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...

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

When I feel like letting go of Him, Christ whispers, "Hold on."

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

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

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.

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.

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

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. :)

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.

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!

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. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_04LdPV_Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEmYhD90Lp0

-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

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?