Bio
I'm Rachel. 30 year old born again believer. Child of God. Number lover. Writer. Piano player. Artist. Cat lover. Observer who misses things right under her nose. Video gamer. And hopefully now an encouragement to those who read this blog.
I first accepted Jesus in my heart at about 11 or 12. I gave up my messy burden of mistakes and shortcomings at 17. But I kept trying to earn salvation on my own merits, messed up royally, and didn't start to fully trust God for everything until December 5, 2022 when I read the words, "God doesn't love us because of what we've done. But because of who He is." - Redeemed Like David: How to Overcome Sexual Temptation by Mark Ballenger (emphasis mine).
Now I am learning to cling to the truths of 1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV: "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." And Romans 8:1 AMP: "Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]."
And always learning how to trust God in all things. While staying grounded in the truths He has given me. My base verse is Romans 12:12 NIV given by a good friend: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." So may I always remain.
Beliefs
I believe in the Holy Bible as the infallible word of God.
I believe in God - the Trinity, three in one.
God the Father, who is always loving and from whom forth everything originates. Who initiated creation out of the abundance of His love. Who is the mastermind of salvation for He desires to call us His children because of that same abundance of love.
Jesus the Son, who obeys the Father in all things out of His love for the Father, who is the word and manifestation of God, and who came to die for us and rises again to save us and restore our relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit, who is the messenger of love and the breath of God, proclaiming the Father's love to His children that was demonstrated by Jesus' obedience to the Father, and who is our guide, counselor, comforter, etc…
I believe salvation is a free choice God has given us, otherwise He would have made us robots. Once we choose Him, He has predestined us to be called His children, because that was His plan from before there was a beginning (Ephesians 1:5).
The Reason for this Blog
For a while I've been in limbo. I broke up with my boyfriend and quit my job after spending a weekend under one of my sister-in-law's wise counsel and knew both relationships were terrible for me.
God, however, calls this my time of rest, as He has called me to "be still and know that I am God," as the hymnist writes. He has given me this phrase in tune a couple of times, and I have received much counsel to take this time to spend with God and figure out what is next.
Sometimes I so desperately want to know what is next so I can do whatever it is now. Not because I feel ready to move forward. But because I feel like I'm being judged for not moving forward. Because I have always been the slow one that takes too long to do a simple task, even basic needs tasks.
Yet during this time God has been revealing little precious truths and promises that I wish I could cling to more firmly when the devil's fiery darts knock me down.
In this blog, Defining Joy in Hope, I wish to bring you along this journey of discovery with me. I hope what I'm learning may help you in your own walk and possibly be a source of encouragement through your own struggles.
Because I wish to share the things I wish I had understood or gotten better definitions of. Like "What exactly is Hope?", "What are the Fruits of the Spirit?" Besides a jumble of attributes everybody wishes they had without trying to get them. "And how does one actually put on the armor of God?"
Please, be patient with me as I try to share what I've learned about these things and more. And if ever you think I write something contrary to what the Bible says, please let me know gently. I don't take criticism well, but by God's grace I listen and hopefully will apply. And if I can't see your view, forgive me, please.
I also wish to share songs I believe God has used to minister to my heart. That helped me stay afloat when depression tried to drown me. Held me together while my world crumbled apart. And in their own way taught me precious truths.
Most of these songs will be from artists much more talented than I. Yet some of these songs I will be recording myself on a piano. So again, forgive any background noise you may hear, especially my page turning. I hope these songs would also be blessings and encouragements to any who take the time to listen.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you leave uplifted, with food for thought to strengthen your relationship with God, and encourage you on your way.
Blessings,
Rachel