Hiding Under the Covers

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you just can seem to catch a break? Who am I kidding...everyone has those moments. Sometimes, those moments turn into days, weeks, or months. Life is difficult enough each day without the added pressure to live joyously through all circumstances. This is one of the hardest concepts for me to live out in my life: to rejoice in my hardships. I don't want to rejoice! I want to curl up under my covers and hide. I want to escape and hope the hardship will disappear. One of my favorite quotes came from an evangelist a few years ago: "Stop telling God how big is your storm; start telling your storm how big is your God!" Wow. The only reason hardships become unbearable is because we lose sight of the only one who can help us through. Storms aren't meant to crush us, but to teach us and grow us. We must face our hardships and find the lesson we are meant to learn. His grace is sufficient! Man, I needed this truth today!

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Casting Crowns "Praise You In This Storm"

Shane & Shane "Your Grace is Sufficient"

Monday Mailbag: June 27, 2011

Welcome to…

Location: Georgia (the Peach State)

Population: 9,700,000

Entertainment: Six Flags over Atlanta, Appalachian Trail, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Motor Speedway, The Masters Tournament

Famous Former Natives: Dwight Howard, Evander Holyfield, James Brown, Jason Aldean, Usher, Jimmy Carter, Ray Charles, Paula Dean, J.D. Drew, Jermaine Dupri, Jeff Foxworthy, Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, Brian McCann, Terrell Owens, Tyler Perry, Mac Powell, Buster Posey

Home to: 1996 Summer Olympics, CNN World Headquarters, Turner Entertainment Network, The Weather Channel, Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, UPS, Aflac

Random Facts: Atlanta metropolitan area claims over 50 percent of the state population at 5,200,000 residents, Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest passenger airport, General Sherman’s March to the Sea in December 1864 during the Civil War destroyed much of the area between Atlanta and Savannah and served as the historical background for the 1936 novel Gone with the Wind, Ray Charles made “Georgia on My Mind” famous and state legislature voted it as the state song in April 1979

I made two trips to Georgia this year, one in late September and one in April. One word I would use to describe the state of Georgia is...hot! They don't call Atlanta "Hot-Lanta" for nothing! Atlanta is a cool city to visit, especially when you get to see the city from the 25th floor of The Coca-Cola Company's World Headquarters! I love the southern charm of this state and will be headed there again soon.

Ciao Bella!

I can't believe it's been three years since I had the awesome opportunity to travel to Italy with some great friends on an International Business trip for school. This trip was my first outside the United States and definitely worth all of the jet lag and showerless first day!

My favorite city was Venice. It is absolutely unlike anything I could have imagined. First, you have to take a ferry to get there. In case you didn't know, Venice is known as the "City of Water" and "the Floating City". The city is stretched across 117 small islands along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The city is connected by 409 bridges and formed by 177 canals. The island is home to more than 60,000 residents. The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the public square of Venice. A visit to Venice is not complete without a gondola ride through the Grand Canal!

My favorite attraction was the Colosseum in Rome. It is one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire with construction of the famous landmark starting in 72 AD. The colossal structure seated 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles such as executions and re-enactments of famous battles.

One of the most unique cities we visited was Pompeii. The city, along with Herculaneum, was destroyed and completely buried during a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius that spanned two days in 79 AD. The city was buried under 4 to 6 meters of ash and pumice, and was lost for almost 1700 years befor it was accidently rediscovered in 1749.

One of the weirdest structures I've ever seen was the Leaning Tower

of Pisa. It is the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the city of Pisa and sits just behind the cathedral. The height of the tower is 183 feet from the ground on the lowest side and 186 feet from the ground on the highest side. Prior to restoration that took place between 1990 and 2001, the tower leaned at a 5.5 degree angle. Currently, the tower leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees. It took 177 years to build the tower, starting in 1173. The tower began to sink after construction had progressed to the second floor in 1178 due to a thin foundation set in weak, unstable subsoil. Because of continual battles for a century, building was halted. It was announced by engineers in 2008 after the removal of 70 metric tons of earth that the tower was stabilized and had stopped moving for the first time in its history. The tower is expected to remain stable for at least 200 years.

Other cities we visited include Verona, Florence, Assisi, Sorrento, and Capri. It was such an amazing trip!

Wake On Up From Your Slumber, Baby Open Up Your Eyes

I am definitely a creature of repitition. When I find a song that I like, I tend to listen to it over and over and over and over and...well you get the picture. Every morning I bust out the iPod when getting ready. It may not speed up the getting-ready process, but it does put me in a good mood. I love listening to worship songs. It's amazing how a song can exclaim the many words of praise I'm unable to express in my own words. I serve a beautiful, forgiving, and merciful God! This is the best way to start the day!

Needtobreathe is one of my absolute favorite bands. They openly share the love of Christ through their music. They have been featured on many soundtracks and were handpicked to open for Taylor Swift on her "Speak Now" tour. God works in amazing ways. He's opened the door for Needtobreathe to share the love of Christ to new audiences and people who need a Savior. "Slumber" is their new single off their upcoming album to be released in September. Definitely check it out. It's been getting some serious playing time on my iPod lately!

Monday Mailbag: June 20, 2011

Welcome to…

Location: Florida (the Sunshine State)

Population: 18,800,000

Entertainment: the beach, sporting events, amusement parks

Sports: Major League Baseball Spring Training (2/3 of teams), Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, Daytona International Speedway

Famous Former Natives: Wayne Brady, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Wesley Snipes, Ernest Hemingway, Lil’ Wayne, Flo Rida, Jim Morrison, Johnny Damon, Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chipper Jones, Chad Ochocinco, Deion Sanders, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tim Tebow

Home to: the Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Daytona International Speedway, Carnival Cruise Lines, Burger King, Bacardi, US Century Bank

Random Facts: discovered by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513, most hurricane-prone state, operates under 2 time zones (Central for the panhandle and Eastern for the peninsula), tourism and the elderly drive the economy, and Miami serves as the headquarters of Latin American operations for more than 1400 multinational corporations

This is definitely a fun state to visit but a tough one to drive! I spent two weeks in Florida, one in September and one in March. Needless to say, I put a lot of miles on my rental car during those weeks, especially when I forgot my credit card in Tampa and was on my way to Orlando! Doubling back was not fun at all. During my trips I was able to visit over 15 states from St. Augustine to Miami. I look forward to returning this fall!

Alright, Who Sings This Song?

Today is a great day...it's Father's Day! My dad is one of my favorite people in the world. One specific memory I have of him that my brother and sister will attest to is his way of passing time while on roadtrips. He would make us listen to oldies music and then quiz us on who sang each song. If we said we didn't know, he would start singing along and tell us to keep guessing. If we gave up, he would keep singing while trying to remember who it was himself! Hahaha!! He always gave us a good laugh.

I adore my dad. He is extremely caring and compassionate. One of my favorite qualities is his persistence. He can see when something is bothering you and won't let you get away with it. He's kind and compassionate. He is incredibly giving and would do anything for his children or grandchildren. My dad is a man of few words, but when he speaks he will make you cry because you're laughing so hard. He's definitely great with one-liners. He always has a way to make you feel safe and comforted. His best quality: he loves his family with everything he has. I'm blessed to have such a great dad. I look forward to many great memories with him...and many more laughs! Love you Dad!

iPod Remix

I love to spend some time browsing iTunes. I don't buy many entire albums but two of my recent full album purchases include Andy Grammer's Debut Album and Parachute "The Way It Was". Here are some of my recent buys...

The Focus of His Love

“Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love…It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone” Ephesians 1: 4, 11-12 (The Message).

It’s so awesome that out of all God created He chose us as the focus of His love! I think sometimes we think we were created because God needed us to do His work. It gives us a sense of pride and accomplishment. The truth His he didn’t need us for anything. He chooses to use us so that we may bring Him honor and glory. That’s it. His work has nothing to do with us. He’s Almighty God! What makes us think He decided: “This is too much to handle. I need to create people so they can take over and give me break! I need them to do my work because I can’t handle it.” To put it in those words sounds foolish and ridiculous, but that’s exactly what we’re saying when we believe we are needed by Him. He uses as to accomplish His work but it is not why we are here on this earth. Feeling needed leads to pride, and as we know pride is what leads to our downfall. Just ask King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16). May we always know and trust that we are given the privilege and great responsibility to carry out the work of the Lord because He loves us, not because He needs us.

Here’s one of my favorite worship songs by Shane and Shane. Enjoy!

Monday Mailbag: Monday, June 13, 2011

In the middle of our crazy fall travel schedule, we were blessed to attend the 2010 SIFE World Cup in Anaheim, California. The SIFE National Champion Team from 39 countries competed to determine which team had the most impact in their community through their educational outreach projects. What a great competition! The cultural fair allowed all the teams to showcase their unique customs and cultures and get to know their fellow competitors. It was an amazing experience to see all of the students come together to celebrate their achievements in making a difference in the world. I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing job! Belmont University of Nashville, Tennessee represented the United States and placed 3^rd overall. Here’s a highlight video showcasing a great week!

For more information about the SIFE World Cup, visit http://www.sife.org/worldcup/.

The SIFE USA Staff wrapped up the week by going to Disneyland!

Weekend in KC!

Last weekend was a much needed road trip with Rebekah to Kansas City! We went shopping at Zona Rosa and ended the night watching the Royals play the Twins. I am proud to say neither of us bought anything! Needless to say…it was extremely fun and extremely hot! We had a great time talking about life…and baseball. I am one stadium closer to reaching #35 on my Bucket List! Favorite quote of the night: “Your love of baseball is the reason we’re friends. I mean, there are other reasons, but that’s the main one.” Hahaha. Love you too travel buddy!

With Freedom Comes Responsibility

Galatians 5:13-15 “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just to make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.”

Freedom comes with responsibility. Christ gives us the freedom to live in this world but we are called to live in the world but not be of the world. He allows us to make choices but we must reap the consequences of those choices.

Monday Mailbag: Monday, June 6, 2011

I have been blessed with some amazing opportunities while working for SIFE. Several of my colleagues and I traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas for the annual Walmart Shareholders Meeting held at the University of Arkansas in the Bud Walton Arena on Friday, June 4.

I didn’t really know what to expect, but was more than pleasantly surprised! Not only did we get to experience the Walmart culture with numerous store associates and home office employees that included delegates from several different countries, but we also got to hear from many of the company’s leading executives on new initiatives the company is undertaking. We also had some great entertainment! Will Smith was an amazing MC. Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas were incredible live. We had a blast, even if I was completely exhausted from getting up at 3 a.m.!

One More For Jesus!

I got to spend some quality time with my family this weekend in Salem and St. Louis. We had the awesome privilege of celebrating Josiah’s baptism at church on Sunday! What a great reason to celebrate! I’m such a proud aunt! I am truly blessed to have two incredibly handsome, fun, and high-energy nephews who call me Aunt Rachie. (they’re the only people allowed to call me Rachie!) It’s been great having my family closer and getting more time to spend with them.

All You Need Is a Little Trimmin'

I love looking through my old journals. Here’s an entry that had be laughing, but grateful for the lesson it taught me then and reminded me of now.

September 24, 2009

Today has been a great day. I got to get some much needed rest, catch up on Grey’s Anatomy, paint my nails, and get a haircut. As I thought about my haircut today, I dwelled on how much I love the freedom from split ends! Everyone needs a good, refreshing trim from time to time. A good haircut reminded me of John 15 when the Lord discusses the fact that He is the vine and we are the branches. The Lord prunes the branches so that we can continue to be fruitful and bear fruit. “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.” Like a good haircut trims away damage, breakage, split ends, and evens up the whole lot, so God trims us that we might bear fruit to bring Him glory. The world batters and bruises us, causing us to be damaged and broken but the Lord strengthens and refreshes us. Who would have thought that a haircut on an ordinary day could teach me so much!