Morning Hours: Senioritis?

             (jucoolimages.com)

Good morning? Goodnight? I guess it depends which part of the world :). Hello! I am working on some assignments in the Library as finals and projects rear closer and closer. I am excited that God has provided about $350 towards my Thailand funding!!!! Praise God! And thank you so much to the ones who have stepped out in faith to support financially, and to my team of prayer warriors who have dedicated time in prayer for our mission team. May you all have a wonderful Monday back, and restful week. Now, $11,653.50 to go!! 

Study music: 

What a blessing it is to the soul to not only hear a song of praise in your native tongue, but when you hear one that you know in another language. Brothers and sisters all over the world praising God. Feeling like this is a glimpse of heaven. Verses to ponder: 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 

Philippians 2:14-16 

(Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2&version=NIV)   

That one thing that you want to say but don't take the time to...

Thank you, 

Verse of the day:

"LET the message of Christ dwell among you RICHLY as you TEACH and admonish one another with ALL wisdom through psalms, hymns, and SONGS from the Spirit, SINGING to God with gratitude in YOUR hearts". 

Colossians 3:16 NIV

Such a simple two word combination which can impress someones heart with a sense of appreciation. Whether working hard on a project, or just being available, when someone says thank you, we feel appreciated and the pain or work that was incorporated into our task seems shockingly small. Take a second, say thank you :). Not only will it impact the one you are thanking, but it will reminds us to put us our pride and selfish thoughts about (me, me, me), and remember it is not all about us. Humbling ourselves, though for some it might be tough and others more challenging, reflect on all that you have been through to be where you are now. Alive, breathing with life, and in Hope we are called FREE INDEED :) . What a great gift, freedom.

 ~*~P.S Thank you for faithfully keeping up with these posts, for your prayer, and encouragement. I am thankful and am in awe of God's mercy to provide people like you who love and care for others by giving your time!

~Rachel

In The Making: 6'oclock thought

As I am in the fundraising and preparation process for Thailand, I continue to be challenged and reminded that I am still in the makings. Meaning, that I am not a finished product. We are not finished products. There are many things that we might improve upon, or even think have been achieved and are out of the picture. But in reality, we are constantly in the making. We are being made new! Each day a new set of problems, but an even greater potential to give God the glory. Things that we may not realize affected us, later are brought to the surface, with a song, a situation, or even the powerful words of God. This is a sobering thought. Just like clay, we are being shaped and made a new piece; a new work of art. Though painful, it is beautiful and worth it.

Picture from: http://www.poemsbycc.com/ThePotter.html

"Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say 'He has no hands'?"

Isaiah 45: 9b-10

Sobering but sweet, because we are being made anew. Sometimes beautiful things stem from pain. Just like the pain that Jesus bore for us on the Christ, so that we may KNOW life. 

Fundraising Update:

With donations the Lord has provided $250 thus far!

Still $11,750 to go! 

Thank you to all the people who have contributed thus far and who are supporting by praying for me as I prepare to leave and finishing out the semester strong. Three weeks left till graduation!

Welcome: The Beginning





Welcome to my Thailand Trip Blog!

(This is the page where you will find my updates, prior, during, and sometime after)

About Thailand:
We will be in Chiang Mai, which is in the northern part of Thailand. Known as 'The Land of Smiles', Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. With the majority, 85.32 percent of the Thai population claiming Buddhism, in recent years there has been a growing population of Christians. Most are "first generation believers", but have a strong desire and thirst for the Gospel. Politically there have been and remains to be political tensions and disputes. Prayer for Thailand and the spiritual battle that is present as, many struggle with their religious and national linkage of identity. (Mandryk, Operations WORLD Seventh Ed.; 2010)

The Trip:

Youth With a Mission will be partnering with Business as a Missions. This DTS  (Disciple Training School) program, will begin in January 2014 and will end in June 2014.

About Me:
As an Old Dominion 2014 Graduate, I majored in Business Management, and International Business with my concentration in East Asia-Japan. Since a young age I have found myself with a growing interest in several things: God, Dance, Culture, and Languages. I have a passion to reach the world with the gospel, as well as teaching business skills and empowering others to use and enrich the talents, with which they have been blessed. Seeing many blessings in College, like the joy of watching friends come alive through Christ, stirs the passion to see others who are looking for Him and desire Life to the fullest!

Currently: Fund raising for the trip! It is a large sum, but I trust that God will provide, as all is His. The program itself costs $6,000 but that does not include airfare, insurance, living expenses, etc. Therefore, including all other expenses my goal is to raise, $10,000~$12,000 to cover all costs.