Author: seacheltx

this rebel is writing a book! REBELLIOUS JOY

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It has been 2 years since my AncestryDNA surprise results. It has been a journey for my soul! If it had been a highway, it would have resembled the one I lived off of in Morenci, AZ. It used to have an ominous name; however, it was eventually changed. It is a dangerous and treacherous highway with horseshoe turns and spectacular views. This is a great word image of my personal journey.

I was conceived during a split in a 10 yearlong marriage and a casualty of someone else’s war. However, I remain joyful, even on my darkest days. I had all the permission in the world to slip into anger or depression. This was not an easy journey. Now, I am being led to share the healthy and healing aspects, the steps, the turns, the scenery, and dangerous horseshoe turns.

What is JOY? This word does not usually entice us to think of rebellion or defiance. JOY is typically associated with the emotion of happiness and the season of Christmas. God gave me permission to stay joyful in my grief, sorrow, and shock.

I had to EMBRACE TRUTH, FIND PEACE, AND CHOOSE JOY. I had a new part to my identity, and it definitely sent me into crisis mode. Choosing JOY means that you choose to have a healthy mindset on your circumstances and will not give them power to rob you of your peace.

For two Advent seasons in a row, I was asked to share about two of the topics: Peace and Joy. In 2021, I shared a story about PEACE. In 2022, I shared on Joy. My book will contain some of these details once it is published but I wanted to share these now. One never knows when a timely word will help someone in their sorrow, grief, and dismay. Please forgive the format as I do not have the appropriate editing software.

In 2021, I was asked to share about Peace for Advent. This is part of my story.
In 2022, I was asked to share about JOY. This is part of my story.


Thank you for stopping by. Please let me know if you have experienced a DNA surprise, I would love to hear your story.

Abiding Still,
Rachele Beckwith
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Thankful for the Rain

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Today, I am thankful for the rain. I woke to the glorious sounds of water upon water as it danced off the glass door to our room. Once upon a time, the rain would lull me into a slumber as a somber spirit became my blanket. This morning, however, feels like velvet upon my skin. It is another fresh beginning as we welcome November into our lives.

Today, I am grateful for the rain. A smile fills my face as gratefulness floods my soul. It’s chilly outside. This time of year flips the wind upon its side and it feels cooler than the thermometer reads. A stark contrast to our beloved days of summer filled with sandy beaches and dark tans. Our skin is lighter but so should our burdens be. I am grateful for the rain that washes away yesterday and gives way to the new.

Today, I am blessed by the rain. As the water paves a new path, I am blessed to see all the people I meet along life’s way. I am thankful for the friendships restored and how it makes our hearts so full. I am grateful for the newness and blessed by the tribe which surrounds me. I am blessed by the rain for it quenches my thirsty soul and makes all things new.

Thank you Lord, for waking me today and allowing me to see the beauty of the rain and reminding me that your everlasting love is the ultimate reign. Your reign washes away sickness and disease. Your reign cleanses us white as snow. Your reign is the giver of life and granter of all the blessings. Your reign says that our trials are also your trials and we are not alone. I am thankful, grateful, and blessed by Your Reign.

Abiding Still, Rachele

Grace and Forgiveness

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Welcome back to my blog…oh I am speaking to myself! ha! But sincerely, it has been a while and I am so glad you are here!

Recently, I recorded a video and I had been reluctant to post it merely because I look like a total dork on camera. After praying about it I came to realize that this message needs to be shared. Furthermore, if you are supposed to relate to it then you will ignore my quirkiness. (At least I hope so!)

The video I am posting here is on grace and forgiveness as it applies to each of us and also relating to finding out that your father was a total different person than you knew. If you are an NPE joining us today, I hope you find healing and peace on your journey. This is the beginning of how I found my peace and healing along my journey.

Thank you for stopping by today. If you need to reach out for one on one discussion feel free to reach out at rachelelynnb (at) gmail (dot)com.

Until next time, I will be Abiding Still, Rachele

Morning Ritual

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Sunrise

This morning began with a ritual many in my town experience, the line to the beach to view the rising sun. To some, it would be their last sunrise from the beach, to others their first, and some would experience their last sunrise on earth. The line of cars in front of me filled me with anticipation and I began to wonder how they would enjoy this particular sunrise. Would it be with wonder or worry? Would it be with sadness or delight?

As I walked along the seawall, I exchanged good morning greetings and greetings of wonder. One even said, “What a unique and beautiful sunrise.” as he walked his little pup along the wall. I nodded and responded, “It is unique indeed!” I smiled my big smile and briskly walked along my way.

This might have been an ordinary day for you my friends, but for me it began uniquely and ended the same. I feel the pain for friends with grief and loss as well as the glee of celebration in the lives of others.

No day is to be taken for granted. I did not take one moment of this day with an ordinary view, yet I embraced it with the unique perspective it deserves.

Bracing for Impact in a Marginless World

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Key words to consider while reading this post: boundaries, forgiveness, space, offense, easily offended (doesn’t mean what you think it means), unoffendable, and finally margins.

This morning as I read my devotionals, I felt compelled to share what had spoken to my heart and mind. I saw images of many types of vehicles coming to a sudden stop. When I saw the semi’s I realized that they must be prepared at any moment for those who failed to properly brace for impact. It takes a lot longer to come to a complete stop when weight and speed are the determining factors for true efficacy. A semi has two methods of stopping: brakes and engine braking. In my travels, I have seen the signs that do not allow semi trucks to use engine braking. This means that they must be prepared for the brakes to safely do their job and trust others to leave them space. Then it hit me, figuratively of course, that this fit within with my devotionals, except it concerns people.

Sometimes I will remind anyone who chooses to read my posts that I am a Christian, imperfect human, and use scripture when writing. I will say that one might not understand, especially not agree, if they do not believe in the Lord. However, this subject can benefit anyone whose life lacks margins. I hope in some small way you “hear” what my heart is trying to convey and that it helps you to grasp a morsel of peace.

I had never looked at needing margins in life, but I have definitely recognized the need for boundaries or lack thereof. The use of margins makes much more sense in dealing with forgiveness and conversely being easily offended.

Think about the word: margin. When looking at stats there is always the +/- ‘margin of error’ to consider. When I looked up the Greek and Hebrew words for margin I found a common word: allowance. In the Hebrew translation I found an interesting word: boundary and in Greek: border. It would seem that the words would be interchangeable but from previous studies I know that these languages will use one word for many contextual meanings. The English language can misuse a word, it would seem, when trying to translate original Biblical text. This is why I dig.

For the Greek use of margin it can mean: shore, bank, border, and ALLOWANCE. For the Hebrew use of margin there were more words listed: boundary, tension, voltage, strain, suspense, bias, space, language, edge, gap, seam, tassel, limit, rim….you get the picture. Funny how when crossing a boundary many of those things are the experience – voltage, strain, bias…etc.

When bracing for impact, you have knowledge of the ‘limit’ to the ‘edge’. One might even experience ‘stain’ if the margin is close. One will always need ‘space’ and ‘gaps’ in order to stop before the ‘boundary’ is breached. Taking all of this into consideration regarding relationships, I wanted to see what that looked like.

Colossians 3:13 says, ” “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (NLT)- New Living Translation. In the other translations, which do not vary much, you might see the word, bearing instead of allowance. That is when it hit me!!! When I say ‘hit me’, it was like a MAC truck who did not have enough space, margin, distance, or gap to effectually stop using only the brakes.

So many of us, most of us, are so easily offended that it would not matter what the context was of any situation, if you are offended you own it and proudly raise the flag of offense! In the verse for today we can easily see that Christ says that the penalty has been declined! (I suppose football would have worked instead of brakes! ha!) Christ then also tells us to forgive AS HE FORGAVE! It’s the little tiny word “AS” that always strikes me. As, as in the same way. When you look at His words in red then compare it to Col. 3:13, you might also see what I did.

How do I forgive AS Christ did? BEFORE THE OFFENSE EVEN OCCURS! Read that again, BEFORE IT HAPPENS! He died before we were born; it only makes sense. He made space for us in our humanness, allowed the margin for error, reviewed the scene, and forgave us anyway. He bore our sins and it was painful. Sometimes it is very painful to “bear with one another” and it is difficult to forgive. Then as some of us do, we banter about forgive and forget. Notice that Christ did not address that for us, only for Himself did He mention the forgetting. So we need to let that go. Our memories are there but it is in how easily we are offended that a small offense becomes something larger. I will venture to say that those who are easily offended deal with pride issues often. I have been there, so I am not pointing fingers. When easily offended, we allow our emotions to rule over us. Then anytime the offender deals with you, you brace for impact for the next offense and give ZERO space for their human margin of error.

I could go on and on regarding these words, those verses, and how it impacted me this morning, but I will close this with advice I read. Perhaps most of us need to do some or all of the following in order for peace to reign in our lives whether we are believers or not. I took the following advice from my devotionals linked below this post.

Allow the margin. Leave a gap. Create space.

Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.

Forgive them. 

Forgive dad. 

Forgive mom. 

Forgive the teacher. 

Forgive the ex boyfriend. 

Forgive the ex girlfriend. 

Forgive the ex spouse. 

Forgive the current one. 

Forgive your sibling. 

Forgive your old boss. 

Forgive your old friend. 

Forgive the coach.

Forgive your last pastor. 

Forgive the person who used a racial slur. 

Forgive the police. 

Forgive the government. 

Forgive a President. 

I see plenty in the list above that needs my attention. Christ, first and foremost, got my attention this morning. I am going to work on creating space to allow for those margins. I am going to make sure I have enough space that when bracing for impact. My prayer is that you were not offended when reading this. Thank you for allowing me the space to share my heart.

In Him, Rachele Beckwith

https://my.bible.com/users/Chel3572/reading-plans/4451-unoffendable/subscription/760129248/day/7/segment/0

https://my.bible.com/users/Chel3572/reading-plans/135-rick-warrens-daily-devotional/subscription/673050566/day/215/segment/0

Holy Rumination: The One Whom Jesus Loves

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Recently, God did something for me!! He took a sermon from our dear pastor and revealed something truly beautiful! Pastor Billy was speaking on the rich man and the leper regarding the chasm between the two. Then he mentioned that the leper was sitting in the seat of honor, to the right hand of the host. I closed my eyes to let it sink in, then all the sudden I saw the image of “The Final Supper” become so realistic in my mind. There in the seat of honor was…JOHN, the disciple whom Jesus loves. While I could not say with any certainty how he came to that seat, I do want to share what this meant to me. This little phrase is another declaration for your holy rumination.

A few little things to set context to my tiny revelation: 1st, the Book of John is often referred to as the “love chapter”. It is the gospel that reveals so much about love and life. 2nd, it is the gospel that tells us how much God loves us! 3rd, in this book, John tell us a little more about certain stories with intimate details. But 4th and finally, because I don’t want you to miss this little golden nugget….HE REFERS TO HIMSELF AS THE ONE WHOM JESUS LOVES!!! He loved himself the way which God loves him! He reminded himself often that he was loved by Jesus. So much so, that others would say the same about him…”You know the one, the one whom Jesus loves. Yeah, that’s him.” I can hear it now!

You might be thinking oh that’s nice and really sweet. But how does that apply to my ruminating thoughts on how I see others and especially myself? Here it is….

I am going to look in the mirror and at least once a day remind myself that Jesus loves me. I am going to say it aloud, “I am the one whom Jesus loves!” When someone else says something negative or untrue about me, I will respond with, “I am the one whom Jesus loves.” This will certainly help my self-talk all while giving me a Holy Rumination! I will continue to use Philippians 4:8 as it applies in situations, only now I will include it in my self-talk.

How will this help how I will see others? You have heard the quote that hurt people, hurt people, right? They do!! People who have a poor self image also seem to do the same. They often treat others with distain or harshness. It is difficult to love others if you don’t love yourself. And it is even harder to receive love from others if you don’t love yourself. You have convinced yourself for too long that you are not good enough and that you don’t deserve the good that comes to you. When you love others, you deserved to be loved back, right?! Yes, indeed you do! If you love yourself, it helps others feel free to express their love to you! Learning to love yourself is likely the most vulnerable you could ever be alone. But if you can’t be vulnerable to yourself while alone, how will you ever be vulnerable with others?

I believe that John understood just how much Jesus loved him that he made sure everyone knew it too. I don’t believe it came from a warped sense of self, but instead it fueled how he viewed himself! If you know that God loved you so much that He sent His one and only son so that you would have everlasting life, then you will feel the impact of that love! That is the kind of love that transforms someone, cleanses, purifies, and reveals the true nature of our God! The Bible tells us that people will know we are Christians by our love. I also think that people will see us as loveable when we love ourselves.

The first two greatest commands sum it up perfectly and far better than I ever could!

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

Holy Rumination

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I know I am not alone when I confess that my mind can be a real huge mess! This mind of mine will convince me that if I think over something enough, I can fix it or manage it! It feels horrible to be lost in ones own thoughts, especially when they are negative. Many people suffer from this and the mental health community calls it RUMINATION. The perpetual influx of such negative thinking does affect your perspective on people and circumstances. Even more than that, it affects your emotional and physical health.

When you are hurting from rejection, lies, perfectionism, disparaging comments, loneliness, stress, the past, or feelings of not being good enough, what do you do? What is your go to method of dealing with life’s inevitable disappointments or failures in your own life? As I shared above, I had convinced myself that thinking about it over and over again might help or fix it. It has never worked. Overthinking something without action, follow-up, or actual communication will keep you in the loop of your own thoughts.

What about how you view yourself? Has the thought ever occurred to you that how you see yourself deeply drives your response to life’s disappointments? For me, I know that when I have not felt good enough my responses to things would be defensive at best, but at the worst moments you convince yourself you don’t deserve any better. It is unfortunate that I spent that time beating myself up due to the actions of others. If I could just do…..If I could just be….If I could….Then I WOULD BE GOOD ENOUGH! WRONG! I was so wrong!! When you know who you are you don’t have to tell others WHO YOU ARE. And when you know WHOSE you are, it all comes into focus.

In order for me to believe that God thinks about me is true, I had to understand that I will never be perfect. It is crucial to understand that mistakes and failures will happen. But before you are caught in the grip of perfectionism, GET UP! I know it is all easier said than done. If I know who I am, I don’t have to tell you or prove it. Why? If I am who I think I am, my actions will show it, and my spoken responses will also give insight into who I am. If I say I love but I am always putting you down, would you believe that I loved you? Would you consider me kindhearted? My guess is, no, you would discern that I was critical or just mean and did not love you.

So how do you talk to yourself? I am going to list some questions below and I challenge you to do a self-check.

  • Do you constantly overthink?
  • How do you view yourself?
  • Do you think that your actions reveal how you see yourself?
  • When you look in the mirror, do you like or love what you see?
  • Do you replay the rejections you have experienced? Losses? Failures? Harsh Words? Lies?
  • Do you often think about your fears? What are you afraid of? (It is probably similar to what we have already reviewed.)
  • How do you describe yourself?
  • How do you receive compliments?
  • How do you receive critique?

Whether you view yourself higher or lower than others, it is rooted in insecurity. Insecurity usually comes from a trauma like being abandoned, abused, bullied, or believing you are not good enough. Maybe it was rejection in love or from a parent. Maybe it was experiencing death too soon in your life that it felt like abandonment. Maybe it is finding out that you had different birth parent(s)! Circumstances too often thwart how we see ourselves and others. Sometimes your life has been altered because you were collateral damage in someone else’s war. Perhaps, life has shaped you to feel insecure.

I have experienced a lot of these circumstances just like you. If you have trusted others, you have probably experienced betrayal. If you have ever loved, you have probably experienced heartache. Perhaps as a kid, we either felt safe or afraid, loved or abused, praised or put down, spoiled or ignored, disciplined or punished, you get the picture. Our experiences shape our perspective on people, circumstances, and our own self-view. But what if you are a Christian? Here are some questions for anyone who is in Christ:

  • Do you believe God loves you?
  • Do you believe what God has said about you through His Word?
  • Are you overly concerned about how others view you or talk about you? (Is it the opinion of others what matters most to you? Or do you not care at all, like zero thoughts about what others think? (We tend to deal in extremes as a reaction to what life throws at us.)
  • Do you concern yourself on how you make others feel with your words or actions?
  • Ask the same question to yourself: Do you concern yourself with how you feel when thinking negative thoughts?
  • Do you constantly feel guilty?
  • Do you ever truly feel free?

Look at the word picture at the beginning of this post then look at the one below. I used a lemon image for the negative thoughts, pun intended! People trapped in trapped in negative thinking do usually have a bitter look on their face. In contrast, I used the infinity symbol filled with positive words to visualize God’s love for us.

Being a former overthinker, I can attest that changing HOW you think will help you change WHAT you think! Even more so, it will change your perspective! Friends and family would warn me upon learning bad or sad news not to get lost in my mind and stay there. They knew me well. The NEWEST me no longer uses that coping strategy. I still criticize myself at times, but I am no longer in the perpetual loop of my former desperate mind. When something has pierced my heart or I am overly concerned about the opinions of others, I take it to Philippians 4:8!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Now back to rumination and how we think: Rumination usually includes negative repetitive thinking over something, someone, or a feeling about oneself. So, how can that be changed? First of all, it does not have to be negative! What if you applied the command in Philippians 4:8 to all things possible? What if you applied it to yourself regarding your own self-talk? I sense a transformation in the works!!! Second, you should only concern yourself about what God has to say about you! As a Christian, you do need to believe what He thinks of you! He longs to prosper you and give you hope, peace, love, and the deepest desires of your heart!!! Finally, I think it is possible to get there quickly when you spend time in His Word, repeat the positive verses that speak to your soul, memorize and cling to them!

Beginning with Philippians 4:8, apply the words to every thought regarding yourself, especially to those which develop an unhealthy self-talk! Is it true what you say about yourself? Is it Noble? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it admirable? No? Then if anything you say about yourself is excellent or praiseworthy, think about those things!!

Next, I challenge you to look up and list Bible verses that proclaim God’s love and thoughts about His people. Finally, meditate upon those verses and allow His love to become so engrained that your mind is beautifully transformed with a Holy Rumination!

My prayer is that you will truly love yourself and recognize that YOU ARE THE ONE WHOM JESUS LOVES! (That is a clue regarding the next scheduled post!)

In His Love, Rachele Beckwith

Glory of the Day

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(A poem written by me on July 10, 2010.)

I am parched in a dry weary land, everywhere I turn there are offers to quench my thirst, yet I remain unsatisfied.

I wander from place to place, room to room, seeking tranquility and rest for my soul, yet I remain unsatisfied.

Time speeds by, the good ole days are only a memory in my aging mind, I seek comfort, yet I remain unsatisfied.

The days are harried, lists yet undone, duties increase, and I seek some release, yet I remain unsatisfied.

When I was my most thirsty, approaching insanity, forgetting all about me and busy in my pace, I met the One face to face and I’m no longer unsatisfied.

At the well marked “living water” I was offered a drink, I partook of one mere sip and I was fully satisfied.

In the room marked “the corner of my heart” I met a man, took his hand, bowed my head, received his breath, and I was satisfied.

On my knees, I begged for the days of old, for my memories to once again unfold. Then I met the one with one touch of his hand I caught a glimpse of Heaven land, he gave me rest and I was satisfied.

At the close of the day, I decided to pray, I poured my heart upon the one who keeps meeting me there, and He spoke Peace, Perfect Peace, and I am satisfied.

On the dawn of the very next day, I thanked Jesus for quenching my thirst, calming my mind, giving me rest and peace, perfect peace, Glory to God I will remain satisfied!

In Him, Rachele

DNA vs Identity Part 5 – Reflections & Revelations

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FORGIVENESS IS A DOOR TO A HEALTHIER FUTURE!!

It is so easy to retreat into your own mind when you learn shocking news. When I reflect upon the first 6 months of 2021, I am still shocked to see how much has changed in my world, yet so much remains the same. This thought came to the other day, “Forgiveness is a door to a healthier future.”

Emotional health drives your physical health more than what you eat or drink. We all know that stress can kill you. But I pose this question, “Does bitterness also lead to your demise?” Bitter people are angry and difficult to be around. If one feels this horrible inside, it will begin show on the outside. Having an unforgiving heart is usually what leads to bitterness. Whether the person has immense guilt or has suffered from deep trauma, forgiving yourself and others allows peace to reside within you.

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15

I could harbor anger and resentment towards my parents for so many reasons. But when I think back, it was them, both of them, who taught me about forgiveness. They weren’t even Christians at that time, yet held a high regard to the importance of letting go and forgiving. I had to ask myself how my life would be affected if I were to victimize myself by their choices? It’s likely I would be absolutely miserable. Additionally, I would be losing out on so many of the blessings that I am now experiencing.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31

They betrayed one another, details do not matter and frankly are none of MY business. I was their child, not spouse. What happened in their marriage was none of my business then. Plus, I wasn’t mature enough to understand it. Now that I know the umbrella level of their story and the pain they both caused one another, I appreciate them immensely! They tried, really tried for 17 or 18 years! 

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD cares for me.” Psalm 27:10

If they were still here, I know they would be honest with me. I forgave my dad for being honest with me when I was 13 for the actions he confessed. He spared me the details…again none of my business! I was angry. I admitted it and we discussed it. He helped me to forgive him! He took the time and emotional investment in each question I had. I forgave him and moved ahead. 

My aunt, his sister, tried to tell me things about my mom when I was 14 or 15. Perhaps she was looking to tell me the truth. I explained to her then, that information was not my business. They both loved me! Now, that was my business. After trying to work things out so many times they divorced; soon afterward my sweet mother passed away from cancer. My aunt and I had another conversation after my father passed away and I do believe she really wanted to tell me. It turns out that even she had not been forthcoming with her children either. They grew up believing that one man was their father and he was not. One of my cousins responded with awful actions and a bitter heart. The other cousin still has a wonderful relationship with her father, he chose them after all. She really loved my parents and understands so much more than anyone realizes. But I know it and her wonderful heart.

I’ll fast forward to now, I know the story which began the demise of their relationship and resulted in me. I’m at peace with both of them STILL!! I’m still processing the woman who was the catalyst to their initial split. I am doing well only because I wouldn’t be here if she had been honoring my parents marriage. My dad couldn’t and never did have a biological child.

Their actions against one another were not “personal” to me. It did not and still would not change their love for me. What happens between a married or even non-married couple is not any of the child’s business. At least not all of the details. Sometimes they know or figure it out and want confirmation.

When there is a change in who the biological parent(s) are, there would be questions obviously. I’m thankful for the knowledge I now have.

Ultimately, I witnessed them forgive one another and didn’t even realize just how much. I knew they loved one another yet could not fully heal. Why? Not my business! 

I miss both of my parents so very much!!! Yet, I’m blessed beyond belief to have found a sister regardless of the mister! That man will never know the blessings he missed out on. Just take a look at how much my grandson also resembles my biological father. I also added myself to a picture from roughly the same age as Jimmy in his photo.

Ultimately in the end, I am grateful that it all worked out the way it did. My life has been greatly enriched even though my world flipped upside down.

Abiding Still, Rachele

We Are Not Useless

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Always remember from where you have been lifted and continue to look up! From the deepest pits we can rise and from to the highest mountains we can fall. Our all knowing, all loving, Heavenly Father is there to encourage us and lift us when we fall. I wrote most of this in 2009 and I did fall and I did wander. I became the epitome of the prodigal. Avoiding my convictions and doing what made me feel good in the moment was my goal. The years had brought a lot of pain into my heart. Years of what I thought was sacrifice became painful reminders that I was not good enough. I basically felt useless.

I thank you and praise you dear Lord Jesus for cleansing a sinner like me and making me whole. With my whole life, I want to thank you for teaching me Your ways and showing me Your path. I pray that you never allow me to stray and keep me from being useless to and in Your Kingdom. I love you Jesus and I want my whole life to show it. Amen

As a Baptist not only was John 3:16 my first verse to memorize but it is the verse most engraved upon my soul.

My Savior moved not just mountains for me but myself from me and entered into my life. I remember how I was, all of the gory details, but I am so thankful that is the past. I am certain failure lingers ever so closely, but with Christ I am kept in perfect peace regardless of trials and circumstances. I am able to face the days ahead as I live with grateful heart. 

When deep within my rebellion the Lord tapped me on my shoulder and reminded me of His plans for me: 

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I was ready for the future and I decided I was ready for HIS future in my life. 

I was deeply ignorant, but I thank my LORD, He sent a Savior! (1 Timothy 1:12-17) I can honestly say I am chief sinner here as well, although that is not a headdress I would be proud to display. If sinning were a competition, I would have most of you beat; again not a proud feat at all for me. 

God just flat astonishes me! My Savior swept me right off my feet and I am still reeling and relishing this dance. His agape love that reaches beyond all understanding and without limits was expressed to someone like me, sinful, broken, putrid, and hideous. Yet He loved me and all of us so much that He appointed His one and only son to be our sacrifice, bestowing Jesus to us. 

You know the 10 Commandments, right??? Been there broke that. (sigh) BUT on a more positive note, I believe God wants me to see the potential HE realizes for me and I think I found that Truth revealed in John 3:16. So I wanted to take this time to share with you that all familiar passage. But please I beg of you read it as if you have never read it before and allow the truth of the root words to bury themselves deep within your soul. You will be ready to shout hallelujah, I promise you!

I knew that looking deep into this verse would cause gratitude to overflow from my heart. Since it is a very familiar verse to me, I desired a fresh perspective. So, join me as I thank the Lord for giving His only Son, securing our eternity, and “making us useful”. 

The following summary was created by researching the words found in John 3:16 via Strong’s, and interpreted from the Greek root words:

“Indeed, God loved His creation beyond compare, in such a way, He supplied His one and only son in order that each and everyone would put full confidence into Him. Then they will not be destroyed or rendered useless instead given the exception to the possession of a full active vigorous life wholly devoted to God without end.”

I don’t know about you but that just blew me away! Our need, His supply, so we will not be useless!!!! 

How can we have the full and active life without end if we do not first put our trust in HIM?

How could we not have been destroyed if it were not for the Lord and His ultimate sacrifice?

How could we ever feel useful if we do not pursue His plans for our lives?

How can we not praise Him when He has given so much for us?

How can we not feel loved when the author of Love itself is surrounding us?

He loves us! He loves me!

All because He first loved us! I am speechless and breathless.

To whomever reads this, have a wonderful and blessed day!

Rachele