tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48436795219966250772024-03-13T08:41:32.232-07:00Hold On To Every MomentMemories are moments to share. A time that no one forgets. The smiles, the tears, the laughs, the sighs, all shared together with those that love each other. That's what matters. That's what turns moments into memories.Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-65784117942488564802016-01-01T12:55:00.003-08:002016-01-01T13:00:12.088-08:00Forced to RememberOriginally I wrote a blog titled "Holiday Blues" where I complained about the struggles of emotions throughout the holiday season. But I realized that sometimes it is best to shut up, stop complaining, and choose to be happy about what has come to pass. So, I forced myself to go through Facebook and Instagram and remember the amazing moments I had this year.<br />
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Thank you everyone who made 2015 a wonderful experience!</div>
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My man. </div>
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My three favorite men.</div>
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Medaille graduation.</div>
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I went on a cruise to Alaska!</div>
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Ziplining through the forests, Alaskan husky mushing, horseback riding, and whales. It was spectacular and beautiful.</div>
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Doppler turned 1!</div>
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My favorite place in the entire world - Nicks Lake, ADK.</div>
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Chicago! For a whole week, and I absolutely loved it.</div>
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Experienced my first wine tour.</div>
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First time at the state fair and we befriended sea lions!</div>
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I made new friends to cherish <3</div>
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Baby Emma was born!</div>
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Taunte Chrissy beat cancer!</div>
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First Christmas spent with Oma and Opa, I will never forget.</div>
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Cheers to this wonderful year!</div>
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Thank you everyone for your love, support, and happiness.</div>
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May you have a blessed 2016!</div>
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Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-58606377151235036742015-03-06T16:55:00.000-08:002015-03-06T16:59:43.723-08:00A New LookRecently it has dawned on me that I have been having a negative response to many aspects of my life. At the end of each day I would vent about what went wrong, and forgot about what made me smile. I would meet with friends and only talk about "I don't know what I am doing with my life" etc...<br />
So, as a reminder to myself, and to you too, lets start having a positive look on things! Lets remember the good times, hope for more good days, encourage each other through the changes, and smile!<br />
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In honor of this happier outlook I want to say thank you to Medaille College. You gave me an amazing education, incredible teachers that are still supporting me, many great laughs, and the best freshman roommate a girl could ask for! I am sorry for all the shitty remarks on facebook and twitter, I am honored and look forward to walking the stage in my "garbage bag" in May!<br />
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Although people are moving away, having babies, getting married, etc... I will continue to fight for those I love. And to you all, thank you for loving me back <3<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qodjejRp8I">My current favorite song - take a listen!</a><br />
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<br />Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-78783074610115523112015-02-20T15:14:00.004-08:002015-02-20T15:14:55.081-08:00Tears Hit the PillowAre we not supposed to love those that we have emotions for?<br />
Are we not supposed to laugh when we think something is funny?<br />
Are we not supposed to enjoy time spent with good company?<br />
Are we not supposed to strive to try our hardest?<br />
Are we not supposed to learn from our experiences and change?<br />
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Every day we learn, we grow, and we change.<br />
We do not know what the future holds.Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-6617803786880023632014-11-02T12:42:00.001-08:002014-11-02T12:44:03.989-08:00Joy in Trials<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: monospace;">My best friend told me today "T</span><span style="font-family: monospace;">he experiences that you are having now are shaping you for your future. Whether it's solely teaching you to be true to yourself, or maybe show</span><span style="font-family: monospace;">ing that what you THINK is best for you really isn't. It's all a learning curve. You don't have to have everything figured out yet. And half the battle is deciding for yourself to be happy. Sometimes all it takes is you choosing. But there's a difference: you know that quote "happiness comes from happenings</span><span style="font-family: monospace;">(it's the things that happen to you that make you happy) but joy comes from the Lord". So maybe you can't be 'happy' in the midst of suffering, trial, frustration, etc. but you can still have joy.</span></span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-29014304122504002322014-03-05T11:35:00.001-08:002014-03-05T18:49:29.113-08:00Rattus norvegicus<span style="font-size: large;">"Ewww!" "Gross!" "Eeeeek!" "Kill it!"</span><br />
These are the most common exclamatory remarks spoken when someone sees or speaks about rats.<br />
It is not often that rats are met with comments such as "Aww!" "How cute!" or "Can I pet him?"<br />
Rats have a bad reputation because of history books, New York City tunnels, and the fact that they are in the rodent class... etc. However, they are one of the smartest and most useful little mammals around. They have contributed a lot to our human way of life from being used in labs for technical training and research, to being loving pets.<br />
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It is suspected that all rats first came from a strand in Norway or northern China. The "brown rat" can now be found on every continent except Antarctica. There are many different species of rats, all belonging to the order Rodentia. They are mammals which means they give birth to altricial young (alive, but the ears, eyes, and fur have yet to be developed). They have four short legs, long bodies, hairless tails, whiskers, and a keen sense of smell for adventure. They can grow to be about 15 inches in length from nose to tail and weigh anywhere from a couple of kilograms to a couple of pounds. They live from 2-4 years depending on whether they are in captivity or in the wild.<br />
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Rats are nocturnal, so they prefer to engage in activity at dusk. They love to dig, forage for food, and make nests. Their usual habitat lies in forests or bushy areas. They need somewhere that they can burrow to live and find food. However, many species and generations have adapted to suburban or city living, thanks to human modernization. Rodents' teeth are continually growing, so they need to feed on food that can wear them down. They are hindgut fermenters which means they have one simple stomach and thus are primarily herbivores. Their diet does need protein, so they do eat meat in the wild and protein needs to be a part of their pet diet as well. The best food to feed them in captivity is "blocks", which is a concoction of all the nutrition they need. It is compressed together in a block form so the rat has to eat it all and cannot choose what it likes better. Another fun fact about their digestive system is that rodents have no vomit reflex.<br />
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Wild rats live in colonies and are very territorial. Small colonies consist of about six females with one male, or large colonies can have many males and females. They enjoy social interaction with each other and show fear to almost all other species. This is for good reason because they are low on the food chain! Wild rats can be aggressive and show displays of fighting, chasing, and biting. Their main way of communication is body language and smell, but they do have vocal noises which can sound like anything from screaming to clicking.<br />
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Rats are social animals. They love the company of others. They enjoy chasing, wrestling, tug-of-war, cuddling, and grooming. They seek attention and desire to explore. In captivity they live a more enriched life if they live with another rat. Since they have been domesticated, and kept as pets, they have learned to enjoy humans' company. If a rat is well socialized from a young age it will enjoy the company of it's owner. Playing, getting to explore a new environment, receiving treats, and being petted is enjoyable for them. Rats can feel a human's emotions, like most animals can. If someone is scared or nervous around them, they will also become nervous and defensive. It is important to handle them with confidence and respect. Talking to them softly and giving them treats will bring a peace between the handler and the pet.<br />
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I grew up owning a lot of hamsters. I loved them because they were small and low maintenance, but they could still play and didn't have tails! Three years ago I began my lab animal course in which students learned to gavage, draw blood, and give injections to mice, rats, and rabbits. Students are given the opportunity to adopt their lab animals after their test, or the animals are euthanized and given as food to other species. I adopted my rat. It was my first time working with this species. A few weeks later I adopted a second one because I heard that they do well in pairs.<br />
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I named them Eugene and Max. </div>
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At first, they had to get used to each other on common ground. They would fight a lot, but after a couple of days they became best friends. And they still love to wrestle!</div>
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They love to explore! </div>
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And hide when they are scared. </div>
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They have never tried to run away. They feel the most safe when they are near me. Their favorite place to be is in my hoodie!</div>
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They love treats and kisses!</div>
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My knowledge of rats has expanded thanks to this research opportunity. I am thankful to now know their history, and their desire for social activity. I have known the love of my rats for years, but now I know that almost all rats can be well socialized no matter their age or temperament. The rat species has helped advance our science department, and has opened our hearts to love these little creatures. They may fit in our hands, have weird long tails, and not live very long, but they give you all that they have. Next time you see these little creatures, remember how important they are. I know that out of all the rodents I have loved, these two boys have changed my life forever.<br />
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<b>In Loving Memory of Max. January 2012 - February 10, 2014</b></div>
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Sources:<br />
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Rattus_norvegicus/#physical_description<br />
http://www.ratbehavior.org/rats.html<br />
http://www.nfrs.org/company.htmlRachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-12085288252825922212014-01-16T09:54:00.000-08:002014-01-16T09:54:10.415-08:00My OppositeStephanie and I are opposites,<br />
We have different families,<br />
We have different faults and gifts,<br />
We have different perspectives,<br />
We have made different mistakes,<br />
We love differently,<br />
We laugh differently,<br />
We cry differently.<br />
But we are each other's family,<br />
Our gifts help the other's faults,<br />
Our perspectives have grown by listening to each other,<br />
We have learned from each other's mistakes,<br />
We love, laugh, and cry together.<br />
My life wouldn't be complete without her, my opposite, my other half.<br />
<br />
Thank you Lord for Steff <3<br />
Happy Birthday :)<br />
<br />
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<br />Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-7741431455190991132012-07-12T20:31:00.003-07:002012-07-12T20:33:33.777-07:00Forgetfulness<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's funny how the title of my blog is "Hold On To Every Moment"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I just realized that I am not fully listening to my own advice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Truth is, I have been picking and choosing which moments I want to keep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Those moments are with certain people or when something spectacular happens or is said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am not being thankful for every person in my life, or every chance that I get to smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And I especially am not holding onto my current moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's hard when you're at a road block in your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's hard to appreciate the good and what you have when all you want is something else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It sucks when you know what you <i>should</i> do, but you have no motivation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Where is the balance of falling on your knees and staying on your feet?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How is it possible to deal with the moment while looking forward?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Is it possible to hold on to every moment?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Probably not, because we are human.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But you can always write a reminder on your hand.</span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-79585796826460061082012-06-10T15:51:00.001-07:002012-06-10T15:56:46.691-07:00AHHH<br />
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Can you look back one year and say “ahhh”?<br />
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I can! And as my best friend Steff said, “Ahhh is a great
word because it covers so many different emotions at the same time!” For
example here are some “ahh” moments that I have gone through this past year and
they can all be read in more than one way:</div>
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“Ahhhh I graduated high school.” “Ahhhh I really went on an
epic trip around the west coast.” “Ahhh I made it through freshman year and
didn’t fail anything!” “Ahhhh I still have amazing friends.” “Ahhhh I now have
bills to pay.” “Ahhh I wish I did that differently.” “Ahhh my sister is
engaged!” <br />
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Each of these moments, and all of those in between, are
memories. And if you know me at all, you know that I love holding onto moments
and memories :) <br />
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Life is always changing (like Maia mentioned in her
salutatorian speech!) and we have to make choices every day. But the more
change there is, the more opportunities to make memories :)</div>
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Here are a very very select few pictures of my favorite
memories that happened this past year!</div>
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2011 Finney Graduation (Photo taken by Justin Heim)</div>
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Epic Road Trip with my sisters!! <3</div>
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Joe made it through Beast!</div>
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Best friends hahah</div>
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New friends!</div>
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Jackson Robert was born! (picture by his father Justin Heim)<br />
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Joe's first time home! (November)</div>
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Steff and Maia graduated!<br />
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I cant wait to see what is going to happen this next year! </div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-90441366451434152452012-05-30T22:03:00.003-07:002012-05-30T22:04:30.495-07:00Yearn<br />
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<u>Yearn</u>: to have an earnest or strong desire; to long; to feel
tenderness; be moved or attracted.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you yearn for?</span></b></div>
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The comfort of your loved one?</div>
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That note to sound just right?</div>
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A laugh from an old friend?</div>
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Your parents to lay off?</div>
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A good nights sleep?</div>
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Silence?</div>
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One more day with someone you lost?</div>
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A hug from that best friend?</div>
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A big bowl of ice cream?</div>
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Your child to behave?</div>
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A moment to relax?</div>
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Another chance?</div>
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You may want these things, but do you yearn them?</div>
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To me, yearning means more than a desire. It’s more than a
strong wanting. Yearning is a feeling in my heart; A heaviness that emotionally
pulls me towards that person, or action. If you know me, you know I cry a lot. But
when I yearn my heart is clinging to my chest so tightly that my eyes cannot even
water. When I yearn I need to move, to dance. I need to do or sing something in
order to get my emotions out into the world. </div>
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Do you know this feeling too? Is there something you truly yearn
for?</div>
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Are you like me, expressing it in private? What good is it
going to do hidden? What change to the world will it bring if no one knows it
exists?</div>
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This is what my heart longs for: people.</div>
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Those I know, those I have yet to smile with, and those I
will never get to meet.</div>
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My heart especially yearns for those who do not know the
Lord. Those who are lost in the physical world; Trying to fill themselves with
man-made desires. </div>
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My heart yearns to never be selfish. And the most selfish
thing I could ever do is to keep the love the Lord has shown me a secret.</div>
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So I am writing now, in hopes that someone will read and
question what or who they are living for. Because that someone or that thing
will determine what you yearn for; and how you live your life.</div>
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“God can testify how I long for all of you with the
affection of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:8 </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you yearn for?</span></b></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-40366427017858942412012-04-08T13:19:00.001-07:002012-04-08T13:37:11.288-07:00The Big ThreeI realized something today and thought I should share.<br />
<br />
In the Garden of Eden <b><span style="font-size: large;">God</span></b> walked with Adam and Eve! He was there with them, He talked to them, He was their friend. They had a direct connection to the Father. But then when they sinned that direct connection with God was lost.<br />
So God sent <b><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus</span></b> to earth and He walked and talked with the people. Jesus was now the only connection to the Father. (John 14:6)<br />
And when Jesus ascended into heaven, the connection that we had was again lost.<br />
So God sent the <b><span style="font-size: large;">Holy Spirit</span></b> as our mediator! John 20:22 says, "And with that he breathed on them and said, "<span style="color: red;">Receive the Holy Spirit</span>.""<br />
We have the Holy Spirit now, right here with us! Not only is He on the earth, but He lives INSIDE of you!<br />
Why would you ever take that for granted? How can you ignore that?<br />
<br />
One last fun detail...... notice the bold words? The order that they appear are <u>God</u>, <u>Jesus</u>, <u>Holy Spirit</u>. (or Father, Son, Holy Spirit) That's the same order that God explains them in the Bible... right? :)Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-63134484046446294832012-04-05T21:39:00.002-07:002012-04-08T13:21:20.488-07:00Go<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In order to <b>live</b>,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have to breathe with a purpose.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In order to <b>laugh</b>,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have to smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In order to <b>love</b>,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have to willingly sacrifice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you do all three? ..yes? ..ok, go.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~Rae</span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-57710062311123785222012-02-04T20:59:00.000-08:002012-02-04T20:59:03.798-08:00Stupid Bubble<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first came to Medaille (college in Buffalo NY) I was nervous and excited. I was as ready as I could be to face the world! After the first three days of fun, like riding in a dryer and watching movies with new friends, the “fun” of college was lost. My time was consumed by homework and studying and trying to keep my physical mind and body from exploding.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll admit that I have been sheltered my whole life. So coming to college was a wake-up call. I immediately was labeled as the “religious girl” which is fine to me, as long as those saying it know that it’s a relationship with God, not a “be good to get to heaven religion”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was really excited to join the Christian group on campus called InterVarsity. However, the group is quite small, and many times we would just socialize. To me, the sessions were meaningless without prayer and digging into the Bible. I wanted to be encouraged by others who were facing the same temptations I was. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, by the end of my first semester I gave up. I told God that I could face and avoid temptations on my own, and that I was just going to get through college to get my BS and be an LVT. I didn’t care if I had friends or made an impact. I wanted to be selfish, because that is the easiest road to take.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course God had other plans, and when I began my second semester He threw some awesome events my way. The very first meeting for IV one of our leaders, BT (Brian Tofflemire), shared from Jeremiah 29 verses 1-14. These verses talk about what God has planned for His people who are in exile. God reassures them that He will fulfill His promise. He has plans for them to “prosper and not harm, to give hope and a future”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have heard that verse so many times, but every time I was <u>missing the big picture</u>! In the verses before that, God tells them not to live in depression, but to embrace where they are, increase the population, plant gardens, and have fun! God wants them to have peace and to prosper <strong>WHERE THEY ARE</strong>. Yes, He is going to make their futures great, but <u>why live in agony waiting for that to happen when you can live in the moment</u>?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why did I want to be selfish and stay in my little intellectual bubble for 4 years when I could make friends and lead people to Christ?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BT put a giant paper on the wall and made a chart of circumstances (categories) and the way that the exile would think versus the way a missionary would think.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9lx9oewbdE/Ty4MTMiejYI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lZsuwOvUAak/s1600/2012-01-25+15.57.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9lx9oewbdE/Ty4MTMiejYI/AAAAAAAAAGU/lZsuwOvUAak/s320/2012-01-25+15.57.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To live in the moment, we need to think and act like missionaries. Believe that<u> there is a purpose</u> to where you currently are; ask God to open up your eyes so that you may see where He is working and wants to work; pray for those that are RIGHT THERE (on campus, church, small group, teachers, fellow students, dorm buildings, team members, etc); know what your mission/goal is; pray for something amazing to happen; and when you leave, don’t you want to look back and see <u>your footprint</u>? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I challenge you, as I am trying to do this myself, get on your knees and open your heart to God. Let Him use you. Get over that fear and selfishness that the Devil loves to put on our shoulders. God has amazing plans for us! But if we’re only thinking about ourselves, our future won’t matter when we get there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seek God in every moment. He’s always there, shining a light not only down the road, but a spotlight on you right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(PS: InterVarsity is amazing now, and I can’t wait to see how the Lord leads us on campus!)</span></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-5295973886818415582012-02-03T11:08:00.000-08:002012-02-03T11:08:19.573-08:00I Believe..<div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><b id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562290"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562289" style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562288" style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
That just because two people argue,</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><b id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562293"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562292" style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562291" style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
It doesn't mean they don't love each other. <br />
Likewise, just because they don't argue, <br />
It doesn't mean they do love each other.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That we don't have to change friends if <br />
We understand that friends change.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That no matter how good a friend is, <br />
they're going to hurt you <br />
every once in a while <br />
and you must forgive them for that.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #813f62; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #813f62; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That true friendship continues to grow, <br />
even over the longest distance.<br />
The same goes for true love.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe... <br />
That you can do something in an instant <br />
that will give you heartache for life.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe....<br />
That it's taking me a long time <br />
to become the person I want to be.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">I </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Believe...<br />
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words,it may be the last time you see them.</span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562331" style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe... <br />
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That we are responsible for what we do,</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">no matter how we feel.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That heroes are the people<br />
who do what has to be done<br />
when it needs to be done,</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
regardless of the consequences.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That my best friend and I</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">can do anything or nothing<br />
and have the best time</span></span></b><span style="color: grey; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: grey; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt;">.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: deepskyblue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: deepskyblue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: deepskyblue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: deepskyblue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">down will be the ones to help you get back up</span></span></b><span style="color: #00c1c2; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #00c1c2; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt;">.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That maturity has more to do with the experiences you've had <br />
and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That it isn't always enough <br />
to be forgiven by others,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
sometimes you have to learn<br />
to forgive yourself.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That no matter how badly <br />
your heart is broken,</span><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span style="color: black;">the world doesn't stop for your grief.</span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That our background and circumstances <br />
may have influenced who we are, but <br />
we are responsible for who we have become.</span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That you shouldn't be <br />
so eager to find out a secret, <br />
it could change your life forever.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
Two people can look at the same <br />
thing and see something totally different.</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562415" style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That your life can be changed <br />
in a matter of hours <br />
by people who don't even know you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That even when you think <br />
you have no more to give, <br />
when a friend cries out to you,<br />
you will find the strength to help.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562433" style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: magenta;">I Believe...<br />
That credentials on the wall <br />
do not make you a decent human being</span><span style="color: magenta;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562445" style="color: #ff8100; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">I Believe...<br />
That the people you care about<br />
most in life are taken from you too soon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ff8100; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span> </div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ff8100; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1328294460562457" style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold;"><em>I believe..</em></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="yiv1020387489MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: olive; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: teal; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: green; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ff8100; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold;"><em>The</em> happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, <br />
they just make the most of everything they have.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-16569007546029154182012-01-18T18:11:00.001-08:002012-04-08T13:21:05.280-07:00Second Life<div class="MsoNormal">Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Home Is Comfort.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Home Is Support.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Home Is Where One Is Purely Themselves.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So Then Home Away From Home Should Be The Same.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fit The Same Description.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not For Me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s Not Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s Another Life.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Lord Said It’s Man’s Purpose To Glorify God,</div><div class="MsoNormal">And Enjoy A Relationship With Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where Does This Second Life Fit In?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Possibly The Answer Is To Represent Christ In Every Circumstance.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And This Life Away From Home Is Just A Current Circumstance?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another Bump In The Road.</div><div class="MsoNormal">How Come This Bump Feels Like A Dream?<br />
A Dream That I Can't Explain.<br />
Because No Other Mind Can Fully Understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It's Like I’m Not Alive Sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like I’m Outside Of My Body.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And Most Of All, How Come When I Go Home,</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s Like This Life Never Existed?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will One Day These Two Lives Mesh Together?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will One Life Accept The Other?</div><div class="MsoNormal">And Vice Versa?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will It Get Easier To Balance Both Lives If That Recognition Happens?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will There Come A Time When I Look Back And Say It Was Worth It?<br />
<br />
~Rae</div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-6291044380991288422012-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:52:35.883-08:00Jesus>Religion"To the man who does not work but trusts God, who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:5<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1IAhDGYlpqY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-39294912151632691322011-12-22T23:31:00.000-08:002011-12-24T21:55:33.663-08:00God Moment<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you're in a rut, all out of hope, buried under a pile of dung, sunk lower than your boots, what do you do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My answer, I pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bible says God either answers "yes" "no" or "wait"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, when the wolf named Ellie ran from my yard, both Joe and I were praying while searching the neighborhood. But when we finally came home, done everything we could have done, turned the car off, we bowed our heads and Joe began to pray. Almost instantly God thought it to be funny to answer "yes"! My neighbor, Blake, was pounding on the window shouting "I found her!" (Thanks God!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Way later that night I noticed my hamster to be missing. Thanks to pure stupidity on my part for leaving a hole in the top of her cage when I know she is a climber.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You would think that I learned my lesson from God already. I mean, He showed me earlier that if I take time to relax, and leave it in His hands, He will answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, I treated the situation as "bad luck", it "ruined my good day", and "maybe I should change my major because I keep losing animals". When my mom came into my room to pray I barely listened because I was so frustrated at myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For some reason, I stayed awake. I was ready for bed, door closed, alarm set, and I declared the hamster as dead in my mind. But instead of falling asleep, I opened my computer. Half an hour later, the little fur-ball runs across my floor!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God taught me two things today: One, stay cool and really give the situation to Him. He is listening, but He can only respond when you're sincere and waiting. Two, big or small/once or twice, He still cares and He is still there. He isn't "done helping you for the day" or "sick of your requests".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He will always care, because He always loves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's a great thought to fall asleep to <3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-2:30 a.m. Rachel signing out.</span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-70198712928291494122011-11-21T10:53:00.001-08:002011-11-21T11:00:26.714-08:00The Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: ivory;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:1,31</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/Rk6_hdRtJOE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rk6_hdRtJOE&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rk6_hdRtJOE&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></span></div><a href="http://vimeo.com/22439234">Via Vimeo</a>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-52845806754980223042011-10-30T10:41:00.001-07:002011-11-02T15:11:17.412-07:00Quote of the Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Great things in our lives have to end in order for them to be remembered. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv7Dvj0YZ9s/TrG_zLx4IYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/SjClLPQ7IjU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv7Dvj0YZ9s/TrG_zLx4IYI/AAAAAAAAAGM/SjClLPQ7IjU/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i></span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-84843688599668906932011-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:002011-10-23T10:53:46.431-07:00Quote of the Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>"To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget." - Arundhati Roy</b></span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-73083608417263135332011-10-05T20:05:00.002-07:002012-04-08T13:22:48.796-07:00Slap In The Face<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Children always have a more optimistic outlook on life.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As we grow older we should stop and try to think like a child. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Focus on what's actually important instead of being bogged down by the cloud of "stuff" in our way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we just need a slap in the face to remember what the big goal is.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My niece, Abby, did just that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Her bedtime prayer: "Help Aunt Rachel to pass her test and to do good and be happy and learn how to help the animals."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><3 </span></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-81469410221348387122011-10-04T18:51:00.001-07:002012-04-08T13:23:20.369-07:00Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At some point in life, it all changes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Think about all the people that you know. Family members. Friends. People who have cashed you out at Wegmans. People you pass on the street. Etc. Etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Or how about... how many friends you have on facebook??</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's a LOT of people.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Significant or not, you have had moments with those people. However, some of those people become your friends. And even more moments are created. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More time is spent with the ones you care about most.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Am I right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But when change comes, and physical distance is added to that friendship.. something happens.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A universal "forgetfulness" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course every memory is still there in your mind, but that kind gesture, or simple "hello" is forgotten because they don't physically pass you everyday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is all a part of growing up. This is what happens. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moments of your life will collide with billions of other's. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the friends that will always care will<b> fight the distance.</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They will fight the universal "forgetfulness" to still be a part of your life forever.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Rae</span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-44499896092418876322011-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-15T18:19:00.329-07:00Perfector<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY1LUheBV0o" style="background-color: black;">Perfector by My Epic</a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm still a young man so I think very little of death, but who really does till it's coming for them? And I know with each breath I come one closer, but death is just a hook behind the door where I'll leave my dirty clothes....<br />
<br />
They may dump my body in the sea or spread my ashes miles wide, but it won't matter, all my parts will realign. They will rush to find each other when they hear their Lover's cry and death will be abandoned when He comes back for His bride!<br />
<br />
Saints are never buried, they are seeds planted who bring about a greater harvest when they burst forth from the earth that needed their fruits, but it could never hope to make enough room for their roots.<br />
<br />
Death is swallowed up, it owns nothing in me! Oh, death is swallowed up, it owns nothing in me!<br />
<br />
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones!<br />
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones! Oh, death is swallowed up!<br />
<br />
Oh, it was always You! It was always You! Oh, it was always You! It was always You!<br />
Oh, it was always You! It was always You! Oh, it was always You! It was always You!<br />
Oh, it was always You! It was always You! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">♡</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> </span></span>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-25183994641359508482011-08-18T21:07:00.000-07:002011-08-18T21:09:08.159-07:00Turn To Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PgZHbhszGrU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>So You Think You Can Dance<br />
Season 8 Top 20 Melanie & Marko<br />
Choreography by Travis Wall<br />
Song "Turn To Stone" by Ingrid MichaelsonRachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-70585728874578365682011-07-28T22:18:00.001-07:002012-04-08T13:24:00.598-07:00Kayaking<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes in life we get lost. Or not even "lost" but misdirected or uninformed of the correct, or incorrect path to take. We assume that a path is the best to take because of a guide that someone else made. We randomly trust others who have gone before us. Don't get me wrong, we should trust our forerunners! But sometimes they neglect to inform their predecessors how the path actually is. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This happened to my Aunt Karen and I while Kayaking.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The path we began on was beautiful and open.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK8vOUHejKI/TjI8tuOj8qI/AAAAAAAAAFw/FGRLpw9Imm4/s1600/IMG_6203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK8vOUHejKI/TjI8tuOj8qI/AAAAAAAAAFw/FGRLpw9Imm4/s320/IMG_6203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed our time, with no worries about our current journey or destination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But about almost two hours into our trip we noticed that the scenery began to change...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The path became narrower and we had to duck under trees.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZfjl_iwDAY/TjI9o2GXGnI/AAAAAAAAAF0/vC442WECbRk/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZfjl_iwDAY/TjI9o2GXGnI/AAAAAAAAAF0/vC442WECbRk/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eventually, we came to a spot that we could not power-paddle through. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26yp9sSK378/TjI-XjdRR5I/AAAAAAAAAF4/o_otzRTRZ1g/s1600/IMG_6237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26yp9sSK378/TjI-XjdRR5I/AAAAAAAAAF4/o_otzRTRZ1g/s320/IMG_6237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was determined that I knew where we were on that useless map. I was willing to get out of the kayak and pull it over the log. But Aunt Karen wouldn't let me step into the sinking muddy water. I was disappointed that we turned back. I assumed that the travel home would be boring because I already saw what there was to see.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, I was proved wrong. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ee_ZOKFrNlY/TjI_b_Czx7I/AAAAAAAAAF8/XgPX0AbSTh8/s1600/IMG_6246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ee_ZOKFrNlY/TjI_b_Czx7I/AAAAAAAAAF8/XgPX0AbSTh8/s320/IMG_6246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrSZQqa95Lo/TjJBQbCzH8I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Bm3ptPQ1R8k/s1600/IMG_6252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrSZQqa95Lo/TjJBQbCzH8I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Bm3ptPQ1R8k/s320/IMG_6252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhKRZ0GGpc/TjJBi1fS-_I/AAAAAAAAAGE/21sjBfD5awg/s1600/IMG_6267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzhKRZ0GGpc/TjJBi1fS-_I/AAAAAAAAAGE/21sjBfD5awg/s320/IMG_6267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once we arrived back I informed the man pf the path that we chose to take and he smartly replied, "Oh yeah that path has been blocked for awhile." I quietly thought, "Thanks, could have told us that before we began!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then again, it wouldn't have been such an adventure :) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I learned a couple lessons that day: It's alright to ask questions, always keep an eye out for warning signs, listen to the opinions and advice of those around you, and keep an open mind when a path in your life doesn't work out the way you had presumed.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TddAVdO75U/TjJCpMdzvAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/WSEXFNbAEr4/s1600/IMG_6239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TddAVdO75U/TjJCpMdzvAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/WSEXFNbAEr4/s320/IMG_6239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4-5</span></span><br />
<div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"></div><br />
~Rae<br />
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<div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;">Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"></div></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843679521996625077.post-50352856939570966462011-06-05T17:03:00.000-07:002011-06-06T08:17:07.055-07:00NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KdUsvU9XUI/TewYJWC3FAI/AAAAAAAAAEg/0egLZQ0sS30/s1600/IMG_9512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KdUsvU9XUI/TewYJWC3FAI/AAAAAAAAAEg/0egLZQ0sS30/s320/IMG_9512.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6GqmGMR_po/TewYa-VxPyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/3DhHjuAXoQI/s1600/IMG_9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6GqmGMR_po/TewYa-VxPyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/3DhHjuAXoQI/s320/IMG_9514.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-yAMAL44yg/TewY1-7-ILI/AAAAAAAAAEo/qvy8HzFXbhw/s1600/IMG_9637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-yAMAL44yg/TewY1-7-ILI/AAAAAAAAAEo/qvy8HzFXbhw/s320/IMG_9637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCBfZEJyWtc/TewaUvOFkgI/AAAAAAAAAEw/5Zpz1G0J9qs/s1600/IMG_9673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCBfZEJyWtc/TewaUvOFkgI/AAAAAAAAAEw/5Zpz1G0J9qs/s320/IMG_9673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made, there's nothing you can't do. Now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you. Lets hear it for New York." - Empire state of Mind. Jay-Z</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"><img height="20" onclick=" var tEl=document.getElementById('fs_play_button_in_page');if (tEl) tEl.style.display='none'; " src="chrome://foxsaver/skin/icons/fsHide.png" style="border: 0pt none; float: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="15" /> <br />
<div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;">Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"></div></div><div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"><img height="20" onclick=" var tEl=document.getElementById('fs_play_button_in_page');if (tEl) tEl.style.display='none'; " src="chrome://foxsaver/skin/icons/fsHide.png" style="border: 0pt none; float: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="15" /> <br />
<div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;">Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"></div></div><div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"><img height="20" onclick=" var tEl=document.getElementById('fs_play_button_in_page');if (tEl) tEl.style.display='none'; " src="chrome://foxsaver/skin/icons/fsHide.png" style="border: 0pt none; float: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="15" /> <br />
<div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;">Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"></div></div><div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"><img height="20" onclick=" var tEl=document.getElementById('fs_play_button_in_page');if (tEl) tEl.style.display='none'; " src="chrome://foxsaver/skin/icons/fsHide.png" style="border: 0pt none; float: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="15" /> <br />
<div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;">Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"></div></div><div id="fs_play_button_in_page" style="background-color: #2e1e17; border-color: rgb(71, 70, 69) white rgb(71, 70, 69) rgb(71, 70, 69); border-style: solid; border-width: 5px 1px 5px 5px; bottom: 0px; color: #d3d3ff; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; height: 20px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 5px 1px 0px; position: fixed; right: 0px; width: 145px; z-index: 1000;"><img height="20" onclick=" var tEl=document.getElementById('fs_play_button_in_page');if (tEl) tEl.style.display='none'; " src="chrome://foxsaver/skin/icons/fsHide.png" style="border: 0pt none; float: left; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="15" /> <div id="fsplaybtn" style="float: left; font: bold 13px Arial; margin: 3px 5px 1px 3px; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; width: 122px;"> Play by FoxSaver®</div><div class="dd-handle" id="fs_dd_handle_area" onclick="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(80, 94, 69); clear: right; cursor: move; float: right; height: 28px; left: 143px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 15px;"> </div></div>Rachel Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05139510594893137669noreply@blogger.com0