Read my book, Breaking Bonds

After much prayer, I really feel like this first piece is my offering to the Lord. The whole point of writing this story is for people to read what I have written, and Lord willing, their hearts will be touched. So here I go...

Every Monday I will post the next chapter, so be sure to follow my blog. If you don't have a blog, send me an email with your email address <blueeyes4christ@yahoo.com> and I will add you to the list to notify every time I post the next chapter. Feel free to join my facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/rachael.nicole.391?ref=tn_tnmn> and if you like what you read, share, share, share please! :)
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Results of the Deep River Contest

So many probably don't know but I submitted my story to the Deep River Contest. Out of over 400 manuscripts submitted to the Deep River Contest, mine was not among the 4 to receive an award, which was not surprising. I understood that it was my first endeavor submitting anywhere, and the writing journey often is long.

However, it was discouraging in the sense that I had no idea how I placed. Whether the judges took one look at my proposal and threw it out, whether they began reading and dismissed it, or whether it held its own and was seriously considered. I told the Lord how difficult it was not knowing what stage my work is at, not knowing if it's in good shape for publishers or whether it still needs a lot of work.

A few days later, I received the following from the publisher: "Dear, Rachael, I wanted to be the first to Congratulate you! Your manuscript received 'Honorable Mention' in the 2011-12 Deep River Books Writer's Contest. And while you did not win first place, 'Honorable Mention' is a significant achievement when you consider there were over 400 contest entries. You are to be applauded for what you have accomplished."

Such a cool journey to watch God supply all my needs and to know that I was in the competition! Now I can add this Honorable Mention to my proposal, which can help catch the attention of other publishers.

Above the Fog

From my window, I saw a clear, blue sky with a layer of fog covering the city below.

It reminded me of how difficult being in the valley can be. The fog engulfs you, and you try to understand. You try to see, but you're limited. There might be moments of beauty, but for the most part, it's confusing and uncertain not being able to see what's ahead.

Standing on the hillside where we live, the air was clear and bright. The blanket of fog that stretched over the city was beautiful.

My heart knows that this picture is what it's like to be with God. When I'm on my own, trying to make things happen or doing what I think is best, it's like being in a valley of fog and hoping it all works out. But when I come before my Lord and spend time with Him, He takes me up on the hillside and shows me the big picture.

That's when my heart sings with joy, love, and peace.

That's when what seemed confusing and hard, becomes glorious and wonderful. But the fog is still fog. It didn't change. Jesus Christ changed my perspective and showed me the beauty.

I pray this picture will encourage us when we are in the fog to turn to the One who can give us a higher perspective and show us the beauty that only He reveals. Amen.

So important!!!!

Everyone has to watch this film!!!!!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI


It'll change perspectives! Share it, spread it!

I've Fallen in Love

My friends might be shouting, "Finally!" but before you get too carried away....

I met him in Mexico over the weekend, and he is eleven years old. I know--I warned you not to get too excited. We worked together at the orphanage, drying dishes, setting the table, and he taught me a little Spanish. Jonathan has dark hair, dark eyes, a darling face, and a helpful heart! I couldn't speak Spanish, and he knew only a little English. But when I finished drying a dish, I would hold it up, and he'd point to a cupboard, or shelf, with a cute grin that said, I like helping this blonde gringo, who knows nothing about my world. He and (beautiful, ten-year old) Maria teased me about being so old, and as he helped me set the table, he made sure he put every cup in perfect alignment with mine. After lunch, I played volleyball with a few of the others, but I couldn't help remembering my first trip to an orphanage as a college student. I wrote this short monologue after the visit:

I met him in a Romanian orphanage. We were there to be with the children, and most of the people I came with, immediately started playing with the outgoing kids. They were laughing and having fun, but I looked for something else. And I found him in the corner. He had the most beautiful, bright-blue eyes, but he barely looked at me. He just sat there. No smile. No friendly greeting. A scared heart. Scared to open up, or get involved. Scared to care...

That was the moment I knew, I wanted to take him home. 

I remember leaving the orphanage, and the same boy I wrote about was running after our van, waving wildly with a bright smile on his face. It was such a small thing--to notice and care. In a world that seems to favor the motto, whatever...I don't care. I never want to forget that the greatest gift you can give a child is to care.

Writing Update

As many of you know, I've written the entire novel I've been working on...and edited it, and reedited it many times. Then I got stuck, again, and I knew that either God would tell me it's done, or He'd give me new inspiration. A while passed before I got the new inspiration I was waiting for, and it was a little overwhelming. I am pretty sure I needed that break (when I didn't know what to do with it) so that I'd have enough energy not to be discouraged when the new idea came. It is going to be a lot of work ahead of me.

The last week I haven't had the ability to write. I sat down, but nothing would come out. All I could do was ponder the new story changes and talk to God about them. But I'm not discouraged by that. I know that when I'm done discussing the storyline with Him, He will give me the creativity again to sit down and write. But I ask for your prayers. I'm really excited about the new direction the story is taking, but I need strength, perseverance, and creativity to accomplish this. Meanwhile, I plan on working on my second project--which is writing my parents/family's story--until it is time to go back to my first project. Thank you so much for any prayers and for your support!

For the Discouraged Heart

As I sat considering what to write for my next post, I kept thinking about a number of friends who've talked to me recently about how discouraged they are. Now I'm not a poet, and I don't claim to be. But I wrote this for a friend once. Maybe there are others who need to read it too. I know it's been a blessing to me when I'm discouraged.

        When all hope seems gone
          When all joy seems spent
          And all peace seems lost
Those are the days, that meant the most

When you're too tired to take another step
          Or breathe another breath
           When your heart is full
         And your mind won't rest
Those are the days, true beauty resides

            For the soul is in need
             That only One can fill
The Living Water--for the body, mind, and spirit
             So pour out the ache
        In the way you're designed
For a deeper connection is yours to find.

May you find that beautiful surrender when His joy and peace wash over you in the midst of life's tornado.