Red Light Green Light.

I recently came to the conclusion that rushing through life busily working and worrying is just pointless. It's like those little red cars that rev up their engines, vroom vrooooooom.... all loud and obnoxious like they are going somewhere really cool and important. 5 minutes later they are stopped quietly at the RED LIGHT next to you. You think the driver has learned a lesson, but sure enough, when the light turns green they are off again! Racing themselves to the next red light.

In life, we have the same choice... we can drive the speed limit (occasionally a little over). We can take time to observe our surroundings and notice new things along the journey. We can be smart about risks. OR We can cling to our flashy lifestyle and speed past everyone and everything in our way.

For those who choose to throw caution to the wind, remember that in the end you are racing to the same red light... Life has a way of slowing us down involuntarily for a pause here and there. We are all human and our resources are limited. If we constantly push it to the limit and refuse to take breaks, WE. WILL. CRASH!

I will NEVER forget you twenty eleven!

Happy New Year to you friends and family!

It's been a while since I have posted, mainly because God has been opening up windows and pouring out blessings and... I've been busy trying to make room to receive them all. I just have to give Him glory for all of the exciting things that have happened in 2011 and for all the exciting things sure to happen in the new year.

Thanks to AT&T, I have a moment of actual free time... I'm stuck at my office waiting for a repair technician to fix my phone lines. He is scheduled to be here "some time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm." Gee, thanks for being so specific folks! I digress, sometimes it's good to slow down and reflect.

I'm stealing this reflection exercise from my friend, Whitney Newby, who writes for an amazing blog called Elm Street Life. Love the way she pulled memories from each month of the past year. You can read her blog here.

Twenty eleven, I most certainly will never forget you...

january

started my last semester of law school

february

took a pole dancing class with friends at my bachelorette party

enjoyed biscuits and strawberries with cousins Frank & Gwen

march

married my honey and promised (through tears)

to loved him til I breathe my last breath... and I will.

mini-mooned at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel!

april

learned true faith through an unexpected rejection from Teach for America

may

housed the Huntsville "refugees" through a terrible tornado

graduated from Vanderbilt

celebrated mom's retirement surprise party

june

decided to take the bar at the eleventh hour

painted picture frames to welcome my awesome step-babies home for the summer

july

went to the Giles-Jeter family reunion in Savannah, GA

studied day and night...

studied some more...

took the big bad bar exam

august

started work as an immigration law clerk

saw my strong husband face illness and learned to love in sickness and health...

september

watched my old roommate get married at the Symphony Center in Nash (gorgeous)

moved to Memphis, TN by faith

met wonderful people all over the city, especially at the Community Legal Center

october

learned that I passed the bar!

surprised my honey with a belated birthday present that he loved

celebrated Devin's 25th with a girl's weekend in Atlanta

co-photographed a 50th wedding anniversary with my love

november

took yet another exam, the MPRE

quit my job by faith, and decided to hang my own shingle

drove all around the US to be with my step-babies for Thanksgiving

enjoyed the best meal that I've ever had at mom's

picked out (yes) picked-out Mariah's dread locks

december

turned 25! and celebrated with friends and loved ones

passed the MPRE and got sworn in :)

moved-in to my first office space

celebrated a quiet, yet sweet Christmas with new friends

found a church home (por fin!) at Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia

Whew! So blessed... you know, when you look back, it makes you wonder how you could even "fix your mouth" to complain. God has been so good...

God is Good

A king who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all
circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God
does is perfect, no mistakes!

One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king.
His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty
from losing a finger.

Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said
"Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lost my
finger."

The slave replied: "My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good,
and he knows "why" of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is
never wrong!" Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.

Later, he left for another hunt and was captured by savages who made human
sacrifices. In the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the
victim had lost one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, it
was not so complete to be offered to the gods.

Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave that
he received very affectionately. "My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men,
but for lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a question: if God
is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?"

"My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed
for you, because I have no missing finger therefore, remember everything God
does is perfect. He is never wrong."

Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us,
forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.
Every morning, offer your day to God, don't be in a rush.

Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your
feelings. And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!

You know why this message is for you? I do not know, but God knows, because
he never makes mistakes.......

The path of God and his word is perfect, without impurities. He is the way
of all those who trust in Him, as he says in 2 Samuel 22: 31

What you do with this message is up to you. May God put in your heart the
desire to send it to someone. God knows why He chose you to receive this
message. Please bless someone with it. God is never wrong.

Have a blessed day!

Twenty 11

This year has been good to me... God has been good to me.

New things that I LOVE:

1. My new last name, Bellamy.

2. My status as a non-student, working woman!

3. Cozy love nest in Bartlett, TN... definitely smaller in size, but so full of warmth and love.

4. Zebra print chairs for the new law office (thanks mom).

5. Light brown hair color with blonde highlights.

6. Bahama Breeze and Pei Wei - new favorite restaurants.

7. Pinterest.com! Dinners and craft projects have not been the same since...

8. Devotional book called, "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young... always so "on point."

Old things that I miss:

1. Nashville and the praise team at Riverside SDA church.

2. Painting and teaching art classes weekly.

3. The false sense of security that came along with student loan refund checks and "free" meal points.

4. My camera! Like seriously... counting down the days until I can replace it.

5. Cable.

Things I'm glad I left behind:

1. Fear of failure.

Zealous Advocacy?

A stretch. I am all for finding the good in difficult situations, but I'm having a hard time with the scenario described in a NY Times article just released. An 18 year old boy committed suicide leaving behing pages and pages of "goodbys." Because he was an illegal immigrant who would not be able to attend college unless the DREAM act is passed, activists are using his story to demonstrate the pressures on immigrant youth. While I completely agree that the frustration of growing up in this country without legal status is incredible, it rubs me the wrong way that some are using a kid who committed suicide as a "political pawn" to advance the immigrant agenda. Tell me, after reading this article, what do you think? Is it zealous advocacy or just plain exaggeration of the facts?

The Friendship Conundrum

The Bible says that in order to have friends, we must show ourselves friendly. . . Why is it then that many "friendly" people often feel so lonely? Sure, we all have between 500-1,000 friends on FaceBook, but when something is going on and we need to vent or laugh... we are hard pressed for a true friend to call. This predicament seems to worsen as the years go by... Our lives are enriched by spouses and children and careers... all wonderful things! Still, sometimes, I feel the void of simple friendships. The friendships that are not tainted by insecurities and neglect... And herein lies the problem. Do you know the feeling of needing to call on a friend whom you've neglected. Only you can't bring yourself to pick up the phone because you keep thinking... "What will I say? It's been so long..." I do. I've been there. I haven't been very friendly lately, and changing that lazy cycle is one of my personal resolutions.

Since tomorrow is not promised, I'm going to start today by shouting out my BESTEST friends! Ready... set... go!

Honey, you are my number 2! Did you know that I'm in love with you? Even though, most nights I just want to cha ching you ;) Thanks for still being my friend even though I have periods every month and get extremely moody (yes this is a public blog, but 50% of Americans also have periods so its cool... they know what I'm talking about.) Mom, Grandma, and Mellena, you are my number 3s! I love you three girls so much its not even funny. You are my friends just as much as you are my family. World, let me tell you something about these girls. If you are broke, they will beg to be the ones to bail you out. Like... who does that?!? If you are hungry, they will sneak to your house with food because they know if they offer, you will respectfully refuse and just sit there with a growling stomach. Like, really??? Ugh... I have no more words. Jailyn and Candace, thanks for coming to see me tomorrow. I love you girls. You are loyal and slow to judge, generous, fun loving, and uplifting... I really need you in my life. Thank God for Oakwood because it brought us together. Devin Denise Jefferies. You are def one of the best! I have learned a lot from you... like the importance of shopping, hair care, and makeup. Don't mean to make you sound like a barbie doll, but well... lol. Seriously though, you have also been a source of encouragement on the job front. You are a smart and determined woman who is going very far. So proud of you! So happy that you're in my life :) Krystle, you are a selfless little something. You always put others first. When I think of you I feel like I have failed as a friend, but you're always there. You call on birthdays and help at weddings... you expect nothing in return, and you are always there. I promise, if you ever need me, I will be there back. Deanna, love your inspirational style! You are beautiful, talented, and smart, and I'm glad for the period of time where we were thick as thieves. Even though our paths are different now, I will always think of you as a sister. Danielle - girl you know I don't see you enough, but I'm always wishing you well and thinking of you. Stacie - you are my favorite comedian in all of Huntsville, AL. Love your spirit. Love that God put you in my family. Maeling, Fedoria, Toni Ann... you're wonderful inspirations to me. I seriously can't imagine life without being surrounded by such intelligent and ambitious women. I LOVE YOU ALL!

I'm going to end this shout out, assuming that my other friends don't actually read my blog. If you are a friend, and you read my blog, please let me know! I want to shout you out and tell you that I appreciate you! Most of all, I just want to know that you are reading because it's an encouragement as a writer. You can comment or subscribe, or just shoot me a private email (raquel.l.bellamy@gmail.com). If you are a stranger, take advantage of TODAY to tell your friends that you love them.

Now... to put this icing on the cake... the best part of Proverbs 18:24 is the sweet reminder that we have a friend "that sticks closer than a brother." Yes, I'm shouting out my number ONE friend, Jesus!

Snow Day, Slow Day

Ever feel like the weather is running the show? When its 60 degrees and sunny, you are Queen of Productivity! On snow days you find yourself staring out the window wondering why you aren't at home with a cup of hot coco. Today was one of those days...

As a business owner, lazy days directly translate to how much you can spend at the grocery store next month! Sleeping late can become a nasty habit leading to missed marketing opportunities and missed deadlines. Here are a few suggestions for breaking the cycle and maintaining self-discipline in spite of the weather...

1) Designate an official work space. If you have a Type A personality (like me), this is a no-brainer. Whether at "home" or at "work," you've got a desk neatly organized with writing tools, paper, a computer, and all the essentials for productivity. You are prepared to keep trucking even when you're trapped away from the office by a blizzard. For my Type B friends, your alternate workspace is a corner of the couch. Time for a change! The couch will not suffice when all around you, the world whispers "watch a little tv... sip a little joe... take a little nap."

2) Keep important contacts in your cell phone as well as the office Rolodex. Last week I found myself in quite the pickle... I needed to call an important client whose telephone number I had left at the office. No secretary to call... no partner or associate... just me. I had to drive 30 minutes in the rain (and you know I hate driving in the rain). Don't let yourself fall into this trap. More often than not, you will choose to stay at home and call the client later.

3) Have a cup of coffee... or Postum :) My SDA friends know all about Postum, a coffee substitute sold by Kraft Foods. Growing up, I thought coffee was as forbidden as drugs and alcohol. In law school, I had to change my thinking a bit. Sometimes, a little boost from caffeine can really change the game on productivity levels. If you are still not interested in drinking caffeine (which I respect), try snacks high in protein and magnesium like nuts and bananas.

4) Exercise. Instead of taking a nap (RESIST), how about taking a jog? A study presented by the American College of Sports Medicine showed that employees who used their company gym were more productive than other employees. Personally, after working out, I feel empowered to check more things off of my "To Do" list. In the same way, when I take a nap, I oddly feel even sleepier. So again, RESIST.

5) Call a colleague. Remind yourself that the rest of the world is at work, and if you want to be successful, you should be at work too.

Finally, remember the wise words of my dear friend Confucius:

"Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." I couldn't agree more. If you are happy with your career choice, you may actually find yourself itching to get up and go ...even on snow days.

Tortilla Soup

Today was just one of those icky, stay-at-home kinda days. The rain poured for hours... cold fast drops that slapped you in the face one-by-one. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't stay at home. I had to attend a 3 hour class. My drive downtown for the class was awful. You see, I drive a pretty "mature" car. She whines, and shakes, and doesn't de-fog windows in rainstorms! Sigh...It was pretty bad. I ended up hitting a pole in the parking garage *sigh again.*

Anywho, as a reward for enduring the weather (because I like rewarding myself for everything!), I came home and made a delicious tortilla soup! It was so yumolicious that I must share the recipe. Try it one wintery day. I pray your tummy and soul are warmed.

1 can black beans (rinsed)

2 14oz cans chicken broth

2 skinless boneless chicken breast (I secretly used canned chicken, shhh)

A little of this and that (sorry, I stopped measuring):

chopped onion

minced garlic

cumin

chilli powder, taco seasoning,

1 lemon (squeeze juice into the pot)

frozen corn

salsa

fresh cilantro

simmer chicken onion and garlic, throw everything into a pot, stir... Let simmer for 20 minutes.

Crunch some tortilla chips in the bottom of your bowl. Add soup. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and be warm and fuzzy inside.

Twenty. Five.

Ten years ago, the most important thing to me was not important at all. I can't remember one thing that I stressed about, not one. That's why today I celebrated simplicity. I sat still and breathed deeply. I prayed and baked and watched three movies. I did. not. stress.

I'd like to think I'm entering a new era of maturity, of focusing on what matters - the moment.

I started to write a post about my 25 desires for the future... but really, I want only one thing. I want to live in the will of God. God's will is something that I can't control. God's will is something I'll never fully understand. But, as frustrating as that can be, I am so overjoyed to know that no stress is required. I cannot plan a faster route or freak out about the minutia... I don't even know the destination! All I have to do is follow. And, trust that His plan is ALWAYS better than anything I could have come up with on my own.

Stolen wisdom from my Bermudian friend, Sook

The To-Do List Abyss

Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV) "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

Friend To Friend

Many of us check off neatly penciled boxes. Some draw lines through the tasks we've finished. A select few of us even add tasks that we've already completed to our list so that we've got accurate accomplishment records at the end of the day! (Present company included!) Some of us keep track of what we need to do each day in our heads, while others track progress of daily goals electronically.

There are days I fluff up my list. Instead of simply writing, "Do three loads of laundry," I'll create twelve list items to check off that read:

• Wash whites
• Dry whites
• Fold/hang whites
• Put away whites
• Wash colors
• Dry colors
• Fold/hang colors
• Put away colors
• Wash darks
• Dry darks
• Fold/hang darks
• Put away darks

Oh, how I love to check boxes! Why? I want to be a productive woman. I want my work to matter. It's pretty much a daily struggle for me. As an eternal optimist, I wake up anticipating that the seconds, minutes, and hours of each day will bend to cooperate with the demands of my list.

Yeah, right.

I'm such a dreamer. It just never seems to work out that simply or efficiently.

I'm guessing that you are in this daily struggle with me. Right? No matter what it looks like, thinks like, or prints off like, many of us feel overwhelmed by the abyss of a rarely satisfied to-do list. We face constant demands that call to us and vie for our attention. We sift through the essentials and the fire drills, then we go to bed, wake up, and do it all again. The abyss of a to-do list can be so exhausting!

The good news is that we don't need to face our lists alone. God offers to come along side of us daily to provide the strength, perspective, and wisdom we need. He helps us prioritize our days when we turn to Him in prayer. In the Bible, we read of a woman who approached each day with God-power and God-perspective:

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks" (Proverbs 31:17, NIV).

Though this is an impressive statement about her work ethic and though it seems this fictional womandominates her daily to-do list, it's important to consider the source of her strength: God. At the end of the chapter, Scripture shows us that she "...fears the Lord..." (Proverbs 31:30, NIV). Her source of strength is rooted in faith and in her dependence on God. Ours should be, too.

Your list looks different from mine. We all have unique ministries, friendships, jobs, responsibilities, and families. Whether you are in the work force, unemployed, or retired or a stay-at-home mom, a single mom, or an empty nester - a wife, a widow, a single woman, or a divorcee - God can and will give you strength for each day when you prioritize Him and fear Him.

Consider the following verses:

"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Galatians 3:3, NIV).

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV).

God longs to strengthen your arms for the tasks on your to-do list today. Place time with Him as your first priority. Check your God-box. Go to Him now. Pray. Listen. Call on Him for direction, wisdom, renewal, and strength. Strong arms await you, girlfriend!

Let's Pray

God, I was created by You and for You. Please forgive me when I rush into a day without calling on You for my strength. I need you, Lord. Please prioritize my heart and my list today.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Proverbs 31:25-26: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

How closely do you relate to the above verse?

What steps need to be taken in your life to move toward a deeper dependence on God's strength verses your own? Are you willing to go there? Take a moment to talk to God about it.

Open letter on Love and Marriage (with children)...

Today is a new day. We're not teens anymore... the dating scene has new players and many of them have divorces and children under their belts. For some reason, step-parenting is still taboo in the church (time to change... its all around us). Here are a couple pics of my favorite celebrity blended families (shamelessly silly I know):

Russell Simmons and his brood...

Kris Kardashian and her crowd...

Most single woman over 25 have been forced to broaden their views on what constitutes an "eligible bachelor." If you are still in the bunch saying "I'll never date a divorced man or a man with kids'" ...then good luck with that one!

This morning, I got a text message from a friend looking for advice on dating a man with children... She asked SO MANY good questions that I have to share my response with you. I applaud her openness in seeking advice. I encourage you to share this with your friends considering the role of step-motherhood...

Disclaimer: This is definitely a work-in-progress! I'm interested to hear if you agree or disagree with the advice that I shared, so feel free to give feedback...

Dear friend:

To answer your questions -

First Q - how to make it work and get to the point of saying I DO?

I know that God led us together and brought us to the point of saying I DO. Sometimes, with relationships, success comes in NOT planning and simply trusting God's will and just living your life. If He wants you to be in love with your boyfriend and eventually get married, He will make that so plain to you that you have no choice but to follow Him.

Next Q - how to plan quality time?

When we first met, Chris had custody of the kids every other week! This meant that often, I could only hang out with him every other week! I was very anxious about spending time with him. I would even shamefully get a little jealous of the time he had to spend with the kids. But you have to:

1. realize that a father spending time with his kids is invaluable, so appreciate what he is doing and have patience;

2. realize that because you are dating a man with kids, you are going to get LESS QT than you would with a man without kids. If you are really needy, and you love attention like that, then you may want to reconsider. You dont want to come between a father and his children. You can be a blessing to all of them if you have patience and are willing to share your man with his children.

3. realize that in time, if it's Gods will, you will get married and be a family. With patience, you will get to the point where you dont have to share him like that because you will all be spending time together for the most part.

Next Q - how to keep your relationship healthy and spiritually rooted?

Keeping your relationship wholesome can be a challenge. One great quote is "Feed the Spirit, starve the flesh." This means, introduce positive things into your relationship - good music, christian activities, christian couples to hang out with, devotion, spiritual conversation, etc. Starve the flesh means be smart about avoiding compromising situations. This is all very generic advice, but we can talk in person on this one more if you want... Great question!

Next Q - how long to wait before meeting the kids?

I suggest meeting children before you officially start dating. They called me Ms. Raquel (to show respect) and I was introduced as "daddy's friend." This was important for several reasons:

(1) if you are going to date a man with kids, then you are going to also be in a relationship with the kids. You are not simply deciding that you like the man. You must also decide if you like the way he has raised his children, and want to be in their lives...

(2) I made sure that the meeting was interactive and not just a date with me and chris with the kids on the side... We went swimming and played video games (do stuff that they like to do). That initial meeting will often shape the way the children feel about you in the future. Try not monopolize their dad's time. Also, dont try super hard to impress them and be all in their faces... in the future that kind of behavior will set the wrong precedent.

(3) At the end of the afternoon I went home - gotta keep things appropriate to be a good example. One day they may be your step-kids, and you wouldn't want them to stay out late over a new boyfriend or girlfriend's house etc...

There is so much I could say about meeting the kids -

- Be patient. Decide if you want to be in his life seriously before he introduces you as his girlfriend. You dont want the kids to grow up with a warped sense of dating because they saw daddy date every girl on the block....

Next Q: how do you handle Mama Drama?

- we didn't have any AT ALL. This is important. Chris established and set the tone from the very beginning. He has a relationship with his children that is familial and loving and interactive and permanent. He has a relationship with their mother that is cordial and respectful, temporary (until the kids are 18) and has boundaries (no midnight calling/texting/screaming/fighting/foolishness). Its important that he convey this to the mother of his children because the way that he treats her will dictate the way that she treats you. When I first met the kid's mom, we hugged and chatted a little.... of course it was awkward. BUT there was no disrespect or drama, and that's the important part.

Last Q - how did you come to terms with dating a man with 3 kids

EG White writes about how step children are a blessing to wives. It's pretty deep. If you want to read it, I will share my copy of Adventist Home with you. Honestly, it took a LONG TIME to realize that the children were my blessing. I kept a lot of the doubt and confusion to myself (important... Telling all your friends and family if you're embarrassed or ashamed can hurt your relationship. It is sacred, so talk to each other. Its ok to share feelings with a trusted friend... but in the future, when you have come to terms with it, you dont want the whole community to look at you thinking about the negative feelings that you used to have).

I learned with time to present the kids to people positively because they are my blessing. When I introduced the kids to my extended family, they got a warm welcome because my family felt that I warmly welcomed them into my heart. If you marry this man, you will be their mommy too. You have to protect them from embarrassment and hurt... that's your job. So, practice being strong and not ashamed. Love and family is not at all about natural born children v. children inherited by marriage... It's about love and family, period. Family is what you make it.

Hope that helps a little. Call me anytime you just need to talk... I know what you're going through.

Raquel

By God's Grace...

I graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School.

I got an internship at the Federal Public Defender's Office to begin in September.

I am officially registered for BARBRI and taking the TN Bar.

I have been studying all day every day since my decision 48 hours ago!

I am thrilled to watch as God unfolds His plan for my life.

I have not lost my faith... and that is all folks! I'll be back to blogging (hopefully) in August!

Just a few more miles...

Today at noon I plan to hit "SEND" on my last email to a professor (as their student).... My LAST project for a grade and not a check!

Whew! ...It's quite overwhelming, and joyous, and exciting... and depressing. Why today of all days am I so discouraged? Sigh.

I have just a few more miles to the finish line, and that should make me happy. Instead I am overcome by the fear of what's on the other side of the line. No job... Sallie Mae... and another signed lease for an apartment in Nashville (a city that I'm ready to leave).

I'm sharing this because in spite of it all I'm hopeful and confident in my God, my husband (thank you Lord for Christopher), and myself. Someone reading this may be going through the same thing... Remember that God will never leave you nor forsake you, even when your friends and family aren't understanding or supportive. Remember that God's plan is greater than any plan that you could conjure on your own. Remember that He won't put more on you than you can bear, and that your bread and water will be sure. These verses never get old to me, because God's the same yesterday today and forever. He brought you this far... keep on striving until you reach your goal.

Trying to be a better servant.

Yesterday, my husband and I prayed for the Lord to reveal avenues for us to be servants. God desires that we love Him with all our hearts, AND serve Him with our whole lives. We've got the loving part down no doubt... but... honestly, there is room for improvement when it comes to service. Today's devotional (sent by my friend Brandon Rose) gave the perfect [simple] way to be a better servant - reading the word, living the word, and speaking openly about Scripture in conversation. Next time you are conversing with someone who needs encouragement, share Christ by sharing scriptures that encourage you. The Holy Spirit, through your words, will do the rest.

Read the full devotional below:

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV) ¹⁸Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

The Jews took this quite literally. Even today at the Western Wall you can see them fix the Scripture Boxes (phylacteries) to their foreheads and wrap their arms. Almost every home has a Scripture container on the doorframe.

There was a time in the USA when people included portions of Scripture in their daily conversation. The Bible was read daily by many, and many of our old expressions come from Scripture. That trend has all but died out. We rarely speak in the expressions of the Bible, and are even mocked when we quote Scripture. That shouldn't bother us though. The word of God is powerful and living and will accomplish God's purposes. If we speak the Scripture that God lays on our heart during a conversation, it will surely do its work.

For the Holy Spirit to bring it to memory, we should be reading it DAILY. We should be taking unhurried time to dwell on a passage. We should be memorizing it. Then it can be brought to our minds to be effective for us and for those with whom we communicate.

We have a duty to model this for our children, and teach them to do the same. The passage here is a good pointer for morning and evening devotions. The word should start AND end our day. It should also be a topic during the day.

Consider: How far are you from God's request? What will you do to change th

It's a New Day and God is Still Good...

Well, Teach for America says that I'm [not a good fit].

I'm reminded that God's plan for my life is greater, far greater than any plan I come up with.

Yesterday, it rained and stormed... I received bad news and was discouraged.... today the sun is shining and I'm inspired by my new-found freedom to explore opportunities. God is still good...

Taking pictures

Check me and my hubby!

RaChImages.blogspot.com

On working in a Corporate Law Firm:

"Not for me. Breaking my life into 6 minute increments is the biggest waste of my life."

~ a classmate.

Change.

Once upon a time we talked to friends on telephones...

Now we blog to the universe. If we're lucky, our friends may read and reply.

Once upon a time, through a letter... a conversation over tea... a slumber party.... we unfolded our feelings.

Now we tweet every passing thought... to the universe.

We used to celebrate great acting on television. Lucille Ball.

We now celebrate reality, as if a trip to the convenience store is news worthy. Kim Kardashian.

OMG and LOL are in the dictionary.

Sometimes I really think I miss the old days... but I'm into Keeping up with the kardashians and blogspot.com. I Facebook and one day I may tweet... I say OMG at least 10 times a day, and I text much more than I call.

I suppose tonight I'm just feeling the growing pains of CHANGE.

God Restores, Let Him

I used to think that people who sat in church and scribbled notes furiously were either 1) bored and trying to stay awake, 2) showy and trying to impress their neighbors with their display of righteousness, or 3) just dramatic... you know the shout-hallelujah-hop-all-around-the-sanctuary-waving-their-hand-and-screaming types... Wow! Praise God for spiritual growth and maturity. I was that person this Sabbath - notebook in hand, hand involuntarily lifted and uttering the occasional hallelujah and amen. The sermon was on point, and the pastor referenced a passage that we'd meditated on just a few days before...

Hebrews 11 - GOD's Faith Hall of Fame. If you haven't yet been introduced - its awesome! The writer goes through a list of heavy hitters who did illogical things based on faith and were rewarded... I mean, things that make you seem silly for doubting God and hesitating to keep the simple commands that we struggle with today. My favorite part of that passage comes in verse 32, when the writer basically says

What more can I say? I don't even have time to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson.... and the list goes on!

If you are struggling to believe, just try it and be encouraged.

I digress... This Sabbath, my blessing came from the sweet reminder that God restores.This means that if you've been broken (hurt, embarrassed, injured, abandoned), if you've ever yielded to sinful temptation, if you've ever drifted away from your relationship with the Lord... its ok. He wants to restore the joy and peace in your life. His yolk is easy and His burden is light. But here's the thing - we have to let Him. Did you know that we have the power to block our own blessing? Let Him change your life from sad to glad again. Its awesome.

A Good Time

... is often as simple as driving the extra mile to Publix even though you'll pass Kroger and Walmart on the way. I did that last Friday, and was so inspired by the clean floors and pleasant smiles that I bought things I never would have considered in another grocery store. Things like strawberries and peach preserves. I bought Pillsbury flaky croissant rolls and almond paste. Sometimes, all you need to have a good time, is to slow down in the middle of the grocery store and google a new recipe on your cell phone. I did that during my Publix trip... and later that night I came up with this!!!!

Dessert pizza! (actually pretty tasty)

Of course I also had to grab out-of-the norm toppings for the dinner pizza as well... Tried turkey pepperoni for the first time (thanks to Chris) and it was delish!

This is my boo, doing his thug thizzle in the kitchen with the pizza dough!

notice that his half (L) has meat and cheese while mine (R) has more refined ingredients like spinach and feta....

Our generous hosts and great friends!

It certainly pays to be easy to please! For me, that extra mile and a few fruits and veggies just made my night!