Guess Who's Back!!! (just so you know, it's me) ^_^

Hey all! Just droppin in to say hi and apologize for not having written in so long. I should really do something to fix that. Hmm...well how about for now, I just fill you in on some of the things that have happened since I last wrote. Well first of all, Matt, one of my best friends left for Texas. I don't know if this was actually after my last post, but I don't think I really mentioned it. In any case, I've missed him a lot and I still smile when "Piano Man" plays on the radio. Church is going great, but I've been struggling in my relationship with God lately. It's not that I have made idols of objects, but rather of people. I feel that in searching for the ultimate love and comfort, I've settled for less than perfect, therefore cheating God, myself, and several around me. That's something I'm definitely working on. My friends have been really great :) I mean, we have our issues, but we use them as growing experiences and we are stronger because of it. I am sad to say that I have lost at least one of my friends because of the fact that they didn't want to learn from our struggles, but rather dwell on the pain and point fingers. I do hate that I had to break off the friendship, but I believe that God has a purpose for both of us, and that when we are both farther in our walk, perhaps we may discover a deeper and better friendship for the both of us, with God in the center. Until then, I still love her as if she was my sister. As far as family goes, we are struggling, but we are making it through. It is amazing to me how many times I overlook the simple fact that despite all the pain and suffering and scars that we have all endured, our family is still together and for that, I cannot thank God enough. I've learned in the past few months to be thankful for suffering because that is the ONLY way to beat the devil at his game. Fight darkness with light, fight lies with the truth, and fight creature with creator. Without the light, there cannot be darkness (the absense of light), without truth, there cannot be lies (the absence of truth), and without a creator, the creature of the devil could never be; If the creators are ever to turn against their creation, the battle is already won. This is what we have to keep in mind at all times. The battle that we fight is already won. That's why every single struggle and joy that I've been through in these past few months has all been worth it. Anyway, I think I'm at the point where I'm just rambling. ;) I'll blog later, because I'm sure I'll have lots to talk about. :)

Love,
~Rachel