Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My life over the past week!

I have had quite an eventful Christmas break so far! The Wednesday after I was done with my finals (the semester is OVER, Praise the Lord... it was atough one), my family and I went to ICE at the Gaylord Texan! The theme this year was Charles Schulz's Peanuts! It was absolutely adorable, and it brought back lots of childhood memories as I grew up with these goofy cartoon characters.

On Thursday night, I went to the Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio Glory in the Highest Christmas Tour. This was at the Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. If you have not heard of either one of these men, I strongly advise you to youtube them!! They are both very strong followers of Jesus Christ, and strive to pick up their cross daily and follow Him. I had some family and friends come along to experience this incredible time of worship, and listen to Louie Giglio retell the Christmas story like I have never heard it read or explained before. My parents, my dear friend Shirley, and my sweet friends from school, Laura and Elise came with me.
On Saturday, my parents and I left for Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Our reason for venturing out to this town was to see my high school band director's daughter marry the love of her life. The wedding could not have fit the bride and groom more perfectly. It was small and simple, yet oh so elegant and beautiful!! We stayed in Arkadelphia for two nights at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. While we were there we took lots of pictures... we went to the marina one night and took pictures of all the HUGE boats that were decked out with Christmas lights, we went around town and took pictures of all the restaurants we ate at, took a picture of the church we visited Sunday morning, and went to Speer Pavilion on OBU's campus and took lots of fun pictures. Overall, it was such a wonderful weekend filled with lots of memories! :)
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my eventful weekend! :)



Monday, November 8, 2010

423 Shoot

You are probably wondering what the title of my post means... if you keep reading, you will find out. :)

Yesterday afternoon, I was talking with a very good friend of mine, and we were just catching up on each other's lives. We got to talking about what each of us were struggling with right now, and for me it's learning how to be friends with people of the opposite without seeing them as a potential boyfriend. You see, my selfish desire is to be in a relationship... it's seems as if all around me people are getting into relationships, getting engaged, or even getting married. Although I secretly want to go full speed ahead and find a boyfriend, God is telling me "Be patient, and wait." So that is just what I am going to do. My head has known this for awhile, but my heart has finally received the message that Christ has a guy out there that He has molded just for me, he will be my better half, he will love me for who I am, and he will be better than any guy I could ever pick out for myself.

My friend suggested that I listen to a podcast of the pastor of her church. His sermon topic is can guys and girls be friends? His answer is YES! It is God-ordained. The next question is, how can guys and girls be friends? This question is answered in 1 Timothy 5:1-2:
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if her were your father.
Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers,
and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
Friendship should function like a healthy, loving family. Think about it... would you marry or even date a family member? Absolutely not, it's morally wrong!
Then we ask ourselves, is it okay to be attracted to someone? Again, the answer is yes. This is supported in Song of Songs 1:2-3:
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth-
for your love is more delightful than wine.
Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;
your name is like perfume poured out."
However, the key is to know what to do with your attraction. Here is where the "423 Shoot" comes in... 423 represents Proverbs 4:23:
"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life."
Do you hear what that verse is saying? GUARD your heart. Dwell on that. Why must we guard our hearts? Because Jeremiah 17:9 tells us:
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?"
So, in order to stay in this "423 Shoot" we must do two things... see others as our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers AND understand when and how to pursue our attraction. But remember, "you don't become brothers and sisters without a Father" -Carl Gulley

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Speechless

What do you say when you don't know how to say what you want to say?
Do I just keep telling myself that I'm okay when I'm really not?
Or am I really okay, but I think I'm not?

I have been asked "How's life?" in the past few days, and my answer to that question is this, "It has it's good days and it has it's bad days, but I try my hardest to praise God through them all." But am I really trying my hardest? Or do I let the smallest things get under my skin? Or do I let my worries about my future stop me from living out the present? Or do I let my emotions and feelings get the best of me? Or do I put my personal wants and desires before God's will?

Why do I let the little things get the best of me, when there are so many people in the world hurting from extreme poverty and hunger? Why do I worry about my future, when there are people in the world who aren't even sure if they will see tomorrow? Why do I let my emotions and feelings control me, when there are people in the world who have never felt the true joy and peace of knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior? Why do I dwell on worldly desires, when there are people in the world who barely have enough food on the table?

Lord, captivate my heart, transform my mind, and renew my soul! Help me to stop living in my own little world, and humble myself to go out and serve Your people. Help me to daily live for You! For You and only You can complete me. I am Yours forever!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Love Is Not A Fight


My roommate posted this on her facebook, and I fell in love with the song.
Beautiful lyrics... Powerful message... Incredible movie...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

I'm taking off my blinders. Are you?

There are so many things that each and every one of us desire or want in our lives. Whatever your desire or want may be, I encourage to daily seek God for guidance and clarity. Although I warn you, do NOT allow yourself to be blinded by your emotions. Satan is powerful and he knows our weaknesses, and he will place thoughts and justifications into our mind that make us believe that the desire or want is something we should go after. When in reality, God may have been giving us a big fat NO all along. It is such a beautiful thing when we finally take off our blinders, and let our Redeemer transform our hearts and minds.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
-Psalm 23

Friday, October 22, 2010

Just a little reminder

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:4-7

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

For when the day seems to go all wrong...

Even though my day has not been spectacular, I know my God is bigger and stronger than all of my worries and failures.
I find an overwhelming comfort and peace in these verses...

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength"
-Philippians 4:13
"'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'"
-John 16:33

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Just the way you are


Just a remember to all the girls out there to never settle for less. You deserve a guy that tells you you're beautiful everyday, and never let anyone tell you differently.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Sisters by birth, Friends by choice

I would like to start off with just a few quotes that so perfectly describe my sister and I :)

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead

A sister is a forever friend. ~Author Unknown

Sister to sister we will always be,
A couple of nuts off the family tree.
~Author Unknown

I smile because you are my sister, I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!
-- Author Unknown


My older sister (by 6 years) and I have been through thick and thin since before I was born. From me kicking her off our mom's lap during church, her flipping me out of my swing and onto my head, to me bitting her in the stomach. Lol. We have been through it all! Being 6 years apart, we were not very close growing up. We were always at different schools, had different friends, and just at different stages in our lives. However, NOTHING takes away the bond of sisterhood.

Our family hit a pretty rough patch back in 2003, and although it took us quite a while to regain trust with one another, we never lost the most important thing... LOVE. By God's grace, our family is stronger now than ever before!

Now that my sister and I are older, we have grown a whole lot closer, and I praise God so much for that! My sister is always there for me... no matter what! She encourages me to do my best and to stay strong in the Lord. It is so amazing to watch her grow in her relationship with Christ, just as I am growing in mine. God has captivated her heart, and helped her become a beautiful woman who is eagerly seeking Him. I know I can always count on my sister. Whenever I need her, she is there. She tells me what I NEED to hear, and not what I WANT to hear. She gives me great advice. We are so different, yet so alike! We have sister telepathy, and it sometimes freaks people out. Haha! I love my sister with all of my heart!
I promise you, there is NOTHING like the bond of sisterhood.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

I'M SINGING!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DCDApaqRhA

Check out this song... you will fall in love! No matter what obstacle life may throw at you, may you find peace and comfort in knowing that Christ Jesus is with you every step of the way.

I am struggling with wondering when God will place "the one" in my life, but I know that He has/is molding a guy just for me just as He is molding me for that guy, and I'M SINGING!

I constantly compare myself to other girls, and sometimes think that I am not pretty enough for a guy to love me, but I know that Christ created me in His perfect image and calls me beautiful, so I'M SINGING!

Christ has blessed me with incredible family and friends who love me no matter what, and are always there for me, so I'M SINGING!

I pray that in your trial and tribulations, you will find hope in Jesus Christ. I also pray that through all the blessing's Christ pours out over you, that you will give all the glory to God. NEVER STOP SINGING His praise! :)

I'm Singing Lyrics

Only one name lasts forever

Only one fame stands alone
Only one key has an anthem
That goes on and on and on

And I'm Singing to the God who brings redemption to the nations
Kings and oceans bow to Him in praise
And I'm Singing to the God who wrote the book on our salvation
To the One who covers me in grace
I'm Singing

Only one word in the beginning
Only one truth will prevail
Only one love brings you freedom
Only one Man took the nails

And I'm Singing to the God who brings redemption to the nations
Kings and oceans bow to Him in praise
And I'm Singing to the God who wrote the book on our salvation
To the One who covers me in grace
I'm Singing

Praise, Praise to the Savior
Praise, to the Lamb Of God
Praise, in all of His splendor
Praise, for saving my life

And I'm Singing to the God who brings redemption to the nations
Kings and oceans bow to Him in praise
And I'm Singing to the God who wrote the book on our salvation
To the One who covers me in grace

And I'm Singing to the God who brings redemption to the nations
Kings and oceans bow to Him in praise
And I'm Singing to the God who wrote the book on our salvation
To the One who covers me in grace
To the One who covers me in grace
I'm Singing
I'm Singing
I'm Singing
I'm Singing

Friday, October 8, 2010

Daddy's little girl

Today is my daddy, Marcus Lee Haptonstall. :)
God has blessed me with a daddy that I know will always support me, encourage me, pick me up when I am down, make me laugh, help me in any situation, and love me unconditionally.
How does he do each of those things? Well, let me tell you:
-Support me: My family has been so blessed to be able to live off of one source of income, and that is my daddy's job. We all know that girl's are expensive, and I am no exception. He has supported me all of my extracurricular activities (which cost a lot of $), such as choir, NHS, PALs, basketball (in junior high), and especially band (which I was involved in for 7 straight years... there is the instrument itself, band fees, uniform, shoes, etc). He has been there for every choir or band concert or contest. He has supported me through the 4 mission trips I have been on, in and out of the country. Most currently, he is supporting my college education.

-encourage me: To never settle for less than I know I can achieve, to reach my full potential, to follow my heart, to always give 110% in whatever I do, and to never give up.

-pick me up when I am down: Last year, I had an emotional break-down about whether or not OT was right for me, and if I should transfer to A&M (his alum), because that is selfishly where I wanted to be. He was right there to tell me that God has so clearly placed on the path to OT and TWU was exactly where I was supposed to be. He told me that he was so proud of me for what I doing with my life, and he told me that no matter where I went to or graduated from college he would be proud of me! Whenever I struggle with not feeling pretty, he is always there to tell me that I am so beautiful and God created me in His perfect image. Now, I know that is a daddy's job, but I know with all of my heart that he means it with all of his.

-make me laugh: My daddy used anti-facebook & texting... not so much anymore! My family calls him a "closet facebooker", because he likes to get on my mom's facebook and randomly talk to her friends so they think it is her. Also, when he texts he likes to abbreviate everything! "You're welcome" = YW; Old Fellowship Hall = OFW; Angry Birds = AB; Thank you = TY; Pizza Hut = PH; even my friends, such as Rachael = RK (K is her middle initial); Anna Bailey = AB; and the list goes on and on. My dad and I love to pick on each other, I guess you could say it's our way of expressing how much we love each other. :) Ask anyone who is ever around my dad and I, we are constantly picking on each other. Lol. When he gets mad or is talking about something that he is really passionate about, his eyes get REALLY big, and they look like they are about to pop out of their sockets. Haha. Also, my daddy will strike up a conversation with a doorknob, and he thinks that you are supposed to talk to people while you are in the elevator. Who does that?? MY daddy! :) Lol.

-help me in any situation: Throughout junior high and high school, my dad was my math teacher. Math has never been my strong subject, and the majority of my math teachers were not very willing to help those of us who needed help. One time, I was driving back from somewhere, it was at night, and I got lost... While I was freaking out, I called my dad, and he was able to calm me down, tell me that everything was going to be alright, and he helped me get back home.

-love me unconditionally: read everything about, that explains everything. If it doesn't, just come hang out with us, and you will be able to tell. I love my daddy with all of my heart, and I know he loves me too! Love is more than that just telling someone you love them, it's actually SHOWING them you love them, and that's exactly what my daddy does :)

I hope and pray that this gives you just a glimpse as to how much I love my daddy. He means that world to me. He is one of the people who have helped mold me into the person I am today! I will forever be my daddy's little girl. :)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

She has been there since the beginning

I have decided to make a list of people who mean the world to me, and that I feel so blessed that God has placed them in my life. So, each day I will blog about a different person and try to explain how much they mean to me, and try to give them just a glimpse of how much I appreciate and treasure them. :)

Today is my momma, June Elise Haptonstall. Although we don't always see eye to eye, I know without a shadow of doubt that she is always looking out for my best interest. We have been through some rough times (especially in my high school days, I call those my "rebellious" days), I was stubborn and stupid, but my momma stuck with me through it all... she never gave up on me! For that I am eternally grateful, and if I haven't said it enough already, I am so sorry for all the grief, sadness, and hurt that I put you through during those days. My hope and prayer is that you look at me now, and see that I have fully learned from those mistakes and can see that they helped mold me into the person I am today. I also pray that you see me as a growing woman of God, and that you hold me accountable for my faith. I love you so much momma!

She has carried me around in her womb for nine months, felt all my little (sometimes big) stretches and kicks, kissed all my scrapes and boo boos, hugged me just because, protected me from harm, watched me sing my little heart out in church performances, cared for me when I was sick, taught me right from wrong, was there for EVERY band and choir concert, seen me at my worst and seen me shine brighter than the sun, watched me fall and then learn from my mistakes (probably later than she had hoped for), cheered me on in the stands for every half-time show and contest, told me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear, watched me follow in her footsteps as Drum Major, encourages me to do my best, and loves me unconditionally.



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A Lovely Afternoon at the Park


This afternoon, Kelsey (on right) had the wonderful idea of studying at the park! Rachael (on left) and I were super excited! We all grabbed our books so we could be productive and studious while enjoying the beautiful weather God has given us. :)
I just love both of these girls so so much, and I am forever grateful that God allowed all of our paths to cross! They both have been, are, and will continue to be such a blessing in my life. We are all Child Development/pre-Occupational Therapy majors, and we are getting an apartment together next year so we can not only help each other out in schoolwork, but more importantly hold each other accountable in each of our walks with Christ!
I just know that we are going to have THE cutest apartment out of the entire complex! I mean, come on, we are (future) OT's... we are creative and exciting! :) I am so excited to see what the future holds for each of us!


Monday, October 4, 2010

Missions, Missions, Missions

Today, my mind is on nothing more than... you guessed it, MISSIONS! I have done mission work in South Texas, New York, and twice in Peru, but there are SO many other people in the world who are hungry for God's Word. I have this overwhelming desire in my heart to serve them, both young and old, both near and far... I just want to serve God's people! Personally, I have the desire for international missions... send me back to Peru, send me to Haiti, Africa, China, Guatemala, or wherever! Now while it will be sad and hard to leave my family and friends, my "comfort zone", and everything/everyone I know and love behind, I have FAITH that my God will provide me with the strength to overcome any hardships that come my way. Just like it says in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me youmay have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I haveovercome the world."

Now some of you may be thinking, why go overseas when we have our own problems right here in America? Well, Jesus mentions several times in the Bible that we are called to go and make disciples of ALL nations... notice he didn't say go and make disciples of just your hometown, or your school/university, or the county you live in, or even just the state you live in. No, He said go and make disciples of ALL nations! Here are a few verses for you to think about:
Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age."
Mark 13:10 - "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."
Mark 16:15 - "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good new to all creation.'"
Luke 24:47 - "'and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'"

Here are a couple of songs that remind me of how Jesus asks us to completely surrender ourselves to Him, and be willing to go WHEREVER He calls us to go. I pray you are encouraged and moved by this song. :)


-This music video was made by MIKESCHAIR while they were on a Shoes for Orphans Souls trip to Peru through Buckner Missions. I am so blessed to know some of these precious faces in the video!

Have a blessed day!

Hugs&Love,
Rachel

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Beautiful for Me

A few days ago, a great friend of mine introduced me to a song called "Beautiful for Me" by Nicole Nordeman. Every girl has a time in her life when she struggles with thinking is she beautiful enough? There are so many times when a girl will compare herself to every other girl around her and think, if only I was that pretty, if only I had that body type, if only I had that kind of hair. What so many girls don't realize is that God created every single one of us in His PERFECT image, He knitted us together in our mother's womb, and He calls us BEAUTIFUL! How awesome and comforting is that? My God calls ME beautiful! I am His princess! :)

The lyrics to this song are absolutely amazing, and every single girl should wake up KNOWING that her Heavenly Father looks down, smiles, and says "Good morning, Beautiful!"

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME Lyrics
Nichole Nordeman

Every girl young and old has to face her own reflection
Twirl around, stare it down
What’s the mirror gonna say
With some luck, you’ll measure up
But you might not hold a candle to the rest
“Is that your best?” says the mirror to the mess

But there’s a whisper in the noise
Can you hear a little voice
and he says


Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you
beautiful for me

If it’s true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder
What my life and what’s inside to give him something to behold
I want a heart that’s captivating
I wanna hear my Father say


Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you
beautiful for me

Close your eyes
Look inside
Let me see the you that you’ve been trying to hide
Long ago, I made you so very beautiful
So I ought to know you’re beautiful


Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Yeah
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible
You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful
You’re so beautiful
Beautiful for me
So
beautiful for me
Has anybody told you?