How to Walk in LOVE in Hurt or Trauma… [learning to love those who’ve hurt us.]

by rachelrains // March 30, 2021 // No Comments

Acknowledge the Reality of Hurt. The reality is we live in a fallen, imperfect world full of messy, broken people and it’s only a matter of time before we are hurt by someone or we inflict pain on another. We... Continue reading →

How to LOVE others… [a #TLCjourney]

by rachelrains // March 1, 2021 // No Comments

The Love Challenge is a strategy for tackling the greatest challenge ever set before us—loving one another! If the world is our mission field as Christ followers, then the Love Challenge is our field guide; prompting us to be ‘so... Continue reading →

Am I Where I’m Supposed to Be…. [asking for a friend]!?

by rachelrains // January 11, 2021 // No Comments

I have long dreaded this first week back in January. Knowing this week is when our journey began, I worried. Would I feel saddened by the long, brutal journey of moving to Hometown, OK knowing mama would leave this earth... Continue reading →

The Secret [Lesson] of Life…

by rachelrains // December 10, 2019 // No Comments

Humility isn’t exactly a characteristic we value much less elevate nowadays… “Humility has a dank and shameful smell to the worldly, the scent of failure, lowliness and obscurity.”* But Jesus came into this world humble in birth and he died... Continue reading →

How Much Should I Give… #GivingTuesday

by rachelrains // December 3, 2019 // No Comments

The holiday season is a time when we think about giving… Especially, nowadays, with #GivingTuesday! But how much should we give… The woman with the oil gave all she had!? ************************* Five years ago, I issued the very first Love... Continue reading →

How to Love Others… {Mr. Roger’s Style}

by rachelrains // November 21, 2019 // 17 Comments

This past summer as I was leaving church one Sunday morning, out of nowhere, I had the thought “I wonder if Mr. Rogers knew what he was doing when he wrote the song “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” My suspicion... Continue reading →

Evil, Self-Serve, and a Holy Juxtaposition… {Does God Really Exist}

by rachelrains // July 1, 2019 // 2 Comments

Through the ages, so much thought and emphasis has been placed on answering the question “Does God really exist?” And “Is Heaven real?” But seldom have we asked “Where does evil come from?” Most of the time, we barely acknowledge... Continue reading →

The Gift

by rachelrains // March 22, 2019 // No Comments

I have always loved this meme. It’s simplicity in truth is profound. As I grieve the closing doors in my life, I’m reminded of this visual. An illustration of a child of God clutching ‘the Gift,’ too afraid to let... Continue reading →

What Family Does…

by rachelrains // December 21, 2018 // No Comments

I still remember the cold, wet feeling of condensation on my small hands as they pressed against the large, plate-glass window of our living room. My 8-yr-old brow furrowed as I watched tiny snowflakes make their way to the ground.... Continue reading →

Journeying Well In Humble Heart…

by rachelrains // December 18, 2018 // No Comments

Much has been said in recent weeks about the importance of kindness, gentleness, and humility. Often, in our society, these attributes are sorely overlooked and characteristics such as personality, charisma, and eloquence are elevated. I love the way James Baker... Continue reading →