tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41857456068572530942011-08-19T11:21:29.494-07:00rachel's written ruminationsrachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-67351159001377695612011-03-18T16:19:00.000-07:002011-03-18T16:23:05.787-07:00...the church is to be different. to have a distinct smell, an unmistakeable flavor, and a love and conviction that dance perfectly together.<br /><br />please share your personal thoughts... i would love to hear each and every perspective...<br /><br />learning,<br /><br />rachel<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-6735115900137769561?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-41269279119168298662011-03-10T14:27:00.000-08:002011-03-10T14:37:55.531-08:00"We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God." Lewis<br /><br />so many times, the thought of hiding under a rock seems like a reasonable choice. the rocks seem to take on different characteristics and appearances than the ordinary hard, grey stone. whatever my "rocks" are, he can see me. to be known by his gentle pursuit and kindness makes me want to behold him, face to face.<br /><br />pulling back the stones,<br /><br />r.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-4126927911916829866?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-27097460991008382072010-10-04T16:30:00.000-07:002010-10-05T22:06:26.609-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TKpwgnyrszI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Kn1IphOpL1s/s1600/new-years-resolutions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TKpwgnyrszI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Kn1IphOpL1s/s320/new-years-resolutions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524351598663021362" /></a><br />New Years. Now, some may cringe at my mentioning it's arrival, but let's face it - there are only 87 days, 0 hours, 21 minutes and 30 seconds until we all make our famous resolutions. Some more lasting than others... ;)<br /><br />If you are looking for some to add to your list, here are the most popular, "top ten":<br /><br />1. Spend more time with family and friends<br />2. Fit in Fitness<br />3. Tame the Bulge<br />4. Quit Smoking<br />5. Enjoy life more<br />6. Quit drinking<br />7. Get out of Debt<br />8. Learn Something New<br />9. Help Others<br />10. Get Organized<br /><br />Now, your list may look a bit different from the worlds Top Ten list. Maybe a bit more creative, abstract, lofty or simple. None the less, it is still a list no matter how complex they are.. Checking things off lists is a VERY desirable thing, wouldn't you agree? Well, perhaps it's a secret pleasure of mine. I have digressed just an itty bit...<br /><br />Okay, so here is my question (stemming from personal experience). What makes us think we will actually follow through with our goals after never having practiced them before?! Quitting a bad habit cold turkey. Hmm, not the most easiest thing in the world.<br /><br />Why not begin now - who want's to wait 87 days before they get to enjoy their life, or before they see their family and friends on a regular basis, or before they get to fit into their old favorite pair of jeans? Tomorrow is never promised, but new beginnings are!<br /><br />To bring in the season right, let's prepare (practice) our resolutions we hope to carry out...<br /><br />enjoying new beginnings,<br /><br />me<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-2709746099100838207?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-59964693058548835352010-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:002010-09-30T00:28:46.697-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TKQ72jC0x7I/AAAAAAAAAIM/KUy14D69LRQ/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TKQ72jC0x7I/AAAAAAAAAIM/KUy14D69LRQ/s200/images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522604851369134002" /></a><br />being a human, i am completely susceptible to imperfection. in fact, this disease of The Self runs so deep within me that at times i wonder how, on God's lovely green earth, i am still in his grace, never to be lost.<div><br /></div><div>also, being a human means i have the need to communicate. to feel, and to love through words is one of the many things that sets us apart from any other life on this planet.</div><div><br /></div><div>i have been acutely aware, these past few months, of the power of words. it's ALL about timing, tone, context, pace, and facial expression, right? hmmm, i think their may be a bit more to this.</div><div><br /></div><div>what motivates you to encourage through words? in what attitude do you ask questions? are you inspiring others to live fully? are you secure enough in who you are to lift others up?</div><div><br /></div><div>i want to...</div><div><br /></div><div>know who i am. speak confidently. have conviction. love well.</div><div><br /></div><div>here is an interesting video on the Power of Words.</div><div><br /></div><div>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2hWcZlrEss&amp;feature=channel</div><div><br /></div><div>speaking slowly,</div><div><br /></div><div>rach</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-5996469305854883535?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-63987208298132909372010-09-24T22:42:00.000-07:002010-09-24T22:57:19.911-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TJ2MLl1nLzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/gQ-4CjVx_Os/s1600/on-the-move.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/TJ2MLl1nLzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/gQ-4CjVx_Os/s200/on-the-move.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520722848989523762" /></a><br />just imagine if this sign was found on the front door of your church.<div>imagine if this sunday, you went to church, only to find that it was an empty building? not just any building, but one with beautiful stain glass windows on each wall, a gorgeous grand piano with worn in ivories, and enough pews to house the down town area, and then some!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>i have been challenged, more than anything else this year, to major on the fact that the church is not A building. the Church is a group made up of a bunch of imperfect people, who love imperfectly, worship with one eye open, remain alone in their thoughts and insecurities, but are loved, perfectly, beyond imagination by the God of this world. the Creator himself.</div><div><br /></div><div>let's MOVE! i am not saying, ditch your church! i am saying, let's love one another as Christ loves his people... his church. let's move on from our own insecurities, pretenses and facades. let's move in to all that Christ's blood was shed for. Serve our communities through love and compassion. laugh with those who laugh. morn with those who morn. rejoice with those who REJOICE!</div><div><br /></div><div>we are IMPERFECT but are loved PERFECTLY.</div><div><br /></div><div>what does a "church on the move" look like to you? </div><div><br /></div><div>thoughts?</div><div><br /></div><div>digging deep,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-6398720829813290937?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-72574832170415037432010-09-21T22:56:00.000-07:002010-09-21T23:05:59.615-07:00<div>all too often i forget how much i am wanted. how deeply i am loved, and how i have been made clean. i love this hymn. it has served as a reminder today of how i have been set free, and i no longer need to slap on the chains that have been broken. i hope that we all remember, daily, how much our freedom costed the Father, and how he desires us to live fully, being affected by his grace.</div><div><br /></div>come ye sinners lost and lonely<div>Jesus' blood can make you free</div><div>for He saved the worst among you</div><div>when He saved a wretch like me</div><div><br /></div><div>and i know, yes i know</div><div>Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean</div><div>and i know, yes i know</div><div>Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean</div><div><br /></div><div>to the faint He giveth power</div><div>through the mountains makes a way</div><div>findeth water in the desert</div><div>turns the night to golden day</div><div><br /></div><div>and i know, yes i know</div><div>Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean</div><div>and i know, yes i know</div><div>Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean</div><div><br /></div><div>in temptation He is near thee</div><div>holds the powers of Hell at bay</div><div>guides you to the path of safety</div><div>gives you grace for every day</div><div><br /></div><div>and i know, yes i know</div><div>Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean</div><div>it's the blood of Jesus</div><div>oh, the blood of Jesus</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-7257483217041503743?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-54759081960650717432010-02-12T11:37:00.000-08:002010-02-12T11:45:41.047-08:00i have not really been doing a great job of updating my blog, not that i have many insightful things to share. BUT, i did come across this hymn that i believe is so fitting for this season we are rapidly approaching. Just wanted to share it ;)<div><div><br /></div><div>Lay aside your passing pleasures</div><div>look beyond what cannot last.</div><div>Shallow hopes are mere distractions.</div><div>Earthly comforts soon are past.</div><div>See in Christ a grand horizon.</div><div>Find a life more rich and vast</div><div><br /></div><div>Raise your eyes and see the Savior, </div><div>feel His love, and hear His call.</div><div>follow Him in self-denial.</div><div>Find your Father all in all.</div><div>Take the cross, accept the suffering. </div><div>Soon the cost will seem so small.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gladly trade your crumbling treasure.</div><div>Gain the pearl of greatest price.</div><div>Life is more than pain and pleasure.</div><div>Life in Him is true delight.</div><div>Find your freedom,</div><div>find your glory,</div><div>find yourself in Jesus Christ</div><div><br /></div><div>Ken Bible</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-5475908196065071743?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-65425558296745740162010-01-11T15:47:00.000-08:002010-01-11T16:12:40.874-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/S0u-XUgxILI/AAAAAAAAAH0/E4Z8tsZ0Z1A/s1600-h/apples+to+oranges.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/S0u-XUgxILI/AAAAAAAAAH0/E4Z8tsZ0Z1A/s200/apples+to+oranges.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425639483950309554" /></a><br /><b>f</b><b>ruit</b>: <i>noun</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>1. the sweet and fleshy <i>product of a tree</i> or other plant that <i>contains seed</i> and can be eaten as food.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>fruit</b>: <i>noun</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>synonyms</i>: reward, benefit, profit, product, return, yield, legacy, issue; result, outcome, upshot, consequence, effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>"But the<b> <i>f</i></b><b><i>ruit</i></b> of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Gal. 5:22</div><div><br /></div><div>"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. <b>By their fruit you will recognize them</b>. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree ears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <b>Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them</b>." Matt. 7: 15-20</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-6542555829674574016?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-32321337159757315192009-11-28T14:01:00.000-08:002009-11-28T14:16:43.241-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SxGeV7EeucI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6S2_FXeaKsE/s1600/DSC00668.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SxGeV7EeucI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6S2_FXeaKsE/s200/DSC00668.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409278726919600578" /></a>this is michelle - a precious friend of mine for years and years. having her here has been SENSTIONAL! she just came to hang out, putz around with me, live life and be an encouragement as she always has been. <div><br /></div><div>there is just something about being in two's. </div><div><br /></div><div>i am extremely grateful for her friendship, truth and laughter . . . =)</div><div><br /></div><div>thankful for each friend,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-3232133715975731519?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-30243607273850433082009-11-26T03:47:00.000-08:002009-11-26T12:09:03.404-08:00<div>thankful for the BIG and small things:</div><div><br /></div><div>grace, family, love, friends, music, books, mom's unbeatable care packages, fruit, conversation, proverbs, walking, french press coffee, dad's integrity, friend's parents that act as my own, encouragement, friday morning "celebration breakfasts", skype, letters, email, lcc, cod, reason, emotions, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, quiet moments, adventures, the history channel, catch phrase with people from all over the globe, mountains, sweedish fish, silver lady tea, travel, prayer, michelle a. being here for thanksgiving in klaipeda, making plans (a new leaf turned over) the body of Christ, vitamin d, facebook video messages from sarah j (the 4 and 5 part ones...), banana bread with choc chips, 348 #8, laughter, better yet - laughing with Kris! a good story, trials, national geographic, writing, running . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>life is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>God is good!</div><div><br /></div><div>"whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. it is the Lord Christ you are serving."<br /></div>Colossians 2:23-24<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-3024360727385043308?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-51152845482275541522009-11-22T14:46:00.000-08:002009-11-22T15:07:24.204-08:00<div><br /></div>"Each day as I spend time in His presence, let this thought be with me: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Christ is all</span>."<div> </div><div>"I pray for grace to live completely for God, whether in sharing with unbelievers or serving His people."</div><div><br /></div><div><div>"Sometimes prayer changes me more than the circumstances." </div><div><br /></div><div>- Andrew Murray</div><div><br /></div><div><div>May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. </div><div>Psalm 19:14</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-5115284548227554152?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-31596202688366613012009-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:47:32.498-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"when a passenger of the foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. trumpet at him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage, then tootle him with vigor."</span></span><div><br /></div><div>this sign can be found in tokyo as a warning to motorists.</div><div><br /></div><div>i can't tell you how many times i have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">obstacled a passage </span>being a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">passenger of the foot, heaving in sight</span> - but i have yet to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">trumpeted at melodiously</span>, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">tootled at with vigor</span>. our english language really can be quite entertaining as it is used EVERYWHERE around the world! </div><div><br /></div><div>i am diving in to the book <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way. </span>it's pretty entertaining, although i wonder how true everything is! it was pretty much the source of SO much laughter tonight!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SwG5-o3XpxI/AAAAAAAAAHg/AZ-U0pu-Eo8/s1600/mothertongue.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SwG5-o3XpxI/AAAAAAAAAHg/AZ-U0pu-Eo8/s320/mothertongue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404805513593988882" style="cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>i love our language. i would totally recommend this book.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">tootling with vigor</span>,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-3159620268836661301?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-10376248681470284182009-11-12T00:53:00.000-08:002009-11-12T01:00:21.055-08:00"we are not the healers, we are not the reconcilers, we are not the givers of life. we are sinful, broken, vulnerable people who need as much care as anyone we care for. the mystery of ministry is that we have been chosen to make our own limited and very conditional love the gateway for the unlimited and unconditional love of God"  - henry nouwen, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in the name of Jesus</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-1037624868147028418?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-71542222627986593242009-11-07T13:38:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:55:09.084-08:00"in order to bear this pain, we must harden our hearts."<div><br /></div><div>these were the words of a father who, after 2 years of waiting and wondering, learned about the fate of his 15 year old daughter. it was something you would never wish on anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>his wife mourned as if her death was as fresh and new as this morning. he, on the other hand, had a different coping strategy to deal with this "heavy heart feeling" he was experiencing. </div><div><br /></div><div>their daughters suffering was at the hands of the maoist army in india, and their story was shared through a documentary film i, along with several others, watched this evening. </div><div><br /></div><div>the fathers words really had the same affect as a swift kick to the gut may have. i had several different thoughts as he made his last attempt to "encourage" his wife...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">"in order to bear this pain, we must harden our hearts."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>i'm curious as to what <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">your</span></span> thoughts are of this statement? now, this will require you to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-7154222262798659324?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-30461793181995112382009-10-18T09:55:00.000-07:002009-10-18T09:57:13.985-07:00yes please!<div><br /></div><div>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr8p8DHXHfw&amp;feature=channel<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>anything by this guy is fabulous! please listen - you can get him on youtube doing MANY other things as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>check it out</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-3046179318199511238?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-63676530396624132452009-10-15T12:35:00.000-07:002009-10-15T13:40:12.764-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteD-WChsBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8cK8W0SH_-Y/s1600-h/DSC00603.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteD-WChsBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8cK8W0SH_-Y/s200/DSC00603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392924185890762770" /></a><div>wow! my thoughts are everywhere at this moment as i take time to reflect on this evenings happenings. what a rush! my amazing team of student leaders took on 50 high school students for an evening of culture, dialogue, discovering how BIG our world actually is, and sharing stories of shattered stereotypes. what a delight it was for me to see these students come to a new university, speak in english for three hours, and establish new relationships with them - truly, i cannot possibly go to sleep now! they are bright young individuals that really asked some challenging questions about culture, bias, race, racism, prejudice, world view, how bias affects our world view, etc. <br /></div><div>this evening was the first session that kicks off a series of 5 total sessions with a celebration to finish! with a few minor bumps along the way, the students managed to express an eagerness to return next week for our second session where we will be watching a movie and discussing, in detail, the choices of the characters in the movie and how it affected those around them. </div><div>during our sessions, there are "small group" times that include 30 minute discussions facilitated by the LCC student leaders (agate, erik, irina, valeria and aina). i observed some great things this evening: teamwork, encouragement, critical thinking, thoughtful question asking, active listening, and a peaked interest in high school students as they grappled with the idea of world view. the students from LCC did a fantastic job - i could not be more proud!!</div><div>please pray that as the high schoolers continue to come on to our campus and engage in these conversations, our world view shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ would leak out!</div><div>Jesus lived a radical life here on earth, and he calls these students to "come and see" (john 1:39)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Std57tkl9RI/AAAAAAAAAGA/sbJ-iyD37YI/s1600-h/DSC00598.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Std57tkl9RI/AAAAAAAAAGA/sbJ-iyD37YI/s320/DSC00598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392913145551779090" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteB_axo-JI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/7rm3yQggwsI/s1600-h/DSC00602.jpg"> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteB_axo-JI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/7rm3yQggwsI/s320/DSC00602.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392922005318727826" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div>preparing for our first CMAP event! (Community Multicultural Awareness Program)<div><div>on most days, i try to be serious. this was not one of those days.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHLWYs8MI/AAAAAAAAAG4/95gqvWJj9yI/s1600-h/DSC00608.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHLWYs8MI/AAAAAAAAAG4/95gqvWJj9yI/s320/DSC00608.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392927707856957634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHdNFYzuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/qgqhMCdJJbc/s1600-h/DSC00609.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHdNFYzuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/qgqhMCdJJbc/s320/DSC00609.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392928014597672674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHxivK3xI/AAAAAAAAAHI/5BeWrrxHuEw/s1600-h/DSC00607.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteHxivK3xI/AAAAAAAAAHI/5BeWrrxHuEw/s320/DSC00607.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392928364007448338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " />     </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteIHh4gmgI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/d6Jdh5n91cU/s1600-h/DSC00604.jpg"> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SteIHh4gmgI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/d6Jdh5n91cU/s320/DSC00604.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392928741735307778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>having WAY too much fun,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-6367653039662413245?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-48773186782397833922009-10-12T12:34:00.000-07:002009-10-12T13:23:15.725-07:00<div><br /></div><div>(click on the link below, it will take you right there)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dlg5yBywo&amp;feature=email"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Shane and Shane: Before The Throne (with Bethany Dillon)</span></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously, check it out. It's great to just listen to the words being sung. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy it.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">from one pardoned sinner to another,</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-4877318678239783392?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-859702901236748602009-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:002009-10-11T13:56:51.726-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/StJFbgUuX7I/AAAAAAAAAF4/hBjAGzVz540/s1600-h/DSC00560.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/StJFbgUuX7I/AAAAAAAAAF4/hBjAGzVz540/s320/DSC00560.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391448042751549362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> before the throne</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">before the throne of God above</div><div style="text-align: center;">i have a strong and perfect plea</div><div style="text-align: center;">a great high Priest who's name is Love</div><div style="text-align: center;">who ever lives and pleads for me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">my name is graven on His hand</div><div style="text-align: center;">my name is written on His heart</div><div style="text-align: center;">i know that while in heaven He stands</div><div style="text-align: center;">no toungue can bid me thence depart</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">when satan tempts me to despair</div><div style="text-align: center;">and tells me of the guilt within </div><div style="text-align: center;">upward i look and see Him there</div><div style="text-align: center;">who made an end of all my sin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">because a sinless Savior died</div><div style="text-align: center;">my sinful soul is counted free</div><div style="text-align: center;">for God the just is satisfied </div><div style="text-align: center;">to look on Him and pardon me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">hallelujah, hallelujah!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">praise the One Risen Son of God</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">behold Him there, the risen Lamb</div><div style="text-align: center;">my perfect spotless righteousness</div><div style="text-align: center;">the great unchangeable I AM</div><div style="text-align: center;">the King of Glory and of grace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">one in Himself, i cannot die</div><div style="text-align: center;">my soul is purchased by His blood</div><div style="text-align: center;">my life is hid with Christ on high</div><div style="text-align: center;">with Christ my Savior and my God</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">hallelujah, hallelujah!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">praise the One Risen Son of God</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-85970290123674860?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-32288523340916587222009-08-30T12:27:00.000-07:002009-08-30T13:13:50.856-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXuaut6hI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/6bKlMbPX-G8/s1600-h/DSC00512.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXuaut6hI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/6bKlMbPX-G8/s320/DSC00512.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375846297669331474" /></a><div><br /></div><div>a few new and friendly faces - cate (left) and aina (right). i adore both!</div><div>we were keeping a warm distance from the freezing baltic sea!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXt-Vji9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/6qug01LQyxY/s1600-h/DSC00498.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXt-Vji9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/6qug01LQyxY/s320/DSC00498.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375846290047601618" /></a><div><br /></div><div>nearing down-town close to my flat. it's truly a lovely town!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXtuOuLyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/aOahdyeKtms/s1600-h/DSC00472.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXtuOuLyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/aOahdyeKtms/s320/DSC00472.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375846285723971362" /></a><div><br /></div><div>the streets here in klaipeda down town shut down completely so that these events such as singing groups and afternoon strolls can take place. no interruptions!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXsw-8XtI/AAAAAAAAAE4/5zeorUlz0Mc/s1600-h/DSC00475.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXsw-8XtI/AAAAAAAAAE4/5zeorUlz0Mc/s320/DSC00475.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375846269283229394" /></a><div><br /></div><div>these women were just too cute to pass up! their friends on the left were street performers!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXsX6PRTI/AAAAAAAAAEw/zpUHYJaZlLc/s1600-h/DSC00506.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprXsX6PRTI/AAAAAAAAAEw/zpUHYJaZlLc/s320/DSC00506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375846262552610098" /></a><div><br /></div><div>"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." </div><div>psalm 32:8</div><div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SprVYLZK8tI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Jcus4eyIdIY/s320/DSC00501.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375843716572050130" /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"for as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ" - 1 corinthians 12:12<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>our church i have been attending had 4 baptisms in the baltic. so great! SO cold!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*hope for the tired heart and mind:</div><div><br /></div><div>"the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."</div><div>- isaiah 58:11</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-3228852334091658722?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-81333413837276088362009-08-16T14:45:00.001-07:002009-08-16T14:49:59.255-07:00. . . with sarah.<br /><br />do you think we look swedish? i think we could pass - at least we fooled our tour guide into thinking we were! joining random tours is some serious entertainment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Soh-dtGgPtI/AAAAAAAAADw/t3I1qNYIg7Q/s1600-h/DSC00423.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Soh-dtGgPtI/AAAAAAAAADw/t3I1qNYIg7Q/s320/DSC00423.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370681604427497170" /></a><br /> <br /><br />try it sometime!<br /><br />your swedish blend,<br /><br />rachel<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8133341383727608836?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-28314700803513807152009-08-14T14:45:00.000-07:002009-08-14T16:16:29.834-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoXfK5WBxuI/AAAAAAAAADA/45tewfgXHVg/s1600-h/RAIN.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoXfK5WBxuI/AAAAAAAAADA/45tewfgXHVg/s200/RAIN.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369943508994082530" /></a><br />. . . through and through!<div><br /></div><div>i am such a kill joy when i am wet. this, a truth that i have fought against for all of my 24 years of life. just a moment ago, i walked in from a "surprise" thunder/lightening storm. as we started out on what we thought to be a late night, semi-cold  evening stroll, a dear neighboring friend reminded me  in the midst of what was now the slanted, freezing sheets of torrential down poor, that "some of the greatest adventures are miserable in the moment -and they make the best stories!!" at that very moment in time, i think i simply squatted down, placed my hands around my soaked-linen-pant-plastered-legs, and covered myself like a dome with my umbrella. cold and grumpy - there was nothing left to do but laugh! i couldn't help but think of what others must have thought when passing by in their nice warm cars! </div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 161px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoXr0KqoRpI/AAAAAAAAADI/2xRkBZmHET4/s200/RAIN2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369957412158064274" /></div><div><br /></div><div>now, as i think about what may have been the better shoe/pant choice for the stormy night, these yellow babies crept in to my mind . . . they will be my very first, and may i say, VERY necessary shoe purchase over here =)</div><div><br /></div><div>the evening ended with three very cold, three very wet, and one grumpy girl (myself), stumbling into their separate flats where they were left to their own individual creative variations of getting dry . . . i have to say, mine proved to be quite warming and relaxing when paired with a nice cup of HOT tea.         </div><div>                                                                                                                      </div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoXt9ScB0GI/AAAAAAAAADY/Ry-jeNQqFNk/s320/DSC00388.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369959767886385250" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /> <br /></div><div> </div><div>to a night full of good company and dry clothes, CHEERS!</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-2831470080351380715?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-43474527224967343962009-08-10T14:26:00.000-07:002009-08-10T14:59:55.384-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoCTunz3kEI/AAAAAAAAACw/UZVLc5HhgKY/s1600-h/DSC00335.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SoCTunz3kEI/AAAAAAAAACw/UZVLc5HhgKY/s200/DSC00335.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368453184995430466" /></a><br />. . . i'm diving in!<div><br /></div><div>labas! (hello in lithuanian) what an amazing, fast paced, exciting past few days it has been here in klaipeda, lithuania! i apologize that i am now just blogging, but it really is the first chance i have had to sit, reflect and assemble my thoughts. by nature, my thoughts have always been scattered every which way, so you can imagine!</div><div><br /></div><div>first, i just have to thank you all for your many prayers for me this past week and the time leading up to my departure to this beautiful country! God has truly used each of you in my life, each in a unique way. i am truly grateful for you!</div><div><br /></div><div>second, thanks to all of you who prayed for my luggage bag #2 to arrive - it came in safely yesterday! serves me right for packing 30 lbs extra! honestly, i probably will do it again someday. wearing the same pants for a couple days was well worth the books, peanut butter and SHOES! ridiculous, i know, but a girls gotta have some flare! =)</div><div><br /></div><div>this first photo (top left) is a picture of Lithuania Christian College, the university where I will be working here in lithuania. a fellow staff member took me and my co-worker sarah (SUCH a fabulous girl!) on a secret tour of the new dormitory built just a few years back. im standing on the tip top of the roof, taking the photo of the backside of LCC. Those buildings in the background are more of the city, klaipeda. so, you may be wondering, "how the heck do i say this word, klaipeda!" here you go - kli-peh-duh. hope that helps!</div><div><br /></div><div>my mind has been firing non stop these past few days! i have been so fortunate to be meeting the people that i have been meeting. they are truly a group of passionate people, varying in age! i love it! this week is our staff orientation, and thursday we are continuing our VERY vigorous and strenuous meeting doing nothing other than . . . a canoe and KAYAK trip!! i am looking forward to this with much anticipation! more pictures to come. a great way for us to see each other at our best? i sure hope so . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>loving this adventure,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-4347452722496734396?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-82967124927514735372009-08-05T05:29:00.000-07:002009-08-05T06:05:18.048-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Snl8PvFy8pI/AAAAAAAAACg/ziuPsTyaB_E/s1600-h/book+stack.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Snl8PvFy8pI/AAAAAAAAACg/ziuPsTyaB_E/s200/book+stack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366457040769315474" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;"><div style="margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; font: normal normal normal small/normal arial; ">. . . in Chicago! =)<div><br /></div><div>Well, with the whole day to look forward to here in this lovely O'Hare airport, I brainstorm what possibilities await beyond this cafe carmelito . . . hmmm, this could be good! Ha! If you have any fun ideas, you just feel free to let me know ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily, I can purchase internet access for 6 bucks for 24 hrs . . . wohoo!!! Keeps me entertained, along with this fatty book, les Miserables. Kris, have you read this book? I can't remember if you have read it. Let me know what you think if you have. It's HUGE and I need encouragement to get through this sucker =)</div><div><br /></div><div>Already, God has opened opportunities to share about Himself - He's awesome! Honestly, I hadn't been in LAX for more than 45 mins (checking in) that I had a chance to give away my Mere Christianity book as well as one by Henry Nouwen. It was such a fun conversation! I plopped down in an open row of seats, and not 5 mins later, a father and son sat directly across, facing me. His name is Joe and his son's, Matt. Matt is about to enter his first year of college in the fall, pursuing an Engineering degree - a real bright kid to be sure! Pretty reserved, but talkative none the less. They noticed that I was trying to awkwardly stuff my HUGE Narnia book into my backpack, and it caught their attention. Matt had read it years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Here is the cool thing - because my baggage was 30 lbs over the allowed weight (woops!! hehe), I had to take all my books out and carry them on in a bag. SO, with that being said, I had all of them with me. I asked Matt if he enjoyed C.S Lewis, and he just lit up! "YES!" was his answer. So, quickly taking him at his word, I whipped out Mere Christianity and asked if he had heard about it. It was hilarious, because he began letting me know that he was just talking with his friend about wanting to read it, but not having it on hand. He said that he appreciates "well thought out, deep and meaningful authors that don't mince words." It was actually pretty evident that there was a depth of spiritual hunger in his voice. It was an exciting thing to watch him take it and begin reading at once!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please pray for Matt. Pray that as he reads Lewis' thoughts on Christianity, his hunger would deepen, only to ultimately be satisfied by Christ himself!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, to all my under- packing friends out there that give me grief . . . wohoo!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>enjoying all 30 lbs of book and peanut butter,</div><div><br /></div><div>Rachel<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Snl8o7p4zGI/AAAAAAAAACo/mTX4ysQ-1a4/s200/peanutbutter_skippy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366457473638648930" /></div><div><br /></div></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8296712492751473537?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-87702504220921264492009-07-28T23:19:00.000-07:002009-07-29T00:18:17.086-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Sm_qrDfJAzI/AAAAAAAAACY/gKdPcATDk3w/s1600-h/lithy+picture.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Sm_qrDfJAzI/AAAAAAAAACY/gKdPcATDk3w/s320/lithy+picture.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363763706612745010" /></a>lithuania...<div><br /></div><div>a home far far away. a place miles away from the pleasant and familiar faces that meet me every day; family and friends alike, each playing an intricate role in my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>thank you! thank you for loving me and investing time, teaching, and relationship. i truly am grateful that you have shared your life with me. what a fortunate and blessed woman i am!</div><div><br /></div><div>this next year, i will be living in klaipeda, lithuania, building relationships with students and staff from all over the globe. i will be updating my blog fairly frequently. if you would like, please ask me questions! asking and answering questions are ways that i learn best!</div><div><br /></div><div>this is truly a Great Adventure, this life we have been given! being found in Him is where the excitement is, and i am so thrilled to know Him!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>strapping on my pack,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8770250422092126449?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-1401282905999023582009-04-05T22:34:00.000-07:002009-04-06T00:12:27.948-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Sdmj9OjS3TI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TGgC-PzVmCQ/s1600-h/key460.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/Sdmj9OjS3TI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TGgC-PzVmCQ/s320/key460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321464706988432690" /></a><br />what would you say to someone that told you they had found the key to living a satisfied life? what price would you pay to find out? what questions would you ask before buying the answer? would you seek out advisors before your purchase? Now, more importantly, what would you be willing to give up? what would you be willing to go without in order to gain such sweet, irreplaceable knowledge?<div><br /></div><div>allow me to introduce you to a man that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, has taught me what it looks like to wholly lean on Jesus. hudson taylor was a man of great faith. for those of you who know of his life and his missionary journey to china know what i mean when i say..."holy cow! the faith and perseverance of hudson taylor- ahhhh!!!" the trust, obedience and confidence that one man had in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is completely inspiring and convicting.</div><div><br /></div><div> i write this so that you would pick up and read the book "hudson taylor's spiritual secret". he talks about living the "exchanged life". here are a few quotes found in the book that cause me to desire a life dependent on Christ in me.</div><div><br /></div><div>"the Holy Spirit never creates hungerings and thirstings after righteousness, but in order that christ may fill the longing soul" -153 (woah! a favorite for sure.)</div><div><br /></div><div>"against me earth and hell combine; but on my side is Power Divine; Jesus is all, and He is mine." a quote by w.t.matson -145</div><div><br /></div><div>"yes, in me, in me He dwelleth- </div><div>i in Him and He in me!</div><div>and my empty soul He filleth</div><div>now and through eternity." -154 (h. bonar)</div><div><br /></div><div>"the Lord Jesus received is holiness begun; the Lord Jesus cherished is holiness advancing; the Lord Jesus counted upon as never absent would be holiness complete." -156</div><div><br /></div><div>"the sweetest part, if one may speak of one part being sweeter than another, is the rest which full identification with Christ brings. i am no longer anxious about anything, as i realize this; for He, i know, is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. it makes no matter where He places me, or how. that is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest position He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult His grace is sufficient." -162-63</div><div><br /></div><div>what are your thoughts on living this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">exchanged life</span>??</div><div><br /></div><div>handing in my keys,</div><div><br /></div><div>rachel</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-140128290599902358?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-83493045138938585962009-03-17T23:04:00.000-07:002009-04-01T20:33:39.022-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SdQx8ETNblI/AAAAAAAAACI/MpqjUFJl3E0/s1600-h/pd_elderly_laughing_070711_ms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SdQx8ETNblI/AAAAAAAAACI/MpqjUFJl3E0/s320/pd_elderly_laughing_070711_ms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319931967847624274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">have you ever laughed so hard that no sound came from the gaping hole on your face?</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">i have.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">have you ever l<span><span></span></span>aughed so hard that your eyes burned from the tears that had quickly formed?</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">i definitely have.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">have you ever laughed so hard that delivering the punch-line just wouldn't do your laugh justice?</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">tonight was my night for this one. i should just give up on telling jokes altogether. people tend to be let down come time for punch-line delivery...</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">...laughter. *sigh* how i adore it!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">have you ever shifted your focus to one individual in a crowed of laughing people? it is BY FAR the most entertaining scene to replay in your thoughts- over and over and over. i kid you not, you will laugh out loud by the third or fourth time. no joke! try it. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">if you try it, i hope i am the fortunate onlooker to catch you in the act. laughing at your own thoughts takes the cake! am i right?!<br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">sometimes laughter feels like i am scratching an itch that has been burning for ages! it is such a sweet relief at the end of a long day.<br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">now if laughter can be this fabulous this side of heaven, imagine how our sides will be burning, our faces will be scrunching, the tears will be flowing, noses we'll be blowing-  we all know how satisfying a great laugh can be. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">but remember, this is just a TASTE of what is to come. wohoo!!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">laughing all the more,</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">rachel</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">any good stories about laughing?</p><p></p><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8349304513893858596?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-81369894712335236582008-12-06T23:49:00.000-08:002008-12-07T00:07:18.682-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/STuDoOjVPFI/AAAAAAAAABQ/pNKnNG_i2xE/s1600-h/bruce_lee2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/STuDoOjVPFI/AAAAAAAAABQ/pNKnNG_i2xE/s320/bruce_lee2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276956115518962770" /></a><br />i must give credit where credit is due... these are not my own. i heard them last night from a guy i met at an "ugly sweater Christmas party". it was hilarious!<div><br /></div><div>Q: what is bruce lee's favorite drink?</div><div><br /></div><div>A: (insert bruce lee voice tone) wa-taaaaaa! </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: how does bruce lee greet his friends?</div><div><br /></div><div>A: hi-yaaaa!</div><div><br /></div><div>although corny, and somewhat predictable, i found myself laughing till i cried.</div><div>try it out right now- bruce lee style...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8136989471233523658?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-49866377249573314102008-11-09T22:58:00.000-08:002008-11-09T23:52:41.161-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SRflzgAQ56I/AAAAAAAAABA/X58Iii_Fhvg/s1600-h/large_soccer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SRflzgAQ56I/AAAAAAAAABA/X58Iii_Fhvg/s320/large_soccer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266930962160215970" /></a><br />these past 48 hours, i have had the privilege of being a soccer mom for two great brothers, none of which are my own. the eldest of the two had a tournament this weekend while the parents were away at a couples retreat for our church (i was the designated "go-to" individual if anything came into question) not only was it energizing to watch 3 great and exciting games, but i cannot even begin to tell you how much fun i had being a big sister for a time! these two (including another young friend of theirs that joined us later on) provided me with hours of ongoing entertainment! everything from soccer jargon to helping me perfect my pathetic, non-existent skills at the "wii" tennis/golf game created for an absolutely FABULOUS time!<div><br /></div><div>much to my surprise, something unexpected happened during this weekend extravaganza...</div><div><br /></div><div>oh yes... soccer found its way back in to my heart!</div><div><br /></div><div>i realize how unattractive this may sound, but just the smell of well used shin guards (and soccer bags that have never held anything clean) evoked irreplaceable memories from my past.</div><div><br /></div><div>i would LOVE to make some new ones.</div><div>i resolve to quench this latent desire...</div><div><br /></div><div>here we go!</div><div><br /></div><div>just a few pics of what i miss, and what i look forward to doing in the near future as i contemplate joining a co-ed recreational team (making sure that i proceed with extreme caution, considering that i've been out of the game for quite some time now - having a sane estimation of my capabilities at this time is critical! )</div><div><br /></div><div>wohoo!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SRfmDCnae9I/AAAAAAAAABI/U2SbTaWy_2s/s1600-h/2008096885.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SRfmDCnae9I/AAAAAAAAABI/U2SbTaWy_2s/s320/2008096885.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266931229149264850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ill keep you posted... =)</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-4986637724957331410?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-45101019535314583892008-10-26T23:52:00.000-07:002008-11-01T15:17:03.701-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQzVVO--eMI/AAAAAAAAAA4/XCSZB9gt3Uo/s1600-h/flower.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQzVVO--eMI/AAAAAAAAAA4/XCSZB9gt3Uo/s320/flower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263816625265473730" /></a><br />...i was on a hunt. not just any hunt, but a hunt that all women take quite seriously, and rarely take kindly to interruptions (poor curling iron salesman...i ate him alive!). This was the hunt of all hunts for the find of all finds!-- The Dress. the perfect wedding dress for what will be The Wedding of the Year! i can hear it now- your thoughts: "when did this happen?" or "i had no idea"... or better yet, "i didn't even know she had a..." - yes, i get you. and no! i am not talking about myself. well yes, the dress hunt was for me, but the Wedding of the Year belongs to my most favorite sister, kristen lee.<div><br /></div><div>as the hunt began, so did the torture. if any of you have made the long journey down the 210 east to Victoria Gardens, you hear me loud and clear! this place is phenomenal. packed with hundreds of stores, it has the inescapable capability to draw you in to each and every one of them. art, clothes, food, furniture, accessories, music... you name it, they have it and more!</div><div><br /></div><div>alright alright, back to The Dress...</div><div><br /></div><div>needless to say, the torture continued and intensified with every store passed- yet i remained strong and stuck to the code (... what's that you say? more like guidelines?- i hear ya'!). </div><div>unwavering- until...</div><div><br /></div><div>BAM! </div><div><br /></div><div>i was hit. i had been on a mission, and now was stopped dead in my tracks. i was being lured in by a smell- a fragrance so rich i could have soaked and bathed in it, and taken a big bite of it all at once. i could not get enough of it, nor could i take deep enough breaths to satisfy my craving. it was the perfect scent. i had found it! i came to a screeching halt and bolted straight into the store, asking the first person in sight- "what is that divine scent that i am smelling!?"</div><div><br /></div><div>*point to be taken: always make sure that you identify someone as a store employee before asking such a question, otherwise you will be left with a poor, now rather wide-eyed woman staring at you as if you were going to float off into the air, speaking of nothing but fairies and grasshoppers...poor guest of Bath and Body Works...</div><div><br /></div><div>well, eventually i found help, and was guided to The Fragrance of all fragrances. thank you to sheri for providing quick and efficient help with this matter! soon after getting my hands on it, i made the Purchase of the Year and now am reaping the benefits of having a  "black chamomile"scented oil lamp. it's amazing what happens when you stumble upon a scent that is so rich, so strong, that it makes you stop dead in your tracks- it makes you want to find it's whereabouts immediately, and without it, you are left wanting... there is nothing more alluring than a sweet scent.</div><div><br /></div><div>my newly scented, aromatic room has served as a reminder of the aroma given to us as followers of Christ...</div><div><br /></div><div>"...thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. for we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. to the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." 2 Corinthians 2:14-16</div><div><br /></div><div>wherever we are, whether it be in our places of work, our grocery stores, our apartment complexes, our homes, or the enticing walkways of Victoria Gardens- never pass up a potential buyer of your Scent that is so rich and so sweet. the Fragrance- the Aroma of Christ is a gift to be shared... it is how we are identified.</div><div><br /></div><div>... what's your scent?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-4510101953531458389?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-74945738296490107392008-10-24T22:14:00.000-07:002008-10-24T22:18:35.803-07:00standing still, hands laid open<div>searching for something</div><div>grabbing ahold of</div><div>something to prove</div><div><br /></div><div>i can't see past</div><div>my sin that surrounds me</div><div>in your grace i remain</div><div>the joy set before you</div><div>you took on my shame...</div><div><br /></div><div>...so peel my fingers away</div><div>strip me down, lord i pray...</div><div><br /></div><div>restore me to emptiness</div><div>where you have been my everything</div><div>and i remain the less</div><div>give me the strength to let go</div><div><br /></div><div>restore me to emptiness</div><div>where you have been my everything</div><div>and i remain the less</div><div>give me the wisdom to know</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-7494573829649010739?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-55910365171380478562008-10-20T22:11:00.000-07:002008-10-28T21:57:46.031-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQftOorxn8I/AAAAAAAAAAo/rg9U3KlOE50/s1600-h/DSC00610.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQftOorxn8I/AAAAAAAAAAo/rg9U3KlOE50/s320/DSC00610.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262435525300690882" /></a><br />to my two leading ladies:<div><br /></div><div>you know what i like? i like the fact that you are the only two following my blog page, which means i can write to a crowd i already know (quite well) and love to the core of their being =)<br /></div><div>to say that there is a purpose to this post would be true, but its no new revelation- no big, bright idea that i suddenly had. however, i was inspired...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>i was just out for a late night grocery shopping run to vons (a favorite pastime  of mine), and on my way home, i felt the "lonesome-for-you" pang. it's amazing how great a bond is between a mom and sister. i miss it.  i started to think about how true it is in our relationship with the Father- how he speaks to us in a similar way (or at least getting our attention with the "lonesomes"). sometimes, i spend so much time reading and studying about him, that i fail to just sit and listen, and know that he is God. that is when he gently nudges me, asking me to come and join him for a walk in the park, a good hard run, a quiet read under a tree, a hike up a hill, or a rest on the end of a couch (coffee in hand, of course!). all of these are things i love to do. all of these are things he may want to join in on. </div><div><br /></div><div>with that in mind- the next time i have the "lonesomes" and have a hankering for couch and coffee, im extending the invite to the Company i desire most...</div><div><br /></div><div>miss you both and love you even more,</div><div><br /></div><div>rach</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-5591036517138047856?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4185745606857253094.post-86627957908048172362008-10-05T21:27:00.000-07:002008-10-30T00:17:17.065-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQlfcglMQZI/AAAAAAAAAAw/aw0I7IXMa5U/s1600-h/fort.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wSB6MyRWKzY/SQlfcglMQZI/AAAAAAAAAAw/aw0I7IXMa5U/s320/fort.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262842582946038162" /></a><br />as a little girl, friends seemed to come and go more quickly than today. i seem to remember the incredible power of a birthday party, the enticing taste of fruitios (those little round fruit snacks that i would still trade for my red delicious), and the most conducive home to host a killer fort. yes, i was one of those little girls...i loved me a good party, a tasty treat, and a stellar fortress!<div><br /></div><div>ok, lets jump ahead a few years, shall we?</div><div><br /></div><div>as a big girl, i still enjoy a hoppin' night out, a bowl of mint chip, and sneaking off to my own fortress (my room). some things never change. thankfully, however, the making of a good friend sinks its roots deeper than the latest birthday party invite. few!! as we grow taller, our relationships grow equally in depth. speaking truth becomes a Must, sincerity becomes an Always, and anything other than that becomes a What-Are-You-Trying-To-Pull-Here. yes, i must confess that i am guilty of the latter- more often than i would like to admit. but then again, aren't we all? keeping friends at a distance keeps Risk at arms length. but with friends on our fences, how can we enjoy our garden?! allowing a friend in to see the Real You is risky, of course! - but as a follower of Christ, we cannot escape the call to relationships. a friend brings what was once in the darkness, into the light. a friend brings laughter and rejoices in good times. a friend brings tears and weeps in the hard times. a friend asks the hard questions and brings sanctification. but most of all, a friend Loves at all times. </div><div><br /></div><div>fruitios in hand, i am thanking Him for each of you.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4185745606857253094-8662795790804817236?l=rachellorrainejohnson.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778625136549678736noreply@blogger.com1