So, St. Louis will reach a heat index of 115 degrees today. Disgusting. Being in California a couple weeks ago seems like a far away dream...
Joe and I have been so blessed otherwise in the last couple weeks that I have to share all about it with you, our out of town loved ones. First, Joe got a raise at his job! The seminary has been so generous to us ever since Joe's first day working there, and they continue to be good to us beyond our expectations. He continues to be given more responsibilities and projects, which is an encouragement that he is doing his job well and that his boss likes him:) On the same day as this, I, Rachel, received possibly the best compliment of my adult life. A friend in the counseling program, assuming that I am in the internship program at Covenant and beginning to see clients, referred two women to be counseled by me! What an affirmation of the direction I am heading in with my life! This friend is in my group dynamics class this summer, and after interacting with me and hearing about some of my story, he thought I would be a great resource to a couple of his friends. I was so flattered and felt so great about myself:) The gifts God has given me will be used to strengthen his people and play a significant role in the restoration of His world.
In other news, two of our great friends married one another last weekend, and we ask you to join with us in praying down blessings and supernatural power onto their new marriage together.
Once we can make some time to celebrate all these blessings it will be so fun!
To God be the glory!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
the woes of money
I am at work right now, breaking for lunch on my first full day of the year. It's so cool we get to use the internet during our lunch break.
The reason I have switched to working full days during the summer is because Joe and I have experienced some expensive car problems over the last couple weeks. Not only did we spend over $1400 last winter to get my timing belt fixed and other random things to pass the safety exam, but now we have had to shell out over $600 to fix two accessory belts that broke because of a shoddy timing belt job. Let me give a plug--never go to mechanics that you don't personally know. Especially not Midas. And especially not Midas for a new timing belt.
Joe's Celica needed to get an eshaust leak fixed, along with the brake pads and a few other odds and ends, costing around $800. If you can do the math, that is a LOT of money to spend on cars in under a year. Thus, I am sacrificing personal and study time to work extra over the summer.
Speaking of work, I really like my job and I would love to keep it, so I better clock back in now that lunch is over.
Blessings,
Rachel
The reason I have switched to working full days during the summer is because Joe and I have experienced some expensive car problems over the last couple weeks. Not only did we spend over $1400 last winter to get my timing belt fixed and other random things to pass the safety exam, but now we have had to shell out over $600 to fix two accessory belts that broke because of a shoddy timing belt job. Let me give a plug--never go to mechanics that you don't personally know. Especially not Midas. And especially not Midas for a new timing belt.
Joe's Celica needed to get an eshaust leak fixed, along with the brake pads and a few other odds and ends, costing around $800. If you can do the math, that is a LOT of money to spend on cars in under a year. Thus, I am sacrificing personal and study time to work extra over the summer.
Speaking of work, I really like my job and I would love to keep it, so I better clock back in now that lunch is over.
Blessings,
Rachel
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Joe and Rachel together
Two days ago Rachel went to pick up my beloved sister from college in KY. It was a six hour drive both ways and she enjoyed almost every minute of it. She drove up with her dad and had a really good time listening to music and talking about nothing. Meanwhile, Joe ate pizza and watched Into the Wild all by himself.
Right now, we are kicking our cats off the deck (not literally) because they are eating our newly planted flowers and herbs. Those adorable stinkers:)
Back to the story--Joe was supposed to work on a paper but was completely unmotivated.
When Rachel got back, we both went to a party at the Pagliaro's house for a friend who will be in Africa this summer. Erin Pagliaro is a fantastic cook. John Coveyou called while we were there, and a big group of us got to hear a story about Kuwait and camels and then we sang him Happy Birthday three weeks early. Another friend was telling us about his most recent tattoo, which sparked some ideas in Rachel's head about her own future tattoo. Rachel also had a cherry wheat Sam Adams which was mighty tasty. It is so good to be around our lovely friends.
The only downsides to last night were that we missed the Sandra McCracken concert, and Izzy blew yet another save opportunity. That bastard.
This morning, or rather afternoon, Joe and Rachel enjoyed sleeping in and playing on the computer. We are going to celebrate the fact that our duplex has been rented by going to TJ Maxx and buying something cool for our apartment.
The rest of the month of May is going to be very enjoyable as well. After finals this upcoming week, Rachel's birthday party, Joe and Emily's engagement party, the church picnic, a weekend trip to MN for a cousin's wedding, and strawberry picking with friends and family will fill our days! Also, Rachel's sister is staying in St. Louis for the summer and we are going to watch prophets videos!!!
Blessings to all as summer approaches,
Joe and Rachel
Right now, we are kicking our cats off the deck (not literally) because they are eating our newly planted flowers and herbs. Those adorable stinkers:)
Back to the story--Joe was supposed to work on a paper but was completely unmotivated.
When Rachel got back, we both went to a party at the Pagliaro's house for a friend who will be in Africa this summer. Erin Pagliaro is a fantastic cook. John Coveyou called while we were there, and a big group of us got to hear a story about Kuwait and camels and then we sang him Happy Birthday three weeks early. Another friend was telling us about his most recent tattoo, which sparked some ideas in Rachel's head about her own future tattoo. Rachel also had a cherry wheat Sam Adams which was mighty tasty. It is so good to be around our lovely friends.
The only downsides to last night were that we missed the Sandra McCracken concert, and Izzy blew yet another save opportunity. That bastard.
This morning, or rather afternoon, Joe and Rachel enjoyed sleeping in and playing on the computer. We are going to celebrate the fact that our duplex has been rented by going to TJ Maxx and buying something cool for our apartment.
The rest of the month of May is going to be very enjoyable as well. After finals this upcoming week, Rachel's birthday party, Joe and Emily's engagement party, the church picnic, a weekend trip to MN for a cousin's wedding, and strawberry picking with friends and family will fill our days! Also, Rachel's sister is staying in St. Louis for the summer and we are going to watch prophets videos!!!
Blessings to all as summer approaches,
Joe and Rachel
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Two more weeks...
I skipped class this morning, both of them.
I have very little motivation to go to classes the rest of the semester--this is probably a bad thing, but we are so close to the end and all I want to do is finish the work that is required so that the semester can be over and summer can begin.
I kindof experience this at the end of every semester. There comes a point where I so badly need a break from papers and exams and study guides and class; it always happens.
I also didn't enjoy my classes very much this semester, and that hasn't helped me stay motivated either. Don't get me wrong, I experienced a lot of challenges thru classes and relationships, and I was stretched in my relationship with God, so I know I am exited the school year in a better place than when I began. I'm pretty tired though and ready for some rest.
I also have been yearning for times with friends. My mind has been preoccupied with ideas about going strawberry picking, going to Grant's Farm, the zoo, the art museum, having a movie night, etc with a group of friends. This semester kind of left me secluded with my studies and the fellowship I enjoyed last semester was greatly missing this spring. It is a blessing from God that He causes us to need friends. I have felt that need deeply the last couple months and am eager to start getting together with those I love.
My birthday is coming up in five days, and I feel really old. I'm not sure if I'm mature enough to be 23 years old. I've been looking at pictures of myself as a young kid lately and have been learning how to delight in my childhood self. It's easy for me to look at a picture of me when I was four or five years old and to not feel affection or pride or enjoyment of myself. This is really not okay. It reflects how I view myself not only as years ago, but my self-image today. I am worth being delighted in. I am worthy of being enjoyed. I was made by God Himself, in His image. There is something central to my being that has a hard time believing those things. Satan is pretty crafty with his lies about my value. He capitalizes on the destructive messages from various aspects of the world and is forever there, tempting me to doubt God's truth about His goodness.
A huge question I have been confronted with during my first year in seminary first came to me in my Prophets class last semester. Perhaps from the Holy Spirit, maybe just my own thoughts, but it asked, "Will you still believe that I Am good, will you still worship me, even though you will never understand it all and you will always face suffering in this life?"
God help me, what a mind-blowing, foundational question.
Holy Spirit, hold my heart in your grip and lead me to faithful obedience and trust in the Father.
I pray that this question will grab onto your hearts as well, sometime in your walk with God, and that you will be confronted with the same ultimatum that I am wrestling with. May God have mercy on all of us and grant us the faith that only He can give.
I have very little motivation to go to classes the rest of the semester--this is probably a bad thing, but we are so close to the end and all I want to do is finish the work that is required so that the semester can be over and summer can begin.
I kindof experience this at the end of every semester. There comes a point where I so badly need a break from papers and exams and study guides and class; it always happens.
I also didn't enjoy my classes very much this semester, and that hasn't helped me stay motivated either. Don't get me wrong, I experienced a lot of challenges thru classes and relationships, and I was stretched in my relationship with God, so I know I am exited the school year in a better place than when I began. I'm pretty tired though and ready for some rest.
I also have been yearning for times with friends. My mind has been preoccupied with ideas about going strawberry picking, going to Grant's Farm, the zoo, the art museum, having a movie night, etc with a group of friends. This semester kind of left me secluded with my studies and the fellowship I enjoyed last semester was greatly missing this spring. It is a blessing from God that He causes us to need friends. I have felt that need deeply the last couple months and am eager to start getting together with those I love.
My birthday is coming up in five days, and I feel really old. I'm not sure if I'm mature enough to be 23 years old. I've been looking at pictures of myself as a young kid lately and have been learning how to delight in my childhood self. It's easy for me to look at a picture of me when I was four or five years old and to not feel affection or pride or enjoyment of myself. This is really not okay. It reflects how I view myself not only as years ago, but my self-image today. I am worth being delighted in. I am worthy of being enjoyed. I was made by God Himself, in His image. There is something central to my being that has a hard time believing those things. Satan is pretty crafty with his lies about my value. He capitalizes on the destructive messages from various aspects of the world and is forever there, tempting me to doubt God's truth about His goodness.
A huge question I have been confronted with during my first year in seminary first came to me in my Prophets class last semester. Perhaps from the Holy Spirit, maybe just my own thoughts, but it asked, "Will you still believe that I Am good, will you still worship me, even though you will never understand it all and you will always face suffering in this life?"
God help me, what a mind-blowing, foundational question.
Holy Spirit, hold my heart in your grip and lead me to faithful obedience and trust in the Father.
I pray that this question will grab onto your hearts as well, sometime in your walk with God, and that you will be confronted with the same ultimatum that I am wrestling with. May God have mercy on all of us and grant us the faith that only He can give.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Quickie!
This has to be a short post because of the craziness of school, but I wanted to share a little about what Joe and I have been up to the last couple weeks.
School has been ruling our schedules, and even though we are making it through and growing a lot, we are really looking forward to the end of the semester. Life needs to slow down for us, even if its just for a couple weeks before summer classes start;)
In our Marriage and Family Counseling class, both Joe and I turned in a genogram project, which is an analysis of the relationships in our respective families. We both learned a lot and felt very challenged to change some of the unhealthy patterns that have been going on for generations. God is gracious to us even though we are so dysfunctional!!
Last weekend, Joe and I went on the middle school retreat with our church. We always go to a small camp in New Haven, MO with our youth group; it has a lake, canoes, a big soccer field, a swimming pool, bball court, etc. Unfortunately, the weather all weekend was really cold so we didn't get to enjoy the outdoors very much. However, I can speak for both of us when I say that being with middle schoolers is one of the craziest, most draining, and most enjoyable things we do. They are full of energy and a delight to play with, they can be frustrating at times and infuriating on rare occasions, but each moment they teach us about God's glorious character. I don't hesitate to say that they are part of the "purifying by fire" process that God allows us to undergo:) It was good to get away from school for a couple days and to spend all our time in relationship with the kids and leaders.
Well, this post turned out longer than I thought, but I hope it gives you a glimpse into our crazy and fulfilling life while in seminary. Grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Peterkas
School has been ruling our schedules, and even though we are making it through and growing a lot, we are really looking forward to the end of the semester. Life needs to slow down for us, even if its just for a couple weeks before summer classes start;)
In our Marriage and Family Counseling class, both Joe and I turned in a genogram project, which is an analysis of the relationships in our respective families. We both learned a lot and felt very challenged to change some of the unhealthy patterns that have been going on for generations. God is gracious to us even though we are so dysfunctional!!
Last weekend, Joe and I went on the middle school retreat with our church. We always go to a small camp in New Haven, MO with our youth group; it has a lake, canoes, a big soccer field, a swimming pool, bball court, etc. Unfortunately, the weather all weekend was really cold so we didn't get to enjoy the outdoors very much. However, I can speak for both of us when I say that being with middle schoolers is one of the craziest, most draining, and most enjoyable things we do. They are full of energy and a delight to play with, they can be frustrating at times and infuriating on rare occasions, but each moment they teach us about God's glorious character. I don't hesitate to say that they are part of the "purifying by fire" process that God allows us to undergo:) It was good to get away from school for a couple days and to spend all our time in relationship with the kids and leaders.
Well, this post turned out longer than I thought, but I hope it gives you a glimpse into our crazy and fulfilling life while in seminary. Grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Peterkas
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I love cats!!
I just have to share these pictures with everyone. I think I am obsessively delighted with all cats on the planet--there is no cuter animal!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Friends:)
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17
Our spring break is over, but I had so many good times with friends and family. My sister came into town, and we got to spend a bunch of time together, mostly just hanging out and playing around. It is such a joy to have the kind of relationship with her that is both deeply emotional and lighthearted--she is a delight.
Our good friends from Philadelphia came in also and we were able to hang out with them on three different occasions!! This was huge because they have a lot of family here in STL. It is so wonderful to have them as friends. Our relationship with them, as a couple and individually, over the past two years has been stretched, to say the least. Long distance relationships are HARD, especially for thinkers because we tend to think too practically. I think all four of us are pretty secure in our friendships with one another, and as a result, ironically, we don't dedicate much time to one another.
The adversity that Solomon talks about in the verse above is prevalent in every relationship, and our friendship with Laura and Joel is no exception. But it is so much better to have their friendship in the midst of the challenges than to let it fade away. They provide blessings that we need and can't get from anyone else. As Laura said at breakfast one morning, "we are so thankful to have you as friends, and we recognize how much we need each other as friends." God has provided us for one another and has in His grace made us "born for adversity." He is the Rock that we stand on and the Sustainer of all good things.
Our spring break is over, but I had so many good times with friends and family. My sister came into town, and we got to spend a bunch of time together, mostly just hanging out and playing around. It is such a joy to have the kind of relationship with her that is both deeply emotional and lighthearted--she is a delight.
Our good friends from Philadelphia came in also and we were able to hang out with them on three different occasions!! This was huge because they have a lot of family here in STL. It is so wonderful to have them as friends. Our relationship with them, as a couple and individually, over the past two years has been stretched, to say the least. Long distance relationships are HARD, especially for thinkers because we tend to think too practically. I think all four of us are pretty secure in our friendships with one another, and as a result, ironically, we don't dedicate much time to one another.
The adversity that Solomon talks about in the verse above is prevalent in every relationship, and our friendship with Laura and Joel is no exception. But it is so much better to have their friendship in the midst of the challenges than to let it fade away. They provide blessings that we need and can't get from anyone else. As Laura said at breakfast one morning, "we are so thankful to have you as friends, and we recognize how much we need each other as friends." God has provided us for one another and has in His grace made us "born for adversity." He is the Rock that we stand on and the Sustainer of all good things.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
World Water Day
Today is World Water Day, as designated by the UN in 1992. The African Development Bank has organized the first Water Week, to be held in Tunis March 26-28th in Tunis.
Check out this website--it is unbelieveable that only $1 is needed to provide an African citizen fresh drinking water for a whole year. See how easy it is to get involved!
http://www.worldwaterday.net/
Check out this website--it is unbelieveable that only $1 is needed to provide an African citizen fresh drinking water for a whole year. See how easy it is to get involved!
http://www.worldwaterday.net/
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
It doesn't show signs of stopping...
This is a photo from today at 2pm. It is out the back door of our apartment--how beautiful! This winter has been one of the dreariest in years, and it seems that God has once again graciously reminded me of his beauty and graciousness in the midst of it.
By the way, we have a foot of snow as of right now and it is forecasted to continue until 11pm tonight. :)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
School, snow and the flu
The last few weeks have been pretty eventful for Joe and I. It has snowed a couple times and our classes have been cancelled more than the seminary has seen since the 1970s. I have mixed feelings about this. It is nice to stay at home during the freezing, wet weather outside, but I enjoy attending lectures and am getting scared at how quickly the end of the semester is arriving.
A really bad bout of the flu attacked St. Louis over the last month, and 3 out of every 4 people that I know got it. Even Joe got sick, with a fever and sinus infection. Joe has probably gotten sick about three times throughout his entire life, so this flu must have been extremely vicious. I, however, did not get sick--Hallelujah!! It was really enjoyable to take care of Joe while he was sick. I feel like my role as a wife was enhanced as I got to nurture my husband through his weakness. It feels good to help him get better.
There was a funny moment during Joe's sickness that I would love to share (and I don't think he'll be too embarrassed). Because he rarely got sick growing up, Joe has never experienced the taste of liquid benedryl. His sinuses were giving him a really hard time, and even though he was able to clear them out as often as needed (that rare talent that is gross and yet was quite an asset), the infection wouldn't go away. I offered him some benedryl and the medicine had barely touched his lips before he made the funniest face I have ever seen. He spluttered and whimpered and made all kinds of noises that most children make when taking liquid medicine. Even though the next day he was feeling a lot better, he swore he would never take it again.
He is back to normal by now and going full speed ahead at work and school. He is so diligent at reading our assigned texts. Unfortunately, that hasn't rubbed off on me very much. The one book I am really looking forward to reading is about a mother with borderline personality disorder, written from the perspective of her child. It is required for my Psych Disorders class, which is my favorite class so far. God is challenging the low level of value I have for His people through that class--I hope I look more like Christ by the end of the semester.
Blessings to all,
Rachel
A really bad bout of the flu attacked St. Louis over the last month, and 3 out of every 4 people that I know got it. Even Joe got sick, with a fever and sinus infection. Joe has probably gotten sick about three times throughout his entire life, so this flu must have been extremely vicious. I, however, did not get sick--Hallelujah!! It was really enjoyable to take care of Joe while he was sick. I feel like my role as a wife was enhanced as I got to nurture my husband through his weakness. It feels good to help him get better.
There was a funny moment during Joe's sickness that I would love to share (and I don't think he'll be too embarrassed). Because he rarely got sick growing up, Joe has never experienced the taste of liquid benedryl. His sinuses were giving him a really hard time, and even though he was able to clear them out as often as needed (that rare talent that is gross and yet was quite an asset), the infection wouldn't go away. I offered him some benedryl and the medicine had barely touched his lips before he made the funniest face I have ever seen. He spluttered and whimpered and made all kinds of noises that most children make when taking liquid medicine. Even though the next day he was feeling a lot better, he swore he would never take it again.
He is back to normal by now and going full speed ahead at work and school. He is so diligent at reading our assigned texts. Unfortunately, that hasn't rubbed off on me very much. The one book I am really looking forward to reading is about a mother with borderline personality disorder, written from the perspective of her child. It is required for my Psych Disorders class, which is my favorite class so far. God is challenging the low level of value I have for His people through that class--I hope I look more like Christ by the end of the semester.
Blessings to all,
Rachel
Friday, February 8, 2008
2 weeks in...
This week was the end of our second week of classes for the spring semester. My first paper is due next Thursday. Time flies by so fast!
The more time we spend in classes and in fellowship with other students, the more deeply we are confronted with the challenges of living in the "now and the not yet." Just some thoughts...
Life will be hard until we enter into the Lord's glorious presence.
Things are not the way they are supposed to be.
There is hope that God can and does heal the brokenhearted here on earth.
Our soul will always be longing for Christ in His fullness until that glorious Day.
God is more good and more faithful and more of a treasure to my heart each day.
He has big plans for my life and has promised to carry me through them.
I am never outside of His plan, nor can I mess it up.
I can see, literally SEE, the ways he is restoring my heart day by day.
I look more like Him than I did when I began seminary--rejoice with me!!!!
I feel more and more grateful for who God is and for His presence in my life than ever before.
Life has become an oscillating ride between Romans 7 and Romans 8. "O wretched woman that I am, who will save me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
All of this is to say, my God is my Refuge, my Strength, my Comforter, my Joy, my Savior, my Life. Praise and glory be to Him now and forevermore!! Amen.
Grace and peace,
The more time we spend in classes and in fellowship with other students, the more deeply we are confronted with the challenges of living in the "now and the not yet." Just some thoughts...
Life will be hard until we enter into the Lord's glorious presence.
Things are not the way they are supposed to be.
There is hope that God can and does heal the brokenhearted here on earth.
Our soul will always be longing for Christ in His fullness until that glorious Day.
God is more good and more faithful and more of a treasure to my heart each day.
He has big plans for my life and has promised to carry me through them.
I am never outside of His plan, nor can I mess it up.
I can see, literally SEE, the ways he is restoring my heart day by day.
I look more like Him than I did when I began seminary--rejoice with me!!!!
I feel more and more grateful for who God is and for His presence in my life than ever before.
Life has become an oscillating ride between Romans 7 and Romans 8. "O wretched woman that I am, who will save me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
All of this is to say, my God is my Refuge, my Strength, my Comforter, my Joy, my Savior, my Life. Praise and glory be to Him now and forevermore!! Amen.
Grace and peace,
Friday, February 1, 2008
Classes have begun!
Our first week of seminary has come and gone. I love Covenant. My favorite professor is Jerram Barrs. I want to be more like him. He LOVES people, and has a passionate heart for unbelievers. It's like Mark Davis all over again, but an older, less spastic, British version. Our final semester paper will be a letter to a close non-Christian friend, telling them about the beauty and truth that we see in them. What a wonderful assignment. Praise God for shaping Jerram Barrs' heart to imitate His own. I am scared to death about this letter but so excited. Again I say, I love Covenant.
On a different note, tomorrow is a solemn day. Our dear friend John is leaving on Sunday for a couple months of training and then 8 months in Iraq, and tomorrow night is his going away party. It will be great to spend time with all our friends and to watch John amongst people who love him.
On another note, it snowed about 8 inches last night, so classes were cancelled yesterday evening and all day today. There's something about studying inside with a hot drink while there's a thick layer of snow everywhere outside. It's peaceful and makes me long for beauty and fulfillment. I can slow down right now. *sigh*
I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday as well:)
On a different note, tomorrow is a solemn day. Our dear friend John is leaving on Sunday for a couple months of training and then 8 months in Iraq, and tomorrow night is his going away party. It will be great to spend time with all our friends and to watch John amongst people who love him.
On another note, it snowed about 8 inches last night, so classes were cancelled yesterday evening and all day today. There's something about studying inside with a hot drink while there's a thick layer of snow everywhere outside. It's peaceful and makes me long for beauty and fulfillment. I can slow down right now. *sigh*
I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday as well:)
Monday, January 28, 2008
A New Semester Upon the Horizon...
Tomorrow is our first day of classes in our second semester of graduate school. I can't believe I'm so old.
Despite the stack of 27 books I need to read, and the inevitable papers and tests creeping up, I am VERY excited about going back to school. The break was beautifully long, but it's about time to have some structure in my life. Each class I am signed up for sounds challenging and fun. My schedule on Tuesdays consists of Humanity, Christ and Redemption, chapel, Cross-cultural communication, a long break, and then Psychological disorders in the evening. Thursdays are similar except my night class is Marriage and family counseling instead.
Another exciting thing about this semester is that Joe and I will be in Marriage and family counseling together. No doubt we will learn with even greater clarity how far we are from the finish line. And yet, I suppose the point in seeing such a gloomy reality is that the Holy Spirit promises to turn our eyes upward in even greater gratitude and awe at Christ's amazing love and sacrifice. Such a vision brings encouragement and strength to keep running the race.
This semester promises to bring growth, joy, struggle, and fun. Join with Joe and I in prayer for a clearer vision of who God is and who we are in Him. Grace and peace,
Despite the stack of 27 books I need to read, and the inevitable papers and tests creeping up, I am VERY excited about going back to school. The break was beautifully long, but it's about time to have some structure in my life. Each class I am signed up for sounds challenging and fun. My schedule on Tuesdays consists of Humanity, Christ and Redemption, chapel, Cross-cultural communication, a long break, and then Psychological disorders in the evening. Thursdays are similar except my night class is Marriage and family counseling instead.
Another exciting thing about this semester is that Joe and I will be in Marriage and family counseling together. No doubt we will learn with even greater clarity how far we are from the finish line. And yet, I suppose the point in seeing such a gloomy reality is that the Holy Spirit promises to turn our eyes upward in even greater gratitude and awe at Christ's amazing love and sacrifice. Such a vision brings encouragement and strength to keep running the race.
This semester promises to bring growth, joy, struggle, and fun. Join with Joe and I in prayer for a clearer vision of who God is and who we are in Him. Grace and peace,
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Beginnings
Well, here is yet another attempt to keep and routinely update a blog about ourselves. I (Rachel) decided to start this blog instead of sending weekly emails to family and friends. It will hopefully allow me more flexibility in between postings without creating months in between updates:) We will see...
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