Endurance...Faith...Hope

We also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces
perseverance;

perseverance, character;

and character, hope. 

And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his 

LOVE

into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom he has given us.

Romans 5: 3-5



I am thankful for...
91) Beautiful summer nights
92) Playing water balloon toss...endless laughs always ensue.
93) Window AC units
94) Smiley faces at the ends of emails :)
95) Weekly small group meetings

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

image originally from Haribo's photos

Baptism Sunday

My name is Rachel, and I was baptized in Lake Michigan today.

After calling myself a Christian for over two years, today was the day that I finally decided to show this publically to my friends, family, and church.

Today was a day of celebration, hope, and love.  What happened today is a true testament to the power of God's love and grace...and the transformation that His presence has had on my life.  Those who are close to me know my testimony of what brought me here today.  I'm so happy to say that my life has been forever changed.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting me to where I'm at today.  I could have never gone on this journey alone.

I didn't take many pictures, but here's a brief slideshow of my baptism:

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."
Pslam 33:22

I'm thankful for...
86) Times when the love that surrounds is palpable
87) Everyone who woke up early to celebrate with me today
88) My church home
89) Pedicures
90) Smilebox slideshows

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Marathon Training: Week 7

This week was a big week for marathon training because I ran the longest I've ever run in my life!  I ran 11 miles with my training group yesterday, and it went really well.  I was nervous beforehand since this was completely new territory for me.  Up until now, 10 miles was the longest distance I've run.  I got up bright and early on Saturday morning (6:30 am! Yikes!), had my Gatorade ready to go, and a running playlist all ready to go.  I felt great through the whole run, and I'm actually excited to run even more next week.

As you may remember from my first blog about marathon training (click here), I am running the marathon on the Special Olympics charity team.  Please take a few minutes to visit my fundraising page.  Click here to see more information about this amazing charity.  Thanks for your support!




Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Happy

Happy is...

     1. Characterized by good luck; fortunate.
     2. Enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure, satisfaction, or joy.
     3. Being especially well-adapted; felicitous: a happy turn of phrase.
     4. Cheerful; willing: happy to help.

Here's what has made me happy over the last year...

Free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

I'm thankful for...
81) The people in my life who make everything better
82) Lazy days off of work
83) Seeing a matinee on a too hot summer day
84) Aloe vera gel
85) Selling things on craig's list

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope that you all are enjoying this lovely long weekend.  Happy 4th everyone!

I'm thankful for...

71) Laid back barbeques with good friends

71) When it's warm enough during the day to be a perfect temperature at night

72) The calm Lake Michigan waters

73) Day trips to my grandparent's condo in Michigan City

74) DVD's of favorite tv shows

75) Public transportation

76) Laughing so hard your stomach hurts

77) Lazy Sunday mornings

78) Grapefruit

79) Smiles from strangers

80) Free concerts

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel