that He has it all figured out. He wants the best for me, and He knows exactly how to give me the best-- but only if I LET Him. God is not going to fight for me to love him, that is my job.

So please God, lead me on the path You want for me. I am ready.

xoxo,
Rachel

omg It's 2015

It's officially 2015, which means I am officially entering one of the busiest, most important, and most exciting years of my life.

This year I will

• Finish my junior year and finally become a senior
• Be sent to work at a YoungLife camp for a month of the summer with no cell phone or internet access
• Spend a week in Paris with my dad
• Continue my summer job at the CCC
• Finish up college visits
• Apply for colleges
• Apply for scholarships
• Find out what colleges I will be accepted to
• Possibly decide what college I will attend

So basically a huge portion of my future will be influenced and decided on in the next 12 months. Can you say anxiety???

I am feeling confident though, because one of my goals for this year is to get back on the right track with my relationship with God. By spending a month separated from the real world and focusing only on Him, I know I can learn again what it means to be fully devoted to Him. Relying on God with then ensure that I will end up where I'm supposed to be.

So starting today, I'm stepping forward to place my trust in God and His plan for me. 

Happy New Year, and good luck to those of you searching for a new beginning as well.

xoxo,

Rachel

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7